What is Included in a Royal Caribbean Cruise: A Comprehensive Guide
Exploring the world on a Royal Caribbean cruise is a dream for many. As one of the leading cruise lines worldwide, it offers an extensive range of amenities and activities that cater to all age groups. If you’re eyeing a 2024 cruise vacation, understanding what’s bundled in your Royal Caribbean fare is crucial for efficient budgeting and enhancing your cruise experience.
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What’s included on a Royal Caribbean cruise
The cruise fare covers your accommodation, providing you a private stateroom. Your fare also includes dining, ranging from laid-back snacks to gourmet meals from an assortment of restaurants and cafes on board.Â
The stateroom’s size, amenities, and layout are contingent on the category you choose. However, each stateroom ensures your own private space and bathroom.
Notably, while non-alcoholic beverages (excluding water, lemonade, and iced tea) are covered, you’ll need to budget extra for alcoholic and specialty drinks.
Key Insights
- Royal Caribbean fare includes accommodation and dining.
- Non-alcoholic beverages come bundled in the fare, but alcoholic and specialty drinks incur additional charges.
- Royal Caribbean caters to all age groups with a plethora of amenities and activities.
Accommodations on Board
With your Royal Caribbean fare, accommodation is taken care of. The cruise line offers four primary stateroom categories: Interior, Outside, Balcony, and Suites/Deluxe, each boasting distinct amenities and sizes.
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.
Standard amenities in all cabins include a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and 24-hour room service. Some cabins also offer extras like a mini-fridge, sofa bed, or bathtub.
Families might find the Ultimate Family Suite particularly appealing. This two-story suite boasts a private balcony, separate bedrooms, a slide, and a movie theater-style TV room. With choices ranging from snug interior cabins to opulent suites, there’s a fit for every preference and budget on board.
On-board Dining Options
The dining experience on a Royal Caribbean cruise is truly noteworthy. From complimentary dining venues to specialty restaurants that require an extra fee, there’s a plethora of choices.
The main dining room offers a varying menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, inclusive in your cruise price. Here, dinner reservations are needed, and a dress code applies, which may differ across ships.
For a more laid-back dining experience, Windjammer Cafe is an excellent choice, serving an extensive variety of food options. If you’re in for a quick bite, Cafe Promenade offers coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
Specialty restaurants offering diverse cuisines are available for an extra fee. Options include Johnny Rockets, a classic 1950s-style diner, Chops Grille, a premium steakhouse, and Izumi, a Japanese restaurant.
Snack options are abundant throughout the ship with places like El Loco Fresh serving tacos and burritos, Park Cafe with sandwiches and salads, and Sorrento’s Pizzeria offering pizza. A variety of bars and lounges are also available to grab a drink and a small snack.
Beverage Options Onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises
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.
Non-alcoholic drink lovers can enjoy unlimited fountain soda and Coca-Cola® Freestyle beverages with the Classic Soda Package.
This package, ideal for those fond of refreshing drinks throughout the day, offers all your favorite sodas. Included in the cruise fare, guests can also savor freshly brewed coffee, tea, milk, lemonade, and iced tea.
For a more indulgent beverage experience, Royal Caribbean provides a variety of drink packages purchasable before or during your cruise. These cover unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including mocktails, premium coffees and teas, fresh-squeezed juices, a complete selection of beers, fruit juices, and water. The Refreshment Package suits those desiring a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, while the Deluxe Beverage Package caters to those who prefer an extensive range of alcoholic beverages.
On embarkation day, each adult guest can bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Please note that boxed wine and other containers are not permitted. For more wine or champagne during your cruise, consider purchasing a discounted wine package.
Apart from the drink packages, Royal Caribbean also offers a la carte pricing for individual beverages. Guests can buy beer, wine, and cocktails at several bars and lounges spread across the ship. However, note that mini-bar items, Evian water, canned sodas, bottled juice and souvenir glassware, specialty beers as listed on bar menus, or super-premium category beverages are not included in any of the drink packages.
Entertainment and Activities: A Wide Range to Choose From
Royal Caribbean cruises are celebrated for their extensive range of entertainment and activities, ensuring an enjoyable voyage for everyone. Whether it’s thrilling outdoor adventures you seek, or you’d prefer to relax indoors, the ship has something for you.
