Royal Caribbean Worldwide is among the world’s largest and hottest cruise strains, operating nearly 30 ships throughout a number of courses and crusing to locations across the globe. Recognized for pushing the boundaries of cruise ship innovation with groundbreaking facilities and record-breaking vessels, Royal Caribbean has redefined what’s potential at sea. From surf simulators and waterparks to Broadway-style productions, the cruise line constantly delivers distinctive holidays for a lot of vacationers.
Nevertheless, Royal Caribbean’s huge ships and amusement park-like facilities can create a cruise expertise that feels overwhelming, crowded, and costly to others. Whether or not you’re a first-time cruiser or simply new to the cruise line, understanding the professionals and cons of Royal Caribbean is crucial to figuring out if this cruise line aligns along with your trip expectations.
We’ve sailed on a number of Royal Caribbean ships throughout completely different courses and itineraries, experiencing every little thing from their latest Icon-class vessels to their extra conventional Voyager-class ships, and share our complete Royal Caribbean assessment. We break down what we expect makes Royal Caribbean distinctive and the place it would fall brief for some that will help you resolve if it’s the appropriate alternative for you and your journey social gathering.
Fast Comparability
| ✓ Professionals of Royal Caribbean | ✗ Cons of Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|
| Finest leisure at sea | Massive ship sizes could be overwhelming |
| World’s largest cruise ships | Inconsistent meals high quality and selection |
| Progressive onboard points of interest | Larger value level than opponents |
| Good Day at CocoCay non-public island | A number of households and youngsters onboard |
| Sturdy loyalty program and perks | No ship-within-a-ship advanced |
| Nice for multigenerational teams | Various high quality throughout ship courses |
| Reciprocity on sister manufacturers | No choice for all-inclusive packages |
| Environment friendly embarkation course of | Alaska cruises don’t go to Glacier Bay |
| Various itineraries worldwide | Elevated concentrate on non-public locations |
| Big selection of cabin classes | |
| Drink packages nonetheless limitless |
The Professionals of Royal Caribbean Cruises
1. Finest Leisure at Sea
Royal Caribbean constantly units the gold customary for cruise ship leisure. Their Broadway-style productions function full orchestras, elaborate costumes, and immersive expertise and stage units that rival land-based theaters. Exhibits like “Hairspray”, “Mamma Mia!”, and “Grease” supply genuine Broadway experiences onboard Royal Caribbean ships. There’s additionally top-notch authentic productions like “Flight” and “The Wizard of Oz”.
Past the Broadway-style leisure, Royal Caribbean ships function ice skating exhibits and high-diving performances in aqua theaters that you just gained’t discover on every other cruise line. The leisure selection extends to comedy golf equipment, piano bars, stay music venues, and themed events that maintain the power excessive all through the cruise.
2. World’s Largest Cruise Ships
Royal Caribbean operates a number of of the biggest cruise ships on this planet, together with the huge Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. These floating cities supply an unprecedented number of eating, leisure, and actions all beneath one roof. The sheer scale permits for facilities that merely wouldn’t match on smaller vessels, together with precise neighborhoods like Central Park with actual bushes and crops and the family-friendly Boardwalk and Surfside with seaside vibes.
The dimensions benefit means you’ll by no means run out of issues to do, even on longer cruises. Every ship seems like a vacation spot in itself providing one thing everybody in your journey social gathering will love. The largest drawback is likely to be making an attempt to suit every little thing into one cruise. The FOMO is actual for us!
3. Progressive Onboard Sights
No cruise line pushes the envelope fairly like Royal Caribbean relating to onboard improvements. FlowRider surf simulators allow you to catch waves in the course of the ocean, whereas mountaineering partitions supply vertical challenges with ocean views. The Final Abyss dry slide on Oasis class ships is among the tallest slide at sea, whereas the North Star remark pod on Quantum class ships supplies 360-degree views from 300 toes above sea stage.
There’s even an iFLY skydiving simulator, ice skating rink, bumper automobiles within the SeaPlex, laser tag, a carousel within the Boardwalk neighborhood, and escape rooms on choose ships within the fleet. Newer ships function much more formidable points of interest just like the Icon class which boasts the biggest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking waterslides.
