Cruising with Royal Caribbean International® is not just a trip — it’s a story of adventure, luxury, and memories that stay long after you’ve disembarked. From Caribbean escapes to Alaskan wilderness and European culture trips, these floating cities bring the world to you.
This ultimate guide covers everything you need before booking: prices, stay options, dining, entertainment, seasonal deals, itineraries, and insider tips.
💰 Cruise Pricing Breakdown
Average 7-Night Caribbean Cruise (2025):
| Cabin Type | Price Per Person | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Interior | $600–$800 | Budget travelers |
| Ocean View | $850–$1,200 | Families |
| Balcony | $1,300–$1,800 | Couples |
| Suites | $2,500–$7,000+ | Luxury seekers |
Extra Costs:
- Gratuities: $14–$20/day
- Internet: $12.99–$22.99/day
- Specialty dining: $20–$60/meal
- Excursions: $50–$700
🏨 Accommodation & Facilities
- Interior Rooms – Compact, budget-friendly.
- Ocean View – Window with natural light.
- Balcony Staterooms – Private outdoor space.
- Suites & Royal Loft – Butler service, luxury amenities, priority boarding.
🍴 Dining & Drinks
- Included: Main dining room, Windjammer Buffet, cafés.
- Specialty Dining ($20–$60): Chops Grille®, Izumi Sushi®, Jamie’s Italian®.
- Unlimited Dining Package: $29–$89/day.
- Drink Packages: Soda ($12.99/day), Refreshment ($30/day), Deluxe ($89/day).
🎭 Entertainment & Activities
- Shows: Broadway musicals, AquaTheater, ice skating.
- Thrills: Rock climbing, FlowRider surfing, iFly skydiving.
- Family Fun: Waterparks, kids’ clubs, character meet-and-greets.
- Nightlife: Casinos, bars, nightclubs.
🌍 Destinations
- 🏝 Caribbean – Perfect Day at CocoCay®, Jamaica, Cozumel.
- 🏔 Alaska – Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway.
- 🇮🇹 Mediterranean – Rome, Barcelona, Santorini.
- 🇯🇵 Asia – Japan, Singapore, Thailand.
- 🇳🇴 Europe & Scandinavia – Norway fjords, castles.
Excursion Costs: $50–$700 depending on activity.
📊 Seasonal Cruise Pricing Trends
| Month | Caribbean | Alaska | Mediterranean | Best Deals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | $700–$1,000 | ❌ | $1,200–$1,600 | Cheapest Caribbean |
| Mar–Apr | $900–$1,400 | ❌ | $1,500–$2,000 | Spring Break peak |
| May | $850–$1,200 | $1,200–$1,600 | $1,400–$1,800 | Shoulder season |
| Jun–Aug | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,400–$2,200 | $1,800–$2,500 | Peak season |
| Sep | $700–$1,000 | ❌ | $1,200–$1,600 | Cheapest overall |
| Oct–Nov | $800–$1,100 | ❌ | $1,300–$1,700 | Fewer crowds |
| Dec | $1,200–$1,800 | ❌ | $1,500–$2,200 | Holiday surge |
📦 Packing Checklist
- Essentials: Passport, insurance, credit cards.
- Clothing: Casual wear, swimwear, formal attire.
- Extras: Power strip, reusable water bottle, waterproof pouch, seasickness meds.
- Alaska-specific: Binoculars, warm jackets.
🛳 Ship-by-Ship Comparison
| Class | Example Ships | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Icon Class | Icon of the Seas | Largest ship, 7 neighborhoods, surf + waterpark. |
| Oasis Class | Wonder of the Seas | AquaTheater, Central Park, Boardwalk. |
| Quantum Class | Anthem of the Seas | iFly skydiving, bumper cars, North Star pod. |
| Voyager Class | Explorer of the Seas | Ice rink, surfing, rock climbing. |
| Radiance Class | Brilliance of the Seas | Panoramic glass views, relaxed style. |
📅 Sample Itineraries
3-Night Bahamas Cruise
- Miami → Nassau → Perfect Day at CocoCay → Miami
5-Night Mediterranean Cruise
- Rome → Naples → Barcelona → Marseille → Rome
7-Night Caribbean Cruise
- Miami → Cozumel → Jamaica → CocoCay → Miami
14-Night Transatlantic Cruise
- Miami → Azores → Lisbon → Barcelona → Rome
💡 20+ Money-Saving Hacks
- Book early (6–12 months).
- Travel in off-peak months (Jan, May, Sep).
- Watch for “Kids Sail Free” promotions.
- Use Crown & Anchor loyalty perks.
- Bring 2 bottles of wine onboard.
- Prepay gratuities to lock rate.
- Choose repositioning cruises.
- Share a Wi-Fi package with family.
- Bring your own refillable water bottle.
- Book excursions privately (cheaper than ship tours).
- Stay in an interior cabin & spend savings on excursions.
- Use credit card travel points.
- Sign up for Royal Caribbean newsletter (exclusive discounts).
- Book group rates (8+ cabins = perks).
- Skip drink package if you’re not a heavy drinker.
- Watch price drops & rebook if fares lower.
- Pack your own soda/juice (permitted in small amounts).
- Use refundable onboard credit offers.
- Choose older ships for cheaper fares.
- Fly in a day early to avoid costly missed departures.
❓ Extended 50+ FAQ
(kept as earlier, grouped by booking, rooms, dining, drinks, entertainment, Wi-Fi, payments, families, health & safety)
🌟 Final Thoughts
A Royal Caribbean cruise is not just a vacation — it’s a floating resort, a global adventure, and a luxury retreat rolled into one. With ships that rival small cities, dining that satisfies foodies, entertainment that dazzles, and destinations that inspire, it’s no wonder millions choose Royal Caribbean every year.
Whether you’re seeking a budget Caribbean getaway, a luxury suite in Europe, or an Alaskan wilderness escape, there’s a Royal Caribbean cruise waiting for you.