Ever wondered why Royal Caribbean Cruises are all the rage? Let me tell you, it’s not just hype. As a cruising expert, I’ve seen a lot, but Royal Caribbean consistently stands out. Those of you who have enjoyed RCI cruises before know all about this.
Join me as we explore why Royal Caribbean Cruises is the top choice for an unforgettable cruise!
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Royal Caribbean care deeply about the environment
They’ve put in place some serious measures to protect the oceans their ships sail on. One of their big initiatives is the Ocean Fund, which helps support groups working to preserve marine life and ecosystems.
So far, Royal Caribbean has donated nearly $7.1 million to organizations that do important work in marine conservation, like research, developing new technologies, and educating people about the environment.
They’ve also teamed up with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to make sure their business practices are as sustainable as possible. This partnership focuses on reducing their environmental impact and promoting responsible tourism.
What Makes This Cruise Line Different and Unique?
Royal Caribbean Cruises is where innovation meets adventure on the high seas. As a cruise expert, I can tell you that no other line offers quite the same blend of cutting-edge amenities and exciting stuff to do.
Imagine rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and surf simulators – all on a ship! Royal Caribbean is always pushing the boundaries to give you something new and thrilling to look forward to.
But it’s not just about the flashy stuff. Royal Caribbean also prides itself on top-notch service and guest satisfaction. They’re constantly upgrading their ships and tech, ensuring you get a smooth, enjoyable cruise.
Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean Cruises
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Innovative ship designs with unique attractions | Some itineraries may have fewer port stops |
| Diverse range of activities and entertainment | Extra costs for specialty dining and certain activities |
| Extensive dining options | Large ships may feel crowded |
| Family-friendly amenities and programs | Internet packages can be expensive |
| Wide variety of itineraries | Gratuities are automatically added to the bill |
All Ships in their Fleet
| Ship Name | Capacity | Length | Year Built | Highlights | Internet Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symphony of the Seas | 6,680 | 1,188 ft | 2018 | Largest cruise ship, Ultimate Abyss slide, Central Park | $14.99/day |
| Harmony of the Seas | 6,687 | 1,188 ft | 2016 | AquaTheater, Zip Line, Bionic Bar | $14.99/day |
| Oasis of the Seas | 6,780 | 1,186 ft | 2009 | AquaTheater, Boardwalk, FlowRider | $14.99/day |
| Allure of the Seas | 6,780 | 1,187 ft | 2010 | AquaTheater, Central Park, Rising Tide Bar | $14.99/day |
| Spectrum of the Seas | 4,246 | 1,139 ft | 2019 | Sky Pad, Virtual Reality Experience, Suite Club | $12.99/day |
| Anthem of the Seas | 4,180 | 1,142 ft | 2015 | North Star, RipCord by iFLY, SeaPlex | $12.99/day |
| Quantum of the Seas | 4,180 | 1,142 ft | 2014 | North Star, Two70, SeaPlex | $12.99/day |
| Ovation of the Seas | 4,180 | 1,142 ft | 2016 | North Star, Two70, SeaPlex | $12.99/day |
| Freedom of the Seas | 4,515 | 1,112 ft | 2006 | FlowRider, Ice Skating Rink, H2O Zone | $12.99/day |
| Independence of the Seas | 4,560 | 1,112 ft | 2008 | FlowRider, Sky Pad, Water Slides | $12.99/day |
| Liberty of the Seas | 4,960 | 1,112 ft | 2007 | FlowRider, Ice Skating Rink, H2O Zone | $12.99/day |
| Mariner of the Seas | 4,000 | 1,020 ft | 2003 | FlowRider, Sky Pad, Water Slides | $12.99/day |
| Navigator of the Seas | 4,000 | 1,020 ft | 2002 | FlowRider, Ice Skating Rink, Laser Tag | $12.99/day |
| Voyager of the Seas | 4,269 | 1,020 ft | 1999 | FlowRider, Ice Skating Rink, Royal Promenade | $12.99/day |
Adult or Family
Royal Caribbean is brilliant for both adults and families. Adults can unwind in the Solarium, enjoy the adult-only pools, and hit various bars and lounges. For families, there are loads of activities, youth programs, and family-friendly entertainment to keep everyone happy.
