Royal Caribbean Cruises

The Royal Caribbean Cruises Fleet

With just slightly fewer ships than Carnival Cruise Lines, the Royal Caribbean fleet is one of the largest in the world. The company also controls Celebrity Cruises and has begun expanding itinerary options to include different Alaskan voyages. In 1988, Royal Caribbean unveiled the Sovereign of the Seas, one of the largest passenger ships of the time, and that innovation sparked a resurgence of megaship construction. With the 2006 introduction of the Freedom of the Seas, a monolith that includes the first surfing machine on a cruise ship, Royal Caribbean is continuing its dominance as a creative and innovative cruise line that caters to passengers’ wildest notions.

Size

Royal Caribbean Cruises operates some of the largest cruise ships in the world. The Empress of the Seas is the line’s smallest ship, and after major renovation in early 2004 she can now accommodate 1,600 passengers at double occupancy (two guests per cabin). The slightly larger Vision class are also older ships, though they are spacious enough to hold between 1,800 and 2,000 guests. The Radiance class vessels can accommodate well over two thousand passengers, while the behemoths in the Voyager class set sail with more than 3,100 guests on each sailing. Older ships typically have smaller staterooms, though each vessel offers spacious and breathtaking public areas that make the ship even more open and luxurious.

Departure Ports

With such a large number of ships, Royal Caribbean offers cruises from a number of U.S. ports. All the major Florida ports – Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Tampa – offer an assortment of Bahamas and Caribbean voyages, while other itineraries are available from New Orleans, Galveston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston. Limited sailings from San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Vancouver (Canada) cover more exotic destinations. As ships are repositioned during the year, departure ports are often changed, so be sure to ask a travel agent or visit RoyalCaribbean.com for updated details.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Décor

Royal Caribbean cruise ships are tastefully decorated with a blend of exciting artwork and relaxing backdrops. While public areas are often eclectic and vibrant, passenger cabins are more serene. Royal Caribbean often employs renowned artists to design focal points of their new vessels, such as the main pool area or adults-only Solarium. Guests will find thought-provoking artwork and sculptures in corridors and stairwells, and the ships make good use of every inch of space by incorporating mosaics into the floor. More elaborate designs may even utilize glare-resistant transparent flooring to create intricate displays beneath passengers’ feet.

Itineraries

Royal Caribbean’s large fleet offers passengers many choices for their cruise vacation. While – true to their name – the bulk of their itineraries are based in the Caribbean, several Mexican Riviera, Alaskan, Hawaiian, Californian, and Bahamas runs are also available. More exotic Caribbean voyages may even include the Panama Canal. Most Caribbean itineraries are seven-day journeys, though longer ten and eleven-night voyages are available during select months. CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island, is often included in both Bahamas and Caribbean voyages.

Onboard Activities

Royal Caribbean is well known for highly active, innovative life onboard each of its vessels. From relaxing, sedentary activities to fast-paced sporting venues, there is always something new to try aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Dining

All passengers are assigned a standard dining time, either an early or late seating in the main dining rooms, where gourmet cuisine from appetizers to desserts will delight any palate. Light and healthy options are available for guests who wish to watch their waistlines, and the selection always includes several themed dishes (Italian, Caribbean, etc.). Casual dining is available in the ships’ aft Windjammer Cafes (buffet style venues), and most ships offer at least one intimate specialty restaurant, such as the Chops Grill steakhouse or the Portofino Italian restaurant. Specialty restaurants, as a rule, require a per-person surcharge and reservations are required.

The Voyager class ships offer another specialty option: a Johnny Rockets diner. Serving signature burgers and milkshakes, this familiar restaurant is a welcome change for passengers unaccustomed to gourmet fare, but there is a minimal surcharge and the facility is often crowded.

Other dining options include pizzerias, coffee shops, and self-serve ice cream, as well as more traditional snack food in bars and lounges. Distinctive or specialty items often have additional fees, while more generic treats are usually complimentary. Room service is also available twenty-four hours a day, and while the standard menu is quite limited, during dining hours it is possible to arrange for a cabin steward to deliver restaurant items to your cabin.

