Make sure to check out our other guides related to Royal Caribbean Cruise Line:
- Room Options Onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
- Activities Onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
- Dining Options Onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
- Itineraries and Destinations for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Overview
Royal Caribbean is great for:
- Those that want a megaresort on the sea
- Guests that love places filled with crowds and lots of activities
- Guests traveling with their friends or the entire family
- People that have never gone on a cruise before and want to check one out
Royal Caribbean might not be good for:
- Guests that want something more romantic and intimate
Let’s start this guide by saying that you can’t go wrong with Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean is to cruise ships what Apple is to home computers and Steam is to PC gaming. If you have never been on a cruise and have no idea what you can find inside one of these sea juggernauts, there is a good chance that the first cruise you book will be with Royal Caribbean, either because that name is engraved in your mind or you have heard from friends that their recent trip was pretty good.
Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of ships for you to choose from, and some of them are the biggest in the world, like the now popular Icon of the Seas. You can find basically anything inside these beauties, from classic waterslides to Broadway shows and even ice-skating rinks. There is something for everybody on a Royal Caribbean cruise. While Norwegian Cruise Line is mostly aimed at adults and Disney Cruise Line is great for kids, Royal Caribbean strikes a perfect balance to please every kind of guest that steps aboard their ships.
Reviews of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
The Good Stuff
A lot of ships!: Royal Caribbean offers a lot of different ships for you to choose from. There are, in total, 27 ships that are part of the fleet, even if the usual suspects are the ones that really make the headlines. Royal Caribbean also has some of the biggest ships in the world, like the Icon of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas. Most of those ships are part of the Oasis Class, which is a group of super-giant-cruise-ships that debuted in 2009 and changed the industry forever.
The Icon of the Seas: remember that we said above that most of the ships listed were part of the Oasis Class? Well, Icon of the Seas is part of the Icon Class. Icon of the Seas is currently the biggest cruise ship in the world, five times bigger than the Titanic. It features a mini-golf course, sports court, rock-climbing wall, surf simulator and the first ever suspended family raft slide at sea… oh, and also the first ever open free-fall slide at sea. There’s a lot of “first ever” inside Icon of the Seas, you should experience it someday!
Jack of all trades: …and master of all of them? Royal Caribbean does a great job catering to adults and children alike. They own some of the biggest ships in the world, so it’s easy to put almost everything on top of those machines. Theaters, Broadway shows, Escape Rooms, bumper cars, waterslides… Those things sometimes resemble a huge city with the amount of things to do. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling alone, with the love of your life or with your entire family, Royal Caribbean has something for everyone.
Great price options: are you traveling on a budget? No problem, Royal Caribbean has something for you on one of their ships. They offer a variety of vessels with different destinations and a wide range of room options to cater to guests of all incomes. If you want something luxurious, you can also explore some of their suites that look like mansions floating on the sea. They are all about giving you options.
The Bad Stuff
Intimacy: If you're seeking a romantic getaway or the perfect cruise for a couple, Royal Caribbean may not be your ideal choice. Royal specializes in huge, huge ships that resemble bustling hubs much like Universal Studios and Disney World. These ships teem with people - crew members, kids, and families from across the globe. For instance, Icon Class ships can accommodate up to 7.600 passengers and 2.300 crew members, creating an environment where you might share your vacation with nearly 10.000 people. It’s easy to see that this might not be the most suitable option for those seeking a romantic or intimate experience.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Fleet
Royal Caribbean is known for its massive, huge, mega-cruises that make you feel like you are inside a bustling city full of activity. They have some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, like the stunning Icon of the Seas that made waves in the cruise industry. But did you know that Royal Caribbean isn’t just about mega-cruises? They actually have 27 vessels in total, and some of them are relatively small, offering a more intimate experience for a quick vacation.
It can be hard (and confusing) to focus on all 27 ships, so lot’s concentrate our attention on the two most popular classes of ships: the Icon class and the Oasis class. Each ship that belongs to those groups can welcome almost seven thousand guests, which is… a lot.
Icon Class
Ships: Icon of the Seas (2024), more ships coming in 2025 and 2026.
Average Price for a 7-night cruise: usually starting at $1500 per person.
This is the Godzilla of the seas. Icon Class ships are all about being imposing and huge - literally mega-resorts that travel the ocean. These ships offer at least seven large pools, several waterslides, mini-golf courses, a zip-line, and an ice rink with Olympic-level ice skaters performing for you. You can even find a Broadway-level Wizard of Oz show inside the Icon of the Seas, which takes about three hours.
