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HIT THE DECK RUNNING ON DAY ONE

An easier way to plan ahead.

There's so much to experience on a Royal Caribbean International cruise and we want to make sure you make the most of your time with us. Cruise Planner is available to help you pre-plan your vacation right after you've booked your cruise. Now you can plan ahead and reserve shore excursions, book specialty dining, schedule spa treatments and more on your tablet or computer from the comfort of your home.

Board your cruise relaxed and worry free.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION WITH YOUR CALENDAR

Now you and your party can customize your vacation together using the Cruise Planner calendar. Your calendar is automatically populated as you reserve. Each day of your trip is listed and broken down by location, date, arrival and departure times and what has been reserved by guest. It's a snapshot view of what your vacation looks like, reserved in advance the way you want it.

Shore excursions

The world is yours to explore.

Make the most of it by reserving shore excursions at every port in your itinerary. There's an excursion for everyone, from adventure seekers to foodies, history buffs to animal lovers. This is your chance to get to the heart of the most exciting destinations of the world.

Do it with a one-of-a-kind adventure you'll never forget

Dining made easy

Reserve your table at any of our specialty restaurants, from our signature steakhouse Chops Grille to the imaginative curiosities of Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Enjoy additional savings of up to 40% off when you purchase one of our Specialty Dining Packages.

Plus, enjoy the convenience of selecting a dinner time that fits your schedule with My Time Dining.

Restaurants vary by ship.

Quench your thirst onboard with a beverage package that gets you the best value on your favorite drinks, from Coca-Cola® to fine wine, premium and frozen cocktails to a full selection of beers, fruit juices to Evian® water.

Start your vacation with a beverage in your hand from the moment you get onboard.

Stay connected while onboard with VOOM - the fastest internet at sea. Share your adventure and upload content to Facebook and Instagram, post videos to YouTube, tweet on Twitter, and have face‑to‑face conversations via Google Hangouts and Skype. Plus, you can even stream movies, games and apps via your personal accounts with DIRECTV, Netflix, Hulu and more. VOOM makes staying in the loop easy and affordable.

Stay connected and go full stream ahead with VOOM.

Relive the memories from your vacation with professional photos of your favorite moments onboard. Our photographers capture the joy of your adventure — from embarkation to formal night — and all the fun in between. Plus you’ll enjoy savings of up to 20% when you purchase a print or digital package before you sail.

At the Vitality SM Spa, relaxation and rejuvenation rule. Indulge with a variety of treatments that will leave you feeling like new. Pamper yourself with invigorating massage therapies, body wraps and facials. Give yourself the gift of youth with medi-spa treatments such as BOTOX® and Dysport®.

Glam up for formal night with a new hairdo and a mani-pedi. With treatments for everyone from couples, teens and men, you're bound to find at least one amazing indulgence at our spa.

The gorgeous view isn't the only thing that will dazzle you onboard our innovative cruise ships. Our complimentary shows are sure to entertain you from beginning to end.

Sit back and enjoy a variety of incredible productions, including award-winning musicals from Broadway and the West End, original Vegas-style productions, live comedy acts, and aquatic and ice shows.

Only one cruise line offers the thrilling opportunity to learn to surf, to feel the rush of skydiving right on the deck of the ship with Ripcord by iFly or to go on a behind-the-scenes ship tour.

Reserve these signature activities and more in Cruise Planner.

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The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

For megaresort lovers, Royal Caribbean may be the ultimate cruise line.

The line's biggest ships are bigger than any other cruise vessels afloat, and they're chock-full of more restaurants, bars, entertainment zones and attractions than you'll find anywhere else at sea — or even at many of the biggest land resorts.

On Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, there are multiple pool areas, watery play zones, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, miniature golf courses, basketball courts and even zip lines. And that's just on the top deck. Interior areas bring everything from full-size spas and large casinos to Broadway-quality theaters with top-name shows.

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

Some Royal Caribbean ships even feature ice skating rinks. Really.

If all that seems like too much to fit on a cruise vessel, consider this: The biggest Royal Caribbean ships are 20 decks high, nearly 1,200 feet long and capable of carrying more than 7,000 passengers.

In short, they're like the megaresorts you see in Las Vegas or Orlando. Except they float.

3 things TPG loves about Royal Caribbean

• The incredible array of onboard activities
• The over-the-top super suites on some ships
• The top-notch entertainment, including Broadway shows

What we could do without

• Sold-out shows, particularly in onboard comedy clubs

The Royal Caribbean fleet

Royal Caribbean is the world's largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 27 ships that together offer nearly 100,000 berths.

These 27 ships include the world's six biggest cruise vessels — Icon of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Harmony of the Seas , Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas — each of which can hold more than 6,600 passengers.

Five of the these six giant ships, all similar in design, are part of what's known as the Oasis Class — a hugely popular series of massive megaships that began debuting in 2009 and have changed the face of cruising. A sixth Oasis Class ship — Utopia of the Seas — is scheduled to join the fleet later this year, and the line recently ordered a seventh vessel in the series that'll be ready in 2028.

The outlier among the six ships mentioned above is Icon of the Seas, which isn't an Oasis Class ship but the first of an all-new series of even bigger vessels called the Icon Class. At, 250,800 tons, It's currently the world's biggest cruise ship . Royal Caribbean has ordered two more Icon Class ships that will begin sailing in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The Oasis Class and Icon Class ships are not the only biggies in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Five big Quantum Class ships and three big Freedom Class ships each have total capacities ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers.

Add those in, and Royal Caribbean operates 14 of the world's 35 biggest cruise ships.

Related: 4 things you'll love about Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas

The line also operates five somewhat smaller Voyager Class vessels that can each hold around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Together, the 19 Icon, Oasis, Quantum, Freedom and Voyager class vessels make up Royal Caribbean's big-ship fleet.

The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are relatively smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,500 passengers.

While not necessarily the focus at Royal Caribbean, these smaller ships, which in general are the line's older ships, allow it to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Wonder of the Seas.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who like a little more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. These ships are also often less expensive for travelers on a per-day basis.

With each step-down in size, you'll find fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment offerings and attractions. However, even the smallest of Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer.

Related: The 9 most exciting new cruise ships of 2024

Destinations and itineraries

Royal Caribbean sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe. In a typical summer, the line will deploy about half its ships on sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda while sending another seven or eight ships to Europe. The line typically sends four ships every summer to Alaska.

During the winter, the line will move even more of its ships to the Caribbean and send a few to Asia and Australia.

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has deployed one or more ships to China for sailings aimed at the Chinese market. One of the line's newest ships, Spectrum of the Seas , has offered trips for Chinese travelers out of Shanghai and Tianjin, China (the port for Beijing).

