Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships For A Vacation

Royal Caribbean has a fleet of 28 ships, with the newest being Utopia of the Seas, which launched in 2024, and the oldest being Grandeur of the Seas, which has been sailing since 1996. The best Royal Caribbean ship depends on what you are looking for from your cruise. If you want a lot of on-board activities, the biggest ship, Icon of the Seas, is a good choice. If you want an adults-only cruise, Mariner of the Seas or Odyssey of the Seas are better options. The Oasis-class ships are also very popular, with four of them making the top five in a ranking of Royal Caribbean ships. However, some people feel that the newer, bigger ships lack the charm of the older, smaller ships.

Crowd management

Choosing the Right Ship

Firstly, it's important to note that not all Royal Caribbean ships are the same size. The line operates eight vessels that are less than half the size of its largest ships. These smaller ships are generally older and allow the company to offer itineraries to places that are harder for big ships to visit. They also tend to be less expensive and appeal to cruisers who prefer a more intimate experience.

If you want to avoid large crowds, it's best to opt for one of these smaller ships. Some of the smallest in the fleet include the Vision-class ships, which include Rhapsody of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas. These ships have fewer onboard attractions and amenities, but still offer a range of dining and entertainment options.

The Voyager-class ships, including Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas, are also slightly smaller and tend to have a good balance of activities without feeling too crowded.

Choosing the Right Cabin

Your cabin can be your safe zone if you need to take time away from the crowd. Choose your cabin carefully, considering factors such as location and amenities. If you want somewhere quiet, opt for a cabin that is far away from high-traffic areas and noise. If you prefer a cabin with a balcony, Deck 8 is a good option as it offers easy access to Central Park.

Finding Quiet Places on the Ship

Even the biggest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet have quiet corners. The Vintages Wine Bar, for example, is an introvert's heaven, with low lights, soft music, and comfy couches. The Schooner bar is another great spot for quiet activities and people-watching, especially on Oasis-class ships as it overlooks the Promenade.

The Solarium is a good option if you want peace and sunshine. This adults-only area has more comfortable seating, soothing music, and no kids under 16 allowed.

Central Park on Oasis-class ships is also a great place to escape the crowds. It's a garden filled with fresh air and birdsong, with perfect little corners tucked away for shade and quiet.

Booking Strategies

To avoid crowds, consider sailing during off-peak times. Shoulder seasons, such as early spring and late fall, tend to be less busy. You can also opt for longer itineraries, as shorter cruises are usually more crowded.

Additionally, choose your dining options wisely. The Main Dining Room and Windjammer tend to receive more criticism for service and food quality, so you may want to opt for specialty restaurants instead.

Onboard Activities

While the busiest times for onboard activities are usually during the day, you can often find quieter times in the early morning or late at night. Take advantage of these quieter times to enjoy the pools, waterslides, and other attractions without the crowds.

Excursions

If you're looking for a break from the ship, excursions can be a great way to get some space. Consider booking private or less popular excursions to avoid the crowds.

Shows

Royal Caribbean Cruises are known for their high-quality entertainment offerings, with shows ranging from Broadway musicals to original productions and ice-skating performances. Here is a more detailed look at some of the shows you can expect on different Royal Caribbean ships:

Broadway Shows

Royal Caribbean International® brings Broadway's hit musicals to the high seas, with award-winning shows such as:

• CATS: The 1983 Tony Award-winning musical, featuring some of the world's best-known songs, is presented on the Oasis of the Seas.
• Mamma Mia!: Over 50 million people have seen this global smash hit on land, and now it comes to the Allure of the Seas. Get ready to sing, jive, and boogie to ABBA's timeless songs.
• Grease: This larger-than-life take on the classic musical combines the famous songs from the movie with a romantic twist. You can catch this show on the Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.
• Hairspray: Winner of multiple Tony Awards, this feel-good musical is back by popular demand. Watch Tracy Turnblad shake and shimmy her way to fame on the Symphony of the Seas.
• Saturday Night Fever: Relive the disco era with this musical set in 1970s Brooklyn, featuring the king of the disco dance floor, Tony Manero. Catch it on the Liberty of the Seas.

Original Productions

Royal Caribbean's original productions showcase world-class performers and in-house production companies, delivering dazzling shows designed to inspire and amaze. Some notable original productions include:

• Wild, Cool & Swingin': This exciting show transports you to glamorous cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Las Vegas, with music and dance synonymous with each city. You can watch it on the Explorer of the Seas.
• Invitation to Dance: A sensual and passionate production that fuses Latin and Ballroom dance with beautiful costumes and energetic live theater. This show is performed on the Adventure of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.
• Blue Planet: A show that combines visual effects and aerial acrobatics with an eco-conscious message, taking the audience from the jungle to the depths of the ocean. Catch it on the Allure of the Seas.
• Marquee: A retrospective of some of Broadway's greatest shows, including "42nd Street," "Sunset Boulevard," and "Phantom of the Opera." This show is performed on the Freedom of the Seas.
• The Gift: Created especially for the Anthem of the Seas, this musical journey explores fantasy and illusion, starting with the arrival of a "Magical Gift" during a stormy night.

