Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is owned by Royal Caribbean Group, a global cruise company based in Miami, Florida. The group also owns Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. Royal Caribbean International, the most recognisable brand in the group, was founded in 1968 and has been delivering innovative cruise holidays for over 55 years.

A Royal Caribbean cruise includes just about everything you need for an unforgettable holiday at sea. Your fare covers your accommodation, full-board dining in a choice of complimentary restaurants, and access to world-class entertainment like Broadway-style shows, live music, and dazzling deck parties. You’ll also enjoy a wide range of activities and onboard facilities, from climbing walls and pools to mini-golf and the gym – all included in the price.

For families, there’s no extra cost for the award-winning Adventure Ocean® kids’ clubs, and you’ll find plenty of family-friendly spaces across the ship. Plus, with selected sailings from the UK, you can skip the airport hassle and sail straight from Southampton.

Additional extras like speciality dining, drinks packages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions can be added to personalise your experience – but rest assured, even the standard cruise fare delivers incredible value.

Royal Caribbean cruises include a variety of drinks as standard – such as tea, coffee, iced water, lemonade, fruit punch and some juices, available in the main dining venues and buffet areas. However, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and premium coffees are not included in your basic cruise fare.

To make things easier (and more cost-effective), Royal Caribbean offers a choice of drinks packages that you can add to your booking:

• Deluxe Beverage Package – Includes cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water and premium coffees. Prices typically range from £55 to £75 per person, per day.
• Refreshment Package – Ideal for non-drinkers, this includes soft drinks, mocktails, bottled water and premium coffees. Expect to pay around £30 to £35 per person, per day.
• Classic Soda Package – Covers unlimited fizzy drinks. Prices start from around £10 to £12 per person, per day.

Prices can vary slightly by sailing and are often discounted in advance when booked through your cruise planner. Many of our customers at Southampton Cruise Centre like to book their drinks package ahead of time to lock in the best deal – and we’re happy to help you find the right one for your trip.

Royal Caribbean is a brilliant choice for family cruises – and while every ship has something for kids and grown-ups alike, Icon of the Seas℠ is currently the best ship for families. It’s Royal Caribbean’s newest and most family-focused ship, featuring a dedicated Surfside℠ family neighbourhood, complete with splash areas, water slides, a family pool, and even family-friendly dining and lounges all in one easy-to-enjoy space.

For larger families or multi-generational groups, Icon also offers Family Infinite Balcony staterooms and Ultimate Family Townhouse suites, designed with both fun and space in mind.

Other great ships for families include Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, both of which have Adventure Ocean® kids’ clubs, teen lounges, FlowRider® surf simulators, zip lines, mini golf, and even carousels. And if you're sailing from the UK, Anthem of the Seas or Independence of the Seas are fantastic options with plenty of family activities and no need to fly.

No matter which ship you choose, Royal Caribbean makes family cruising easy, exciting, and packed with memories to last a lifetime. Our team at Southampton Cruise Centre can help you find the best ship and itinerary for your family.

Yes – Royal Caribbean cruises are an excellent choice for first-time cruisers. With so much included in your fare, a relaxed atmosphere onboard, and a huge range of activities to choose from, it’s easy to settle in and enjoy your holiday from the moment you step aboard.

First-timers love the variety of dining, dazzling entertainment, and exciting shore excursions, all designed to suit different tastes and energy levels. Whether you’re sailing as a couple, family, or solo traveller, there’s always something going on – and plenty of quiet spots if you just want to unwind.

Royal Caribbean also offers ships that sail directly from Southampton, so you can skip the airport and start your cruise stress-free. Ships like Anthem of the Seas are perfect for beginners, offering a taste of everything – from skydiving simulators to West End-style shows.

Our team at Southampton Cruise Centre has helped hundreds of first-time cruisers find their perfect sailing – and we’re always here with friendly advice to help you get started.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s exclusive private island in The Bahamas – and it’s one of the highlights of many Caribbean cruises. Designed to offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, CocoCay is a tropical playground for all ages.

Families can make a splash at Thrill Waterpark®, home to North America’s tallest waterslide and a massive wave pool, while adults can unwind at Coco Beach Club®, featuring the Caribbean’s first overwater cabanas. You’ll also find quiet beaches, floating bars, freshwater pools, and snorkelling spots with vibrant marine life.

Food is included, with complimentary beachside buffets and snack shacks, while drinks are covered if you’ve added a Royal Caribbean beverage package to your cruise.

Whether you want all-out adrenaline or a peaceful day in the sun, Perfect Day at CocoCay delivers exactly what it promises – an unforgettable island escape, exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests.

Yes – Royal Caribbean offers Wi-Fi on all of its ships through its VOOM® internet service, which is widely known as one of the fastest at sea. Whether you want to stream shows, video call family back home, post your holiday snaps, or simply check emails, there’s a Wi-Fi package to suit.

You can choose from two main options:

• VOOM Surf Package – Great for browsing, social media and messaging apps.
• VOOM Surf + Stream Package – Perfect for streaming, video calls, and more data-heavy use.

Prices typically start from around £13–£17 per device, per day, and you can often save by booking in advance through your cruise planner. Wi-Fi is available ship-wide, including cabins, lounges, and even poolside.

If staying connected is important to you, we always recommend adding a package early for the best value – and our team at Southampton Cruise Centre can help you choose the right one.

Yes, but it’s more relaxed than you might think. Royal Caribbean’s dress code is casual and comfortable during the day, with evening dress suggestions depending on the venue.

In the Main Dining Room, evenings are usually either Casual, Smart Casual, or Formal:

• Casual: Polo shirts, sundresses, jeans, and smart trainers are perfectly fine.
• Smart Casual: Think dresses, trousers and blouses for women, or collared shirts and smart shoes for men.
• Formal nights (typically once or twice per cruise): A great excuse to dress up. Suits or cocktail dresses are ideal, though a tuxedo or gown is not required.

Buffet and casual venues have no specific dress codes, and you’re welcome to dine in relaxed clothing at any time there.

Swimwear is always welcome poolside, but not inside restaurants or lounges. If you're sailing from the UK, it’s worth packing layers too – even in summer!

We always recommend checking your specific itinerary, as dress codes can vary slightly by cruise length and region.