In North America, Royal Caribbean ships generally sail out of PortMiami , Port Canaveral , Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Tampa in Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; Bayonne, New Jersey (one of the ports for New York City); Baltimore; Boston; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seward, Alaska.

In Europe, Royal Caribbean ships mostly sail out of Southampton, England; Amsterdam; Copenhagen; Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); Istanbul; Barcelona; Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome) and — since 2021 — Ravenna, Italy (which replaced Venice as a home port).

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship

Who sails Royal Caribbean?

For the most part, Royal Caribbean operates big, bustling megaships that will appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. In other words, if you're the kind of person who loves staying on property at Disney World or at a giant Las Vegas resort, this is the line for you. Royal Caribbean ships offer vacationers a ton of options, whether it be for dining (some vessels have more than 20 distinct places to grab a bite) or entertainment. They are lively and fun.

That said, they also offer serene spots. You can enjoy a quiet afternoon reading a book on a bench in the tree-lined Central Park area of Wonder of the Seas while, just a few decks above, thousands of vacationers frolic away at the ship's three distinct pool areas. Royal Caribbean's designers are masters at designing vessels that can carry thousands and thousands of people but still feel relatively uncrowded — at least in some areas.

Insider tip: To escape the bustle on a Royal Caribbean ship, seek out the relatively quiet Solarium. It's an adult-only, deck-top retreat found on every Royal Caribbean vessel.

Royal Caribbean ships offer an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions — everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to bumper car pavilions. That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. Families are a big part of Royal Caribbean's business.

Related: Is Icon of the Seas the ultimate family vacation?

It's not just families that flock to Royal Caribbean, though. The line's ships are designed to provide a little something for everyone, and they appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers (the line has added solo cabins to more ships in recent years).

The ships also draw customers from a wide range of incomes. Plentiful smaller and affordable cabins, included casual dining options, and a plethora of bars and onboard attractions give Royal Caribbean ships a for-the-masses feel and make them accessible to travelers on a budget.

Also, overlaid across most ships are high-end suites, eateries and services that are at a luxury level, and the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers. Royal Caribbean executives like to say that if they carved out all the suites on their ships as a separate business, it would be the largest luxury cruise line in the world.

What Royal Caribbean cruisers all have in common is that they love a big, bustling resort experience.

Cabins and suites

Royal Caribbean is known for offering a wide range of accommodations on its ships. Some ships have as many as 34 categories of cabins. You'll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins measuring just 149 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multiroom suites that are more than 10 times that size.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at well-heeled travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and these truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea. Some, such as the Royal Loft Suites found on Oasis Class ships, are two decks high with sweeping views across the top of the vessel. Icon of the Seas has a suite that is three decks high — the tallest suite in all of cruising.

Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers (called Royal Genies) who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, access to a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues, and priority boarding and disembarkation.

Related: What it takes to get concierge lounge access on a cruise ship

Restaurants and dining

While a few of Royal Caribbean's smallest ships have relatively limited dining options, most of the line's vessels offer so many choices that it can almost be overwhelming.

On Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships there are more than 20 places to grab a bite, ranging from Johnny Rockets diners to high-end restaurants serving six-course tasting menus.

Every vessel has a main dining room and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare — the latter called either Windjammer Café or Windjammer Marketplace. For dinner in the main dining room, you must sign up for either My Time Dining, which is where you go whenever you want, or Traditional Dining, where you have a fixed table and time for dinner.

Other included-in-the-fare offerings found on some ships include Sorrento's pizza parlors, the Mediterranean cuisine-themed Solarium Bistro and the coffee bar Cafe Promenade.

In addition, every ship has a least one — and sometimes many — extra-charge eateries. The most common one found across the fleet is Chops Grille, the line's signature steakhouse. Many ships also have an Italian eatery, called either Giovanni's Table or Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver. There's also Hooked Seafood, a relatively new concept now on four vessels (Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas) that serves lobster rolls, fish sandwiches and the like.

On some ships, you'll also find Izumi, a sushi-serving Asian eatery; Vintages, a small bite-serving wine bar; imaginative cuisine-serving Wonderland; and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which offers cold brews, burgers and wings along with games like foosball.

There are full-blown Starbucks cafes on some ships or at least a Starbucks stand.

In addition, some ships feature private restaurants just for passengers staying in suites along with top-tier members of the line's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program .

Some of the extra-charge eateries come with a flat fee, usually around $35 to $50 per person, not including the cost of drinks. Others are a la carte.

If you know you want to eat at a few extra-charge restaurants during your voyage, you can buy one of several dining packages that offer meals at a discount.

Related: The 9 best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

No other cruise line has as broad a range of entertainment and activities on its ships as Royal Caribbean. As noted above, the line's biggest vessels offer multiple entertainment venues, from theaters to comedy clubs; all manner of deck-top attractions; large casinos; full-service spas; and even ice skating rinks. Plus, you'll find more bars, lounges and nightspots than you could think possible.

Theaters and shows

One of Royal Caribbean's great strengths is its theater entertainment, which can be mind-blowing at times — i.e., you won't believe you're seeing what you're seeing on a cruise ship.

Many of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships have state-of-the-art theaters as big as you'll find on Broadway, with top-name Broadway shows. Symphony of the Seas has "Hairspray," for instance, and Oasis of the Seas has Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats."

In some cases, the shows are cut down slightly (though some still run nearly two hours), and the casts aren't the A-team you'll find on Broadway. However, these are quality productions. The best part is — they are entirely free. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars you'll spend to take your family to a show in New York City.

Even more "wow," as Royal Caribbean executives like to say, are the ice skating shows put on at the ice skating rinks found on 14 of the line's ships. The rinks are in the interiors of the ships, surrounded by stadium seating for up to 775 people, and the shows are out of this world.

The line has hired Olympic-level skaters to star in the productions. In fact, the line likes to boast that it employs more world-class professional skaters than any other company in the world.

On Oasis Class ships, there also are 735-seat outdoor "aqua theaters" that are home to dazzling aerial and water shows (Icon of the Seas has its own version of this under a glass dome called the AquaDome). Quantum Class ships have Two70, an extraordinary, high-tech theater space that offers multisensory shows combining singing, dancing and acrobatics.

Some ships also have comedy clubs, and there's always live music in multiple venues nightly. We're particularly fond of the two-deck-high Music Halls on Quantum Class vessels.

Insider tip: Be sure to book the (free) tickets for onboard comedy clubs early. They sometimes sell out in advance due to heavy demand and limited capacity.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Royal Caribbean ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a casino, and on the line's bigger vessels, these are big operations. The Casino Royale on Oasis of the Seas sprawls with 450 slot machines, 27 table games (including blackjack, roulette and craps) and a poker room, plus its very own bar. The casinos on the four other Oasis Class ships are similarly giant.

