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Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruises from $429*

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Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean Cruises

Step back in time when you visit sites like the Acropolis, Pompeii and the ruins of Ephesus with Royal Caribbean. These sites and more dot the landscape of the Mediterranean, acting as a living textbook on ancient times. Of course, the Mediterranean isn’t all about the old. Here you’ll find lively cultures filled with vibrant people making delicious foods, dancing and relaxing on inviting beaches.  It’s the best of both the modern world and the world of the past. Experience this region of the world on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Things to Do on a Mediterranean Cruise with Royal Caribbean

Some of Europe’s most glamorous cities combine with beautiful out-of-the-way ports in the Mediterranean. You can see major works of art, try local dishes and explore ancient ruins when you cruise to the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean. Highlighted below are some of our favorite things to do when cruising the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean:

• Barcelona and Picasso (Barcelona, Spain) Uncover two of Spain’s most renowned artists, Picasso and Gaudi, on this artistic excursion. You’ll start with a tour of the Picasso Museum. This legendary artist introduced the world to cubism and is considered one of the all-time greatest artists. Then you’ll drive around the city viewing the Sagrada Familia, a church designed by Gaudi that has been in continuous construction since 1882.  

• Dalmatian Coastline and Wine Tasting (Dubrovnik, Croatia) Visit the Dalmatian Coast where you’ll see how local olive oil is made in a horse driven mill. Here you’ll sample cheese, smoked ham and wine. Then you’ll visit the salt pans in the town of Ston which is known for its oysters. Lastly, visit Ponikve to try Peljesac wines.  

• Journey to Lindos (Rhodes, Greece) Drive through Rhodes to get to Lindos with its 4th century Temple of Athena Lindia. Here you’ll see lots of ruins from times gone by and enjoy spectacular views, especially if you climb to the top of the Acropolis.  

• Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii (Naples, Italy) Explore the narrow and picturesque streets of Capri, a seaside resort town, before heading to Sorrento. Here you’ll delight in the cuisine of Italy before your final stop in Pompeii. The ruins of this town were covered in debris from a volcanic eruption in 79 AD, preserving this town for history.  

• The Saffed Kabbalah Experience (Haifa, Israel) Learn about the rituals of Jewish mysticism called Kabbalah in Saffed where you’ll visit synagogues and meet artists who incorporate the Kabbalah into their work. You can also discover what your name means according to Kabbalah’s beliefs.  

• Ancient Ephesus (Kusadasi, Turkey) The ancient city of Ephesus is like an outdoor museum showing you what ancient life was like. This is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, once lived and where Marc Anthony and Cleopatra processed through. Here you’ll see amazing structures filled with history.  

Top 10 Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean Cruises

• Odyssey of the Seas 12 NIGHT GREECE, ITALY & TURKEY CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Oasis of the Seas 7 NIGHT WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Oasis of the Seas 7 NIGHT WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Explorer of the Seas 7 NIGHT ITALY, GREECE & CROATIA Departing From Barcelona, Spain (May 2024)
• Voyager of the Seas 11 NIGHT BARCELONA TO ATHENS CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (May 2024)
• Odyssey of the Seas 9 NIGHT GREEK ISLES CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (May 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Explorer of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREEK ISLES CRUISE Departing From Ravenna, Italy (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Explorer of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREECE & ADRIATIC Departing From Ravenna, Italy (May 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Odyssey of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREEK ISLES CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Voyager of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREECE & ADRIATIC CRUISE Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (May 2024 - Sep 2024)

Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean Departure Ports

Learn more about your potential departure ports for a Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean. Your Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Ravenna, Italy

Art lovers to the front in Ravenna! Incredible mosaic art and ancient architecture grace this small port city, often used as a jump-off point for cruisers looking to spend some time in Venice.

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Photo Gallery for Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean Cruises

Flip through our photo gallery of Mediterranean cruising photos from Royal Caribbean. Best of all, this is merely a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise vacation.

Columns on the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Flamenco Dancers in Cadiz, Spain

Rolling hills & fields of the Croatian Countryside

Couple on a gondola in Venice, Italy

Couple on a hill in Mykonos, Greece

Couple standing on cliffs in Capri

St Peter's Basilica in San Pietro, Italy

View of a canal in Venice, Italy

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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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Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean

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LET'S GO EVERYWHERE TOGETHER

Guide to Travel

• May 27, 2022

Review: Royal Caribbean 7-day Mediterranean Cruise

Review of Royal Caribbean's 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise Route I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean departing from Barcelona. The cruise route offered a fantastic mix of iconic destinations and hidden gems throughout the Mediterranean region. Here is my review of Royal Caribbean's Mediterranean cruise route: PORT 1: Barcelona, Spain Departs at 6:00 PM PORT 2: Palma De Mallorca, Spain From 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PORT 3: Provence (Marseille), France From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM PORT 4: Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy From 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM PORT 5: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy From 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM PORT 6: Naples / Capri, Italy From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM PORT 7: Cruising Day at sea PORT 8: Barcelona, Spain Ship and Accommodations: The cruise ship provided a pretty luxurious and comfortable experience. The cabins were spacious and well-appointed, offering all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay on board. We were fortunate to book a Balcony view which made the cabins feel a little less constricted. The ship itself was impressive, with a wide range of entertainment options, including theaters, lounges, pools, and a variety of dining venues. The staff was attentive, friendly, and always ready to assist with any request or inquiry. Destinations and Excursions: The shore excursions offered by Royal Caribbean were generally well-organized and informative, albeit very expensive, but it did allow us to make the most of our time in each port. When booking through Royal Caribbean, you get an extra layer of security that the boat will not leave without you. This is different than if you are booking a separate tour yourself, and have to maek absolutely sure you aren’t stuck in traffic or have some other reason to miss the “all aboard” time. Activities and Entertainment: Onboard the ship, there was quite varied entertainment options. There was an ice skating rink, Broadway-style shows and live music performances to water slides and rock climbing walls, there was something for everyone. The most exciting would definitely be the pool/high diving show, while the more lackluster performances would be the comedy/stand up shows. The ship also had a well-equipped gym, spa facilities, and a variety of pools and lounges for relaxation and recreation. Dining Experience: The dining experience on the Mediterranean cruise was overall very nice and we were fortunate to not have too crowded of a ship- that way, our large group could dine and enjoy meals together. There were casual buffet options, and specialty eateries of an appreciable range- from the Central Park style botanical area peppered with cafes/Italian restaurants, to the seafood boil area, to the Coney-island style outdoor carnival, the quality and variety of food were pretty impressive, with a range of international cuisines to satisfy all palates. The service in the dining venues was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall Impressions: My overall impression of Royal Caribbean's Mediterranean cruise route was generally positive. It is a great option for families traveling with teens and children, or for older folks with limited mobility. The itinerary provided an excellent balance between well-known tourist destinations and off-the-beaten-path ports, allowing for a diverse and enriching experience. The ship itself was luxurious and offered a wide range of activities, entertainment, and dining options. The staff was attentive, and the shore excursions were well-organized and informative.

