royal caribbean international cruises 2023

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Royal Caribbean fleet

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RCI (Royal Caribbean International) is a subsidiary company and largest brand of RCG (Royal Caribbean Group, fka RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd). This Norwegian-American corporation is currently ranked the world's second-largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival Corporation /39% market share). However, RCG owns the world's biggest passenger ships . As of 2020, RCG controlled ~24% of the global ship cruising market (fleet passenger capacity), had full ownership of 4 brands (RCI, Celebrity , Silversea , Azamara ), 49% stake in Pullmantur (51% owned by Springwater Capital), 50% stake in TUI Cruises (50% owned by TUI AG), 19% stake in Wamos Air (fka Air Pullmantur).

Company History

RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (royalcaribbeangroup.com / renamed in 2020 from RCCL-"Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd") is based in Miami (Florida USA) and incorporated in Liberia. The company was formed in 1997 when RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line/1968-established) purchased Celebrity Cruises (1988-established). A decision was made to keep the two brands separate. As result, RCCL was re-branded RCI-Royal Caribbean International (RoyalCaribbean.com) and RCCL was founded as the parent company of RCI and Celebrity.

Royal Caribbean Group's current management team is led by Jason Liberty (RCG's Chairman, President, and CEO since January 2022) and includes Palle Laursen (RCG's Executive VP), Naftali Holtz (RCG's CFO), RCI's Michael Bayley (President and CEO), Jim Berra (Chief Marketing Officer, Senior VP Marketing), Vicki Freed (Senior VP Sales), Michael Goldner (VP Revenue Management), Jessie Ortiz (VP Finance and Administration), Gregory Purdy (Senior VP Marine Operations), Nick Weir (Senior VP Entertainment), Sean Treacy (Senior VP Hotel Operations), Laura Hodges Bethge (Senior VP Product Development), Bert Hernandez (President of Royal Caribbean China). RCG's Managing Director for China and Asia is Zinan Liu.

The name RCCL (initially "Royal Caribbean Cruise Line AS) was officially accepted in 1969 (on January 31st). Other suggested names for the company included "Pleasure Cruise Line" (PCL), "Holiday Cruise Line" (HCL), "Crown Cruise Line" (CCL), "Royal Caribbean Line" (RCL). RCCL's "crowned anchor" logo was designed by Morits Skaugen and accepted in March (1969).

Around 55% of RCI's total revenue comes from the USA. The brand's other major markets are Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. As of 2020, RCI ships visit a total of 322 call ports worldwide, offering 4500+ shore excursions through local tour companies.

Since 2017, Royal Caribbean has joint ownership of Grand Bahama Shipyard (Freeport) , where major drydock refurbishments and ship maintenance works take place.

Company changes 2024

In January, Jason Liberty was appointed as the Chairman of CLIA's Board of Directors (CLIA/Cruise Lines International Association). Also in January was RCG's ever-strongest booked position (as both pricing and volume/staterooms), with North America being the primary source market (~80%) and the Caribbean being RCI's most demanded region.

In March, RCI introduced fleetwide a third (Middle) dinner time, added in between the traditional two dining times in the MDRs/main restaurants (Early/5 pm or Late/8 pm). The exact Middle dinner time depends on ship/itinerary, starting sometime around 7 pm.

In late-March 2024, RCG announced plans for Royal Beach Club Cozumel . Scheduled for opening and inauguration in 2026, the exclusive destination will feature several beaches (including adults-only and suite guests-only), kids' playgrounds, freshwater pools, various drinking and dining venues, live music and entertainment.

In late-April, RCG signed a partnership with Hard Rock Cafe Inc (1971-founded chain of bar-restaurants, shops, casinos and museums) and Seminole Gaming Casinos to allow their customers to receive benefits (discounts and perks, accommodations, meals) at their land properties (casinos, hotels, cafes) as well as on RCG's ships. The partnership leveraged the companies' loyalty programs, benefiting the millions of RCG and Hard Rock-Seminole members enrolled in their loyalty programs (Unity by Hard Rock, RCI's Club Royale, and Celebrity's Blue Chip Club).

In May was appointed Angie Stephen as Senior VP of RCI.

In June RCG launched the Loyalty Status Match program allowing loyalty members from each brand (RCI’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, and Silversea’s Venetian Society) to attain reciprocal tier status across all brands.

Company changes 2023

In January RCI opened a sales office in Limassol Cyprus and Spectrum OTS was reflagged from Bahamas to Cyprus.

Since January 2023, RCI's onboard messaging system is complimentary (provided free of charge fleetwide/via Royal App) regardless of cabin category and during the entire voyage. The service used to cost US$2 per day per device.

Since March 2023, RCI provides fleetwide once-per-day cabin housekeeping service to all staterooms in non-suite categories. The service is provided either in the morning or in the afternoon (at the passenger's discretion).

There are rumors that RCI may bring back the RFID bracelets (aka WOW bands) fleetwide. They were reintroduced in early 2023 (on all OASIS- and QUANTUM Class boats) at the cost of US$10 per bracelet. WOW bands are still provided complimentary to all passengers occupying Sky Class and Star Class suites.

RCI announced that starting in April, the Sky Pad Bungee Trampoline will be removed fleetwide, and the facility will be replaced with a new venue (tba).

In 2023, the music clubs "Jazz on 4" of all OASIS-class liners were converted into non-smoking Casino Rooms. Each Casino Royale Non-Smoking is fitted with 40-46x slot machines, 3x gambling tables (1x blackjack table, 2x 3-card poker tables), a kiosk and a cashier window.

On August 25th, RCI announced the exclusive partnership with Inter Miami CF (2018-established soccer club) to become its Official Vacation Partner. In July, Lionel Andres Messi (1987-born Argentine footballer) joined Inter Miami and the club won "2023 Leagues Cup" (an international tournament between MLS and Liga MX/held in Jul 21-Aug 19). 2023 Leagues Cup's 47 teams played at 29 stadiums (77 matches, 251 goals) and Messi was the top-scorer (with 10 goals).

Since October 2023, the Diamond Lounge has been renamed Crown Lounge (fleetwide).

On November 11th (2023), RCI's daily gratuities per person (automatically charged/both adults and kids) were increased to US$18 (Junior Suites and below categories) and US$20.50 (Grand Suite and above categories).

In November RCG appointed Diane Chiang as APAC (Asia-Pacific) Sales Director. She joined RCG in 2007 (as Business Analyst) and was later promoted to Revenue Manager.

In December RCI ended its partnership with Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc (1978-founded company that manufactures premium ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet). On 13 RCI ships, the Ben & Jerry's ice cream shops (previously offering the Vermont brand) now offer in-house brand ice cream.

In December, it was rumored that RCG was negotiating to purchase Freeport's Xanadu Beach Hotel. The deal could include a land area of 40-50 acres (16-20  hectares/0,16-0,2 km2) in Freeport Harbour. The Xanadu Beach Hotel (1968-built, capacity 215 rooms) in 1972 was purchased by Howard Robard Hughes Jr (1905-1976) and also included an 80-berth yacht marina.

In 2023, RCI's 26 vessels served 6+ million travelers (~23% increase from 2022's 4,6M) and visited 252 call ports (230 in 2022). The most visited were Nassau (Bahamas) and Cozumel (Mexico), both received 3+ million tourists.

Company changes 2022

On September 7th (2022), RCI's daily gratuities per person were increased to US$16 (interior, oceanview, balcony staterooms/Junior Suites and below categories) and to US$18,50 (Grand Suite and above categories).

On August 30th, RCG signed a deal with SpaceX/Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (2002-founded by Elon Musk) for using Starlink's satellites to provide faster and low-latency Internet connections across the global fleet (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, and Silversea ships). Trials on the new Starlink Internet services were successfully conducted on Freedom OTS in June. Starlink Internet installations were scheduled to be completed fleetwide in 2023-Q1.

On June 15th, RCG signed with Eagle LNG Partners LLC (Eagle LNG) a contract for providing LNG (liquefied natural gas) and bunkering services to LNG-powered RCI liners, the first of which is Icon OTS. The gas supply is sourced from Eagle LNG's facilities in JAXPORT-Jacksonville Florida , shipped throughout the Caribbean and bunkered by Eagle LNG-owned newbuild vessels.

In March was launched the online booking service "Royal Caribbean Hotels" via partnership with Priceline (1997-founded online booking agency specializing in travel-related products/flights, hotels, cruises). The program (available only for residents of the USA, Canada, and Mexico) allows booking pre-/post-cruise hotel stays (in all RCI ports, including in Europe, Asia-Pacific. Caribbean-Americas) with exclusive discount rates and the guarantee that RCI will cover any hotel cancellation fees if the voyage is canceled or the itinerary modified.

Company changes 2021

RCG's 2021-Q3 report included Adjusted Net Loss USD 1,2B ($4,91 per share), liquidity ~$4,1B ($3,3B cash), 40 ships in operation (~65% fleet capacity), ~USD 2,8B in cruise deposits (of which ~1/3rd in FCCs/future credits).

In October was announced RCI's first " World Cruise " scheduled for Serenade OTS . The 274-night itinerary (Dec 10, 2023, thru Sept 10, 2024) is roundtrip from PortMiami and visits 150 ports/islands (57 new for RCI), 65 countries, 7 continents.

Since 2021, on all RCI ships passengers can use for US$ 2 per person per day a "guest-to-guest chat" feature (part of the Royal App) without purchasing Internet packages. The feature allows chatting between guests one-to-one, as well as group chats.

In September RCG signed with USVA (US Virgin Islands) an MoU for two future port developments - Crown Bay (St Thomas Island) and Frederiksted (St Croix Island). The agreement included increased calls to both islands and guaranteed by RCG minimum revenues.

In September RCG signed with TraceSafe a 2-year contract for "Tracelet" (trademarked by RCG in October 2020). These are wearable tracing bands used on RCG ships for identifying the close contacts of a COVID-positive passenger/crew. The technology was introduced on Quantum OTS when the boat restarted operations from Singapore.

On May 20th RCI patented "WATER-BASED PYROTECHNIC ILLUSION". The patent (number 20210146396) is about "systems and methods for firework water illusions" and includes a device with at least 1 rotating nozzle spraying water in a radial direction, with a system to illuminate the water and create an illusion of pyrotechnics.

RCG's 2020-Q4 financial report revealed US GAAP Net Loss of USD 5,8 billion (EUR 4,774B, or US$27,05 per share) and Adjusted Net Loss of USD 3,9 billion (EUR 3,21B, or US$18,31 per share). In 2020, RCG raised ~USD 9,3B (~EUR 7,655B) through bond issuances, loans, public common stocks) and as of Dec 31 had liquidity ~USD 4,4B (EUR 3,62B, including $3,7B in cash-cash equivalents plus $0,7B from a year loan).

In mid-February RCG established a USD 40 million fund for USA-based qualifying travel agencies. The program allows 3-year, interest-free loans (max US$250,000) via CruisingPower.com.

On January 19th RCG announced an agreement to sell the brand Azamara Cruises for USD 201 million (~EUR 165,8 M / ~GBP 147,6 M / carve-out transaction) to Sycamore Partners. Sycamore Partners acquired the entire brand and its 3 ships, plus all the associated intellectual property rights and goodwill. The all-cash transaction was closed on March 19, 2021. Azamara's CEO (Carol Cabezas) was appointed President. The deal was assisted by Perella Weinberg Partners (financial advisor for RCG), Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (legal counsel for RCG) and Kirkland & Ellis (legal advice to Sycamore).

After selling 8 ships - 3x Pullmantur (Horizon, Monarch, Sovereign), 3x Azamara (Quest, Journey, Pursuit), 2x RCI (Empress, Monarch), RCG's global fleet capacity decreased by 12316 berths (5984+2138+4194).

Company changes 2020

In February RCG purchased land ("multiple real estate parcels") on Paradise Island's (Bahamas) western coast, at the cost of ~USD 54 million (~EUR 50 million). In mid-March 2020 was announced RCI's second private resort property (after Fort James in St Johns Antigua ) - Royal Beach Club Bahamas (at Paradise Island , close to Nassau ).

On March 23rd RCG loaned USD 2,2 billion (~EUR 2,03 B) with maturity in March 2021 and an optional extension for 364 more days (till March 2022). With the new financing, RCCL now has USD 3,6+ billion of liquidity (cash deposits plus undrawn credit facilities). The money was secured term-loaned from 3 US banks (JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America Corporation, Goldman Sachs Group) plus the French banking group BNP Paribas.

On July 30th RCG was officially renamed to "Royal Caribbean Group". The logo was also changed.

In late-July RCI introduced "Muster 2.0" (patented, Internet-based safety drill conducted via the eMuster mobile app). The patent was filed on September 12, 2019 (issued March 3, 2020).

Company changes 2019

In April RCG partnered with IDEMIA (fka Morpho) - Paris-based French company specializing in security and identity solutions. In 2017, Morpho merged with Oberthur Technologies. IDEMIA's services will help speed up RCCL passenger disembarkation at select US homeports via the company's MFACE (high-speed 3D facial recognition) technology. The list of homeports, for now, includes NYC (Cape Liberty NJ) and PortMiami, with more Florida homeports to me added by the end of 2019. MFACE compares disembarking passenger's facial identity with those of embarking passengers, also matching against US Customs and Border Protection provided TVS (Traveler Verification Service). Passenger privacy is guaranteed as no photos are stored either by RCCL, IDEMIA or US Customs after the cruise's completion.

On June 4th the USA banned travel to Cuba (effective immediately). On June 5, RCCL officially canceled all pre-scheduled for 2019 Cuban cruises. On both affected RCI liners ( Majesty OTS and Empress OTS ) all Cuban ports were substituted with alternative Caribbean ports. All affected customers were provided with the option to either remain on the revised cruise and receive 50% refund (in OBC) or cancel the booking with a full refund.

In late-July on Symphony OTS was introduced "Fast Track" - expedited boarding program offered in all call ports of the current itinerary. Fast Track is available for passengers in Star-Sky Class suites, Pinnacle members, "The Key" (pre-purchased daily package that includes lunch at Chops Grille, Jamie's or Giovanni's specialty restaurants), disabled passengers, and families with strollers.

In October 2019 were open for booking RCI's new "Spa Cabins" offered fleetwide in the ship classes Radiance-Voyager-Freedom-Quantum-Quantum Ultra-Oasis. The new Spa staterooms (available since 2021) offer as bonus amenities priority Spa reservations, 50% discounted Spa treatments (1 per cabin), daily room service (coffee/tea), BOSE Bluetooth speaker, tranquil artworks (on the walls), plush bedding, feather pillows, upgraded bathroom amenities (Jacuzzi showerhead, premium brand toiletries, luxury slippers and bathrobes), cushioned balcony furniture, Welcome Aboard gift (fresh fruits).

In November RCI signed a 5-year partnership deal (until 2024) with Singapore Tourism Board (under Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry) and Changi Airport Group (Singapore airport operations and management). This 3-party deal is for promoting fly-cruises to Singapore mainly (from China, India, Southeast Asia, USA) on Quantum OTS with expected ~623,000 international tourists spending ~USD 430+ million on flight+cruise packages. This is ~60% growth in comparison to the previous tripartite partnership (2015-2018) when in Singapore was homeported Mariner OTS.

In December RCI sighed with Port Galveston an agreement for building Cruise Terminal 3. The new (USD 100 million) facility is scheduled for inauguration in November 2021.

Company changes 2018

Since March 2018, RCCL offers one login for RCI and Celebrity websites and mobile apps. The new policy allows one account to be used for loyalty program benefits, bookings, and reservations with both brands. Account security was also simplified and strengthened to ensure customers' personal data.

Since May 2018 fleetwide are used only cage-free eggs and gestation stall-free pork. By the year 2024, for all its USA-based ships, RCCL will purchase poultry only from GAP-certified producers/dealers. The corporation will require chickens to be slaughtered and processed in a manner that doesn't involve live dumping and shackling, thus eliminating conscious throat-slitting and scalding.

Since June 2018, RCI's ship bars serve cocktails with optional plastic straws (not by default) - a new policy aiming to reduce sea pollution. "Why no straws?" signs at onboard bars fleetwide now indicate that drink orders will not automatically receive a straw, but only upon request.

In June-July RCCL acquired 2/3 of the top-luxury brand Silversea . On June 14, 2018, RCCL and Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio (Silversea's majority stock owner) announced an agreement for RCCL to acquire 66,7% equity stake in Silversea, at purchase price ~USD 1 billion. At the time, Silversea was valued ~USD 2 billion. RCCL financed the deal (through debt) in October. In addition to the cash money, Lefebvre family received ~472,000 RCCL shares. With the addition of Silversea (4 expedition ships) and the newbuild Celebrity Flora (Galapagos) , RCCL's expedition fleet in 2019 grew to approx 2,5% of the corporation's combined fleet (compared to 0,5% in 2018). By combined expedition cruise berths, RCCL is ranked the world's 4th largest operator - following Ponant , Hurtigruten and Lindblad . In July 2020, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Group purchased Silversea's remaining shares from Heritage Cruise Holding Ltd. The purchase was in the form of 5,2 million RCL shares (~2,5% of RCCL's total common stock).

(deposit program changes) Since November 2018, RCI customers booking non-refundable deposit fares don't receive onboard credit (US$100) per stateroom. Instead, they are promised the lowest pricing on the fare.