The 14 vessels that are part of the Voyager, Freedom, Oasis and Icon classes also have Royal Promenades — indoor, mall-like spaces that are home to some of the coolest bars at sea, as well as food outlets and retail shops.

The version of the Royal Promenade on Oasis of the Seas, for instance, offers the Bionic Bar, where a robot makes the drinks, along with the equally innovative Rising Tide Bar, which rises between the Royal Promenade and the outdoor Central Park area three decks above while you drink. There's also a British pub, a karaoke lounge, a Latin-themed nightspot and — located one deck up in a balcony area — the line's signature Schooner Bar.

The line's five Quantum Class vessels have a much smaller version of the Royal Promenade called the Royal Esplanade that transitions into another indoor area called The Via.

The Quantum Class ships also have an indoor fun zone known as The SeaPlex that includes a bumper car pavilion. When the bumper cars aren't in use, the space transforms into a roller rink, which is also used as a "circus school" with lessons on a flying trapeze. Other SeaPlex activities include air hockey and table tennis.

For something quieter and more pampering, Royal Caribbean ships also all have spas. Some are enormous, with more than two dozen treatment rooms and thermal areas with hot stone chairs, rainforest shower areas, saunas and steam rooms.

Deck-top attractions

The top decks of Royal Caribbean ships are where things get wild. There is stuff you just won't see on any other vessel at sea.

There are pools, of course — on the bigger ships, oodles of them. The Oasis Class ships have three distinct pool areas, as well as a watery play zone for kids. A growing number of Royal Caribbean ships also have water parks with significant waterslides.

You'll also find all sorts of other fun-focused attractions — giant rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, zip lines, miniature golf courses and basketball courts, to name a few. Some recently built ships even have skydiving simulators — giant acrylic tubes where you get to experience the sensation of skydiving.

On Oasis Class ships, there's also an outdoor Boardwalk area with a hand-carved carousel. On the new Icon Class ships, the Boardwalk area is replaced with a watery play zone for younger kids called Surfside.

The most out-there deck-top attractions on Royal Caribbean ships are surely the North Star rides found on Quantum Class ships. Perhaps the most bizarre attractions ever conceived for a cruise ship, they are giant mechanical arms topped with glass-enclosed capsules that will take you soaring above the ships for the view.

The North Star is generally free to ride. It also can be booked for special events, such as weddings, for a charge.

Related: The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up

Children's programs

Royal Caribbean has one of the most extensive children's programs at sea, with programs and activities for children as young as 6 months old through the age of 17.

The heart of the program, called Adventure Ocean, has free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12.

The line splits children here up into three age groups: Aquanauts (ages 3 to 5 years), Explorers (ages 6 to 8 years) and Voyagers (ages 9 to 12 years), each with its own age-appropriate activities ranging from scavenger hunts to arts and crafts. On many ships, there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups.

While the free programming ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at Adventure Ocean until 2 a.m., when it transforms into a supervised Late Night Party Zone.

Royal Caribbean also operates a Royal Babies nursery program for children ages 6 to 18 months old that includes interactive child and parent classes with activities developed by early childhood experts. The Royal Tots program (for ages 18 months to 3 years) offers 45-minute interactive playground sessions with age-appropriate activities and toys. Both programs are hosted by trained youth staff. On many ships, parents can drop off their babies at the nursery for short-term babysitting (this service comes with an extra charge).

Royal Caribbean also offers dedicated teen and tween programs on ships for children ages 12 to 17. On some vessels, such as the Quantum Class ships, you'll find a dedicated space with games and a widescreen TV called The Living Room where teens can hang out, plus a teens-only disco called Fuel.

Related: A peek at Perfect Day by CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need either a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. Passports must be valid for at least six months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Royal Caribbean adds an automatic service gratuity of $18 to $20.50 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. An 18% gratuity is added to bills for bars, minibars, salons and spas.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems at sea — so fast that you're able to watch Netflix from your room on your mobile device. Pricing changes over time, but recently has been priced at $17.99 per day per device for a package that includes streaming. There also are multi-device packages that are less expensive on a per-device basis.

Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? We put it to the test

Carry-on drinks policy

Royal Caribbean allows you to bring two bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin onto ships at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas. The line charges a $15 corkage fee if you bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or other public areas to drink.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, casinos and the cigar clubs found on Freedom Class and Voyager Class ships. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee. In the casino, only cigarette smoking is allowed, and only in designated areas on most ships (smoking in casinos is forbidden on sailings out of Australia and U.K. ports).

Unlike some lines, Royal Caribbean does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships. Vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

All vessels have North American-style 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style 220-volt outlets. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on all Royal Caribbean ships is U.S. dollars, no matter where they are in the world. All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a SeaPass card that you can use to make charges.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on sailings originating in North America or the United Arab Emirates. The drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, there is an official dress code, but it only applies to passengers entering the main dining room. On any given night, one of three dress codes will apply — casual, smart casual or formal.

Casual means just that — jeans, polo shirts and sundresses. Smart casual is a step up to collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits, with a jacket for men optional. Formal officially means suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns. Don't worry if you don't want to go that fancy, though. Not everybody plays into it. You'll see most men wearing suits or sports coats and women in cocktail dresses.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Royal Caribbean loyalty program

Royal Caribbean has a point-based frequent cruiser program , the Crown & Anchor Society, that has six tiers ranging from Gold (requiring 3 points) to Pinnacle Club (700 points).

Members earn points for every night they sail on one of the line's ships, with double points awarded to passengers staying in suites. It takes one cruise to hit the first tier, Gold. It would take five cruises if you're doing seven-night trips (fewer if you're in a suite) to reach the second tier, Platinum (30 points).

Lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll receive things like priority check-in and a private departure lounge with continental breakfast at the end of a trip. However, higher levels of the program start to be very enticing.

The second-to-highest tier, Diamond Plus (175 points), brings Concierge Club access, priority seating at onboard shows, an exclusive number to call for bookings and reduced rates for solo travelers, plus other things. The top Pinnacle Club level brings free cruises after hitting key milestones.

Note that, unlike airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great, but it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A passenger staying in suites can get to the Diamond Plus level with just 13 seven-night cruises. Take a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you can reach it even sooner.

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Royal Caribbean cruise cost?

Royal Caribbean designs its ships to appeal to a broad mix of people, in part by offering a wide range of cabin types at varying price points. On a typical sailing, you might find an entry-level cabin for around $100 per person per night, while a high-end suite is five or 10 times that amount.

