When it comes to cruising there is arguably no bigger name than Royal Caribbean. The line offers the biggest ships with the most things to do onboard and likely the most popular private destination on the entire planet.
There’s a lot to like, but Royal Caribbean isn’t for everyone. So when will you like the cruise line? What makes it loved by millions? Having sailed the line over and over again across tons of ships, here are the reasons that Royal fans absolutely love it.
If it’s what you like as well, then there’s little doubt it will be your favorite…
You Love All That’s Available on Monster Cruise Ships
Let’s begin with what’s likely the most defining characteristic of Royal Caribbean — the 800-pound gorilla in the room, or should I say the 250,000 gross ton cruise ship at sea?
When it comes to the biggest ships, it’s Royal and then everyone else. All seven of the biggest cruise ships at sea are part of their fleet. Even the older ships in the fleet are way bigger than the other ships of the same age.
So why would people like huge ships? While there are a lot more people — which many see as a drawback — there’s also a lot more to see, do, and eat. There can be 20 restaurants, multiple pools, tons of activities all over the ship, more venues, bars, and lounges.
In short, space is the most limiting aspect of what’s possible on a cruise ship. With the biggest ships at sea, it means Royal Caribbean is able to offer the most of everything to passengers.
You Are Sailing With Teens or Older Kids
If you are sailing with teens, or really kids starting at around 8-10 years younger, then there is a big chance that they will love sailing on Royal, and by extension, you’ll be happy that they are so entertained.
Royal Caribbean is definitely a family cruise line, but I think where it really stands out is with older kids. Sure, there are the kids clubs, but I’m talking more about the things for them to do onboard.
Arcades are a major feature of Royal Caribbean ships. So are things like pool tables, and some ships even have escape rooms. Head outside and waterslides are common across most ships. So are climbing walls. Oasis-class have massive dry slides that drop you down within seconds. But the Flowrider is likely the most popular of the more active things that teenagers will love.
When it comes to having a lot to experience on the ship for teens — or let’s be honest, adults like me that still enjoy doing more active things — Royal Caribbean really sets the bar across any cruise line I’ve ever sailed.
There’s a Casual, but Nicer Atmosphere
Nobody takes a cruise because they want to experience a stuffy, formal atmosphere. You want it to be relaxed and casual. But there is such a thing as too informal.
What I think will make many people love Royal Caribbean is that they do a good job of walking that fine line between being nice, but still approachable and comfortable.
First things first, you’re not going to be out of place wearing shorts and a t-shirt on the ship. But there is a bit of sophistication to a lot of the atmosphere onboard. The decor just seems a bit higher-end than some competitors. There’s not as much of a party vibe onboard, but it’s still fun. And when you see those videos online of passengers behaving badly or fighting, it seems like Royal Caribbean isn’t featured near as often despite being one of the most sailed lines.
You’ve likely heard people say that Royal Caribbean is equivalent to Target — a higher-end experience while still being down-to-earth. I actually think that’s a pretty accurate assessment.
You Enjoy Higher-End Dining
I’m going to admit that when it comes to food, Royal Caribbean is not my favorite line. I’m pretty casual when it comes to eating. I rarely go to fancy restaurants. But some people love Royal Caribbean for the food and it has to do with them having a lot of higher-end options when it comes to specialty restaurants.
I feel like the cruise line has the buffet and dining room but any other included food is usually more like snacks than actual meals. Outside of those, the sit-down restaurants seem to all be specialty spots and they tend to lean into fine dining.
There’s of course the steakhouse, but then places like Wonderland where the dining is more experimental, 150 Central Park, Jaime’s Italian and Izumi.
It’s not all of them (there are more casual spots like Sabor and Hooked Seafood) but if you like to try fancy dining while on your vacation, then you may love Royal Caribbean.
Entertainment & Shows That Are Stunning
There’s no doubt that entertainment and shows on cruises across the board has gotten way better. Hokey song and dance numbers are disappearing and the quality of shows has soared.
But it’s Royal Caribbean that causes a lot of people to love the line simply because their shows are some of the most interesting out there.