Food

Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of culinary options, with a mix of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Here's a detailed look at the food offerings:

Complimentary Dining:

• Main Dining Room: The Main Dining Room is available on all ships and serves complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers a traditional dining experience with a set menu that changes daily. The four-course dinners include appetizers, main courses, and desserts, with vegan options also available.
• Windjammer Marketplace: A global culinary pavilion with a self-serve buffet, the Windjammer is available across the fleet. It offers international fare, including dishes like waffles, hamburgers, salads, curries, roast beef, grilled vegetables, and Asian cuisine.
• El Loco Fresh: This Mexican-themed eatery offers complimentary grab-and-go options like burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and salsa. It's a quick and convenient option, especially for those looking for poolside snacks.
• Café Promenade: Café Promenade is a 24/7 coffee counter with grab-and-go snacks. Most snacks are complimentary, while specialty coffees and some fancier options incur an extra charge.
• Solarium Bistro: Tucked away in the Solarium, the Bistro offers complimentary breakfast and lunch minibuffets. Dinner is also complimentary but requires reservations and features a combination of buffet and table-served dishes with a focus on healthy Mediterranean options.
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen: Giovanni's offers traditional Italian cuisine, including homemade pastas and Old World-inspired entrées. It is included in the cruise fare and is available on select ships.
• Sorrento's Pizza: Sorrento's is a complimentary pizza place available on more than half of the Royal Caribbean fleet. It's a perfect spot for a late-night bite, offering endless slices of pizza.
• AquaDome Market: Found on the Icon of the Seas, this dining location is a complimentary food hall with five distinct stalls offering crepes, Asian cuisine, mac and cheese, Mediterranean dishes, and sandwiches.
• Park Cafe: The Park Cafe is a complimentary venue serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's known for the Kummelweck roast beef sandwich, a Royal Caribbean signature dish.
• Pearl Cafe: The Pearl Cafe, located on the Icon of the Seas, is open all day and offers snacks, drinks, and desserts. It's a great spot for a quick bite and features a wide variety of options.
• Vitality Cafe: Available on select ships, the Vitality Cafe serves custom-blended fruit and veggie smoothies and protein shakes. It caters to health-conscious individuals and is located near the spa and workout facilities.

Specialty Dining:

• Chops Grille: Chops Grille is a specialty steakhouse available across the fleet. It offers prime beef cuts, chicken, lamb, and seafood in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Sides are served family-style, and reservations are recommended.
• Jamie's Italian: Curated by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, this Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Italian dishes. It's available on select ships and incurs an extra charge.
• Izumi: Izumi is a Japanese-American fusion restaurant available across the fleet, with some locations offering teppanyaki dining. It serves sushi, hot Japanese dishes, and appetizers, and reservations are recommended.
• Hooked Seafood: Hooked Seafood is a seafood restaurant available on select ships. It offers dishes like chowder, mussels, and whole Maine lobster, along with lobster mac and cheese.
• Johnny Rockets: Johnny Rockets is a specialty burger joint available on many ships. It serves juicy burgers, fries, and shakes, along with a flat fee for dining.
• Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with creatively designed culinary delights that are sure to surprise and delight.
• Chef's Table: Available on select nights and ships, the Chef's Table is a private gourmet dining experience hosted by a chef and sommelier. It includes a wine-paired dinner and reservations are required.
• 150 Central Park: Found on select ships, 150 Central Park serves six-course dinners featuring meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. It's located in the Central Park neighborhood, surrounded by live plants, creating a unique ambiance.
• Sugar Beach: Sugar Beach is a sweet treat destination, offering colorful candies, fudge, and cupcakes. It's available on select ships

Suite offerings

Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas, an Oasis-class ship, offers a range of suite options. Select suites feature multiple bedrooms, whirlpool tubs, dining rooms, and access to exclusive suite neighbourhoods. These suites provide guests with spacious and private quarters, priority boarding, and dedicated check-in lines. The Ultimate Family Suite is a highlight for families, offering a two-floor layout, stunning ocean views, in-suite entertainment, and a kids' slide.

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas, another highly-ranked Oasis-class ship, offers Royal Suites with multiple bedrooms, whirlpool tubs, and a multilevel slide. While specific details on suite offerings are limited, the ship features 18 total decks and a variety of cabin types to choose from.

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, boasts impressive suite options. The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a standout, featuring a private balcony whirlpool, a slide, and an in-suite cinema. The ship also offers balcony, ocean-view, and interior suites. While suite offerings are extensive, some reviewers note that the suite lounge feels cramped compared to Oasis-class ships.

Allure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas, an older Oasis-class ship, provides a range of suite options. While specific details on suite amenities are limited, Allure of the Seas underwent a refurbishment in 2015 to enhance its features and attractions.

Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas, a Quantum-class ship, offers suite accommodations in addition to its other cabin categories. While there is limited information on suite specifics, the ship provides a range of innovative features and dining options.

Staggered performance times

The lively atmosphere on the Royal Promenade, which is usually bustling with passengers, contrasts with the lack of crowds in other areas of the ship. Icon of the Seas has successfully managed crowds, with passengers noting that they rarely felt crowded despite the ship's capacity of over 7,000 passengers.

Frequently asked questions