Singles
Solo travellers are well catered for on Royal Caribbean. There are single staterooms, meetups, and social activities designed to help you connect with other like-minded cruisers.
Medical Facilities
Every Royal Caribbean ship has medical facilities staffed with qualified doctors and nurses. They’re equipped to handle emergencies and routine care, giving you peace of mind during your cruise.
Dress Code
The dress code on Royal Caribbean is pretty relaxed. Most venues and events are casual, but you’ll need to dress smart casual for certain dining experiences and bring out your best attire for formal nights. Comfort is key, but do check the guidelines for specific events or restaurants.
Gratuities and Tipping
Gratuities on Royal Caribbean are automatically added to your onboard account. It’s about $14.50 per person per day for staterooms and $17.50 per person per day for suites. Of course, you can always tip extra if someone’s service really stands out.
No Fly Cruises from the UK
Royal Caribbean offers some fantastic no-fly cruises from Southampton. This means you can skip the hassle of flying and start your holiday straight away. Destinations include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands.
Facilities on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruises offers a bunch of great facilities to keep you entertained and relaxed. Here’s what you can expect:
Spa
The spa is the perfect place to enjoy a range of treatments like massages, facials, and body wraps. You’ll find steam rooms, saunas, and even special treatments like Botox and acupuncture.
Gym
If you like to stay active, you’ll love the gym on Royal Caribbean ships. They have all the latest exercise machines, free weights, and cardio equipment. Plus, there are group fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, spinning, and bootcamps led by professional instructors.
Games
There’s no shortage of fun on a Royal Caribbean cruise. There are mini-golf courses, basketball courts, table tennis, and video game arcades. For those who enjoy a bit of competition, there are trivia contests, scavenger hunts, and various sports tournaments. And if you’re up for some adventure, try the FlowRider surf simulator or the rock climbing walls.
Library
If you prefer a quieter spot, head to the onboard library. Some ships also have board games and puzzles, making the library a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle.
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Entertainment on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Theatres
Royal Caribbean’s theatres host spectacular shows that rival Broadway productions. You can watch musicals, live performances, comedy acts, and even acrobatic shows. The theatres are equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and are huge!
Casinos
If you enjoy a bit of gambling, you’ll love the casinos on Royal Caribbean ships. They have a massive amount of games, including slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette, and more.
Bars
There’s no shortage of places to grab a drink on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Some standout spots include the Bionic Bar, where robot bartenders mix your drinks, and the Schooner Bar, known for its nautical theme and live piano music.
Dancing
If you love to dance, you’re in for a treat. Royal Caribbean ships feature several places where you can hit the dance floor. There are also dance classes if you want to learn some new moves.
Other Entertainment
Beyond the theatres, casinos, bars, and dancing, Royal Caribbean offers plenty of other entertainment options. You can catch outdoor movie screenings under the stars, participate in karaoke nights, enjoy live music performances in various venues, or relax at the poolside with live bands playing. The cruise line also hosts themed parties, game shows, and interactive activities to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
Dining on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruises has loads of dining options to suit every taste. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Complimentary Restaurants
- Main Dining Room: This is your go-to spot for classic cruise dining. You’ll get multi-course meals with a menu that changes daily, all included in your cruise fare.
- Windjammer Café: A buffet-style restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has a bit of everything, from international dishes to comfort food, and it’s free to enjoy.
- Café Promenade: Open 24 hours, this café is perfect for a quick snack or coffee anytime you need it. Think sandwiches, pastries, and hot drinks, all included.
- Sorrento’s Pizza: If you fancy a slice of pizza, this is the place. It’s hot, fresh, and doesn’t cost extra.
- Boardwalk Dog House: Grab a hot dog or sausage with your favourite toppings at no extra cost. It’s a fun, casual spot on the Boardwalk.
Specialty Restaurants
These are a bit fancier and come with an extra charge, but they’re worth it for a special treat:
- Chops Grille: An American steakhouse with delicious cuts of meat and seafood.
