Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is the top choice for those who enjoy mega-resort experiences, providing a distinctive atmosphere aboard its large ships. While the line offers sailings to destinations around the globe, it has the most significant presence in the Caribbean and Europe.

AT A QUICK GLANCE

SIZE: LARGE

Royal Caribbean is the world's largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 28 ships that together offer more than 105,000 berths. The biggest Royal Caribbean ships are 20 decks high, nearly 1,200 feet long and capable of carrying more than 7,000 passengers.

STYLE: LUXURIOUS, VIBRANT, FAMILY-FRIENDLY

If you enjoy staying at Disney World or a large Las Vegas resort, this is the cruise line for you. Passengers can relax and have fun around the clock, with a wide variety of lounges and nightspots. It’s especially great for families looking for entertainment and relaxation all in one place.

COST: MID-RANGE

Generally, Royal Caribbean's larger, resort-style ships tend to be more expensive than its older, smaller vessels. However, the line caters to a wide range of travelers by offering various cabin types at different price points.

ACTIVITIES: ENTERTAINMENT, RECREATION, RELAXATION

Royal Caribbean features a variety of entertainment options, including theaters, comedy clubs, deck-top attractions, large casinos, full-service spas, and even ice skating rinks. You'll also find an abundance of bars, lounges, and nightspots.

FOOD: CASUAL TO GORMET

On Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, there are over 20 dining options, from Johnny Rockets diners to upscale restaurants offering six-course tasting menus. Each vessel also features a main dining room and a casual buffet where meals are included in the fare.

Everything You Need To Know About ROYAL CARIBBEAN

THE ROYAL CARIBBEAN FLEET

Royal Caribbean is the world's largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 28 ships that together offer more than 105,000 berths.

Royal Caribbean’s fleet includes 28 ships, featuring the world’s seven largest cruise vessels, including Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, each holding over 6,600 passengers. Six of these giant ships are part of the Oasis Class, a series of massive megaships that have revolutionized cruising since 2009, with a new Oasis Class ship under construction for 2028.

In addition to the Oasis Class, Royal Caribbean operates the even larger Icon Class, with the Icon of the Seas currently holding the title of the largest cruise ship in the world, and two more Icon Class ships scheduled for 2025 and 2026.

The fleet also includes five Quantum Class ships and three Freedom Class ships, all accommodating 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. Royal Caribbean operates 15 of the world’s 40 largest cruise ships, as well as five Voyager Class vessels, with a capacity of around 3,800 passengers. Smaller ships in the fleet, holding up to 2,500 passengers, allow access to more intimate experiences and destinations that larger vessels can’t reach, and often come with lower price points. While these smaller ships have fewer amenities, they still offer a variety of experiences for cruisers.

DESTINATIONS AND ITINERARIES

Royal Caribbean sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe.

Royal Caribbean typically deploys around half of its ships to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda during the summer, with an additional seven to eight ships heading to Europe. In the winter, the majority of the fleet moves to the Caribbean, with some ships also sailing to Asia and Australia. The line has also recently deployed ships like Spectrum of the Seas to China for sailings focused on the Chinese market.

In North America, Royal Caribbean ships primarily sail from ports such as Port Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, Tampa, San Juan, Galveston, New Orleans, Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward. In Europe, major embarkation points include Southampton, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Piraeus, Istanbul, Barcelona, Civitavecchia, and Ravenna, Italy, which replaced Venice as a home port in 2021.

CRUISE STYLE, CROWD, AND CABINS

Royal Caribbean primarily operates large, vibrant megaships designed for those who enjoy a megaresort experience. If you prefer staying at expansive destinations like Disney World or a grand Las Vegas resort, this is the ideal cruise line for you.

Royal Caribbean ships offer a wide variety of options for all types of travelers. With over 20 dining venues on some ships, there’s something for everyone, from lively entertainment to serene spots like the Central Park area on Utopia of the Seas. The ships are designed to feel spacious, even with thousands onboard, offering both excitement and peaceful retreats.

The line is especially popular with families, featuring attractions for kids, teens, and multigenerational groups. But Royal Caribbean also caters to solo travelers and couples, with amenities for all ages. Accommodations range from budget-friendly inside cabins to luxurious multi-deck suites, such as the Royal Loft Suites or the three-deck suite on Icon of the Seas, one of the largest and most luxurious in cruising.

COST AND BUDGET

Royal Caribbean designs its ships to appeal to a broad mix of people, in part by offering a wide range of cabin types at varying price points.

On a typical Royal Caribbean sailing, entry-level cabins start at around $100 per person per night, while high-end suites can cost significantly more. For example, a two-bedroom Star Loft Suite on Harmony of the Seas for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in January 2026 is priced at $10,562 per person. In comparison, an inside cabin on the same sailing starts at $732 per person, and balcony cabins begin around $982 per person.

Pricing is generally based on double occupancy, though some cabins are available for solo travelers at a higher rate. Larger, resort-style ships like those in the Icon, Oasis, and Quantum classes tend to be more expensive than smaller, older vessels. Prices also fluctuate depending on factors such as the time of year, itinerary popularity, and booking timing, with lower rates typically found during the offseason.

While most activities, meals, and entertainment are included in the fare, extras like drinks, specialty dining, spa services, shore excursions, and internet are additional unless purchased in advance through a package.

RESTAURANTS AND DINING

While a few of Royal Caribbean's smallest ships have relatively limited dining options, most of the line's vessels offer so many choices that it can almost be overwhelming.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships offer over 20 dining options, ranging from casual eateries like Johnny Rockets to upscale restaurants with six-course tasting menus. Every ship features a main dining room and a casual buffet, Windjammer Café or Windjammer Marketplace, where meals are included. For dinner, you can choose My Time Dining (eat whenever you want) or Traditional Dining (fixed table and time).

In addition to these, some ships also offer included options like Sorrento’s pizza, the Mediterranean Solarium Bistro, and Café Promenade. Extra-charge dining options include Chops Grille, the signature steakhouse; Giovanni’s Table or Jamie’s Italian; Hooked Seafood; Izumi sushi; Vintages wine bar; Wonderland for imaginative cuisine; and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.

Some ships also feature Starbucks cafes or stands and exclusive dining for suite passengers or loyalty program members. Extra-charge eateries usually have a flat fee, typically $55 to $65 per person, or are a la carte. Dining packages are available for discounted meals at these venues.

ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES

No other cruise line has as broad a range of entertainment and activities on its ships as Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean’s largest ships are packed with entertainment options, including theaters, comedy clubs, deck-top attractions, large casinos, full-service spas, and even ice skating rinks. There are also numerous bars, lounges, and nightspots to explore.

A highlight is the top-tier theater entertainment, offering impressive productions that rival those found on Broadway — and they’re all included in the cruise fare. Shows may be slightly shortened, but they still provide high-quality performances. Some ships also feature comedy clubs, and live music is available at various venues each night. The two-deck-high Music Halls on Quantum Class ships are especially popular.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a casino, and on larger vessels like Oasis of the Seas, the Casino Royale is expansive, featuring 450 slot machines, 27 table games, a poker room, and a bar.

For relaxation, Royal Caribbean offers luxurious spas with extensive treatment options, saunas, steam rooms, and unique features like hot stone chairs. Ships also have a wide variety of thrilling attractions, including rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, zip lines, miniature golf courses, basketball courts, and even skydiving simulators on some newer vessels.

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