royal caribbean mediterranean cruise 12 nights

What To Know Before Going On A Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean

Mediterranean cruises are often an idyllic way to experience the marvels of Europe. Think of it as a European sampler; you get a tiny taste of each city before heading to your next destination. After hopping onboard  Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas,  we share the good, the bad, and the ugly of our  Mediterranean Cruise  with tons of great information for a first time cruiser.

How To Choose The Perfect Cruise Line For Your Mediterranean Cruise 

There are various Mediterranean cruise itineraries, each focusing on different areas of the Mediterranean. Your perfect cruise depends on your budget and the cities and countries you want to see.

Budget is the most significant factor in determining which cruise line you will sail with. If traveling with children, look for a line offering a kid’s club and activities. From there, you will want to evaluate the itineraries, finding ports of call that interest your traveling party.

PRO TIP:   You spend less time onboard the ship on European cruises than on Caribbean cruises . Ships will dock early in the morning and then depart later in the evening, giving guests ample time to explore. Excursions are often 8-9 hours long, leaving you exhausted when you return to the ship.

After reviewing the many options, our family decided on  Royal Caribbean’s 7-night Western Mediterranean Cruise , which hit Venice, Rome, Naples, Florence/Pisa, Cannes, and Barcelona.

Enchantment Of The Seas Review

Enchantment of the Seas has a cult following, as many cruise fanatics love that the  ship was cut in two  and expanded back in 2005. Enchantment of Seas is one of the smaller ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, which can accommodate around 2,700 passengers. The appeal of fewer people onboard is enticing compared to Royal Caribbean’s bigger ships like Odyssey of the Seas, which can accommodate 5,510 passengers.

Don’t expect all the bells and whistles you find on other Royal Caribbean ships. On the contrary, the ship sailed right out of the 90s with light pink interiors, oak trim, and whimsical spaces with exotic decor.

This vessel will not have water slides, an ice-skating rink, and a central park but rather a splash area on the pool deck, a jumbo screen needing repair, and a rock climbing wall.

Dining Onboard The Enchantment Of The Seas

Countless dining options are available onboard the Enchantment of the Seas. However, I strongly advise enjoying the local culinary creations and cuisine from the countries you are visiting. Have pasta in Rome, get crepes in France and paella in Spain.  Remember, the best spots to snag local cuisine are often in the back alleys off the main tourist areas.

Pro Tip:  You will choose your dining preference before sailing. For a European Cruise,  I recommend the anytime dining or a later dining time , as many excursions arrive back at the ship until after the first seating. That way, if you didn’t opt to eat at port, you can enjoy the fine dining offered onboard.

Dining Options

My Fair Lady Dining  is the main dining room onboard the ship. It is two-tiered, offering traditional and anytime seating.  Traditional dining  is when you dine on the same day every day and have the same servers, while anytime dining provides more flexibility. For  anytime dining , guests will have different servers and a possible wait during peak hours. Kids menus are available with classics such as mac-n-cheese, hamburgers, chicken tenders, and pizza.

For curious minds, my daughter insisted on bringing her bear Rose, to dinner with us one night. The staff made such a fuss over Rose she decided to come to all the meals and even dress up!

Guests seeking a more laid-back dining approach can venture to  The Windjammer Cafe . Indulge in culinary creations from around the world, comfort foods, and delicious desserts at this popular buffet. The Windjammer is open for all three meals, but it can get overcrowded during peak hours for lunch and breakfast.

We often opted for a continental breakfast in our stateroom since many excursions had an early departure time. Not wanting to battle the breakfast buffet, it was often more enjoyable to sip our coffee and nibble on our croissants while getting ready in the morning.

Late-night dining is limited to the  Park Cafe,  which stays open late, offering fresh-baked pizza, sandwiches, and light bites.

Elevated dining options are available at  Chops Grille  or by reserving the  Captain’s Table  for the ultimate dining experience. During our cruise, we did not opt for either of these options as they were an extra cost. With so many great dining options included, we allocated our money to different experiences.

Top Things To Do Onboard Enchantment of The Seas

Everyone vacations differently, so a cruise is a great option when traveling with groups. Download the Royal Caribbean app  to see the daily activity schedule for the week.  Take a stab at the daily trivia, attend an art auction, or try a fitness class. Options are endless, but here are a few things we thought were great activities you want to take advantage of.

Attend the  Champagne Art Auction  for a complimentary glass of champagne while having the option to bid on many of the lovely art pieces on display around the ship. Many of these pieces are beyond my budget, but I love watching the auction and seeing others win that prized work to add to their collection.

Rock Climbing At Night  is an event where guests can scale the famous rock wall under the stars at the back of the ship. The Rock Wall is open periodically throughout the day during good weather if you cannot climb at night.

The Belly Flop Competition  is one of the funniest pool games I have seen on a cruise. Guests compete for the best belly flop, which is a hoot!

Don’t miss the  Sail Away Party with Balloon Drop  to kick start your cruise. Dance the evening away in the atrium with a fun balloon drop the kids will adore.

Catch a show in the  Orpheum Theater . From magicians to musicals, there is always top-notch entertainment happening in the theater. Performances are twice a night to accommodate the dining schedules.

Enchantment of The Seas Kids Club Review

To put it shortly, it was a letdown. I was expecting a Royal Caribbean Cruise to have a top-notch kids club, and the one on Enchantment of the Seas was not that. My six-year-old daughter requested not to attend the kids club because it was boring .

After our most recent  Disney Cruise , she fell in love with kids’ clubs, but sadly, not all kids’ clubs offer the same level of entertainment. She quickly realized that most of her time at this particular kids’ club was spent coloring, playing one specific game with a ball, and watching movies.

Walk into the “arcade” across the hall for an even bigger disappointment . There are more arcade games at a small-town bowling alley than here. The arcade room is barely big enough for six people to fit comfortably and holds 4-5 games max.

She only went to the kids club three times during our cruise, each time hoping it would improve. After the third strike, she didn’t want to try it anymore and gave up on it. More adult-focused activities were happening around the ship, so we often would take her to the pool, find live music, or hang out in our stateroom playing games.

Stateroom 7672 On Enchantment of Seas

Upgrading to a  Junior Suite  was an excellent option for more space to spread out, especially in the tight quarters of a cruise ship. However, I wish I had  examined the deck plans  more closely because our room was directly under the Spotlight Lounge. The Lounge had karaoke and music almost nightly till midnight. With it being so loud, you can practically sing along to all the songs.

Back in my youth, I would be down there belting it out with the best of them; however, with a child in tow, my late nights now consist of staying up till 9:00 pm. Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper and go to bed early.

As with all older ships, the staterooms are dated. The oak trim and furniture are worn, but the room is sparkling clean. The crew members do a fabulous job keeping your stateroom clean and tidy. All room service trays are removed, and they will help you with any requests.