The theater shows tie in a lot of technology to really push the wow factor. I’ve seen one show that uses drones that fly over the audience. And another has multiple screens on robotic arms that are programmed to move with the action.
And then there is the Aqua Theater on many ships that’s unlike anything else at sea, including divers tumbling 30-feet or more into the water.
If you end up loving Royal, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the shows are one of the biggest reasons why.
CocoCay Is a Top-Tier Private Island
You cannot talk about why people love Royal without talking about CocoCay.
When it comes to why people love the cruise line, CocoCay has to be near the top of the list. I first visited it back in 2014. Back then, it was a sleepy island. There was a nice beach but that was about it.
Today, it’s essentially a beach-themed amusement park. There’s still plenty of beach, but a massive pool, an entire waterpark, cabanas, an adults-only area and even an exclusive beach club.
No matter how you want to spend your day at the beach, you can do it here with all the white sand, blue water, plenty of bars, and lots to eat. When it comes to private destinations, right now it’s CocoCay and then everything else.
You Enjoy a Similar Experience Worldwide
One big advantage that endears some people to the cruise line has to do with its global presence. It’s true that these days many lines sail to lots of places, but I’d argue that it’s Royal Caribbean that seems to have the most global coverage.
If you want to sail Royal Caribbean and want to go to Alaska or Asia or Europe or Mexico or even an around the world cruise, then you can do it. In fact, a check of the website includes 16 different regions you can sail, including Transatlantic, Australia, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and more.
They literally cover the entire globe.
So why would this make people love the line? For cruise passengers that want a consistent experience onboard but also like to explore new spots, it’s perfect. They get everything they love about Royal but also get to see the entire world without having to change cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean Ships Are Easy to Navigate
I’ll tell you one reason I personally love Royal Caribbean, and it’s something that I never realized was something unique to the cruise line until I sailed several other lines.
You would think that getting around a ship would be pretty easy. After all, ships are long and narrow — just make a path from one end to the other that takes you back and forth on the ship.
But anyone that’s taken a cruise on another line knows that’s not always the case. A lot of lines seem to chop up their ships. You walk a little and then hit a dead end where you have to go up a deck or two to continue down the length of the ship.
Royal Caribbean puts a lot of thought into designing the flow of their ships. I find them so much easier to get around and navigate. There aren’t a lot of dead ends and figuring out the ship’s layout is as easy as it gets.
A Surprising Plus: Artwork Around the Ship
If you asked a 100 people why the love their favorite cruise line, I’d bet that this reason isn’t anywhere on that list. However, I think it’s actually a sneaky reason to love Royal Caribbean.
As part of the design of the ships, Royal Caribbean puts a lot of emphasis on artwork. This can range from simple photos around the ship to sculptures to interactive pieces.
The art onboard really helps to add a more upscale touch to the atmosphere in many cases. In others, it’s just fun and adds some flavor to the cruise.
You won’t sail solely because of the art, but it’s a smaller touch that I think can add to why you end up loving the line.
There’s a Space for Everyone
One benefit of those massive ships is another advantage that causes a lot of people to love Royal Caribbean when they sail.
When you’re on the ship, it’s literally your home for the trip. So your enjoyment has a lot to do if you like the ship. What Royal Caribbean does is have the ability to put in so many different neighborhoods and venues that everyone — whether they are 8 or 80 — is going to be able to find a space that they like.
The Schooner Bar is one of those spaces for many people. It’s a classic bar that has an old-school nautical vibe. I personally love two relaxing spots — the adults-only Solarium that always has a chilled out vibe and is warm without being directly in the sun and Central Park that offers some greenery and a spot to sort of hide away when you need a break from the crowds.
But whether you want a spot that’s upbeat and hopping or you want something more low key and relaxing — there’s going to be a spot for you somewhere on the ship.
More on sailing Royal Caribbean:
- 12 Major Differences Between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line
- CocoCay: 21+ Tips & Things to Know for Royal Caribbean’s Island (Prices, What to Do, And More)
