Royal Caribbean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
Rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks and a loyalty program make Royal Caribbean a family-friendly, affordable pick.
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Royal Caribbean continues to dominate the cruise industry with its ever-growing fleet of megaships and boundary-pushing onboard experiences. With the recent debut of Icon of the Seas — the world’s largest cruise ship as of 2025 — and the upcoming Star of the Seas, the cruise line proves it's not just keeping up, but leading the charge.
With a fleet of well over two dozen ships and counting, Royal Caribbean sails to more than 300 destinations across all seven continents — including seasonal voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic Circle. Royal Caribbean is part of the broader Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns other cruise lines including Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.
Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned seafarer, here's everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's ships, itineraries, loyalty program and insider tips to make the most of your voyage.
» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now
What is Royal Caribbean known for?
Sally French tries RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator on the Ovation of the Seas. (Photo by Sally French)
Royal Caribbean International is one of the world’s biggest cruise lines, known for regularly launching the biggest cruise ships ever built and offering adrenaline-pumping onboard innovations, including onboard surf and skydiving simulators.
Sailing with Royal Caribbean means vacationing in a floating mega-resort. Ships are packed with nonstop activities, Broadway-style entertainment and restaurants. Activities range from trivia and bingo to surfing, ziplining, laser tag and escape rooms. And there's plenty to eat. Ships host a variety of dining — from free buffets to specialty restaurants like Izumi, Chops Grille and Wonderland.
Royal Caribbean is often credited with introducing "firsts" to the cruising world, such as:
The FlowRider surf simulator.
The first rock climbing wall at sea.
The first ice skating rink at sea.
The Royal Promenade, a boulevard of shops, restaurants and bars now seen in other megaships such as MSC's World America.
The AquaTheater, featuring water shows in the deepest pool at sea.
How Royal Caribbean compares to other cruise lines
The splash area on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas. (Photo by Sally French)
Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line best suited for families or active travelers who would prefer a day jam-packed with activities versus curling up with a book. It's typically more expensive than Carnival, which tends to cater to a more budget-minded traveler who likes a party atmosphere.
But it's cheaper than other family-focused cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line (though NCL generally seems to offer higher quality — especially pronounced in terms of rooms, entertainment and food).
Royal Caribbean strikes a strong balance between value and wow factor. It’s not the cheapest cruise line, but it’s arguably the most entertaining — especially for travelers who want high-tech features, headline-worthy shows and shipboard activities that go beyond the typical shuffleboard and buffet.
Where Royal Caribbean sails
Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas began sailings out of Los Angeles to Mexico in June 2025. (Photo by Sally French)
Royal Caribbean offers a broad mix of itineraries, from quick weekend escapes to a 274-night Ultimate World Cruise. Most itineraries fall into these major regions:
Caribbean and Bahamas: These are Royal Caribbean's most popular cruises. These typically stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which boasts the tallest water slide in North America and a luxury beach club.
California: California is newer expansion territory for Royal Caribbean. Though it has long offered sailings out of California, it recently brought its Ovation of the Seas to the West Coast, making it the largest ship to sail out of Los Angeles.
Alaska: These generally only run May through September. Expect glacier sightings from the ship. As far as shore excursions, plan on dog sledding and national park tours.
Mediterranean: These typically run between the Greek Isles to Spain and Italy.
Asia and South Pacific: These itineraries typically entail sailings out of Singapore, Japan and Australia.
Transatlantic and repositioning cruises: These cruises tend to be the longest and the best value, as the real purpose is to get the ship from one part of the world to another. Expect fewer crowds and a ship full of more seasoned cruisers. The trade-off? There will likely be few to no port days.
» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises
Royal Caribbean ships
Royal Caribbean divides its fleet into classes, each with signature features:
Icon Class
The largest class of ships in the world, Icon Class ships are basically floating cities. They're primarily built for families and multigenerational groups, structured around themed "neighborhoods" (a.k.a. different sections of the ship designed for different vacation styles). Expect massive water park and pool deck space, family suites (some even have slides inside) and lots of activities and shows.
Ships:
Star of the Seas (launching 2025).