Entertainment

Entertainment is never lacking aboard Royal Caribbean ships. Music acts range from country western arrangements to a cappella groups as well as piano, jazz, guitar, and other talented musicians. Comedy acts, jugglers, and magicians often appear on lounge stages, and more intricate scheduled shows are performed frequently. On larger ships, more sophisticated equipment lends additional delight to the performances, and ship amenities create unique shows. For example, on the ships that feature ice-skating rinks, there is a brilliant ice-skating show scheduled during each voyage. For these unique performances, however, space is extremely limited and guests may be required to obtain complimentary tickets to guarantee their seats. Ships that feature the central promenade (as opposed to a vertical atrium) also offer “parades” throughout the voyage, each one themed with different music, costumes, and performers.

Spas and Fitness

Rock Climbing Wall

With several sporting options available, staying fit on a Royal Caribbean ship is never repetitive. All ships feature rock climbing walls and beginners are welcome to try their hand at reaching the summit while supervised by expert climbers. Other sporting options may include miniature golf courses, in-line skating tracks, ice-skating rinks, jogging tracks, and basketball courts. Naturally, each ship also offers the latest fitness equipment in the ShipShape Fitness Center, and fitness classes are offered throughout the day including aerobics, yoga, and other activities. Several of these classes do require minimal fees.

Royal Caribbean Cruises offers an incentive program to keep cruisers fit – after participating in different physical activities, guests are given ShipShape dollars which can be redeemed for different prizes, from lanyards and key chains to water bottles, towels, and other fitness accessories.

If your fitness interests revolve more around massages and relaxation than burning calories, the Day Spa will be happy to accommodate you. On the first day of the voyage, passengers can take a guided tour of the facility that includes brief demonstrations of many different treatments. While prices are naturally steep, discounts are available on in-port days and through different package or couple’s deals for anyone who wants a “royal” treatment.

Gambling

Every Royal Caribbean ship is proud to host the Casino Royale, where guests can try their luck at any number of slot machines, video poker, roulette, blackjack, craps, and other games. Like most mainstream ships, slot tournaments and bingo games are scheduled throughout voyages, and guests may be fortunate enough to tune in on their stateroom television during training classes for unfamiliar games.

Games, Contests, and Activities

Royal Caribbean cruise ships are known for frequent activities, and in addition to the various sporting venues, different options are available for every guest. Wine tasting classes, fitness and beauty lectures, napkin folding demonstrations, and assorted poolside games are liberally sprinkled throughout the day. One of the signature games is the “Quest,” when teams of passengers compete in outrageous tasks for prizes and the merriment of their fellow guests.

Children’s Programs

The Adventure Ocean program is available for younger Royal Caribbean guests, with supervised activities for ages 3-17 (divided into age groups). Designated youth areas include a playroom, teen disco, and video arcade, and activities range from scavenger hunts and beach parties to karaoke and movies.

Group babysitting is available for a nominal hourly charge both when the ship is in port as well as during the evenings at sea in order for parents to enjoy a guilt-free break. Private, in-cabin babysitting can also be arranged for a slightly higher fee, but must be reserved at least twenty-four hours in advance.

Extras

Interior Promenade

Royal Caribbean doesn’t stop there. Extras aboard their phenomenal ships include an exclusive look into piloting the massive ship with the Peek-A-Boo Bridge, accompanied by navigational charts and location updates. Several larger ships offer unique cabin selections with interior views of the Promenade. The adults-only Solarium areas feature restful pools, whirlpools, and plenty of secluded lounging space. Amenities vary by ship, of course, with the larger, more recent vessels sporting the highest number of luxurious extras. All Royal Caribbean ships frequently offer shopping and spa lectures, formal nights, and other engaging activities.

Cons About Royal Caribbean

The biggest attraction to Royal Caribbean Cruises may also be its biggest flaw: the days are packed with numerous activities that sometimes overlap and prevent you from experiencing everything you might want to try. If you are interested in a laid-back, relaxing cruise without high-energy activities, Royal Caribbean may not be the best choice (though there are places on every ship where such relaxation is revered).

Royal Caribbean Cruises is one of the world’s foremost cruise lines with its innovative ships and superior roster of activities and entertainment for everyone aboard. With extensive itinerary choices available from numerous ports of call, anyone can quench their thirst for the royal treatment with a Royal Caribbean cruise.