Setting Sail with Royal Caribbean: Essential Tips for Planning the Perfect Cruise

There’s something magical about cruising: waking up in a new destination, enjoying world-class dining and entertainment, and seeing the endless blue sea stretching out around you. Not to mention, the ability to see many places while only unpacking once! And when it comes to cruise vacations, Royal Caribbean consistently delivers an experience that’s equal parts adventure, relaxation, and fun. 

I’ve been cruising since I was a child, with most of my cruises being with Royal Caribbean. But if you’re new to cruising (or even if you’ve been on a few!) it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. So I’m sharing some of the reasons why I love Royal Caribbean and some tips I’ve learned along the way! And of course, I’ll also explain how working with a travel agent (like us at Be Our Guest Vacations!) can take your cruise planning from stressful to seamless.

Why I Love Cruising with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is one of the most innovative and traveler-friendly cruise lines out there. They’ve built a reputation for massive, amenity-packed ships that somehow still feel personal. I’ve sailed across the Royal Caribbean fleet—honeymooned on Liberty of the Seas, celebrated a girls’ weekend on Independence of the Seas, took my kids on their first cruise aboard Mariner of the Seas, and enjoyed a romantic getaway on Harmony of the Seas, just to name a few. 

What sets Royal Caribbean apart is their ability to combine big thrills with thoughtful touches—skydiving simulators, surf machines, and Broadway-style shows alongside quiet solariums, diverse dining, and top-notch kids’ programs. 

I personally love the Oasis Class ships. With seven distinct “neighborhoods,” a jaw-dropping AquaTheater show, a lush and beautiful Central Park, and a thrilling zip line over the Boardwalk, there’s always something new to explore. Despite their size, these ships never feel crowded thanks to their smart design and they have a unique ability to make you completely forget you’re in the middle of the ocean.

One of the biggest perks of cruising is value. Your cruise fare includes:

• Accommodations
• All meals in main dining rooms and buffet venues
• Daily entertainment, including live shows, music, and movies
• Youth programming and most onboard activities
• Access to fitness facilities and pools

Specialty dining, alcohol, excursions, and Wi-Fi are additional costs, but Royal Caribbean frequently offers promotions or package discounts to help manage those extras.

For foodies, there’s no shortage of options—from three-course dinners in the main dining room to casual grab-and-go bites. For me, no cruise day is complete without a slice of Sorrento’s pizza! Specialty restaurants include favorites like Chops Grille (steakhouse), Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, and Izumi for sushi, just to name a few. You can tailor your dining experience to your mood and preferences each day.

Royal Caribbean sails to a wide array of destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia, and beyond. One of the most exciting aspects of cruising is waking up somewhere new each morning.

When it comes to shore excursions, Royal Caribbean offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, you’ll find options that perfectly match your vacation style. Excursion choices include:

• Relaxing beach days or snorkeling trips
• Cultural walking tours and local food tastings
• Adventure experiences like ziplining or ATV rides
• Private, customized tours (great for families or multigenerational groups)

With so many excursions to choose from, every stop becomes a new opportunity to explore, discover, and create lasting memories.

Overall, Royal Caribbean delivers exceptional experiences that make the most of every moment at sea, turning your cruise vacation into an unforgettable adventure.

Family Fun at Sea

Parents often joke that traveling with kids isn’t a vacation, it’s a trip. But with Royal Caribbean, cruising transforms that trip into a true vacation, offering something special for every member of the family. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Youth Program is included with your cruise fare (except for Adventure Ocean Babies and Late Night Party where fees apply) and offers age-specific programming for children from 6 months to 17 years. From scavenger hunts and science experiments to teen hangouts and movie nights, your kids will stay entertained, while allowing parents a little downtime, too.

Royal Caribbean also offers family-friendly entertainment like: 

• Ice skating and bumper cars (on select ships)
• Water slides and splash parks
• Mini-golf, rock climbing, and sports courts
• Game shows, dance parties, and kid-friendly activities

No matter your family’s interests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and create lasting memories together.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

A unique standout experience with Royal Caribbean is their private island in The Bahamas, known as Perfect Day at CocoCay. It’s name doesn’t lie – it really is a perfect beach day! Here you’ll find a giant waterpark, snorkeling, cabanas and daybeds, kayaking, jet skiing, a kids’ splash zone, beautiful beaches, and the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean—all in one place. Best of all, it’s designed to be accessible for all ages and activity levels. While some activities come at an additional cost, access to the island’s beautiful beaches, refreshing pool, and kids’ splash zone is included with your cruise fare.

You know what makes this tropical paradise even more incredible? Because Perfect Day at CocoCay is a private island exclusively operated by Royal Caribbean, it’s considered an extension of your ship. That means many of the onboard perks and conveniences you enjoy during your cruise seamlessly carry over to your day on the island. For instance, if you’ve purchased a drink package, you can continue sipping your favorite cocktails, mocktails, or sodas at no extra cost while relaxing on the beach. 

For me, the perfect vacation day will always look like a sun-soaked afternoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

My Favorite Cruising Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned that have made our cruise experiences smoother, more enjoyable, and sometimes even more affordable:

• Choose the Right Ship (Not Just the Destination): Each Royal Caribbean ship offers different experiences. Larger ships have more activities, while smaller ships offer a more relaxed pace and can visit ports the big ones can’t.

• Consider Cabin Type Carefully: I’ve stayed in everything from interior cabins to spacious oceanview balconies. Each has its pros and cons. If you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship or off at port, an interior room may be all you need. But if you love the idea of coffee with a sunrise view, springing for a balcony is worth it. 

• Think About Itinerary and Ports of Call: Some cruises focus on sea days, while others pack in port after port. Ask yourself what kind of balance you want between relaxation and exploration.

• Book Early for the Best Rates and Cabin Options: Royal Caribbean prices tend to be lowest when itineraries are first released. Booking early also ensures you have the widest selection of staterooms, especially important for families needing connecting rooms or suites.

• Book Shows, Activities, and Onboard Amenities in Advance: Shows, specialty dining, amenities, and many activities can be booked before you even board, and often at a reduced cost. If there is something specific you know you want, lock it in early.

• Consider a Drink Package: Royal Caribbean offers a range of drink packages, and even if cocktails aren’t your thing, they can include specialty coffees, fresh juices, sodas, and bottled water. With unlimited options and no surprise charges, it’s an easy way to relax, indulge, and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

How a Travel Agent Makes All the Difference

Now for the part that might surprise you: booking your cruise with a travel agent costs you nothing extra. In fact, it often saves you money and definitely saves you time and stress!

Be Our Guest Vacations specializes in helping families, couples, and groups navigate cruise planning. Here’s what we bring to the table:

• Ship and cabin matching: We help you choose the right ship, sailing, and stateroom based on your preferences and budget.
• Monitoring for price drops: If the price of your cruise drops before final payment, we’ll work to get it adjusted.
• Pre-booking assistance: From dining and shows to excursions and packages, we help you take advantage of early booking windows.
• Peace of mind: We’re here before, during, and after your trip to answer questions and troubleshoot issues. You’re never alone when you work with a travel advisor.

Whether you’re dreaming of the white sands of CocoCay, the glaciers of Alaska, or the history-filled streets of Barcelona, cruising with Royal Caribbean offers an unforgettable experience. We’d love to help you plan your next cruise adventure. Contact us at Be Our Guest Vacations and let’s start planning your dream cruise today!