The Best and Worst of Royal Caribbean: 3 Things They Excel At—and 3 They Don't
- Amanda Abraham
- Sep 15, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 15
Royal Caribbean is widely regarded as one of the top cruise lines, known for its impressive ships and extensive range of activities. However, like any major company, it has its pros and cons. As a seasoned cruiser, I’ve experienced both the highlights and the frustrations that come with Royal Caribbean. Whether you’re planning your first voyage or you’re a loyal Crown & Anchor Society member, here are three things Royal Caribbean excels at—and three areas where it could improve.
3 Things Royal Caribbean Does Best
1. Entertainment That Stuns at Sea
When it comes to onboard entertainment, Royal Caribbean truly takes the crown. The line consistently impresses with high-energy Broadway-style productions, dazzling ice-skating performances, and cutting-edge high-tech shows. Their newest ships offer thrilling experiences, like AquaTheater performances featuring acrobatics and water stunts that leave you on the edge of your seat. On Oasis-class ships, the ice-skating shows blend artistry and skill, while Quantum-class ships boast the SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, complete with bumper cars, laser tag, trapeze lessons, and even roller skating.
2. Loyalty That Rewards You for Coming Back
Who doesn’t love being rewarded for loyalty? Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society makes it worthwhile to keep coming back. The loyalty program offers tiered benefits, including discounted or complimentary drinks, exclusive parties, upgraded in-room amenities, and special perks like free laundry for high-tier members. Starting at the Diamond level, you’ll even enjoy 4 free drinks per day! Best of all, your points never expire—your loyalty status is yours for life, and you can enjoy these perks whenever you cruise.
3. Excitement for Every Generation
Royal Caribbean excels at offering activities that appeal to all age groups, making it a fantastic choice for multi-generational travel. Whether it’s toddlers, teens, or grandparents, everyone can find something to enjoy onboard. Kids’ clubs, thrilling water slides, the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing walls, and serene adult-only solariums are just a few of the activities available across the fleet. Oasis and Quantum-class ships are equipped with these exciting features, ensuring that everyone in the family stays entertained.
3 Areas for Improvement
As much as I love Royal Caribbean, no cruise line is perfect. Here are the top three things that frustrate me the most:
1. Sticker Shock from High Prices
We recently compared prices in The Real Cost of a 7-Day Cruise, on a variety cruise lines and found Royal Caribbean ranked 6 out of 9 on the base fare for a 7-day interior room, falling behind MSC, Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, HAL and NCL. The high prices don't stop there.
Many cruisers are unaware that Royal Caribbean also charges additional gratuities will be charged daily, which leads to unexpected costs when they accumulate over time. Royal Caribbean should make these charges more transparent during the booking process to avoid sticker shock, especially for new cruisers.
High prices continue on to the optional add-ons, including alcohol, dining, and WiFi, which leads to the feeling on being "nickel and dimed" on board and leads to my second area of improvement.
2. Lack of an All-Inclusive Option
While Royal Caribbean’s drink packages offer convenience, they come with a hefty price tag. It’s hard to find the Deluxe Beverage Package for less than $70 per person, per day, and on some sailings, prices can soar as high as $110. For couples, this can easily add up to over $1,300 for a week-long trip. Royal Caribbean's drink package is one of the MOST EXPENSIVE at sea, matched only by it's sister cruise line, Celebrity.
Unlike some other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean does not offer an all-inclusive package that combines drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and specialty dining into one convenient price. This means that guests are faced with a la carte pricing for everything from alcohol to onboard activities, which can make budgeting for a cruise more challenging. Many cruisers, myself included, wish Royal Caribbean would introduce a comprehensive package to streamline costs.
When adding in the drink package, WiFi, specialty dining, and tips, Royal Caribbean drops to 8th out of 9, with only Disney Cruise Line pricing higher. Meanwhile, cruise lines with an all-inclusive option hold 3 of the top 4 places. If you want the drink package, you might want to check out Princess's Princess Plus & Princess Premier packages, HAL's "Have It All" Early Booking Bonus and NCL's Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus programs before making your final decisions.
Practical Tip: Before you book, look for pre-cruise deals on packages like drinks and Wi-Fi. Booking these early can save you a significant amount of money.
3. Free Dining Can Be a Gamble
The free dining options—such as the buffet and main dining room—can be hit or miss. While Sorrento’s pizza is usually reliable, the quality of food in the main dining room can sometimes be inconsistent. Nothing’s more disappointing than ordering a meal in the main dining room, only to feel like you could have grabbed the same plate from the buffet. This inconsistency is frustrating, especially when it varies between ships in the same class.
Set Sail with Confidence!
With Royal Caribbean’s unmatched entertainment, rewarding loyalty perks, and endless activities, you’re sure to find your perfect adventure at sea. However, be mindful of the additional costs like gratuities and drink packages, and plan ahead to make the most of your cruise. Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned traveler, Royal Caribbean offers something for everyone—but being prepared will ensure your journey is smooth sailing!
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects personal opinions and experiences regarding Royal Caribbean cruises. The content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as official statements or endorsements from Royal Caribbean International or any affiliated entities. Always refer to official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding cruise services, packages, and policies.
Trademark Notice: Royal Caribbean International® and Crown & Anchor Society® are registered trademarks of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. All other trademarks and names are the property of their respective owners. This blog is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
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