Royal Caribbean pushes the limits of ship size more than any other cruise line. The goliaths of the fleet are Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas of which dwarf every other cruise ship on the planet, with a capacity of more than 5400 passengers each, and vast internal shopping atriums, big stage shows, ice rinks, rock-climbing walls, and even boxing rings. A few mid-sized ships are in the fleet, too.
A wide range of activities makes most of Royal Carribean’s ships solid options for multi-generational vacations. Most of the ships offer a broad range of dining options, though buffets can be thoroughly mediocre. The liner is also heavy into branding—Starbucks, Johnny Rockets, and Barbie all rear their corporate heads. The mood is relaxed, and dress codes aren’t doggedly enforced. A few amenities are missing, such as in-cabin bathrobes and self-service laundry rooms. Available itineraries span the globe, from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia.
The Allure of the Seas is, just by a few inches, the biggest ship sailing the seven seas (at least at the moment). It's the second Oasis class ship, and has space for more than 8,000 people, including crew, spread out on 16 decks. Read full 10-part review
Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas received a bundle of upgrades in 2011, including the Cupcake Cupboard, a 3D movie theater, and the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery. Read full 10-part review
A mega-ship in every sense of the term, only two cruise liners are larger than Liberty of the Seas. The ship puts activities and entertainment front and center with a long list of blockbuster attractions, such as a cool surf simulator, a towering climbing wall, a theatre with productions that aspire to touring-show quality, and an ice rink—there’s even a cupcakery offering hands-on baking lessons!. Read full 10-part review
With lots of windows allowing ample natural light into common areas, this mid-size ship is a good bet for both first-time cruisers and veterans alike. But the surcharges added up, and a shortage of waiters in restaurants and hit-and-miss meals were areas where Radiance of the Seas should have been more radiant. Read full 10-part review