4. Good Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s non-public island vacation spot within the Bahamas constantly ranks among the many best cruise line private islands. Perfect Day at CocoCay affords the tallest waterslide in North America, a freshwater pool with swim-up bar, zip strains, Splashaway Bay for the little ones, and pristine seashores with complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas. There’s additionally the adults-only Hideaway Seashore and the unique Coco Seashore Membership for these in search of an upgraded island expertise.
Whereas some detest the amusement park vibes, we really consider that the island supplies one thing for everybody. Thrill-seekers can spend the day (and a few money) having fun with the Thrill Waterpark and the Up, Up, & Away helium balloon journey. These in search of rest can declare spots on the attractive seashores alongside Chill Island, whereas these in search of a full of life ambiance can head to the complimentary Oasis Lagoon pool. There’s additionally a complimentary barbecue buffet lunch and a number of Snack Shack areas across the island, and the cruise line’s drink package deal works ashore. This implies you’ll have every little thing you want for an ideal day at CocoCay.
And we will attest that the island’s design ensures it by no means feels overcrowded regardless of accommodating hundreds of visitors.
5. Sturdy Loyalty Program and Perks
Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program affords significant advantages that enhance with every cruise. In reality, we expect the perks are a number of the greatest within the cruise trade. With increased tiers, visitors unlock perks like Crown Lounge entry, free days of web, free laundry, and complimentary drinks, together with a wide range of onboard reductions.
Maybe the largest perk is the drink coupons for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle members. These visitors obtain 4, 5, or 6 drink vouchers a day that can be utilized to buy drinks at nearly any venue on the ship. This could be a large price financial savings for many who take pleasure in just a few alcoholic drinks on a cruise (and remove the necessity to buy a drink package deal).
6. Nice for Multigenerational Teams and Households
Royal Caribbean excels at creating experiences that enchantment to a number of generations touring collectively. Journey Ocean children’ golf equipment are among the many greatest at sea, providing age-appropriate programming from infants to youngsters. In the meantime, dad and mom can take pleasure in date-night with refined eating, lounges, and leisure whereas grandparents can recognize the extra relaxed areas just like the Solarium or strike up a sport of pickleball on the sports activities court docket. This implies everybody can spend a part of the day having fun with their very own hobbies however nonetheless carve out time to make household recollections collectively.
Household-friendly stateroom configurations, together with connecting rooms and suites, make group journey logistics simpler too.
7. Reciprocity on Sister Manufacturers
Royal Caribbean Group’s loyalty program extends throughout sister manufacturers Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. This implies your Royal Caribbean loyalty standing carries over if you cruise with sister manufacturers, supplying you with comparable perks. For example, if you’re Diamond in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, you’ll sail on Movie star with Elite standing or Silversea with 250 Venetian Society days, the place you’ll obtain the perks for that respective cruise line’s loyalty program.
This reciprocity is especially invaluable for cruisers who take pleasure in selection, permitting them to expertise Movie star’s refined ambiance or Silversea’s luxurious whereas nonetheless receiving their loyalty advantages. Of be aware although, loyalty factors aren’t cumulative throughout all three manufacturers.
8. Environment friendly Embarkation and Disembarkation
Royal Caribbean has streamlined the boarding course of considerably lately providing one of the crucial stress-free embarkation day experiences within the trade. The corporate’s check-in course of lets you full most paperwork upfront within the app, whereas their terminal operations have been optimized to deal with hundreds of passengers effectively. Precedence boarding for suite visitors and higher-tier loyalty members additional reduces wait occasions.
Equally, regardless of having the biggest cruise ships on this planet, Royal Caribbean has mastered the disembarkation course of. In contrast to different cruise strains, visitors gained’t wait in lengthy strains to exit the ship. The method is fast and environment friendly.
9. Various Itineraries
Royal Caribbean’s huge fleet permits the cruise line to supply a formidable number of itineraries spanning the globe. From short 3-day Bahamas getaways to epic world cruises, the road affords choices for each schedule and price range. Locations vary from conventional Caribbean and Mediterranean routes to bucket record areas like Alaska, Asia, Australia, or the Norwegian fjords.
The road sails from practically 30 completely different departure ports all year long as nicely, which means you’ll seemingly discover a homeport to fit your journey wants. Whether or not you need an final weekend getaway with a go to to Good Day at CocoCay or wish to go to a far-flung locale, Royal Caribbean makes it potential.
