Think all cruise lines are the same? Not even close. After spending hours digging through Cruise Critic forums, Reddit debates, and Facebook rants, one name keeps coming up—Royal Caribbean. All cruise lines have their pros and cons, but there are some things Royal Caribbean seems to do better than anyone else. And no, it’s not just having the biggest ships in the cruise industry.
From flashy shows that rival Broadway to onboard water parks, private islands, and luxurious suites, Royal Caribbean consistently raises the bar. What is it about Royal Caribbean that attracts loyal followers? Is a cruise vacation on a mega-ship with thousands of other passengers the best way to spend your time at sea?
If you’re wondering why so many cruise ship passengers swear by Royal Caribbean or whether the hype is justified, this article is for you.
Why Royal Caribbean’s Ships Are Unlike Anything Else at Sea
Most cruise lines build ships—Royal Caribbean builds floating cities. The Icon Class and Oasis Class ships are the largest in the world, carrying between 5,600 and 7,600 passengers. They are not just massive vessels. The cruise ships are divided into themed neighborhoods with multi-level pool decks and huge entertainment venues.
Cruisers on Oasis Class ships rave about the zip lines, rock climbing area, AquaTheater for high diving performances, and real trees in Central Park. Then there’s the ground-breaking Icon of the Seas. It has a suspended infinity pool, a full-scale waterpark, and a stunning AquaDome entertainment complex.
Even the older Quantum Class ships are packed with features you rarely find on other ships. Where else can you drive bumper cars at sea, enjoy 360° views in the North Star Observation capsule, enjoy a skydiving simulator, and have fun on the FlowRider surf simulator? Only on Royal Caribbean.
Comments on Reddit and Cruise Critic frequently highlight how the ships feel like a mix of theme park, luxury hotel, and resort rolled into one. However, it’s good to note that cruises on the newest Royal Caribbean ships also come with high price tags.
You will find out about all ships in the fleet if you read my article, Royal Caribbean Ships Ranked by Age—Newest to Oldest. You can also check out my guide to the Best & Worst Royal Caribbean Ships.
Royal Caribbean’s Entertainment Isn’t Just Free—It’s Next-Level
Most cruise lines put on decent shows and even Broadway-style entertainment. Royal Caribbean goes a step further. Cruise guests can enjoy full-scale Broadway musicals, just as spectacular as the real, full-length original productions. We’re talking Mamma Mia!, Grease, We Will Rock You, and Saturday Night Fever.
It’s a common thread on cruise forums that many cruisers choose Royal Caribbean ships for entertainment alone. One commented, “I’ve seen Grease both on Broadway and on Royal Caribbean, and honestly, the ship’s performance was just as impressive!”
But there are more types of entertainment on Royal Caribbean ships you’ll not find on other cruise lines. The AquaTheater has shows with performers diving from dizzying heights into a moving pool. And the ice skating shows? Just as impressive as watching routines in an Olympic competition.
The good news? No sky-high Broadway ticket prices on board—all entertainment is included in the base cruise fare.
Why Royal Caribbean’s Pool Decks Feel Like a Resort
Let’s face it—some cruise ship pools can be crowded, basic, and uninspired. Some feel more like a splash pool for adults. But Royal Caribbean pulls out all the stops in terms of an incredible pool deck experience. Cruisers frequently comment that the pool decks feel more like a high-end resort than a typical cruise ship setup.
For example, the Utopia of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship, has a whopping ten pools with two resort-style pools, an adults-only pool, and a Lagoon with a DJ. The iconic Icon of the Seas has seven pools and six water slides, some of which are the tallest of any cruise ship in the world.
The Solarium is a cruiser favorite—a glass-enclosed, adults-only sanctuary with whirlpools, cascading pools, and plush loungers. One frequent Royal Caribbean cruiser shared, “The Solarium was the perfect escape. While the main pool was packed, this felt like a spa retreat. What’s more, it’s included in the cruise fare.”
The Cruise Line That Keeps You Busy (If You Want to Be)
Royal Caribbean provides excitement at every turn—but only if you want it. From sky diving and surf simulators to rock climbing, escape rooms, zip lines, and indoor sports, their ships pack in more activities than other cruise lines.
But suppose you want to get away from all the high-energy excitement. In that case, the adult-only Solarium is open to all passengers. Located under a crystal canopy at the front of every ship, it features a swimming pool, lounge area, whirlpools, and cascading lagoons.
Many cruisers share that there’s so much to do onboard that shore excursions become a distraction. Others say that they never get bored on long sea days. However, there’s a caveat. With 5,000 to 6,000 passengers on board, long lines can form at the most popular attractions.