Families should go for the Surfside neighborhood cabins. They're best suited for families with young kids. But book early, as they go fast.
Best for: Families, mega-resort lovers.
Oasis Class
Once the largest ships at sea (a title now taken by the Icon Class), these types of ships introduced the concept of Central Park to Royal Caribbean (yes, this is a living park with real trees). These ships also have an area called the Boardwalk, inspired by seaside piers. AquaTheater shows, the zipline and the multi-deck Ultimate Abyss slide are all Oasis staples.
Ships:
Oasis of the Seas.
Allure of the Seas.
Harmony of the Seas.
Symphony of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas.
A Boardwalk or Central Park view balcony often costs less than an ocean-facing balcony room — but still gives a great view and unique vibe (just beware the potential for more noise from music and festivities down below).
Best for: Entertainment and variety.
Quantum Class
The splash area on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas. (Photo by Sally French)
Quantum ships are tech-forward with the North Star observation capsule, RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator and even robot bartenders at Bionic Bar (considered one of the quirkiest and best bars on a cruise ship). These ships are well suited for colder or more variable weather thanks to covered pool decks and indoor attractions.
Ships:
Quantum of the Seas.
Anthem of the Seas.
Best for: Weather-resistant ships, sailings to Alaska and high-tech activities.
Quantum Ultra Class
Bumper cars at the SeaPlex. (Photo by Sally French)
These are basically an evolved version of the Quantum Class. They still have classic Quantum features like the SeaPlex (an indoor sports complex with bumper cars). But new features include the SkyPad (a VR trampoline experience) and two-level suites with private dining.
Ships:
Spectrum of the Seas.
Odyssey of the Seas.
Best for: Weather-resistant ships, sailings to Alaska and high-tech activities.
Freedom Class
At their launch, these were the world’s largest ships. Now, they're among Royal Caribbean's old ships — and we consider them mid-sized by today’s standards. Still, they offer an ideal balance of features (like FlowRider, mini golf, and water slides) without the megaship crowds. Since they're older, these ships also tend to be available at lower prices.
Ships:
Freedom of the Seas.
Liberty of the Seas.
Independence of the Seas.
Best for: Value seekers who appreciate a mid-sized feel.
Voyager Class
These ships are often favorites among frequent cruisers, as they blend size and intimacy with interesting attractions. Though on the smaller end of Royal Caribbean's fleet, you’ll still find ice skating rinks, FlowRider surf simulators, and multiple dining options — just in a slightly more manageable footprint.
Ships:
Navigator of the Seas.
Adventure of the Seas.
Voyager of the Seas.
Explorer of the Seas.
Mariner of the Seas.
Best for: Shorter sailings and people who value a classic cruise experience.
Radiance Class
These ships are glass-heavy and scenic, perfect for destination-focused itineraries like Alaska or the Panama Canal. They offer less in terms of activities. Consider these best for quieter, more intimate experiences. These cater more to an older crowd versus groups with young kids.
Ships:
Serenade of the Seas.
Brilliance of the Seas.
Radiance of the Seas.
Jewel of the Seas.
Book a panoramic oceanview stateroom for floor-to-ceiling windows.
Best for: Scenic cruising, older crowds.
Vision Class
These are the smallest and oldest ships in the fleet. You won’t find waterslides or bumper cars, but you will find an old-school cruise atmosphere, which can be appealing. These tend to cover the most international destinations, often sailing less-visited ports like the Greek Isles or South America. Book one of these if you're more of a culture-focused traveler who will spend more time on land maximizing port days than hanging back on the ship.
Ships:
Vision of the Seas.
Grandeur of the Seas.
Rhapsody of the Seas.
Enchantment of the Seas.
Best for: Budget cruising, people who appreciate maximizing time on land during port days.
What is the best Royal Caribbean ship?
Given all the variation described above, it's impossible to say definitively which Royal Caribbean ship is the best. It all comes down to the type of experience you're looking for.
That said, some ships stand out. For now, Icon of the Seas is the largest ship in the world in terms of gross tonnage. Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas round out the podium as similarly-massive ships. For large groups or people worried about running out of something to do, either of those three might be best.