RCCL has a call center in Springfield OR, operated since 2006. The customized office resembles a cruise ship. In 2014, the company employed there over 700 people. In August 2018 was announced that RCCL plans to outsource most of its Springfield jobs (~90%, excepting only sales employees) to the company's call centers in Jamaica and Guatemala. This means that US sales agents will do the bookings, but when customers call back with issues they will be re-routed overseas.

On October 1st RCI announced that the company's 50th birthday cruise (themed "50 Years Bold Birthday Cruise") will be held on Symphony OTS (November 2-9, 2019). The 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary from PortMiami visited St Maarten, San Juan Puerto Rico, CocoCay Bahamas, and featured unique programming, special events, surprise guest performers.

All RCG-owned vessels are serviced by Wartsila ( Helsinki Finland -based corporation, marine equipment manufacturer and maritime services provider). In 2018, RCCL and Wartsila extended their service agreement to 2028. Under the agreement, Wartsila optimizes machinery efficiency through improved Turbocharger maintenance, also provides OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spare parts, workshop services, technical assistance for the entire RCCL fleet. The deal covers a total of 196 marine diesel engines on 46 vessels. Most RCCL liners are equipped with Wartsila-developed monitoring technology sending real-time engine data to a land-based center for analysis.

Royal Caribbean International (RCI)

Royal Caribbean is in the top 3 "best family cruise lines" (together with CCL-Carnival and DCL-Disney) and owns the world's largest and some of the most popular ships for young adults, kids, and teens. As a mass-market company, RCI is recommended mostly for young and middle-aged, active and sports-oriented travelers.

A signature feature of RCI ships is the "Viking Crown Lounge", introduced in 1970 with RCI's first ship MS Song of Norway (2013-scrapped as "Formosa Queen"). As RCI ships grew in size, this top-deck observation lounge also grew. On the VISION-Class ships (1995) its location was changed - from forward to midship-aft (near the smokestacks) allowing more space to be allocated for new amenities and entertainment.

In 2014 and 2015, RCI introduced the Dynamic Dining concept that replaced the Main Dining Room concept on QUANTUM-class ships.

• RCI vessels with Dynamic Dining don't have an MDR/Main Dining Room. Instead, they feature complimentary table service restaurants, each with its own theme and menu: "The Grande", "American Icon Grill", "Chic" and "Silk".
• Suite passengers have access to "Coastal Kitchen" (complimentary restaurant). Similar to the Freestyle concept on NCL Norwegian , passengers make reservations for their restaurant choice for each night in advance.
• Each venue maintains the same staff and menu throughout the cruise. Anthem OTS has a "Dynamic Dining Classic" option, allowing guests to rotate between dining venues but keep the same waiter, assistant waiter, and tablemates.

The company had planned to extend the Dynamic Dining to OASIS-class liners. During 2014-2015 drydock refurbishments , decor and signage were installed on the 3 levels of the MDRs of Allure OTS and Oasis OTS to prepare them to function as separate restaurants ("The Grande", "Silk", "American Icon Grill"), although the 3 levels continued operating as a single MDR. The suite-only restaurant Coastal Kitchen was also installed. However, on July 15, 2015, RCI announced that the dynamic dining concept would not be rolled out fleetwide.

Besides the multi-deck MDRs, RCI also features the "Chops Grille" (steakhouse(, "Windjammer Cafe" (Lido buffet restaurant), Johnny Rockets, Izumi (Japanese/Asian), poolside bars, 24-hour Room Service. "Cupcake Cupboard" is a ship bakery (available on the newest and refurbished ships) offering 30 gourmet cupcakes. Select RCI ships offer Starbucks Coffee at Sea.

RCI's new alcohol policy allows passengers to bring their own wine onboard and consume it in cabins (for free) or for a corkage fee (additional charge) in public areas.

(trademarks) New services, venues, trademarked ship names

Note: OTS="Of The Seas"

In January 2017 were trademarked (USPTO-registered) the ship names Valhalla OTS, Sunrise OTS, Icon OTS , Symphony OTS . On September 15, 2014, RCCL trademarked the ship names Spectrum OTS , Harmony OTS , Emblem OTS, Joy OTS, Apex OTS. In September 2015 were abandoned the trademarks Emblem OTS, Passion OTS, Pulse OTS, Apex OTS, Joy OTS, Spectrum OTS . Other currently trademarked by Royal Caribbean ship names include Gallant OTS, Phenom OTS, Valhalla OTS, Sunrise OTS.

In September 2018 were trademarked 3 ship names (could be used for future newbuilds) - Eon OTS, Gallant OTS, Phenom OTS. In October was trademarked Metropolis OTS.

In September 2018 was trademarked the OASIS-Class ships' smokestack area (located top-deck midship). The design features a crown-shaped bottom section with 2 slanted funnels above. In October 2018 was trademarked the hull's oblong-shaped stern. The design features AquaTheater Suites (with balconies), Ultimate Abyss (2 cascading waterslides) and RCCL's logo. In December 2018 was trademarked the name "Fly Rider" (amusement park ride/similar to a zip-line roller coaster ride).

In October 2019, RCI partnered with Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park FL) for an exclusive beer label available only on CocoCay Island. The private beer label ("Chilla Thrilla") was trademarked on July 8, 2019. The craft beer (5% ABV) is a tropical ale (with mango and guava) packaged in 12-oz cans and is offered in different labels themed after CocoCay's areas.

In April 2020, RCG filed a trademark application for "Seaface" - its own sanitary mask brand ("medical apparatus") intended for cruise ship services.

In October 2020 were trademarked the names of 4 new shipboard venues - Vue Bar, Cask & Clipper (pub restaurant?), Wonder Playscape (kids playground?), Cantina Fresca (Mexican food bar).

In January 2020 were trademarked 15x names for new services and shipboard venues - Go Green, Roosevelt's Table, Royal Dueling Pianos, Royal Suite Club, Cloud 17 (adults-only sundeck), Lou's Jazz Club, Playaway Park (kids), The Overlook, The Yard, The Lemon Post (bar), Absolute Zero (ice bar), Challenger's (bar), Surfside (bar), Salty Sip (bar), AquaDome (glass roof over the pool deck).

In March 2021 was trademarked the phrase "America's Cruise Line" (software-related).

In October 2021 were trademarked 3x shipboard BBQ restaurant names ("The Mason Jar", "Savannah's Table", "Palmetto Room"), as well as "RCTV" (in-cabin TV programming), "Cruise Compass" (daily onboard newspaper), "RCG" (abbrev) and "Royal Caribbean Group" (shipowner).

In November 2021 were trademarked 6x names for ship waterslides - "Perfect Storm", "Hurricane Hunter", "Category 6", "Pressure Drop", "Storm Surge", "Storm Chasers".

In December 2021 were trademarked 23x possible ship names (all with OTS) - Magnificence, Melody, Fantasia, Paradise, Vibrance, Splendor, Grace, Sanctuary, Illumination, Unity, Intrigue, Aria, Awe, Aura, Eternity, Eden, Euphoria, Bliss, Utopia , Marvel, Nirvana, Haven, Divine. Also was trademarked "Royal Beach Club" (Nassau).

In January 2022 was trademarked "Accessory Place" (retail shop services that include selling jewelry) and "Cruiseverse" (virtual cruise ship services).

In June 2022 were trademarked the ship names Hero OTS, Majesty OTS, Marquee OTS, Monarch OTS, Nova OTS, Splendor OTS, Star OTS , Sun OTS, Titan OTS.

In September 2022 was trademarked "Icon of Vacations".

RCI cruise ships classes

RCI's fleet has vessels in the following classes:

Note: All vessels have an Outdoor Movie Theater (poolside large LED screen for movies), Solarium (adults-only pool deck), Aqua Park, Rock Climbing Wall, FlowRider (surf simulator), 3D Cinema, Virtual Balcony Staterooms.

• "Oasis Class" ships (Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony) feature Neighborhoods, AquaTheater, 3D Movies, Waterslides (Harmony, Symphony), Zip Line, 2 FlowRiders, 2 Climbing Walls, Carousel, Ice-Skating Rink, Loft Suites (2-deck cabins).
• "Icon Class" is a new design vessel with GT ~250K tons and passenger capacity 5600. The design is represented by 3x units ( Icon OTS , Apex OTS, Joy OTS) and features 8x neighborhoods and numerous fleet-firsts in technologies, venues, amenities, cabin types and categories.
• "Quantum Class" (Quantum, Anthem, Ovation) and "Quantum Ultra Class" (Spectrum, Odyssey) feature North Star (top-deck, mobile observation capsule/costs $25 pp), RipCord by iFLY (sky-diving simulator/$55 pp), Seaplex (large indoor sports complex), Two70 Lounge (3-deck high), Loft Suites, Music Hall (2-deck venue).
• "Freedom Class" (ships Freedom, Liberty, Independence) features Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade (indoor street).
• "Radiance Class" (ships Radiance, Brilliance, Serenade, Jewel) features Glass Elevators, Gyroscopic Self-Leveling Pool Tables, Mini-Golf Course.
• "Vision Class" ships (Grandeur, Rhapsody, Enchantment, Vision) is the fleet's oldest, excepting only the "Sovereign Class" ships Majesty and Empress.

The Voyager-class, Freedom-class, and Oasis-class vessels have Royal Promenade. It is a centerline promenade in a multi-deck Atrium with a pedestrian (shopping mall-like) area lined with restaurants and shops. At night, the Royal Promenade turns into an entertainment venue hosting live parades and dance parties. Royal Promenade's upper levels have "Promenade Staterooms" (each with a large window overlooking the promenade below).

All RCI ships have an Escape Room (team-building, adventure gaming experiences/$20 pp), Flowriders (surfing simulator/private lessons cost $69-500), Gaming Arcades ($1-3 per game). Optional are the Behind the Scenes (ship tour/costs $49-129 pp), fitness classes ($12 pp), cooking classes ($35-70 pp).

The next aerial photo shows a VOYAGER-class ship (Adventure, Explorer, Mariner, Navigator, Voyager).

On February 18, 2019, RCI signed a shipbuilding agreement with STX France (Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard in St Nazaire ) for a 6th OASIS liner (yard's 23rd vessel built for RCG). The ship ( Utopia OTS ) has volume 236857 GT-tons, LOA 362 m (1188 ft) and 2834 cabins (capacity 5634-6788 passengers).

On April 24, 2019, STX France started construction works on the 5th OASIS unit (Wonder OTS/2022), and on July 1st, 2022, on the 6th unit (Utopia OTS/2024).

The next aerial photo shows an OASIS/OASIS PLUS-class ship as looked from above.

Instead of Royal Promenade, Quantum-class liners have "Royal Esplanade" - a 2-deck high shopping complex without any overlooking "Promenade cabins".

Royal Caribbean ships offer a wide list of onboard facilities, the main of which include Grand-style productions Theatre, Live Comedy Club, Disco/Nightclub, Casino Royale, Library. Sports facilities include Studio B/Ice-Skating Rink, Rock Climbing Wall, FlowRider/surfing simulator, a Multiple Sports Court, Walking/Jogging Track, Golf Simulator, ZIP-Line, H2O Zone (Waterpark with Waterslide), Adventure Beach. Only Quantum ships have Bumper Cars, Skydiving Simulator, North Star/rotational capsule.

In 2016, RCI entered the "Guinness Book of World Records" in the category "Highest Viewing Deck on a Cruise Ship". The record was because of the "North Star" glass-walled observation capsule rising over 300 ft (91 m) above sea level and rotating upwards and over the ship's sides providing 360-degree views.

Next photo shows an ICON-class ship.

Families cruising with infants and toddlers benefit from RCI's nursery programs "Royal Babies" and "Royal Tots". Supervised children's club activities are available by RCI's children's program "Adventure Ocean".

CocoCay Island refurbishments 2018-2019 expansion

Since 2015, RCCL/RCG invests huge money in the corporation's private Bahamian island CocoCay .

In March 2018 was announced a USD 200-million project (named "Perfect Day Island Collection") for developing private land destinations in the regions of the Caribbean, Asia, and Australia-Oceania. As part of this project, on CocoCay will be built unique water attractions.

Thrill Waterpark attraction has 2 water towers (Daredevil's Tower, Family Tower) with a total of 13 slides. The Daredevil's Tower complex consists of North America's tallest waterslide (named Daredevil's Peak, height 135 ft / 41 m), Dueling Demons (2 drop slides), Manta Raycers (2 high-speed slides), Screeching Serpent (fully vertical slide), Green Mamba (coiling slide), as well as Caribbean's largest wave pool (Adventure Pool ) with obstacle course (lily pads), rock-climbing wall, . The Family Tower complex consists of all 6 waterslides, including 1 tubed (The Twister, capacity 2 persons sharing 1 raft), 1 zero-gravity (The Slingshot, capacity 4 persons) and 1 racing (Splash Speedway, with 4 lanes).

Caribbean's biggest freshwater swimming pool (named Oasis Lagoon) has a swim-up bar and water loungers.

Caribbean's only Zip-line with water landing has length 1600 ft (488 m) and crisscrosses the island at heights up to 50 ft (15 m).

The Bahamas' highest vantage point (an attraction named "Up, Up and Away") is a helium balloon flying up to 450 ft (137 m) above ground.

Newly added amenities include wave runner and boat tours, snorkeling, private cabanas and daybeds for rental, several beach bars with upgraded menus.

CocoCay has 3 new beaches - Chill Island Beach (private cabanas, daybeds), South Beach (designed for beachside activities/volleyball, basketball, soccer, paddleboards, glass-bottom sea kayaks, zorbs, has bungalows, daybeds, teepees/cone-shaped tents) and Coco Beach Club (overwater cabanas/rentals are inclusive of 1 hammock, 1 waterslide, dedicated service by an attendant). The complex also has a freshwater infinity pool, full bar, restaurant.

In May 2018 were announced plans to build permanent accommodations on CocoCay allowing Suite passengers to stay on the island overnight (or longer). The concept includes premium cabanas serving passengers on any of the RCI ships calling at CocoCay.

In 2017-2018 was constructed a new pier (can handle RCI's largest boats), as well as a basketball court, bocce ball court, bowling court, volleyball nets, large-size pool table.

In 2016 CocoCay was upgraded with a swim-up bar at Barefoot Beach, new cabanas, new island dock (for tenders), 35 beach bungalows (capacity 6 persons each) at Barefoot Beach.

In 2015, the island was upgraded with new trams (quieter and taller) and was added a new / shorter tram route and a new freshwater shower (at Barefoot Beach).

(NEW) Lucaya Resort Bahamas

In March 2019, the joint venture company Holistica Ltd (RCCL and ITM Group / Mumbai India ) signed a letter of intent with The Bahamas government for the purchase of Grand Lucayan Resort (an all-inclusive resort complex) and redevelopment of the Bahamian cruise port Freeport Harbor. The 2-year, USD 195 million project includes Grand Lucayan Resort's purchase (USD 65 million) plus USD 135 million for development works. The new (RCL-exclusive) cruise port is expected to bring ~2 million additional tourists to Grand Bahama Island annually. The project includes the construction of a theme park and a 5-star hotel. Grand Lucayan Resort suffered significant damages during Hurricane Matthew (October 2016) and was forced to close 2/3 of its property.

On June 24, 2019, RCCL and ITM Group established the Miami-headquartered joint venture company "Holistica" which specializes in cruise port development projects worldwide. Holistica's first project was the USD 275 million Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport Bahamas . Developments by Holistica were also planned for Costa Maya (Mexico), Roatan Island (Honduras) and Kumamoto (Kyushu Island, Japan).

On March 2, 2020, RCCL officially announced Holistica's USD 300 million private cruise resort project "Lucaya Property". The investment includes redeveloping (expanding) the Freeport Cruise Terminal (to be renamed to "Harbour Village") and building a leisure complex with a large hotel (526 rooms), wellness facilities, shopping village, convention center (sized 40,000 ft2 / 3720 m2), theme park (with water slides, outdoor playgrounds, zip-lines).

Lucaya Property is approx 9 mi (15 km) west of Harbour Village (Freeport Cruise Terminal). At Harbour Village for tourists will be introduced new shopping and dining venues (bars, restaurants), live entertainment and nightlife programming, beach zones, new shore excursions, new transport infrastructure (serving ferries, buses, passenger vehicles). The Lucaya Property project is planned for completion in 2022-Q4.

RCI "VOOM" Internet

VOOM is the trademarked name of RCI's high-speed Internet service providing faster connectivity at sea, with almost the same Internet speeds as on land. The new satellite technology utilizes each ship specifically.

VOOM Internet has latency 120 ms, ping ~300 ms, download speed ~4,6 Mbps, upload speed ~5,2 Mbps. VOOM allows fast streaming of music and movies (incl YouTube, Netflix), uploading multiple (incl big-sized) pictures, also video chatting (FaceTime, Skype, conference calls), checking email, web surfing, stable and fast VPN connections. The onboard system is based on the 802.11b wireless connection (theoretical bandwidth peak of 11 Mbps).