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SEA THE WAY

Mediterranean cruises, set sail on a dream holiday to 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. stroll along the ancient cobblestones of florence in italy or dubrovnik in croatia. tour some of the architectural masterpieces, like the palace of knossos on crete, the roman amphitheatre in pula and rome's st peter's basilica. take in the stunning, volcanic island of santorini with its blue and whitewashed towns or sip a glass of wine on italy's amalfi coast with its pastel-coloured houses built into steep-sloping cliffs. discover the magic with a mediterranean cruise..

MEMORABLE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

The best mediterranean cruises offer you the opportunity to explore the charming, ancient harbours of italy, greece and croatia. visit some ancient monuments like temples and amphitheatres, or medieval palaces and cathedrals. head to the sun-drenched golden beaches and take a refreshing dip in the clear blue sea..

IRRESISTIBLE ITALIA

Stroll around Italy's enchanting small alleys, gracious palaces and photogenic squares. See Rome's impressive Colosseum and the rest of Italy's breathtaking capital. Marvel at the colourful buildings in Venice during a gondola ride through the canals and visit Florence's extraordinary Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Next, enjoy the best of Italy's cuisine, and wash it down with some tasty wine from a nearby vineyard, or follow it up with a delicious gelati (ice cream).

GORGEOUS GREEK ISLES

Cruise to Greece's idyllic islands and watch the sunrise over the Aegean. Explore the Old Town of Corfu or Crete, or travel even further back in time to see the ancient Acropolis of Athens or the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina. After that, relax on the world-class beaches or go snorkeling to explore what lies beneath the warm, crystal-clear waters. Before you leave, drink a frappé iced coffee or ouzo, an anise-flavoured aperitif, and sample some regional culinary highlights.

DAZZLED BY CROATIA

Pristine turquoise waters and white pebble beaches welcome you to this small picturesque country. Go offboard to Split to visit a number of its 1,200 stunning islands, like Korcula, Hvar or Mljet, or explore Diocletian's imposing palace. Then it's time to sample some of Croatia's mouth-watering seafood dishes. Join a wine-tasting tour if you can, and don't miss a trip to the cascading waterfalls, forests and bright lakes of Krka or Plitvice Lakes National Park.

POSTCARD PERFECT COASTS

Wander around the ancient cobblestone streets, sunbathe on the magnificent beaches or go on a sea kayaking adventure. visit the most beautiful places, such as the island of santorini in greece, italy's amalfi coast and the town of dubrovnik in the south of croatia with your cruise to the mediterranean..

WHITE-BLUE DREAMS

Be amazed by Santorini with its dramatic volcanic scenery and charming dark blue and white villages. Relax on the remarkable Red Beach and look out over the Aegean Sea in a cosy taverna.

IRRESISTIBLE PASTEL TOWNS

Visit the ravishingly colourful resorts on the Italian Amalfi Coast. Gaze out at Mount Vesuvius on the cliff village of Sorrento, admire Positano's pastel houses and the mountainous island of Capri.

THE PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC

A walk along the tops of the city walls is one of the highlights of visiting this gem. Hop on a ferry to close-by Lokrum with its monastery, or go kayaking. Finish the day with a cool drink in Dubrovnik's Old Town.

BEST MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

A cruise to the mediterranean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. discover the mediterranean onboard the best royal caribbean cruise ships., health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. these may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice..

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Best Cruises to the Mediterranean

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Viking Venus

Launched in May 2021 from Portsmouth, England, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. The ship can hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Plus, you can attend a lecture or discussion with the onboard historian, who helps educate passengers on the cultural aspects of each destination. An onboard cooking school, The Kitchen Table, also allows guests to learn about each destination's unique cuisine. 

Cruisers can enjoy daily updated food options at The Restaurant, diverse cuisine at the World Café, expertly paired tasting menus at The Chef's Table and Italian favorites at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. There are eight dining venues on board in total, in addition to the ship's cooking school at The Kitchen Table and 24/7 room service.

When it's time to rest, there are six types of accommodations to choose from – all with private verandas. The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Higher-tier rooms come with extras like priority shore excursion reservations, priority spa reservations, in-room coffee and free laundry services. Plus, travelers in these cabins will have more space: Rooms reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining areas.

The Viking Venus sails to popular European destinations like Barcelona , Athens , Bangkok , Istanbul , Rome , London , Sydney and Stockholm .

Seven Seas Splendor

Debuted in September 2021, the 746-passenger, 548-crew member Seven Seas Splendor is the newest ship within the Regent fleet. Seven Seas Splendor – along with most of the line's other ships – takes opulence to the next level by equipping each suite with its own private balcony. Other standard in-room amenities include interactive flat-screen TVs, luxurious bath products, bathrobes and slippers, signature queen-size beds and dining tables for two. There are 10 suite categories available, ranging from the smallest Veranda (307 square feet) and Deluxe Veranda suites (308 to 361 square feet) to the largest Regent (4,443 square feet) and Master suites (1,895 to 2,108 square feet). 

Guests have a wide array of things to do while on board. Spend your days relaxing at the spa, playing paddle tennis or bocce ball, working up a sweat on the jogging track or taking a dip in the ship's two whirlpools and two pools, one of which is an infinity-edge pool that stretches along the edge of the ship, providing swimmers with exceptional views of the ocean. At night, enjoy one of five shows at the onboard theater. 

When it comes to food, Seven Seas Splendor offers eight eateries ranging from casual to fine dining. Enjoy your breakfast alfresco at La Veranda and grub down for lunch at the Pool Grill buffet. For something more formal, opt for a French-inspired meal at Chartreuse, Pan-Asian dishes at Pacific Rim or Compass Rose, the largest restaurant on the ship.

Seven Seas Splendor visits a variety of European and Mediterranean destinations, as well as ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

Viking Saturn

Debuted in May 2023, the adults-only Viking Saturn has the capacity to hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Travelers love the ship's clean Scandinavian design and compact size, which allows it to dock in smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

On board, travelers have access to a slew of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a library, a state-of-the-art theater, a hair salon, an infinity pool and more. A resident historian is also on board to offer lectures and educational programming about upcoming port destinations. When hunger strikes, Viking Saturn offers an array of dining options, from fresh seafood at World Café to afternoon tea service at Wintergarden to traditional Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's. Or, learn how to prepare regional dishes from your itinerary at the onboard cooking school.

