The cruise line most of us know as simply "Royal Caribbean" was once known as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, until they outgrew the Caribbean and started cruising in Europe and other parts of the world. They then decided they needed to rebrand the company, and instead of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line their official name became Royal Caribbean International. Few refer to them by their full name. "Royal Caribbean" or "Royal Caribbean Cruise Line" are the names by which this cruise line, which so many repeat passengers have come to enjoy as part of their annual vacation, is commonly known.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line once started in the 1970's by building the first new ships for Caribbean cruising. They have continued that heritage, and have for the past two decades been building the world's largest cruise ships. It seems every time one thinks a cruise ship cannot possibly get any bigger, Royal Caribbean wants to prove that they can build an even bigger and better one. Perhaps now, with the twin giants Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas clocking in at 220,000 tons and a passenger capacity of more than 6,000 people, they have finally reached the limit?
So what is it that Royal Caribbean does to be so popular? In the beginning they were only known for having the most modern ships, having the best service, and going to the most popular Caribbean ports. From that basic concept of cruising, Royal Caribbean cruise ships have evolved into being their own destinations.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships
Royal Caribbean's cruise ships come in six different "classes". New cruise ships are usually ordered from shipyards as a series of cruise ships of similar design. This helps keep the cost of construction down. Cruise ship "classes" are used to describe such series of similarly designed ships. Today, when you cruise on Royal Caribbean you will find that these six classes can be grouped into three distinctly different types of cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean Tradition - Sovereign and Vision Class Ships
First there are the Sovereign and Vision class of cruise ships. These ships were built to the traditional standards of Royal Caribbean. Today they are used on itineraries such as short cruises to the Bahamas, and as groundbreakers on new itineraries around the world.
Royal Caribbean's cruise ships on 3 to 5 day cruises to the Bahamas belong to the "Sovereign" class. There are two ships in this class: Majesty of the Seas. and Monarch of the Seas.
The "Vision" class cruise ships are in the 74 - 78,000 ton range, and include the Grandeur of the Seas. Legend of the Seas. Rhapsody of the Seas. Splendour of the Seas. and Vision of the Seas. It also includes the Enchantment of the Seas. even though that ship has received an extra mid-section, been fully renovated, and now measures 81,500 tons.
Royal Caribbean Big Ship Revolution - Voyager, Freedom and Oasis Class Ships
After the Vision class came the revolutionary Voyager class of cruise ships. Suddenly cruise ships had not just atriums, but four story gallerias running the length of the ship, with shops, bars and cafés lining the lower level of the "Royal Promenade" as the galleria became known. But that was not all. On the higher levels of the Royal Promenade there were now cabins with windows facing the galleria! The Voyager class ships also introduced the first rock-climbing walls and full mini golf courts on cruise ships.
The Freedom and Oasis classes were further evolutions of the Voyager class, with more new ideas of what cruising can be about. The Freedom class cruise ships introduced things such as live surfing on the top deck of the ships. The Oasis class took on the entire idea of the galleria, and brought that concept to the next level. On the Oasis class ships there is one indoor galleria, and then the same idea continues outdoors on the higher decks. The result is a ship that is really two ships. There are balcony cabins with oceanview along the sides of the ship, but there are now almost as many balcony cabins with an inner courtyard view! Those in the aft part of the ship have a view of the Boardwalk, and those in the forward part have a view of Central Park, a real park with live trees and plants.
The "Oasis" class has the world's largest cruise ships. These 220,000 ton giant ships are by far the largest in the world, the spectacular Oasis of the Seas. and the Allure of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean Elegance - Radiance Class Ships
Being an international cruise line, Royal Caribbean decided they also needed some cruise ships for those experienced cruise passengers who prefer more leisurely cruises than found on the larger Royal Caribbean ships. This is where the beautiful ships of the Radiance class came in. You will find Radiance class ships cruising the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Alaska in the summer, with all the quality and service one has come to expect from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
Dining on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships
Dining on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line can be Traditional Dining, "My Time" Dining, or dining on one of the specialty restaurants. The preferred type of dining is selected at time of booking, subject to availability. Lunch and dinner are also available buffet style in the Windjammer Café.
Traditional dining in the main restaurants with 1st and 2nd seatings at assigned tables means that one dines at the same time and the same table every night. The benefit of this is that one meets other passengers and can make new friends. The 1st seating starts around 6:00 p. m. and 2nd seating around 8:15 p. m. (times may vary by ship and itinerary, but please note that dinner service begins promptly at posted times).
"My Time" dining is available on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships. It should be emphasized that it is important to select this type of dining at time of booking, because if one has selected the traditional dining it is not possible to change to "My Time" once onboard the ship. My Time Dining means that, just like at a restaurant ashore, you can dine in the main dining room any time between 6:00 p. m. and 9:30 p. m. (times vary by ship). Reservations are recommended, and can be made onboard the ship.
The open seating option is definitely on its way to becoming the most popular dining option, and not only on Royal Caribbean cruises. For larger parties traveling together, and for families with small children the traditional 1st and 2nd seating is still the best option. For everyone else it depends on personal preferences. Just remember that on Royal Caribbean "My Time" dining cannot be selected once onboard the ship. It has to be selected at time of booking.
Oasis, Freedom, Voyager and Radiance class ships also offer one or more exclusive specialty restaurants for special evenings. Reservations are recommended, and a nominal fee applies.
Entertainment
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's production shows in the showlounges are perhaps the best Broadway spectacles you will find on any cruise ships anywhere. World class performers from countries all over the world star in a wide range of shows, from contemporary stage productions and Las Vegas style shows, to headline musical acts and comedy shows. In addition to a different main show each evening, you can enjoy the rhytm of the night with live music in Royal Caribbean's many colorful and exciting bars and lounges.
Cabins and Suites on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships
Royal Caribbean's cabins are among the best one can find, with spacious, thoughtful and comfortable design. Amenties in all cabins include luxury bedding, refrigerator, extensive satellite TV programming, and complimentary room service (late night service charge applies).
On a weeklong Caribbean cruise balcony cabins and suites are especially comfortable for private relaxation on your private balcony during lazy days at sea.
Free Onboard Credits On All Ships
With our Free Onboard Credit up to $200 per cabin promotion, planning a Royal Caribbean cruise is easy. The free onboard credit promotion applies to all Royal Caribbean ships and itineraries, and is combinable with all other promotions.
The Bonus Icon
When you search for Royal Caribbean cruises, you will see the search results marked with a Bonus icon. It is a good idea to click on it to check for occasional bonus promotions, in addition to the Free Onboard Credits.
Find The Best Cruise Deals On Royal Caribbean
Find the best cruise deals by using the search box at the upper left hand to do a general search for the best Royal Caribbean cruise deals, or to narrow down your search to specific destinations or cruise ships. The results are in order of lowest price. Do remember to browse the results for great deals on balconies and suites. When you see a "Bonus" button in the search results, click on it to see valuable extras. Bookings made online are booked on the cruise line's computer, and payments are made directly to the cruise line.