10. Vast Vary of Cabin Classes
Royal Caribbean affords an intensive number of stateroom classes, from budget-friendly interior cabins to multi-bedroom suites with Royal Genie service. Distinctive lodging choices embody Central Park, Boardwalk, or Surfside neighborhood views on Oasis class and Icon Class ships. There’s additionally infinite balconies, digital balconies, and panoramic view staterooms on choose ship courses. To not point out, studio cabins exist in restricted portions in addition to connecting household staterooms and accessible staterooms.
This selection ensures you will discover lodging that match each your price range and preferences, whether or not you desire a easy place to sleep or an opulent residence base in your trip.
11. Drink Packages Nonetheless Limitless
Whereas many cruise strains have imposed day by day limits on alcoholic drinks, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package stays really limitless. This consists of premium spirits and cocktails as much as $14, wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffees, and recent juices all through the cruise. It additionally consists of soda, bottled water, and smoothies.
The limitless nature of the package deal supplies wonderful worth for some and eliminates the necessity to observe consumption or fear about hitting day by day limits. It’s additionally an effective way to strive new drinks and never fear about losing cash in case you don’t like them.
The Cons of Royal Caribbean Cruises
1. Massive Ship Sizes Can Be Overwhelming for First-Timers
Royal Caribbean’s huge ships, whereas spectacular, aren’t for everybody. They are often genuinely overwhelming for newcomers to cruising and even for many who have solely sailed on smaller ships. First-time cruisers may spend the primary few days of their trip simply determining the place every little thing is situated. Moreover, the sheer variety of eating venues, onboard points of interest, and leisure choices can create critical nervousness.
The dimensions could make easy duties like getting from one finish of the ship to a different time-consuming and even tough for these with mobility points. To not point out, crowds could possibly be a problem as nicely, particularly when ready for an elevator or across the leisure venues close to showtime. Whereas some visitors love that there are such a lot of decisions and limitless actions, others discover it exhausting and over stimulating.
2. Inconsistent Meals High quality and Selection
Royal Caribbean’s specialty eating places usually ship wonderful delicacies, with staples like Chops Grille and Izumi, in addition to distinctive eating experiences like Wonderland or Royal Railway Utopia Station. With that being stated, the primary eating room expertise could be inconsistent. Meals high quality varies considerably between ships, and even on the identical ship from evening to nighttime.
Moreover, many older ships lack the informal eating selection discovered on competitor cruise strains, forcing visitors into the primary eating room or overpriced specialty eating places after they’d simply desire one thing fast and easy. Of be aware, newer ships within the Royal Caribbean fleet do have extra informal, complimentary choices however they nonetheless don’t examine to the likes of Carnival.
3. Larger Value Level Than Different Mainstream Cruise Traces
Royal Caribbean’s base fares are sometimes 20-50% increased than comparable itineraries on Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, or MSC Cruises. Once you think about the price of drink packages, specialty eating, web, shore excursions, and different extras that many contemplate important, the full price can simply double the marketed cruise fare. This value level places a Royal Caribbean cruise trip out of attain for a lot of households.
Even with Royal Caribbean’s improvements and spectacular facilities, many cruisers discover it tough to justify the upper pricing, particularly when different strains supply related itineraries and household experiences at considerably decrease prices.
4. A number of Households and Youngsters Onboard
Royal Caribbean’s family-focused ambiance could not go well with all vacationers. Its status as a wonderful household cruise line means ships typically have excessive concentrations of youngsters, significantly throughout faculty holidays, spring break, and summer time months. Pool decks, eating venues, and all-age leisure areas can change into overrun with children, which might make it difficult for couples or adults in search of a extra refined or romantic ambiance to seek out quiet areas for rest.
Whereas Royal Caribbean affords some adults-only areas just like the Solarium, the vast majority of ship facilities cater to all ages. So, these in search of a extra adult-oriented trip expertise may wish to look elsewhere.
5. No Ship-Inside-a-Ship Complicated
In contrast to Norwegian’s Haven or MSC’s Yacht Club, Royal Caribbean affords no true ship-within-a-ship advanced. Whereas suite visitors obtain some perks and precedence entry, there’s no unique enclave which supplies a luxurious expertise throughout the bigger ship.
Because of this even suite visitors should compete with hundreds of different passengers for eating, leisure, and deck house, lowering the exclusivity that many count on when paying premium costs for luxurious lodging.
