Royal Caribbean Cruise Review: What First-Time Travelers Need to Know

Royal Caribbean is a top choice for first-time cruisers looking for an unforgettable vacation. Known for its innovative ships, exciting adventure activities, and wide range of destinations, Royal Caribbean offers something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to those looking for relaxation. With features like rock climbing walls, FlowRider surfing simulators, and world-class entertainment, Royal Caribbean sets itself apart as a cruise line packed with fun and unique experiences.

This guide is designed to help new cruisers make the most of their first Royal Caribbean experience. From booking tips to navigating the ship and enjoying onboard dining, these tips will help you start your cruise adventure with confidence. Let’s dive into everything you need to know for an amazing first cruise with Royal Caribbean!

Booking Tips for First-Time Cruisers

Planning your first Royal Caribbean cruise starts with choosing the right ship, timing your booking, and finding the stateroom that fits your needs. Here’s how to get started.

Choosing the Right Ship

Ship Classes Overview: Royal Caribbean has several ship classes, each with its own style and set of features. Larger ships, like the Oasis and Quantum classes, offer a variety of adventure activities, multiple dining options, and entertainment venues, making them great for travelers looking for excitement. Smaller ships, like the Vision or Radiance classes, offer a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more intimate cruise experience.
Adventure-Focused vs. Relaxed Ships: If you’re looking for non-stop action, larger ships like the Oasis or Quantum classes are ideal, with features like the FlowRider, rock climbing, and skydiving simulators. If a more laid-back experience is your style, the smaller ships are easier to navigate and have a cozy atmosphere.

When to Book for Best Deals

Early Booking Advantages: Booking your cruise 6–12 months in advance can help you secure the best price, especially if you’re planning to cruise during peak seasons, like summer or holidays. Early booking gives you more choice in staterooms and itineraries, and it’s often when Royal Caribbean offers the lowest rates.
Look for Promotions: Royal Caribbean frequently runs promotions, such as discounted fares, kids sail free, or onboard credit, which can help you save on your trip. Keep an eye on Royal Caribbean’s website or subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated on the latest deals.

Selecting the Right Stateroom

Types of Staterooms: Royal Caribbean offers a variety of staterooms to fit different budgets and preferences. Inside staterooms are the most affordable option, while balcony rooms provide a private view of the ocean. Suites offer more space and luxury features for those who want extra comfort.
Virtual Balcony Rooms: On select ships, Royal Caribbean offers inside staterooms with virtual balconies, which are floor-to-ceiling screens that display real-time ocean views. This is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who still want to enjoy the feel of a balcony room.

Booking your cruise early, choosing the right ship, and picking the stateroom that fits your budget and style will set you up for an amazing first-time experience with Royal Caribbean.

Packing Essentials for Royal Caribbean

Packing for a Royal Caribbean cruise is a bit different from a regular vacation. With a few essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for all the ship has to offer. Here’s what to bring to make the most of your adventure.

Clothing for Various Activities

Daytime and Evening Wear: Pack comfortable, casual clothing for daytime activities like lounging by the pool, exploring ports, and trying out onboard activities. For evenings, bring a few dressier options, especially if you plan to attend formal nights or dine in specialty restaurants. Think sundresses, khakis, button-down shirts, or a nice blouse.
Activewear for Adventures: For adventurous activities like rock climbing, zip-lining, or exploring ports, bring activewear like moisture-wicking shirts, leggings, and comfortable sneakers. If you’re planning on water activities, pack water shoes or sandals with good grip.

Useful Extras to Bring

Power Strips and Adapters: Cabins can have limited outlets, so bringing a small, cruise-approved power strip or adapter can make charging devices easier. Be sure to check Royal Caribbean’s guidelines, as only certain types of power strips are allowed on board.
Beach Bag and Sunscreen: A lightweight beach bag is helpful for shore excursions, poolside days, and beach trips. Don’t forget to pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin while you’re on deck or onshore.

Motion Sickness Remedies

Preparation Tips: Even if you’ve never experienced seasickness before, it’s best to be prepared. Pack remedies like Dramamine, ginger tablets, or acupressure wristbands just in case. It’s easier to prevent motion sickness by taking medication before you feel unwell, especially on the first day as you adjust to the ship.

Packing thoughtfully with these essentials will help you stay comfortable and ready for any activity, whether you’re enjoying the ship or exploring a new port. With the right items, you’ll be able to make the most of your first Royal Caribbean adventure!

