If you’re planning to book a Royal Caribbean cruise, then you probably want to know; is Royal Caribbean a good cruise line?
That depends on your definition of a “good” cruise.
Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean is a popular and award-winning cruise line.
It has its fair share of new and repeat passengers.
Rave reviews range from admiring how spacious the ships are to how the dining, activities, and entertainment options are so diverse.
So if you’re looking for a cruise that’s fun, lively, and packed with things to do, Royal Caribbean is worth considering.
But is it a good cruise line for you?
Why Do People Like Royal Caribbean?
Here are a few reasons why Royal Caribbean is so popular.
Award-Winning Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean has been named Best Cruise Line Overall by Travel Weekly for 22 years in a row.
That’s a pretty impressive track record!
It’s known for great service, great dining options, high-energy entertainment, and family-friendly experiences.
The fleet includes some of the biggest and most advanced cruise ships in the world, fitted with hundreds of comfortable cabins, staterooms, and tastefully decorated lounge areas.
These ships are also capable of hosting a diverse range of activities, from ice skating rinks to rock climbing faces to stages for Broadway-style shows.
Huge Ships with Exciting Features
Royal Caribbean’s ships are categorized as Oasis Class and Icon Class ships.
They feature a whole host of amenities, including:
- The AquaTheater — a stage for high diving and acrobatic shows
- The FlowRider — a surf simulators for wave-riding fun
- Studio B — ice skating rinks
There are also dozens of exciting outdoor adventures for thrill-seekers onboard: zip lines, skydiving simulators, rock climbing, and even escape rooms.
If you’re after a vibrant, high-energy cruise with lots of activities and plenty of space to move around in (without feeling crowded), Royal Caribbean is an excellent choice.
Entertainment for All Ages
Is Royal Caribbean good for families traveling together?
Many would believe so, as Royal Caribbean Cruises ensures there are enough entertainment options for a wide range of age groups.
For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Youth Program offers age-based activities for kids and teens.
They even have an AO Junior program for little passengers (aged 3-5) and an AO Babies program for infants (6-36 months old).
Meanwhile, teens can hang out in the Amplified Oasis of the Seas.
Parents, on the other hand, can lounge and sip cocktails over at the Bionic Bar or the Suite Lounge.
There are also plenty of activities for families to do together, like the Splashaway Bay water park and mini golf centers.
There’s even the Ultimate Family Suite — a private room that can comfortably fit a family and comes with its own built-in water slide.
Select Royal Caribbean ships even have character meet-and-greets — perfect for the young and young at heart.
Great & Diverse Dining Options
Royal Caribbean offers both complimentary and specialty dining.
Guests can indulge in casual eats, fine dishes, and even foreign cuisine.
The free dining options include:
- Main Dining Room (sit-down meals with waiter service)
- Windjammer Buffet (casual, all-you-can-eat)
- Café Promenade (24/7 snacks and coffee)
The specialty dining options (that cost extra) include:
- Chops Grille (steakhouse)
- Izumi (sushi and hibachi)
- Jamie’s Italian (celebrity chef restaurant)
While the free menu is delicious enough and varied enough that you won’t feel sick of your options, many guests report that Royal Caribbean’s specialty dining offers way better quality.
If this is important to you, budgeting for one to two specialty meals may be a good idea.
It’ll elevate your Royal Caribbean experience while you indulge in good eats.
Is Royal Caribbean a Good Value?
In terms of value, is Royal Caribbean a good cruise line?
Here’s how it compares to other lines in different categories.
Pricing Compared to Other Cruise Lines
As far as base ticket fare goes, Royal Caribbean is more expensive than Carnival Cruise Line and MSC.
But compared to Norwegian Cruise Line, it’s about the same.
And compared to Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean is definitely more affordable.
Royal Caribbean Inclusions
Is Royal Caribbean all-inclusive?
Not really.
