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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 2024 debut of the massive Icon of the Seas and then in 2025 its sibling ship the Star of the Seas, as well as the upcoming July 2026 launch of Legend of the Seas (featuring a record-breaking 28 dining options — the most dining at sea), the cruise line proves it's not just keeping up, but leading the charge.
With a fleet of well over two dozen ships, 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 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, cabin types, loyalty program and insider tips to make the most of your voyage.
» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now
On this page
- First: Is Royal Caribbean right for you?
- How to actually choose the best Royal Caribbean cruise for you
- How Royal Caribbean compares to other cruise lines
- Where Royal Caribbean sails
- Royal Caribbean ships
- Which Royal Caribbean cabin should you book?
- What does a Royal Caribbean cruise actually cost?
- Royal Caribbean loyalty program: Crown & Anchor Society
- Is Royal Caribbean right for you?
First: Is Royal Caribbean right for you?
Before diving into ships and cabins, let's answer the question that can save you from reading the wrong guide entirely.
Royal Caribbean is probably a good fit if you:
- Are traveling with kids or a multigenerational group.
- Want nonstop activity options, like surfing simulators, ice skating, escape rooms, Broadway shows.
- Are price-conscious but still want a wow-factor experience.
- Don't mind a big, busy ship environment.
Royal Caribbean is probably not the right fit if you:
- Prefer quiet, intimate ships with a few hundred passengers.
- Care most about fine dining and culinary experiences (if that's you, consider Celebrity or Princess).
Royal Caribbean is the best value in family-friendly, entertainment-heavy cruising. It's not the cheapest line, but it's far more affordable than perhaps its biggest competitor in family cruising, Disney Cruise Line. And no matter the cruise line, it delivers more activities per dollar than nearly anyone else. If you want to keep busy and not spend a fortune, it's hard to beat.
How to actually choose the best Royal Caribbean cruise for you
First-timers often make the mistake of picking a ship first. Instead, work through these three questions in order:
Where do you want to go?
Destination narrows the ship options dramatically. The Caribbean and Bahamas are Royal Caribbean's most popular routes and offer the widest ship selection. Alaska, the Mediterranean, and Asia are also options — each with different ship classes suited to those climates.
The Caribbean and Bahamas: The ship IS the destination
Caribbean and Bahamas sailings can make for an affordable beach vacation.
For this type of itinerary, Royal Caribbean's private destinations have quietly become the biggest selling point. Perfect Day at CocoCay — Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas — consistently ranks as the highlight of Caribbean sailings. It combines free beach access (white sand, snorkeling, the Caribbean's largest freshwater pool) with optional paid upgrades like Daredevil's Peak, a 135-foot waterslide that's the tallest in North America, overwater cabanas, and a helium balloon ride to 450 feet.
Nassau, long considered one of cruising's weakest port stops, has also been transformed. In December 2025, Royal Caribbean opened the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island — an all-inclusive private beach experience right in Nassau. The result: Nassau went from a port most cruisers dreaded to one of the best reasons to book a Bahamas sailing. The Royal Beach Club features two pools (including the Floating Flamingo, billed as the world's largest swim-up bar), 10 bars, and multiple beach grills. Day pass prices start at $169.99 for the unlimited open bar package (21+) or $129.99 for non-alcoholic drinks and dining.
Caribbean and Bahamas sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda in 2026 average more than 60% cheaper than Disney Cruises for most of the year, per Cruise Critic data. Even compared to a land-based beach resort, a 7-night sailing — with accommodations, food, entertainment, and two private beach days baked in — often comes out ahead on price.
The Mediterranean: Think of it as a floating hotel room
Mediterranean cruising requires a different mental model entirely. You're not really buying a ship experience — you're buying an efficient way to see multiple countries without the logistical nightmare of coordinating hotels, trains, ferries, and luggage across a fragmented region.
The Mediterranean's geography makes independent travel genuinely hard. For example, the Greek islands require expensive, time-consuming ferries between stops. A cruise eliminates all of that: you unpack once, sleep while the ship repositions overnight, and wake up somewhere new. For Mediterranean sailings, prioritize port days over ship activities. The ship's onboard amenities matter less here than on a Caribbean sailing where sea days are common.