Whereas Royal Caribbean’s Quantum, Oasis, and Icon class ships do have a non-public restaurant for suite visitors, Coastal Kitchen, the cruise line nonetheless doesn’t come near the facilities provided in The Haven or The Yacht Membership.
6. Various High quality Throughout Ship Courses
The Royal Caribbean expertise varies dramatically relying on which ship you select. Older Voyager, Radiance, or Imaginative and prescient class ships can really feel dated in comparison with the latest Icon and Oasis class vessels, with narrower corridors, smaller cabins, fewer eating choices, and fewer onboard facilities. Leisure choices additionally range considerably, with newer ships that includes state-of-the-art theaters and distinctive venues that older ships merely can’t match.
This inconsistency signifies that newcomers have to look intently at ship courses when reserving a cruise; they shouldn’t assume all Royal Caribbean ships supply related facilities and experiences as a result of that might result in disappointment.
7. No Choice for All-Inclusive Packages
Whereas cruise strains like Movie star, Princess, and Holland America supply complete packages that bundle add-ons like specialty eating, drink packages, WiFi, shore tour credit score, and/or gratuities, Royal Caribbean doesn’t supply any such “all-inclusive” package deal. Friends should pay a la carte for every add-on, making it a bit extra advanced to price range. Additional, it typically leads to increased complete prices than opponents’ all-inclusive choices.
In order for you the convenience of choosing one complete package deal that covers all of your cruise wants, you’ll wish to go for a distinct cruise line or contemplate a luxurious line that features all these extras within the cruise fare.
8. Alaska Cruises Don’t Go to Glacier Bay
In contrast to Holland America, Princess, or NCL, Royal Caribbean ships don’t have permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park, one in all Alaska’s most spectacular locations. As an alternative, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itineraries substitute different glacial viewing alternatives that, whereas stunning, don’t match the pristine panorama and complete expertise that Glacier Bay supplies like park rangers truly coming aboard the ship and narrating all through your go to.
For a lot of cruisers, us included, Glacier Bay represents the spotlight of an Alaska cruise experience, making Royal Caribbean a much less enticing choice for this vacation spot regardless of their wonderful ships and facilities.
9. Latest Elevated Give attention to Non-public Locations
Royal Caribbean has more and more emphasised non-public locations on its itineraries within the current years, with much more to come back sooner or later. Whereas Good Day at CocoCay and Labadee are already a part of the cruise line’s portfolio, Good Day Mexico and Lelepa within the South Pacific are each set to debut in 2027. Royal Caribbean can be planning a Royal Seashore Membership assortment with the primary opening this fall in Paradise Island, Bahamas.
Whereas these locations supply tons of participating experiences, some cruisers really feel they detract from genuine cultural immersion and exploration of native communities. The development towards non-public locations means fewer alternatives to expertise significant journey past resort-style rest.
Is Royal Caribbean Proper For You?
Royal Caribbean delivers a formidable cruise expertise that pushes the boundaries of what’s potential at sea. Their dedication to innovation, leisure excellence, and family-friendly facilities creates the final word trip for a lot of vacationers.
Nevertheless, the road’s concentrate on greater, louder, and costlier can overwhelm these in search of intimate, refined, or culturally immersive experiences. The shortage of all-inclusive choices and ship-within-a-ship complexes additionally make Royal Caribbean much less fascinating than some opponents.
Whether or not Royal Caribbean aligns along with your trip imaginative and prescient relies upon completely on what you worth most in a cruise.
Royal Caribbean is likely to be good for you if:
- You need cutting-edge facilities and points of interest
- Broadway-caliber leisure is essential to you
- You’re touring as a household or multigenerational group
- You take pleasure in full of life, energetic atmospheres
- You don’t thoughts paying premium costs for premium experiences
- “The larger, the higher” describes your best cruise ship
You may wish to contemplate one other cruise line if:
- You like intimate, quieter cruise experiences
- Finances is a major concern
- You need really all-inclusive pricing
- You’re planning an Alaska cruise and Glacier Bay is a must-see for you
- You like cultural immersion over resort-style holidays
- You’re in search of an adults-only or adult-focused setting
Feedback
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The publish Should You Book Royal Caribbean? The Complete Pros and Cons Breakdown appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.
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