Broadway-style shows in the Royal Theater, AquaTheater, Two70, and Studio B are a key entertainment highlight included in your cruise fare. This offers you a fantastic opportunity to enjoy world-class performances at sea.
For a more interactive experience, numerous activities await. 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.
If relaxation is your priority, indulge in the onboard spa or salon, or catch a movie in the theater. You can also enjoy various pools and waterslides, or try your hand at the FlowRider surfing simulator.
Relaxation and Fitness: A Perfect Blend
A Royal Caribbean cruise provides the perfect opportunity to both relax and stay fit. With a range of rejuvenating activities, from spa treatments to fitness classes, your wellness is well-catered for aboard.
Spa
Each Royal Caribbean ship comes equipped with a spa that offers an array of treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps. It’s an ideal sanctuary to unwind and let go of everyday stress.
Lounge
The ship’s lounge presents the perfect setting to unwind after a bustling day on board. Featuring comfortable seating and a laid-back atmosphere, the lounge offers an assortment of drinks and snacks.
Fitness
For guests keen on keeping active during their cruise, numerous options are available. The fitness center, equipped with cutting-edge apparatus like treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines, keeps your workout routine uninterrupted. Fitness classes including yoga, Pilates, and spinning are also available.
Pool Deck
The pool deck offers a delightful space to relax under the sun. It comes equipped with an array of loungers, chairs, and tables, alongside a pool and hot tubs.
Pools
The Royal Caribbean ships feature a range of pools catering to all ages, from adult-only pools and family pools to children’s pools. Some ships also include a water park, perfect for families with young children.
Fitness Classes
Fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, and spinning are available on Royal Caribbean ships. Suitable for all fitness levels, these classes are led by certified instructors.
Spa Treatments
For further relaxation, the spa offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps. These treatments are designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate, providing an escape from daily life.
In conclusion, a Royal Caribbean cruise ensures a perfect balance of relaxation and fitness. Whether your preference is to stay active or simply soak up the sun, a range of options is available.
Destinations and Excursions: A World to Explore
A highlight of a Royal Caribbean cruise is the opportunity to explore diverse destinations. From the Bahamas to Haiti, Royal Caribbean offers a range of itineraries allowing guests to delve into different parts of the Caribbean. Each port of call offers unique experiences, whether it’s basking under the sun on a stunning beach or engaging in the local culture.
To maximize each destination’s potential, Royal Caribbean provides a variety of shore excursions. These are led by knowledgeable guides who offer insights into the history and culture of each location. Guests can opt for an array of activities including snorkeling, hiking, and city tours. Among the most popular excursions are Labadee, a private beach in Haiti, and CocoCay, a private island in the Bahamas.
For beach relaxation, Royal Caribbean offers several beach excursions. 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.
No matter if you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Royal Caribbean provides an array of shore excursions to cater to every preference. With knowledgeable guides and a diverse set of activities to choose from, guests can make the most of each destination.
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Additional Services and Amenities: Enhancing Your Cruise Experience
Royal Caribbean offers a wide array of additional services and amenities to make your cruise experience more memorable. These range from complimentary services to those that come with an extra cost.
Complimentary Services
Included in your cruise package are ship accommodations, ocean transportation, most meals and some beverages onboard, and most onboard entertainment.
Service Charges
It’s important to note that certain services such as dining at specialty restaurants (Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Izumi, and Johnny Rockets) do come with an additional cost. Also, the Adventure Ocean childcare service incurs an hourly fee for care after 10 PM and for nursery services for children aged 6-36 months.
Room Service
24-hour room service is available at no extra cost, allowing guests to order a range of meals and snacks to their staterooms, with offerings such as salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
Internet Access
Stay connected while at sea by purchasing a Wi-Fi package onboard. Daily and entire cruise packages are available.
Medical Services
Each ship has a medical center staffed by licensed physicians and nurses. Services here are available at an additional cost.
Photographs
Professional photographers are available to capture your cruise memories. These photos can be purchased at an extra cost, with photo packages available.
Gift Shops
Purchase souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and more from onboard gift shops. These items come at an additional cost.
Art Auction
Art lovers can take part in onboard art auctions, featuring a wide range of artwork available for purchase at an additional cost.