What's your group situation?
Families with young kids should prioritize the Icon Class (e.g. Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas). Couples or adults-only groups will be fine on almost any ship. Large multigenerational groups do well on both the Oasis and Icon Class ships, which have more varied neighborhoods and activity zones.
What's your budget?
Newer megaships (Icon, Star, Utopia) command more premium prices relative to older Freedom and Voyager class ships. The tradeoff with the older ships ranges from fewer over-the-top amenities and some older fixtures that can draw down your experience (like slower elevators). But if you're sailing to see the world rather than spend a ton of time on the ship, those older ships can be a smart cost move. The newer ships are better if you prioritize spending most of your time on the ship itself (and can be good if your ship has many days entirely at sea).
How Royal Caribbean compares to other cruise lines
Royal Caribbean International is one of the world’s largest cruise lines, famous for regularly launching the biggest cruise ships ever built. Its newer ships are packed with adrenaline-pumping activities and record-breaking “firsts” at sea.
Innovations Royal pioneered:
- The FlowRider surf simulator.
- The first rock climbing wall at sea.
- The first ice skating rink at sea.
- The Royal Promenade, a bustling boulevard of shops and restaurants now mimicked by other lines.
- The AquaTheater, featuring high-diving and acrobatics in the deepest performance pool at sea.
- Royal Railway immersive dining experiences that transport guests through multi-sensory journeys (debuting on Utopia of the Seas and expanding to Legend of the Seas in 2026).
A Royal Caribbean cruise feels like vacationing in a floating resort city. Activities range from trivia and bingo to surfing, laser tag and escape rooms. Dining options are equally varied, with everything from complimentary buffets to specialty venues like Izumi (sushi), Chops Grille (steakhouse) and Wonderland (experimental, whimsical dining).
Royal Caribbean appeals most to families and active travelers who prefer nonstop options over relaxation-only cruising. Compared with competitors:
| Cruise line | Price tier | The vibe | Book it if... | Skip it if... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $ Budget | Party-forward, no-frills fun. Older ships, simpler amenities. | Budget-conscious travelers, younger crowds, short 3–4 night trips. | You care about ship quality or sophisticated dining. |
| MSC Cruises | $ – $$ | European-owned, sprawling ships, strong Mediterranean presence. Spotty service consistency but hard to beat on price. | Value hunters, Mediterranean itineraries. | Consistent service and polished execution matter to you. |
| Royal Caribbean | $$ Mid | High-tech megaships packed with activities. More entertainment per dollar than almost anyone. | Families, first-timers, active travelers, anyone who wants constant options. | You prefer small ships, quiet atmospheres, or food-forward sailings. |
| Norwegian (NCL) | $$ – $$$ | Flexible dining (Freestyle), solid entertainment, slightly more adult-focused than RC. | Older kids and adults who want freedom from fixed dining schedules. | You're traveling with young kids — RC's family amenities are stronger. |
| Holland America | $$$ Mid-premium | Classic, unhurried cruising. Excellent itineraries, strong enrichment programming, older demographic. | Travelers 50+, destination-focused sailings (Alaska, Pacific Northwest, world voyages), those who want a calmer pace. | You have young kids or want a high-energy, activity-heavy ship. |
| Princess | $$$ Mid-premium | Refined but not stuffy. Strong Mediterranean and Alaska presence, good food, solid loyalty program. | Couples, Mediterranean and Alaska itineraries, travelers who want a step up from RC without paying luxury prices. | You want cutting-edge ships and water parks. |
| Disney Cruise Line | $$$$ Premium | Immersive theming, exceptional kids' clubs, high staff-to-guest ratios. Nothing else like it for Disney fans. | Disney-obsessed families willing to pay for the magic. RC averages 60%+ cheaper for comparable Caribbean sailings. | You don't have kids or aren't a Disney superfan — the premium is worth it for the meet-and-greets with characters, but hard to justify otherwise. |
In short, Royal Caribbean strikes a strong balance between value and wow factor. It’s not the cheapest line, but it’s often the most entertaining.