Families, Thrill-Seekers & Chill-Seekers—This Cruise Line Gets It Right
Some cruise lines cater to party-goers, others are for relaxing, and others are adult-only ships. Royal Caribbean is one of the few lines that caters to multigenerational passengers, with something for everyone—young or old.
Kids get top-rated clubs like Adventure Ocean, complete with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) labs, video games, and scavenger hunts. Teens? They’ve got VR experiences, escape rooms, and even their own nightclub. Meanwhile, adults can slip away to the peaceful, glass-enclosed Solarium for a kids-free cruise experience.
One guest on Cruise Critic said, “We love how Royal Caribbean makes it easy for the whole family to do their own thing, then come together for meals and shows.” If you want a cruise that balances fun and relaxation for every age group, this is it.
Perfect Day at CocoCay: The Private Island That Sets the Bar
Most major cruise lines include a private island in their Bahamas or Caribbean cruise itineraries. These usually consist of a tranquil beach day with loungers and snacks. In contrast, Perfect Day at CocoCay isn’t just another private island—it’s designed to be the ultimate all-in-one beach resort and waterpark at sea.
Want to relax? No problem. There are several serene beaches and lagoons to kick back and enjoy a tropical cocktail. But if you’re an adrenaline junkie, there’s plenty on offer. The waterpark features one of the tallest slides in North America at 135 ft. tall. It has a zip line, balloon rides, and swimming with pigs.
One cruiser on Facebook shared, “I’ve been to several private islands, and CocoCay is hands down the best. The waterpark alone is worth the trip.” Many on Reddit and Cruise Critic say it feels more like a resort than a cruise stop.
If your itinerary includes CocoCay, plan to make the most of it—this isn’t just another beach day. But be prepared—the top attractions don’t come cheap. Entry to the Thrill Waterpark averages around $90.
Royal Caribbean’s Suites: Bigger, Bolder, and Packed With Perks
All major cruise lines have luxurious suites on board, but because of the size of Royal Caribbean ships, there are more suite types to choose from. These range from affordable junior suites to stunning sprawling two-story penthouses and family suites.
The junior suites are a step up from regular staterooms with extra space and some perks. Sky Class Suites unlock priority boarding, concierge, VOOM Internet, and access to exclusive lounges and sun decks. For the whole VIP experience, Star Class Suites come with a Royal Genie (personal butler), complimentary specialty dining, and a drinks package.
Unique to any cruise line is the Ultimate Family Suite—a two-story funhouse with a private cinema, balcony, jacuzzi, and all the perks of Star Class Suites.
Why not check out my article on the Best and Worst Royal Caribbean Cabins According to Reviews?
Stay Connected with the Strongest Onboard WiFi
Royal Caribbean typically comes out on top in the battle of which cruise line has the fastest internet at sea. Its VOOM internet is described as the “gold standard” for cruise ship WiFi. It’s fast enough for video calls, streaming, and posting vacation updates to Facebook or Instagram.
Royal Caribbean’s internet packages are are competitively priced compared to other cruise lines. It’s cheaper than Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Celebrity. Just as affordable as Carnival cruise ships, but Carnival cannot match it in terms of speed.
Why Foodies Keep Choosing Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has a reputation in the cruise industry for its excellent variety of complementary food offerings, with the Windjammer the star. However, it’s the consistently excellent specialty dining options that cruisers love about Royal Caribbean. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic steakhouse, fresh sushi, or an over-the-top dining experience, there’s something for every palate.
Wonderland—inspired by Alice in Wonderland—is a whimsical restaurant that serves delicious food resembling works of art. One cruiser shared, “Wonderland was hands-down the most fun dining experience I’ve had at sea.
Another popular restaurant is Izumi, a unique Asian-inspired dining experience serving the best sushi and sashimi at sea. Other specialty dining options exclusive to Royal Caribbean include Chops Grille, Giovanni’s, 150 Central Park, and Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver.
Shore Excursions That Go Beyond Just Sightseeing
Compared to most major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean offers more destinations worldwide, giving you more options. Like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean provides extensive cruise itineraries in the Caribbean and Bahamas. However, they have more options for sailing Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, and Alaska.
In Alaska, Royal Caribbean offers helicopter tours that land on glaciers, followed by dog sledding across the ice. In the Caribbean, travelers rave about private beach breaks with floating cabanas, snorkeling with sea turtles, and adrenaline-packed ziplining over the rainforest.