Oasis Class
Ships: Oasis of the Seas (2009), Allure of the Seas (2010), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Wonder of the Seas (2022), Utopia of the Seas (2024).
Average Price for a 7-night cruise: usually starting at $950 per person.
Oasis Class features some of the most popular ships in the world and, until Icon of the Seas debuted in 2024, those were considered the biggest cruise ships ever. These ships are still huge and great, by the way, they’re just not as big as Icon of the Seas. They still feature several swimming pools, have basketball courses, several restaurants and entertainment options.Much like Icon of the Seas, these ships also feature a zip line and indoor ice skating rinks. Wonder of the Seas is the newest ship in the Oasis Class (Utopia of the Seas will debut soon), and features a few more venues than the other ships of the same class.
Quantum Class
Ships: Quantum of the Seas (2014), Anthem of the Seas (2015), Ovation of the Seas (2016), Spectrum of the Seas (2019), Odyssey of the Seas (2021).
Average Price for a 7-night cruise: usually starting at $600 per person.
Quantum class ships may not be as large as those listed above, but they offer a unique experience. These ships feature entertainment options you won’t find anywhere else, such as a skydiving simulator, bumper cars, and even elevators that ascend to provide a bird’s eye view of your surroundings. If you're seeking novelty without the large crowds, these ships could be an excellent choice for you.
Radiance Class
Ships: Radiance of the Seas (2001), Brilliance of the Seas (2002), Serenade of the Seas (2003), Jewel of the Seas (2004)
Average Price for a 7-night cruise: usually starting at $550 per person.
These ships provide a more intimate experience compared to the mega ships of the Icon and Oasis Class. Do they offer the same venues? No, and that’s perfectly fine. In fact, they are about half the size of ships like the Icon of the Seas. You won’t find attractions like bumper cars and ice skating rinks here, but they do offer amenities such as casinos, a theater, rock climbing walls, and approximately three main pools. These ships are ideal for travelers looking to avoid large crowds and seeking an affordable vacation experience.
Freedom Class
Ships: Freedom of the Seas (2006), Liberty of the Seas (2007), Independence of the Seas (2008).
Average Price for a 7-night cruise: usually starting at $500 per person.
The classic ships, which were among the largest in the world until about fifteen years ago. It's incredible how much the industry has changed in such a short time, isn't it? Nowadays, not a single Freedom Class ship ranks among the top 25 largest cruise ships in the world. These vessels still offer a cozy and traditional cruise experience, albeit without the extensive amenities and attractions found on Icon and Oasis Class ships. But you know what? They do feature an Ice Skating rink, which has become a staple when we talk about Royal Caribbean.
Voyager Class
Ships: Voyager of the Seas (1999), Explorer of the Seas (2000), Adventure of the Seas (2001), Navigator of the Seas (2002), Mariner of the Seas (2003).
Average Price for a 7-night cruise: usually starting at $500 per person.
These ships are quite similar to the ones mentioned earlier, just slightly smaller in size. They also include classic features like an Ice Skating Rink and a rock climbing wall, along with the Royal Promenade offering restaurants, bars, and numerous merchandise stores. The main distinction from Freedom class ships is that the Royal Promenade is not as expansive as those found there, and the entertainment options on the upper decks are more concentrated in specific areas.
Vision Class
Ships: Grandeur of the Seas (1996), Rhapsody of the Seas (1997), Enchantment of the Seas (1997), Vision of the Seas (1998).
Average Price for a 7-night cruise: usually starting at $450 per person.
These are the smallest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, evoking a classic feel that harkens back to the 90s. While they may seem a bit dated with fewer venues than other ships, don’t discount them just yet. Being small also comes with its advantages! These ships offer unique itineraries that you won’t find anywhere else, sometimes visiting small islands with tiny ports inaccessible to larger mega cruises. These are the ships that you may find sailing from Baltimore and also from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Setting Sail with Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Destinations
Royal Caribbean mostly visits places and countries located in the Caribbean and Europe. Some of their ships also visit Alaska during Summer.
