We're going to look at every aspect of Royal Caribbean with everything you need to know.
From the different ships, destinations and what it's like onboard
Ahoy there cruisers. We're cruise with Ben and David.
Together we're "Bavid".
Let's get on with the show.
Let's start with a brief rundown.
Royal Caribbean was founded in 1969 and have eight classes of ship.
Some of the older types of ship are very different to the newer ones
and that can really change the type of holiday.
So should we take a look at some of the different types of ships David?
Let's do!
Let's kick off first with the oldest class of ship, going up to the newest class.
So the oldest class is the Empress-class
and this consists of just one ship.
Guess what it's called...
Empress...
Empress of the Seas.
It holds just 1,800 passengers.
Making it the smallest ship in the fleet.
Teeny tiny!
It is teeny tiny.
And being small it means that it's a very uncrowded ship.
With plenty of panoramic windows and personalized service.
However, it misses all the big and new features that you find on the new ships.
But you can grab yourself some bargain cruises on these ships.
So what you lack in water slides, you gain in a smaller ship experience.
Definitely pick this ship for the destination rather than the actual ship facilities.
So, next up is the Sovereign-class.
This was built in the early 90s
and again there's only one ship; "Majesty of the Seas".
She's a little bit bigger holding 2,300 people
and she was refurbished a few years ago
making her all shiny and new again.
Again, she's missing some of the bigger features of the newer and bigger ships.
And is better suited to short or bargain cruises.
There's a limited selection of dining options
but she still does have that wonderful charm about her.
Next we have the Vision-class.
These ships were built in the mid-to-late 90s.
There are four ships in this class;
The Grandeur, Rhapsody, Enchantment and Vision of the Seas.
These are smaller more intimate ships that hold around 2,000 passengers.
They are super relaxed and it's so easy to find your way around on these ships.
The benefits to this class of ship are their beautiful glass panoramic windows
with amazing views on offer.
Again, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that you'll find on the newer ships
but they are still charming nevertheless.
These ships should be chosen for their scenic itineraries
and are more suited to people who prefer a relaxing vacation.
I feel like I've been relaxing too much.
What David was trying to say...
is that suited to people who like relaxing vacations like David.
So next up we have the Voyager-class of ships.
These were built in the late-90s to the early 00s.
There are five ships in this class including; Voyager, Explorer. Adventure, Navigator
and Mariner of the Seas.
So these ships are undergoing, some already have, a massive multi-million dollar refurbishment program.
With new features and venues to bring them up to date with the latest Royal ships.
They feature the Royal Promenade.
This is a lovely area where you'll find lots of shops, restaurants and bars.
You'll also find some cool features like an ice rink, mini-golf, the FlowRider surf simulator
as well as the climbing walls.
This makes them a really great choice for families and those who like to have fun.
It really is a good all-rounder.
Love the Royal Promenade and all the extra features on board
and most of them are included.
It's like a little mall isn't it.
You can walk through there.
There's coffee shops, restaurants and bars.
It's really nice isn't it.
It's the hub of the ship.
Really comes to life on a night.
With thing's like parties, 90's parties, 80's parties.
They even have a parade which is really cool.
It actually makes getting on the ship really easy.
It does it's just a central hub.
So on to the next class is the Radiance-class.
the Radiance-class features four ships.
Radiance. Brilliance and Jewel of the Seas.
Oh they sound so classy!
They were built in the mid-00s and hold over 2,100 passengers.
Meaning they're a slightly smaller ship.
They are beautiful and elegant ships.
With over three acres of glass and elevators.
Offering picturesque views.
On these ships though you'll never forget that you're sailing.
There's no Royal promenade but there's still lots of features
including a vertical theater for an aerialist show,
themed dining rooms, lounges and a pool with retracting roof.
Which makes it perfect for cruises that are in cooler climates.
These ships are perfect for those who would like to relax
as the other ships tend to offer more activities.
So one that does offer more activities are the Freedom class ships.
These were built in the late 00s and hold up to 4,500 passengers.
There's three ships in the class;
Freedom, Liberty and Independence of The Seas.