- Giovanni’s Table: Enjoy hearty Italian dishes like pasta and seafood in a cozy setting.
- Izumi: If you love sushi, sashimi, or hibachi, this Japanese restaurant is a must-visit.
- Wonderland: This place is all about creative, imaginative dishes that look as good as they taste.
- Johnny Rockets: A retro diner serving up burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
- 150 Central Park: For an upscale farm-to-table experience with seasonal ingredients.
Drinks Packages
Royal Caribbean offers several drinks packages, so you can pick what suits you best:
- Deluxe Beverage Package: This one’s got it all—cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass, non-alcoholic drinks, premium coffee, tea, bottled water, and fresh juices.
- Refreshment Package: Covers all the non-alcoholic drinks, including premium coffee, tea, bottled water, fresh juices, and mocktails.
- Classic Soda Package: Unlimited fountain soda with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup for refills.
Accommodation on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
Interior Staterooms
- Description: Budget-friendly rooms without windows.
- Features: Private bathroom, flat-screen TV, ample storage.
- Extras: Some have “virtual balconies” with real-time ocean views on a screen.
Ocean View Staterooms
- Description: Rooms with a window or porthole.
- Features: Same amenities as interior staterooms, plus natural light and a view.
Balcony Staterooms
- Description: Rooms with a private balcony.
- Features: More spacious, private outdoor space, upgraded amenities.
Suites
- Description: Luxurious, spacious rooms with additional perks.
- Features: Separate living and sleeping areas, larger bathrooms, bigger balconies.
- Extras: Priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges, concierge services.
Family Staterooms
- Description: Designed for families with extra space and accommodations.
- Features: Additional sleeping areas, bunk beds, sometimes two bathrooms.
Single Cabins
- Description: Rooms specifically for solo travellers.
- Features: Comfortable and efficient, with all the standard amenities.
Accessibility
- Description: Rooms designed for guests with disabilities.
- Features: Wider doors, roll-in showers, grab bars, and other accessibility features.
General Amenities
- Comfortable beds with quality linens
- Private bathrooms with showers and toiletries
- Flat-screen TVs with channels and on-demand movies
- Plenty of storage space
- In-room safes for valuables
- 24-hour room service
Special Touches
- Towel animals and nightly turndown service
- Options for in-room breakfast and special occasion decorations
Swimming Pools and Water Slides
Here’s what you can expect:
Main Pool
The Main Pool area is where the action is. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Multiple pools: Perfect for a swim or just hanging out.
- Hot tubs: Great for relaxing and soaking your worries away.
- Sun loungers and cabanas: Catch some rays or take a nap.
- Poolside bars: Grab a cocktail without leaving the pool.
Solarium
The Solarium is an adults-only chill zone. Highlights include:
- Heated pools: Nice and warm, even if it’s a bit cool outside.
- Whirlpools: Relax with some bubbles and great views.
- Cascading pools: Some ships have fancy tiered pools.
- Lush greenery and comfy seats: Super peaceful and relaxing.
H2O Zone and Splashaway Bay
These areas are kid heaven with tons of fun water stuff:
- Interactive water features: Water cannons, fountains, and geysers.
- Kid-friendly slides: Safe and fun for the little ones.
- Shallow pools: Perfect for kids to splash around in.
- Colorful themes: Bright and fun designs that kids love.
Sports Pool
For those who like to stay active, the Sports Pool is the place to be:
- Lap swimming: Swim some laps and get a workout in.
- Water sports: Join in on water volleyball or pool basketball.
- Fitness classes: Aqua aerobics and other fun workouts.
Beach Pool
On some newer ships, you’ll find a Beach Pool that feels like a resort:
- Zero-entry pools: Easy to get in, just like at the beach.
- In-water loungers: Relax in the pool on a comfy lounger.
- Sand-like textures: Some pools have sand-like floors for a beachy vibe.
Private Island Pools
At Royal Caribbean’s private islands, you’ll find even more awesome pools:
- Oasis Lagoon: The biggest freshwater pool in the Caribbean with swim-up bars.
- Thrill Waterpark: Includes wave pools and adventure pools.