One other downside to this particular stateroom was the balcony. While the balcony is huge, there is one major issue: the soot from the smoke stack falls directly onto it . The smokestack is towards the back of the ship; therefore, your balcony will be covered with black rain depending on how the wind blows.

Portions of the balcony are covered, but it puts a damper on your experience, especially when you pay extra for a junior suite. As you know, I wasn’t about to let a little soot keep me from enjoying those gorgeous balcony views, but it is important to note for anyone looking at rooms in the aft portion of the ship.

A perk of the Junior Suite is that there is a bathtub, and you get an Expresso machine in your room!

Royal Caribbean’s 7-Night Western Mediterranean Cruise

• Day 1-Ravenna-Venice
•  Day 2-Koper-Slovenia
•  Day 3-Sea Day
•  Day 4-Naples-Italy
•  Day 5-Civitavecchia- Rome, Italy
•  Day 6-Livorno-Florence/Pisa
•  Day 7-Cannes, France
•  Day 8-Barcelona, Spain

Day 1- Getting To Your Ship

When looking at the cruise itinerary, it indicated that our cruise left from Venice. You will want to dig deeper to see which cruise terminal you sail from. Since Venice no longer allows large cruise ships to come down the Grand Canal, you may not be leaving from Venice proper but rather another cruise port hours away.

If your port is  Ravenna, it is three hours from the Airport in Venice Marco Polo . That means a few things:

• You will need to schedule a transfer to get to the port. Royal Caribbean offers transfers, but you must book them in advance. They typically leave from the airport around 11 am-12:30 pm on the day of your cruise.
•  If your plane arrives in Venice the day your cruise departs, you will not see Venice. Time will not be on your side to see the city and catch a three-hour transfer. Navigating the airport to historic Venice will take about an hour, and that is with a vapperato (private boat taxi).
•  We arrived in Venice a few days early to see the city, then booked a vapperato back to the airport the morning of our cruise to catch the transfer.
•  Consider taking the train from Venice to Ravenna or booking a private transfer if you need help getting on the transfer through Royal Caribbean.

If you want a beautiful hotel in Venice, consider the  Hilton Venice . While this hotel has many perks, including a gorgeous rooftop bar overlooking the Grand Canal, the most significant amenity is the complimentary water taxi across the Grand Canal to three popular spots. This eliminates the need to navigate public water taxis or hire a vapperato each time.

Pro Tip: I recommend taking it at dusk if you plan a gondola ride. A whimsical magic falls over the canals as the setting sun sets the sky ablaze in colors.

Day 2- Koper, Slovenia

The Port of Koper drops travelers right into the heart of their old town without needing a transfer. The port is 300 meters from the main town square with its cathedral, cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions. This unique port of call was offered on the 7-night Western Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean.

Each port of call offers a variety of shore excursions you can book through the ship or another travel company. Many tourists will even put together custom shore excursions.

Pro Tip:  We always recommend that you check with whatever company you are working with to ensure they will have you back on the ship in time. When planning your own, ensure you have a backup plan if something was to happen.

For Example: If visiting Croatia, you may opt to  explore the real Croatia by cruises  or take a self-guided walking tour of the city. 

We booked the Postojna Cave Tour , which was beautiful. The Postojna Caves are Europe’s largest caves, offering guests a train ride through the cave system with an hour-long walking tour. Wear long pants and bring a jacket as the caves get cold, regardless of the weather outside.

Day 3- At Sea

Day 4- naples, italy.

Mount Vesuvius looms as you pull into port, an eerie reminder of the tragedy that occurred at the legendary city of Pompeii hundreds of years ago. With the island of Capri in the distance and the lure of a day trip to stunning Positano, cruise passengers have the difficult decision about what sites they want to see during their brief stent in port.

Naples offers many iconic landmarks and awe-inspiring landscapes that are impossible to do in a day. Guests will often have to choose between exploring the sparkling Almafi Coast, seeing the ancient ruins of Pompeii, or taking in the sites of downtown Naples.

The cruise terminal puts guests into the heart of Naples. Downloading a self-guided walking tour to see the city on foot from the cruise terminal is easy. Many tours are available through the ship to see as many sites as possible, but the reality is you will get a taste of each one.

It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to see as much as possible and then leave exhausted. Take it firsthand from me, who passed out in the streets of Naples from heat stroke trying to get in the final sites.

If you do the Almafi Coast, focus your time on Sorrento and Positano; if you are sailing to Capri, spend the whole day on the island; if you want to do Pompeii, plan on spending a few hours there, then hit a few sites in downtown Naples after your tour.

Day 5-Civitavecchia- Rome, Italy

One of the most important things to note about this port is that  it will take an hour and a half to get from Civitavecchia to Rome.  Therefore, looking at shore excursions, you will want to factor in a three-hour round-trip drive time. Many will make a note of it in the description.

Here are a few tips for doing Rome in under 8 hours:

• Consider doing the hop-on, hop-off bus tour . The tour will take you to all the major sites in the city.
•  Purchase tickets or skip-the-line passes for any major attraction months in advance if not included in your tour. This includes the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
•  There is a train that will take travelers from Civitavecchia to Rome.
•  If you miss your bus, expect to pay top dollar for a private taxi from Rome to the ship.
•  Don’t forget the coins to throw into the  Trevi Fountain !
•  Historic sites are always best seen with a tour guide. They bring out so many unique features and stories that would have been missed.
•  The best restaurants are never around popular tourist attractions. You should not spend $22 for pasta in Rome. Often, if you walk a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the main streets, you will find phenomenal little eateries for a fraction of the cost.
•  As will all major cities, watch out for pickpockets , and don’t let a stranger take your family photo. They could easily run off with your phone.
•  While Rome is usually very busy, remember that the more ships in port will mean popular attractions will be even more crowded. Three ships in port could mean an additional 10,000 tourists visiting the city during the same hours you are. Try visiting lesser-known attractions such as the Temple of Hercules Victor and Tempio di Portuno.

Day 6-Livorno-Florence/Pisa

Livorno is an hour away from Florence and 45 minutes away from Pisa . Many shore excursions include visits to both Pisa and Florence, while others will whisk travelers off to the Tuscan countryside.

We opted for a budget-friendly transfer through  Viator  to take us to Florence, Pisa, and back to the ship. The guide on the bus offered an hour-long walking tour of Florence for $10 Euro per adult once we arrived, which was worth every penny.