But it's not just about size — it's style, too. Icon of the Seas won the Best Onboard Experience Award during the 2024 Cruise Ship Interiors Awards (CSI Awards), held in Hamburg, Germany.
Not a fan of ships that massive? Other ships have their own winning features. Quantum of the Seas won the World Cruise Awards title of World's Best Cruise Ship for Activities 2024. Meanwhile, Symphony of the Seas won an award in that same competition, but for World's Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment 2024.
» Learn more: Icon of the Seas: Floating bliss or horror at sea?
Royal Caribbean cabin types
Choosing the right cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise can greatly affect your onboard experience — and your wallet.
From budget-friendly interiors to palatial suites with butler service, here’s what you need to know about the most common cabin types — and which one is best for you.
Interior cabins
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, solo cruisers and people always out and about who just need a place to sleep.
What you get with an interior cabin: These are the most affordable cabins — no windows, just four walls and a bed.
Royal Caribbean is something of a leader in the affordable cruise industry. That's because some interior rooms onboard Royal Caribbean’s newer ships (including the Quantum, Quantum Ultra, and Oasis) feature what are called Virtual Balconies. These use real-time video projections from the outside of the ship to simulate a window, so you can still catch the sunrise in the morning from your interior room.
If money is no object, skip these rooms. But you're reading this, which means it most likely is. Some interior cabins can cost nearly half the price of balcony rooms. This can save you tons of money, and might not feel like a huge loss — especially if you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring the ship or on excursions.
It might also make sense for shorter cruises. You might feel a bit caged in an interior room on a multiweek cruise, but less so on a three-night sailing.
Consider interior rooms in the forward or aft areas. These often cost a bit less than those midship because many cruises think the location is not as good (e.g. too far from the main attractions). If you don't mind (or even appreciate) the extra walk, you can generally save.
Oceanview cabins
Best for: Families needing natural light, travelers who prefer a view but don’t care about balconies.
What you get with an oceanview cabin: These entail an exterior-facing window that doesn’t open. These rooms provide natural light and often cost less than balcony cabins, especially on older ships or those with fewer balcony options (like Vision or Radiance class).
Travelers who might feel claustrophobic in an interior room but are still on a budget will find rooms with an ocean view to be a good compromise. On the other hand, these can be worth the savings over balcony rooms especially on cooler-weather itineraries (Alaska, Northern Europe) where you won’t spend much time on a balcony.
Balcony cabins
A balcony room on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas. (Photo by Sally French)
Best for: First-time cruisers, romantic getaways, scenic routes (like Alaska or the Panama Canal), and anyone who values private outdoor space.
What you get with a balcony cabin: Ah, the feeling of sitting on your own private balcony, sipping on coffee or reading a book in peace. Besides the joy of a private balcony, these rooms typically have more square footage than oceanview or interior staterooms. They're also the most popular option among cruisers, striking a balance between comfort, space and value.
When booking, look for guarantee balcony fares. With this, you'll get a balcony room at a lower rate, though Royal Caribbean picks the specific cabin. It's not a good option if you absolutely cannot be near, say, the elevator (which may be loud) or the end of the ship (which may mean a longer walk to activities and food). But for the indecisive among us, it's also a great way to save.
Promenade view cabins
Best for: People-watchers, travelers who want natural light on a budget.
What you get with a Promenade view cabin: Only certain ships, including the Voyager, Freedom and Oasis class ships have these, but with them you get a unique view of onboard life, not the sea. That's because they overlook the ship’s Royal Promenade — a bustling, mall-like thoroughfare lined with shops and eateries.
These tend to be cheaper than oceanview cabins, but they can be more fun anyway. For better or for worse, you'll hear the buzz down below, which can include live music piping up to your room. Skip these if you prefer to hear nothing but waves.
Suites
Best for: Families, luxury seekers, cruisers celebrating a special occasion or anyone seeking more space and perks.
What you get with a Royal Caribbean suite: With these, you get significantly larger accommodations with extra amenities like walk-in closets, whirlpool tubs, larger balconies and even in-suite slides or movie rooms (on select Icon and Oasis class ships).