However, from digging through cruise forums on Alaska tours, it seems that Princess Cruises is the best cruise line for the ultimate Alaskan adventure. They have exclusive access to Glacier Bay and offer a unique train journey to stay in lodges.
Discover the best and worst ports of call on Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries.
Does Royal Caribbean’s Service Really Live Up to the Hype?
Excellent service is what turns a good cruise into a truly memorable one, and for many, Royal Caribbean gets it right. Judging by most cruisers’ comments, the staff are efficient, hospitable, and friendly. Not as casual as Carnival service staff, but not as formal as on Celebrity ships.
Some cruisers on Royal Caribbean’s largest ships said that the staff can come across as less personal, but that’s likely because of the high volume of passengers. Smaller ships seem to provide a better overall experience.
More Than Just Drinks: The Bars That Make Royal Caribbean Stand Out
So, you’re thinking: a bar is a bar. But not unless you’re on Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has turned bars into modern, interactive experiences where you can do more than just “grab a drink.” Whether you want to watch robots mix your cocktail, sip a drink as you float between decks, or relax in a futuristic pod, the ships deliver.
Here are some of the unique bars you’ll only find on Royal Caribbean ships:
Bionic Bar: The star attraction, where robot bartenders take your order via tablet and shake, stir, and pour with futuristic precision.
Rising Tide Bar: Relax with a drink as you gently glide between decks, offering a view of the Royal Promenade from above.
Lime & Coconut Bar: Enjoy delicious, colorful, rum-heavy cocktails with live music and rooftop seating.
TWO70 Bar: A sleek modern lounge with panoramic ocean views by day and a high-tech entertainment venue with robotic screens and live performances by night.
Pesky Parrot: A lively, tropical-themed bar serving Caribbean-inspired cocktails with vibrant décor and a playful, beach-bar atmosphere.
North Star Bar: Located near the North Star observation capsule, this bar offers stunning elevated views and a curated selection of premium cocktails to enjoy before or after your ride.
Why Night Owls Love Royal Caribbean
Nightclubs, live music, and late-night parties are a feature of most cruises. But when the sun sets, it seems that Royal Caribbean has the edge regarding nightlife. The sheer size of the ships means more space for a wider variety of entertainment venues.
One of the biggest hits is the Silent Disco, where guests wear wireless headphones and switch between DJ channels. A cruiser on Cruise Critic shared, “It’s hilarious to take off your headphones and watch everyone dancing to different beats!”
If you prefer classic nightlife, Boleros heats up with Latin music, while Dazzles and TWO70 transform into lively nightclubs. For something more laid-back, Lou’s Jazz N’ Blues offers sweet, soulful tunes to take you back in time.
On board, you’ll also find the usual karaoke bars, comedy clubs, and themed parties that are common on many cruise lines.
Solo Travelers, Here’s Why Royal Caribbean Might Be Your Best Bet
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) used to dominate the solo travel scene with its studio cabins and dedicated solo lounges, but Royal Caribbean has been catching up—fast. Newer ships offer more solo-friendly cabins, group activities, and a lively atmosphere. What’s more—no more dreaded single solo supplement.
And it’s not just cramped interior solo cabins Royal Caribbean offers. You can find single-occupancy rooms with a virtual balcony, oceanview staterooms, and balcony cabins. Like NCL, Royal Caribbean includes activities for solo travelers to meet people and socialize.
A solo cruiser on Reddit shared: “I used to swear by NCL, but Royal Caribbean’s ships, entertainment, and social scene have won me over.”
Royal Caribbean Fans Are Some of the Most Loyal—Here’s Why
Royal Caribbean has one of the best loyalty programs in the cruise industry, offering perks after their first cruise of three nights or longer. The six-tier Crown & Anchor program includes priority check-in, a private departure lounge, and reduced rates on last-minute sailings.
As you progress through the loyalty program, you get free gifts, use of bathrobes onboard, complimentary beverages on embarkation, and free happy-hour drinks. At the highest level, members get six free drinks daily, dining at Coastal Kitchen, and breakfast at a specialty restaurant. No other cruise line matches the Crown & Anchor.
It’s not just on board where Royal Caribbean loyalty shines. There is a thriving community loyal to Royal Caribbean on social media, Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Cruise Critic forums. Here, you can pick a plethora of insider tips for booking your next cruise.
My Final Thoughts on Royal Caribbean
Some cruises are just vacations—Royal Caribbean is an experience worth coming back for. Whether it’s the biggest ships, the best perks, or the most talked-about destinations, loyal cruisers know this is where the bar is set. If the next adventure is calling, Royal Caribbean has a ship—and a unique experience—waiting for you. Happy sailing!
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