But the cost of your ticket covers a lot of amenities and perks — plenty enough to ensure you’re comfortable for the entirety of the cruise.
For instance; lodging, main meals, and general entertainment is free.
Most onboard activities, like rock climbing and live shows, are also complimentary.
Lastly, you can access most of the pools and fitness centers with just the base fare.
Royal Caribbean Extras
So if dining, lodging, and entertainment are covered, what do you have to pay for?
Specialty dining (as mentioned earlier) will require an extra fee.
Premium drinks (like certain wines, beers, and cocktails) are not covered by your base fare, either.
Extra luxuries, like onboard spas, salons, and WiFi coverage, need to be paid for.
And, finally, gratuities will need to be paid for separately.
Drink packages, dining upgrades, and excursions can add up fast, so budgeting wisely is important.
If you’re working with a travel agent to book your cruise, you can always ask them to help you compare cruise line fares and packages.
This way, you can be sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Are There Any Downsides to Royal Caribbean Cruises?
We’ve covered the pros of sailing with Royal Caribbean.
What about the cons?
Extra Costs
Royal Caribbean offers many premium experiences, but they come at an extra cost.
As mentioned earlier, things like drink packages, specialty dining, and WiFi can add hundreds of dollars to your trip.
Older Ships
While Royal Caribbean has new, high-tech ships, some of its older ships don’t have the same modern upgrades.
Crowds on Large Ships
Is Royal Caribbean a good cruise line for solo travelers looking for a quiet experience?
Unfortunately, due to its popularity, Royal Caribbean cruises are often fully booked.
And because they have such large ships, they can fit more people.
Even though these ships are quite spacious, popular hangouts – i.e., cafes, pools, restaurants – can still get filled up.
This means crowds and lines.
Booking dining and activities in advance can help you avoid long waits.
How Does Royal Caribbean Compare to Other Cruise Lines?
Royal Caribbean & Carnival Cruise Line
In terms of price, Carnival Cruises is more affordable than Royal Caribbean.
However, it offers fewer luxury features.
Royal Caribbean also has bigger ships and better entertainment options.
But Carnival has a more party-like atmosphere, which some travelers prefer.
Royal Caribbean & Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruises has more flexible dining options (thanks to their Freestyle Dining system).
But Royal Caribbean is reportedly better for families.
Both offer great entertainment, but Royal Caribbean has bigger productions.
Royal Caribbean & Disney Cruise Line
As expected, Disney Cruise Line is more expensive than Royal Caribbean Cruises.
It’s also more family-focused, has better service, and also serves better food quality.
However, because it’s so specifically themed, Royal Caribbean has more value for non-Disney fans.
Who Should Choose Royal Caribbean?
Given everything we now know, Royal Caribbean Cruises is good for families with kids and/or young teens.
It’s also a good choice for travelers who like big, modern cruises with plenty to do.
Adventurous passengers and thrillseekers will also appreciate the number of high-energy activities available onboard.
But for people who:
- Prefer quieter, smaller ships
- Are looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive experience
- Are on a budget and don’t want to pay extra charges
— Royal Caribbean might not be the best option.
Should You Book a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Is Royal Caribbean a good cruise line?
Generally speaking, we think so!
It’s won awards and has managed to retain its popularity for years.
If you love big, modern cruises with tons of different options for food, activities, and entertainment, Royal Caribbean ships fit the bill.
But if you prefer a smaller, quieter cruise with a more laid-back atmosphere, other cruise lines might be better.
Royal Caribbean is one of the best options for families, couples, and groups who want a fun, energetic cruise experience.
Plan Your Royal Caribbean Cruise with Team Thompson Travel
So, is Royal Caribbean a good cruise line for you?
Let us help you decide!
At Team Thompson Travel, we take care of everything from booking your cruise to planning the best shore excursions for your itinerary.
Our services are 100% free, and we work directly with Royal Caribbean to find the best deals and promotions.
Contact us today to make your dream cruise a reality!