Within the realm of suites, there is a wide range in size and even service. Higher-tier suites (e.g. Grand, Owner’s, Crown Loft or Ultimate Family Suites) also include perks like priority boarding, reserved show seating and concierge service.
These can also be good for groups who would prefer to stick together than spread out over multiple rooms.
Royal Caribbean cruise costs
It's difficult to predict pricing on Royal Caribbean, as there are so many variables that play into the price tag including cabin type, destination, trip length, when you book and when you sail. That's all before going into how you book and how you pay for it (more on that later).
Still, there are some patterns and benchmarks that can help set your expectations — and a few insider tricks that can keep your cruise budget in check.
What is the average cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Keeping in mind the wide range, Royal Caribbean cruises typically fall into the $100 to $300 per person, per day (but again, prices still vary). For example, this can go even lower on older ships or last-minute deals — and significantly higher if you’re booking a suite, sailing during peak holidays or cruising on one of its newest megaships.
Example pricing:
3-night Bahamas cruise on Mariner of the Seas: ~$85/day per person (interior room)
7-night Western Caribbean on Wonder of the Seas: ~$160/day per person (balcony room)
9-night Greek Isles cruise on Odyssey of the Seas: ~$250/day per person (suite)
Even $250 per day might seem steep. But when you compare that to paying separately for a hotel, airfare, meals, shows, and activities, Royal Caribbean can offer real savings — especially if you’re content with what’s included in your fare.
What's included with your cruise fare?
Desserts at the Windjammer buffet. Eat as much as you want, paying nothing more than your upfront cruise fare. (Photo by Sally French)
Speaking of what's included, Royal Caribbean sneaks in opportunities to squeeze more money out of you on every turn. But, there's still a fair amount included if you're good at saying no.
All Royal Caribbean fares include:
Accommodations for the duration of the cruise.
Dining in the buffet, main dining room and select casual venues.
Non-bottled beverages: tap water, iced tea, coffee, hot chocolate, basic juices and lemonade.
Broadway-style shows, game shows and live music.
Most kids' club programming.
Onboard activities like rock climbing, FlowRider surfing, pools and water slides (exact activities vary by ship).
Access to the fitness center.
It’s entirely possible to cruise without spending a dollar more — especially if you're content with included meals, basic drinks and self-guided port days.
» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?
What’s not included (but easy to overspend on)
Royal Caribbean's Wonderland restaurant makes for one of the most fun (and Instagrammable) dining experiences you can have at sea, but it's also expensive. (Photo by Sally French)
This is where costs can balloon. Royal Caribbean has more upcharges than many cruise lines, and first-time cruisers are often surprised by their final bill.
Common extra costs:
Gratuities: ~$18–$20 per person, per day (automatically added unless prepaid).
Wi-Fi: Around $20–$30/day (varies by ship and plan).
Specialty dining: $30–$90 per meal, per person.
Alcoholic drinks & soda: Can be purchased as a beverage package or a la carte (cocktails cost about $15).
Shore excursions: $40–$300+ depending on destination and excursion.
Spa services, fitness classes and arcade games.
Photos, souvenirs, and upcharges for activities like escape rooms or laser tag.
How does Royal Caribbean pricing compare to other cruise lines?
Royal Caribbean sits solidly in the mid-range. It's more expensive than Carnival or MSC for base fares, but it's generally better quality. On the flip side, it's generally cheaper than Disney or Celebrity both in terms of base fares and in terms of final cost once all add-ons are factored in.
» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise
Royal Caribbean loyalty program: Crown & Anchor Society
With the cruise line’s loyalty program, the Crown & Anchor Society, you earn one point for every night you sail on Royal Caribbean and double points when paying for a suite.
Crown & Anchor Society elite levels
The loyalty program has six levels, earned by reaching progressively higher numbers of Cruise Points:
Gold: 3.
Platinum: 30.
Emerald: 55.
Diamond: 80.
Diamond Plus: 175.
Pinnacle Club: 700.
The Gold, Platinum and Emerald tiers don't offer much besides discounts. Since you still have to spend money to get those discounts, it's hard to call them a deal.
The real freebies and VIP status don't kick in until you have Diamond status or higher. Here are some of the top benefits (this is not a comprehensive list) across each of the tiers.