During winter, Royal Caribbean sends some ships to Asia and Australia. China has been a chosen destination lately, since the market there is also huge.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Departure Ports
Most Royal Caribbean ships departure from the following locations:
Florida
- PortMiami
- Port Canaveral
- Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades
- Tampa
Texas
- Galveston
England
- Southampton
Italy
- Rome
- Ravenna
Spain
- Barcelona
Netherlands
- Amsterdam
Greece
- Athens
Denmark
- Copenhagen
Turkey
- Istanbul
Puerto Rico
- San Juan (mostly the smaller ships)
You can also find ships that sail from New Orleans, New Jersey, Baltimore, Boston, Seattle, Vancouver and Alaska.
Is Royal Caribbean for You?
So, you want to know the answer to one of the most important questions, right? “Will I have fun and enjoy Royal Caribbean?”
Royal Caribbean is aimed at… everyone. Seriously, that would have been the easy answer. They have mega-ships, and you can find everything inside a mega-ship. That’s why they are called mega! Want to see a Broadway show? Sure, go ahead. Want to play golf? They probably have a mini-golf course somewhere. Looking for a serene place to relax? Check out the Solarium, an adult-only retreat found on most Royal Caribbean ships. Designed to look like a garden, it’s the perfect place to grab a book and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
I’d say that Royal Caribbean is great for those that want a ship that looks like a big resort bustling with crowds and stuff to see. We are talking about something similar to a Sandals Resort, or maybe Walt Disney World. A huge place with lots of shopping opportunities, entertainment and basically anything for all tastes. If you care more about a romantic night and a chill atmosphere, then Royal is probably not the best choice for you, but if you love tons of activities and lots of things to see and do then you can’t go wrong with them.
Royal Caribbean: Is it good for Kids?
Families will also have a great time aboard Royal Caribbean. They have huge waterslides, and some of their ships also feature bumper cars for the whole family to enjoy. Splashaway Bay is a water park with water cannons and those huge buckets of water that kids love. They also have a kids' club called Adventure Ocean for children aged 3-12. While it isn’t as popular or amazing as the ones aboard Disney Cruises, it still receives pretty good reviews.
Some ships even have Escape Rooms and Laser Tag rooms! It’s incredible, really. Kids are a huge part of what makes Royal Caribbean popular. Alongside Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise, Royal Caribbean is one of the top companies for families traveling with young children.
Royal Caribbean Additional Info & Packing List
The key requirement is your ID. Don’t forget to bring it! For U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise that departs and returns to a U.S. port, you must have a valid passport or an official copy of your birth certificate along with a driver's license or another government-issued photo ID.
Passports should have at least six months of validity remaining. For cruises departing from international ports, a passport is mandatory. It's essential that the name on your reservation matches exactly with what appears on your passport or other official proof of nationality. My recommendation is to always bring your passport to avoid any kind of headaches, and it doesn’t matter the destination.
Royal Caribbean includes an automatic service gratuity ranging from $18 to $21 per person per day, depending on your cabin category, in your final bill. You can change this and talk to Guest Services if you are unhappy with the service offered, for example. There is also an automatic 18% gratuity added to bills at the spa, salons and bars.
Royal Caribbean offers paid Wi-Fi onboard. Prices are usually set at $17.99 per day per device.
Dress Code
There is no dress code during the day at Royal Caribbean. It’s basically what we call Resort Casual when we are talking about beach resorts: get a t-shirt, slippers and you’re good to go anywhere.
There is a dress code at night in certain areas, particularly the main dining rooms. You'll need to dress in casual, smart casual, or formal attire. Casual means jeans and a polo shirt are sufficient. Smart casual is a step up, requiring items like collared shirts. Formal attire includes tuxedos, suits, and similar outfits. Don't stress about the dress code. Most people simply wear jeans and a polo shirt for dinner, and that's perfectly acceptable.
The Royal Caribbean Loyalty Program
Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program is called the Crown & Anchor Society. Like most loyalty programs out there, you earn points by spending a night aboard one of their ships, with suites giving you double the amount of points. The program starts on Gold (requiring only 3 points, so 3 nights) and the top-tier, last boss, final level is called the Pinnacle Club (700 points).
You start getting the good benefits with the Diamond Plus level (175 points), giving you Concierge Club access and even priority seating at onboard shows. The Pinnacle Club can even give you free cruises during certain milestones! For the full list of benefits, make sure to check this link.
