Royal Caribbean International is one of the world’s largest and most popular cruise lines, operating nearly 30 ships across multiple classes and sailing to destinations around the globe. Known for pushing the boundaries of cruise ship innovation with groundbreaking amenities and record-breaking vessels, Royal Caribbean has redefined what’s possible at sea. From surf simulators and waterparks to Broadway-style productions, the cruise line consistently delivers exceptional vacations for many travelers.
However, Royal Caribbean’s massive ships and amusement park-like amenities can create a cruise experience that feels overwhelming, crowded, and expensive to others. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or just new to the cruise line, understanding the pros and cons of Royal Caribbean is essential to determining if this cruise line aligns with your vacation expectations.
We’ve sailed on multiple Royal Caribbean ships across different classes and itineraries, experiencing everything from their newest Icon-class vessels to their more traditional Voyager-class ships, and share our comprehensive Royal Caribbean review. We break down what we think makes Royal Caribbean exceptional and where it might fall short for some to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you and your travel party.
Quick Comparison
| ✓ Pros of Royal Caribbean | ✗ Cons of Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|
| Best entertainment at sea | Large ship sizes can be overwhelming |
| World’s largest cruise ships | Inconsistent food quality and variety |
| Innovative onboard attractions | Higher price point than competitors |
| Perfect Day at CocoCay private island | Lots of families and kids onboard |
| Strong loyalty program and perks | No ship-within-a-ship complex |
| Great for multigenerational groups | Varied quality across ship classes |
| Reciprocity on sister brands | No option for all-inclusive packages |
| Efficient embarkation process | Alaska cruises don’t visit Glacier Bay |
| Varied itineraries worldwide | Increased focus on private destinations |
| Wide range of cabin categories | |
| Drink packages still unlimited |
The Pros of Royal Caribbean Cruises
1. Best Entertainment at Sea
Royal Caribbean consistently sets the gold standard for cruise ship entertainment. Their Broadway-style productions feature full orchestras, elaborate costumes, and immersive technology and stage sets that rival land-based theaters. Shows like “Hairspray”, “Mamma Mia!”, and “Grease” offer authentic Broadway experiences onboard Royal Caribbean ships. There’s also top-notch original productions like “Flight” and “The Wizard of Oz”.
Beyond the Broadway-style entertainment, Royal Caribbean ships feature ice skating shows and high-diving performances in aqua theaters that you won’t find on any other cruise line. The entertainment variety extends to comedy clubs, piano bars, live music venues, and themed parties that keep the energy high throughout the cruise.
2. World’s Largest Cruise Ships
Royal Caribbean operates several of the largest cruise ships in the world, including the massive Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. These floating cities offer an unprecedented variety of dining, entertainment, and activities all under one roof. The sheer scale allows for amenities that simply wouldn’t fit on smaller vessels, including actual neighborhoods like Central Park with real trees and plants and the family-friendly Boardwalk and Surfside with seaside vibes.
The size advantage means you’ll never run out of things to do, even on longer cruises. Each ship feels like a destination in itself offering something everyone in your travel party will love. The biggest problem might be trying to fit everything into one cruise. The FOMO is real for us!
3. Innovative Onboard Attractions
No cruise line pushes the envelope quite like Royal Caribbean when it comes to onboard innovations. FlowRider surf simulators let you catch waves in the middle of the ocean, while rock climbing walls offer vertical challenges with ocean views. The Ultimate Abyss dry slide on Oasis class ships is one of the tallest slide at sea, while the North Star observation pod on Quantum class ships provides 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level.
There’s even an iFLY skydiving simulator, ice skating rink, bumper cars in the SeaPlex, laser tag, a carousel in the Boardwalk neighborhood, and escape rooms on select ships in the fleet. Newer ships feature even more ambitious attractions like the Icon class which boasts the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking waterslides.
4. Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas consistently ranks among the best cruise line private islands. Perfect Day at CocoCay offers the tallest waterslide in North America, a freshwater pool with swim-up bar, zip lines, Splashaway Bay for the little ones, and pristine beaches with complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas. There’s also the adults-only Hideaway Beach and the exclusive Coco Beach Club for those looking for an upgraded island experience.
While some loathe the amusement park vibes, we truly believe that the island provides something for everyone. Thrill-seekers can spend the day (and some cash) enjoying the Thrill Waterpark and the Up, Up, & Away helium balloon ride. Those seeking relaxation can claim spots on the beautiful beaches along Chill Island, while those seeking a lively atmosphere can head to the complimentary Oasis Lagoon pool. There’s also a complimentary barbecue buffet lunch and multiple Snack Shack locations around the island, and the cruise line’s drink package works ashore. This means you’ll have everything you need for a perfect day at CocoCay.
And we can attest that the island’s design ensures it never feels overcrowded despite accommodating thousands of guests.
5. Strong Loyalty Program and Perks
Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program offers meaningful benefits that improve with each cruise. In fact, we think the perks are some of the best in the cruise industry. With higher tiers, guests unlock perks like Crown Lounge access, free days of internet, free laundry, and complimentary drinks, along with a variety of onboard discounts.
Perhaps the biggest perk is the drink coupons for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle members. These guests receive 4, 5, or 6 drink vouchers a day that can be used to purchase beverages at just about any venue on the ship. This can be a big cost savings for those who enjoy a few alcoholic beverages on a cruise (and eliminate the need to purchase a drink package).
6. Great for Multigenerational Groups and Families
Royal Caribbean excels at creating experiences that appeal to multiple generations traveling together. Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs are among the best at sea, offering age-appropriate programming from babies to teenagers. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy date-night with sophisticated dining, lounges, and entertainment while grandparents can appreciate the more relaxed areas like the Solarium or strike up a game of pickleball on the sports court. This means everyone can spend part of the day enjoying their own hobbies but still carve out time to make family memories together.
Family-friendly stateroom configurations, including connecting rooms and suites, make group travel logistics easier too.
7. Reciprocity on Sister Brands
Royal Caribbean Group’s loyalty program extends across sister brands Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. This means your Royal Caribbean loyalty status carries over when you cruise with sister brands, giving you comparable perks. For instance, if you are Diamond in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, you will sail on Celebrity with Elite status or Silversea with 250 Venetian Society days, where you’ll receive the perks for that respective cruise line’s loyalty program.
This reciprocity is particularly valuable for cruisers who enjoy variety, allowing them to experience Celebrity’s sophisticated atmosphere or Silversea’s luxury while still receiving their loyalty benefits. Of note though, loyalty points are not cumulative across all three brands.
8. Efficient Embarkation and Disembarkation
Royal Caribbean has streamlined the boarding process significantly in recent years offering one of the most stress-free embarkation day experiences in the industry. The company’s check-in process allows you to complete most paperwork in advance in the app, while their terminal operations have been optimized to handle thousands of passengers efficiently. Priority boarding for suite guests and higher-tier loyalty members further reduces wait times.
Similarly, despite having the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean has mastered the disembarkation process. Unlike other cruise lines, guests won’t wait in long lines to exit the ship. The process is quick and efficient.
9. Varied Itineraries
Royal Caribbean’s massive fleet allows the cruise line to offer an impressive variety of itineraries spanning the globe. From short 3-day Bahamas getaways to epic world cruises, the line offers options for every schedule and budget. Destinations range from traditional Caribbean and Mediterranean routes to bucket list locations like Alaska, Asia, Australia, or the Norwegian fjords.
The line sails from nearly 30 different departure ports throughout the year as well, meaning you’ll likely find a homeport to suit your travel needs. Whether you want an ultimate weekend getaway with a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay or want to visit a far-flung locale, Royal Caribbean makes it possible.