• Onboard Internet access is integrated to the stateroom number and the personal onboard account. Following the log-on to the ship's wireless network "Royal WiFi", there is an option for creating an Internet account where the passenger can sign up for a particular Internet plan or pay by the minute. The charge is always applied to the cabin (onboard) account.
• While using the VOOM Internet package, passengers can switch between various mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops). However, the number of devices connected at the same time is limited by the Internet plan.
• The cruise ship also has several Internet workstations available for all passengers on an FCFS basis (a first-come-first-served).
• Among the cheaper alternatives to the VOOM are connecting onboard (while the ship is in ports of call) or ashore (in restaurants, bars, etc).

In August 2022 RCG signed a deal with SpaceX (2002-founded by Elon Musk) for using Starlink's satellites to provide faster and low-latency Internet fleetwide (RCI, Celebrity, and Silversea). The project was completed in 2023-Q1.

New Internet packages cost (2023 prices)

RCI's ship internet offering was revamped from only one plan into different per day packages with pricing based on the number of included devices. Two new packages are currently available for booking:

• Note: All below listed unlimited Internet package prices are CruisePlanner booking rates and include the 30% pre-cruise booking discount. Packages can be purchased onboard and also pre-purchased (before the cruise) via RCI's "Cruise Planner" booking system.
• "Voom Surf Voyage" is the "light package" providing high-speed Internet for general web browsing, e-mails and social media platforms (except video streaming). The "Voom Surf Voyage" Internet package cost (per day) depends on the number of mobile devices using it. "Voom Surf" pricing is as follows: $13 (1 device), $12 (2 devices), $10 (4 devices) and $20 (Single Day Pass per device / per day).
• "Voom Surf + Stream" is the "real deal", offering unlimited Internet activities, including high-speed video streaming (music, movies, video chatting, texting, VoIP apps /Internet phone calls). The "Voom Surf + Stream" Internet package cost (per day) also depends on the number of mobile devices included. Voom Surf + Stream pricing is as follows: $18 (1 device), $16 (2 devices), $14 (4 devices) and $28 (Single Day Pass per device / per day).

Occasionally, Royal Caribbean offers VOOM package discounts for passengers with pre-purchased online (via CruisePlanner) internet packages. Discounts are also offered for Royal Caribbean loyalty program members (Crown and Anchor Society) when the VOOM package is purchased onboard.

RCI's Cruise Planner packages & prices

Cruise Planner is an online booking system for adding/pre-purchasing shore excursions, specialty restaurants, beverage packages, internet packages, photo packages, gifts and gear, onboard activities (ship tour, special events), The Key (VIP access program), as well as making wellness reservations (massage and body therapies, treatments, teeth whitening, beauty services, fitness classes, personal training, etc).

Specialty restaurant dining packages currently offered by RCI include "Unlimited" (lunches, snacks, dinners), "3-Night" (3x dinners) and "Chops+1" (1x Chops Grille dinner plus 1x dinner at another restaurant).

Drink packages include Deluxe (all-inclusive), Refreshment (non-alcoholic) and Soda (unlimited refills with included a Coca-Cola souvenir cup).

The Key (VIP program offering exclusive onboard perks) must be purchased prior the voyage and is priced US$20-35 per person per day.

Arcade Gaming credit packages via CruisePlanner cost less ($20 vs $25, $40 vs $50, $80 vs $100).

Loyalty program (Crown and Anchor Society)

Through this program, regular customers accumulate points (booking 7-day and longer voyages) to become members and earn discounts and gifts.

Since January 2013, RCI's exclusive partnership with MGM Resorts International provides benefits to members of both companies' loyalty programs (Crown & Anchor Society/M life) and access and rewards at MGM Resorts' properties in the USA (casino gaming, hotel accommodations, dining, spa) and onboard RCI's liners. MGM Resorts' portfolio of resort brands includes properties in Las Vegas (Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA, Vdara, Mandalay Bay, Delano, The Mirage, Luxor, New York-New York, Excalibur, Park MGM, NoMad), Detroit (MGM Grand), Mississippi (Beau Rivage, Gold Strike Tunica ), Atlantic City NJ (Borgata), Oxon Hill MD (MGM National Harbor), Springfield MA (MGM Springfield).

GOLD Level (3-29 points)

Gold level members receive loyalty program-only benefits (Onboard Offers, Exclusive Rates, Desk for inquiries, member newsletter, exclusive email offers), priority notices (promo offers, new ships/itineraries), additional points (for bookings Suites and/or single cabins), various onboard discounts.

All above levels receive these perks by default.

These are exemplary discounts for Gold level members - up to 50% off wine-beer-soda by the glass/2x coupons per voyage, -25% Coffee Beverage/excluding Starbucks, -50% Johnny Rockets Milkshakes/2x coupons per voyage, -10% any VOOM-Internet Package, -10% Logoed Products/min purchase US$25, -10% any Spa Service/excluding Medi-Spa).

PLATINUM Level (30-54 points)

Platinum level members receive robes (onboard use only), Signature Lapel Pin, booking discounts (on Balcony cabins and Suites).

EMERALD Level (55-79 points)

Emerald level members receive Welcome Waters and Snacks (with Beverage Selection) and bigger booking discounts (on Balconies and Suites).

DIAMOND Level (80-174 points) perks

• Discounts on booking Suites and Balconies - US$225 discount per cabin (7-day itinerary)
• One day free VOOM internet access
• Exclusive access to Diamond Lounge (complimentary brand coffees, continental breakfast, light lunch option/sandwiches-fruits-desserts, evening happy hour/appetizers)
• 4x free drinks pp per day

DIAMOND PLUS Level (175-699) perks

• Two days free VOOM internet access
• 5x free drinks pp per day
• 1x BOGO offer (dining at any specialty restaurant paying 1x cover charge and the second person dines for free) - except Izumi Restaurant (Japanese) and Chef's Table (VIP Dining Room).

After 340 points is offered lunch with an officer (in the MDR/main dining room), with a special menu (champagne and wine included).

Lifeguards on RCI ships

Since 2017, all RCI ships have onboard licensed lifeguards by the line's "water safety program", implemented fleetwide. By the new program, water safety signs are placed throughout the ship.

Ship's lifeguards are dressed in special uniforms (in bright red and white) and stationed at every swimming pool, including the Solarium (adults-only retreat) during the complex's opening hours. All Royal Caribbean lifeguards are trained through the RCI's partnership with StarGuard Elite (Florida-based lifeguard training center).

• The water safety program includes a 15-min presentation (on embarkation day). The instruction is for by both kids and parents and held during Adventure Ocean's open-house session.
• Swim vests for all kids (aged 4-12) are readily available. Additional signage is added around swimming pool areas and in all cabins to encourage parents to use them.
• Kids under 12 require a parent or guardian to be present when swimming in any of the cruise ship's pools.

RCI's water safety program was rolled out fleetwide in 2017 (February-June). Next are listed all RCI boats and the itinerary dates (2017) when each implemented the new lifeguard service.

• Oasis (February 26-March 5)
• Harmony (March 7-11)
• Independence (March 11-16)
• Anthem (March 11-14)
• Liberty (March 12-19)
• Freedom (March 22-29)
• Allure (March 23-26)
• Brilliance (March 24-30)
• Quantum (March 26-31)
• Ovation (March 29-April 3)
• Navigator (March 31-April 5)
• Serenade (March 31-April 7)
• Jewel (March 31-April 4)
• Rhapsody (April 5-8)
• Majesty (April 21-24)
• Empress (April 24-29)
• Adventure (April 26-29)
• Enchantment (May 8-12)
• Grandeur (May 13-18)
• Explorer (May 15-26)
• Mariner (May 26-June 4)
• Radiance (May 28-June 6)
• Voyager (June 5-12)
• Vision (June 15-27)

The news made RCI the 2nd major cruise company with shipboard lifeguards - following DCL-Disney (employing certified lifeguards since 2013) and followed by NCL-Norwegian (in 2017 summer) starting with NCL's 4 largest vessels and employing onboard lifeguards fleetwide by 2018.

Shipboard poolside activities (listed in the newsletter "Cruise Compass") vary, but some of the common ones include watching movies (on the LED screen), playing bingo, hosting fun competitions, games, classes (scuba, fitness, dance, yoga, etc).

RCI "NextCruise" (onboard booking)

In August 2017, Royal Caribbean changed "Next Cruise" (onboard cruise booking program). NextCruise allows passengers to book a future RCI itinerary while on the ship. The old program included booking with reduced deposits.

Since August 2017, the deposit required for onboard booking is the same as the deposit required with shore bookings (ranging between USD 100-450 per stateroom, depending on itinerary length).

Since December 2017, NextCruise shipboard booking customers are eligible to pay a reduced deposit (USD 100 pp) regardless of voyage length - but only if they book with non-refundable fares. Refundable fare bookings still require a full deposit. This offer is available on all RCI cruises - excluding only China roundtrips. The USD 100 pp deposit is applicable when booking Interior Cabin up to Junior Suite.

• Grand Suite and above stateroom bookings require a full deposit.
• Group bookings are also not eligible for the USD 100 pp deposit.
• In case non-refundable fare bookings are canceled, "Future Cruise Credit" will not be issued.

Currently, the only benefit from onboard cruise booking is the future onboard credit (abbrev OBC), which is based on cabin type:

• 4-5 night itineraries - Inside and Oceanview cabins (USD 25 per cabin), Balcony Stateroom and Junior Suite (USD 50), Grand Suite and higher (USD 150)
• 6-9 night itineraries - Inside and Oceanview cabins (USD 50 per cabin), Balcony Stateroom and Junior Suite (USD 100), Grand Suite and higher (USD 300)
• 10-night and longer itineraries - Inside and Oceanview cabins (USD 100 per cabin), Balcony Stateroom and Junior Suite (USD 200), Grand Suite and higher (USD 500).

In May 2019, RCI introduced the "Book Later" booking option available at all ships' NextCruise Offices, in addition to "Book Now" (booking a specific itinerary). Book Later allows future bookings up to 2 months thus providing more time to consider itineraries while retaining the shipboard booking discount/bonus. Book Later requires a non-refundable deposit of USD 200 per stateroom (US$100 per cabin if booking a specific itinerary) and gives up to USD 600 in OBC or instant savings. Book Later deals expire within 1 year (after creating the onboard reservation) and the deposits paid will be lost.

RCI Cruise Cancellation Policy

Starting April 18, 2018, Royal Caribbean passengers who want to cancel an upcoming cruise without penalty have to do so farther out from the departure date than before. The new RCI cruise cancellation policy simplifies the penalty fee schedule by reducing the number of itinerary categories from 5 to 2: those of 1 to 4 nights and those 5 nights or longer.

• Under the old policy, travelers booked on 1 to 5-night-long itineraries could cancel up to 60 days prior to departure without a cancellation fee.
• The new RCI cancellation policy changes the cruise length/itinerary duration to 1 to 4 nights (including short holiday and mini-cruise deals) and requires cancellation at least 75 days before departure.
• Cruises 1- to 4- night-long canceled between 74 and 61 days out incur a fee of 50% of the total price. Cruises canceled 60 to 31 days out incur a fee of 75% of the total fare and any cruise canceled within 30 days or less of departure is not refunded at all (100% cancellation fee).
• The second tier of cancellations includes any itineraries 5 nights or longer, including cruise tours and holiday voyages. Under the old policy, cruises 6 nights or longer, holiday voyages 1 to 5 days, holiday voyages 6 nights or longer, and cruise tours had separate cancellation penalty schedules. By the new policy, itineraries 5 nights or longer must be canceled at least 90 days before departure date to avoid the cancellation fee. Previously, RCI customers could cancel 75 to 90 days before departure, depending on itinerary category.
• Cruises 5 nights or longer canceled 89 to 75 days before departure incur a penalty equal to 25% deposit paid. Cruises canceled 74 to 61 days incur penalties of 50% of the total price. Cruises canceled 60 to 31 days incur penalties of 75% of the fare Cruises canceled within 30 days or less of departure is not refunded at all (100% cancellation fee).

The previous time when RCI updated its cancellation policy was on March 7, 2016.

Shore Excursions Cancellation Policy

On June 15, 2017, Royal Caribbean International implemented a new "Shore Excursions Cancellation Policy" fleetwide. The new policy transitions from 1 day / 24-hour before land tour departure date to 48 hours before cruise port arrival date.

• Shore Excursions can be modified/changed or canceled up to 2 days / 48 hours before seaport arrival date without any penalty.
• Land Tours that involve travel by air/flights (international and domestic), trains, also special/themed events, overnight hotel stays and Private Journeys (customized tours) must be canceled 30 days before cruise departure date to avoid cancellation fees/penalties.
• In the event a land tour is canceled 48-hours before seaport arrival date, a full refund is provided to the passenger's onboard account.

At the end of March 2017, RCCL corporation launched its own land tour travel website - GoBe.com. The website is non-cruise travel-related and allows international travelers to book tours and excursions in 97 countries and 896 cities worldwide.

• As of 2017, tour prices (per person) ranged from USD 14 (Cape Town bus tour) to USD 3,785 (Rome helicopter tour).
• The new website is managed by Larry Pimentel (RCCL's Chief Destination Officer, also Azamara Club's President and CEO. The website provides full tour information, including duration, activity level, languages, etc.
• Optional custom itinerary planning is also offered.

On select voyages, RCI offers a behind-the-scenes "crew life" tour with duration 2 hours. The "All Access Crew Life Tour" (priced USD 79 pp) can be booked via CruisePlanner and offers a glimpse of what it is like to work and live on the ship.

RCI fly-cruise packages are via the company's Air2Sea program.

Non-Refundable Cruise Deposit Policy

On July 1, 2017, RCI implemented fleetwide a new, non-refundable cruise deposit program.

• USD 100 "cruise change" fee per person (pp) is imposed on each booked reservation (under "non-refundable deposit fare") opting to change the originally selected vessel and/or departure date.
• Multiple adjustments to the vessel/departure date result in the assessment of USD 100 pp change fee for each qualifying change made to the booked reservation. RCI doesn't limit the number of changes.
• Outside of final payment, when a non-refundable cruise deposit cancellation occurs, booked passengers receive "Future Cruise Certificate" in the amount of the cruise deposit, minus the USD 100 pp change fee.
• Non-refundable deposits are the only option for booking higher-grade Suites, and also for all guaranteed cabin categories.

In late February 2017, the RCCL corporation imposed a fee of USD 65 pp in case of leaving the cruise early (whatever the reason might be). Passengers who refuse to pay face the prospect of being banned from RCCL cruise ships FOREVER.

RCI pet/animal policy

In August 2018, RCI updated its "emotional support animals" policy by banning such animals fleetwide. Support/companion animals are not recognized by ADA. By definition, these are pets determined by a medical professional as providing benefits for handicapped people (cruise passengers with disabilities).

In an officially issued statement, RCI explained as the main reason for its policy change to differentiate support from service animals, the latter of which are trained and certified to help the disabled. Service animals traveling with physically / non-physically disabled passengers are still allowed on the ships. Pets are not allowed on RCI ships.

Photo packages prices

In late June 2017, RCI added two photo packages (available for online purchasing at CruisePlanner) both including two options - digital (unlimited photos are uploaded on a USB stick) and printed.

• The unlimited digital photo package costs US$250.
• The 50-prints/digitals photo package costs US$140.
• The 20-prints/digitals photo package costs US$200.
• The 10-prints/digitals photo package costs US$110.
• The 5-prints/digitals photo package costs US$70.

Before 2017, RCI offered photo packages for online purchasing on a separate website.

Private photo sessions can be also booked.

RCI "Cruise Compass" (onboard newsletter)

"Cruise Compass" is named the RCI's onboard newsletter delivered by cabin attendants each evening. This is a daily guide for news, onboard events, and activities on the cruise ship scheduled for the next day.

The newsletter also provides valuable information regarding forecasted weather, bars with drink specials, itinerary ports of call and shore excursions info, themed events (parties, lectures, seminars, etc), sporting events.

• Some of the events are not repeated, other activities change daily.
• RCI doesn't publish "Cruise Compass" guides for upcoming cruises in advance.
• age 1 is an overview of what to expect the next day, including port, weather report, specials, highlighted events, dedicated "Important things to know today" section.
• Page 2 lists more onboard events, sales, and special offers. The "Activity and Entertainment Highlights" section lists headlines of all evening show performances onboard,
• Page 3 lists all the ship's venues (bars, restaurants, food bars, lounges, Spa, Gym, etc) and their opening hours. Here is also the RCI's main dining room dress code. At the page's bottom is the "drink of the day" special - a discount-priced cocktail.
• Page 4 lists all the next day's activities broken down by time (morning, afternoon, evening) - all shipboard events, each has time, title and deck location.
• "Adventure Ocean" is another newsletter providing information about kids programming (small children and teens) scheduled on the cruise ship. Some of these events are also listed in the "Cruise Compass". "Adventure Ocean" newsletter has "Daily Planner" with kids and teen activities (broken up by ages).

The "Royal iQ" app is available on some RCI ships and features a "Cruise Compass" digital copy. This mobile app allows adding specific events directly to your own digital calendar. Via the app, you can make reservations (spa, dining, etc) or add activities directly from the "Cruise Compass" to your own calendar. Your own daily schedule will be automatically updated. Unfortunately, the app works only on Quantum- and Oasis-class ships.

RCI's shipboard All Access Tour (aka behind-the-scenes tour)

Like most mainstream brands, RCI offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship providing access to areas where passengers are otherwise not allowed to visit.