A Few Tips For Visiting Florence/ Pisa

• While the Leaning Tower Of Pisa is on many bucket lists, you will only want to spend some of your time at Pisa. The  “Square of Miracles ” contains the Pisa Cathedral, the baptistery, and the Leaning Tower, all surrounded by a sea of touristy shops and restaurants.
•  Guests can go up in the Leaning Tower but must purchase tickets in advance.
•  Purchase tickets or skip-the-line passes for any major attraction months in advance if not included in your tour. This includes the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Florence Duomo, and other famous museums.
• Visit the Officina Profumo, which has been in the perfume business since 1221!
• Make a reservation at Osteria Pastella for an incredible meal! Get the Cacio e Pepe.
•  Find one of Florence’s wine windows.
•  As with most European cities, bring good walking shoes.

Day 7-Cannes, France

The jaw-dropping French Riviera is a desired port of call. The sun-drenched beaches paired with the majestic mountains are captivating. When the city is not abuzz with the Cannes Film Festival , travelers will find themselves strolling the historic Old Town, window shopping along the promenade, before posing on the red carpet at Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrè.

Cruise ships must use a tender to bring guests to shore, so ensure you allocate enough time to wait for a tender. Pre-planned shore excursions will utilize the tenders first; then, it will be open boarding for the rest of the guests.

One of the downsides of a Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean is that there are some ports you only get to spend a little bit of time in. For instance, all aboard was at 2 pm in Cannes. If only having one full day feels rushed, try only a few hours in a city.

Day 8-Barcelona, Spain

Our Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean came to an end in Barcelona . We opted to stay a few extra days to explore the city, which I highly recommend. Stay at the  Renaissance Barcelona Hotel . It is centrally located downtown near the major attractions, restaurants, and shops. The hotel was gorgeous, and the rooftop bar stole the show with sweeping views of the city, including the Sagrada Familia.

We arranged a private transfer to take us from the ship to the hotel and the airport. Barcelona is a very walkable city, but to see some sites, such as Park Guell, you will likely want to take a taxi or do one of the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours.

A Few Tips For Visiting Barcelona

• Don’t wait until the last minute to secure tickets for all Gaudi’s sites . We were lucky to be able to book Park Guell and Casa Mila two days before arriving, but the Sagrada Familia was sold out.
•  Tapas and pinchos, or “spikes,” are small bites that are a must in Spain.
•  The Hop On/ Hop Off Bus is a great way to see the city. However, the loop is roughly 2 hours,, so plan your day accordingly if you have timed tickets.
•  In Spain, dinner is a lighter meal, typically eaten between 9 and 10 pm during the week and even later on the weekend.

My Must Have Items For A European Cruise

Take advantage of these must-have items for your next European Cruise .

• A  crossbody bag  with a zipper. These bags are going to be your first line of defense against pickpockets.
•  If visiting during warm weather, investing in a   sun umbrella  is wise. In July, this was one item we used daily.
•  Another must-have during summer months is a  portable misting fan .
•   Liquid IV   is always a great item to keep with you, especially in the summer.
•  Many churches require guests to have their shoulders and knees covered to enter. Bring a shawl or sweater.
•  Bring a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers.
•  One formal night outfit.
•   Bring medications , such as Ibuprofen, Pepto, Benadryl, Sudafed, Imodium, etc. Many items on the ship may not be readily available to you or require you to see the ship’s medic to get them. I also recommend bringing a  first aid kit .

A Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruises to see a lot Europe in a short amount of time. However, if you are traveling with young kids, you may want to take a closer look at Disney Cruise Lines. We had a great experience on Enchantment of The Seas but often wished that there was more to do for kids 5-10 years old.

We are already looking at our next Mediterranean Cruise, hoping to go to the Greek Islands or the Holy Land. Would we sail Royal Caribbean again? Absolutely!

Did you enjoy our cruise review? Be sure to check out these related articles.

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Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Europe and Mediterranean: Western Mediterranean Cruise

7-night oasis of the seas cruise.

From $2,494 per person* Includes government taxes, fees and port expenses of $107 per person

Royal Caribbean®

Set sail on a dream vacation to some of the best places to visit when you cruise the Mediterranean. This region offers some of Europe's most classic cultural landmarks - alongside some of its best weather to boot. explore a wide array of diverse islands and European cities, such as the ancient art of Rome and experience classic Neapolitan pizza in Naples, tour your way through the salty, shareable tapas of Spain.

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Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

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Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Royal Caribbean® sailing†

Onboard the Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2009
• Year Refurbished: 2019

Double Occupancy Capacity: 5400

Beyond the first of its class, Oasis of the Seas® was also the ship that launched a vacation revolution. And now this Oasis Class favorite will introduce even more new thrills for couples and kids of all ages, upgraded ways to soak up the sun or enjoy the shade, more delicious dining options than ever to elevate date night, and buzz-worthy new spots to light up every evening.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Miniature Golf
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Pool - Indoor
• Rock-Climbing Wall
• Sports Facilities
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• FlowRider® surf simulator
• Laser Tag: Clash for the Crystal City
• Art Gallery
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Children's Outdoor Play Area
• Educational Classes
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Business Center
• Concierge Desk
• Conference Center
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Religious Services
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

• Full-Service Spa
• Game Arcade
• Theme Parties
• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Classes
• Spa Services/Massage
• Educational Programs
• Royal Escape Room℠
• Internet Center
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Wedding/Vow Renewal

Main Dining Room

Main Dining

Main Dining Room:  Sweeping, multi-level ambience, world-class cuisine and extraordinary personal service from a dedicated wait staff. Royal Caribbean’s main dining room serves exceptional, multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

150 Central Park

Specialty Dining

150 Central Park:  Only onboard our Oasis-class ships, 150 Central Park serves up an intimate six-course experience of leading-edge cuisine in a modern setting. Enjoy seasonally, locally-sourced menus developed by James Beard's award-winning chef Michael Schwartz. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Chef's Table:  A once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience – join guests in an exclusive enclave to savour a five-course, gourmet menu specially prepared and presented by the Chef de Cuisine. Every course pairs with a wine chosen to enhance your enjoyment of the dish. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Chops Grille℠:  Royal Caribbean's popular signature steakhouse, featuring grade-A premium cuts of steak cooked to your specifications, plus fresh seafood, hearty side dishes and signature desserts in an upscale, contemporary setting. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Coastal Kitchen:  Exclusively for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, Coastal Kitchen fuses Mediterranean influences with the unmatched riches of California's bountiful farmlands. This is a destination that exudes pure freshness. From Pacific Coast favorites to Med-inspired tastes, the menu is always rotating. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Giovanni's Table:  A casual Italian trattoria with indoor and al fresco seating, Giovanni's Table offers rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herb foccacia, pastas, braised meat dishes and stews, served family-style. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi:  The traditional Japanese dishes at Izumi will impress you with pure, delicate flavors, freshness of ingredients and impeccable presentation. Choose from sushi rolls, sashimi and more. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Johnny Rockets®:  Get the family together for good old-fashioned hamburgers and fries at Johnny Rockets—complete with authentic 1950's décor, a menu filled with all-American favorites and a jukebox at every table. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Portside BBQ℠:  Choose from a meat-packed menu of tender brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends and even turkey legs. Crave-worthy sides like home-style cornbread and irresistible mac and cheese. Plus delicious downhome desserts, like the Banana Dream and the Chocolate Brookie. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Starbucks Coffee®:  Whether it's a decadent Caramel Macchiato, a refreshing Frappuccino® Blended Beverage, or a tempting pastry, guests can enjoy all their favorite Starbucks treats right onboard. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Sugar Beach℠:  If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, nothing beats Sugar Beach℠. This indulgent oasis is home to all your favorite confections – plus a few tantalizing surprises. Fill a grab bag to maximum candy capacity, or treat yourself to fluffy cupcakes and other tasty treats. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Windjammer Café