10. Wide Range of Cabin Categories
Royal Caribbean offers an extensive selection of stateroom categories, from budget-friendly interior cabins to multi-bedroom suites with Royal Genie service. Unique accommodation options include Central Park, Boardwalk, or Surfside neighborhood views on Oasis class and Icon Class ships. There’s also infinite balconies, virtual balconies, and panoramic view staterooms on select ship classes. Not to mention, studio cabins exist in limited quantities as well as connecting family staterooms and accessible staterooms.
This variety ensures you can find accommodations that match both your budget and preferences, whether you want a simple place to sleep or a luxurious home base for your vacation.
11. Drink Packages Still Unlimited
While many cruise lines have imposed daily limits on alcoholic beverages, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package remains truly unlimited. This includes premium spirits and cocktails up to $14, wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffees, and fresh juices throughout the cruise. It also includes soda, bottled water, and smoothies.
The unlimited nature of the package provides excellent value for some and eliminates the need to track consumption or worry about hitting daily limits. It’s also a great way to try new drinks and not worry about wasting money if you don’t like them.
The Cons of Royal Caribbean Cruises
1. Large Ship Sizes Can Be Overwhelming for First-Timers
Royal Caribbean’s massive ships, while impressive, aren’t for everyone. They can be genuinely overwhelming for newcomers to cruising or even for those who have only sailed on smaller ships. First-time cruisers might spend the first few days of their vacation just figuring out where everything is located. Additionally, the sheer number of dining venues, onboard attractions, and entertainment options can create serious anxiety.
The size can make simple tasks like getting from one end of the ship to another time-consuming or even difficult for those with mobility issues. Not to mention, crowds could be an issue as well, especially when waiting for an elevator or around the entertainment venues near showtime. While some guests love that there are so many choices and endless activities, others find it exhausting and over stimulating.
2. Inconsistent Food Quality and Variety
Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants generally deliver excellent cuisine, with staples like Chops Grille and Izumi, as well as unique dining experiences like Wonderland or Royal Railway Utopia Station. With that being said, the main dining room experience can be inconsistent. Food quality varies significantly between ships, and even on the same ship from night to night.
Additionally, many older ships lack the casual dining variety found on competitor cruise lines, forcing guests into the main dining room or overpriced specialty restaurants when they’d just prefer something quick and simple. Of note, newer ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet do have more casual, complimentary options but they still don’t compare to the likes of Carnival.
3. Higher Price Point Than Other Mainstream Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean’s base fares are typically 20-50% higher than comparable itineraries on Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, or MSC Cruises. When you factor in the cost of drink packages, specialty dining, internet, shore excursions, and other extras that many consider essential, the total cost can easily double the advertised cruise fare. This price point puts a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation out of reach for many families.
Even with Royal Caribbean’s innovations and impressive amenities, many cruisers find it difficult to justify the higher pricing, especially when other lines offer similar itineraries and family experiences at significantly lower costs.
4. Lots of Families and Kids Onboard
Royal Caribbean’s family-focused atmosphere may not suit all travelers. Its reputation as an excellent family cruise line means ships often have high concentrations of children, particularly during school holidays, spring break, and summer months. Pool decks, dining venues, and all-age entertainment areas can become overrun with kids, which can make it challenging for couples or adults seeking a more sophisticated or romantic atmosphere to find quiet spaces for relaxation.
While Royal Caribbean offers some adults-only areas like the Solarium, the majority of ship amenities cater to all ages. So, those seeking a more adult-oriented vacation experience might want to look elsewhere.
5. No Ship-Within-a-Ship Complex
Unlike Norwegian’s Haven or MSC’s Yacht Club, Royal Caribbean offers no true ship-within-a-ship complex. While suite guests receive some perks and priority access, there’s no exclusive enclave which provides a luxury experience within the larger ship.
This means that even suite guests must compete with thousands of other passengers for dining, entertainment, and deck space, reducing the exclusivity that many expect when paying premium prices for luxury accommodations.
