The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Table Of Content

• Select non-alcoholic beverages
• FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
• Food and Dining
• Is The Royal Caribbean Drinks Package Worth It?
• What is Included on a Cruise for Suites Guests?
• Miscellaneous services

The daily cruise newsletter, known as a Cruise Compass, includes a full list of venues that are included with your cruise, venues that cost extra, and hours of operations for both. Before a cruise, you can review a past Cruise Compass to get an idea of what to expect on your sailing. Keep in mind that things like government taxes, fees is in addition to the base cruise fare. Your invoice from Royal Caribbean will specify all of these charges at the time of booking. Guests have the flexibility to adjust this amount by visiting the Guest Services desk if they feel the service was above or below their expectations. Alternatively, guests can opt to pre-pay gratuities at the time of booking.

Select non-alcoholic beverages

The Royal Caribbean kids club offers some of the cruise industry’s best child care and children’s programming. Royal’s Adventure Ocean kids clubs divide children by age and provide age-appropriate activities led by trained professionals. Complimentary drinks are available at all of the ship’s restaurants, bars, and lounges. The water from the tap is safe to drink and meets quality and safety standards.

FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

In Barbados, guests can visit the stunning Carlisle Bay Beach, while in St. Maarten, Maho Beach offers an exciting spot for plane spotting. The cruise line also provides a range of water sports activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking. A highlight of a Royal Caribbean cruise is the opportunity to explore diverse destinations.

Food and Dining

Each Royal Caribbean ship comes equipped with a spa that offers an array of treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps. Guests can join in game shows, trivia, and bingo, or learn new dance moves in a class. For the adventurous ones, a video arcade, rock climbing wall, zipline, and North Star observation capsule offer exciting experiences. Aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll be delighted to find a plethora of beverage options catering to every preference. From soda and juice to a glass of fine wine or a crafted cocktail, the ship has got you covered.

At Basecamp, you can refuel between adventures, choosing among a variety of food windows popping out delicious provisions. At Pier 7, you can look forward to plenty of relaxed vibes paired with beachside bites — think mango shrimp tostadas and surf 'n' turf tacos. Though these restaurants are not complimentary offerings, they are absolutely worth a visit, especially if you're one to crave tacos at any moment. The Royal Caribbean ships offer an arcade onboard, with all of the most popular video games. If you want to just walk off the ship and go to the beach, you’ll have lots of included options. If you have a beverage package, you can use it at both of these destinations.

Are Activities and Shows Included On A Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a gourmet meal, you’re sure to find something delicious on board. The standout feature of these rooms is the floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a wide-angle view of the sea and ports of call. Guests can enjoy the view from the comfort of their room, making Panoramic Staterooms a popular choice among cruisers who prioritize views and a sense of spaciousness. The addition of a private balcony not only allows for breathtaking views but also provides an extra space to relax, unwind, and soak in the tranquility of the sea. On Quantum-class ships, the Music Hall is where you can let your hair down.

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For many cruise enthusiasts, the wide variety of beverages available onboard can significantly enhance the cruising experience. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the different options you have when it comes to drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises. The key is to only pay for what you’ll truly enjoy and use as your total cruise cost can quickly get out of hand without adequate planning. That’s not to say that a dining package isn’t worth it, they certainly are if you choose restaurants with your favorite styles of food. Throughout the cruise ship, you’ll find a variety of spots to grab a snack. The Cafe Promenade, for example, offers coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.

These balconies don’t face the ocean but instead face either the balcony or Central Park. I typically recommend getting a balcony if you can, because you are likely to use it. It’s always so nice to spend time on the balcony, reading a book, or just watching the waves.

Miscellaneous services

With proper planning and organization, your Royal Caribbean cruise excursions will be the highlight of your trip. While promotions can vary, solo cruisers in Studio Cabins may enjoy onboard credits or other exclusive deals designed for the single traveler. Studio Cabins offer private bathrooms, tech amenities, and climate control, similar to the other stateroom categories.

However, there are some dining options that are not included in the cruise price, such as dining in specialty restaurants, room service, and some beverages. Planning for a Royal Caribbean cruise involves considering the cruise fare and budgeting accordingly. The cruise fare includes the majority of meals, beverages, and entertainment onboard. However, dining in specialty restaurants and certain other services are not included.

Room service is free for continental breakfast items, but everything else has a $7.95 cover charge per order. Now that you know everything that's included in your Icon of the Seas cruise, you can start planning an unforgettable escape on the first-ever Icon Class cruise ship. With all of these inclusions and add-ons, you’ll want to make sure you factor everything into the price of your cruise.