Conducted only on a sea day, the 2-hour "All Access Tour" is a walking tour of 6x areas - Galley/Kitchen, Navigation Bridge (the Wheelhouse and both bridge wings), Engines/control room, waste management (trash separation and disposal), laundry room (deck 1), food storage rooms, the Royal Theater (backstage). Participants are required to wear pants and closed-toed shoes, and are provided with earpieces to hear the tour guide's narration. The tour leader also often hands off the technical explanations to a crew working in the visited area for more detailed information on the facilities.

RCI's shipboard "DreamWorks Experience" program

"DreamWorks Experience" was a family-themed program via a partnership between Royal Caribbean International and Amblin Partners (DreamWorks SKG's owner company). Universal Pictures is the distributor of DreamWorks movie productions through its subsidiary company Touchstone Pictures.

RCI's DreamWorks programming featured 3D movies and DreamWorks characters meets-and-greets. It was introduced in June 2010 and terminated in March 2019. This new entertainment program was geared toward families and offered DreamWorks movie-themed activities on only 9 RCI ships (Allure, Oasis, Harmony, Anthem, Ovation, Quantum, Freedom, Liberty, Voyager). The list of such activities included:

• DreamWorks characters meetings and greetings (with photo ops). The list of characters included Po ("Kung Fu Panda" movie), Shrek, Fiona, Puss ("Shrek" series), Alex, Gloria, King Julien, penguins ("The Penguins of Madagascar" series, "All Hail King Julien" series).
• Character Breakfasts were offered (at surcharge pp) in the Main Dining Room restaurant.
• 3D DreamWorks movie screenings were available in the Royal Theater (Cinema Lounge), including first-run movies which premiered on the ship were on the same day they went at land-based theaters. Among the films were "Shrek", "Madagascar", "How to Train Your Dragon", "Kung Fu Panda".
• DreamWorks channel was part of the in-cabin TV programming.
• Themed activities and games (by ship's "Adventure Ocean" / complimentary youth program) included 3D animation workshops, storytime, themed dance parties, character story-based adventure games, regular character visits to kids facilities, onboard parades, meet-and-greets with photo ops (throughout the ship).
• DreamWorks shows were available in Studio B (ice rink theater) and AquaTheater (Oasis ships).

The DreamWorks-themed shows at Studio B and AquaTheater were replaced with new Royal Caribbean Productions. All cruises departing before April 1 (2019) had the DreamWorks program available for the entire voyage.

RCI's shipboard kids and teen programming

Also complimentary the company offers to kids and teenagers supervised activities at dedicated facilities and youth counselors on each vessel.

For toddlers (2-3 yo) on each liner are provided at-fee nursery services (hourly charge) via highly experienced and professionally trained staff.

RCI's children program (named "Adventure Ocean") covers ages 2-17 and features brand partnerships (with Fisher-Price, Crayola), Family Disco Hour. dedicated areas and facilities, including toddlers-only pools, computer rooms, video game arcades, separate kids- and teen-only clubs.

On September 30, 2018, RCI discontinued fleetwide its in-cabin babysitting service ("Sitters at Sea" program served by crew members, upon request). Service's only alternatives still available are the shipboard nursery (on some liners only, serving toddlers and kids up to 3 yo) and group sitting ("Late Night Party Zone" program for kids 3-11 yo, served by Adventure Ocean staff). The other two kids programs (Adventure Ocean, Royal Babies, and Tots) remained unchanged.

Shipboard VIP passenger program

Currently, RCI offers two VIP packages available for prepurchasing before boarding the ship - "The Key" and "Premier Pass".

VIP package The Key

On two liners (Liberty OTS and Oasis OTS) was tested the new VIP passenger access program "The Key". The program's test period was between November 2018 and March 2019. It was in limited quantity and available on select voyages.

The VIP package is available for purchase only via CruisePlanner. Currently, the package's cost is USD 25,99 per person per day. However, all roommates ages 6 and older must purchase the package to receive its benefits (available via SeaPass cards and starting on embarkation day).

"The Key" VIP package is inclusive of:

• Carry-on luggage service (max 2 bags pp) - drop off at Royal Theater or MDR (by 2 pm), cabin delivery
• Welcome MDR lunch (Chops Grille/steakhouse menu) on embarkation day between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Dining reservations are not required.
• Daily private visits (reserved hours) at signature shipboard facilities - including FlowRider, Rock-Climbing Walls, Ice-Skating Rink. VIP seating at live shows must be reserved online (via CruisePlanner) prior departure.
• Early access at the cruise terminal, priority check-in (embarkation day) and tendering (ship-to-shore ferry) service at call ports without docking facilities.
• Complimentary room service (during the entire voyage)
• 25% discount on all shipboard dining purchases
• Early access at the Theater's shows (reservations are required)
• Complimentary VOOM Internet ("Surf and Stream" package for 1 device).
• Priority debarkation with exclusive a la carte breakfast (between 6:30-9:30 am).

IMPORTANT: Currently, "The Key" package is not offered only on Majesty OTS , Quantum OTS and Voyager OTS . Priority check-in and boarding are not offered in Vancouver BC Canada and at Australian homeports.

VIP package "Premier Pass"

The "Premier Pass" package is for two passengers (sharing a stateroom) and includes the following perks:

• Welcome Champagne (bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin)
• Priority embarkation/tendering/debarkation
• All Access Tour (2-hour walking tour of 6x areas)
• Officer's lunch invitation (meal with an officer)
• Captain's Cocktail Reception (toast and photo)
• Exclusive food and wine pairing (with sommelier service and complimentary wine)
• Unlimited Internet (for 2x devices)
• Laundry service (1x bag per cabin)

The VIP package Premier Pass was introduced in March 2023.

Premier Pass costs US$89 (US$44,50 pp).

(NEW) RoyalUp - cabin upgrade bidding

On November 28, 2018, RCI introduced fleetwide bid-based cabin upgrade program called "RoyalUp". Booked customers receive an email if their cruise is eligible. They can browse through available for booking higher-grade staterooms on that voyage. Then select their bidding price for a particular cabin upgrade and submit the bid.

RoyalUp upgrades are priced per person, for the entire voyage, based on twin share. Only the first and second passengers in the cabin are charged the extra - regardless room's grade and max occupancy. These upgrades are based on availability. Cabin location can't be specified.

Group bookings are also included but without a guarantee that all reservations will be upgraded. If all reservations are upgraded, RCI doesn't guarantee that all upgraded staterooms will be located close together.

Booked customers are allowed to bid multiple cabin categories. Travel agents are also allowed to bid for their clients. Upgrade bids are accepted until 2 days prior departure. Passengers with accepted RoyalUp biddings are notified via email. They are allowed also to modify or cancel the upgrade (until 2 days prior departure) if the offer is not been accepted by RCI and their credit card is not been charged.

RCI's wedding packages and vow renewals

Call port/ashore or onboard cruise ship weddings and vow renewals are available by contacting RCI's weddings department a minimum 90 days before the itinerary's departure date. The company assigns dedicated coordinators for customizing the ceremonies and the reception events, as well as assisting with marriage licenses.

Standard wedding packages include priority services (dockside check-in and boarding), non-denominational officiant, pre-recorded music, 3-tier cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, a specialty restaurant dinner and in-bed breakfast (onboard), themed cabin decorations, 1-hour photo service, 1x champagne bottle (Moet & Chandon), keepsake wedding certificate (listing the ship/cruise port).

Wedding package add-ons may include beauty services (haircuts/styling, nails, barber), live music, DJ (private party), cocktail reception (at a VIP venue with bar service).

Wedding packages are priced between USD 2000-5600 (the couple plus 10-75 guests).

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, RCG suspended its global fleet's passenger shipping operations (RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Silversea) worldwide by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 15, 2020, through early-July 2021.

Next are listed all RCI ships and their first departure dates/regions/homeports - ADVENTURE OTS (June 12, 2021/ Caribbean from Nassau Bahamas ), ALLURE OTS (Aug 8, 2021/Port Canaveral), ANTHEM OTS (July 7, 2021/Europe-UK from Southampton), BRILLIANCE OTS (Dec 16, 2021/Tampa), ENCHANTMENT OTS (Dec 23, 2021/Bahamas-Caribbean from Baltimore), EXPLORER OTS (Nov 7, 2021/Caribbean from San Juan Puerto Rico), FREEDOM OTS (July 2, 2021/Miami), GRANDEUR OTS (Dec 5, 2021/ Caribbean from Bridgetown Barbados ), HARMONY OTS (Aug 15, 2021/Mediterranean from Barcelona), INDEPENDENCE OTS (Aug 15, 2021/Galveston), JEWEL OTS (July 10, 2021/ Mediterranean from Limassol Cyprus ), LIBERTY OTS (Oct 3, 2021/Galveston), MARINER OTS (Aug 23, 2021/Port Canaveral), NAVIGATOR OTS (Nov 19, 2021/Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles), OASIS OTS (Sept 5, 2021/Florida-Bahamas from NYC), ODYSSEY OTS (July 31, 2021/Fort Lauderdale), OVATION OTS (Aug 13, 2021 and May 5, 2022 / Alaska from Seattle ), QUANTUM OTS (Dec 1, 2020/ cruises to nowhere from Singapore, and May 4, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), RADIANCE OTS (April 23, 2022/LA to Vancouver-Alaska), RHAPSODY OTS (May 23, 2022/Europe-Mediterranean from Rome), SERENADE OTS (July 19, 2021/ Alaska from Seattle ), SPECTRUM OTS (Oct 14, 2021/ cruises to nowhere from Hong Kong China), SYMPHONY OTS (Aug 14, 2021/Miami), VISION OTS (March 7, 2022/Fort Lauderdale), VOYAGER OTS (April 15, 2022/Europe), WONDER OTS (March 4, 2022/ Maiden Voyage /Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale).

• ODYSSEY OTS was scheduled to start on June 2nd Eastern Mediterranean roundtrips from Haifa Israel. However, due to "unrest in Israel and the region", this Cyprus and Greece program was canceled in May.
• VISION OTS was scheduled to start on June 26th Bahamas roundtrips from Bermuda (King's Wharf), but the program was canceled.
• Royal Caribbean's Australia 2021-2022 winter program was canceled due to travel restriction uncertainties. Two ships were affected - QUANTUM OTS from Brisbane (planned restart October 30) and OVATION OTS from Sydney (planned restart December 13).
• VOYAGER OTS had scheduled an Asian 2021 program with homeporting in Tianjin-Beijing (China to Japan, starting August 1) and in Singapore (starting November 4), but in July 2021 the program was canceled through April 2022.
• In August 2021, RCI postponed the restarts of BRILLIANCE OTS (planned for Sept 4/Tampa), RADIANCE OTS (for Oct 15/Miami), and RHAPSODY OTS (for Dec 14/Tampa). The affected bookings were moved to similar out-of-Tampa voyages on SERENADE OTS.

All affected bookings received full refunds (100%), including on prepurchased through RCI cruise packages and services. With rebooking are offered 125% refunds in FCC (future cruise credit) to be used on itineraries that depart up to September 30, 2022. The FCC must be redeemed by December 31, 2021. Full cash refund or changing the FCC to a monetary refund (100%) must be done by March 31, 2021. Within 45 days (from the cancellation date), all taxes, port fees and pre-purchased (if any) packages/amenities are automatically refunded to the original form of payment.

RCI's Cancellation Policy (Cruise with Confidence) was extended to allow penalty-free cancellations up to 48 hours prior to departure (all itineraries) and receive an FCC. The policy was also enhanced with two new rebooking options - "Best Price Guarantee" (you can change the price and promo offers on the booking up to 48 hours prior to departure) and "Lift and Shift" (you can rebook the same itinerary departing within 1 month from the canceled date, with protected original price and promo offer and keeping the same cabin category).

In the period August-December 2021, all unvaccinated passengers (12 and older) on RCI cruises from Florida ports were required to have a valid insurance policy of a minimum US$25,000 pp (medical expense coverage) and US$50,000 pp (for onboard quarantine and COVID-related medevac). Before this new policy, RCI covered up to US$20,000 per person for Coronavirus-related costs. The money was for shipboard medical treatments and safe quarantine plus providing safe return-to-home travel arrangements. If a passenger tested COVID-positive while on the ship, RCI also provided a full monetary refund (100% of the cruise price) for the infected and his/her travel companions.

In mid-December 2020, RCI sold the ships Empress OTS (30-years-old) and Majesty OTS (28-years-old) were sold to an Asian company (undisclosed shipowner).

In Aug 2022, RCI announced that allows unused FCCs (future cruise credits left from a booking/remainder balance) to be redeemed as OBCs/onboard credits.

Itinerary of Royal Caribbean

RCI offers year-round roundtrip departures from Baltimore MD (South Locust Point Terminal) where is currently homeported Enchantment OTS. The ship cruises to ports in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Canada-New England. The fleetmate Grandeur OTS operated out of Baltimore between 2013-2020.

Comic-Con Cruise 2025

Serenade OTS is RCI's first ship to host a Comic-Con - an annual event by San Diego Comic-Con International (1970-inaugurated as "Golden State Comic Book Convention").

The special voyage (February 5-9, 2025, roundtrip from Tampa Florida ) is a full-ship charter by Entertainment Cruise Productions (Clayton Missouri-based company) specializing in themed voyages.

Royal Caribbean's Comic-Con cruise ship experience will feature various small group events (including Q&A sessions, trivia, fun contests), video gaming competitions, parties (dancing, karaoke, cosplay/costume play, DJs).

When the announcement was made (in July 2023) prices (per person) varied between US$990 (interior cabin) and US$5620 (Royal Suite) with double occupancy, while single occupancy was US$1240 (interior).

IMPORTANT/Itinerary changes 2024-2025 (Europe-Caribbean-Alaska-Australia)

RCI's Australia 2024-2025 season is based on the ships (homeports) - Quantum (Brisbane QLD) and Ovation (Sydney NSW).

RCI's Alaska 2025 program is based on 4 ships (Anthem, Quantum, Radiance, Serenade), mainly 7-day itineraries and homeporting in Seattle WA, Vancouver BC, and Seward AK. Quantum OTS visits destinations like Sitka, Skagway, Endicott Arm fjord, Dawes Glacier, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Victoria BC. Serenade OTS Inside Passage voyages visit Haines, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan. Radiance OTS operates between Seward and Vancouver and visits Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier.

In February 2024, RCI opened for booking Wonder OTS' short Caribbean voyages. Starting September 1st, 2025. the ship changes homeports (Port Canaveral to Miami) offering 3- and 4-night roundtrips out of PortMiami. Previously, (from Port Canaveral) were operated 7-day roundtrips.

In July 2024 was announced that In 2025, Ovation OTS will be redeployed from Asia to California USA (homeported in  Los Angeles ) joining Navigator  OTS. In summer 2025, out of LA, Ovation OTS will offer 3-5-6-night roundtrip itineraries.

Ultimate World Cruise 2023-2024 (Serenade OTS)

In October 2021, RCI announced the company's first World Cruise , which is also one of the world's longest.

The 274-night itinerary (themed "Ultimate World Cruise"/December 10, 2023, through September 10, 2024) is scheduled for Serenade OTS/wiki section .

The roundtrip from Miami visits 150 ports/islands (57 new for RCI) in 65 countries and on all 7 continents.

Shorter segments included:

• (Dec 10 - Feb 11) "Round the Horn: Americas and Antarctica Expedition" itinerary visits 36 ports/islands, 3 continents, and destinations in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Cape Horn, Antarctica, Rio de Janeiro (New Year's Eve overnight), Los Angeles (overnight).
• (Feb 11 - May 9) "Wonders of Asia and the Pacific Expedition" itinerary visits 40 ports/islands, 3 continents, and destinations in North America (Hawaii), Oceania (French Polynesia), New Zealand, Australia, Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Japan).
• (May 9 - July 10) "Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med Expedition" itinerary visits 44 ports, 3 continents, and destinations in Arabia (Dubai, Jordan), Africa (Egypt), Mediterranean (Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, Spain), Adriatic (Croatia).
• (July 10 - Sept 10) "Capitals of Culture" itinerary visits 40 ports, 3 continents and destinations in the Mediterranean (Spain, Morocco), Baltic (Russia/St Petersburg, Norway), with the Transatlantic crossing from Europe to the USA (via Iceland and NYC New York) ending in PortMiami.

Full-paid early bookings (made by January 6, 2023) received a 10% discount. Additional costs include taxes-fees-port charges (USD 4667 USD pp).

A Balcony stateroom cost USD 75,000 ($136 pp per day), the 4-passenger Royal Suite cost USD 760,000.

