Your guide to Royal Caribbean

Great for families
Active lifestyle

Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Thrill Island obboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean at a glance

Great for:

Travel as: couple Couples
Travel as: family Families
Travel as: group Groups

Age Range:

0 25 50 75 100
0 to 100 years

Price Range:

£ ££ £££ ££££
From £ to ££££

How formal?

Laid-back Relaxed Smart Formal
From Laid-back to Formal

Royal Caribbean consistently sets the benchmark for adventure at sea, expertly blending the thrill of a theme park with the sophistication of a world-class resort. For first-time cruisers and seasoned travellers alike, the brand excels at pushing boundaries, fusing innovation, spectacle, and comfort to captivate families, couples, and newcomers to cruising.

Unparalleled scale and showmanship

Across its expansive fleet, from the groundbreaking Icon of the Seas to British favourites like Anthem of the Seas (often sailing from Southampton), Royal Caribbean demonstrates a mastery of scale and showmanship. Onboard, the atmosphere feels limitless: surf simulators crown the top decks, zip lines soar above open-air promenades, and the serene Central Park offers an oasis of calm beneath glass skylights.

Design centred on choice

The cruise line’s design philosophy champions choice, providing an array of restaurants, entertainment options for every mood, and activity-packed decks. Guests can find tranquility in adults-only Solariums, conquer the FlowRider surf machine, or enjoy cocktails while high-divers perform in the AquaTheater. The approach remains enthusiastically fun, an infectious energy that beckons many to step aboard.

Mini Golf onboard Royal Caribbean
Mini Golf onboard Royal Caribbean

Raising industry standards

Royal Caribbean’s newest vessels, including Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Icon of the Seas, showcase the line’s ongoing commitment to elevating industry standards. Passengers benefit from smart technology integration, staterooms thoughtfully designed for modern families, and diverse dining, from pub-style comfort food to the avant-garde molecular gastronomy at Wonderland.

Accommodations for every traveller

Accommodation options range from interior staterooms, ideal for budget-conscious families, to lavish suites with private balconies and dedicated butler service. Many newer ships feature innovative Virtual Balcony staterooms, where interior cabins display real-time ocean views on high-definition screens, offering natural light without the premium cost.

Entertainment beyond expectation

Entertainment aboard Royal Caribbean ships defines industry benchmarks. Broadway-style productions grace the main theatres, while ice-skating spectaculars and high-diving performances in the AquaTheater deliver unique experiences rarely found on land. Multiple entertainment districts, from intimate jazz lounges to vibrant nightclubs, ensure options for every preference.

Culinary journeys

Dining experiences span casual to sophisticated. Main dining rooms serve traditional cruise cuisine with an international twist, while speciality restaurants offer everything from Japanese hibachi to Italian fine dining. Many ships feature dynamic food halls with diverse options, allowing families to satisfy varied tastes in one convenient location.

Giovannis Itallian restaurant
Giovannis Itallian restaurant

A welcoming experience for first-timers

For those new to cruising, Royal Caribbean offers comprehensive orientation programmes and attentive staff. The cruise line’s app proves an invaluable tool for navigation, activity booking, and communication, especially on larger vessels.

Engaging shore excursions

Shore excursion programmes cater to diverse interests and activity levels, from cultural walking tours in Mediterranean ports to adventurous activities in Caribbean destinations. Family-friendly options keep younger travellers engaged, while more challenging excursions appeal to active adults seeking unique experiences.

At its core, Royal Caribbean embodies joy through bold, inclusive cruising. Thrill-seekers, families, and those seeking relaxation alike can discover their perfect holiday rhythm. This blend of innovative amenities, diverse dining, spectacular entertainment, and thoughtful service explains why so many passengers return, eager for the next adventure.

Top tips

  1. Arrive in Southampton the day before departure to avoid port-day stress, as Royal Caribbean often embarks thousands of guests simultaneously
  2. Download the Royal Caribbean app before sailing, as it proves essential for booking shows, making restaurant reservations, and accessing ship information
  3. Purchase speciality dining packages in sterling before travelling to secure better rates than onboard pricing
  4. Pack swimwear and active clothing, as signature attractions like FlowRider and rock climbing walls require appropriate gear
  5. Experience sailaway from the top deck, where the atmosphere becomes electric, particularly on longer itineraries
  6. Book popular activities and shows immediately upon boarding, as spaces fill quickly on sea days
  7. Consider purchasing beverage packages before sailing if planning to enjoy multiple drinks daily, as individual pricing proves significantly higher