Casual Dining

Café Promenade:  The multi-level Royal Promenade is the heart of our ships – and the best spot for people watching. Pick a table with a view at Café Promenade, serving Starbucks or illy coffee, snacks, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and into the night – so you can enjoy the action when you please.

Dog House:  How do you build your dog? Take a seat at the counter for traditional hot dogs, brats, sausages and other delicious linked meats, plus a variety of toppings to split a long bun.

El Loco Fresh®:  Give your taste buds something to go wild over. El Loco Fresh® serves up Mexican fare that's insanely delicious. With classic mole sauce and tangy salsa verde topping beef burritos, carnitas, and more – it's a fiesta of flavor from south of the border. The craziest thing about it is just how good it is.

Park Café:  A casual-eats deli cafe offering made-to-order salads, paninis and freshly prepared sandwiches. Don't miss the signature "Kummelweck" roast beef sandwich – a guest favorite.

Solarium Bistro:  Emphasizing fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Serve yourself from stations piled high with Med-inspired dishes and savor every bite inside or al fresco beneath the sun — or the stars.

Sorrento's Pizzeria:  A hearty but healthful lunch destination in Solarium with lighter options for breakfast and lunch. Try soups and stews, crepes, salad bars, fresh-cut fruits and more.

Vitality Café:  Enjoy a healthful selection of specialty wraps, fresh fruits, yogurts, and smoothies.

Windjammer Café:  A culinary destination loaded with an array of delicious food for every meal and snack time – all with spectacular views and a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Browse multiple serving stations featuring pastas, made-to-order omelettes, global cuisine, salads, soups, sandwiches, meat-carving, and tons of tantalizing desserts.

Room Service:  Room service is available 24 hours a day (a convenience charge applies to each order placed).

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

• > Inside Stateroom
• > Ocean View Stateroom
• > Balcony Stateroom
• > Suite Stateroom

Interior staterooms include a wide array of amenities for your whole family to enjoy.

Spacious Interior (Category: 1R)

• High-occupancy room perfect for larger families
• Separate hideaway bunk area
• Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
• One double sofa bed
• Two Pullman beds
• Stateroom: 260 sq. ft.

Central Park View Interior (Category: 2S)

• Interior stateroom with a view
• In-stateroom window with views of Central Park®
• Perfect for nature lovers
• One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests
• Stateroom: 199 sq. ft.

Promenade View Interior (Category: 2T)

• In-stateroom window with views of the Royal Promenade
• Perfect for people-watching
• One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
• One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 and 5 guests
• One Pullman bed in staterooms with up to 5 guests
• Stateroom: 194 sq. ft.

Connecting Interior (Category: CI)

• Connects to the room next door
• Get "double" the space when booking both
• Great for families
• Stateroom: 172 sq. ft.

Interior (Category: 1V)

• Our most budget-friendly option
• A cozy and comfortable retreat
• Perfect for long naps after an adventure-filled day
• Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
• Stateroom: 149 sq. ft.

Interior (Category: 2V)

Interior (category: 3v), interior (category: 4v), guarantee - inside (category: zi).

Category: ZI This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Guarantee - Quad Interior Stateroom (Category: ZQ)

Category: ZQ This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Spectacular sights and amazing views from the comfort of your stateroom.

Panoramic Ocean View (Category: 1L)

• Floor-to-ceiling in-stateroom window
• Soak in 180-degree ocean views
• Plenty of natural light
• Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.

Ultra Spacious Ocean View (Category: 1K)

• Even more square footage
• Dedicated bunk bed area
• Perfect for families or groups
• One double sofa bed
• Two Pullman beds
• Stateroom: 271 sq. ft.

Ocean View (Category: 1N)

• Budget-friendly with a view of the ocean
• Your very own in-stateroom window
• Great for families with small children
• One Pullman bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests

Ocean View (Category: 2N)

Ocean view (category: 4n), guarantee - oceanview (category: yo).

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Enjoy the ambiance of our neighborhood balcony staterooms that overlook the Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods or take in breathtaking views from your Ocean View balcony stateroom.

Ultra Spacious Ocean View with Large Balcony (Category: 1A)

• One double sofa bed
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Ocean View with Large Balcony (Category: 1C)

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• Stateroom: 182 sq. ft.
• Balcony: 80 sq. ft.

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• Balcony stateroom that connects to the room next door
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• Balcony: 50 sq. ft.

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Ocean View Balcony (Category: 2D)

Ocean view balcony (category: 3d), ocean view balcony (category: 4d), ocean view balcony (category: 5d), boardwalk view balcony (category: 1i).

• Budget-friendly balcony stateroom
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Boardwalk View Balcony (Category: 2I)

Central park view balcony (category: 1j).

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Guarantee - Neighborhood Balcony Stateroom (Category: XN)

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Guarantee - Quad Neighborhood Balcony Stateroom (Category: NQ)

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Exclusive experiences, inclusive amenities, luxury accommodations and more.

Royal Loft Suite (Category: RL)

• Expansive two-floor suite with ample space for everyone
• Most luxurious suite on the Royal Caribbean fleet
• Star Class amenities
• Two sets of twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
• Stateroom: 1,524 sq. ft.
• Balcony (main level): 843 sq. ft.

Owner’s Panoramic Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: OP)

• Two-story floor-to-ceiling in-stateroom window
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• Stateroom: 1,076 sq. ft.
• Balcony: 161 sq. ft.

Grand Panoramic Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: GP)

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Star Loft Suite (Category: TL)

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Spacious AquaTheater Suite Large Balcony - 2 Bedrooms (Category: A1)

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AquaTheater Suite with Large Balcony - 2 Bedrooms (Category: A2)

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• Balcony: 695 sq. ft.

