Royal Caribbean has gained a well-deserved reputation for offering some of the best cruises worldwide.
Over the last year, I've sailed eight Royal Caribbean cruises, and seen firsthand how the cruise line excels.
The Travel Weekly Readers' Choice Awards named Royal Caribbean the Best Cruise Line Overall, Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean, and Best Cruise Line Entertainment.
With 28 ships in the fleet and more on the way, business is booming.
According to Royal Caribbean's CEO, it's selling more staterooms than ever.
Cruisers are buying their Royal Caribbean cruises at higher prices, and further in advance.
Its prices may be higher than other cruise lines (especially depending on the sailing) but I think you get great value for your money and the cruise is worth it in the long run.
Over the past year, I've learned and come to love the reasons why the cruise line is so popular.
1. Quality service from hard working crew members
Royal Caribbean's crew members go above and beyond.
The level of service onboard a Royal Caribbean ship can shock a newcomer to the cruise line.
You'll receive a personal stateroom attendant who cleans the cabin at least once a day (twice for suites).
If you choose to dine in the Main Dining Room, you'll be served by a waiter and an assistant waiter.
Bartenders come around to the pools for personal drink service, handing them directly to you so you don't even have to lift a finger.
Crew members onboard Royal Caribbean ships ensure excellent service that ensures a pleasant and memorable cruise.
2. Diverse dining & cuisine
Although food is completely subjective, many cruisers enjoy Royal Caribbean's dining options.
The Main Dining Room offers complimentary, hot meals served in a formal setting.
Read more: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience
The Windjammer Buffet has separate stations (usually at least 5) that offer various dishes for every meal.
Complimentary venues like El Loco Fresh and Cafe Promenade also offer a variety of dishes.
No matter your preference, you'll be able to find a quality cuisine onboard.
Splurging on a specialty restaurant also earns even tastier food, from the classic Chops Grill to delicious Izumi Hibachi and Sushi.
3. World class entertainment
Royal Caribbean has won countless awards for its ship entertainment, and I'm always stunned by the shows onboard.
The cruise line is one of the few that offers full-length Broadway productions. These include fan favorites like CATS, Mamma Mia!, and Grease.
Oasis Class and Icon Class ships with AquaTheaters have amazing water shows that combine synchronized swimming, high-diving, acrobatics, and other talented performers, alongside a marvelous soundtrack.
Royal Caribbean ships also have ice-skating shows, live music, magic shows, comedians, and original productions, all available for free during your cruise.
4. Great loyalty program benefits
The Crown and Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean's loyalty program, is one of the best among cruise lines.
It rewards guests even for sailing just a few nights onboard.
After signing up for the program, guests receive one point for every night they sail on a Royal Caribbean ship (two points for solo and suite guests).
At just three points, they'll become a gold member, and receive benefits such as:
- 10% off a glass of wine, soda, or beer
- 25% off any coffee beverage (excluding Starbucks)
- 50% off a Johnny Rockets milkshake
- 50% off any glass of wine, beer or soda
- Access to a private departure lounge
- 10% off any Internet package purchased onboard
- $2 Casino Royale FreePlay
- 10% off any spa service (excluding Medi-Spa services)
Not only that, but Royal Caribbean International also offers status matching across all its brands.
If you earn points on a Royal Caribbean ship, you'll receive equivalent benefits while sailing with Celebrity or SilverSea Cruises.
5. Pools and amenities
Your Royal Caribbean cruise fare will include access to the ship's pool deck, including lounge chairs, hot tubs, water slides, and aqua parks.
Royal Caribbean ships have a stunning pool area, complete with hot tubs, comfortable chairs, plentiful bars, and usually some fun activities, such as live music, dance classes, or belly flop competitions.
The Solarium pool area, an indoor section with additional pools and hot tubs, has no extra cost but it is limited to guests 18 and over.
Some ships also have a suites-only pool area, which can only be accessed by guests staying in suites.
Included amenities also include the fitness center, jogging track, and sports court onboard.
6. Complimentary childcare at Adventure Ocean
Active, educational kids programming is also included in your cruise fare.
From its opening in the morning until 10 P.M., Adventure Ocean is free for children between the ages of 3 and 17 years old.
From 10 P.M. to 2 A.M., there is an hourly cost for kid's care.
The programming is tailored to each age group, with kids taking part in fun, social activities led by the staff.
Some ships offer more social programming, such as games and scavenger hunts. Others have science labs and craft workshops.
Teens (ages 12 to 17) have access to a teen club and hangout area, where they can spend time and meet one another.
For babies between 6 and 36 months old, there is a Royal Babies and Tots program. Most Royal Caribbean ships also have a nursery that comes at an hourly charge.
7. Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island in the Bahamas
Any Royal Caribbean cruise that includes a stop at Perfect Day at Cococay on its itinerary offers free access to this stunning tropical island.
Located in the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean's private island spans 120 acres and offers free beaches, activities, and amenities.
This ideal private island experience includes multiple beaches, a waterpark, a large freshwater pool, a beach club, a zip line, free tram services, and much more.
Guests on the island can pick their favorite activities to enjoy, from snorkeling to beach volleyball.
8. Limitless onboard activities
If you're looking for fun, unique activities to try for free, Royal Caribbean is the best cruise line for you.
Its ships include signature activities that are included in your cruise fare, such as:
- The FlowRider surf simulator
- Rock climbing wall
- Mini golf
- Waterslides
- Ziplining
- Bumper cars
- Ice skating
- Laser tag
- The Ultimate Abyss dry slide
- Aqua parks
Games and parties also abound onboard, including dance parties, movie nights, trivia, scavenger hunts, pool games, and nightclub events.
A look at any Cruise Compass reveals so many free activities all over the ship.
9. Stunning mega-ships
Another draw to Royal Caribbean's fleet is its stunning mega-ships and technological feats.
Every year, the cruise line breaks a new record with the largest cruise ships in the world, the largest dry slides at sea, and so on.
Read more: How cruise ships got so big
Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's latest feet, is currently the biggest cruise ship in the world at 250,800 gross tons.
The vessel features 20 decks, with a capacity for nearly 10,000 people onboard (including passengers and crew members).
The floating theme park has a water park, spa, casino, shopping mall, arcade, gym, three theaters, seven pools, 20 dining venues, and 15 bars.
Sailing on these ships grants you bragging rights as well as the opportunity to enjoy a new, high-tech vacation.
10. Quality staterooms, from two-story to small
Your cruise experience is completely adjustable, varying based on your preferences, priorities, and budget.
To help meet every cruiser's needs, Royal Caribbean offers a large range of cabin categories.
Icon of the Seas, for instance, has 28 distinct stateroom categories.
From cheaper, windowless interior cabins to huge, two-story suites with multiple bedrooms, there's something for everyone.
No matter your choice, each Royal Caribbean stateroom comes with a set of basic amenities: a bed that can split into two, a private bathroom and shower, a vanity, a safe, a mini-fridge, a closet, and a small TV.