It’s a big surprise to find you’ve been charged $16 per person per day when you receive your final bill at the end of the sailing. Adventure Ocean is available to kids ages three to seventeen and is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare. The Windjammer is the ship’s buffet, offering a large and diverse selection of food from American favorites to international cuisines.

Shore excursions are optional and come in a variety of packages designed to suit different interests and budgets. Thank you for you taking the time to read this article and hope it’s been helpful. We have other articles on Speciality Dining and what drinks are free on Royal Caribbean which I am sure will be useful as well. Standard beach loungers are also provided as part of your cruise fare.

All Royal Caribbean ships have a large pool deck for cruisers to enjoy at no additional cost. Offering at least one main pool, hot tubs, and loungers, the pool deck is the ideal place to spend your days at sea. The dining packages don’t give a big discount compared to booking speciality dining restaurants individually. Dining packages don’t include premium dining experiences like Chef’s Table, Wine Pairing Dinners, Taste of Royal and Mystery Dinner Theatre. Each pool has its own unique vibe, and every one is free for cruise guests (though one is exclusively for Suite Guests…more on that later). Then there's Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water, plenty of in-water loungers and raised whirlpools that offer beautiful ocean views.

Every Royal Caribbean cruise ship has a jogging track, usually located by the pool deck. The track’s location is excellent because it provides an incredible ocean view while you get a bit of exercise. If you’re considering booking a cruise, you might wonder what’s included in a Royal Caribbean cruise. For the list of dining or entertainment venues, be sure to review things to do on your ship. The Boardwalk is a dynamic area on the ship, reminiscent of nostalgic seaside piers. It boasts a variety of attractions like a traditional carousel, various arcade games, and even a hot dog stand.

What's Included In Royal Caribbean Cruise Fare? & What's EXTRA

Table Of Content

• Are gratuities included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise?
• How Much Is the Royal Caribbean Drinks Package?
• Specialty Dining
• Junior Suites on Royal Caribbean
• What is included in Royal Caribbean's cruise ticket price?

Guests with disabilities can also book an accessible stateroom in many categories. If you’ve purchased a beverage package, it’s worth noting that it does not apply to drinks ordered through room service. All drinks ordered through room service, regardless of drink packages purchased, will be charged at their regular menu price, in addition to the $7.95 delivery fee. For beverages, if you plan on having more than 5 or so drinks a day, the Deluxe Beverage Package can be worth it. It includes alcoholic beverages, premium coffee, bottled water, and fresh juices. If you’re a big soda drinker, the Royal Refreshment package can save you money, but remember that free beverages like tap water, iced tea, and lemonade are always available.

Are gratuities included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise?

These events will be listed in the Cruise Compass left in your room each evening. For one set fare, a cruise vacation enables travelers to see multiple destinations while enjoying most of the onboard amenities. Although, what is included in each cruise line’s standard price can fluctuate. To help cruisers planning a vacation with Royal Caribbean International, we have put together this list of What’s Included on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The Classic Soda Package includes just soda, so you'll have to pay extra for any other non-alcoholic beverages. Most onboard activities, such as rock climbing and zip lining, are included in the fare, as are your lodging, meals (in non-extra-charge restaurants) and entertainment.

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How Much Is the Royal Caribbean Drinks Package?

In the morning, a complimentary continental breakfast is available, offering items such as cereal, pastries, fruit, coffee, and tea. This can be ordered using the door hanger in your room, marking your selections and hang it outside your door before you go to bed. Dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise is an adventure in itself, with a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences to suit every palate and preference.

Specialty Dining

Your Royal Caribbean cruise fare includes a variety of amenities and activities. Food is covered, with complimentary restaurants like the Windjammer buffet and the Main Dining Room offering a range of dining options. Basic beverages like water, lemonade, coffee, and tea are free of charge. Over the years, though, Royal Caribbean realized some of its guests prefer to add extras on to their core cruise experience. As a result, Royal Caribbean created cruise add-ons like specialty dining packages, drink packages, fitness classes, and more. As we’re uncovering what’s included in a Royal Caribbean cruise, we want to figure out how can we get the most value from the different packages?

Junior Suites on Royal Caribbean

Members earn points for every night they sail on one of the line's ships, with double points awarded to passengers staying in suites. It would take five cruises if you're doing seven-night trips (fewer if you're in a suite) to reach the second tier, Platinum (30 points). Royal Caribbean also offers dedicated teen and tween programs on ships for children ages 12 to 17. On some vessels, such as the Quantum Class ships, you'll find a dedicated space with games and a widescreen TV called The Living Room where teens can hang out, plus a teens-only disco called Fuel. Some of the extra-charge eateries come with a flat fee, usually around $35 to $50 per person, not including the cost of drinks.