Ultimate Panoramic Suite (Category: UP)

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Spacious AquaTheater Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: A3)

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• Sky Class amenities
• Stateroom: 323 - 398 sq. ft.
• Balcony: 355 - 452 sq. ft.

Crown Loft Suite (Category: L1)

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• Extra guest bathroom on main level
• Stateroom: 545 sq. ft.
• Balcony: 114 sq. ft.

Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: OS)

• Larger and more luxurious than our one bedroom Grand Suites
• Put the extra square footage to use as you kick back and relax
• Stateroom: 556 sq. ft.
• Balcony: 243 sq. ft.

Grand Suite - 2 Bedrooms (Category: GT)

• High-occupancy two-bedroom suite
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• One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 8 guests
• Two Pullman beds in staterooms with up to 8 guests
• Stateroom: 580 sq. ft.
• Balcony: 238 sq. ft.

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: GS)

• Ample space, including a living room and full bathroom with a tub
• "Grandest" suite in the fleet
• Stateroom: 371 sq. ft.
• Balcony: 105 sq. ft.

Junior Suite (Category: J3)

• Our standard suite for luxury on a budget
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• Stateroom: 287 sq. ft.

Junior Suite (Category: J4)

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Category: WS This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

• Ship Name: Oasis of the Seas
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2009
• Ship Class: Oasis
• Maximum Capacity: 6,771
• Number of Passenger Decks: 16
• Number of Crew: 2,109
• Officers' Nationality: International
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 176
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 1,315
• Total Inside Staterooms: 496
• Tonnage (GRT): 225,282
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 5,400
• Country of Registry: The Bahamas
• Total Staterooms: 2,801
• Suites with Balcony: 166
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, inside stateroom, ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom, departure date - 08/04/2024, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

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Ship's registry: The Bahamas

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Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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• Royal Caribbean International

Vision of the Seas - 12 nights Mediterranean Greek Isles

By CuriousCruiser101 , August 19, 2018 in Royal Caribbean International

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CuriousCruiser101

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cruisequeen4ever

What are your ports?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Starting in Barcelona:

Florence/Pisa/Laspezia

We were on that ship and that itinerary just a couple of weeks ago. Let me say that the trip was fantastic. The weather was great (just hot) and the seas very calm. Staff were all nice to us so overall an outstanding cruise.

Now, to answer your question. We toured Barcelona, Valletta, Rhodes, Cannes, and Athens on our own. Here is how we did it:

Barcelona: Plenty of things to see if you like to walk. There are also plenty of taxi stations or metro locations. We mainly did it on foot.

Valetta: We walked off the ship, down the street about a quarter of a mile, and into the main town area up a steep incline. There is also an elevator for ~1-2 Euro if needed down a little further. You will see plenty of horse & carriage opportunities and the hop on and off along the walk to the elevator. There was sights and shopping at the top of the city.

Rhodes: We walked down the street about a quarter of a mile and then entered the town. We visited the museums (Grand Palace and also an archeological museum) for a discounted price we paid at the grand palace. Visiting the archaeological museum was great. Everything can be walked.

Athens: We arranged for a taxi to the Acropolis and a pick up at the end in advance. There are taxis outside the gates of the port if needed. We visited the acropolis, the archaeological museum across from the Acropolis, and walked Plaka behind it. We ate at a great place in the back of Plaka called Talixos (sp?) but it was a walk to get there. Very inexpensive and great food. We definitely walked a lot that day but it was great and plenty of shopping/food in Plaka.

Cannes: We walked about a half of a mile to a mile down the street and saw a beach and the red carpet for the film festival. We also looked at the handprints across the street. We then walked back toward the ship and there is a museum/castle on the hill on top. It is a walk up a steep incline ( I believe there are little trollies that look like a train but we walked it). It was worth it to see the views from the top. If you go into the museum (we recommend it) make sure you go into the courtyard and visit the tower with the flag. You can go inside and up to the top for breathtaking pictures. That was a great surprise as the sign was slightly hidden behind a plant. At the bottom of the hill on the return we would recommend the pastry shop for macaroons and pastries. Very yummy :-)

Florence/Rome/Santorini we took excursions from the ship. Florence and Rome are far from Port.

Florence we had time to ourselves as part of the tour so we elected to skip waiting in line for the Cathedral de Santa Maria del Fiore that had a line for an hour and went to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence (one in the square). It was worth the extra Euros to get in the air conditioning and see the tombs of Michaelangelo, Galileo Galilee, Machiavelli and others. It was a pretty Basilica and the line was short. We also ate at a café next to this Basilica and the food was very tasty.

Rome: We visited the Trivi fountain, the coliseum, and the forum. We also had lunch that was arranged and the food was excellent. The day was great, glad we took a tour, but it was a long day. Tour made it back just before sailing so glad we had a Royal Excursion on that one.

Santorini is a tender location and depending on the amount of ships could be a challenge. There is a cable car to the top at the tender location but we saw the entire island by booking the Akrotiri ruins. We saw the entire island and took the cable car down at the end. We recommend this as well.

Good luck and enjoy!

Most informative - many thanks.

CuriousCruiser101,

Your welcome. I hope you enjoy as much as we did. BTW, the ship was good but and in pretty good shape for the overall age. Smaller and more intimate compared to the larger ships but in return the offering for my teens was less. That was OK because we were there for the itinerary. The other thing I would add about the ship was the utilization of the centrum. They did a better job using that space than any other that I have sailed. Plenty of energy there.

Enjoy your trip!

Starting in Barcelona:   Cannes Florence/Pisa/Laspezia Rome Athens Rhodes Santorini Valletta

Tenders for Santorini and usually Cannes.

Valletta sail in is fantastic.The centre is 5 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes walk.

Athens 10 minutes by taxi as is Rhodes.

Great ports, Barcelona is really nice port great place to spend a couple of days before the cruise, we did similar cruise did almost all private tours with others from roll call, starting with a half day tour of Barcelona with Barcelona day tours.

Best tour was from liverno , with papillon, had 8 from roll call first went to pisa for a quick stop , then Florence where they pre-bought museum tickets so we could see David, then shopping and lunch , then a wine tasting in a local organic vineyard , really great trip. Driver guide was excellent.

CuriousCruiser101, Your welcome. I hope you enjoy as much as we did. BTW, the ship was good but and in pretty good shape for the overall age. Smaller and more intimate compared to the larger ships but in return the offering for my teens was less. That was OK because we were there for the itinerary. The other thing I would add about the ship was the utilization of the centrum. They did a better job using that space than any other that I have sailed. Plenty of energy there.   Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the information about the ship. We are doing the September vision to Venice cruise.