While Royal Caribbean’s Quantum, Oasis, and Icon class ships do have a private restaurant for suite guests, Coastal Kitchen, the cruise line still doesn’t come close to the amenities offered in The Haven or The Yacht Club.
6. Varied Quality Across Ship Classes
The Royal Caribbean experience varies dramatically depending on which ship you choose. Older Voyager, Radiance, or Vision class ships can feel dated compared to the newest Icon and Oasis class vessels, with narrower corridors, smaller cabins, fewer dining options, and less onboard amenities. Entertainment offerings also vary significantly, with newer ships featuring state-of-the-art theaters and unique venues that older ships simply can’t match.
This inconsistency means that newcomers need to look closely at ship classes when booking a cruise; they shouldn’t assume all Royal Caribbean ships offer similar amenities and experiences because that could lead to disappointment.
7. No Option for All-Inclusive Packages
While cruise lines like Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America offer comprehensive packages that bundle add-ons like specialty dining, drink packages, WiFi, shore excursion credit, and/or gratuities, Royal Caribbean doesn’t offer any such “all-inclusive” package. Guests must pay a la carte for each add-on, making it a bit more complex to budget. Further, it often results in higher total costs than competitors’ all-inclusive options.
If you want the ease of selecting one comprehensive package that covers all your cruise needs, you’ll want to opt for a different cruise line or consider a luxury line that includes all these extras in the cruise fare.
8. Alaska Cruises Don’t Visit Glacier Bay
Unlike Holland America, Princess, or NCL, Royal Caribbean ships don’t have permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park, one of Alaska’s most spectacular destinations. Instead, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itineraries substitute other glacial viewing opportunities that, while beautiful, don’t match the pristine landscape and comprehensive experience that Glacier Bay provides like park rangers actually coming aboard the ship and narrating throughout your visit.
For many cruisers, us included, Glacier Bay represents the highlight of an Alaska cruise experience, making Royal Caribbean a less attractive option for this destination despite their excellent ships and amenities.
9. Recent Increased Focus on Private Destinations
Royal Caribbean has increasingly emphasized private destinations on its itineraries in the recent years, with even more to come in the future. While Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee are already part of the cruise line’s portfolio, Perfect Day Mexico and Lelepa in the South Pacific are both set to debut in 2027. Royal Caribbean is also planning a Royal Beach Club collection with the first opening this fall in Paradise Island, Bahamas.
While these destinations offer tons of engaging experiences, some cruisers feel they detract from authentic cultural immersion and exploration of local communities. The trend toward private destinations means fewer opportunities to experience meaningful travel beyond resort-style relaxation.
Is Royal Caribbean Right For You?
Royal Caribbean delivers an impressive cruise experience that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible at sea. Their commitment to innovation, entertainment excellence, and family-friendly amenities creates the ultimate vacation for many travelers.
However, the line’s focus on bigger, louder, and more expensive can overwhelm those seeking intimate, sophisticated, or culturally immersive experiences. The lack of all-inclusive options and ship-within-a-ship complexes also make Royal Caribbean less desirable than some competitors.
Whether Royal Caribbean aligns with your vacation vision depends entirely on what you value most in a cruise.
Royal Caribbean might be perfect for you if:
- You want cutting-edge amenities and attractions
- Broadway-caliber entertainment is important to you
- You’re traveling as a family or multigenerational group
- You enjoy lively, energetic atmospheres
- You don’t mind paying premium prices for premium experiences
- “The bigger, the better” describes your ideal cruise ship
You might want to consider another cruise line if:
- You prefer intimate, quieter cruise experiences
- Budget is a primary concern
- You want truly all-inclusive pricing
- You’re planning an Alaska cruise and Glacier Bay is a must-see for you
- You prefer cultural immersion over resort-style vacations
- You’re seeking an adults-only or adult-focused environment
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