Gold
Two coupons per sailing for 50% off a single glass of soda, wine or beer.
Two coupons per sailing for 50% off a single Johnny Rockets milkshake.
25% off a single coffee beverage (excludes Starbucks).
Private departure lounge.
Crown & Anchor Society Loyalty Desk for membership inquiries.
Platinum
All of the above, plus...
Buy a specialty restaurant dinner and receive one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee beverage (excludes Starbucks).
Robes for use onboard.
Exclusive event invite on 5+ night sailings (7+ nights on Spectrum of the Seas).
Emerald
All of the above, plus...
Two complimentary welcome waters.
Diamond
All of the above, plus...
Four complimentary drinks per day.
One free day of Wi-Fi.
Crown lounge access and evening happy hour.
Two bottles of water.
Priority waitlist seating request in Main Dining Room.
Lapel pin.
Diamond Plus
All of the above, plus...
Five free drinks per day.
Two free days of Wi-Fi.
Priority access and seating at theater shows.
Three bottles of water.
30% discount on Deluxe Beverage packages.
Pinnacle Club
All of the above, plus...
Six free drinks per day.
Daily breakfast at a specialty restaurant.
Three bottles of water.
Coastal Kitchen access.
Suite/Concierge Lounge access.
Personalized lapel pin.
How to earn Crown & Anchor Society points
Members earn one point for every night spent on a ship. Nights in a suite earn double points.
How to redeem points
Unlike airline and hotel loyalty programs, you don’t accumulate redeemable points; instead, points determine your status level.
Royal Caribbean Credit Card: Is it worth it?
Royal Caribbean has its own co-branded credit card: The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® Credit Card.
Spending on the card accrues what are called MyCruise points. You'll earn:
2x points on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings.
1x point on everything else.
These can be redeemed for onboard discounts, upgrades and companion fares on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings. The card has no annual fee.
Redeeming MyCruise points
You need to have a cruise reservation with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity and then log in to a dedicated website to redeem your credit card points for onboard perks. Additionally, redemptions must be made at least seven days before your sailing.
The perks include:
Stateroom upgrades (as few as 5,000 points on 3-4 day sailings; 15,000 points on 4-8 night sailings).
Onboard credit (5,000 points for $50; 10,000 points for $100).
Onboard gifts (two robes for 5,000 points; two polo shirts and hats for 10,000 points).
Cruise discounts ($300 discount on a Celebrity cruise for 30,000 points).
Companion fare (on a 7-8 night Celebrity cruise for 120,000 points).
Free cruise (for 540,000 points, you can redeem for a 10+ night Celebrity cruise).
Better alternatives to The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® Credit Card
While a cruise-branded credit card may be tempting for frequent cruisers, don't overlook the opportunity cost of putting that on other, better travel credit cards.
After all, you can only redeem your points on a cruise (which can be limiting if something happens and you never find yourself cruising again). Plus, the rewards rate is relatively low.
Some of the most premium travel credit cards offer boffo points that can be valuable to big travel spenders. But even a handful of no-annual-fee travel credit cards offer higher point-earning on not just cruise spending but also everyday spending categories — like dining and groceries. Use those points to fund your next cruise (or whatever other sort of vacation is in your future).
For example, the $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph® Card, offers 3 points per dollar spent on restaurants, travel (including cruise lines), transit, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, popular streaming services and select phone plans. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar spent. Not only is that a higher rate than what you'd get on The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® Credit Card, but it covers more types of spending.
» Learn more: The best cruise lines
Is Royal Caribbean right for you?
The Solarium is an adults-only pool. (Photo by Sally French)
Royal Caribbean's ships resemble a hybrid between a floating city and a luxury resort. They are ideal for travelers who always like to be busy with new activities, families and multigenerational groups. With its top-tier entertainment, plentiful dining options and tech-forward ships, it’s no surprise Royal Caribbean sets the standard for megaship cruising.
Cruisers who want nonstop action and endless amenities will generally find it with Royal Caribbean (particularly newer ships in the Icon Class). But if you’re set on a cruise but are looking for quieter or more intimate experiences, you may want to explore other options.
Featured photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2025:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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