Starting at 270 square feet, standard staterooms come equipped with king-size mattresses (which can be converted into two twin beds), flat-screen TVs, full-size verandas and bathrooms with heated floors. What's more, each accommodation includes 24-hour room service. Travelers who opt to stay in one of the ship's upgraded suites (which reach up to 1,448 square feet) have access to additional perks such as separate living areas and dining rooms, complimentary laundry services and a welcome bottle of Champagne, among other luxuries.

Viking Saturn sails to a variety of destinations in northern Europe (such as Bergen, Norway; London  and Stockholm ) and the Mediterranean (think: Barcelona, Spain ; Rome ; Athens, Greece ; and Istanbul ).

The 930-passenger Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – receives rave reviews from past cruisers for its port-heavy itineraries (fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are treated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. With 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and more. The ship also offers world voyages.

Viking Mars

Viking's newest ship, the Viking Mars accommodates 930 passengers and, since it's a smaller vessel, it can dock in many ports where some of the larger ocean-faring cruise ships can't reach. The all-veranda accommodations on this ship, which debuted in May 2022, range in size from around 270 square feet to 1,448 square feet. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars filled with drinks and snacks, robes, slippers and 24-hour room service.

Visitors will find a relaxing spa, a hair salon, a yoga area and a well-equipped indoor fitness center (plus an outdoor fitness center) aboard the ship. Those looking to unwind with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other should snag a cozy spot in The Living Room. Like other Viking ships, the Viking Mars offers educational programming, lectures, cooking classes and more on board.

Cruisers can also enjoy amenities like the main pool and hot tub, the infinity pool, the cinema, the theater, a jazz lounge and various bars. Dining options on this ship include Manfredi's Italian Restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, World Café, The Chef's Table and The Kitchen Table.

Viking Mars receives rave reviews from recent cruisers. The variety of excursions, the delectable onboard dining and the comfortable cabins are a few things previous guests highlighted as superb. However, the staff received mixed reviews: Some experienced attentive and friendly employees, while a few noted they were expecting better service across the board for the price point.

Upcoming itineraries on the Viking Mars include cruises with ports of call in Iceland, Norway, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and Canada.

Resilient Lady

An adults-only, LGBTQ-friendly cruise ship, Resilient Lady has a capacity of 2,770 passengers and 1,150 crew members. Since setting sail in May 2023, Virgin Voyages' third ship has received praise among travelers for its exceptional dining scene and exciting entertainment options. With onboard experiences ranging from acrobatic performances to comedy shows to themed parties, Resilient Lady is best for travelers who are seeking an upbeat and social atmosphere.  

When you've worked up an appetite from your activity-filled day, grab a bite at one of the ship's 20-plus eateries, which serve everything from Mexican to Asian to Italian fare. Although all food is included, reservations are still required at many restaurants. There is also no shortage of bars to choose from, whether you want to sample The Loose Cannon's signature cocktails or sip some bubbly in the Champagne lounge.

Standard Insider rooms range from 105 to 177 square feet. All accommodations come equipped with comforts like flat-screen TVs, rain showers, mood lighting and convertible Seabeds. For more room, opt for one of the ship's RockStar Quarters. These upgraded suites feature extras like a terrace with a hammock, European king-size mattresses and spacious marble bathrooms.

Resilient Lady sails to a variety of destinations in Europe and the South Pacific, including top destinations such as Athens, Greece ; Sydney ; and Dubrovnik, Croatia .

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Wake boasts the most ambiance of all eateries on Virgin Voyages vessels by far, so make sure to lock in reservations when you can. This upscale restaurant offers prime entrees with plenty of upgrade options for those who want to splurge. This establishment also features huge windows that provide incredible views of the ocean from the back of the ship. –  Holly Johnson, Contributor

Viking Jupiter

Debuted in February 2019, Viking Jupiter is the cruise line's sixth ocean vessel. The ship sleeps up to 930 guests in luxurious staterooms that include everything from large bathrooms to comfortable king-sized beds. As an added bonus, each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi access.

Travelers will have the opportunity to indulge in several onboard activities. They can visit the spa's snow grotto and chill beneath the snowflakes, go for a swim in the infinity pool or let their worries melt away in the hot tub. The Bar and The Living Room offer additional spaces to unwind with a cocktail or mingle with fellow cruisers.

For afternoon tea and light snacks, travelers can stop by Wintergarden, or for a heartier meal, the main dining room, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant or World Café offer scrumptious European delicacies, Chinese fare and everything in between. In the evening, cruisers can catch a live show in The Theater or a destination-themed movie in one of two onboard cinemas.

Recent travelers were wowed by the ship, appreciating its tasteful, minimalist decor. They also found the food delicious and suggested purchasing the upgraded drink package.

Viking Jupiter visits ports in Buenos Aires , Barcelona  and more on both regional and transatlantic cruises.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Viking Jupiter and Viking Orion are the only two ships in the fleet that have a planetarium called the Explorer’s Dome. Refer to the daily program, the Viking Star, to see what shows are available during your voyage. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Cruises' first new ship in more than a decade can hold up to 1,200 passengers and 800 crew members. Vista is the inaugural ship in Oceania's Allura Class, featuring top-of-the-line amenities like a culinary center, an artist loft and an extensive library, along with facilities like a pool, a casino, a spa and a fitness center. Additionally, Vista offers enrichment opportunities like destination-focused seminars led by guest speakers and dynamic musical performances.

One of the highlights of Oceania Vista is its wide array of dining venues, from specialty restaurants like Ember (American fare) and Toscana (Italian cuisine) to the poolside Waves Grill and daily afternoon tea service. In the evening, guests can grab a drink at their choice of several bars and lounges; Vista's immersive mixology program utilizes innovative techniques and trends to create an elevated cocktail experience.

Vista's well-appointed staterooms – which range from 240 to 2,400 square feet – boast balconies, queen-size beds, rainforest showers, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, among other amenities. If you splurge for a suite, you'll enjoy added benefits like iPads, cashmere blankets, complimentary laundry and shoeshine services, access to the Executive Lounge and butler service.

Oceania Vista explores an array of popular destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The design of the Vista creates more expansive and contemporary public areas than other ships in Oceania's fleet, so even when the ship is at full capacity, it never feels crowded. Also, since it is an all-veranda ship, all guests have the same great ocean view. – Julie L. Kessler, Contributor

Silver Moon

Cruisers seeking an intimate experience should consider booking a trip aboard Silversea's Silver Moon, one of the line's newest ships. Debuted in June 2021, Silver Moon accommodates just 596 passengers. And with 411 crew members, travelers can expect an attentive experience.

