Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean International is the second largest cruise line in the world, and has built a name for itself creating fun-packed mega-ships full of innovative features and activities. Royal Caribbean International aims to attract all types of cruise-goer, and has a mass-market appeal, featuring plenty of family facilities and a wealth of varied activities. Attracting a broad clientele, Royal Caribbean caters to both the mature cruiser looking for a traditional experience at sea, as well as families with children and groups requiring extensive entertainment options.

 

The US-based company was founded in 1968 by three Norwegian shipping companies, with Royal Caribbean developing steadily over the years and going public in 1993. Royal Caribbean merged with Celebrity Cruises in 1997, and subsequently retired all of its old fleet to concentrate on its newer models, and experienced a period of strong growth. In 1999, Royal Caribbean launched Voyager of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever, which served to redefine the mega-cruise ship market, with her innovative features such as rock-climbing wall and ice-rink. The company now boasts 20 ships, in a range of 6 different classes, (all named in the same fashion, ending in 'of the Seas'), with Royal Caribbean ships including trademark features such as the children’s programme, Adventure Ocean, extensive entertainment in the Viking Crown Lounge, rock-climbing wall, solarium and   alternative dining. Royal Caribbean continues to push the boundaries of on-board entertainment, with increasingly innovative features such as a surfing simulator, boxing ring and water park, and, in 2009 will launch the massive 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship to sail at sea.

 

Sailing to 170 destinations, Royal Caribbean offers itineraries around the world, with cruises to the Mediterranean,Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, South America, Alaska and Australia. The cruise line offers trips from 3 days to 2 weeks, and boasts a huge number of departure ports throughout the world with European ports including Southampton, Harwich, Barcelona, Rome, Copenhagen and Lisbon.