10 Reasons to Choose a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Why Choose Royal Caribbean? 10 Reasons to Book

If you’re still weighing up why you should choose Royal Caribbean for your next cruise, these 10 reasons are a good place to start.

1. The Fun of a Theme Park, Built into Your Cruise

Royal Caribbean ships are known for features that feel more like a theme park than a traditional cruise. Most Oasis-class ships, such as Utopia of the Seas, have the Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide that drops ten decks from the top deck to the Boardwalk below. FlowRider surf simulators appear on many ships across the fleet, and selected Quantum- and Oasis-class ships serve cocktails from the robotic Bionic Bar. 

Depending on your ship, you’ll also find zip lines, rock-climbing walls, bumper cars, laser tag and ice skating, while the Icon-class ships are home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. Features do vary from ship to ship, so it’s worth checking what yours offers before you book.

2. Royal Caribbean Cruises Are More All-Inclusive Than You Might Think

They aren’t all-inclusive in the traditional sense, but your fare covers more than most people expect. Your stateroom, main meals, Broadway-style shows, ice and AquaTheater performances, pools and most onboard activities, including the FlowRider, zip lining and rock climbing, are all included. You could easily spend a week onboard without paying for anything else.

3. You Don’t Have to Pay for All Your Meals on Royal Caribbean

Every ship has a Main Dining Room and the Windjammer buffet, both open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and many ships add several more complimentary venues, such as cafés and pizza spots. Even room service continental breakfast is included. Speciality restaurants, such as Chops Grille steakhouse and Izumi for sushi, carry an extra charge, so you only pay for them if you’d like a special night out.

4. Fun for Every Generation

Royal Caribbean works well for family holidays and multi-generational trips. Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs are complimentary for ages three to 12, and teens have their own chill-out spaces, while selected ships also offer a nursery for younger children at an extra cost. On the Icon-class ships, the Surfside neighbourhood is designed for families with young children, and grandparents can find quieter corners in adults-only areas such as the Solarium.

5. A Day on Royal Caribbean’s Private Island

Many Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. You can step straight from the ship onto the island, where the beaches and the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas are included. For more excitement, Thrill Waterpark features the tallest waterslide in North America, and you can float high above the island in a giant helium balloon. Extras such as the adults-only Hideaway Beach, Coco Beach Club and floating cabanas cost more, and any drinks package you’ve bought works on the island too.

6. A Fleet of 30 Ships to Choose From

So how many ships does the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line have? There are 30 across seven classes. Legend of the Seas joined the fleet in July 2026 alongside Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, and Hero of the Seas follows in 2027. With so many ships, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to dates and itineraries.

7. No Surprises on the Extras

Most extras are charged to your stateroom account in US dollars, so you won’t need cash onboard. Here’s how it breaks down.

8. Packages to Make It Feel More All-Inclusive

Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive by default, but you can add packages before you sail to make your holiday feel that way. You can book drink packages, unlimited dining packages, and Wi-Fi bundles in advance. If you’d like everything taken care of, a Star Class suite goes further still, with speciality dining, drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities included alongside a dedicated Royal Genie.

9. Destinations Far Beyond the Caribbean

The name suggests sunshine and islands, and the Caribbean is certainly a highlight, but the line’s itineraries reach much further. You can sail to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe or Asia, and with selected sailings departing from Southampton, you can even start your holiday without a flight.

10. Expert Advice from Bolsover Cruise Club

With 30 ships and features that vary from one ship to the next, choosing the right Royal Caribbean cruise can take some thought. Our Cruise Experts know the fleet well and can match you with the ship, stateroom, and itinerary that suit you, and point out which packages are worth adding. 

Find the Royal Caribbean Ship for You

From the Ultimate Abyss to a lazy afternoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay, you have plenty to choose from when cruising with Royal Caribbean. When you’d like help narrowing it down, speak to our team for honest, no-obligation advice on the ship and sailing that would suit you best.