One standout amenity is the Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) program. The dining experience aims to introduce passengers to their destinations through food. On board, the S.A.L.T. Lab offers travelers the chance to participate in tastings and workshops, while the S.A.L.T. Kitchen provides a unique dining experience. On shore, foodies can book special cuisine-focused excursions through the program. Not an adventurous eater? Not to worry. Silver Moon boasts seven additional eateries serving everything from pizza to tapas to grilled meat and fish.

Following a delicious meal, travelers will have access to a wealth of amenities, including the spa, a pool, several whirlpools, lounges and a fitness center. When evening rolls around, cruisers can press their luck at the casino or catch a live show.

As with other Silversea ships, Silver Moon boasts all-suite accommodations, ranging in size from 334 to 1,970 square feet. Each suite boasts butler service, marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, minibars and large windows. Plus, you'll get a welcome bottle of Champagne. Upgraded staterooms may include multiple bedrooms, sitting areas and bathrooms; espresso machines; daily canapes and private balconies.

Silver Moon is set to explore a variety of regions, including Europe, Africa, Central America and Asia. The ship also completes transoceanic voyages.

Odyssey of the Seas

Launched in July 2021, the Odyssey of the Seas holds 5,498 passengers and 1,550 crew members. Royal Caribbean's latest ship is the first Quantum Ultra Class vessel to sail in the United States. As a member of this class, Odyssey of the Seas offers standout amenities like RipCord by iFLY, billed as the only skydiving simulator available at sea, and the FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surf simulator. There is also the North Star observation capsule, which hoists guests 300 feet above sea level over the cruise ship to enjoy unparalleled views below. 

In addition to these thrilling activities, the ship comes equipped with standard facilities like pools, an arcade, a spa, a fitness center with classes, kids clubs and shopping venues. There are also 15 dining options, ranging from Japanese fare to all-you-can-eat buffets to Starbucks. For drinks, the ship offers nine bars and lounges, giving passengers plenty of places to enjoy libations. Entertainment options include theatrical performances, live music, a casino, outdoor movie nights and more. 

As far as cabins go, cruisers can choose between Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, as well as suite accommodations and new Virtual Balcony rooms. These technologically advanced cabins feature floor-to-ceiling displays that project real-time views of the sights and sounds from the outside of the ship. 

Odyssey of the Seas sails to ports in Europe, as well as to various destinations in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Royal Caribbean sails to some of the most popular cities and destinations across the globe. Its growing fleet of innovative, stylish ships is relaxed, elegant and upscale with a broad appeal that attracts everyone from honeymooners to families to couples celebrating golden anniversaries.

The first to install a rock wall on every ship in its fleet, Royal Caribbean International emphasizes new experiences. Each and every ship is jam-packed with fun activities, restaurants, bars and lounges, shopping, entertainment and sports and spa facilities guaranteed to make each guest's vacation unforgettable. Kids ages 3 to 17 will enjoy Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program and teen facilities, which feature age-appropriate activities and amenities in a kid-friendly environment. 

On land, Royal Caribbean delivers unique adventure tours and guided excursions that satisfy all types of travelers. Swim with stingrays in the Caribbean, hike through glacial waterfalls in Alaska or see the view atop the Rock of Gibraltar. If you choose, combine your cruise vacation with a land tour on a Royal Caribbean cruise tour.

Take a look at our Royal Caribbean cruise discounts for your next cruise.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Reviews

1 - 10 of 42,673 Royal Caribbean Cruise Reviews

Sail Date: April 2024

Review for a Caribbean - Southern Cruise on Odyssey of the Seas

My experience on Odyssey was generally positive, with a few hiccups. Here are some pros and cons: Pros: -The ship is beautiful, easily navigable, and well-equipped -The staff were all exceptionally friendly -My stateroom was spotlessly clean and had plenty of storage -Onboard activities were fun and diverse, but you need to book ahead of time! -The destinations on this ... Read More

Review for a Caribbean - Western Cruise on Enchantment of the Seas

We have been on over 10 cruises & this was by far was our worst cruise experience. We did 2 Carnival cruises this summer, which were outstanding. So, many things went wrong with this one and we received no help from Royal Caribbean. A week before our departure I noticed that we were put into 2 different dinner times. We are a family of 6, our children are 8, 11, 14 and 16. We had to have 2 rooms ... Read More

Review for a Bahamas Cruise on Liberty of the Seas

This was my first experience on a cruise. Unfortunately, we booked 3 excursions ahead of time that were offered on the website and all 3 were cancelled. Last minute we booked a excursion to the blue lagoon and I felt like I was robbed because it was expensive, then we should have depart at 10:30 from the deck, we arrived at almost noon and have to come back at 3:15pm. That was a wast of money ... Read More

Not a fan of inside cabins, wanted to try one with a window that overlooks the Promenade. Hubby is claustrophobic so invited sister to experience this cruise with me. The cabin did have limited space but with the window it made the cabin seem somewhat larger. Still do not think it would work for my husband though as he is spoiled by balcony cabins. We kept the window curtains opened during the ... Read More

Review for a Caribbean - Western Cruise on Odyssey of the Seas

Overall, my husband and I had a great trip. The excursions were fantastic, the room was great and the staff are very personable. However, being a young married couple without children, there is very little entertainment catered to our generation. Most of the entertainment was for the elderly or for young children. Unless you wait later in the night then there are a couple of shows or parties, ... Read More

Traveled with children

Review for a Bahamas Cruise on Anthem of the Seas

Cruise is terrible. Expect to pay way more once on the cruise. Absolutely nothing included. So u pay fortune for a cruise just to be nickle and dimed the whole cruise. Says has 4 pools but really there's 2 and never open both at same time. Overcrowded is an understatement. 80$ a day for family of for cleaning fees added to your bill. Food was terrible same thing everyday. Everything closes at like ... Read More

Traveled with disabled person

Review for a Caribbean - Eastern Cruise on Oasis of the Seas

Traveled with my husband and two teens. Not much to do for teens. Teen club was a huge disappointment. Ship was way too crowded. Couldn't get even 1 chair near the pools. People put their stuff on the chairs for the entire day. You're constantly online waiting, even sometimes at the buffet. Food is fine, very repetitive by the 3rd day. Kids had the soda package. Half the machines ... Read More

This was my first cruise ever. I'm usually a plan my own itinerary, airbnb type of traveller. My husband and I went with 2 other couples, both of which were experienced cruisers. The ship was very clean and well maintained. We had a balcony stateroom which was well laid out, spotlessly clean and had plenty of storage. My only complaint about the stateroom was the water in the shower could ... Read More

This was our first cruise and recommended by our travel agent. It was amazing!!! Smaller boat so it was more intimate. You really made connections with the crew. The staff was so accommodating and helpful. Will definitely cruise again. All of our excursions were Royal Caribbean as well and were fantastic. We started with the chill out river rafting in Costa Maya, then the Belize rum city tour, ... Read More

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MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean: Which big-ship line is right for you?

MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean — how do they compare? Both cruise lines are known for offering affordable cruise fares and onboard fun for passengers of all ages, although Royal Caribbean's prices can be considerably higher on its newer, more popular ships. Each has an extensive fleet that includes splashy megaships carrying more than 6,000 guests at full capacity and a wide range of itineraries in top cruise destinations such as the Caribbean and Europe.

There are, however, key differences in the onboard experience. Both cruise lines offer thrilling activities (just not the same kind), and each has its own approach to entertainment, kids clubs and dining.

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

Which cruise line should you choose? Read on for a head-to-head comparison of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean. We'll cover each brand's onboard experience, itineraries and passenger profile to help you decide.

Meet the cruise lines: MSC vs. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has better name recognition than MSC Cruises among Americans. The Miami-based cruise line, known for its groundbreaking innovations, operates 26 vessels, including the five largest cruise ships in the world . Two more megaships will join the fleet in 2024, when Icon of the Seas , the first in a new class for the cruise line, and Utopia of the Seas , the line's sixth Oasis-class ship, will claim the first and second largest ship titles from two other Royal Caribbean vessels.

Italian-owned, Geneva, Switzerland-based MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group, the world's largest container shipping company. This fast-growing cruise brand has launched a dozen cruise ships since 2012.

The U.S. market was largely introduced to MSC between 2017 and 2022 when it debuted four Seaside-class ships designed primarily to sail to the Caribbean from Miami. One of its sales strategies? Kids under age 17 can frequently sail for free when staying in the same cabin with accompanying adults.

In 2025, the cruise line will christen MSC World America, a Miami-based megaship sibling of 2022's MSC World Europa . Both use cleaner-burning liquified natural gas (LNG) as fuel.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises | The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Size of ships

Neither Royal Caribbean nor MSC Cruises has a ship that carries fewer than 2,000 passengers at double occupancy — and their biggest ships accommodate more than three times that at full capacity.

Royal Caribbean's older ships (Vision, Radiance, Voyager and Freedom classes) carry 2,000 to 3,900 guests at double occupancy, while its newest (Oasis and Quantum class) accommodate 4,000 to almost 6,000.

The five Oasis-class vessels, to be joined by Utopia of the Seas in 2024, are the largest cruise ships in the world. They carry 5,700 guests at double occupancy and just over 7,000 at full capacity. They are distinctive for their split-hull design, allowing for interior-facing cabins, and themed neighborhoods, which help disperse foot traffic and make it easier for guests to navigate the ships' 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class vessels, introduced between 2014 and 2021, accommodate 4,180 guests at double occupancy and 5,500 at capacity. These five ships are distinguishable by the North Star sightseeing capsule that rises 300 feet above the sea.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

When Icon of the Seas sets sail, it will become the world's largest, as well as Royal Caribbean's first LNG-powered ship. Able to carry 5,600 guests at double occupancy and up to 7,600 at capacity, Icon of the Seas will feature eight neighborhoods and offer more cabins and suites that can accommodate four or more passengers than any other ship in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class ships, which carry about 3,900 passengers at double occupancy, and its Voyager-class ships, which accommodate 3,100, offer some of the thrilling activities of its larger ships. Its Vision-class ships, which date to the 1990s and accommodate 2,400 to 2,500 guests, feature notably fewer onboard attractions. Radiance-class ships are the smallest in the fleet, carrying 2,100 guests at double occupancy.

Those who prefer a ship that's not mega-size might want to consider Royal Caribbean's good-value Mediterranean, Caribbean and Alaska itineraries on its refreshed Radiance- and Voyager-class vessels.

MSC Cruises likes big ships, too. It has six vessels ranked among the Top 20 largest cruise ships in the world, including MSC World Europa, which comes in just behind Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class vessels. It accommodates 5,252 guests at double occupancy and 6,762 at capacity. World Europa features a Y-shaped design with a dramatic open-air atrium. It will be joined by sister MSC World America in 2025.

The next largest ships in MSC's fleet are its five Meraviglia-class ships, all introduced beginning in 2017. They carry 4,438 guests at double occupancy and as many as 6,327 at capacity. Both MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina are sailing U.S. itineraries out of New York and Miami, respectively.

The ships that U.S.-based cruisers are probably most familiar with are MSC's four Seaside-class vessels, which accommodate 4,132 passengers at double occupancy and 5,119 at capacity. They're almost identical (with close-to-identical names: Seaside, Seaview, Seashore and Seascape ) and have a high-energy vibe and a dazzling, multi-deck central atrium.

MSC's 12 older ships are divided among three classes — Lirica, Musica and Fantasia — and accommodate 2,000 to 3,500 guests at double occupancy. The Fantasia class's MSC Divina, launched in 2012, is perhaps best known to U.S. cruisers because it often sails itineraries to the Caribbean from Miami. The other ships are mainly based in Europe, South America and Asia.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

Traveling with kids? Perhaps even Grandma and Grandpa? Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are leaders in family cruising , with passengers ranging from young parents with preschool children to multigenerational families. Both lines also attract couples and groups of friends who prefer a lively cruise ship ambience and don't mind sharing their vacation with several thousand other passengers.

MSC and Royal Caribbean primarily appeal to value-focused guests seeking affordable cruise fares, but more-affluent cruisers can also book higher-priced suites featuring elevated amenities.

While both cruise lines attract travelers from around the globe, especially on Mediterranean and Asian itineraries, MSC's passenger base is more international, even on ships cruising to the Caribbean from Miami. MSC cruise ships make important safety and disembarkation announcements in multiple languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French and German), although all staff and crew speak English.

Figuring out which vibe appeals most to you — more North Americans (Royal Caribbean) or a predominantly international crowd (MSC Cruises) — can help you choose between these two megaship cruise brands.

Cabins and suites

Cabins on most mainstream cruise lines are designed more with functionality than flashy design in mind. Both lines feature windowless inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite accommodations.

Royal Caribbean has an enormous selection of room and suite categories — as many as 34 types on its newer ships — offering some pretty slick amenities. These range from interior staterooms with "Virtual Balcony" LED screens displaying views from outside the ship to two-level Loft Suites and even an Ultimate Family Suite featuring a gaming area and a slide from the sleeping area to the living room.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships feature balcony cabins without ocean views. That's because they overlook the bustling Boardwalk, an open-air interior dining and entertainment neighborhood, or the quieter Central Park.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Newer Royal Caribbean ships feature more balcony cabins and fewer ocean-view cabins than older ships. If booking an ocean-view, the aft- or rear-facing cabins on many ships are generally the most spacious.

Six Royal Caribbean ships (Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas) offer cabins designed for solo travelers . These range from a 101-square-foot Inside Studio Stateroom to a 199-square-foot Studio Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony.