In April 2023, RCI opened for booking more shorter segments of the Ultimate World Cruise 2024:

• 26-days (Dec 10, 2023 - Jan 5, 2024) "Ultimate Caribbean and South America" itinerary (Miami to Buenos Aires)
• 18-days (Jan 5-23) "Ultimate South America and Antarctica" itinerary (Buenos Aires to Valparaiso-Santiago)
• 19-days (Jan 23 - Feb 11) "Ultimate Central and South America" itinerary (Valparaiso-Santiago to Los Angeles)
• 29-days (Feb 11 - Mar 11) "Ultimate Hawaii, Tahiti and Australia" itinerary (Los Angeles to Brisbane)Papeete Tahiti), New Zealand (Auckland, Russel-Bay of Islands) and NSW Australia (Sydney, Newcastle).
• 16-days (Mar 11-27) "Ultimate Australia and Southeast Asia" itinerary (Brisbane to Hong Kong China)
• 12-days (Mar 27 - Apr 8) "Ultimate China, Japan and South Korea" itinerary (Hong Kong to Tianjin-Beijing China)
• 16-days (Apr 8-24) "Ultimate Japan, Vietnam and Singapore" itinerary (Beijing to Singapore)
• 15-days (Apr 24 - May 9) "Ultimate India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia" itinerary (Singapore to Dubai)
• 18-days (May 9-27) "Ultimate Jordan, Egypt and Israel" itinerary (Dubai to Piraeus-Athens Greece)
• 11-days (May 27 - Jun 7) "Ultimate Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey" Black Sea itinerary (Piraeus-Athens to Istanbul)
• 13-days (Jun 7-20) "Ultimate Greece, Turkey and Italy" itinerary (Istanbul to Ravenna-Venice)
• 11-days (Jun 20 - Jul 1) "Ultimate Italy, Croatia and Malta" Adriatic Sea itinerary (Ravenna-Venice and Civitavecchia-Rome)
• 9-days (Jul 1-10) "Ultimate Italy, France and Spain" itinerary (Civitavecchia-Rome to Barcelona)
• 16-days (Jul 10-26) "Ultimate Spain, Morocco and France" itinerary (Barcelona to Southampton England UK)
• 15-days (Jul 26 - Aug 10) "Ultimate Denmark, Germany and Sweden" Baltic Sea itinerary (Southampton to Copenhagen Denmark)
• 9-days (Aug 10-19) "Ultimate Norwegian Fjords" itinerary (Copenhagen to Amsterdam Holland)
• 22-days (Aug 19 - Sep 10) "Ultimate Iceland, Greenland and Caribbean" Transatlantic itinerary (Amsterdam to Miami)

RCI's World Voyage 2024 fares are inclusive of business class flights, land transportation, pre-cruise 5-star hotel overnight. Loyalty program's Platinum and above members (Emerald-Diamond-Diamond Plus-Pinnacle Club) receive as perks shore excursion package, Deluxe Beverage package, free Internet (VOOM Wi-Fi), free laundry service.

Panama Canal cruises 2024 (Rhapsody OTS)

For winter 2024, Rhapsody OTS has scheduled an RCI-first Caribbean and Latin America program based on 3x homeports - two in Panama ( Colon , and Panama City/Fuerte Amador ) and one in Colombia ( Cartagena ).

The 7-night roundtrips also visit Panama Canal and The Netherlands' ABC islands ( Aruba , Bonaire , Curacao ) in the Leeward Antilles. The Panama Canal itinerary (8x departures from Fuerte Amador) visits Cartagena, and Costa Rica's Puntarenas and Quepos .

Asia 2024-2025 ships and itineraries

In 2024-2025 (November-March) Anthem OTS is homeported in Singapore, replacing Spectrum OTS, which will be redeployed to China and homeported in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Starting in April 2024, Spectrum OTS from Shanghai offers roundtrips to Japanese ports, including Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagasaki.

Starting in December 2024, Spectrum OTS has scheduled 8x roundtrips from Hong Kong (China) to ports in Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Anthem's ex-Singapore itineraries are 3-4-5-night roundtrips visiting Malaysia (Penang) and Thailand (Phuket). The new 8-night "Bali Getaway" itinerary visits Bali Indonesia's ports Celukan Bawang and Benoa Harbour, as well as Lombok Indonesia's port Lembar. Another new itinerary is the 10-night "Vietnam and Thailand" voyage that visits Vietnam's ports Nha Trang, Phu My-Saigon, and Chan May-Da Nang, and Thailand's port Laem Chabang-Bangkok (overnight stay).

UK-Europe 2024-2025 summer deployment

RIC's European summer 2024 schedule lists 8 ships and 11 homeports. The program features the European debut of Oasis OTS (5- to 17-night itineraries). Odyssey OTS and Anthem OTS return to Rome and Southampton, respectively.

Europe Summer 2024 highlights include:

• Odyssey OTS sailing from Civitavecchia-Rome (for a 3rd year) offers 7- to 9-night Greek Isles voyages, as well as 12-night Holy Land cruises to Israel (Ashdod-Jerusalem), Cyprus (Limassol), Turkey (Kusadasi).
• Oasis OTS from Rome and Barcelona offers Western Mediterranean 7-night voyages visiting France, Italy, and Spain.
• Anthem OTS from Southampton offers 7-night roundtrips to the Norwegian Fjords, or to Atlantic Europe (Spain and France). 11- to 14-night ex-UK roundtrips visit also the Canaries.
• For Serenade OTS is scheduled the "Ultimate World Cruise" (274-night itinerary) also available in 2 segments - from Dubai and Barcelona.
• Explorer OTS sailing from Ravenna offers 7-night Med and Aegean itineraries visiting Chania (Crete), Argostoli (Greece), and Kotor (Montenegro).
• Voyager OTS (from Rome, Barcelona, Ravenna, and Athens) offers 7-night voyages to the Western and Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean Sea (Greece, Israel, Egypt).
• Jewel OTS (from Amsterdam) offers 11- to 17-night roundtrips to Iceland, UK-British Isles, Ireland, the Arctic Circle.

Enchantment OTS was to be deployed first in Australia (from Sydney) and in Alaska but was redeployed in Europe.

Europe 2025

RCI's 2025 European season (April-October) is based on 6 ships,

Independence OTS is homeported in Southampton and visits destinations in Iberia (Spain, Portugal) and Northern Europe/Baltic, Norway.

Allure OTS  is homeported in Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome for Western Mediterranean itineraries.

Brilliance OTS operates from Piraeus-Athens Greek Isles voyages until August 2025, when returns to Barcelona and Southampton.

Explorer OTS from  Ravenna Italy offers roundtrips to the Greek Isles and Adriatic Sea ports.

Odyssey OTS and Voyager OTS are both based in Civitavecchia and visit destinations in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and the Adriatic.

Australia 2024-2025-2026 summer deployment (2 ships)

RCI's 2024 Australian schedule listed 2 liners (Ovation OTS and Quantum OTS) homeported, respectively, in Sydney NSW and Brisbane QLD . Australia 2025-2026 season is also based on 2 ships (Anthem OTS and Voyager OTS).

Quantum OTS (from Brisbane) offers 3- to 13-night Queensland roundtrips to Airlie Beach and Cairns or discover the South Pacific by visiting Port Vila (Vanuatu) and Noumea (New Caledonia).

Ovation OTS (from Sydney) starts its 5th Australian season - with 20 voyages, including 9- to 11-night roundtrips to New Zealand (Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Wellington), 3- to 9-night voyages around Australia (Adelaide, Eden, Hobart Tasmania), as well as sailings to the South Pacific islands.

RCI's Australia 2024-2025 season (October thru April) is again based on Ovation OTS and Quantum OTS and groups a total of 45 departures.

Quantum OTS (out of Brisbane) offers 12 different itineraries (7-8-nights) visiting Mystery Island ,  Port Vila (Vanuatu) , and  Noumea (New Caledonia) . Five sailings visit the Great Barrier Reef , while a 14-night voyage visits New Zealand.

Both Australian ships also have scheduled 2-night and 3-night weekend getaways. Both are also deployed during summer 2025 in Alaska, and homeported in Seattle WA .

Caribbean and Bahamas 2024-2025-2026 fleet deployment

RCI's 2024-2025-2026 Caribbean schedule lists 8 ships and 20+ Caribbean destinations.

• Wonder OTS from Port Canaveral offers 7-night Western-Eastern Caribbean voyages, while Harmony OTS from Galveston offers 6- to 8-night Western Caribbean with CocoCay. Starting September 1st, 2025. Wonder moves to Miami for short itineraries (3- and 4-night roundtrips).
• In summer 2024, Symphony OTS offers 7-night Bahamas roundtrips out of NYC/Bayonne NJ, while Freedom OTS offers 7-8-night Western-Eastern-Southern Caribbean itineraries.
• Liberty OTS from Bayonne/NYC offers 4-5-9-night roundtrips to Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England.
• Adventure OTS from Port Canaveral offers 6- and 8-night Southern-Eastern-Western Caribbean and Bahamas roundtrips.
• Enchantment OTS from Tampa offers 7-night Western Caribbean plus select 7-night Bahamas itineraries.
• Vision OTS from Baltimore sails 5- to 12-day roundtrips to Bermuda, Bermuda plus Bahamas, Florida+Bahamas, Southern Caribbean, and Canada-New England.

RCI's 3- to 6-night Caribbean cruises scheduled for 2025-2026 originate from six USA homeports (in Florida, California, and Texas). Utopia OTS and Wonder OTS are based in Port Canaveral/Orlando and Miami, respectively.

Navigator OTS and Quantum OTS are homeported in Los Angeles .

RCI's Caribbean fleet (Enchantment, Explorer, Freedom, Jewel, Liberty, Mariner) is based in Tampa FL , Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale FL , and Galveston TX .

Caribbean short breaks 2024-2025

RCI's Caribbean short break 2024-2025 itineraries are scheduled for 8 ships, including 1x OASIS-class (Allure OTS from Port Canaveral).

Year-Round 2024-2025 Short Getaways

Allure OTS (from Port Canaveral and PortMiami) is the first OASIS-class boat with year-round season of 3-4-night itineraries.

Independence OTS (from Miami) offers 5-night Western Caribbean plus CocoCay voyages, as well as 4-night Eastern Caribbean (with Labadee Haiti).

Mariner OTS (from Galveston Texas) offers 4-5-night roundtrips to Mexico (Cozumel+Costa Maya).

Navigator OTS (from Los Angeles California) offers 3-4-7-night voyages to Catalina Island, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Ensenada.

Seasonal 2024-2025 Short Cruises from Florida

Enchantment OTS (from Tampa Bay) offers 4-5-night Mexico (Cozumel+Costa Maya), and 7-night summer voyages (Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel, Costa Maya, CocoCay).

Grandeur OTS (from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale) offers 4-5-night Bahamas and Mexico (CocoCay, Cozumel) and during winter 5-night roundtrips to Labadee and Amber Cove Dominicana.

Liberty OTS (from Fort Lauderdale) offers 3-4-night roundtrips to Bahamas (CocoCay+Nassau).

Voyager OTS (from Port Canaveral) during winter offers 4-5-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages to CocoCay, Nassau, Cozumel, Amber Cove, Labadee.

RCI-Royal Caribbean itineraries by ship

Follows a review of the Royal Caribbean itinerary program scheduled itineraries. For sailing dates (departures, arrivals), ports of call times and RCI cruise prices per person follow the ship pages listed below.

Royal Caribbean's "Private Journeys" excursions

RCI passengers seeking personalized shore excursion experiences can take advantage of the company's "Private Journeys" program.

The USD 100 concierge service enables passengers to book port calls tailored to their interests, travel style and budget. Private Journeys (custom-made tours) allow access to 1 of 9 professional Destination Insiders who help planning every detail of the shore excursion before the cruise starts. Activities can include private yachting, cooking with Michelin-starred chefs, food tasting. The USD 100 fee for Private Journeys is applicable to excursion's final cost.

Private Journeys are offered as a 3rd excursion choice (besides independent and RCI-sponsored group tours). The new choice offers direct booking through RCI (ONLY via Royal Caribbean). Booked passengers have to provide Private Journeys' staff with their idea/basics of what they want (duration, preferred places, activities, meals, etc). Then they work with local (professional) tour guides to design the excursion. The contact with Private Journeys is by email or phone.

"Private Journeys" RCI tour deals guarantee: priority disembarkation, sure return to the cruise ship (if the tour runs late, the ship waits for you), convenient access to private tour vehicles, quality of service (reputable/insured operators in direct contact with the RCI cruise ship's personnel).

Royal Caribbean cruises to Cuba from Florida (Miami and Tampa)

Royal Caribbean operated Cuba cruises with the Miami -homeported (later in Tampa) Empress of the Seas . The first Cuban cruise was on April 19, 2017 (5-night Miami to Costa Maya and Havana).

The newly-refreshed Empress OTS had scheduled a total of 58 voyages (4- and 5-night itineraries) in the period January 2018 through March 2019, with more than half offering overnights in havana. Empress was homeported in Tampa for summer 2018, for 4- and 5-night itineraries to Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Havana (on most voyages). For the winter 2018-2019 season, the ship repositioned to Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale).

On December 1, 2017, RCI added 2 new Cuban ports (Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos) included in 4- to 8-night long Caribbean itineraries on Empress of the Seas. The new 7-night "Best of Cuba" itinerary from Miami visits Cienfuegos , Havana, and Nassau. The 5-night itinerary visits Key West Florida and Havana (overnight). The 8-night itinerary visits Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba , Grand Cayman Island, and Labadee Haiti .

Majesty of the Seas offered 4- and 5-night itineraries to Havana (day visits and overnights) leaving roundtrip from Tampa (in the period April-October 2018) and from Fort Lauderdale (November 2018 through March 2019). In July 2017, RCI unveiled the company's 2nd ship to Cuba - Majesty OTS, homeported in Port Canaveral. Starting March 25, 2019, the liner offered a 4-night voyage calling at Havana.

On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled cruise itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.

Note: According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuba-born Americans were denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government for allowing ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba cruises in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

Royal Caribbean related cruise news

Royal Caribbean's ship Utopia OTS debuted in the Bahamas

RCI-Royal Caribbean's newest ship - Utopia of the Seas, embarked on her maiden voyage on Monday, July 22nd, docking at Nassau Cruise Port with...

RCI-Royal Caribbean debuts Utopia OTS with grand summer event

RCI-Royal Caribbean International, along with GRAMMY-winning singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor, inaugurated the Utopia of the Seas with a grand...

RCI-Royal Caribbean's Utopia OTS celebrates christening voyage from Port Canaveral

RCI-Royal Caribbean International's newest ship - Utopia of the Seas, is at Port Canaveral, Florida, today for her christening voyage. Following...

Nassau Cruise Port to develop $35M waterpark complex

The Nassau Cruise Port is planning a US$35 million waterpark complex to enhance its family-friendly amenities, distinguishing itself within the...

Port Canaveral welcomes world's second-largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Utopia OTS

Port Canaveral (Florida, USA) has welcomed a significant new addition to its lineup. The world’s second-largest cruise ship, RCI-Royal...

Galveston Port proceeds with $160M bond offering amid hurricane recovery

Port Galveston (Texas USA) is proceeding with its US$160 million bond offering on July 16th, despite the interruption caused by Hurricane Beryl on...

Royal Caribbean's ship Rhapsody OTS delivers critical aid to Grenada after Hurricane Beryl

An RCI-Royal Caribbean International ship is scheduled to dock in Grenada today, July 9th, to deliver essential relief aid following Hurricane Beryl...

Meghan Trainor to serve as godmother to Royal Caribbean's newest ship Utopia of the Seas

GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Meghan Elizabeth Trainor has been appointed the Godmother of RCI-Royal Caribbean’s newest ship - Utopia...

RCI-Royal Caribbean's ships change itineraries due to Hurricane Beryl

Several major cruise lines have adjusted their itineraries due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The Category 4 storm, currently moving through the...

Engine fire/power loss accident on Royal Caribbean's newest and largest ship Icon of the Seas

On Tuesday, June 25, a fire was reported on RCI-Royal Caribbean International’s largest ship Icon of the Seas. According to Nathaniel...

•   show more news

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Relive the memories from your vacation with professional photos of your favorite moments onboard. Our photographers capture the joy of your adventure — from embarkation to formal night — and all the fun in between. Plus you’ll enjoy savings of up to 20% when you purchase a print or digital package before you sail.

At the Vitality SM Spa, relaxation and rejuvenation rule. Indulge with a variety of treatments that will leave you feeling like new. Pamper yourself with invigorating massage therapies, body wraps and facials. Give yourself the gift of youth with medi-spa treatments such as BOTOX® and Dysport®.

Glam up for formal night with a new hairdo and a mani-pedi. With treatments for everyone from couples, teens and men, you're bound to find at least one amazing indulgence at our spa.

The gorgeous view isn't the only thing that will dazzle you onboard our innovative cruise ships. Our complimentary shows are sure to entertain you from beginning to end.

Sit back and enjoy a variety of incredible productions, including award-winning musicals from Broadway and the West End, original Vegas-style productions, live comedy acts, and aquatic and ice shows.

Only one cruise line offers the thrilling opportunity to learn to surf, to feel the rush of skydiving right on the deck of the ship with Ripcord by iFly or to go on a behind-the-scenes ship tour.

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Bookings Open For Royal Caribbean’s 2023-24 Caribbean Cruises

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• March 1, 2022

Royal Caribbean has opened up bookings for its 2023-2024 Caribbean sailings, which will include seven ships sailing mostly weeklong voyages in the eastern, western, and southern Caribbean regions.

Wonder of the Seas

For the 2023-2024 winter season, Royal Caribbean’s newest mega-ship  Wonder of the Seas  will set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on mostly seven-night western and eastern Caribbean voyages.