On Disney vs. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda in 2026 average more than 60% cheaper than Disney Cruises for most of the year, per data from Cruise Critic. During peak summer months, Royal Caribbean runs roughly $550–$710 for starting prices versus Disney's $1,400–$1,900 for comparable 3–5 night sailings.
What Disney does better: The theming is immersive in a way Royal Caribbean doesn't attempt. Character meet-and-greets and Disney-exclusive entertainment are purpose-built for families already deep in the Disney universe. The kids' clubs (Oceaneer Club and Lab) are among the best supervised programming at sea. If your kids are obsessed with Disney characters, that experience is real and hard to replicate.
What Royal Caribbean does just as well (and arguably better):
Food access. Disney's rotational dining assigns you to specific restaurants on specific nights, with set windows to eat. Outside those windows, options thin out fast — the buffet has restricted hours, and grabbing a snack at odd hours often means limited choices or upcharges. Royal Caribbean has the Windjammer buffet open most of the day, plus pizza, burgers, and casual options available nearly around the clock. If you have kids who eat on unpredictable schedules, RC's food accessibility is meaningfully better.
Entertainment variety. Disney's shows are polished but the catalog is narrower and obviously brand-specific. Royal Caribbean has Broadway productions, ice skating shows, the AquaTheater, comedy clubs, and — on newer ships — the FlowRider and Category 6 waterpark. Kids are well-entertained on both lines, but Royal Caribbean casts a wider net for mixed-age groups.
Private destinations. Disney has Castaway Cay, which is genuinely lovely. Royal Caribbean has Perfect Day at CocoCay — larger, with more activities including the tallest waterslide in North America — plus the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau as a second private destination. On raw beach-day experience, CocoCay arguably wins on scale and variety.
Where Royal Caribbean sails
Royal Caribbean's fleet covers all seven continents, with more than 300 destinations. For first-timers, the most practical options are:
- Caribbean and Bahamas: The most popular routes. Most itineraries stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island (more on that below).
- Alaska: Summer-only sailings with glacier viewing and excursions like dog sledding. Quantum class ships are best here.
- California and Mexico: 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.
- Mediterranean: Greece, Italy, Spain, France — ideal for culture-focused travelers who want port-heavy itineraries.
- Asia and South Pacific: Departures from Singapore, Japan and Australia.
- Transatlantic and repositioning cruises: The longest and cheapest (on a per day basis), but light on port calls, catering to seasoned cruisers.
» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises
Perfect Day at CocoCay: Royal Caribbean’s signature private island
If your itinerary includes the Bahamas, it almost certainly stops at CocoCay, and it's a genuine highlight. This private island is reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests, combining white-sand beaches with a range of activities, both paid and complimentary.
What to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay
What's free at CocoCay:
- Chill Island: beach access, loungers, snorkeling.
- South Beach: beach games, volleyball.
- Oasis Lagoon: the Caribbean's largest freshwater pool, with a swim-up bar.
- Food: Multiple eateries serve picnic fare like burgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken and tacos.
What costs extra:
- Thrill Waterpark: home to a 135-foot waterslide (the tallest in North America), wave pool, and adventure pool.
- Coco Beach Club: infinity pool, elevated dining and overwater cabanas.
- Up, Up and Away: helium balloon ride to 450 feet for panoramic views.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Cabana prices fluctuate based on demand. If you're sailing during a popular time (e.g. summer or holiday weekends), book early — and keep checking back for price drops. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (new in 2026)
In December 2025, Royal Caribbean opened Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, an all-inclusive private beach experience in Nassau, The Bahamas. That's a welcome addition for cruisers across all cruise lines, who often regard Nassau as one of the worst stops on an itinerary. Soon, Nassau could be the best (if you're sailing Royal Caribbean, at least).
That's all due to the Royal Beach Club, which features luxurious amenities such as:
- The Deep End pool for sun-soaked relaxation.
- The Floating Flamingo, the world’s largest swim-up bar with DJ-spun vibes.
- Three beach grills and 10 bars serving Bahamian dishes and tropical drinks.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails, floating lazily in a pool, or exploring Bahamian flavors, the Royal Beach Club experience is designed to blend luxury with local culture.