As of the time of this guide's posting, for instance, a two-bedroom Star Loft Suite on Harmony of the Seas for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in January 2026 was going for $7,559 per person, based on double occupancy. That's more than 11 times the cost of the least-expensive inside cabin (which was starting at $646 per person, based on double occupancy). Balcony cabins on the same sailing started at around $836 per person, based on double occupancy.

Note the "based on double occupancy" caveat. As is typical for cruise lines, Royal Caribbean charges on a per-person basis, not per room, and it prices most cabins based on two people occupying a room. It does offer a small number of cabins on some ships that are priced based on single occupancy for solo travelers.

In general, Royal Caribbean's big, resort-like Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships will be more expensive than the line's older, smaller vessels (Icon Class ships are particularly pricey ). However, there are a lot of factors that go into pricing for any given cruise, including the popularity of the specific itinerary, the time of year when the cruise is taking place and changing demand trends.

As you might expect, pricing for all ships will generally be less during offseason periods such as September and October.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Royal Caribbean vessel, you'll pay extra for most drinks (most beers will set you back $7.99, for instance; wine by the glass ranges from $8 to $14), extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance.

Most onboard activities, such as rock climbing and zip lining, are included in the fare, as are your lodging, meals (in non-extra-charge restaurants) and entertainment.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to RoyalCaribbean.com and book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. An agent also can help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Royal Caribbean is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all 34 of those cabin categories that we mentioned above and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see them firsthand.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spend when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining).

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean has grown into the world's biggest cruise line by passenger capacity for a reason. It has long dazzled customers with stunning, resort-like vessels full of every sort of amusement and activity you could imagine.

If you're a megaresort lover, you'll surely love the line's biggest ships, particularly the giant Oasis Class vessels. If you're more of a small boutique hotel sort of person or someone who just isn't happy around crowds, well … this might not be the line for you.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Hard Rock International, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises Team up with New Loyalty Partnership — How to Take Advantage

Members of each company’s loyalty program will now receive reciprocal benefits on a hotel stay or cruise.

Courtesy of Hard Rock International

It’s about to get easier for frequent travelers to ball out on a cruise or a high-end casino vacation thanks to a new partnership between Hard Rock International and both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Members of each company’s loyalty program will now receive reciprocal benefits on a hotel stay or cruise, according to the hotel group . Benefits include discounts on sailings, perks during a hotel stay, and more.

“This partnership expands the ways our guests can enjoy their vacations and experience entertainment, dining and gaming from ship to shore,” Jesse Hopfinger, the senior vice president, onboard revenue for Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement. 

Through the agreement, travelers who are members of Hard Rock’s Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program will receive discounts on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings and can qualify for invite-only cruise giveaways . The company said top-tier loyalty members also receive an annual complimentary cruise.

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale program and Celebrity’s Blue Chip Club program will similarly receive discounts on hotel stays. Premium tier members will also receive an annual complimentary trip at select Hard Rock hotels and casinos.

"Whether extending their cruise vacation at one of our port-adjacent properties, visiting one of the participating Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe locations worldwide or enjoying the cruise lines' ships sailing around the world, travelers will have new ways to enjoy the best of what Hard Rock, Seminole Casinos and Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have to offer,” Jeff Hook, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services, said in the statement.

Overall, travel rewards programs offer a great opportunity for frequent travelers to save on a trip and access exclusive perks along the way from upgrades on airlines to late check-out at hotels, and more.

The decision to partner with Hard Rock comes as Royal Caribbean continues to upgrade its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with overwater cabanas and a new adults-only beach club . Last week, the private island welcomed guests from Celebrity Cruises for the first time.

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Best Time To Go To Casino Royale

By Donna Heiderstadt | Published on April 23, 2024

One of the many incredible things that make a Royal Caribbean cruise ship the floating equivalent of a world-class resort — like those in Las Vegas, Aruba, The Bahamas or other destinations offering on-site gaming — is that you're never more than a few hundred feet from the vibrant and buzzing Casino Royale℠. That means the best time to go to the casino is pretty much any time it's open and you feel like playing.

Perhaps your game is blackjack or three-card poker. Or maybe you love the feeling of rolling the dice on the craps table or betting that the tiny white ball will land on your lucky number on the roulette wheel. In addition to the usual table games, Casino Royale also features a fantastic selection of slot and video poker machines waiting for you to collect on a winning bet.

If you're considering taking a cruise and hitting the tables or slots is a favorite vacation pastime, there will be plenty of opportunities to test your skill and luck while onboard. Casino Royale is available on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and offers thousands of square feet of Las Vegas-style action at sea — whether you're cruising the Caribbean, the Mediterranean or even past glaciers in Alaska. You must be 18 or older to play on most cruises, and 21 or older on Alaska sailings.

So when is the best time to go to the casino? Both the gaming and the people-watching at Casino Royale peak after dinner each night when the blackjack tables are hot, the slot machines are whirring, the roulette wheels are spinning in a mesmerizing blur and the craps dice are tumbling as players anticipate what they'll land on.

Not everyone, however, loves to hone their gaming skills in the middle of so much action. What's the best time to go to the casino if you prefer a more mellow vibe? There are plenty of opportunities to visit when the experience will be more to your liking. Here are our top suggestions for the best time to go to Casino Royale.

Right After The Casino Opens On Sea Days

Sea days aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships are notable for the many possibilities they offer: relax and sleep in, be wellness-focused and enjoy a massage, socialize and sip mojitos at the pool bar or be the player who's the first one at the tables in Casino Royale when it opens, as that's when complimentary gaming lessons are offered. Since a cruise ship casino can only operate in international waters (it must close when docked in a port, with very few exceptions), sea days offer the perfect opportunity for early-bird gamblers who feel that Lady Luck is most on their side when the sun is shining.

Is it better to go to the casino in the morning? It is on a sea day if you love slots because you'll enjoy easy access to all of your favorite machines as you stroll the casino floor, morning coffee in hand, and decide which one feels like it's ready to hit the jackpot.

Some blackjack players love to play on sea days right after Casino Royale's table games open, usually at 10 a.m., because they get their pick of the tables. It's also a great time to enjoy a speedier and more intense blackjack game, with fewer players at each table.

Anytime You Want If You're A Slots Player

Royal Caribbean's ships feature thousands of reel machines, video slots and hybrids fleetwide — that's across 28 ships — but if you're a slots aficionado , be sure to book an Oasis Class ship. Why? You can play the slots 24/7 on these five ships:  Oasis of the Seas® ,  Allure of the Seas® ,  Harmony of the Seas® ,  Symphony of the Seas®  and  Wonder of the Seas® . A sixth Oasis Class ship,  Utopia of the Seas℠ , will debut in 2024.

Each ship features hundreds of slot machines in its Casino Royale, many of which rank among the largest and most dazzling casinos at sea. For details on 24/7 play, simply see the casino host.

