Royal Choice For Resort-Style Cruising
When travelers are looking for a cruise line that accommodates a wide range of preferences while still delivering quality food, service, and entertainment, Royal Caribbean is the recommended choice by Blue Skies Travel.
Royal Caribbean fits well within the definition of
resort-style cruising, attracting mainstream appeal. These ships are among the
largest at sea, offering a little something for just about everyone. Large pool
decks with multiple pools, a wide variety of restaurant options, Broadway-style
entertainment, and an expansive array of destination choices make Royal
Caribbean a top choice for multi-generational families, as well as travelers with
a more restrictive budget.
Based in Miami, Florida, United States, Royal Caribbean is
the largest cruise line by revenue and second largest by passengers counts. In
2018, Royal Caribbean International controlled 19.2% of the worldwide cruise
market by passengers and 14.0% by revenue. Royal Caribbean operates the five
largest passenger ships in the world. As of January 2022, the line operates
twenty-six ships and has four additional ships on order.
Photo: Size Comparison of Royal Caribbean Ships
Amenities
Amenities vary between ships and larger ship are organized
into neighborhoods.
Photo: Layout of Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
Neighborhoods of Royal Caribbean Ships
Cruisers have the luxury to choose from many entertainment
experiences within the contemporary ‘Entertainment Place’ nightclub district.
Entertainment Place debuts new after-dark spaces in more intimate settings,
from Blaze, the hottest nightclub at sea; to Jazz on 4, a cozy lounge filled
with live jazz and blues; and Comedy Live, featuring hilarious acts. Dance lovers
can waltz into an elegant evening in Dazzles, a dance lounge featuring
musically themed evenings, dance lessons and competitions. Whether looking for
a mellow evening or an exhilarating high-energy ‘night on the town,’
Entertainment Place has an experience to suit any mood.
Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line with Tony Award®-winning shows, Royal Caribbean International® offers the most variety of entertainment at sea. From the second longest-running musical on Broadway, CATS (on the Oasis of the Seas), to the disco beats of Saturday Night Fever (Liberty), and the global smash, MAMMA MIA! (Allure), to the smash hits, Grease (Harmony and Independence) and Hairspray (Symphony), guests are sure to enjoy Broadway's hit musicals miles away from the mainland.
Photo: Get Greased on the Harmony of the Seas
The Boardwalk® neighborhood is a slice of old-world charm
with a modern twist and offers enough amusement and attractions to keep
everyone entertained. This is the place to be for the entire family.
Photo: Take a stroll down the Boardwalk® neighborhood
With 12,000 lush, green trees and plants, the Central Park® neighborhood
lives up to its name. Guests can enjoy uptown dinner and shopping or simply
stroll this unique green space in the middle of the sea. With lush tropical
grounds spanning more than the length of a football field, the elegant piazza
acts as the ship’s town square that evolves from a tranquil atmosphere during
the day to a gathering space for dining and entertainment in the evening.
Photo: Enjoy elegance and style in Central Park®
A design marvel, the Royal Promenade is the place to check
out lively street parties and fantastic parades that feature daring aerial
acrobatics. A giant copper globe sculpture built into the facade above the pub
"cracks open" to reveal the Atlas Bridge, a platform that unfolds 10
feet above the boulevard on hinged hydraulics to create a surprising
performance area. Guests can browse in more than half a dozen shops and sample
the fare and refreshments at ten restaurants and bars, including the cool
Rising Tide Bar, the first moving bar at sea.
Photo: The Royal Promenade is the heart of the ship
Stretching the length of the ship, the Oasis Class Pool and
Sports Zone is an ample playground for guests of all ages, featuring four
unique types of pools, and two FlowRider® surf simulators. Onboard adventurers
can also enjoy the rock climbing wall, zip lines and our exclusive thrilling
Ultimate AbyssSM slide.
Photo: Experience the Ultimate Abyss
Photo: Surf the high seas on the FlowRider®
The state-of-the-art VitalitySM at Sea Spa &
Fitness Center setting combines the most advanced spa and anti-aging therapies,
the latest fitness equipment and healthy dining options. This is the place to
strengthen your body, soothe your mind, and renew your spirit.
Photo: Enjoy a spin class at sea in the fitness center
Casino Royale boasts a wide assortment of casino games,
including poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and slot machines among others.
Complimentary learn-to-play sessions are available and friendly dealers can
answer any questions you may have related to any of the casino games.
Tournaments for blackjack, poker, and slots are also offered at various times
throughout the voyage.
Photo: Try lady luck in the Casino Royale
The Oasis Class Youth Zone is a haven for our younger
cruisers. It offers a wealth of kid and teen-friendly adventures including Kids
Avenue, a central boulevard connecting children with dedicated Adventure Ocean®
spaces, various themed play areas, and the cruise line’s first nursery for
infants and toddlers (six months or older).
Photo: Splashaway Bay
Royal Accommodations
Royal Caribbean offers a wide assortment of room types that
is sure to satisfy the needs of any guest.
The most popular rooms include interior, ocean view, and balcony
staterooms. Options for more
sophisticated accommodations include the ultimate family suite, as well as
various sized Royal Suites.
Be sure to bring a shower body buffer as most rooms have
only a wall-mounted shampoo/shower gel dispenser.