Navigating the Ship and Using the Royal Caribbean App

Royal Caribbean’s ships are like floating cities, with tons of activities, dining options, and entertainment venues. Learning your way around and using the Royal Caribbean app can make it easy to get the most out of your time onboard.

Getting Familiar with the Ship

Explore on Embarkation Day: Once you board, take time to walk around and get familiar with key areas like the pool deck, dining rooms, theaters, and activity zones. Some ships are massive, so having an idea of where things are will help you feel more at home.
Use Deck Plans and Signage: Each ship provides deck plans, and there are signs throughout the ship to help guide you. Taking a quick look at the deck plans can be a great way to get an overview, and snapping a photo on your phone can give you a handy reference if you get turned around.

Royal Caribbean App

Planning Activities: The Royal Caribbean app is a must-have for first-timers. It allows you to view the daily schedule, make reservations for dining and shows, and even sign up for onboard activities. You can also set reminders for the events you don’t want to miss.
Staying Organized: The app keeps you informed with real-time updates on onboard spending, dining menus, and other important announcements. You can even communicate with friends and family onboard using the app’s messaging feature (though there may be a small fee for messaging).

Using the app and exploring the ship early on will help you settle in and get comfortable with the layout. With these tools, navigating the ship becomes easy, allowing you to focus on all the fun activities Royal Caribbean has to offer!

Dining Tips and Options

Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of dining choices to satisfy every taste, from included options to specialty restaurants. Here’s how to make the most of your dining experience onboard.

Main Dining Room vs. Specialty Dining

What’s Included in the Main Dining Room: The main dining room and buffet are included in your cruise fare, offering delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The main dining room features a sit-down experience with a variety of dishes and attentive service, while the buffet lets you enjoy casual, self-serve dining with international and comfort food options.
Popular Specialty Restaurants: Royal Caribbean is known for its specialty dining, with restaurants like Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, and Izumi Sushi. Specialty restaurants offer unique menus and an upgraded dining experience but come with an additional fee. Reservations are recommended, especially for popular spots.

Dress Codes and Formal Nights

Packing for Formal Nights: Most Royal Caribbean cruises include at least one formal night, where guests can dress up for a more elegant dining experience. Bring an outfit you’d wear to a nice restaurant, like a cocktail dress, suit, or dress shirt and slacks. If you prefer not to dress up, you can still enjoy a casual meal in the buffet or other relaxed dining areas.
Flexible Dining Options: Royal Caribbean also offers flexible dining options, allowing you to choose between assigned dining times (early or late seating) or My Time Dining, which lets you dine anytime during the dining hours. My Time Dining is great if you prefer a flexible schedule.

Booking Reservations

Planning Ahead: To make sure you don’t miss out, book reservations for specialty dining in advance using the Royal Caribbean app or through the website before your cruise. Specialty dining spots can fill up quickly, especially on larger ships and during peak dining hours.

With so many options, Royal Caribbean’s dining choices make every meal feel like an event. Whether you enjoy a laid-back buffet or indulge in a special night out, these dining tips will help you make the most of the culinary experiences onboard.

Maximizing Onboard Activities

Royal Caribbean’s ships are packed with exciting activities, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to top-notch entertainment. Here’s how to make sure you experience the best of what’s offered on board.

Adventure and Sports Activities

What’s Available: Royal Caribbean is known for its thrilling activities, including rock climbing walls, FlowRider surfing simulators, zip lines, and mini-golf courses. Larger ships also have unique attractions like RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator, and the SeaPlex, which features bumper cars, roller skating, and more.
Booking Tips: Some of these activities are popular and may require reservations, so it’s best to book them early using the Royal Caribbean app. Activities like FlowRider and RipCord by iFLY tend to fill up quickly, especially on sea days, so plan ahead to secure a spot.

Entertainment and Shows

Must-See Shows: Royal Caribbean offers incredible entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, AquaTheater acrobatic performances, and ice-skating shows on select ships. Shows like Grease, Mamma Mia!, and AquaTheater’s high-diving and acrobatic displays are guest favorites.
Booking in Advance: For popular shows, it’s a good idea to reserve seats early using the app. While some entertainment is available on a first-come, first-served basis, advanced reservations can guarantee you a good spot without the wait.

Adventure Ocean Kids Program

Kid-Friendly Activities: The Adventure Ocean youth program is perfect for families with kids, offering age-appropriate activities like science experiments, arts and crafts, games, and themed parties. This gives kids a chance to have fun while parents enjoy some time on their own.
Age-Appropriate Programs: Adventure Ocean is divided into groups based on age, ensuring kids are engaged in activities suited to their interests and abilities. It’s a great way for kids to make friends while exploring the ship.