Whenever There's A Show

Evenings aboard Royal Caribbean ships are when the onboard ambiance most closely evokes that of the world's most celebrated entertainment-and-gambling mecca: Las Vegas. That's because Royal Caribbean is also known for the live theatrical options it offers — all on a complimentary basis, making these productions extremely popular.

The result? When vast numbers of Oasis Class guests head to the Royal Theater to enjoy a performance of a hit Broadway musical such as  Cats ,  Grease ,  Mamma Mia!  or  Saturday Night Fever , Casino Royale tends to empty out a bit. This makes showtime the perfect moment to try your luck.

In addition, the cruise line's fleetwide headliner shows, which feature a wide range of world-class acts — vocal groups, magicians, impressionists, acrobats and more — are especially effective at drawing in guests and freeing up space in the casino.

But that's not all. Oasis Class ships also feature ice-skating performances in Studio B and diving shows at the AquaTheater, both of which draw large crowds. Onboard Quantum Class ships, the Two70® performance space attracts passengers with its multimedia productions featuring daring aerials and supercool soundtracks.

Every ship in the fleet has a Royal Theater, where the vessel's ensemble of singers and dancers perform in production shows. This means that guests who just dabble in blackjack, place an occasional roulette bet or pass the time with penny slots are often pulled in another direction by the opportunity to enjoy complimentary, high-quality theatrical entertainment.

Altogether, you can expect smaller crowds at the tables and less competition for your favorite machines when there's a show happening. Simply check the Royal Caribbean app or the daily printed activities schedule,  Cruise Compass , to see what time the most popular onboard productions — headliner acts, Broadway shows and high-dive performances — are scheduled and then hit Casino Royale at the designated hour to get in a winning groove.

When Everyone Heads To Bed

While cruise ships offer entertainment into the wee hours, the majority of passengers tend to make their way back to their staterooms around midnight. Most of us aren't night owls when we have to answer to a morning alarm, right? Even though a cruise is a vacation from everyday responsibilities, shore excursion meeting times are typically early in the morning for anyone who plans to explore that day's port of call.

As a result, the post-midnight hours are often when the most focused gamblers come out to play. While cruise ship casinos don't stay open 24/7 like they do in Las Vegas, Casino Royale typically closes late (generally 2 a.m. or 3 a.m.), and the casino can stay open until the ship is about to arrive in port. That means if you feel like the odds are most often in your favor when most people are sound asleep, you're in luck.

While Docked At Perfect Day At Cococay

Are you one that prefers a hot seat to beach heat? A winning hand to sandy feet? If your Bahamas itinerary includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, both are possible. While the ship is docked at Royal Caribbean's spectacular private island in The Bahamas, you may have the option to return to the ship early (or just stay onboard the whole day) to enjoy your favorite gaming action at Casino Royale, since it's able to stay open while in port there.

Imagine this perfect day: Enjoy a morning of relaxation as you chill on one of Perfect Day at CocoCay's white-sand beaches while enjoying a piña colada (covered by your onboard beverage package) or socialization at the exclusive adults-only Hideaway Beach - the ultimate beachfront party in paradise. Then head back to your ship, shower off any lingering sand and hit Casino Royale for some laid-back afternoon action at the tables or slots.

Anytime The Vibe Is To Your Liking

What is the least busy day at the casino? There's not an easy answer. The times when Casino Royale will be busiest — from around 7 p.m. to midnight as well as afternoons on sea days — are pretty predictable. But the days when it's likely to be the least crowded depends largely on the itinerary, the time of year and the passenger mix.

In general, Casino Royale will have fewer gamblers on sunny sea days in warm-weather regions than on cloudy sea days in cooler locales. Or perhaps the passenger mix on a particular voyage doesn't include a high percentage of casinogoers. In other words, if you pass Casino Royale and the vibe is to your liking, go for it!

Written By DONNA HEIDERSTADT

Donna Heiderstadt, a New York City-based freelance writer and editor, specializes in covering the cruise market and is a contributor to ThePointsGuy.com , Islands.com , ShermansTravel.com , Fodors.com and other travel websites and publications. She has visited more than 95 countries and has taken more than 70 cruises.

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Royal Caribbean food: The ultimate cruise guide to restaurants and dining on board

C ruise food and cruise fun go hand-in-hand. Gone are the days when your only food choices were a main dining room and a buffet venue. Royal Caribbean ships are loaded with options — some that are included in your cruise fare and some that cost extra. From the largest ship in the fleet to the smallest, the choices are mind-blowing — especially for new-to-Royal cruisers.

But even if you've sailed with Royal Caribbean in the past, you need a food guide to keep up with what's available on which ship. Sometimes, you want to repeat a dining experience you had on a previous cruise. Other times, you'd prefer to try a new eatery. Knowing which food choices a ship has might impact which ship you pick.

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

Good examples are the Italian restaurants across the fleet. Do you know the difference between Giovanni's Table and Giovanni's Kitchen? How do the Jamie's Italian restaurants stack up to either of the Giovanni's? And do you know which ship is the only one in the fleet without an Italian restaurant? (Answer: Enchantment of the Seas.) I don't know about you, but I've gotta get my pasta fix when I cruise.

Then there are Royal Caribbean's food secrets. Okay, maybe they aren't actual secrets, but there are things to eat on board that aren't highly publicized. You need to be in the know to seek them out.

Let's start with a list of all the places you can snag a bite, and which ships they are found on. After that, I'll run through some of the most frequently asked questions about Royal Caribbean food.

150 Central Park

Fixed price; dinner

150 Central Park serves six-course dinners featuring meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes accompanied by produce that is "locally sourced" and harvested at peak flavor. Menu examples include beef tenderloin, halibut, venison and cauliflower steak. The location in the Central Park neighborhood , surrounded by live plants, adds an ambience not found on most cruise ships.

Available on: Allure , Harmony, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Aquadome Market

Included; all-day dining

Icon of the Seas introduces a five-station food hall serving five types of mac and cheese, Asian and Mediterranean bowls, salads and sandwiches and custom crepes. It's located adjacent to the AquaDome, and its long hours means you can grab a bite before or after an acrobatic AquaTheater show.

Available on: Icon of the Seas

Included and a la carte options; all-day dining

Basecamp is a fast-casual snackery within the Thrill Island neighborhood. Things like hot dogs and warm pretzels are complimentary, while comfort food options like burgers, cheese curds and chicken waffle bites cost extra. Covered outdoor seating is available.

Boardwalk Donuts

Included; snacks

Freshly topped and decorated doughnuts line the glass cases at this one-of-a-kind restaurant. It makes a fun spot to snag an early morning pre-breakfast bite.

