Royal Caribbean International has a reputation for innovation, pioneering new cruise destinations like Alaska and Croatia, as well as bringing new on-ship experiences to its passengers, evidenced in their rock climbing walls and surfing simulators. This, along with more than 170 destinations globally, and a commitment to bringing novel shore excursions to customer attention (cave-tubing and abseiling have been recent offers) means that the cruise line is always at the cutting edge of what can be expected of an ocean holiday.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about Royal Caribbean is the way that it balances the drive towards fresh experiences for guests, with the need to commit to environmental improvement. It has its own environmental best practice programme and runs the Ocean Fund, which supports marine conservation organizations working to preserve marine eco-systems.
- Brand history – launched in the 1960s, this company had the first megaliner, Sovereign of the Seas, in 1988. It’s the world’s second largest cruise line too
- Signatures of the line – with ships from small to super-sized and itineraries all round the world, it’s very difficult to pick out a signature for this line but quality service at reasonable prices is one keynote
- Number of ships - 22
- Best for – fitness with flair: this line really focuses on helping passengers have fun while keeping fit
- Special dining features – a line that pleases everyone, there’s an evening dinner schedule with two sittings for the traditionalists or flexible dining for the more casual, along with open seating for breakfast and lunch
- Special kid features –Adventure Ocean offers child programmes for those between 3 and 17 years old, plus late night babysitting and, new this year, Shrek entertainment!
- Entertainment features – the ice shows on some classes of ship are superlative, and the ‘street performers’ who appear on many vessels are a charming feature
- Spa and fitness features – famous for its rock-climbing wall, Royal Caribbean has fought to remain at the forefront of innovation including excellent fitness facilities
- Routes – just about everywhere, but strongest in the Caribbean as the company name suggests. Look out for the Mexican Riviera and Alaskan itineraries, Far East routes on Legend and Australia and New Zealand on Rhapsody