Royal Caribbean International
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
Find a Cruise on Royal Caribbean International
with a cruise advisor
Cruising with Royal Caribbean
Despite its name, Royal Caribbean International offers voyages to more than 280 destinations across 71 countries on six continents. While you can certainly sail to the Caribbean and Mexico, you can also board a ship to Alaska, navigate the waterways of Europe or ride the waves down under to Australia and New Zealand.
Depending on which itinerary you choose, you can taste local fare, tag along on a sightseeing tour or enjoy an ATV trip– all of which are offered as shore excursions. Royal Caribbean ships depart from ports all over the United States, including Seattle, Boston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as well as from numerous international ports. In 2020, itineraries range from two to 19 nights.
The company's fleet of 24 ships is just as varied as its list of destinations. Smaller vessels like the Empress of the Seas (which can accommodate nearly 2,300 guests) sail alongside floating mini-metropolises like the Oasis of the Seas, which can carry more than 6,700 cruisers. Plus, each ship carries approximately one crew member per every three passengers. No matter which ship you're on, you'll find a variety of eateries and activities for every age group, including kids entertainment programs and adults-only pool areas.
Despite its name, Royal Caribbean International offers voyages to more than 280 destinations across 71 countries on six continents. While you can certainly sail to the Caribbean and Mexico, you can also board a ship to Alaska, navigate the waterways of Europe or ride the waves down under to Australia and New Zealand.
Depending on which itinerary you choose, you can taste local fare, tag along on a sightseeing tour or enjoy an ATV trip– all of which are offered as shore excursions. Royal Caribbean ships depart from ports all over the United States, including Seattle, Boston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as well as from numerous international ports. In 2020, itineraries range from two to 19 nights.
The company's fleet of 24 ships is just as varied as its list of destinations. Smaller vessels like the Empress of the Seas (which can accommodate nearly 2,300 guests) sail alongside floating mini-metropolises like the Oasis of the Seas, which can carry more than 6,700 cruisers. Plus, each ship carries approximately one crew member per every three passengers. No matter which ship you're on, you'll find a variety of eateries and activities for every age group, including kids entertainment programs and adults-only pool areas.
Pros & Cons
Numerous ships and destinations to choose from
Onboard amenities cater to cruisers of all ages
Wide variety of onboard dining options
Some beverages cost extra
High-capacity ships may feel crowded, especially around the holidays
Not all amenities are covered in cruise rates
Scorecard
- 3.9Expert Rating »
- 4.1Traveler Rating »
- 4.5Health Rating »
Rankings
Royal Caribbean International has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.
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Royal Caribbean International Ships
On Board
On Shore
Before You Book
- Children younger than 6 months are not allowed on Royal Caribbean cruises. On transpacific, transatlantic, Hawaiian, some South American sailings and select other cruises, guests must be at least 12 months old to sail. Individuals must be 21 years or older to sail unaccompanied from North America and 18 for cruises departing from South America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
- Fares must be paid in full at least 75 days prior to departure for one- to four-night trips and 90 days prior to departure for itineraries lasting five nights or longer.
- You can cancel your cruise for a full refund (minus nonrefundable deposits) 75 days prior to departure for one- to four-night cruises, or 90 days prior departure for cruises of five nights or longer. If you miss those deadlines, cancellation penalties vary.
- You can avoid cancellation fees by purchasing the Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program.
- Royal Caribbean's AIR2SEA program guarantees you'll pay the lowest airfare for flights to and from your departure port.
Before You Board
- Royal Caribbean requests you check in for your cruise on the Royal Caribbean no later than three days prior to departure. All guests must be checked in and on board no later than 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Passengers who arrive later than that will not be permitted to sail.
- For trips that begin and end at the same port in the United States, you can show a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) and a government-issued birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Otherwise, you must show a passport that is valid for six months after you return from your trip.
- You must ensure that you are physically fit for cruise travel. The World Health Organization provides a list of vaccines needed on a country-by-country basis. Royal Caribbean also requires that you bring any necessary inoculation records with you.
- Shore excursions, meals at specialty restaurants and certain onboard fitness classes, spa treatments and entertainment offerings should be booked as early as possible prior to departure to ensure maximum availability. Book using Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner.
Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.
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