As of 2024, this Loyalty Program also works for all companies under the Royal Caribbean umbrella, including Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. You know what’s cool? Your matched status remains valid under the current program rules, so there’s no expiration date! Your membership status will remain the same if you want to take a break from cruising and come back two years later, for example.
Packing list for Royal Caribbean
Packing for a cruise isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners that require you to dress sharp in the evening.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen from home, as these items are usually much more expensive once you're on board. It’s always wise to come prepared and pack all the essentials instead of buying them at the last minute. Your wallet will thank you later.
Let’s see some of the things that you should bring to your cruise vacation:
Passport: You will need some form of ID to enter the ship. Most companies ask for a birth certificate and any form of ID (like a driver’s license) OR your Passport. It’s easier to just bring your passport, to be honest.
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a cruise (and probably to a private island), swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful inside a cruise ship. They are great for transitioning from the pool to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a sunny vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for lunch. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: you want to dress casual, especially when near the swimming pools on the top decks.
Nice outfits and jeans: Guys should pack jeans and polo shirts, and girls should bring dresses for the evening. Some restaurants will not allow entry if you're dressed as if you're heading to the beach. Additionally, bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag for the swimming pools. They're simple, lightweight, and perfect for carrying everything you need without any hassle. Just pack your essentials inside, and you're good to go!
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available inside every cruise, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: Remember, you might need some cash now and then. Cash is particularly useful for exploring land activities and excursions, and it's also necessary for tipping staff members at the ports.
Portable charger: this one is optional, but we all know that some of us will spend 25 hours a day on our cellphones, snapping Instagram-worthy pictures in front of the world's most beautiful vistas. Packing a portable charger might be a good idea if you plan to use your cellphone extensively while walking around the ship or during land excursions.
Embarkation & Debarkation Process
Embarkation with Royal Caribbean
If you are flying to a specific city on embarkation day, it's a good idea to fly in the day before and stay in a hotel close to the port. This will prevent headaches in case your flight gets canceled or if there’s any sort of delay.
As soon as you arrive at the port, you should leave your luggage with the luggage handlers and provide them with your ship and cabin number. They will tag your luggage and send it to your cabin, so it will be there once you are onboard. Don't forget to tip them, so bring some cash!
Bring your important documents with you in your carry-on baggage. Bring your boarding pass and travel documents (passport works) to your terminal. You will then go through security, show your boarding pass one more time and that’s it!
You can, in fact, do your check-in online which speeds up the process by using the Royal Caribbean app. You can do this up to 45 days before your cruise.It’s important to at least use it to answer the “Health Status” questionnaire and make things easier for when you finally get to the port.
Disembarkation with Royal Caribbean
Disembarkation isn’t as complicated as some might think. A day before your vacation ends, a crew member will leave a letter in your cabin explaining the process. The letter will instruct you to leave your packed luggage outside your cabin door by midnight on the evening before it’s time to leave. And yes, remember to leave some clothes in your carry-on luggage so you can actually use something in the morning. Heh.
There are two kinds of disembarkation processes in Royal Caribbean: the traditional one and the self-disembarkation process.
In the first one, you will also receive colored tags to put on your luggage. Some colors indicate that your luggage should be taken to an airport or a hotel, while others indicate that you have your own plans for your luggage. Be sure to choose the right color! In the morning, all luggage is taken to the pier's holding area. This is where you'll claim your belongings before exiting the cruise terminal and heading to your next destination.
Before exiting the ship, you will be called by a group number. Groups have to do with your cabin class, your loyalty program status and your color tag. Depending on your group, it might take a while until you are finally called.
Now, what about self-disembarkation? In this process, you keep your baggage with you in your room at night and carry it yourself when you leave the ship in the morning. It’s a great option, especially for solo travelers, as it sometimes allows you to exit the ship before anyone else.
Just make sure to listen for the onboard announcement in the morning indicating that self-disembarkation travelers are allowed to leave. Remember that you will need to carry all your luggage by yourself, and they don’t have the carts there like airports do. It’s still a good choice for those that travel without carrying a lot of stuff.
The self-disembarkation group is usually the first to be called. This means you'll need to wake up early and likely won't be able to enjoy breakfast on the cruise. Passengers are typically called around 7am, so be prepared!
Book your dream vacation with Royal Caribbean!
Now that you know a lot about Royal Caribbean… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Royal Caribbean? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. You want to know more about the activities offered? We got you covered. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the swimming pools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. We'll make sure to give you the royal treatment.
