Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is best known for building some of the most innovative cruise ships at sea. For decades, the cruise line has pushed the boundaries, introducing ships bigger and better than anything seen before. These floating cities are packed with restaurants, entertainment, and high-tech thrills.

Even though Royal Caribbean is known for its mega-ships, the cruise line’s fleet includes a wide range of vessels, from the newest and biggest Icon class to older Vision Class ships that feel like a blast from the past.

Miami is home to one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. As such, it's not uncommon for upwards of eight vessels to be in port on the same day, meaning thousands of guests are embarking and disembarking daily. 

This constant flow of travelers has led to significant traffic, especially during peak cruise times when ships like Icon of the Seas or Symphony of the Seas are in port. 

To combat the problem, Royal Caribbean has begun offering complimentary bus shuttles on disembarkation day to help consolidate the flow of passengers and reduce congestion. 

I finally tried a cruise ship that had been on my radar for years, but it wasn’t as different as I thought. 

My first-ever vacation on an Oasis Class ship was over a decade ago, so I've watched the evolution of these massive vessels, from the addition of the Ultimate Abyss to the expansion of dining options. 

When Wonder of the Seas launched in 2022, I knew I eventually had to sail on her to see how she compared to the original Oasis Class ships. However, after finally stepping on board, I realized she wasn’t as different as I had expected.

Inside cabins on cruise ships are controversial. Some love them because of their value. Others would rather make budget cuts elsewhere to afford a balcony stateroom. 

Within the past few years, I've stayed in interior cabins on countless cruise ships, including two of the largest in the world: Symphony and Wonder of the Seas. Though nearly identical, the Oasis Class ships have some stark differences, including their staterooms. 

Several cruise ships are stuck at sea as Cyclone Alfred approaches Queensland, Australia. 

Passengers booked on Carnival Luminosa's February 23 sailing were informed their return to Brisbane has been delayed because of Alfred. They were scheduled to return on Thursday, March 6. 

Utopia of the Seas and Disney Wish are two cruise ships geared toward offering great family vacations. 

Utopia of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean's massive Oasis Class, is a floating city for all ages, offering water slides, zip lines, immersive dining experiences, and more. On the other hand, Disney Wish offers a more magical experience, combining Disney’s iconic storytelling with the convenience and fun of a cruise.

Both ships promise an unforgettable family adventure to the Bahamas, but which one is the perfect fit for your next vacation?

As a frequent cruiser, each voyage is about finding the perfect balance between splurging and saving, and I did just that on a recent 7-night cruise aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships, Wonder of the Seas. 

In total, I spent around $4,200 for my weeklong cruise, including airfare and onboard expenses. As expected, the most expensive part of the voyage was the cruise fare itself, which came to $2,292.10 or $1,146.05 per person, including taxes, port fees, and prepaid gratuities. 

Royal Caribbean is known for having the largest cruise ships at sea, having held the title since Freedom of the Seas launched in 2006. Since then, their ships have only gotten larger. 

Royal Caribbean boasts a fleet of 29 ships with another expected to join the fleet in August. Though you can expect the same service on ships as old as Vision of the Seas, the amenities onboard vary greatly. The line's newest ships have more restaurants, activities, and innovative features compared to older vessels. 

Last week, I set sail on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas. The massive cruise ship, which measures over 236,000 gross registered tons, is known as the “World’s Biggest Weekend” for the cruise line.

As a Florida resident, I was thrilled to learn the latest vessel from Royal Caribbean would be a few hours’ drive from home. Even better, I loved the opportunity to enjoy a quick escape aboard this brand-new vessel, which debuted in July 2024.