It's not included in your cruise fare. Day passes start at $169.99 for an unlimited open bar package (21+) or $129.99 for non-alcoholic drinks and dining (ages 13+).
Royal Caribbean ships
Royal Caribbean groups its fleet into classes, each with a distinct personality. Here's how to think about them:
Icon Class
Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are basically floating cities, structured around themed neighborhoods designed for different vacation styles. Expect a massive water park, family suites with in-room slides and more activities than you can realistically fit into a week. These are the ships you've probably seen going viral on social media.
Ships:
🤓 Nerdy Tip
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 world's largest ships (now surpassed by Icon Class), Oasis ships introduced Royal Caribbean's famous neighborhoods concept — including an actual Central Park with real trees. They also feature the AquaTheater (high-diving and acrobatics), the Boardwalk and a zipline spanning the ship.
Ships:
- Oasis of the Seas.
- Allure of the Seas.
- Harmony of the Seas.
- Symphony of the Seas.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
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
Quantum ships are best known for the North Star (a glass observation capsule that lifts above the ship), the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, and robot bartenders at the Bionic Bar. Covered pool decks and indoor attractions make these the smartest pick for Alaska or cold-weather itineraries.
Ships:
- Quantum of the Seas.
- Anthem of the Seas.
Best for: Weather-resistant ships, sailings to Alaska and high-tech activities.
Quantum Ultra Class
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
These were once the world's largest ships. Now they're mid-sized by Royal Caribbean standards — which still means FlowRider surf simulators, mini golf and water slides. Because they're older, fares tend to be meaningfully lower. These are often the smartest choice for first-timers.
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
Smaller than the megaships but still packed with signature Royal Caribbean features: ice skating rinks, FlowRider, multiple dining options. These tend to sail shorter itineraries and offer a slightly more intimate feel.
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
Glass-heavy ships built for scenic itineraries like Alaska and the Panama Canal. Fewer activities, quieter atmosphere. These cater more to an older crowd or travelers who plan to spend most of their time on shore.
Ships:
- Serenade of the Seas.
- Brilliance of the Seas.
- Radiance of the Seas.
- Jewel of the Seas.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Book a panoramic oceanview stateroom for floor-to-ceiling windows. Best for: Scenic cruising, older crowds.
Vision Class
The oldest and smallest ships in the fleet. No waterslides or bumper cars — but a classic cruise feel and itineraries to less-visited ports like the Greek Isles and South America. Best for travelers who will spend most of their time on land.
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.
Legend Class
A brand-new class launching in summer 2026 with Legend of the Seas. The flagship feature: 28 dining options — the most of any ship at sea. Entertainment highlights include the Broadway production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Royal Railway immersive train-car dining, and a new waterpark called Category 6 (the largest at sea). Legend sails Western Mediterranean routes from Barcelona and Rome in summer 2026, then moves to Fort Lauderdale in November for Caribbean itineraries.
Ships: Legend of the Seas (debuting July 2026).
Best for: Foodies, entertainment seekers and travelers who want the newest innovations at sea.
Which Royal Caribbean cabin should you book?
Cabin type is one of the most consequential booking decisions, as it affects both your comfort and your budget. Here's a decision table to help you self-sort:
| Cabin type | Price tier | Best for | Key detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior | Lowest | Solo travelers, short trips, budget-first | No window — but Virtual Balconies on newer ships add real-time ocean views via screen |
| Oceanview | Low-mid | Those who want natural light without balcony cost | Good on Alaska routes where you won't use an outdoor balcony anyway |
| Balcony | Mid | First-timers, couples, scenic itineraries | Most popular for a reason — worth the upgrade on 7+ night sailings |
| Infinite Balcony | Mid | Those who want space over outdoor access | Icon and Star of the Seas only; wall lowers to let in air, no step-out deck |
| Suite | High | Families, luxury seekers, special occasions | Priority boarding, concierge service; some have in-suite slides on Icon/Oasis class |
For a 7-night sailing, a balcony room is almost always worth the upgrade over an interior. For a 3-night sailing, an interior cabin makes a lot more sense — you'll barely be in the room anyway.
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.