With so many options for fun and excitement, Royal Caribbean’s onboard activities are designed to thrill. Booking in advance, planning your days, and exploring the range of entertainment will help you make the most of your first cruise adventure.

Shore Excursion Tips for First-Timers

Exploring exciting destinations is one of the best parts of a Royal Caribbean cruise, and shore excursions allow you to dive deeper into each port. Here’s what to know about booking and enjoying shore excursions on your cruise.

Booking Excursions Through Royal Caribbean vs. Independently

Royal Caribbean’s Excursions: Booking excursions through Royal Caribbean offers the peace of mind of safe, vetted experiences. These excursions often include transportation to and from the ship and come with the “back-to-ship” guarantee—meaning if your Royal Caribbean excursion is delayed, the ship will wait for you.
Independent Excursions: For those who want more flexibility, booking excursions through local operators can sometimes save money. However, keep in mind that independent excursions don’t include the “back-to-ship” guarantee, so it’s important to keep track of time to ensure you return before the ship departs.

Popular Excursions for Adventurers

Beach and Water Activities: Royal Caribbean offers many popular water-based excursions, such as beach days, snorkeling trips, and jet skiing. These are great choices if you’re cruising to tropical destinations like the Caribbean or the Bahamas.
Cultural Tours and Sightseeing: For travelers who want to explore the local culture, Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions include options like historic city tours, cooking classes, and visits to iconic landmarks. These tours allow you to learn more about the destination while enjoying a guided experience.

Packing for Excursions

Essentials to Bring: Pack a small day bag with sunscreen, a water bottle, a hat, and any travel documents or IDs you might need. Bringing cash in local currency is also helpful for small purchases or tips while ashore.
Staying Comfortable: Wear comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing, especially if your excursion involves walking or outdoor activities. A swimsuit and a change of clothes are also good to pack if you’re headed to the beach or on a water adventure.

By planning your excursions in advance and packing wisely, you’ll be set for a memorable experience at each port. Whether you choose Royal Caribbean’s organized excursions or explore on your own, these tips will help you enjoy all the amazing destinations along your cruise!

Health, Safety, and Onboard Etiquette

Keeping health, safety, and etiquette in mind ensures a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience for you and fellow passengers. Here are some key tips to help you navigate these aspects onboard and onshore.

Onboard Health and Safety

Sanitization and Hygiene: Royal Caribbean provides sanitization stations throughout the ship, particularly at dining areas and high-traffic locations. Make use of these stations, especially before meals, and wash your hands often to help keep yourself and others healthy.
Medical Center Information: Each ship is equipped with an onboard medical center staffed by doctors and nurses. They’re available to assist with minor health concerns or emergencies. Keep in mind that onboard medical services typically have a fee, so having travel insurance can be helpful in covering unexpected expenses.

Safety on Shore

Staying in Busy Areas: When exploring ports, stick to well-traveled and busy areas, especially if you’re exploring independently. It’s also a good idea to stay with your group or tour for added security.
Time Awareness: Be mindful of the time when you’re off the ship, and plan to return well before the scheduled departure. If you’re on an independent excursion, remember that the ship won’t wait if you’re late, so it’s best to return to the port early.

Onboard Etiquette

Respectful Behavior: Respect for fellow guests and crew goes a long way. This includes keeping noise levels down in public areas, following rules about saving lounge chairs by the pool, and attending all mandatory safety drills. A polite and respectful attitude contributes to a pleasant environment for everyone.
Tipping and Gratuities: Royal Caribbean typically adds a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account, which covers service staff. However, you’re welcome to tip additional staff members, like your room attendant or dining staff, if you feel they’ve gone above and beyond.

By following these health, safety, and etiquette tips, you’ll have a smooth cruise experience while showing respect for other guests and crew. Keeping these points in mind will help you and those around you enjoy a memorable and comfortable vacation.

A Royal Caribbean cruise is an incredible experience, especially for first-timers eager to explore new places and try unique activities. With a little preparation, you can make the most of everything the cruise line has to offer—from exciting shore excursions and delicious dining options to onboard adventures and relaxing moments by the pool.

By following these tips for booking, packing, navigating the ship, and exploring ports, you’ll be well-equipped for an unforgettable vacation. Remember to take your time, savor each experience, and enjoy the journey. Bon voyage, and happy cruising with Royal Caribbean!