On the western route, port calls will include Cozumel, Roatán, Costa Maya, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. On the eastern itinerary, calls will be St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Symphony of the Seas

For the first time,  Symphony of the Seas  will homeport in Port Everglades for the 2023-2024 season, operating six-night western Caribbean and eight-night southern Caribbean cruises.

Port calls on the six-night will be Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Nassau, Bahamas. Port stops on the eight-night will be Aruba, Curaçao, and Labadee.

Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas  will homeport in Port Everglades, sailing eight-night southern Caribbean and six-night eastern Caribbean voyages.

Port calls for most of the eight-night cruises will include Aruba, Curaçao, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Destinations on the six-night route will vary, including a combination of some of these ports: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Labadee, Puerto Plata, Falmouth, and Grand Cayman.

MORE: 8 Cruise Lines Drop Their Face Mask Requirements

Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas  will homeport in Miami, offering mostly seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises for the 2023-2024 season.

Western Caribbean itineraries will call at Nassau, Labadee, and Falmouth. There will be two main eastern Caribbean itineraries: one that visits Labadee, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay; and another that visits Labadee, Falmouth, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Harmony of the Seas

Galveston, Texas will welcome  Harmony of the Seas  for the 2023-2024 season, from where the ship will operate mostly seven-night western Caribbean voyages.

Port calls will include Costa Maya, Roatán, and Cozumel.

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas  will homeport in Port Canaveral, offering six and eight-night eastern Caribbean sailings.

Destinations on the six-night cruises will be Nassau, Labadee, and Puerto Plata. Calls on most of the eight-night voyages will include Labadee, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and Puerto Plata.

Brilliance of the Seas

Brilliance of the Seas  will call Tampa home for the 2023-2024 winter season, from where it will operate mostly seven-night western Caribbean cruises.

Port calls will include Costa Maya, Belize, Roatán, and Cozumel.

READ NEXT: Wonder of the Seas Dining Guide: Which Restaurants Are Complimentary?

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Royal caribbean introduces ultimate world tour, the farthest-reaching cruise to all seven continents.

MIAMI, Oct. 20, 2021* – Adventurers seeking to travel far and wide can now set off on a world tour of their own. Royal Caribbean International is raising the bar for world cruises with the debut of the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise , an epic 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents , more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world . This rich, immersive experience on Serenade of the Seas is the longest and most comprehensive world cruise out there, sailing roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023 and through Sept. 10, 2024. Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone starting today , with an exclusive one-week window through Oct. 26 for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above.

Travelers will sail to 57 destinations new to the cruise line and exclusive to the cruise itself. Highlights include Casablanca, Morocco; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and Shimizu, Japan – the gateway to Mount Fuji. Guests can delve deep into many of the world’s breathtaking wonders, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India, and experience distinct cultures and picturesque shores at every corner of the world all in one spectacular adventure – only on Royal Caribbean.

“This is the world cruise of world cruises,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International “Now more than ever, people have resolved to travel the world and make up for lost time. Royal Caribbean is making that a reality with the ultimate vacation that welcomes those seeking adventure and exploration to taste, dance and dream with us around the world. To travelers asking themselves where they should go next, we say everywhere.”

Guests ready to traverse the world can book the full Ultimate World Cruise today or choose from any of the four expeditions that will offer a wide range of destinations as soon as December 2021 – the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe:

• Ultimate Americas Dec. 10, 2023 - Feb. 11, 2024 – Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders The once-in-a-lifetime journey begins in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, and sets course for postcard-perfect Caribbean destinations – like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) – before heading to glacier-studded Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Travelers can take in four of the world’s stunning wonders along the way in Central and South America, including Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; the largest art deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer , in Rio de Janeiro – where they’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve – and the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazu Falls near Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of the most iconic symbols of ancient Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu , awaits in Peru, while sunshine and glamour will welcome guests in Los Angeles.
• Ultimate Asia-Pacific Feb. 11 - May 9, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders Guests will venture miles from the ordinary in Oceania, Asia and beyond on the cruise’s next showstopping leg. They can discover the beauty and adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands’ world-renowned mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia, for sapphire blue skies and crystal-clear waters. The thrills continue with an exploration of New Zealand, before a deep-dive into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Pristine natural beauty in Bali, Indonesia, is soon followed by two of the most iconic manmade world wonders, the Great Wall of China and India’s Taj Mahal , and gems of the South Pacific – from Vietnam to Malaysia. Rounding out the expedition are endless possibilities in Japan, with unparalleled culture in Tokyo, street food in Osaka and the tropical beaches of Okinawa.
• Ultimate Middle East and Med May 9 - July 10, 2024 – Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders This expedition begins in glamorous Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and brings many of history’s greatest mysteries, myths and legends to life. Adventurers can uncover ancient sites and more world wonders from the times of emperors and pharaohs, like Jordan’s lost city of Petra , the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, and the Colosseum in Rome. There are also less-traveled places to explore, such as Greece’s Olympia, once a sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. The journey only continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like Split, Croatia, and Cannes and Provence in France.
• Ultimate Europe and Beyond July 10 - Sept. 10, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive, cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north. At travelers’ fingertips is the opportunity to discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Antoni Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia and whimsical Park Guell , and savor new flavors across continents — such as an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. Museums, theaters and galleries line the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia, while larger-than-life fjords await in Norway. Guests can reflect on their epic voyage in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before visiting New York on their way back to Miami.

Globetrotters will explore the world in style on board Serenade , thanks to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning experiences and amenities. And adventurers can stay close to the action with the ship’s acres of glass, which offer panoramic views, as they cruise from one destination, continent and world wonder to the next. From start to finish, guests who book the full Ultimate World Cruise can expect a seamless, world-class travel experience that includes business class airfare, premium transportation as well as an evening of festivities and accommodations at a five-star hotel before setting sail. Plus, Crown & Anchor Society Platinum status members and above will receive a bonus Seven New World Wonders shore excursion package in addition to other perks, including a Deluxe Beverage package, VOOM Wi-Fi, laundry service and more.

Bookings for the entire Ultimate World Cruise open today for Diamond and above Crown & Anchor Society members. Guests interested in booking can call Royal Caribbean’s dedicated line for the Ultimate World Cruise at 800-423-2100 (US toll free) or their travel advisor.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas,  Perfect Day at CocoCay,  the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the  Travel Weekly  Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its  Healthy Sail Panel  of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit  www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates  or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

*February 2022 update

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Why should i book a royal caribbean cruise.

If you're looking for an unforgettable vacation, Royal Caribbean cruises are a perfect choice. Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines in the industry, with a successful history of providing excellent service and luxurious experiences. The Royal Caribbean cruise vacations take you to some of the world's most beautiful and fascinating destinations. They’re sure to have features to please everyone in your group.

How to find the best Royal Caribbean cruise deals?

There are many different Royal Caribbean cruise deals to choose from depending on your destination and the experiences you would most like to enjoy. These deals let you include additional features for a lower price to make your vacation even more comfortable. You can find the best deals by searching for your destinations, and filtering by your desired cruise lines. This way only the companies you wish to travel with will appear. You can also sort your results by price and length of time.

How to choose your cruise with Royal Caribbean?

If you want to book aRoyal Caribbean cruise there are plenty of amazing Royal Caribbean cruise deals available. Add your destination, cruise vacation, and number of travelers. Then you can sort your results by price, duration, and departure date. You can also filter by cruise line, cruise ship and cabin type. You’ll find different amenities to suit your vacation needs on each Royal Caribbean cruise. For example, youth programs, fitness facilities, and spa facilities.

What do I need to look out for when booking a Royal Caribbean cruise?

When booking your 2025 Royal Caribbean cruise it’s important to consider a few practical tips. Check what the cost covers, and what you may need to budget for or need insurance for. Think about any amenities or onboard service you’ll require, depending on the length of the Royal Caribbean cruise. For example, youth programs, entertainment, fitness facilities, spa facilities, and room service. Secondly, research the weather conditions for your journey and destination. In some locations, summer and winter weather can vary a lot. Another tip is to go over the ship layout to see where you’d like to pick a cabin. Don’t forget to check visa requirements and any flight logistics.

When is the best time to book a Royal Caribbean cruise?

You can book a Royal Caribbean cruise as early as you like depending on availability. There’s a higher chance of finding cheaper Royal Caribbean cruise prices by booking between 6 months to 12 months in advance. But there are also lots of last-minute cruise deals closer to your preferred departure date, but this will depend on your flexibility.

Are last minute deals available with Royal Caribbean?

Yes, you can find last-minute Royal Caribbean cruises on Expedia. Add your travel dates to the cruise finder and sort your results to find the best price available. Cruise deal discounts are indicated by a green box above the Royal Caribbean cruise price.

How do I book a cruise with Royal Caribbean?

To book a Royal Caribbean cruise on Expedia select your Royal Caribbean destination and filter by cruise line. You can also browse our extensive selection of pre-selected cruise deals and find the perfect cruise for you. Once you have found the one you want, choose your dates and the port of departure. You can also refine your search by cabin experiences, or cruise ship. Each ship will have amenities to suit your needs including room service, spa facilities, and fitness facilities.

Is Royal Caribbean great value for money?

Royal Caribbean cruises are excellent value for money if you're looking for an enjoyable and relaxing cruise vacations. A Royal Caribbean cruise offers a high standard of service, a great selection of dining, modern amenities, friendly staff, and exciting activities. The exceptional quality of the experience is worth the price.

Can I cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise. We all have unfortunate circumstances where we need to cancel a booking, so Expedia makes it easy to do so. All you have to do is head to your My Trips page on Expedia and click on the cancellation button. Another option is to contact customer service, where you’ll receive help with cancelling. Do make sure that you’re aware of the refund policy that applied to your booking, to see if you’re entitled to a full refund.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Guide

In the last 10 years, Royal has delivered the biggest and most modern ships in the market. From rock-climbing walls, crazy water slides and infinite food selection, Royal Caribbean continues to deliver a vacation of a lifetime.

Stemming from the idea that everybody should cruise, Royal offers cruise activities such as the Flowrider – Surf simulator and Zip-lining for active vacationers, as well as the adults-only Solarium for those who simply want to relax and unwind.

In 2019, Royal Caribbean revamped their private Island, presenting “Perfect Day at CocoCay” as a new port of call in many of their Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. This hidden island features an overwhelming number of activities such as the Daredevil’s Tower Aqua Park, Splash Summit, the Wave Pool and more!

The line also holds the distinction of debuting the Central Park and the Royal Promenade neighborhoods, two distinct areas found in many Royal ships, where guests can find many eateries, shops, bars and live entertainment throughout the day.

Royal Caribbean Promotions

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Royal Caribbean Articles

HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Heather McManus - May 2, 2019

Royal Caribbean has taken the private island experience to the next level. Check out all the amplified awesomeness that make this private island a must see port of call.

View Article

YOUR GUIDE TO WHEN CRUISES WILL RESUME SAILING

Expedia - April 16, 2021

Cruise lines continue to adapt their sailing plans to these measures with diligence and enthusiasm and are beginning to announce sailings dates for a return to the sea. Want to be prepared to sail too? Here is everything you need to know about the restart of cruising.

4 REASONS ROYAL CARIBBEAN MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU

Heather Mcmanus - February 2, 2020

The megaship vacation style isn’t necessarily for everyone, but if you’re considering hopping onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s 26 ships, here are four reasons this cruise line could be the right fit for you.

Royal Caribbean Ships

• Anthem of the Seas
• Empress of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas

More Cruise Lines to Explore

• AmaWaterways
• Avalon Waterways
• Azamara Club Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruise Lines
• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Line
• Uniworld River Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Viking River Cruises

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Royal Caribbean International offers a fun, exciting and diverse experience that you’ll really enjoy, regardless of what type of cruiser you are. The line has been in operation since 1968 and is known for its casual, family-friendly and activity-filled onboard experience—with everything from rock climbing to surfing simulators. You can explore over 20 ships sailing to more than 200 destinations in a myriad of different combinations, meaning you can find the perfect length, ports-of-call, and vessel for your vacation. Anchored in excellence, bringing the WOW to your next cruise.

View Royal Caribbean Cruises

Accessibility

Learn about accessibility-friendly accommodations made by Royal Caribbean for guests with special needs, dietary restrictions and more.

Savor dining aboard Royal Caribbean, including the Windjammer Café, main dining room and room service. Royal Caribbean also has many specialty restaurants and dining or beverage packages.

Entertainment

Enjoy Royal Caribbean's onboard entertainment, including Broadway at Sea, hi-tech Two70 shows, ice skating shows, AquaTheater Diving Shows, DJs, live music, dancing, parades, pool parties, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Have fun participating in Royal Caribbean's onboard activities, including sky diving and surfing simulators, sports courts, zip lines, rock walls, ice rinks, mini golf, pools, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, duty-free shopping and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Royal Caribbean takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Royal Caribbean's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Royal Caribbean's spa, onboard gym, fitness courses, boxing ring and jogging track. Royal Caribbean's spa has plenty of relaxing treatments like massages, facials and more.

Special Events

Learn about celebrating a special occasion or milestone with Royal Caribbean's special events at sea.

Explore Royal Caribbean's contemporary staterooms, including several classes of suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about Royal Caribbean's family-friendly experience with youth programs for children, including H2O zone, teen-only hangouts and themed experiences

Top 10 Royal Caribbean International Itineraries

• Vision of the Seas 9 NIGHT BERMUDA & PERFECT DAY CRUISE Departing From Baltimore, Maryland (Jul 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Oasis of the Seas 7 NIGHT WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Jul 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Grandeur of the Seas 4 NIGHT WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE Departing From Tampa, Florida (Jul 2024 - Oct 2024)
• Serenade of the Seas 15N ULTIMATE DENMARK, GERMANY & SWEDEN Departing From Southampton, England (Jul 2024)
• Allure of the Seas 3 NIGHT BAHAMAS & PERFECT DAY CRUISE Departing From Miami, Florida (Jul 2024 - Jan 2025)
• Radiance of the Seas 10nt FAMILY TUNDRA EXPRESS CT 9A Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Radiance of the Seas 11NT WILDERNESS FRONTIER EXP CT 4A Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Radiance of the Seas 7 NT NORTHBOUND ALASKA & HUBBARD GLACIER Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Ovation of the Seas 7 NIGHT ALASKA ADVENTURE Departing From Seattle, Washington (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Navigator of the Seas 3 NIGHT ENSENADA CRUISE Departing From Los Angeles, California (Jul 2024 - Apr 2026)

Royal Caribbean International Cruise Destinations

With cruises to 72 countries on six continents, you can sail just about anywhere in the world with Royal Caribbean. This contemporary, innovative line offers unique and exciting itineraries that are designed to wow. They offer sailings that range from a tropical paradise to a thrilling tundra. Destinations include, but are not limited to: Alaska, Australia, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Panama Canal and South America. 

Gaze upon the glaciers and take rugged excursions into the tundra with an Alaska cruise.

Alaska Cruisetours

Go bear watching or crabbing, and check out some hot springs with the extra time in your Alaska Cruisetour.

Asia cruises feature unique flavors, wildlife, and cultures to explore.

You’ll love the laidback outback and superb wildlife you’ll experience on a cruise to Australia and New Zealand.

A truly blissful vacation filled with beaches, Bahamian customs, and sunshine awaits you on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Golf on the finest links and experience a vacation full of tropical delights when you cruise to Bermuda.

Seafood on the coast, historic villages and scenic lighthouse views—cruise to Canada and New England.

Eastern Caribbean

Explore the islands or get up close and personal with some intriguing wildlife when you cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Comb the Amalfi Coast, explore the Norwegian fjords, visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace and delve into the culture of Spain with a cruise to Europe.

Learn to shake your body at a luau or explore the intriguing black sand beaches during a cruise to Hawaii.

Cruise to India and discover incredible people, new cultures and fascinating flavors.

Mediterranean

Raise a glass to the Mediterranean where you’ll find magnificent churches and castles, along with spectacular food. The history and art are nothing to shake a stick at either.

Mexican Riviera

Soak up some fun in the sun on a Mexican Riviera cruise with Royal Caribbean for beaches, ruins, tequila and more.

Northern Europe

Explore the serenity of the fjords, uncover the amazing artwork owned by Catherine the Great and see the most sung about Strawberry Fields when you cruise to Northern Europe.

Panama Canal

Jungles ashore and native culture to explore as you head through the locks on  Panama Canal cruise.

Repositioning

Repositioning means getting the best of two continents on your cruise.

South Pacific / Tahiti

Find peace or adventure in the stunning paradises of the South Pacific. Either way, it’ll be unforgettable.

Southern Caribbean

Tropical cuisine, European influence through the islands, and incredible people are highlights of a cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

Transatlantic

Experience the bliss of cruising of across the Atlantic with intriguing stops along the way on a Transatlantic cruise.

Transpacific

Cruise across the Pacific Ocean and discover a peaceful paradise in islands of Hawaii or the South Pacific.

U. S. Pacific Coast

From Hollywood to the redwoods, a cruise along the U.S. Pacific Coast is filled with American culture, history and beauty. You’ll learn about cinema, wine, the gold rush and more.

Western Caribbean

Jamaican waterfalls, intriguing cultures, and cave tubing—cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean International Departure Ports

Royal Caribbean not only builds their ships to have a wow factor, but they also make their itineraries just as appealing.  Royal has ships stationed across the U.S. and in several international ports to give their passengers lots of opportunity to get to a cruise quickly and easily. You can cruise from Miami to Seattle or Perth to Rotterdam, there’s a departure port for you. Find out more about Royal Caribbean’s itineraries and ships when you contact a qualified consultant at The Cruise Web. 

With Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and an open attitude you’ll find no shortage of interesting attractions in the capital of The Netherlands.

Explore Baltimore’s rich history and culture as you visit the local neighborhoods which are home to important world changing events. 

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Boston is home to great sports, great food and loads of history with the Freedom Trail and Harvard.

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane with its lazy subtropical aura is quickly becoming one of Australia’s most popular cruise destinations.

Cape Liberty, which is just miles from New York City, offers incredible views of the city skyline and easy access to many cruise destinations, along with everything NYC has to offer.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a delightful city with some of the world’s most interesting places, like the longest pedestrian street and one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a modern city that people from all nationalities flock towards to indulge in designer clothes, fancy hotels and the high life.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Galveston, Texas

Indulge in the local flavor with fresh Gulf shrimp, Galveston Bay oysters and pristine Gulf coast beaches as you relax in southern comfort in Galveston, Texas.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sar, China

One of the world’s most exciting modern cities, Hong Kong offers a true East meets West experience where you can shop for traditional Chinese cure-alls and attend high tea all in the same afternoon.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Honolulu, with its near perfect weather every day and beautiful mountains and tropical landscapes, is a destination not to be missed.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts. Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city.

The possibilities are endless when cruising to or from the City of Angels. Let your inner rock star shine as you explore the many wonders of Los Angeles, California.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is one of the world’s most fascinating cities and a melting pot of culture, food and music.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

The seafood is fresh, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot to do, so get out there and explore the city before, during and after your cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida.

San Diego, California

Situated on the Pacific Ocean, San Diego is known for its near perfect weather, beautiful beaches and abundance of activities.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is a gateway to the Caribbean with activities for everyone. Enjoy an old-world feel as you wander around Old San Juan, relax on the many beaches or explore the rainforests.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Seward, Alaska

The beautiful small coastal town of Seward, which is most known for its picturesque scenic views and many visitors’ attractions, is a perfect addition for your next Alaska cruise.

Shanghai, China

Shanghai is the cultural and economic center of East Asia and is drawing more and more attention from all over the world as it is becoming a renowned international metropolis.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Tampa, Florida

Whether it’s a trip to the historical streets of Ybor, a day in the Florida Aquarium or a nice Cuban-infused meal, your time in Tampa will make you consider a longer stay.

Tianjin (Beijing), China

Get outside of Beijing and explore Tianjin, a modern city that’s home to several major art forms. 

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a dazzling city where you might be overwhelmed at first by its modernity but will find lots of interesting subcultures in its various neighborhoods.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Royal Caribbean International Ships

Royal Caribbean offers some truly incredible cruise ships, including the two largest cruise ships in the world: the Oasis and Allure of the Seas. Each ship features a wide range of stateroom options and many of Royal Caribbean's hallmarks, including the flow-rider surf simulator, rock wall, movie theater and Viking Crown Lounge, a top-level lounge offering incredible views. You'll also find tennis courts, pools, spas, bars, and many exciting dining and entertainment venues onboard. View specific ship information, destinations, photos and highlights by clicking the images below.

Adventure Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 3,114 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2001
• Last Refurbished: 2018

Allure Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 5,496 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2010
• Last Refurbished: 2015

Anthem Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 4,180 (double occupancy)
• Year To Be Built: 2015
• Last Refurbished: N/A

Brilliance Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 2,142 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2002

Enchantment Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 2,252 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1997
• Last Refurbished: 2017

Explorer Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 3,286 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2000
• Last Refurbished: 2023

Freedom Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity:  3,926 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2006
• Last Refurbished: 2020

Grandeur Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity:  1,992 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1996
• Last Refurbished: 2012

Harmony Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 5,479 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2016

Icon Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2024

Independence Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity:  3,858 (double occupancy)
• Year Built:  2008
• Last Refurbished:  2018

Jewel Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 2,191 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2004
• Last Refurbished: 2016

Liberty Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity:  3,798 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2007

Mariner Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 3,344 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2003

Navigator Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 3,388 (double occupancy)
• Last Refurbished: 2019

Oasis Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 5,602 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2009

Odyssey Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity:  4,198 (double occupancy)
• Year Built:  2021
• Last Refurbished:  N/A

Ovation Of The Seas

• Last Refurbished:  2021

Quantum Of The Seas

• Year Built: 2014
• Last Refurbished:  2019

Radiance Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 2,143 (double occupancy)
• Last Refurbished: 2021

Rhapsody Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity:  1,998 (double occupancy)
• Last Refurbished: 2022

Serenade Of The Seas

Spectrum Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 4,246 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2019

Star Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 5,610(max occupancy)
• Year Built: 2025
• Last Refurbished: n/a

Symphony Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 5,518 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2018
• Last Refurbished:  2023

Utopia Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 5,668 (double occupancy)
• Last Refurbished:  N/A

Vision Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 2,050 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1998

Voyager Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 3,602 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1999

Wonder Of The Seas

• Passenger Capacity: 5,734 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2022

Photo Gallery for Royal Caribbean International Cruises

Royal Caribbean’s ships are known for eliciting wows from passengers. Get a look at their innovative approach to cruising in this photo gallery that features the FlowRider, AquaTheater and Central Park.

Twelve Apostles Rocks, Australia

Mykonos, Greece

Gondola ride in Venice, Italy

Machu Picchu, Peru

Denali National Park, Alaska

Singapore's skyline

Splendour of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas North Star

H20 Kids Zone

Brilliance of the Seas' Waterslide & Rockwall

Grandeur of the Seas' pool deck

Onboard wave simulator FlowRider

Mariner of the Seas' pool deck

Oasis of the Seas' zipline

Guests playing mini golf

Solarium Indoor Pool

Quantum of the Seas' bumper cars

Fuel Disco Kids Club

Johnny Rockets Restaurant

Portofino Specialty Dining Restaurant

Freedom of the Seas' Main Dining Room

Chops Grill Specialty Dining Restaurant

Izumi Specialty Dining Restaurant

Rita's Cantina Specialty Dining Restaurant

Sorrento's Pizza

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

Balcony Stateroom

Junior Suite Stateroom

Grand Suite Stateroom

Royal Suite Stateroom

Sky Loft Suite Stateroom

Royal Loft Suite Stateroom

Royal Caribbean's Private Island CocoCay, Bahamas

Guests in Tulum, Mexico

Zip Line in Labadee, Haiti

Honolulu, Hawaii

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What’s the best Caribbean cruise for me?

Jul 15, 2024 • 9 min read

Whether you're a family of four or a solo adventure junkie, the Caribbean has a cruise for you. Walter Bibikow / Getty Images.

It feels like just about everyone is headed on a cruise ship, and for good reason. There’s a real appeal to embarking on a getaway where your travel plans are already sorted; you only have to unpack once and arrive each morning in an exciting port of call.

Plus, new ships are rolling out incredible bells and whistles that push the limits of fun at sea (think indoor skydiving, roller coasters, and go-karts). At the same time, the cruise industry has shifted towards sustainable efforts that have emerged as fundamental to modern cruising. 

Recent statistics from CLIA (the official Cruise Line International Association) show an increase of nearly two million passengers in 2023 (totaling 31.7 million) compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.

And there’s no more popular cruising region than the Caribbean , where upwards of 37 cruise lines with 154 ships rove the idyllic paradise of islands. With so many options, sorting out which ship and itinerary fits you best can be confusing. 

Here’s a handy guide to help determine which cruises are best for you, along with tips and advice to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a smooth sail. 

What Caribbean cruise is best for me?

Sailing for adventure.

Whether you're into ziplining through the rainforest, scuba diving one of the world’s largest coral reefs or swimming at the base of a waterfall, cruises throughout the Caribbean offer excellent opportunities for adventure.

Cruise ports known for high-octane activities include St-Martin (known for its superb scuba diving), Belize (cave-tubing and ziplining throughout rainforest treetops) and St Lucia (the Sapphire Falls Hike). 

Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Holland America have cruises that frequent these ports.

Best ships for families

Look for larger ships with kid-friendly pools, expansive kids' clubs and family-friendly entertainment. Royal Caribbean’s fleet features action-packed decks great for families with water slides, laser tag and mini golf. 

Disney Cruise Line’s fleet sails extensively throughout the Caribbean to ports that span from Cozumel , Mexico, to Willemstad , Curaçao. The line’s most common Caribbean offerings are shorter 3- and 4-night itineraries that are perfect for families looking for a short trip.

Cruise lines with private islands operate predominantly in the Bahamas , including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. These stops are great family destinations as they feature enclosed, private environments with kids' activities and the ease of charging everything to your sea pass card.  

Singles at sea

Cruises can be an excellent place for singles to mix and mingle. A standard cruise stateroom rate is usually calculated at a minimum two-adult rate. Singles wishing to book a standard stateroom are typically charged a single supplement fee ranging from 50% - 100% of their base fare. 

As the demand for single cruise accommodations grows, new ship builds include solo staterooms, both interior and with balconies. Look to Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Lines for some of the best accommodations for solo travelers. 

Most relaxing getaways

The most relaxing cruises sailing through the Caribbean tend to be the smaller ships focusing on a more “resort at sea” vibe. The higher-end ships with all-inclusive rates offer the luxury of seamless vacations. Windstar, Seabourn and Viking are the best lines for a relaxing cruise.

On these ships you’ll find daily activities that swap dance parties and poolside games for fitness-oriented activities like yoga and strength training classes, lectures on upcoming ports and ample lounge chairs to soak up the sun by the pool.

From your first step onboard, all your food and drinks (except for certain vintage wines and spirits), activities and sometimes your port excursions are included in your rate. 

Itineraries like the Viking Ocean Cruises’ West Indies Explorer sail a 10-day itinerary roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with stops that include Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Kitts, Saint Kitts & Nevis and Roseau, Dominica. Rates for Viking Ocean Cruises include one shore excursion per port.

Best parties at sea

As the classic notion of cruising sunsets – goodbye white glove service, shuffleboard, Baked Alaska – a new era of fun is afloat.

Large ships are built to maximize fun, whether you're hopping pool parties, dancing the night away at late-night discos or cheering your team at rousing sports bars. Special interest cruises are also an excellent option for the most immersive fun at sea, whether that’s a full ship charter rock concert like the Rock Legends Cruise , a trip dedicated to Golden Girls fans , or an LGBTQ+ charter like VACAYA . 

Favorite lines that feature an upbeat party vibe include Margaritaville at Sea (particularly on their new Islander), Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line.

A quick getaway

You’ll find cruise lines are leaning into shorter itineraries that offer weekend getaways to nearby ports in the Caribbean. Most of these sailings are roundtrip from Florida’s top cruise ports: Miami , Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (Port Canaveral). These are often 3- and 4-night sailings featuring a stop in The Bahamas or Bermuda . 

The vibe onboard is often more upbeat and celebratory, as guests do their best to maximize their limited time at sea. 

A few favorite lines for this style of travel include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean (who is launching Utopia of the Seas this summer as its first-ever large-scale ship that will exclusively sail short getaways) and Disney Cruise Line.

An extended journey through the Caribbean

Smaller cruise lines offer longer, extensive itineraries throughout the Caribbean; smaller ships can port far off the beaten path at more remote destinations. Itineraries like Seabourn’s “25-Day Captivating Antillean Treasures” sail to some of the lesser trafficked parts of the Caribbean including Marigot, St. Martin; Carambola Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis; and Sopers Hole (Frenchmans Cay), BVI. Lines like Silversea, Windstar Cruises and Azamara are favorites that route to these idyllic destinations. 

When should I go on my cruise?

There are sailings throughout the Caribbean year-round, with high season running from November through April. This period is known for its optimal sailing conditions and weather. 

You’ll find cheaper sailings during the hurricane season, typically July through September, though you risk the chance of your trip being canceled or rerouted to avoid inclement weather. 

Holiday sailings (particularly during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve) are also excellent times to sail as cruise lines curate impressive decor and holiday-themed activities.

How do I know if my cruise line is operating sustainably? 

Conservation efforts have become a vital tenet of the future of cruising, with the industry gearing towards carbon-zero sailings by 2050 . Efforts underway include ship engines that run cleaner on alternative fuels, advanced wastewater systems that can better clean sewage water and exhaust gas cleaning systems to improve air quality at sea and in port. 

Friends of the Earth’s Cruise Ship Report Card is a great resource to assess a ship’s sustainability efforts. 

A few lines at the forefront of sustainable sailing include Ponant, Disney Cruise Line and Hurtigruten. Ponant recently became the first maritime cruise line to receive Green Globe certification, which recognizes the line’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.  The line has shifted away from heavy fuel oil and installed catalytic systems to reduce atmospheric emissions.

Disney Cruise Line aims to operate with carbon emissions at net zero by 2030, in part by shifting to alternative fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrotreated vegetable oil. 

Hurtigruten is currently developing a zero-emission propulsion ship, which is aiming to be unveiled by 2030. 

There are still a large number of travelers who oppose the notion of cruise ships for not only their impact on the environment, but on local economies as well. Groups like Friends of the Earth , CLIA and Oceana are excellent organizations devoted to regulating the cruise industry.  

Need to know before you go

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when you’re booking a Caribbean cruise. 

Book in advance...

Cruise lines offer better rates further from your sailing date, often making sailings available to book more than a year out. The earlier you book, the better the selection of staterooms to choose from. 

Or take advantage of last minute deals

Cruise Plum is our go-to with a comprehensive overview of discounted inventories if you're angling for a last-minute getaway. 

Opt for third-party travel insurance for hurricane season protection

Travel insurance is the best way to ensure smooth sailings on your Caribbean cruise. Typical cruise insurance rates hover around 5 to 10% of your total trip cost. 

Don’t just opt into the cruise line’s designated insurance option; shop around on a platform like Squaremouth for the most value. 

Look for a plan specific to cruise travel, with coverage that includes compensation for delays, cancellations (particularly helpful during hurricane season), emergency medical, and the premium option of canceling for any reason (CFAR). 

Be hurricane-aware

Hurricane season in the Caribbean is typically July through September. The outlook for the 2024 season from NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season with the potential range of 8-13 hurricanes with winds of at least 74 mph. 

Cruise lines work expeditiously to avoid sailing into the path of any major tropical storm or hurricane, often rerouting or shortening itineraries as threats arise. Cruises rarely encounter major storms as they’re able to chart the course of the weather and route accordingly. 

In the event you encounter a major storm while at sea, head to the middle of the ship where you’ll feel the rolling of the ship less, take over-the-counter aids like Dramamine or Bonine and keep your eyes on the horizon for stability balance.

You don’t necessarily need a passport 

Passports are not required for closed-loop sailings that begin and end at a US port. All you need is a boarding pass, a government photo ID (if you’re 16 years or older) and a certified birth certificate or certificate of US naturalization. 

However, keep in mind that you might not be able to disembark the ship at certain ports (those ports include Barbados , Martinique and St-Barthélemy ).

Third-party excursions can be a better value play

If you want to stretch your dollar further, consider booking with local tour operators before arriving at each port. It’s important to note that third-party excursions are the best when they’re morning-only activities. 

The ship won’t wait for you if you’re late returning from a third-party excursion. For full-day excursions, consider the line’s offerings, as the ship will wait for you, and there’s nothing worse than missing the boat.

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WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for essence newsletters the keep the black women at the forefront of conversation., royal caribbean has curated the perfect three-night cruise with its latest ship, utopia of the seas.

For many people, a cruise is a real commitment. Ranging from a four to five-day experience to an expedition lasting a few weeks , setting sail is rarely seen as a light jaunt. But it can be.

I learned this firsthand as Royal Caribbean debuted its latest behemoth of a vessel among its fleet of almost 30 ships, titled the Utopia of the Seas , setting sail from Port Canaveral in Orlando, Fla and reaching the Bahamas . What sets it apart from other offerings is that it’s meant to provide the ultimate getaway for people who want to, for example, set sail for the weekend and be back in time, and refreshed, to go to work on Monday. Get in, have fun, and get off without breaking the bank .

The different people I spoke to had diverse thoughts on who the cruise was most catered to. I heard about attracting young travelers from some and also that the cruise is a must for families from the head honcho himself.

“This is an unbelievable experience that’s really focused on the multigenerational family with multiple neighborhoods,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, during a press briefing on day two. “Each neighborhood does an incredible job of pleasing different segments. It’s a stunning product.”

He added, “We feel like this product, which we’ve curated and created, is perfect for families, particularly for young families. We feel like it’s really going to do a great job.”

I traveled with my own young family, including my husband and two kiddos under four. We did plenty together, including enjoying the fare at Windjammer Cafe, playing skeeball and basketball at the arcade on the Boardwalk, going for walks through Central Park, and getting shriveled up like a prune after hanging in the wave pool and in the waters at Thrill Waterpark on CocoCay for hours.

Still, I thought the best way to tell you about what the cruise has to offer, as people of different backgrounds and desires, would be for me to walk just about the entirety of the ship to get the inside scoop. What is there to see and do in three nights?

