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Royal Caribbean International

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5.8

Overall Score

Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: February 15th, 2022
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The Good

  • Classes and entertainment
  • Great amenities
  • Worldwide cruises to 15 locations

Classes and Entertainment

For those interested in educational pursuits, there are plenty of enrichment classes to choose from. You can learn a foreign language, become a wine connoisseur, or create your own jewelry. Young kids will love the DreamWorks Experience, where they can mingle with well-known characters from Shrek and Madagascar. You can also watch your favorite films poolside.

Great Amenities

Cruise rates cover all meals served in the main dining room. Guests may select from one of two set dining times or reserve a table in advance. Guests will find numerous food choices, from doughnuts to pizza to Asian cuisine. There are standard amenities found on all Royal Caribbean ships, but there are also some unique features that vary based on what cruise is booked. These typical amenities include:
  • DreamWorks Experience
  • Adventure Ocean Youth Program
  • Shore Excursions
  • Playtime for Parents
  • North Star capsule
  • Seaplex
  • Rock Climbing
  • Zip line
  • Wave Simulator
  • Fitness Center
  • Ice Skating
  • Mini Golf
  • and More

Dining Options

Specialty restaurants feature more upscale choices such as steak and Italian cuisine. Additional fees may apply and you will need to schedule a reservation in advance if you want to eat in one of the specialty restaurants. Some cruises also feature Mystery Theater Dinners. Beverages are not included in the price of meals. Beverage packages are available for purchase.

Destinations

Where the Royal Caribbean cruise ships travel to is also another key selling point of their vacation package. While destinations may vary year to year depending on weather restrictions and other regulations, there are common destinations Royal Caribbean typically cruises to. These cruises last anywhere from three to nineteen days and are offered year round. Destinations on these excursions include:
  • Caribbean
  • Bahamas
  • Alaska
  • Asia
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • Bermuda
  • Canada and New England
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Pacific Northwest
  • Panama Canal
  • South America
  • South Pacific
  • and the Transatlantic
You will also need to adhere to three separate dress codes while onboard the ship. Polo shirts, slacks, and sundresses are appropriate choices for casual wear. On casual evenings, a jacket and tie is required for men and dresses or pantsuits are acceptable for women to wear. On formal evenings, tuxedos and evening gowns are required attire.

Security

Royal Caribbean International has closed-circuit television cameras located in hundreds of strategic, public locations throughout the ship but not in private staterooms, public restrooms, or private spa areas. These systems are upgraded as new and beneficial technologies are developed. Recordings from these cameras are routinely utilized by our security teams and made available to investigative authorities as requested.
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The Bad

  • Protection program
  • Extra fees and charges

Protection Program

Despite that there are no major service fees. Royal Caribbean does charge extra for luggage valet, full service laundry, and internet service. The Vacation Protection package offered by Royal Caribbean is also not as comprehensive as other cruise lines. The protection package includes:
  • CruiseCare Cancellation Penalty Waiver Program
  • CruiseCare Travel Insurance Program
  • Trip delays provides coverage up to $500 per person
  • Accident and Sickness Medical expenses provides coverage up to $10,000 per person
  • Emergency Medical Evacuations and Repatriations provides coverage up to $25,000 per person
  • Lost, stolen or damaged baggage provides coverage up to $1,500
  • Bag delays provides coverage up to $500
  • CruiseCare Worldwide Emergency Assistance Program*

Extra Fees and Charges

Some alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages may also incur extra charges on your cruise bill. Beverage packages are available to purchase in your options. Ships can feel crowded and cramped, especially around holiday vacations. Not all amenities are covered. Also, transfers are available for pre-purchase from the arrival airport to the pier on day of sailing and from the pier to the departure airport on debarkation day only.
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The Bottom Line

Royal Caribbean International Cruises have entertainment and amenity options that guests of all ages will enjoy. The destination cruises are affordable for families and those on a budget or seeking a deal on their next vacation package. Older adults will also enjoy their travels on these cruises as well. Activities that are both relaxing and energetic provide fun and excitement for both children and adults. The only downside to cruises offered by Royal Caribbean International is the extra charges for offshore activities and some of the onboard amenities. Overall, Royal Caribbean is a recommended cruise line for customers enjoyment.
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Star Rating

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4.2

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466 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

59%

4 grade

24%

3 grade

4%

2 grade

6%

1 grade

8%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Amy Lim Collegeville, PA

This was our 3rd cruise on Royal Caribbean. We had similar issues on our 2nd cruise in July of 2017 but thought we would give it another try. We were again disappointed. The singer/performer (her name was Sherry) made a rude remark when she could not sing 'Sometimes' by Britney Spears. I requested for this song upon her invitation for a song request. This song came out in 2009 but she claimed she was still a baby at that time! It was then almost 12 midnight and all the guests were way over 50 years old. She could have apologized for not knowing the song instead of making us feel 'old'. She could sing 'Unforgettable' by Natalie Cole, though! The Head Waiter (his name was Rushon) was pretty rude to me and my daughter who was a vegan. When my daughter requested for vegan spring rolls on the 3rd dinner, we would shocked to see that the same spring rolls were served EVERYDAY after that! When we asked, Rushon claimed that they had many vegan appetizers!! Why couldn't they serve those?? My poor daughter also had to eat the same dark chocolates for dessert for 5 consecutive days! My daughter had requested few times for Falafels but Rushon always declined saying they were unable to make them. We tried asking another Head Waiter (his name was Ricky C) for Falafels and guess what? Ricky brought the Chef to our table and my daughter showed him a picture of the Falafels and the ingredients/recipe. My daughter was so happy when she was served the appetizing Falafels the next day! I had requested for Stir Fried Vermicelli a couple of times but Rushon always provided the same answer, 'have to ask the chef, cannot promise, cannot make for only 4 people'. Rushon had a very bad attitude and very assertive, he was unwilling to accommodate to the guests' requests, unlike Ricky C, who went all out to make the guests happy.

