Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Experience

When a Royal Caribbean executive famously coined the phrase "mass with class" to describe his company's vessels, he wasn't whistling Dixie. Before anything else, you must describe RCI's 21 vessels as beautiful. But be assured that the line has plenty of personality to go with its looks, as witness its marvelous entertainment and remarkable fitness and spa facilities.

These, make no mistake, are wonderful ships for families with children of all ages, including teens, who have their own private club and disco; family staterooms and suites are also available on the newer ships. Service is friendly and efficient and the food much improved.

Alternative restaurants with menus that don't change over the course of the cruise are available on Voyager-, Radiance- and Vision-class ships, each charging a $20 per-person cover. Make reservations as early as possible in your cruise or you may get locked out.

The cabins on the older vessels (Sovereign/Monarch/Majesty of the Seas, Empress of the Seas) are almost comically cramped; even the newer Vision's staterooms are small compared to those of other lines in the same price range. All staterooms come with a twin-that-can-be-converted-to-queen bed, private bathroom, phone, closed-circuit television, mini bar and hair dryers, and is decorated in bright colors presumably intended to evoke the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines | Fellow Passengers

Who doesn't belong on a Royal Caribbean ship? They have something for everyone and it is almost impossible to imagine not having a great time. They are active, sports oriented ships for the most part, not for retirees looking for the library.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines | Taking Kids on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program has age-specific facilities and programs supervised by youth counselors for Aqaunauts (age 3-5, must be toilet trained), Explorers (age 6-8), Voyagers (age 9-11), Navigators (age 12-14) and Teens (age 15-17). A new program for infants and toddlers 6 months to 3 years, in partnership with toymaker Fisher-Price, offers children accompanied by an adult 45-minute playgroups involving storytelling, creative arts, music and a variety of Fisher-Price learning toys and games. Adventure Ocean runs year-round in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. Organized activities are offered from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with group babysitting from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for a fee. Teen centers are now open past 2 a.m.

Private babysitting is offered from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., provided sitters are available, for children from six months old at $8.00 per child per hour, with a minimum of three hours and a $2.00 per hour charge for each additional child.

The Vision, Voyager and Radiance-class ships all have private teen clubs and discos, and supervised teen activities are available on RCI's private islands.

On Voyager and Radiance-class ships, Adventure Ocean Computer Centers have age-appropriate software and staff-guided tutorials.

There' a special menu for children -- Captain Sealy's Kids Galley Menu, to name names. A Fountain Soda Package can be purchased for the cruise. The package includes fountain sodas and juices at all bars, lounges, dining rooms and private destinations. Kids 17 and younger pay $4.00 per person per day plus a 15% gratuity. For teens 17 and older, and adults, the charge is $6.00 per person per day plus the 15 % gratuity.

The Vision, Voyager and Radiance-class ships all have family staterooms.

RCI has a seven-night "Orlando Experience" package, a seven-night program featuring a four-night Sovereign of the Seas cruise from Port Canaveral, accommodations at the Portofino Bay Hotel a two-day pass to Universal Studios, $20 meal voucher at Hard Rock Cafe, one-day admission to the Guinness World Records Experience attraction and a 15% discount on Alamo car rentals.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Shore Excursions

RCI offers the active cruiser moderately priced excursions with plenty of water sports, golfing, and sightseeing, all of which may be booked online up to ten days before sailing. Newer options include canopy tours and adventure tours like rafting.

Tipping:
Royal Caribbean suggests a per person per day gratuity of: $3.50 for the stateroom attendant ($5.75 for those in suites); $3.50 for the waiter; $2.50 for the Assistant Waiter; and .75 for the Head Waiter. These may be paid in cash or charged to your onboard account. For children sailing as third or fourth passenger in the stateroom, tipping is at the parents' discretion.

A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all beverage tabs. Gratuities for room service, spa, casino and other staff are at your discretion.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Repeat Passenger Programs

RCI offers four sailings annually geared specially to members of the Crown & Anchor Society members receive discounts at onboard shops and special discounts on select sailings; four program levels with added amenities; admission to Crown & Anchor clubs in select ports; onboard recognition; and a quarterly newsletter. For more information call 800-526-9723.