Available on: Allure of the Seas

Cafe @Two70

Just outside the entrance to the Two70 entertainment space, this eatery often goes unnoticed by many cruisers. It's an ideal spot to grab a sandwich or a bowl of the day's soup. Breakfast goodies include pastries and even burritos — perfect before you dash out on your day's adventures.

Available on: Anthem, Odyssey , Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum of the Seas

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Cafe Latte-tudes

Included and a la carte; snacks

This is the in-house specialty coffee hot spot on the line's smaller ships. Coffee drinks cost extra but are included in beverage packages; cookies, bite-sized pastries and even sandwiches are complimentary. Some ships also have a nearby ice cream parlor with scoops and cones available for purchase.

Available on: Brilliance, Enchantment, Grandeur , Jewel, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Vision of the Seas

Cafe Promenade

Similar to Cafe Latte-tudes, Cafe Promenade is exactly what it sounds like — a coffee counter with grab-and-go snacks. Specialty coffees and teas cost extra, and most snacks are complimentary, though a few fancier options are extra-fee. Some ships also have a drink station nearby serving the usual array of complimentary hot and cold beverages like tea, lemonade and drip coffee.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Independence , Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Utopia, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas

Celebration Table

Want to host your own dinner party onboard? Reserve this private dining room for 12 and enjoy a catered meal featuring a fixed-price menu of American, Italian, Asian or seafood dishes. It's located inside Hooked Seafood in the AquaDome neighborhood.

Chef's Table

Most ships in the fleet offer a Chef's Table experience on select nights of select sailings. Reservations are required for a private gourmet dinner with wine pairing hosted by a chef and sommelier for a small group. It is a night and a meal you will remember.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Enchantment, Explorer, Freedom, Grandeur, Harmony, Independence, Jewel, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Spectrum, Utopia, Vision, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas

Chops Grille

Fixed price; dinner plus lunch on sea days

Royal Caribbean's specialty steakhouse is available fleetwide. The Chops Grille menu leans heavily toward prime beef cuts, but also includes chicken, lamb and seafood. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, and the food delicious. Sides are served family style, and you'll want to try several.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Enchantment, Explorer, Freedom, Grandeur, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Jewel, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Spectrum, Symphony, Utopia, Vision, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas

Coastal Kitchen

Included; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Coastal Kitchen is a restaurant exclusive to suite guests and upper-tier members of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor loyalty program . Though it's styled like a main dining room, serving three meals a day with menus that change daily, the experience is on par with specialty dining, both in service and food quality. It's an ideal alternative to the main dining room for those who are eligible to dine here.

Star and Sky Class suite guests can dine in Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sea Class suite guests can come for dinner if space is available. Pinnacle-level loyalty members can also eat here at any mealtime, space permitting.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Harmony, Icon, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Cupcake Cupboard

A la carte; hours vary

The name of this sweet treat eatery tells you almost everything you need to know. Stop by for extra-fee cupcakes when you're craving sugar. Alternatively, look for decorating classes to join and cupcake kits to purchase, so you have everything you need to return home and bake your own goodies.

Available on: Freedom and Liberty of the Seas

Desserted Milkshake Bar

A la carte; snacks

Here's an idea that's long overdue on a cruise ship – custom milkshakes overflowing with sweet treats like brownies, cookies and popcorn. Adults can upgrade to boozy versions.

Dining Room

Included; breakfast, lunch (sea days) and dinner

The main dining rooms can get a little confusing on a fleet as varied as Royal Caribbean's. Most ships have one large, multideck dining space that serves complimentary meals, but the venue's name varies by ship. Quantum Class ships have four separate dining rooms, each with a different name.

On all ships, one deck or area is reserved for guests with assigned early and late dining times, with the remaining area set aside for those participating in the flexible My Time Dining plan. All guests order from the same menus, which are standard for breakfast daily and change each day for lunch (when it's open) and dinner.

Available on: All ships

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes, explained

Included; hours may vary

If gourmet hot dogs topped the way you want them is your idea of the perfect lunch or snack, pop in at the Dog House. There are too many choices to try them all on a single cruise.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Harmony, Mariner, Oasis, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Spectrum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

El Loco Fresh

From breakfast burritos to heaps of nachos and cheesy quesadillas, this Mexican-themed eatery is a quick and filling spot to grab a bite during the day. Pool wear is allowed since this is basically an outdoor restaurant. On four ships, it's located near the pool. The five Oasis Class ships with an El Loco Fresh have it closer to the sports court than the pool, but on all ships, eating here can save you from having to get dressed to go inside for food at the Windjammer.

Available on: Allure (Wipe Out Cafe), Freedom, Icon, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Empire Supper Club

When Royal Caribbean says "dinner and a show," the line really means it. This intimate, multicourse dinner features live jazz performances and drink pairings. The experience is one of a kind, but the cover charge for dinner is one of the highest at sea.

English Pub

When I mentioned "secret food," the English pubs were what I had in mind. The pubs on each ship have different names, but the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. Not every pub serves snacks, but definitely ask if you don't see a food menu. What you find to munch on might turn out to be one of the highlights of your cruise. Smoked cheddar ale soup and deep-fried apple pie with Nutella are top of mind for me.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Serenade, Star, Symphony, Utopia, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas

Fish & Ships

Included and a la carte; lunch

Grab a basket of deep-fried deliciousness (fish, shrimp and chicken) near the pool for a quick lunch or a snack between afternoon activities. Only the lobster tails cost extra.

Available on: Independence and Ovation of the Seas

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

Fixed price; lunch (select days) and dinner

From a prime cut filet mignon to pizza, Royal Caribbean's second generation of its classic Italian food restaurant serves up an excellent meal. The service is always gracious and the portions generous.

Available on: Freedom, Icon, Odyssey, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Giovanni's Table

Royal Caribbean's original Italian restaurants feature a traditional mix of pastas and meat or seafood entrees. The differences between the two Giovanni's are subtle. Lasagna and pizza are available at the Kitchen, but not at the Table. The best eggplant parm I've ever had is only available at Giovanni's Table, as is a gigantic platter of osso buco.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Brilliance, Explorer, Grandeur, Independence, Jewel, Liberty, Oasis, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Vision, Voyager of the Seas

Related: 35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better

Hooked Seafood

From chowder to mussels to whole Maine lobster, Hooked is where you get your seafood fix on select ships. Personally, I'd go for the lobster mac and cheese, but you do you.

Available on: Icon, Navigator, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Royal Railway — Utopia Station

We'll know more once Utopia of the Seas launches, but this new restaurant sounds more like a Disney ride, taking you on a culinary journey as if you were inside a luxury railcar — while you're sailing at sea. Windows will display scenes from various destinations, and the menu items will be inspired by those regions of the world.