Here's a look at one of the most over-the-top family suites on the Star of the Seas:
These can also be good for groups who would prefer to stick together than spread out over multiple rooms — but beware the cost.
What does a Royal Caribbean cruise actually cost?
Cruise pricing has more variables than almost any other travel product — ship age, destination, trip length, booking timing, cabin type and time of year all affect the number. That said, here are realistic benchmarks:
- 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?
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 genuinely possible to board, sail, and disembark without spending another dollar if you stick to included meals, non-alcoholic drinks and plan your port days independently.
» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?
Common extra costs — and where people get surprised
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). A drink package generally makes sense if you'll have 5+ alcoholic drinks per day.
- Shore excursions: $40–$300+ depending on destination and excursion.
- Other extras: Spa services, fitness classes and arcade games, photos, souvenirs and upcharges for activities like escape rooms, Crown's Edge or laser tag.
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.
Points Choice: New flexibility across Royal Caribbean Group brands
In January 2026, Royal Caribbean introduced Points Choice, allowing guests to apply earned cruise points to any of Royal Caribbean Group's three loyalty programs: Crown & Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean), Captain's Club (Celebrity Cruises) or Venetian Society (Silversea).
How Points Choice works:
- Available for sailings departing January 30, 2026 or later.
- Points must be transferred within 14 days after your cruise ends.
- You submit a separate request for each sailing (though Royal Caribbean plans to add a preference center later in 2026).
- Points convert at published exchange rates that are reviewed annually.
- Once submitted, requests cannot be changed.
- Points earned before Jan. 30, 2026 cannot be transferred retroactively.
Basically, Points Chose lets you choose which program's tier structure to feed your cruise nights into. The practical benefit is this: If you sail Celebrity once or twice but you typically sail with Royal Caribbean, you might consolidate your progress into just the Crown & Anchor Society rather than spreading yourself thin across three separate tier systems.
Additionally, Points Choice doesn't apply to casino loyalty programs or credit card rewards points — only to cruise night points earned through actual sailings.
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.
» Learn more: The best cruise lines
Is Royal Caribbean right for you?
Royal Caribbean ships feel like hybrid resorts and theme parks — and that's exactly the point. They're best for families, multigenerational groups, and travelers who want nonstop activities and high-energy entertainment.
For quieter luxury or destination-first itineraries, Princess or Regent Seven Seas may be a better fit. But for sheer variety, family-friendliness, and entertainment per dollar spent, Royal Caribbean is hard to beat.
Featured photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Royal Caribbean have free Wi-Fi?
No. Royal Caribbean offers VOOM Wireless Internet Access onboard all ships fleetwide, but it's not free. Prices vary by the number of devices and the service package purchased, but generally expect to spend at least $15 per day to stay connected.
Is Royal Caribbean all-inclusive?
Kind of. It's entirely possible to board a Royal Caribbean cruise and pay for not much more than your initial cruise fare (exceptions might include things you pay there, such as gratuity). However, that's easier said than done. Upcharges abound, though some are easier to pass up than others. Speciality dining is good (but so is the food that's included). Most drinks (beyond basics like water, tea, juice and coffee) cost extra, though you can often save money with a beverage package. You'll also owe extra for Wi-Fi packages, shore excursions, certain onboard activities and cabin upgrades.
While there are many inclusions on the cruise (like most meals, accommodations and entertainment), Royal Caribbean creates plenty of opportunities to get more of your money.
How much is the drink package?
Royal Caribbean offers three different beverage packages, but prices vary based on your ship, when you sail and even when you book. Those options are:
Classic (soda only)
- The package is quite limited, allowing for unlimited refills of fountain sodas (the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are pretty spiffy) plus a souvenir cup. Though prices vary, this one typically costs about $8 per day plus gratuity.
Refreshment (soda and other non-alcoholic drinks)
- This package includes soda plus other premium (albeit nonalcoholic) drinks, such as bottled watter, premium coffees and teas (like a latte), fresh juice, mocktails and milkshakes.
Deluxe (includes alcohol)
- This package includes all of the above, plus alcohol. You can use it to order wines by the glass, as well as cocktails, spirits, liqueurs and beers.
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 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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