Royal Caribbean: Go big or Go Home?- Why not both !

 

Owned by the same parent company as 'Celebrity Cruise lines', Royal Caribbean Group has disrupted the cruise industry with mega-sized ships stealing your tourism dollars from Hotels and other land based tourism.  

Is Royal Caribbean Right for you?

When you think of Royal Caribbean you probably think of epic size ships that are a destination all by themselves with never ending fun for the entire family.

• Royal Caribbean Group owns three brands, and it's Royal Caribbean International brand falls into the contemporary tier, where you will find it's mega-sized ships and entry level pricing being perfect for family vacations and groups traveling with children

• With offering something for everyone from kiddie pools and parks to casinos and entertainment for adults, these mega-sized ships are absolutely perfect for those who may either not desire to get off board for excursions or have special needs making staying aboard preferable

• As it's name implies, Royal Caribbean extensively cruises throughout the Caribbean with over 300 destinations; Bahamas, Bermuda, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Mexico just to name a few of the most popular destinations are within it's itineraries, making Caribbean vacations easy and accessible

• As a getaway for couples, the cabins are sophisticated, contemporary and there is plenty of night life, casinos, live entertainment and bars available to provide you with just the right break you need

(Radiance of the Seas Cabin)

Is Royal Caribbean's Service good?

Yes, you will receive great service with Royal Caribbean from the start of your cruise at the terminal and baggage handling, thru disembarkation.

• The  contemporary tier of Royal Caribbean International is an entry level service which means more 'reactive' service from crew members

• Royal's 'Celebrity' brand offers a bit more proactive hand holding (Full Story) that comes with the pricing of it's premium tier, however many of the same Celebrity Crew members often 'jump ship' and work aboard the newer Mega Ships bringing their white glove service with them

Is Royal Caribbean's Entertainment & Dining good?

• The overall dining experience is very good, however the quality of food ranges directly with specific venues as follows;

• Casual & Buffet dining quality- 'Very good quality and variety'
• Main dining quality- 'Better'
• Speciality dining quality-'Great !'

• Tip: It will be impossible to resist the endless free ice cream!  The free beverages are limited to; Coffee, Iced Tea, Water and Fruit Punch. Better products will be available by upgrading your beverage or amenities package

(Royal Caribbean: Unlimited Free Ice Cream)

• The overall quantity and quality of entertainment with Royal is excellent and everywhere

• Live Music - 'Very good'
• Variety Shows- 'Excellent'
• Comedy -'Good'

Are the lounge and public spaces of Royal Caribbean nice?

With miniature cities of endless pools, slides, restaurants and casinos aboard the epic ships of Royal Caribbean, even Carnival Cruise lines is no longer safe calling itself the 'Fun Ship.'

• This is another aspect where Royal Caribbean has disrupted the cruise industry with adding onboard parks, and rest areas for it's busy and tired families to relax during those full days at sea!

• Even Royal's older and smaller ships such as 'Radiance of the Seas' built in 2001 with a capacity of just under 2,500 passengers offers incredible public areas to enjoy, including the classic stair case for those photo ops!

  

(above: Symphony of the Seas: 'Central Park' & Pool)

 

(above: Radiance of the Seas: Grand Atrium Left, Right: Pool & Bar)

Do people like Royal Caribbean's Shore Excursions?

When we talk about the quality of a cruise excursion we mean the things a cruise line has some control over, such as; Logistics, Communication and the quality of tour operators it works with.

• All Royal Caribbean Destinations are amazing, they do an excellent job with coordinating tour operators and in some locations it has even made major investments such as in Falmouth, Jamaica, where Royal Caribbean jointly owns the port with the Jamaican Port Authority (PAG) giving it's ships priority access.  

• Tip:  The Caribbean is heavily touristed by the rest of the Cruise industry, speak with your Travel Advisor especially about peak travel seasons.  Reserve early and then pay very close attention to changes.   Finally, be very early at the designated excursion meeting queues

 

(Royal Caribbean Excursions: Left Mayan Ruins, Belize  Right Cozumel, Mexico)

Final Thoughts:

Because of Royal Caribbean's mega-sized ships, genius public spaces, excellent coordination with shore excursions, and entry level pricing, the International Brand is a perfect budget friendly Line for Families, and Groups traveling with Children or cruisers who just want the cruise experience without getting off the ship.  Royal Caribbean mega ships are floating islands of travel pleasure and entertainment competing for your tourism dollars against even popular land destinations like Las Vegas. 

Are you interested in my other stories?

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