She seems like a great sized ship to do all of these great ports on. Wish we could do the b2b

Florence/Pisa- We did the Florence and Pisa On Your Own, so we could have cruise line transportation security but the ability to explore on our own- great day

Rome- sooo much to see and far away, so I recommend booking through the cruise line and doing a tour that covers as many sites as possible- it’s a busy day but worth it

Athens- Acropolis

Santorini- easy to DIY- once off the tender, go to the left where the “boats to Oia” are advertised and depart, only about 15 Euros pp to get you to Oia and then bus you back to Fira a few hours later- gorgeous!

Valletta- the HOHO worked pretty well for us- I loved the Blue Grotto and walking around Old Town where the fortress is

We enjoyed this same itinerary so much in 2017 on Brilliance that we're doing it again, just on Vision as you are, in July. Fairly easy and frequent local travel in all ports. Best advice gained on this cruise: Do not waste your money on a full drink package because you're hardly on board while pier side.

We're doing a similar itinerary on Vision in May 2019. We've booked some great tours already.

Florence/Pisa- We did the Florence and Pisa On Your Own, so we could have cruise line transportation security but the ability to explore on our own- great day   Rome- sooo much to see and far away, so I recommend booking through the cruise line and doing a tour that covers as many sites as possible- it’s a busy day but worth it   Athens- Acropolis   Santorini- easy to DIY- once off the tender, go to the left where the “boats to Oia” are advertised and depart, only about 15 Euros pp to get you to Oia and then bus you back to Fira a few hours later- gorgeous!   Valletta- the HOHO worked pretty well for us- I loved the Blue Grotto and walking around Old Town where the fortress is     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Many thanks - everyone has been so helpful - so excited now!

Many thanks for this - we fell foul of the soft drinks package years ago - realised there was water available everywhere! All we really got was two very nice RC logo drinking cups. Or was there another drinks package? We have never drunk much on a cruise, too worried about missing any of the next day and too tired to stay up late drinking! We have got a full drinks package included in our itinerary as part of our deal.

papaflamingo

Only one addition... we did Cannes years ago. You can walk to the train station and take the train to Monte Carlo for the day. Very easy. Take your passport with you, and make sure you ask them to stamp it in Monte Carlo for fun. You can go to the famous Casino and also take a bus up the hill and enjoy the views from the Palace area. We ended up eating at a cafe up there. There is a cost if you want to go into the Casino, your choice. But it was really neat to see the city, palace, casino, yachts in the harbor, expensive cars at the casino. Just watch the time for the trains back to the port. An easy and fun trip.

Just got off this boat yesterday. The crew on this boat is fantastic! They made the trip amazing!!! The ports were incredible with the exception of Marseille. I hope that Captain Marsk is still on board. He is the most fantastic captain I have ever seen! He is so present and involved with the crew and passengers even playing volleyball on days at sea. It was the most amazing 12 days!! You will certainly enjoy every minute of it!!!

How was getting off the ship in Santorini ? We'll be doing this similar cruise next May.

Also what tours did you do ? We have booked tours in:

Cannes .... Shorexcursioneer ..... (with roll call)

Florence ... Ship DIY ... (we've been before and did private tour Florence/Pisa)

Rome ... Ship DIY (since we've been before and did a private tour with RomeInLimo)

Athens ... George's Taxi Tours ... Best of Athens... (with roll call)

Mykonos ... will do on our own

Santorini ... Santorini Tours ... (with roll call)

Malta ... Malta Film Tours ... (booked directly)

Getting off in Santorini was not the problem. The tenders were efficient and took us to the base of the cable car. The problem was the return the cable car broke down and we had already purchased our ticket for the cable car. Apparently it is very common for it to break down. We did have to walk down the donkey path. It was very slippery and it was dangerous. If you have any elderly or any health concerns I would advise taking the ferry from Oia back to the tender. There are far fewer steps down and there are no donkeys on the trail. We did see on our trip down several people having to be carried. It eventually was fixed but it took at least two plus hours and we were the only boat in there that day.

Please do not let it deter you from going. It was the most beautiful port. It was our favorite. Our pictures look like postcards. It was absolutely amazing!!!!

I will be sailing on the vision in 23 days and really looking forward to it. Thank you.

Sorry Muffin

I will be taking this cruise on Vision in Sept 2019, to celebrate my 70th birthday.

Mine is also a 70th birthday cruise :D

I really wish someone would do a review of this itinerary, I am going to do this cruise in 2 years & it helps me plan & get excited!

Any particular ports you want information on?.

Many of us have been to most of these ports and might be able to offer an insight.

There are many sites offering information about European ports too.

I've read every review I could find and watched every video. It just really helps me get excited reading reviews & seeing pictures. I've pretty much scoured the internet already...lol

• 2 weeks later...

OK - here goes.

Cannes - took the tender across, looked around the town, went back for swimsuits and hit the beach.

Took tour to Florence but on reflection wished we'd done the Pisa tour, beautiful place tho. (I think there was a leather factory in here somewhere but cannot recall where.)

Rome - amazing - took tour again as some distance, went on the train, saw the Vatican, Spanish Steps and Trivedi Fountain. Very busy, very hot but worthwhile.

Two days sailing - went by very quickly as we were tired!

Athens, took the bus, went round the Plaka district and also round the Acropolis, not for the fainthearted as it's a bit of climb and extremely busy once there but amazing. Saw the Colesseum but you really need a whole day to actually go in. So much to see!

Rhodes - fabulous day. Walked around the old town had lunch then hit the beach. Brilliant day, loved Rhodes.

Santorini - what can I say. We took the tour as I'd been scared off by reports of long queues for cable car etc. You take your chances, but I would swerve the donkeys! Time was just about enough, so much walking and climbing in the heat but the views are stunning. We also stopped at a winery, which I don't usually like but this one was exceptional, again with stunning views.

Sailing day - much needed rest.

Malta - again we took the historical city trip, Mdina and Valletta. If they still do this trip when you sail I would be cautious. It is far too rushed and again you need to be fit for all the fast walking required to cover both sites with entrances to palaces etc. missed o/a waiting for people to catch up. We went back to the ship for lunch then rushed back up in the lift to the Baraka Gardens for a couple of hours. Humidity got to me tho!

Back sailing then Barcelona. We opted for an extra day and night in a hotel as our flight was so late. We picked the weekend of the massive festival with music, dancing, parades and far too many people! Massive energy and amazing buildings to see.

All in all a very good itinery but the queues for places like the Colosseum and the Vatican are massive, far too long for the average port call so if you want to do any I would strongly advise you book a ticket online which offers the chance to skip the queue.

I think that's it - if you need any more info please ask. Enjoy!

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The Mediterranean region has it all — amazing food and wine, famous historical and cultural landmarks, scenic seaside towns and gorgeous island beaches.