Available on: Utopia of the Seas

A la carte; lunch and dinner

Across the fleet, Izumi manages to take on several different looks. On Quantum Class ships, it's got a sidewalk sushi bar feel. On other ships, it's a quiet enclave tucked away on the top deck. Wherever you find it, it's the place to be for sushi and Japanese-American fusion eats.

Available on: Adventure, Anthem, Brilliance, Explorer, Grandeur, Jewel, Navigator, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Spectrum, Vision, Voyager

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

A la carte and fixed price; lunch and dinner

On select ships, Izumi also includes a fixed-price teppanyaki option with your choice of beef, chicken, shrimp or a combination of proteins as your entree. Sit around the cooking surface and watch the show from your entertaining chef. Alternatively, you can order sushi along with a selection of hot Japanese dishes a la carte.

Available on: Allure, Freedom, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Mariner, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Izumi in the Park

A la carte; all-day dining

Icon and Utopia of the Seas have more takeaway food options than any other Royal Caribbean ships, including a to-go window passing out sushi at a la carte prices. You'll find the venue in Central Park, next to the main Izumi restaurant.

Available on: Icon and Utopia of the Seas

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Royal Caribbean's third Italian option features a Tuscan-inspired, celebrity-chef-curated menu that is a bit more modern than either version of the Giovanni's restaurants found on other ships. You can still find a luscious lasagna, but the menu holds surprises like crispy squid and pan-roasted salmon.

Available on: Anthem, Harmony, Mariner, Navigator, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum, Symphony of the Seas

Johnny Rockets

Fixed price; all-day dining

Johnny Rockets is the original specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean ships. Its juicy burgers, fries and shakes have become a beloved part of Royal Caribbean food culture. It's a well-kept secret that the apple pie is hands down the best on board any ship afloat. You'll pay a flat fee per person to dine there, but beverages, such as the venue's famous shakes, cost extra (unless they're included in your drinks package).

On Oasis Class ships, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast of eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches and pancakes at Johnny Rockets.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Independence, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator (Express), Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

La Patisserie

Looking to put a French twist on your vacation, regardless of your cruise destination? Here's your chance to indulge in French pastries (for purchase) paired with luscious coffees or tea. Think macarons and artisan chocolates that are a step above the complimentary snacks at Cafe Promenade. Order cake or cheesecake by the slice or pick up a whole cake to share with the gang. The best secret here is that you can order your coffee or hot cocoa with a shot of chocolate liqueur.

Available on: Anthem, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum of the Seas

If you're looking for a poolside snack, you'll find right-sized bites in the form of sliders, pizza, taquitos and sweet treats at Mini Bites.

Available on: Harmony of the Seas

Included; Breakfast and lunch

The Park Cafe is home to the Royal Kummelweck Roast Beef Sandwich, which has garnered serious social media buzz. I hear about people who rush to Park Cafe on embarkation day to start indulging in their Kummelweck binging. Look for other deli treats, paninis and hot pizza in most Park Cafe locations along with fresh fruit, salads and desserts. At breakfast, you'll find grab-and-go options and a bagel bar.

The Park Cafe is found in Central Park on Oasis and Icon Class ships and near the solarium on smaller ships. On those vessels, the venue's location allows you to spend long luxurious hours poolside with plenty of snacks nearby.

Available on: Allure, Brilliance, Enchantment, Grandeur, Harmony, Icon, Oasis, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Symphony, Vision, Wonder of the Seas

Icon of the Seas' new take on the Royal Promenade coffee-and-snack shop is a winner. Comfy seating with stunning ocean views makes it an ideal spot to hang with friends as you munch your way through a sandwich or tartlet. Specialty coffee and teas are available for a charge. The Pearl Cafe is open around the clock, so you can grab a snack at any hour.

A la carte; breakfast, lunch and dinner

The concept here starts with California beach food like fish tacos or shrimp tostadas, then adds the coolest three words to ever be combined in the English language: "All Day Brunch." When you wake up at noon craving breakfast food, head to the Surfside neighborhood for favorites such as pancake platters and smoked salmon eggs Benedict. As befitting a family-friendly specialty restaurant, kids under 12 dine free.

Playmakers Sports Bar

A la carte; lunch, dinner and late night

It's crazy that the Playmakers menu is still somewhat of an unknown for many Royal Caribbean cruisers. Perhaps those who know work hard not to spread the word. Expect gourmet burgers, wings and, yes, truffle fries. Or pop in after a night of clubbing for a sweet treat like a sundae or the infamous Campfire Cookie topped with melted marshmallows and Nutella.

Available on: Freedom, Icon, Independence, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Related: The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler

Portside BBQ

Whether you go for a platter of ribs or a sandwich dripping with sauce, expect an abundance of flavors from the Deep South. And don't skimp on dessert – you really can't eat barbecue without finishing it with nanna pudding, y'all.

Available on: Oasis of the Seas

Fixed price; lunch and dinner

Billed as "modern Mexican" cuisine, Sabor offers up guacamole, empanadas and a variety of tacos, quesadillas and sides. Save room for flan or churros for dessert.

Available on: Allure, Harmony, Liberty of the Seas

Samba Grill

Samba Grill is similar to the Brazilian steakhouses you've visited on land. You choose starters from an appetizer station, followed by your choice of meats (including chicken) carved tableside. The chocolate layer cake makes a delightful finish to your meal — if you still have room left after all that meat.

Available on: Allure and Radiance of the Seas

Solarium Bistro

Included, with a la carte extras; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Tucked away inside the Solarium, the Bistro is a multipurpose food space. Complimentary breakfast and lunch minibuffets are served here, making the venue a quieter option for those meals. No reservations are required.

Dinner, on the other hand, though still complimentary, is by reservation only and is a combination of buffet and table-served dishes, with a menu focused on healthy Mediterranean options. As in the main dining room, a handful of optional charged items are on the menu (upgraded steaks and lobster). Children are allowed to eat in the Bistro, even though the Solarium has a minimum age of 16.

Do not be surprised to discover that the space is not always available during your cruise. Apparently, its location means it has its own kitchen, making it ideal for private functions where food sourcing is important. I've heard of its being used exclusively on some cruises by gluten-free and kosher groups.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Harmony, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Sorrento's Pizza

Whether you're looking to grab a slice or a pie, Sorrento's Pizza is your pizza go-to spot on more than half the fleet. You can order a custom pie or choose from what's on hand. Seating specific to Sorrento's is fairly limited on some ships, but shared dining space is usually somewhere nearby. It's not open 24/7 but doesn't shut down until well after midnight.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Freedom, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Liberty, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

If you're screaming for ice cream, Sprinkles is Royal Caribbean's go-to for soft-serve ice cream in multiple flavors.