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The Quantum Class ships also have an indoor fun zone known as The SeaPlex that includes a bumper car pavilion. When the bumper cars aren't in use, the space transforms into a roller rink, which is also used as a "circus school" with lessons on a flying trapeze. There's also a British pub, a karaoke lounge, a Latin-themed nightspot and — located one deck up in a balcony area — the line's signature Schooner Bar. In addition, some ships feature private restaurants just for passengers staying in suites along with top-tier members of the line's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program. In addition, every ship has a least one — and sometimes many — extra-charge eateries.

Dining

This offers you a fantastic opportunity to enjoy world-class performances at sea. Depending on which type of stateroom you book, the exact size, amenities and layout of the room will vary. But at the very least, your cruise fare includes your own private room and bathroom. If your child is between 6 and 36 months old, there is a nursery available on nearly all Royal Caribbean ships.

Some Royal Caribbean ships offer Ben & Jerry's ice cream, which has an additional cost. Royal Caribbean offers its guests pizza at some of its restaurants and buffets, as well as at Sorrento’s on the larger ships. Guests sailing on Royal Caribbean have two choices when it comes to gratuities for service-oriented crew onboard. They may elect to prepay gratuities prior to the cruise, or have gratuities automatically charged on a daily basis to their SeaPass account. Cruise fares in some countries, such as Australia, include the gratuities with your cruise fare.

Pools

There is nothing better after a busy day exploring than coming back to your room to relax. There you have it, you now know what is included in every Royal Caribbean Cruise. Food is also provided free of charge on Cococay with the exception of one paid food venue. I’ve been cruising with Royal Caribbean for over 30 years and I know firsthand what it’s like to get an unexpected charge on your SeaPass account. Book your adventure onboard Quantum of the Seas® and Ovation of the Seas®. With us by your side, you can easily find the perfect cruise for your needs and budget.

If there’s an activity you really want to try, it’s best to go early in the morning. Long lineups are common at the more popular attractions, especially on sea days. In fact, it’s more likely that you won’t have the time to participate in all the activities you want.

Be aware that local staff will try to guide you to “the best lounger”, but they will be expecting a gratuity as a thank you. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. These specialty venues bring to the table not only diverse cuisines but also a particular ambiance that can elevate your dining experience.

These can include Bingo, fitness classes, cocktail tastings, and onboard activities like escape rooms, video arcades, cooking classes, or all access tours. Spa treatments and access to the thermal suite are also an additional fee. Admission is free if you want to hang out and wade in the water, though alcoholic beverages will cost you extra unless you purchase a Specialty Beverage Package. The package is a great deal, and it includes beers, wines, and other vacation libations at bars such as the Lemon Post. Star Class suites, exclusive to Oasis and Quantum class ships, offer a luxurious stay with numerous perks.

From sports tournaments, to scavenger hunts, and video games, they will never want to leave. There are additional services offered for babies and tots, but these will cost an additional fee. For instance, Royal Caribbean offers the only “virtual balcony” at sea. These floor to ceiling windows replicate the look and feel of a real balcony with live feeds of the current conditions outside.

Outside the main dining room are screens displaying that night’s menu. You can view the menu ahead of time and decide if it’s worth upgrading to a specialty restaurant or dining at the buffet. In general, Royal Caribbeans cabin accommodations can accommodate two to four passengers. Still, you can find larger family cabins and suites on some ships, with room for four to six.

Here, dinner reservations are needed, and a dress code applies, which may differ across ships. The most economical choice, Interior cabins, offers comfort without a window or balcony. Outside cabins let in natural light through a window or porthole, and Balcony cabins offer private balconies for ocean views. If luxury is your calling, Suites/Deluxe cabins offer spacious layouts, added amenities like a separate living area, priority boarding, and personal concierge service.

The heart of the program, called Adventure Ocean, has free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12. The most out-there deck-top attractions on Royal Caribbean ships are surely the North Star rides found on Quantum Class ships. Perhaps the most bizarre attractions ever conceived for a cruise ship, they are giant mechanical arms topped with glass-enclosed capsules that will take you soaring above the ships for the view. On Oasis Class ships, there's also an outdoor Boardwalk area with a hand-carved carousel. On the new Icon Class ships, the Boardwalk area is replaced with a watery play zone for younger kids called Surfside. Every Royal Caribbean ship has a casino, and on the line's bigger vessels, these are big operations.