7 years ago

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David Butera Royersford, PA

Have only traveled on RCCL. Last month was our eighth cruise on the Oasis of the Seas. Although most aspects of the cruise were great, our family clearly noticed a degradation of the attention to detail that we came to know and love. I anticipate that part of the problem was the size of the ship as dinner service was clearly compromised. Cabin steward had too many rooms so the staple animal figures out of towels didn't happen. Food was warm to cold each night. Entertainment of the ship was very good, and the ship itself was a marvel. Pools were more crowded than any of the other seven ships we had traveled. Could not get near Guest Services any time of day until the third day on the ship. Always a great time with family, and being on vacation is always great. Don't think we will travel the big ships again anytime soon.

11 years ago

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Jenna LeStarge

Royal Caribbean is our favorite cruise line! Service is always excellent, our cabin has always been very clean. We have found that the nicer ships have much better food, but I think that is typical. The more you pay, the better you eat. On our last trip we took our 1 year old and he had fun too. The staff was very accommodating and we found plenty of baby friendly options.

9 years ago

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Roseanne Providence, RI

I am giving my cruise that we took in March 2015 a 5 only because we did not expect to be cruising with 1700 college spring breakers and we should have been informed of this when we booked directly with RCI. We sailed on the Liberty of the Seas and this was our first cruise with RCI and beside the rude college kids with their filthy language, this would have been one of the best that we sailed on because the ship in itself was beautiful and the entertainment was great. BTW this was our 15th cruise. Not too much compensation from RCI except for a $100.00 OBSC to be used on a future sailing.

10 years ago

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Earl Graham Mauldin, SC

Rccl is a great cruise line. Have cruised with them for 20 plus years, Diamond club member. We also cruise other lines and we are seeing less difference in the total experience. We love the big roomy ships that rccl have. But they are quite a bit more expensive than Carnival and others. Are they worth the additional cost ? Not sure... So, we cruise several times a year, and several different cruise lines.

10 years ago

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Diana San Antonio, TX

We've done 12 cruises on RCCL and only the last one was a disappointment. It was on The Navigator and the ship was hot, hallways, elevators, shows, cabin, the new panoramic ocean view room SMALL but this was a last minute booking and all that was left. SABOR specialty restaurant a not as expected another disappointment. The good was the cigar lounge, the R Bar and our room steward. We will still cruise RCCL!

11 years ago

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Teresa Welch Athens, AL

Last trip not so great. Food not as good, service not good. Our room steward never to be found. Nothing on board to do except shop. Paid extra for a suite room was nice but was 800 extra per person over a balcony room. Another thing if you travel with them a lot price keeps going up instead of getting deals. Bought a drink package which was over 400 and they ran out of what I choose to drink. Well enough, we may try one more trip and see what happens

11 years ago

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Deborah Romano Ramsey, NJ

I have sailed 4 times with RC. I have never had a bad experience with any of my trips. My last cruise in May on the Adventurer of the Seas was exceptional. The food was great, service was outstanding in the main dinning room. Shows were not exceptional, but still enjoyed them. Room was always clean, but never saw the staff that took care of the cabin. Other than my luggage could not be found when I disembarked back into Puerto Rico and was eventually found before I got on to the shuttle to go to the airport, I really can not complain about anything else.

11 years ago

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Ronald Vincent Cheyenne, WY

We have been on many cruises and have used several cruislines but I have just booked my last cruise on Royal Caribbean cruislines. In May of 2019 we went on Radiance of the seas and was totally offended and disgusted by the show put on by the crew. This show contained sexual and explicit content!! It was totally disgusting and appalling and I was embarrassed to view this with my family!! I reported this to customer service but they didn’t care and blew me off!! NEVER will I EVER step on a Royal Caribbean ship again!!

6 years ago

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Sandy Miami, FL

Royal Caribbean has the most beautiful ships in the cruise industry but the food, lemonade and orange juice are really bad. I hope they improve the food and beverages.

11 years ago

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Sandi Burkinshaw South Jordan, UT

I've been on multiple cruise lines and Royal Caribbean was my least favorite. The ship was nice, but the food was lackluster and the entertainment not up to par with other cruise lines I've been on.

6 years ago

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Bryndie Managua, MN

Expect a long line to board. Room wasn’t as clean as I would’ve liked it to be and being on board is pretty boring. There are better cruise lines to go through.

6 years ago

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Bob Canton, MI

Disappointed with your BOGO offers. You never give half off you just move the cost around.

11 years ago

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MaryAnn Price, UT

We sailed on a Royal Caribbean ship last year. We had a great time. Didn't love the food, the ship was nice.

6 years ago

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Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT

A big name cruise line noted for larger ships with a variety of on board entertainment for customers

6 years ago

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adrian barnes Sarasota, FL

beautiful ship poor service we could never get a server on pool deck

11 years ago

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Erline Belton

I was not impressed with the facilities or the service.

8 years ago