Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is the big-ship specialist of mainstream cruising. Its fleet runs from older, mid-size Vision-class ships to the Oasis-class and Icon-class giants, which are among the largest passenger ships ever built. The newest Icon-class ships, Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, carry well over 5,000 guests at double occupancy and are built around waterparks, multiple pool zones and neighborhood-style layouts.

Onboard, the line sells activity. Depending on the ship you can surf a FlowRider, climb a rock wall, ride waterslides, skate in an ice rink or watch high-diving shows in the AquaTheater, then see a full-length Broadway musical in the evening. The Oasis and Icon classes split the ship into themed neighborhoods such as Central Park and the Boardwalk, so a huge ship feels less like one crowded deck. Dining runs from an included main dining room and Windjammer buffet to a long list of extra-cost specialty restaurants.

Royal Caribbean suits families with kids and teens, multigenerational groups, and adults who like a lively, high-energy vacation with a lot to do on sea days. Most itineraries are three to seven nights from Florida, Texas and the Northeast, with Alaska and Europe in summer. Travelers who want quiet, a strong sense of place, or an included-everything fare will usually be happier elsewhere.

The vibe: Energetic, family-friendly and packed with headline attractions; think floating theme park with a good Broadway show at night.

What Royal Caribbean does best

Icon-class megaships

Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas pack a large waterpark, a family neighborhood with its own pools, and the AquaDome with its aqua shows into one hull.

Oasis-class neighborhoods

Ships such as Wonder, Symphony and Utopia of the Seas split the ship into areas like Central Park and the Boardwalk, which keeps the crowds spread out.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

The line's private island in the Bahamas has a paid waterpark, an included beach and pool area, and an extra-cost adults-only beach club.

Broadway and AquaTheater shows

Bigger ships stage licensed Broadway musicals plus high-diving and acrobatic shows in the outdoor AquaTheater.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

A newer beach club in Nassau, Bahamas, established in December 2025, adds a second Bahamas beach day option on select itineraries.

Dining

Every fare includes the main dining room (traditional set seating or flexible My Time Dining), the Windjammer buffet and casual spots such as the café venues, with pizza and snacks around the ship. Extra-cost options include Chops Grille steakhouse, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Izumi sushi and hibachi, and on the Oasis class, 150 Central Park. Icon-class ships add more specialty concepts. If you plan to eat at three or more specialty restaurants, an Unlimited Dining Package bought in advance through the Cruise Planner is usually better value than paying per meal, but compare first.

Entertainment and activities

Entertainment is a core strength. Oasis- and Icon-class ships stage full Broadway musicals in the main theater, aqua shows with high divers and acrobats, and ice-skating shows in Studio B on ships that have a rink. Smaller ships rely on production shows, comedians and live bands. Expect a casino, deck parties, trivia and late-night lounges on every ship, plus activity zones like the FlowRider surf simulator, rock walls and minigolf on most of the fleet.

Families and kids

Adventure Ocean, the included kids' club, is split by age group and runs on most days, with nursery care on many ships for an added fee. Teens get their own lounge and programming. Family-sized cabins and connecting rooms are widely available, and the Icon-class Surfside neighborhood was built for young families. Waterslides, splash zones and the pools are a big draw, so on sea days arrive early for loungers.

Dress code

Daytime and most evenings are casual. Most sailings include one or more optional dress-up nights (Royal Caribbean calls them formal or dress-your-best nights) where many guests wear cocktail dresses or a jacket, but it is not enforced in the buffet or casual venues. Shorts and tank tops are fine around the pool; the main dining room asks for a bit more polish at dinner.

Gratuities and drinks

Royal Caribbean adds an automatic gratuity of $18.50 per person per day for most cabins (including junior suites) and $21 per person per day for higher suite categories. An 18% gratuity is added to bar and specialty dining purchases, and 20% to spa and salon services. You can prepay gratuities when you book or let them post to your onboard account. (Published rates as of 2026-10-13; source. Lines change these, so we confirm the current amount in every quote.)

Water, coffee, tea, lemonade and some juices at breakfast are included. The Deluxe Beverage Package covers beer, wine by the glass, spirits, cocktails, sodas, juices, specialty coffees and bottled water up to a per-drink price cap. If one adult in a cabin buys the alcoholic package, every adult of drinking age in that cabin must buy it too. A nonalcoholic Refreshment Package is also sold. Minibar, room service drinks and specialty items are excluded.

Loyalty program: Crown & Anchor Society. Tell us your number when you request a quote so past-guest offers and status perks are applied.

Private destinations

• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Labadee
• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Specialist tips for booking Royal Caribbean

• Prices in the Cruise Planner (drink packages, dining, Wi-Fi, excursions) move up and down before you sail. Buy early, then check back; if the price drops you can usually cancel and rebuy at the lower rate before sailing.
• Do online check-in in the Royal Caribbean app and pick the earliest arrival window you can realistically make. Getting onboard early is the easiest way to book shows, grab lunch and settle in before the crowds.
• On Oasis- and Icon-class ships, reserve the headline shows (Broadway musical, AquaTheater, ice show) in the app before sailing or on day one; popular times fill up.
• If your itinerary visits Perfect Day at CocoCay and you want the waterpark or a cabana, book ahead. These are capacity-controlled and tend to cost more as the date approaches.
• Suites on the newest ships are grouped into the Royal Suite Class tiers, and the perks differ a lot between them. Read what your specific suite tier includes before paying the premium.