Available: Fleetwide

Freestanding Starbucks locations serve the same drinks and snacks you can find in land-based outlets. You can use your Starbucks gift cards (if you bring them onboard) and your Starbucks app to order and pay at these locations. You'll earn Starbucks stars for purchases but cannot redeem them.

Other Royal Caribbean cafes might serve Starbucks-branded beverages, but they are operated by Royal Caribbean. In those locations, you can only pay for drinks with your Sea Pass card (including via either the Refreshment or Deluxe Beverage Package) or a coffee card purchased onboard.

Stand-alone Starbucks locations available on: Allure, Harmony, Icon, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Symphony, Utopia of the Seas

Sugar Beach

You can purchase colorful candies, fudge and cupcakes at Sugar Beach.

Available on: Allure (Candy Beach), Icon, Independence, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Surfside Bites

Surfside Bites is the place to grab kid-favorite finger food on the fly. Think popcorn chicken, hot dogs and churros.

Surfside Eatery

Surfside is Royal Caribbean's new family-friendly, stay-all-day onboard destination with multiple pools and attractions. Surfside Eatery provides a place for families to sit down to a meal without leaving the neighborhood. The buffet serves three meals daily with dishes for both kid and grownup palates.

Though both Odyssey and Spectrum have an Izumi Sushi location, Teppanyaki is a separate Japanese steakhouse located on Deck 14 on these two ships. Choose from either a single protein or a combo for the fixed-price meal, similar to Izumi Hibachi. Appetizers are priced a la carte.

Available on: Odyssey and Spectrum of the Seas

The Bamboo Room

The Bamboo Room is another onboard bar with somewhat secretive bar snacks — including Hawaiian barbecue sliders and coconut crab bruschetta. Don't miss this treat if you're sailing on Mariner of the Seas, the only ship in the fleet with this venue.

Available on: Mariner of the Seas

Included; all day dining

The Grove is the exclusive sun deck snack bar for Sky- and Star-tier suite guests on Icon of the Seas. The venue serves upscale Mediterranean mezes (small dishes) in an outdoor setting.

The Mason Jar

Fixed price; brunch and dinner

If you're looking for an out-of-the-ordinary brunch or dinner on board the newest Oasis Class ships, the Mason Jar is your spot. The atmosphere is relaxing, the menu is deeply Southern and the iced tea (sipped from Mason jars, of course) is sweet. Expect shrimp and grits, barbecue and fried chicken.

Available on: Wonder and Utopia of the Seas

The Spare Tire

Royal Caribbean brings a food truck-themed eatery poolside for handheld favorites like burgers and fries.

Trellis Bar

Say yes to upscale bar bites Icon of the Seas' version of this Central Park watering hole. Snack on mac & cheese poppers or truffled french fries while you sip your wine or commit to a meal with a drink with options like steak bites, Chops dry-aged burger and a chicken Caesar salad.

Vintages is home to another secret bar snack menu you might not know about. Expect bruschetta, olives, meat platters, seafood bites and other tapas, served from 5 p.m. until they're gone.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Freedom, Harmony, Independence, Liberty, Oasis, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony of the Seas

Vitality Cafe

Included; breakfast and lunch

Located next to the spa and workout facilities on select ships, Vitality Cafe is what you would expect to find in such a health-oriented spot. Custom-blended fruit and veggie smoothies and protein shakes cost extra but are included in the Deluxe and Refreshment beverage packages. On some ships, the cafe also serves fruit cups and granola bites to get you through your workout.

Available on: Allure, Harmony, Icon, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Windjammer Marketplace

Expect an extensive multistation buffet with ample choices for everyone. In addition to the food, complimentary beverages include drip coffee, various hot teas, hot cocoa, milk, lemonade, punch and iced tea. Soft drink machines are available for those who have bought beverage packages. Larger ships have a bar within the Windjammer and servers rotate regularly.

The menu is described as "imaginative" as befits a restaurant inspired by "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Expect a multicourse dinner experience featuring food that is deconstructed, reconstructed and otherwise created to generate an entertaining gourmet meal.

Available on: Anthem, Harmony, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum, Symphony, Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean food: Frequently asked questions

How does the main dining room work?

At booking, you are offered a choice between traditional times designated as early or late, or flexible dining called My Time Dining , allowing you to show up anytime during restaurant open hours.

Do I need reservations for dinner in a specialty restaurant?

Waiter-served, extra-fee restaurants — whether fixed price or a la carte — typically require reservations. On the rare occasion when a ship is sailing at lower than full occupancy, you might find you can walk up during nonpeak hours and be seated at a specialty restaurant without a reservation. Those opportunities are the exceptions. Better to make a reservation to ensure you get the time slot you prefer.

What do "a la carte" and "fixed price" mean on Royal Caribbean ships?

A la carte pricing refers to restaurants where the food is individually priced. You only pay for the dishes you order. An entire menu might be individually priced, or you might only see a few items with prices on an otherwise complimentary menu.

Fixed price indicates that dining at the restaurant has a single cover charge for the full meal. This may also be stated as "Prix Fixe." You will generally choose an appetizer or salad, an entree, sides and a dessert. Beverages other than tea, coffee and water are an added charge unless specifically stated that they are included.

What beverages are included with my cruise fare?

Drip coffee, tap water, hot and iced tea, milk, and one or more flavored drinks like fruit punch or lemonade dispensed from drink machines. All other beverages may be purchased individually or you can buy a beverage package to pay for unlimited drinks in advance (fine print applies). Read our complete guide to Royal Caribbean drink packages for details.

Is there room service and what does it cost?

Room service is available in all cabins. Continental breakfast, including coffee, pastries, fruit and cold cereal, is free. Hot breakfast, lunch, dinner and all snacks incur a delivery charge of $7.95 plus 18% gratuity. The food itself is mostly complimentary, but selected dishes are priced a la carte.

How do specialty dining packages work?

To reduce the cost of specialty dining, you can buy a three- or five-restaurant package or an unlimited dining package. Some sailings also offer a combo option of Chops plus one other restaurant. These are all available for purchase in the cruise planner before your sailing. The unlimited package allows you to dine at any specialty restaurant each night of your cruise, plus lunches where they are available.

Can children eat in the specialty restaurants on board?

Most Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants cater to children with special menus and reduced prices. There are a few examples where children are allowed, but not catered to. Empire Supper Club is an example of that. The line states that children under 12 are allowed, but the experience is designed "for adult guests."

Does Royal Caribbean charge extra for lobster?

Lobster tails may be ordered any night of the cruise at Chops Grill or for an extra charge in the main dining room. Only one lobster tail is included when complimentary lobster is served in the dining room as part of the menu. Additional lobsters are charged to your bill.

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
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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.