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For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Most Mediterranean cruises focus on one region (usually the eastern or western halves of the coastline), but longer itineraries might encompass more. While choosing a ship is important, so is picking which route to take and which countries you want to see.

Consider what's on your bucket list. Cruise lines offer a variety of options, making it possible for culture vultures, beach lovers, history buffs and family travelers to prioritize different ports of call and onboard amenities.

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For foodies, fashionistas and art lovers, it's hard to top a Western Mediterranean cruise to the renowned resort towns and famed coastal cities of Italy, France and Spain.

This is your opportunity to see Antoni Gaudi's fantastical Sagrada Familia church and other creations in Barcelona; visit Michelangelo's David sculpture and other Renaissance treasures in Florence, Italy; learn about the iconic film festival in dreamy Cannes, France; and stroll through the beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik.

You can shop for Italian, French and Spanish designer fashion when you're not dining on the best Italian pasta and gelato you've ever tasted (or bouillabaisse and escargot in France, or paella and tapas in Spain). All are accompanied by local wines, of course.

Related: How I skipped the cruise ship tour in Italy and had a better, cheaper adventure on my own

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of Western Mediterranean cruises to key ports in Spain, Italy and France. Norwegian Escape sails the Mediterranean in the spring and fall of 2025. It offers 10- and 11-night cruises that call on a variety of major ports.

For example, 11-night cruises on select dates in 2025 sail from Barcelona to Trieste, Italy. They visit Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Cannes; Florence, Rome, Naples and Taormina (Messina), Italy; Valletta, Malta; Corfu, Greece; and Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia.

It's a shame that the itinerary has no sea days because the ship offers plenty to keep cruisers busy on board. There's a wealth of dining options, from a French date-night restaurant to a tapas bar. There's also a water park, a ropes course and a spa with a salt room and a snow room.

Best cruise for families: Royal Caribbean in the Mediterranean

When looking for a cruise with children , you'll want to have a mix of time exploring on land and time playing on the ship. Ships offer kids clubs as well as attractions like video arcades and waterslides. Look for an itinerary that includes one or more fun-filled days at sea.

Kids will enjoy such sights as the Colosseum, where they might pretend that they are gladiators; the flower market in Nice, France; and the Leaning Tower of Pisa (on a shore excursion from Livorno, Italy). They will also enjoy visiting the beaches in the Greek islands and eating pizza in Naples. If you can find a cruise that includes the Italian seaside villages of Cinque Terre (accessible from Genoa, Livorno and Portofino), fans of Disney's animated feature "Luca" will be ecstatic.

Family favorite Royal Caribbean has a variety of ships and itineraries sailing around Europe, but a top option for 2025 is a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise aboard Allure of the Seas. The round-trip itinerary departs from Rome. Additional ports of call include Naples and La Spezia, Italy (for Florence); Palma de Mallorca; and Marseille, France.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Family-friendly entertainment on board is plentiful. On sea days, you can access three main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Protect Your Trip »

Cruise vs. all-inclusive resort: which one is right for you.

Find out the pros and cons of each and see which option is right for you.

Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort

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Picking your dream vacation can be tricky. Use our tips to help you plan.

If you're trying to decide whether you should book a cruise or stay at an all-inclusive resort for your next vacation, there are a lot of factors to consider. Beyond selecting a destination, you'll need to determine what type of experience you're looking for and what's included in the price of each option. After all, there's nothing worse than having a stress-free trip turn into a sticker shock surprise when you review the final bill.

To help, U.S. News compiled a list of questions to consider when comparing cruise versus all-inclusive resort vacations, along with suggested options for both.

What are your travel goals?

When deciding between an all-inclusive resort or a cruise, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I want to explore multiple destinations in one trip?

If your answer is yes, book a cruise . Cruises are a great option when you want to visit several locales in one trip, but aren't concerned with spending a lot of time in any one place. They're also perfect for getting an overview of a region, such as the Caribbean or the Mediterranean . If you want to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations instead of busier, more popular ports, consider itineraries offered by cruise lines with smaller ships that can navigate tighter waterways than larger ocean liners. For example, Windstar Cruises' small ships can visit small Greek islands ; remote Tahitian villages; Alaska's wildlife-filled Inian Islands; and sail the only navigable river in Spain, the Guadalquivir River.

Do I want to stay relax in one place?

If a relaxing land-based experience sounds more your speed, an all-inclusive resort may be a better option. You can spend your time taking advantage of luxurious resort amenities and exploring the surrounding areas. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico , offers family-friendly accommodations and activities, as well as romantic oceanfront suites with plunge pools and spa bathrooms for couples. The resort also has an impressive selection of internationally inspired restaurants and indoor and outdoor bars. During the day, sign up for holistic treatments at the SE Spa by Grand Velas (for an additional fee) or enjoy complimentary water activities like kayaking and snorkeling. You can even explore ancient ruins in nearby Tulum, Mexico , on an off-property excursion.

Still, for some cruisers, the ship itself is the destination. The details of the itinerary don't matter much to them, as they plan to spend most of their time relaxing on board. Big cruise ships and/or new vessels offer seemingly endless dining and entertainment options.

What kind of atmosphere do I want?

If the shrill screams of children playing might bother you, you can easily opt for an adults-only cruise or adults-only all-inclusive resort . Of course, if you're traveling with kids, there's no shortage of kid-friendly cruise ships and all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean , Mexico and U.S.

What's included in the price?

Another huge variable is the price you'll pay for a cruise versus all-inclusive resort – and what exactly is covered.

Cruises: Taking a cruise can be a great value , but it's important to note that inexpensive base fares aboard large, mainstream cruise lines can often be misleading. Once you add in additional costs for taxes, fees and port charges; gratuities; stateroom upgrades; specialty dining and beverage packages; excursions; and Wi-Fi access, the total price of your voyage may end up much higher than you expected.

To avoid surprise extra fees throughout your trip, you might want to consider sailing with a luxury line like Viking Ocean Cruises . Although such cruises typically come at a higher price point, the line's fares cover all meals (including specialty dining venues), beer and wine with lunch and dinner, nonalcoholic beverages and bottled water, one shore excursion in each port, onboard Wi-Fi access and more. Also consider cruise deals, which often include last-minute incentives and kids-cruise-free promos .

Book a cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

All-Inclusive Resorts: When it comes to all-inclusive resorts, be sure to research what's included in the nightly rate before you book. Couples-only Sandals Resorts International in the Caribbean offers some of the most inclusive resort pricing setups, with rates covering accommodations, gourmet dining at up to 16 restaurants, snacks, premium wines and liquors, stocked in-room bars, water sports, complimentary golf course greens fees (select resorts), PADI-certified scuba diving (at most properties), entertainment, Wi-Fi access, gratuities and airport transfers. Extra fees apply for spa treatments, local excursions and personalized events, like private dinners on the beach. Other resort brands may not offer such an extensive list of included perks, so be sure to check with the specific property you are interested in. And again – look for available offers when booking. Many all-inclusive resorts offer kids-stay-free promos on a regular basis.

