Royal Caribbean International
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
Find a Cruise on Royal Caribbean International
Call to plan a cruise: 1-877-978-2693
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Cruising with Royal Caribbean
Despite its name, Royal Caribbean International offers voyages to 256 destinations across 64 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.
And depending on which itinerary you choose, you can taste local fare, tag along on a sightseeing tour or enjoy a nature hike – all of which are offered as shore excursions. Royal Caribbean ships depart from ports all over the United States, including Seattle, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Boston, as well as from numerous international ports. Itineraries range from three-night trips to 23-night journeys.
The company's fleet is just as varied as its list of destinations. Smaller ships 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 6,000 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 256 destinations across 64 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.
And depending on which itinerary you choose, you can taste local fare, tag along on a sightseeing tour or enjoy a nature hike – all of which are offered as shore excursions. Royal Caribbean ships depart from ports all over the United States, including Seattle, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Boston, as well as from numerous international ports. Itineraries range from three-night trips to 23-night journeys.
The company's fleet is just as varied as its list of destinations. Smaller ships 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 6,000 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
A 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
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.
- 3.9Expert Rating »
- 3.9Traveler Rating »
- 4.5Health Rating »
Photos
Harmony of the Seas
Courtesy Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International Ships
On Board
On Shore
Before You Book
- Children younger than 6 months are not allowed on Royal Caribbean cruises. On trans-Pacific, trans-Atlantic, Hawaiian and some South American sailings, 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 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 in the Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program.
- Royal Caribbean's AIR2SEA program will guarantee you pay the lowest airfare for flights to and from your departure port.
Before You Board
- Royal Caribbean requests you check in for your cruise no later than three days prior to departure on the Royal Caribbean website. All guests must be checked in and on board no later than 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure time or will not be permitted to sail.
- For trips that begin and end in the United States, you will need a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) and a government-issued birth certificate or naturalization certificate. All other cruises require 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 can be reserved four to 180 days prior to departure using Royal Caribbean's Pre-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.