Gambling
The ship’s casinos offer a variety of games, such as slot machines, blackjack, and poker, for an additional cost.
Salon Services
Salons are available for guests seeking haircuts, styling, and manicures. These services come with an additional cost.
Cruise Fare and Budgeting
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.
As of March 3, 2022, guests will pay a service charge of $14.50 per guest, per day, and for guests in a Grand Suite or above, the amount is $17.50 per guest, per day.
While there are plenty of opportunities to enhance your cruise experience with additional purchases such as specialty dining, shore excursions, and onboard activities, there is enough included in the basic cruise fare to provide an exceptional vacation without going over your budget.
Consider the value of each purchase and weigh if the cost is worth it for your personal preferences and budget. For example, a beverage package may be worth it for those planning to enjoy alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise, but may not be necessary for those preferring non-alcoholic beverages or those who only plan to drink occasionally.
Stateroom selection is another significant factor when budgeting for a Royal Caribbean cruise. A budget-conscious traveler may prefer an interior stateroom, whereas a balcony stateroom, though costlier, provides a beautiful view and a more spacious living area. Timing and destination can also significantly affect cruise prices.
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Unique Features of Royal Caribbean: An Experience Beyond Compare
Royal Caribbean cruises offer an unmatched array of innovative and unique features that differentiate it from other cruise lines. Here are a few highlights that can be found on many of their ships:
Boardwalk
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. It’s an excellent spot for families with children, offering an abundance of activities to keep the young ones entertained.
Also housed in the Boardwalk is the spectacular AquaTheater, which puts on shows featuring high-diving acrobatics and synchronized swimming, promising entertainment for all ages.
Central Park
Taking a stroll through Central Park, you could easily forget you’re onboard a ship. This tranquil outdoor space is designed to emulate an actual city park, filled with lush greenery, trees, and blooming flowers.
It provides a peaceful escape from the bustling activity elsewhere on the ship. Guests can take a leisurely walk, unwind on a bench, or savor a meal at one of the several restaurants that overlook the park.
150 Central Park
150 Central Park offers a refined dining experience for guests seeking something special. This elegant restaurant presents a rotating six-course tasting menu featuring locally sourced ingredients that vary with the seasons.
An extensive wine list complements the gourmet offerings, with the option to pair meals with a selection of wines handpicked by the sommelier.
Suite Guests Amenities
For those who opt for a suite on a Royal Caribbean ship, a variety of exclusive amenities await. These include access to a private lounge, services of a dedicated concierge, and priority for boarding and disembarkation. Suite guests also enjoy exclusive access to the Coastal Kitchen, a private restaurant that serves an array of delectable cuisine in an intimate and tranquil setting.
In conclusion, Royal Caribbean’s unique features cater to an extensive range of guests, from families with kids to couples in search of a romantic getaway. With a plethora of options available, there’s something to satisfy every taste and preference on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are included on Royal Caribbean cruise ships?
Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer a wide range of amenities that are included in the cost of your cruise. These include ship accommodations, ocean transportation, most meals onboard, some beverages onboard, and most entertainment onboard. Some of the onboard amenities include swimming pools, fitness centers, rock climbing walls, mini-golf courses, and sports courts. Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of activities and events such as Broadway-style shows, live music, and themed parties.
Are gratuities included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Gratuities are not included in the cost of your Royal Caribbean cruise. However, Royal Caribbean offers guests the option to prepay gratuities before their cruise or to have them automatically added to their onboard account. The recommended gratuity amount varies depending on the length of your cruise and the type of stateroom you have booked.
Are port fees included in the price of a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Port fees and taxes are typically included in the price of your Royal Caribbean cruise. These fees cover the cost of using the port facilities and services, such as docking, security, and waste disposal.
Is food included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Most meals onboard are included in the cost of your Royal Caribbean cruise. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day. 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.
What is included in a Royal Caribbean all-inclusive package?
Royal Caribbean does not offer an all-inclusive package. However, the cruise line offers several beverage packages that can be purchased before or during your cruise. These packages include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and can provide significant savings over purchasing drinks individually.
What comes with paying for a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Paying for a Royal Caribbean cruise includes ship accommodations, ocean transportation, most meals onboard, some beverages onboard, and most entertainment onboard. Additionally, guests have access to a variety of onboard amenities and activities.
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