The answer? A lot. I strapped on my new cushy Crocs and walked up and down the Utopia on our second day as my family relaxed in our cabin (which has a great pullout couch that becomes a cozy bed for kids and has a bit more room than what we had on Icon by the way). At the top of the ship are some exclusive sites for those who are lucky to have access to Utopia’s spacious Solarium suites. But as I made my way down the ship, using a combination of stairs (bedecked in gorgeous artwork) and fast-acting elevators, I took in a number of excellent offerings.

What to Eat

For seafood lovers, there’s Hooked Seafood , which, per the menu, offers everything from mussels, surf & turf, ceviche, lobster rolls, and more (including a tasty kid’s menu). The Mason Jar , which has some red velvet pancakes, fried chicken and waffles, jalapeno cornbread, and other Southern-inspired tastes, looked to be the place to be for brunch. Izumi in the Park is for hibachi grill lovers who want sushi, fried rice, ramen, and crispy, flavorful appetizers.

A new spot delivering bites to go is The Spare Tire , a food truck with sandwiches, flatbreads, and delectable desserts. And then there’s Chops Grille , which my husband and I loved immensely. The place, per its name, is an Americana steakhouse, and we couldn’t get enough of the crispy goat cheese salad (with green apples, candied walnuts, cranberries, and balsamic dressing — spectacular, I tell you), the organic roasted chicken served with au jus and the grilled branzino with sauteed spinach. The sides of grilled asparagus, yukon gold mashed potatoes, and sauteed mushrooms were the cherry on top. And the kids enjoyed their grilled salmon — with a side of fries, of course.

Hungry late at night? There is a clutch pizza joint on deck 5 called Sorrento’s that serves complimentary New York-style slices all night long. It hits the spot when your palate is craving something, anything, at 11 p.m. The only place I really wanted to check out that I couldn’t that received rave reviews is the new Royal Railway Station on deck four. It’s said to be an immersive dining experience that, through some cool technology, presents the old Wild West all around you as you dine in booths designed as classic train cars. I’ll be sure to reserve a spot next sailing!

What to Drink

There are also top-notch bars offering delicious concoctions, both mocktails and cocktails, by the way. I was blown away at the brand new spot, Pesky Parrot , by the Tiki ‘Mosa, which was a blend of pineapple rum, lime, and orange juice with passion fruit, orgeat syrup, and sparkling wine. It was fantastic . My husband enjoyed a frozen cocktail there. Every drink I had during my three-night experience was a great blend of flavor without the alcohol overpowering it. That includes the margarita I got at our cabana at Thrill Island at CocoCay, and a mystery cocktail in a goblet that, unfortunately, I can’t remember during the media meetup (Sorry!).

People also love Bell & Barley , the cruise ship’s take on an English pub, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade on the Boardwalk of deck six, The Lime and the Coconut , a massive bar for pool partygoers on deck 15, and more. I was fond of the lounge Spotlight Karaoke on deck five, where brave guests would get on stage and sing their hearts out in front of a room of spectators, including some grabbing a drink at the spot’s bar. After singing along with an off-key performance of Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and a pretty fantastic rendition of Evanescence’s “My Immortal,” I moved on to see other things. (The space was so welcoming, though, one guest I peeped was there from the early afternoon to the end of the night, singing country classics. As the story goes, she’s still there…)

Where to Party

As for the entertainment, it was very hard to be bored on a ship with eight neighborhoods and so many things to engage in, including live music, ziplining, parties, and shows (including scavenger hunts, “Friendly Feud,” and AquaTheater featuring a soundtrack from the ’80s). I got caught up at the Arcade on deck 16 (the “Bop It” game had me in a chokehold, honestly), but for the ultimate all-in-one experience, I would definitely recommend deck five.

There were countless things there, and it was the first deck we actually experienced when we boarded the ship. There are shops, bars, including my beloved Pesky Parrot, a Starbucks to help revive the weary, karaoke, as mentioned at Spotlight, and a running track for fitness enthusiasts. If you go there in the late evening, you can enjoy a drink, consider buying a vintage Louis Vuitton wallet at one of the shops, and watch people dance in the center of the ship to tunes while staff throw a party for guests.

I just happened to be present for one that moved to the fourth floor (which also houses an impressively sized casino, a colorful art gallery, and The Attic , a comedy spot). There, in Studio B , the ship threw an even bigger dance party called Rezolution that brought out — hold on to your own signature hat — Rev Run of Run DMC fame to help the DJ spin classic hip-hop, dancehall, reggaeton, pop, and Hot 100 hits. I danced with the crowds until I realized I didn’t get a nap in to allow me to hang past 1:30 a.m. But boy, did I have a time!

What to Try

As for resources for all kinds of travelers, I saw plenty of people shuffling in and out of the Vitality Spa & Salon on deck six, where massages, beauty services, and facials were provided. I was personally grateful for the Aventure Ocean youth program on deck 14. There sat a nursery for my youngest son, equipped with trained, friendly caretakers who had Ms. Rachel going, and a junior spot for my four-year-old where kiddos played, enjoyed story time, and kept one another entertained. The hangout for tweens was packed! There is also the Social 100 space on deck 16 with video games for teens to enjoy while parents explore the ship.

What to Do at CocoCay

Lastly, what is there to say about the perfect day at CocoCay that hasn’t already been said over the years? The island is beautiful. Friendly staff on the ground in the Bahamas keep it pristine, raking sand and keeping cabanas and beach chairs cozy while helping guests find their way.

There are so many ways to enjoy the waterpark, including by testing your luck on Daredevils Peak, checking out the winding Twister slide, or hanging out with adults only at the new Hideaway Beach. Kick it in Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, snorkel at Chill Island, or frolic with your kids on the slides at Splashaway Bay. And the waters are stunning in their blue hues, so if you just want to get in the ocean, you can. You just have to get back on the boat by 4:30 p.m.

Overall, the likelihood of a person getting to experience every aspect of the 16 guest decks (there are 18 in total) and all of CocoCay in three to four days is not the strongest. But that’s the point, right? For you to create the experience you want to have. What you are able to do, which you can choose based on your interests and time, will certainly leave you wanting to try out another weekend getaway at sea asap. There is truly a good time to be had for those with young families, for those just looking for a chance to have fun with itinerary options provided for them, and for solo travelers seeking a quick trip to the Caribbean and back, with plenty of good food, entertainment, and merriment along the way. While the Utopia of the Seas is massive, what it can provide in a limited amount of time still manages to make it a very inviting ship, and the best place to be for a light vacay this summer, this fall, and all year round.

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If you invested $1000 in royal caribbean a decade ago, this is how much it'd be worth now.

For most investors, how much a stock's price changes over time is important. Not only can it impact your investment portfolio, but it can also help you compare investment results across sectors and industries.

The fear of missing out, or FOMO, also plays a factor in investing, especially with particular tech giants, as well as popular consumer-facing stocks.

What if you'd invested in Royal Caribbean (RCL) ten years ago? It may not have been easy to hold on to RCL for all that time, but if you did, how much would your investment be worth today?

Royal Caribbean's Business In-Depth

With that in mind, let's take a look at Royal Caribbean's main business drivers.

Based in Miami and incorporated in 1985, Royal Caribbean Cruises is a cruise company. It owns and operates three global brands — Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. Additionally, it has a 50% investment in a joint venture with TUI AG, which operates the brand TUI Cruises. The company’s cruise brands primarily serve the contemporary, premium and deluxe segments of the cruise vacation industry, which also includes the budget and luxury segments. These brands operate 64 ships. The ships operate on a selection of diverse itineraries worldwide that include roughly 1,000 destinations on all seven continents.

The company reports revenues under the following segments — Passenger ticket revenues (68.8% of total revenues in 2023) and Onboard and other revenues (31.2%). Across the company’s five brands, nearly 5.5 million guests sailed in 2022. By the end of 2022, 64 out of 75 ships returned to operations, representing more than 85% of its worldwide capacity. The company’s bookings improved sequentially by 2022-end. As of Dec 31, 2023, the company had nearly $5.3 billion in customer deposits. In the third quarter of 2022, the company unveiled a three-year financial performance initiative — the Trifecta Program — thereby articulating longer-term financial objectives. The program emphasizes financial coordinates, including Adjusted EBITDA per APCD, Adjusted EPS and ROIC. Under this program, the company expects to achieve a triple-digit adjusted EBITDA per APCD, exceeding the earlier record adjusted EBITDA per APCD of $87 in 2019. The company also expects to achieve double-digit adjusted earnings per share, exceeding the earlier record adjusted earnings per share of $9.54 in 2019.

Bottom Line

Putting together a successful investment portfolio takes a combination of research, patience, and a little bit of risk. For Royal Caribbean, if you bought shares a decade ago, you're likely feeling really good about your investment today.

According to our calculations, a $1000 investment made in July 2014 would be worth $3,111.19, or a gain of 211.12%, as of July 17, 2024, and this return excludes dividends but includes price increases.

In comparison, the S&P 500 gained 186% and the price of gold went up 79.63% over the same time frame.

Looking ahead, analysts are expecting more upside for RCL.

Shares of Royal Caribbean have outperformed the industry in the past year. The company has been benefitting from strong cruising demand from new and loyal guests and robust booking trends. Also, strength in consumer spending onboard and pre-cruise purchases bodes well. Going forward, the company emphasized investing in a modern digital travel platform to streamline the vacation booking process for customers and expand wallet share. Also, it emphasized new innovative ships and onboard experiences to boost its offering and deliver superior yields and margins. In 2024, the company anticipates its capacity to increase by 8.5% year over year with the introduction of Utopia of the Seas and Silver Ray. Earnings estimates for 2024 have increased in the past 30 days, depicting analysts' optimism over the stock's growth potential.

The stock is up 13.60% over the past four weeks, and no earnings estimate has gone lower in the past two months, compared to 2 higher, for fiscal 2024. The consensus estimate has moved up as well.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

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ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

Endless breathtaking tundra, four gamechanging ships, one epic summer adventure — this is the boldest Alaska season ever. Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments every single day.  Like whale watching in Juneau. Grizzly spotting in Haines. And totem touring in Sitka. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 21 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2025 Alaska sailings are now open.

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OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 21 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Making its Alaska debut, Anthem of the Seas ® is full of family-favorite thrills and chill. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Whether you’re challenging friends to bumper cars at the SeaPlex® or catching record-setting views from North Star®, make unforgettable memories on these 7-night cruises.

SERENADE OF THE SEAS

Bring your adventure crew to the Last Frontier for a 7-night sailing to can’t-miss glaciers and quaint seaside cities brimming with rugged charm. Go peak seaking in Sitka or and take-on rugged adventures in Haines . Once onboard, snag some adults-only time at the Solarium or treat your tastebuds to plated perfection at Izumi Japanese Cuisine. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver .

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

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Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

The Most Instagrammable Places in Alaska

Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide.

Top Tips for Planning a Cruise to Alaska

Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

The Best Alaska Cruises

June 6, 2024

Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

The Best Time to Visit Banff | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 22, 2024

The best time to visit Banff is also the best time to cruise from Vancouver, so go ahead and pair your sailing with a side trip.

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip | Royal Caribbean Cruises

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After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

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Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Planning a Trip To Alaska: Land vs. Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Here's why travel by cruise ship is best here.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget | Royal Caribbean Cruises

On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens.

What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Here's how to decide the best way to see Alaska.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Port Cities | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruising is a wonderful thing. It can bring you to some of the most beautiful port cities in the world.

Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Hiking on Alaska Glacier Tours

Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature? Here is your travel guide for planning the best adventure vacation.

Honeymoon Cruise in Alaska

Planning a honeymoon cruise to Alaska? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Alaska Helicopter Tours

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

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Cruise leaders tackle carbon conundrum on board Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas

P ORT CANAVERAL, Florida — Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney and MSC Cruises may be competitors, but leaders from the cruise lines came together on board Royal’s newest cruise ship Utopia of the Seas this weekend to solve the collective problem of reducing carbon emissions.

Royal used the first shakedown sailing of Utopia of the Seas to bring together representatives from shipping and other maritime sectors to a Decarbonization Summit. The goal: to try and set the standards for how the industry will get to its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“We’re all locked in for 2 1/2 days. We can’t escape. We’re all going to be in here until the white smoke comes out,” said Bo Cerup-Simonsen, the CEO of Maersk McKinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, referencing the Catholic Church’s tradition for when a new pope is chosen.

He was part of the keynote address for the summit Friday ahead of a three-night cruise from Port Canaveral hosted by Royal Caribbean on board its ship that arrived to Port Canaveral this past Thursday, and is set to begin sailing with paying customers for the first time on Friday this week.

The 2050 goal for net-zero carbon emissions is one set forth by Cruise Line International Association, the lobbying group for most of the world’s major cruise lines.

“We’re all here for one main reason, which is to do what’s right for our society, do what’s right for our planet. I think that should hopefully all drive us each and every day, to make the planet better, and leave it better for future generations,” said Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, who opened the summit.

But he also raised the specter of growing costs and the threat of limits coming online from the European Union, which has enacted regulations about carbon emissions that’s forcing the cruise lines, but also other ocean-goring interests like shipping to act.

“If you’re in the maritime space, you know, one of our key risks is making sure we always have the right to operate,” Liberty said. “And if we are not able to get to our net-zero position here I think within a very short period of time, that we can we can lose our right to operate, or limit our way to operate around the world.”

One part of that action was built into Utopia of the Seas. The sixth Oasis-class ship for the line is the first in class to run on the the cleaner burning liquified natural gas (LNG), and one of only six LNG-fueled cruise ships currently sailing in North America. With Utopia, Port Canaveral hosts three of them including Carnival’s Mardi Gras that arrived in 2022 and the Disney Wish that debuted in 2023.

CLIA has forecast that 26 of more than 300 vessels under its umbrella will be LNG-powered by 2027, but it’s only lowering part of the emissions problem while also producing a methane byproduct that brings its own climate change concerns.

“We don’t think and I don’t think the industry thinks LNG is the ultimate solution by any stretch, but it’s the beginning of that journey for us,” Liberty said.

He noted Utopia of the Seas is 35% more efficient that the original Oasis of the Seas that debuted in 2009.

“That doesn’t just happen by singing some type of chant or song or wish. That comes from a tremendous amount of hard work,” he said.

The fuel is only one part of that process, with other shipwide features that try to save energy where they can. One example is how the elevators on the way down on board the ship generate electricity, and a system on board tracking energy usage that can help identify overuse.

“That didn’t take Oasis from 100 to zero, but it’s built to have the capabilities to go on that journey, especially as alternative fuels become available,” he said.

Liberty said getting voices from outside the cruise industry to help guide the path to net zero was important.

“It takes a city of the best minds and thinkers in the world in order to develop the technology, scale the technology and make it available, make it affordable for society, as well as for maritime, and then of course, as well as for cruise ships,” he said.

The cruise industry only accounts for 3% of all maritime traffic.

“So to think that everyone in the world is just going to design for us, I think, would be irresponsible, and quite naive,” Liberty said. “But I think working together and identifying alternative fuels, finding the technology that can limit the amount of emissions, capturing carbon, fuel cells, etc, I think is an important journey that we all have to get on together.”

Looking beyond LNG is already in the works for many cruise lines. Royal Caribbean Group, which also runs Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, is using its smallest vessels as guinea pigs to look into alternatives such as biofuels.

“The smaller the footprints are, it gives us an opportunity … so Silversea’s a little bit of that, kind of like laboratory for us to do that,” he said.

While alternative fuels such as green methanol and green hydrogen are all in the mix, a bigger issue for not just the cruise industry, but all of maritime is how it can be scaled up for mass use.

“Maritime not only requires that alternative fuel to be possible, but it’s got to be available,” Liberty said. “So if you’re producing green methanol, in let’s just say, in Spain, how do you get that to the Seychelles? Right? That will come over time, but the realities of it is, everything for the past 200, 250 years, it’s been designed around fossil fuels.”

And that leads to bringing on board the maritime support industry such as the shipyards and engine makers, some of whom had representatives at the conference. Liberty says, for instance, that engine manufacturers need consensus before investing.

“We’re now asking, ‘Hey, can you design it around green methanol?’ And they would say, ‘We can do that.’ But is the green methanol going to be available? Is green hydrogen going to be available? What’s going to be the energy source? Because they don’t want to invest in 10 different engines. They need to invest in a couple that they know is going to also have a financial return to them.”

So for now, cruise lines are building new vessels, which will be sailing for the next 30-35 years, with the capacity to take advantage of innovations as the come online.

New ships, for instance, are outfitted with the ability to plug into shore power at ports that have it available, such as the debut at PortMiami for limited use earlier this year. Ships are also adding fuel cell capacity so they can run on that energy as opposed to burning through fuel.

And if a better fuel than LNG becomes the industry standard, cruise lines are prepared to pivot to meet the 2050 goal.

“We keep industrywide rolling out new ships, and on those ships, we’re all trying to advance as far as possible, and create the highest level of flexibility, based off of what we know today, to take alternative fuels here into the future,” Liberty said.

And while the phrase “climate change” was not uttered on day one of the summit, there’s no argument among those attending about dealing with the industry’s carbon footprint.

“Everybody’s on board on how do you reduce emissions,” Liberty said. “So we don’t have to get into buzzwords or anything like that. What we have to focus on, is how do we improve our impact on the planet, and that’s not something that is political, or it’s not something that is something that has to be a kind of kumbaya kind of message. It’s because it’s the right thing to do.”

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