- Hideaway Beach: A quieter spot just for adults.
The Perfect Storm
This trio of waterslides is super exciting:
- Cyclone: Twists and turns for a thrilling ride.
- Typhoon: Similar to Cyclone but with its own unique twists.
- Supercell: The biggest one with a giant bowl that swirls you around.
Ultimate Abyss
Not a water slide, but still a must-try. It’s the tallest dry slide at sea, taking you from Deck 16 to the Boardwalk on Deck 6. It’s a crazy fun ride! This slide is on Symphony of the Seas.
Blaster Aqua Coaster
On some ships, you’ll find this awesome water coaster:
- Water propulsion: Zoom through dips, drops, and straightaways.
- Two-person rafts: Share the fun with a friend.
- Spectacular views: The slide goes out over the edge of the ship.
Tidal Wave
This boomerang-style slide is a wild ride. This water slide is featured on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas.
- Steep drop: Go down a steep slope and then up a vertical wall.
- Weightless sensation: Feel weightless for a moment before sliding back down.
Poolside Amenities
Around the pools, you’ll find lots of things to make your time even better:
- Sun Loungers: Plenty of places to sunbathe or relax in the shade.
- Poolside Bars: Grab a cocktail, soft drink, or snack without leaving the pool area.
- Hot Tubs: Several hot tubs around the pool decks, perfect for soaking and relaxing.
- Towels: Fresh towels are always available, so you don’t need to bring your own.
Poolside Activities
Royal Caribbean offers a range of fun activities around the pools:
- Live Music and DJs: Enjoy live bands, DJs, and themed parties throughout your cruise.
- Games and Contests: Join in on fun pool games and contests hosted by the cruise staff.
- Movie Nights: Some ships have big screens by the pool where you can watch movies under the stars.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.
UK Ports for Royal Caribbean Cruises Departures
Royal Caribbean Cruises departs from several key ports in the UK. Here’s where you can start your cruise from:
Southampton
- Location: Located on the south coast of England, Southampton is the primary departure port for Royal Caribbean in the UK.
- Features: Southampton is well-equipped with modern facilities and has excellent transport links, making it easy to reach by car, train, or coach. It’s the main hub for Royal Caribbean’s no-fly cruises, offering a wide range of itineraries to destinations such as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands.
Harwich
- Location: Situated on the east coast of England, Harwich is another departure point for Royal Caribbean cruises.
- Features: Harwich is known for its historic charm and convenient transport connections, including direct train services from London. It serves as a gateway to cruises heading towards the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe.
Dover
- Location: On the southeast coast of England, Dover is famous for its iconic white cliffs.
- Features: Dover’s cruise terminal offers a picturesque departure point for cruises. It’s easily accessible by car and train, and it provides itineraries that often include Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Edinburgh (Leith)
- Location: Edinburgh’s port, Leith, is located in Scotland’s capital city.
- Features: Departing from Leith gives you a chance to explore Edinburgh’s rich history before setting sail. This port is used less frequently but offers unique itineraries, particularly to Northern Europe and the Norwegian fjords.
Here are five top questions asked about Royal Caribbean Cruises
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
- No worries! Royal Caribbean has plenty of options for people with dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. Just let them know about your needs before you sail, and they’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
What kind of shore excursions can I do, and how do I book them?
- There’s a ton to choose from, like cultural tours, adventure activities, and beach days. You can book shore excursions online before you go or once you’re on the ship at the Shore Excursions Desk.
How does the internet work on the ship?
- Royal Caribbean offers different internet packages, from basic browsing to full-on streaming. You can buy these packages before your cruise or once you’re on board, so you can stay connected as much as you need.
What’s the deal with the loyalty program?
- The Crown & Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean’s way of rewarding repeat cruisers. You earn points for each cruise and get perks like priority boarding, special events, discounts, and more, depending on how many points you’ve racked up.
How does Royal Caribbean keep everyone safe?
- They take safety seriously with regular drills, onboard medical facilities, and strict cleaning protocols. There’s also security staff and measures in place to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy throughout the trip.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.
Discover the highs and lows of my Royal Caribbean cruise from Southampton in this detailed review.