Top-tier accommodations are known as Royal Suite Class and rank among some of the most spectacular suites in the mainstream cruise line sector. They are available on Oasis- and Quantum-class ships and range from relatively modest 290-square-foot Junior Suites to two-level, 1,800-square-foot Royal Loft Suites that rival a contemporary penthouse apartment. Priced well above other staterooms, these concierge-serviced suites appeal to wealthy travelers, especially those cruising with their families, who prefer the lively ambience of a large ship to a smaller luxury vessel.

The two-level Ultimate Family Suite — a more playful and colorful option for families with younger kids and a very generous budget — is available on Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas.

All Royal Suite Class guests enjoy access to exclusive venues, such as the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and a private lounge and/or sun deck. Additional amenities and VIP perks vary by Royal Suite Class category booked.

When Icon of the Seas debuts in early 2024, it will offer 28 different cabin and suite categories, including 14 completely new room types. This ship was designed with families in mind, and 80% of its staterooms will be able to be connected or offer enough space to accommodate larger families.

The closest MSC comes to matching Royal Caribbean's stateroom and suite offerings is aboard MSC World Europa, which debuted in late 2022 and features 19 stateroom categories, including seven new designs. The most impressive non-MSC-Yacht-Club accommodation on World Europa is the 377-square-foot Grand Suite Aurea with Terrace and Whirlpool.

The largest suites on most MSC ships are in the MSC Yacht Club , an exclusive enclave on newer MSC ships offering private spaces and added amenities. This includes the MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite with Whirlpool Bath, offering 840 to 1,119 square-feet of interior space with an 840-square-foot balcony, and the 495-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Whirlpool Bath, featuring a 301-to-334-square-foot balcony. MSC Yacht Club perks include a private lounge and restaurant, a private sundeck and butler service.

Because of World Europa's design, the ship also features four balcony cabin categories with a view of its interior promenade, similar to Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships.

Unlike World Europa, MSC's other newcomer, Euribia , doesn't feature any suites larger than 700 square feet, but its MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Whirlpool does offer 635 square feet of living space with a 248-square-foot balcony. For more outdoor space, choose the 624-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite with a 753-square-foot balcony.

For family-friendly accommodation, both ships offer a 269-square-foot Premium Balcony Aurea cabin, which features stationary bunk beds just inside the entry, a king-size bed, a pull-out double sofa and a larger bathroom with a bathtub and shower combo. This makes it ideal for a family of up to six. Some also feature a private whirlpool on the balcony.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

For solo travelers, all five Meraviglia-class ships offer 129-square-foot Studio Balcony suites, which have the benefit of balcony access without a required single supplement.

Seaside-class vessels feature 16 stateroom and suite categories. The largest option is the 1,055-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite.

MSC Cruises' dining program is pretty basic. Passengers can expect to dine most nights in one of the complimentary main dining rooms. Most ships have several, and guests are assigned to one with dining times dependent on the "experience" guests purchase when they book. Bella and Fantastica passengers can request early or late seating, which will remain the same throughout the cruise, while Aurea guests can dine any time during open hours in their designated dining room with My Choice dining.

Guests on World Europa and Seaside- and Meraviglia-class ships can expect dining room menus to change each night and offer a good selection of globally inspired selections. MSC's food quality, presentation and portion sizes have improved with each new ship as the cruise line has adapted to U.S. customer feedback. Still, guests should plan to spend more time at the table, since MSC's service tends toward a slower European pace.

Marketplace, MSC's bustling buffet option, which on its newer ships can accommodate more than 1,300 guests at a time, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It features a selection of familiar yet often uninspiring hot and cold dishes and global specialties, with some of the best options being salads, pastas, pizza (mozzarella is made fresh daily) and desserts.

Related: Best cruise food: These are the 6 cruise lines with the best food at sea

Unfortunately, those are the only complimentary dining options onboard MSC ships. It's also worth noting that while the food quality is notably better in the restaurants on its newer ships, the free food options on older vessels, most of which offer cheap cruise fares, can be inconsistent and not very good.

MSC Cruises' specialty dining venues vary by ship, but typically there are three to five options. These can include Butcher's Cut for steaks and seafood, Kaito Sushi Bar and Kaito Teppanyaki for Japanese specialties, Hola! Tacos & Cantina for Latin-American-inspired street food, Ocean Cay for Mediterranean-style seafood and Indochine for Vietnamese classic with a twist. On MSC's newest ship, Euribia, French-bistro-inspired steakhouse Le Grill has replaced Butcher's Cut.

Guests can pre-purchase dining packages ranging from one specialty meal to unlimited specialty dining, although some menu items will incur a surcharge.

A note to chocoholics: MSC has partnered with both Italian chocolatier Venchi and U.S.-based French chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury to offer a wide selection of freshly made chocolates, baked goods, crepes and gelato. MSC World Europa and Seaside- and Fantasia-class ships feature Venchi while Meraviglia-class ships offer Jean-Philippe Maury. All these sweets, however, are available at an extra cost.

Royal Caribbean's dining scene, in contrast, offers plenty of choices. The cruise line has been a pioneer in onboard specialty restaurants and some of its ships, especially its newer ones, feature as many as 12 extra-cost specialty dining options. On a budget? Don't worry. Royal Caribbean also offers terrific complimentary casual dining venues in addition to its main dining room and Windjammer buffet.

Specialty restaurants vary from ship class to ship class, although a few such as Chops Grille (for steaks and seafood) are aboard most vessels. Other options include Giovanni's Italian Kitchen for family-style classics, Playmakers Sports Bar for casual snacks like burgers and chicken wings, Izumi for sushi and Japanese specialties, 150 Central Park for modern American fine dining and the recently introduced The Mason Jar for southern cuisine.

Passengers can purchase specialty dining packages at a discounted price prior to sailing.

In its main dining room, Royal Caribbean recently rolled out seven nights of new themed menus (French, Italian, Caribbean, Mexican, Mediterranean, etc.). The Classics section, offering selections such as grilled chicken breast and herb-crusted salmon every night, has been removed, although some of these favorites do appear at times on the new menus. This revamped format, with fewer choices, can limit options for picky eaters.

When booking, Royal Caribbean passengers must choose between traditional dining (either early or late seating for the entire cruise) or more flexible My Time Dining. With the latter, passengers can reserve a table of any configuration or show up at the main dining room and wait in line for a table.

Families with kids love Royal Caribbean's free casual eateries. These vary by ship, with Oasis- and Quantum-class vessels having the most. Options include Boardwalk Dog House for grilled frankfurters, Sorrento's for pizza, El Loco Fresh for tacos and burritos, Park Café for grab-and-go sandwiches and Vitality Café for healthy salads and wraps.