Photo: A stateroom for every type of guest
Photo: Ultimate Family Suite
Daily Activities
Entertainment and activities are something Royal Caribbean does well. Sea Days are packed with an assortment of activities for all ages. Top-notch comedians are always a crowd favorite. Pubs and lounges pack quickly for karaoke, name that tune, and many trivia sessions. The promenade can also get quite lively for theme parties such as 90s night and others
Another unique feature of many Royal Caribbean ships is the dive shop. Guests can get PADI certified during their cruise with morning pool sessions on sea days and open water dives with certified instructors at ports of call.
Photo: Get PADI certified with the Dive Shop
Royal Eats
Royal Caribbean includes several food options within the
base cost of the cruise, including meals at your assigned dining room or at the
Windjammer buffet. Both of these options
are perfectly fine for most guests; however, they are not premium options. Thin crust pizza at Sorrento’s is included
and is one of the best pizzas served on any cruise ship.
Photo: Windjammer Cafe
Photo: Enjoy a slice at Sorrento's - one of the best pizzas on the high seas
For those foodies looking for high-quality options, Royal
Caribbean does not disappoint. Quality cuts of meat can be ordered at Chops
Grille. Primo Italian cuisine is always an option. Sushi or Hibachi are delicious options at
Izumi. Savour Mexican options at Sabor. Or dig into some lip-smacking burgers
at classic Johnny Rockets.
Photo: Top cuts at Chops Grille
Photo: Hibachi and Sushi at Izumi
Photo: A Mexican Fiesta at Sabor
Photo: A splash from the past at Johnny Rockets
Raise the Bar
Every Royal Caribbean ship has a variety of watering holes to wet your whistle. Make a toast to technology, because this Royal Caribbean knows how to power up a drink. Just head to The Bionic Bar, where robots take your order and serve one perfectly-crafted cocktail after another. And right across the Promenade you’ll find Rising Tide Bar, which carries you up three decks to Central Park as you down your favorite tipple. Wind down at the Schooner Bar where you'll enjoy the perfect mix of deliscious coctails and live entertain that will keep you singing along well into the night. Enjoy a beverage at the adults-only Solarium Bar.
Photo: Bionic Bar
Photo: Rising Tide Bar
Photo: Schooner Bar
Photo: Solarium Bar
Itineraries
Not only is the activity aboard Royal Caribbean ships versatile, so are their itineraries, travelling to over 60 countries world-wide. Or discover them all on a 274-night world cruise that explores 11 world wonders over amazing destinations across all seven continents.
Photo: Cruise the world with Royal Caribbean
Or choose an itinerary that includes Little Stirrup Cay, better
known a Coco Cay – an island exclusive to Royal Caribbean. In 2019, the island
was extensively renovated by Royal Caribbean at the cost of US$250 million. A
pier was constructed on the north side of the island, which allows cruise ships
to dock directly instead of using tenders. The east end is the center of
recreational activities with beaches fronting a coral basin where manatees,
rays, and numerous fish can be seen. Nature trails run the entire length and
width of the island. The renovation also included a water park, with North
America's largest and tallest water slide, Daredevil's Peak.
Photo: How would you spend a perfect day at Coco Cay?
The Key
When travelling on the world largest ships, a little VIP
treatment is always nice. Royal
Caribbean exclusively offers ‘The Key’ for priority access. Benefits include:
The Key Guests will enjoy the following exclusive and
special amenities during their cruise vacation:
·
Priority access into the terminal (within booked
arrival time) on Day 1*
·
Carry-on bag drop off in the Main Dining Room
with stateroom delivery**
·
Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room
featuring the Chops Grille® menu***
·
Private time at onboard activities**** including
Rock Climbing, FlowRider and more
·
Priority departure at tender ports of call from
ship-to-shore
·
VIP access at shows in the Main theater, Aqua
Theater, Studio B, and Two70 (all guests must have a reservation in order to
qualify)
·
VOOM® Surf & Stream 1 Device high speed
internet – 1 package per paying guest
·
On debarkation day, enjoy an exclusive á la
carte breakfast and choice departure
Other Considerations
Royal Caribbean offers three tiers of drink packages. Keep in mind that all guests in the stateroom must have the same drink package.
1.
The classic soda package includes a Coca-Cola souvenir
Freestyle cup and unlimited refills during your stay. The package averages about $15 USD per day,
plus an 18% gratuity.
2.
The refreshment package includes the classic
soda package, plus premium non-alcoholic options for $38 USD per day, plus 18%
gratuity. Beware that drinks at the Starbucks are not included within any of
the drink package options.
3.
The deluxe beverage package is $89 USD per day,
plus 18% gratuity and includes all the amenities of the refreshment package
plus alcoholic beverage worth $14 or less per drink.
A la carte restaurants are available as a one-off option, of select a three-meal option. And if you want high quality food throughout the cruise, you can select an unlimited dining package as well.
Bottom Line
Royal Caribbean is a great option for multi-generational cruising families that want lots of activities to keep everyone happy and can customize the cruise experience to individual tastes. Royal Caribbean is also a great option for guests who want a good cruising experience without breaking the bank.
Contact Trevor Eliott at Blue Skies Travel today to explore options for your next vacation. Call us today at (780)484-3428 or email us at trevor@blueskiestravel.ca.
