Cruise Line
Companies

Classification: Mainstream

Passenger/Space Ratio: 37

Website Int'l: www.royalcaribbean.com

Website UK: www.royalcaribbean.co.uk

Best known for its strong presence in the Caribbean, RCI also operates popular itineraries in Alaska, Europe and the Mexican Riviera. RCI can also be found in Hawaii and South America. RCI's handsome, modern megaships offer spacious and impressive public areas such as a multi-deck atrium with glass elevators and the company’s hallmark Viking Crown Lounge – a glass-wrapped observation lounge located on the highest deck to provide passengers with a panoramic view of the passing scenery.

This is the cruise line which has introduced onboard activities not normally associated with a cruise such as rock climbing (with a wall constructed on the back of the funnel) and ice skating. Family suites, a spacious playroom and teen center make these ships ideal for passengers with children – in fact RCI may deserve highest marks in this department with excellent children's facilities and dedicated staff on almost all ships. RCI has six classes of ships which include some of the largest ships in the world with its Freedom Class of ships weighing in at 160,000 tons and carrying over 3600 passengers. The Voyager Class are 138,000 tons and carrying 3100 passengers while the Radiance class is 90,000 tons and carry 2500 passengers.

RCI keeps their largest ships in the Caribbean in winter but during summer months ships of both the Freedom and Voyager class are now being sent to Europe. The company currently positions four ships in Alaska of the Radiance and Vision class. Other destinations covered by RCI are Australia, Bermuda, South America, Hawaii and the Panama Canal.

Officers are Scandinavian and service staff are international.

© Ocean Cruise Guides 2007