Onboard attractions

Big ships offer big thrills, and in the case of Royal Caribbean, these include some of the most memorable adrenaline rushes at sea.

On its Oasis-class ships, guests can scream their way down 10 decks of corkscrew spirals on the Ultimate Abyss slide, get soaked on The Perfect Storm waterslides or try simulated surfing with the FlowRider. Those without a fear of heights can tackle the rock climbing wall or zoom high above the Boardwalk neighborhood on a zip line. Other activities include ice skating, escape rooms, mini-golf, a carousel and pickleball.

Quantum-class ships offer an almost entirely different roster of exciting attractions, although the FlowRider and the rock climbing wall are consistent across the fleet. On board Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, active thrills include the sky-dive simulator RipCord by iFly, a two-level Seaplex with a sports court/bumper car rink and areas dedicated to Xbox, virtual reality gaming and laser tag. Quantum-class ships also have the North Star, a pod-like sightseeing capsule. But if you're looking for thrills on a waterslide, you won't find any on ships in this class.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Royal Escape Rooms (available on seven ships) are fun for the entire family (kids, however, must be 12 or older). A number of ships also feature Battle for Planet Z, a laser-tag game appropriate for kids ages 5 and older.

MSC's biggest thrills include Robotron , a top deck amusement park-style ride on Seascape that sends riders tumbling and swooping in seats attached to a moving "arm," and The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, a stainless-steel dry slide with a looping 11-deck drop on World Europa.

Most MSC ships have an arcade-style complex with some cool games and attractions, including Formula 1 race car simulators and an exhilarating XD Interactive Theatre where viewers strapped into hydraulic seats battle zombies, clowns and other menaces. All games cost extra.

MSC's ships are also known for their top-deck attractions, which include the longest zip line at sea (on Seaside and Seaview), elaborate Himalayan Bridge ropes courses (on Meraviglia-class ships) and an Aquapark with multiple waterslides (on both Seaside- and Meraviglia-class ships).

Related: The best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

Both brands' megaships also feature all the usual things designed for relaxation and fitness: lively casinos, spacious spas, fully equipped gyms and jogging tracks and multiple pools. They also host lively themed parties, such as the White Party on MSC and assorted decade-themed celebrations on Royal Caribbean.

As for bars and lounges, both offer a wide selection, including pool bars, piano and karaoke bars and sophisticated lounges. MSC's World Europa and Euribia have more than 20 places to imbibe, while Royal Caribbean's 10 largest ships each have a dozen or more — and Icon of the Seas will feature 15, including a few new concepts.

Kids activities

Both MSC and Royal Caribbean are family-friendly cruise lines offering plenty to keep junior cruisers occupied. Their ships have colorful and inviting kids clubs with dedicated staff as well as teen hangouts, gaming areas and organized activities.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program features expansive play spaces for kids ages 3-12 (the bigger the ship, the larger the kids' facilities). They can enjoy activities such as art and science projects, games and themed parties. The program is free during the day and early evening, but an hourly rate applies after 10 p.m.

The Royal Babies & Tots nursery accommodates little ones ages 6 to 36 months for drop-off (for an hourly fee).

Teens cruising with Royal Caribbean have plenty of options. They can hang out in The Living Room, dance or chill with new friends at the Fuel teen club or compete for the highest score at the arcade (at an added cost).

MSC's kids club, called Doremi, also focuses on games and activities by age group — Mini Club for ages 3 to 6, Junior Club for ages 7 to 11, Young Club for ages 12 to 14 and Teen Club for ages 15 to 17 — but its Baby Club (for kids under age 3) is complimentary.

The cruise line has a partnership with Lego, so creative kids who love to build will be thrilled. Mini Club participants can also partake in fun, family-inclusive events like the Doremi Disco, while Junior Club attendees can enter Masterchef at Sea Juniors or get in front of the camera with the Kelly & Khloe Onboard Green Screen Experience. Activities for Young Club and Teen Club attendees include sports tournaments, video gaming, dance competitions and karaoke.

Related: I got what I paid for: My cheap family cruise on MSC Seashore

Entertainment

What do Broadway musicals such as "Hairspray" and "Mamma Mia!", cover bands playing top hits of the '70s and '80s, high divers leaping into an onboard pool and multimedia spectacles in a dramatic 270-degree setting have in common? They're all in the entertainment line-up on Royal Caribbean's newest ships.

The cruise line is one of only two (the other being Norwegian Cruise Line ) to feature productions of hit Broadway shows on board — but you'll have to book an Oasis-class ship to enjoy one. Other ships offer high-energy production shows with musical and pop-cultural themes nightly. Game shows are also a Royal Caribbean thing, including some hilarious adults-only competitions focused on love and marriage.

Oasis-class ships offer two unique forms of entertainment: Thrilling high-dive performances in their aft AquaTheater and professional ice shows in Studio B. The latter space is also aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.

For something a bit edgier, the cruise line's Quantum-class ships feature Two70, a multi-level performance space where big-screen technology and daring acrobatics combine to create a unique kind of multi-sensory storytelling. These ships also have Music Hall, where cover bands channel the music of legendary rock bands like Bon Jovi and Journey.

Icon of the Seas will offer many passenger favorites plus exciting new venues like AquaDome, home to a next-level AquaTheater featuring state-of-the-art technology.

Related: Which cruise ship activities should you book ahead of time?

MSC certainly doesn't shirk its commitment to onboard entertainment. After dark, its ships' theaters and lounges buzz with vibrant musical productions and even fearless acrobatics. All of its Meraviglia-class ships feature The Carousel Lounge, which on the first four ships is a theater-in-the-round setting originally designed for Cirque du Soleil performances. It now houses themed variations on that genre, such as an illusionist-themed show.

MSC's newest ship, Euribia, however, has swapped high-flying theatrics for retro-inspired kicks with its reimagined Carousel Lounge. The space is now a sophisticated home for Big Band at Sea, a 19-piece orchestra with a genre-spanning playlist (although mid-20 th -century crooner classics best match the room).

Seaside-class ships have both a theater and a glittering multi-deck atrium with a stage, where live musical performances take place throughout the cruise.

And World Europa? This megaship features a new 300-seat multifunctional entertainment space call Luna Park Arena that hosts everything from movies and game shows to breakfast raves and stroller disco.

Itineraries

If cruising the world is on your travel agenda, perusing the itineraries offered by Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises will set your wanderlust in motion.

Royal Caribbean is the dominant cruise line in its namesake Caribbean region, cruising there from multiple U.S. ports year-round, but it also offers dozens of itineraries geared toward North Americans in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia and New Zealand. In all, Royal Caribbean's ships visit more than 300 ports of call on itineraries spanning three to 14 nights.