Do you want to drive or fly to your vacation destination?

Courtesy of Sandals Resorts

Before you find yourself sipping umbrella drinks with a good book in hand, you'll have to put in the work of traveling to your destination. It goes without saying that visiting an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean will require an international flight, but you may also need to hop on a plane to reach your chosen cruise ship terminal. Still, many ships sail from popular ports in Florida cities – including Fort Lauderdale , Miami , Tampa and Cape Canaveral (Orlando) – and travelers outside of the Sunshine State can find sailings out of ports in California, Texas, New York and Louisiana. Depending on where you live, you may be able to save yourself a flight (and some money) by driving directly to your embarkation port.

You may also be able to book a stay at an all-inclusive resort (or a property with an all-inclusive option) without traveling too far from home. Florida offers a couple of all-inclusive properties ideal for those who don't want to leave the U.S. Consider Bungalows Key Largo, which caters to travelers 21 and older visiting the Florida Keys. In contrast, some properties across the U.S. offer special packages to create your own all-inclusive experience .

What type of accommodations do you prefer?

Cruise ship cabins can be tight, especially if you're traveling with another person (or an entire family). The good news is that there are plenty of choices when it comes to stateroom sizes and configurations, depending on the cruise line and specific ship you choose. Cabins can be as compact as 100 square feet (in the case of Norwegian Epic 's Studio staterooms) or as vast as 4,443 square feet ( Regent Seven Seas Splendor 's lavish two-bedroom Regent Suite).

If space is important to you, plan to budget for a larger cabin, or one with a veranda. The Azamara Quest 's Club Verandah Staterooms (175 square feet) are not much larger than its Interior Club Staterooms (158 square feet), but the addition of a balcony with extra seating, natural light and outdoor access makes them feel much more roomy. For even more space, consider splurging on a suite, which may also add valuable perks like complimentary specialty dining, laundry service and Wi-Fi access. Some suites are designed with families in mind, such as the Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas . The two-story accommodation features an indoor slide, a private game and movie room, a hot tub, ocean views and VIP experiences across the ship.

Back on land, hotel rooms and suites at all-inclusive resorts will typically be more spacious than most cruise ship accommodations, meaning you'll have more square footage to spread out. At the family-friendly all-inclusive Windjammer Landing in Castries, St. Lucia , accommodations run the gamut from 400-square-foot ocean view rooms for two to almost 1,400-square-foot, two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to six people. The property also boasts a selection of luxury beachfront villas that measure up to 4,200 square feet.

What type of entertainment and dining options do you expect?

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Whether you're traveling solo or with a partner and/or friends, decide whether you'd like to party on vacation (think Carnival Cruise Line ) or prefer a more quiet, intimate getaway (such as a river cruise ). Also think about the entertainment and dining options offered by each. On large cruise vessels, like Norwegian Cruise Line 's ships, you can find infinite eateries, Broadway-calibur entertainment and adults-only nightclubs that stay open into the wee hours of the morning. There are also fun-filled activities for younger travelers, like racetracks, laser tag, aqua parks, rock climbing walls and rope courses. Not all these activities will be included in your fare, so you can choose to pay as you go or purchase packages that offer unlimited access. Fitness classes, spa access and entry into adults-only lounge areas may also come with a fee, as can soft drinks and bottled water throughout the day (unless you have a beverage package).

However, smaller, more intimate ships still offer plenty of fun – albeit with fewer crowds. Cruisers can choose from several dining venues, some of which change their menus daily. For example, Azamara changes its menu every evening in the main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant. The eatery always offers classic favorites, such as shrimp cocktail and grilled New York strip steak, but it also includes nightly features, many of which are inspired by the ship's destination. Smaller ships will also typically have a few bars or lounges that host entertainment for more mature, refined audiences (think: piano players or other live music in the evenings), plus theaters that feature a different show each night. Still, you might find fun-loving passengers on the dance floor late at night and DJs spinning karaoke tunes at lounges on the ship.

All-inclusive resorts typically offer a wide range of on-site dining venues, entertainment, activities and amenities as well. For example, the gated 7,000-acre Caso de Campo Resort & Villas in La Romana, Dominican Republic, features three golf courses, an equestrian center, tennis courts, skeet and trap shooting, water sports, complimentary merengue lessons and more. Packages at the resort include accommodations, all meals and beverages and access to most (or all) of these activities.

Resorts may also feature more unique amenities than cruise ships. For example, at Caso de Campo, guests can visit Altos de Chavón. Inspired by a 16th-century Mediterranean village, this impressive replica of a medieval hamlet is home to local artisans and boutiques. There's also an archeological museum, the St. Stanislaus Church and a 5,000-seat amphitheater with panoramic views of the Chavón River and the Caribbean Sea. After dinner at one of the property's signature restaurants, you can hit the nightclubs, or, if you're lucky, catch a concert in the amphitheater. If you'd like to spend an afternoon or two outside of the property, sign up for a resort excursion (additional fees apply). Travelers can explore nearby beaches by catamaran, visit a local cigar-making factory or take an exhilarating zipline ride through the treetops.

Bottom Line

With so many variables to consider, choosing between a cruise and an all-inclusive resort can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Too often, travelers are lured by low prices and get frustrated trying to select from the many alternatives. Instead, follow the simple process summarized below.

Once you've figured out your travel goals and have decided between a cruise or an all-inclusive resort, you can narrow down your options. If you don't want to fly, check out the cruises that sail from ports in the U.S., all-inclusive resorts within driving distance, and even properties that offer package deals for meals, beverages and excursions. Also, consider the amount of entertainment and activities you or your family are interested in. If you're not traveling with kids and prefer adult-focused venues and activities, book an adults-only resort or cruise that doesn't cater to families.

If you're hoping to avoid crowds, then you might be happiest on a small ocean voyage or at an intimate property. You should also arrange to travel in the offseason. In addition to fewer people, this time of year offers some of the best-discounted cruise fares or room rates. Offseason varies depending on the destination, but it's typically between June and early September in Florida. If you're headed to a resort in Mexico, the Caribbean or the Bahamas, or if you're considering a Caribbean cruise, prices drop dramatically during hurricane season – June 1 to Nov. 30. Europe is a great option for deals from late fall into early spring. There is also a period right before Christmas and after the New Year holiday that offers a window where you can score discounted pricing before the season gets busy again.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cheap All-Inclusive Resorts
• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Top Cruise Line Private Islands
• Cruise Packing List

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Hotels and Resorts , All-Inclusive Vacations

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