MSC Cruises has deep roots in the Mediterranean, where it cruises year-round with a predominantly European passenger base. Its global reach extends to Northern Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Arabian Gulf; these cruises also attract mostly international travelers.

The line has made inroads into the Caribbean and Canada and New England cruise markets, with sailings out of U.S. home ports with a higher percentage of American guests, but it doesn't yet cruise to Alaska. Across destinations, MSC's itineraries range from three to 20 nights.

One unique booking feature MSC offers in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe is the option for guests to embark in any port visited on a looping seven-night itinerary as long as they disembark in the same port.

For example, on a World Europa cruise that visits Barcelona, Genoa, Naples, Marseille and Messina, cruise fares are offered round-trip from each port. This offers flexibility, especially for Europeans, but it also means passengers embark and disembark daily. And since MSC makes all important announcements in six languages, hearing daily safety drills can quickly get tiresome.

Bottom line

Either of these cruise lines can be a good option for those seeking an action-packed, value-focused cruise vacation. Royal Caribbean may have the edge on innovative thrills, top-flight entertainment and a greater variety of included dining options, but MSC's newest ships mix budget-friendly fares, an international passenger base and far-reaching itineraries to offer their own recipe for affordable exploration.

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship.

• Royal Caribbean invited me to spend three complimentary nights on its new Icon of the Seas  in January.
• My eight favorite amenities included the waterpark and jazz bar.
• I've yet to see most of the amenities on my list on other cruise ships.

There's a reason Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship is only operating seven-night sailings .

The 1,196-foot-long, 20-deck Icon of the Seas is packed with bars, restaurants, and things to do. Any shorter of an itinerary, and you might not have time to experience all it has to offer.

If you're a frequent cruiser — especially with Royal Caribbean — amenities like the mini-golf course and water playground may not seem exciting.

But of all the activities the new world's largest cruise ship has to offer, my eight favorites are, for the most part, ones I've yet to see on another vessel.

Take a look at what made the cut.

1. The six-slide waterpark

It wouldn't be a roundup of Icon of the Seas' best amenities without a mention of its waterpark.

Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft.

However, if you don't like the feeling of your stomach dropping, I'd advise skipping the 46-foot-tall drop slide.

2. The adult-only suspended infinity pool

The 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas has seven pools and nine hot tubs. As a kid-fearing adult, I loved the grown-ups-only suspended infinity pool.

I spent my time there perched at one of its in-water loungers, contently splashing my legs around the water, wondering if I actually hated cruises.

While I would've preferred a quieter atmosphere (the DJ did not, in fact, play smooth jazz), the pool's views, day beds, and lack of screaming children were hard to beat.

3. The Crown’s Edge thrill 'ride'

There's no need to grab coffee before harnessing up for the part-zipling, part-agility Crown's Edge course. You'll be jolted awake when the floor drops from beneath your feet, leaving you dangling 154 feet above the ocean before the zipline kicks in.

Unfortunately, it comes with two costs: $49 and a spike of anxiety.

4. The 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Aqua Action!' shows

If you hate cruise shows, Icon of the Seas could make you change your mind.

The ship's riff on Broadway-approved "Wizard of Oz" — 16-piece live orchestra and flying bed included — delighted me, a hater of most musicals.

For something less traditional, the semi-circle AquaDome theater hosts a compelling multi-disciplinary swim, dive, and aerial show reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.

It's the first show-at-sea I've seen with a waterfall and nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and so far, it's one of my favorites.

5. The live jazz bar

Ya like jazz? So do I.

Icon of the Seas has plenty of live music venues — including rowdy karaoke and dueling pianos bars, if that counts. But if you're a jazz fan or looking for a peaceful nightcap, none of these options will top the live music at Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

6. The customizable Mediterranean-style wrap at the five-stall food hall

The mega-ship's food hall wasn't nearly as diverse or exciting as the one on Norwegian Prima .

But compared to the rest of my mediocre meals on Icon of the Seas — including dinner at a specialty restaurant — my complimentary pork pita wrap from the food hall's Mediterranean-inspired stall was admittedly pretty decent.

The Cava -like meal was balanced, succulent, and filling. Ending it with a strawberry nutella crepe from one of the vendors didn't hurt either.

7. The Pearl Café with sweeping ocean views

Everyone takes a picture inside the Pearl . But few people know that the best part about the glittering structure isn't what's inside it — it's what's behind it: the Pearl Café.

Admittedly, the food wasn't standout.

But it's 2024. In this era, we don't dine for food. We dine for vibes . And the Pearl Café was definitely "serving" (even with its mediocre sandwiches).

At first glance, I had snubbed the dining and lounge area as a rip-off of a generic airport coffee shop. But during my three days on Icon, I returned to the centrally located space more often than expected. It turns out it's a great place to get some work done.

8. The lounging pods that tower above passerbys

Speaking of vibes, if you're looking for a secluded place to drink (as in, not the swim-up pool bar), few will top the Overlook Pods, perched just behind the AquaDome.

If you want to feel like you're drinking in a nest atop a tree, bring your coffee-infused cocktail from nearby Rye and Bean to one of the elevated pods. .

Just don't drink too much. What goes up must come down. And to get down from the pods, you'll have to take the stairs.

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• Hard Rock/Seminole and RCG/Royal Caribbean Group signed global...

Hard Rock/Seminole and RCG/Royal Caribbean Group signed global partnership

Hard Rock International, Seminole Gaming, and Royal Caribbean Group brands, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises , have announced a global partnership aimed at enhancing the vacation experiences of travelers and team members across both brands. This significant collaboration brings together two of South Florida's largest private employers to offer a range of benefits to their respective audiences.

Travelers worldwide can now enjoy accommodations, meals, discounts, and more at Hard Rock and Seminole casinos, hotels, and cafes, as well as on Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises vacations. This partnership leverages the extensive loyalty programs of both groups, benefiting the millions of members enrolled in Unity by Hard Rock, Royal Caribbean's Club Royale, and Celebrity Cruises' Blue Chip Club.

Key highlights of the partnership include:

• Unity by Hard Rock loyalty members will receive discounts on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity vacations, along with opportunities to qualify for exclusive cruise giveaways. Top-tier loyalty members can also enjoy an annual complimentary cruise on select ships and itineraries.
• Club Royale and Blue Chip Club members will have access to exclusive discounts and perks at participating Hard Rock locations. Premium tier members of these loyalty programs can also receive annual complimentary trips to select Hard Rock hotels and casinos worldwide.

This collaboration aims to enhance the overall vacation experience for members of these loyalty programs, offering unique opportunities to explore and enjoy a wide range of offerings across the Hard Rock, Seminole, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity brands.

Royal Caribbean lifts profit view again on cruise boom, higher prices

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