One of our favorites.
These are basically lengthened versions of the Voyager-class which we just talked about.
With many of the similar features including a Royal promenade,
Cantilevered whirlpools, water parks and an ice rink.
All three ships are undergoing refurbishment to amplify them with new features
such as amazing water slides, escape rooms and even a VR trampoline.
You'll find loads of onboard activities and entertainment.
There really is something for everyone.
So these ships attract families, active couples and even mature travelers.
Making it another really good all-rounder.
Definitely and those amplifications are really making the ships feel like new again .
They're really are.
They're really great.
We've taken our family on them before.
There's some vlogs in our playlists
and honestly every single person had a fantastic time.
Just because there's so much to do.
Yeah, definitely.
Take a look at our Independence of the Seas transatlantic vlog.
To see what life is like on board.
So next up is the Oasis class
and this is the one you've probably heard about.
It's the biggest cruise ships in the world.
They are the biggest cruise ships in the world I should say.
They're still being built and they were first built in 2009.
These ships hold around 5,500 people.
So yeah, they are massive.
There are 4 ships currently sailing;
Oasis, Allure, Harmony and Symphony of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas is currently under construction
and will be aimed at the Asian market.
The older ships in the fleet, such as the Oasis,
have been updated to add new features.
Such as the terrifying Ultimate Abyss dry slide.
And all the ships feature unique neighborhood areas.
Such as the five deck high Boardwalk and Central Park
and that Central Park is really pretty.
It's literally like a park on a ship guys.
You do not - you can't understand it till you see it.
Honestly they are amazing.
They've even got a little merry-go-round in the middle, shops, bars and restaurants.
It feels like a holiday resort doesn't it.
And live plants! When people say cruise ships are like cities
this one really does feel like a city.
But as they say size comes at a price
and these ships can get really really busy.
Especially with children and families.
So expect long lines during the holidays when the kids are not at school.
These ships are really best for active people and particularly families.
Basically anybody who loves to have an adventure.
There is so much to do on board these ships.
There is more places to eat then possible in the cruise
and they have the most cutting-edge technology
like the really cool Bionic Bar.
You'll also find plenty of water slides,
a zipline, an ice rink,
a huge indoor and outdoor theater
plus much much.
And the fantastic thing about the ships
is that almost all of the activities are actually included in the cost of your cruise.
Yeah they are absolutely nuts guys.
If you've ever seen one of these ships and port you will know it because it's a monster.
So finally we have the Quantum-class.
This is the newest class of ship.
They hold around 4200 people
and feature many of the same features as the Oasis class.
There's five ships in this class.
The Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas.
These ships are really cool and really focused on technology.
Filled with features such as the Bionic bar
and a two deck high venue called 270.
Which features some amazing seamless video projection screens. robotics and human artistry.
There's also dodgems - you heard me right, rollerblading, a parachuting simulator
and the North Star which is a giant moving arm with a platform
where you can get some amazing views.
These ships are packed with bars, restaurants and shopping venues.
They also feature two beautiful solariums.
One for families and the other adults only at the front of the ship.
It's the nicest area ever
and it makes them perfect for cooler destinations like Alaska.
Some dining and activities can be expensive on the ship
and do require reservations.
But these ships are great for fun-loving families, adults, groups and couples.
So, let's talk a little bit about the destinations.
Well to sum it up there's a massive range of itineraries and destinations available.
Including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Australia and Asia.
There's also special longer world cruises.
As well as repositioning cruises across the transatlantic and the Pacific.
Plus the Panama Canal.
I would loved to do at Panama Canal.
Cruises range from 2 nights all the way up to several weeks.
In the Caribbean you'll find several of Royal Caribbean's private islands.
Including Labadie and of the brand newly updated Perfect Day at Coco Cay.
These resorts are really, really amazing.
And include a lot of activities like water parks, sports, ziplining and idyllic beaches.
Oh they are amazing as we said they're completely private.
So they are just for Royal Caribbean passengers.
So there's nobody there bothering you or anything like that.
You're completely safe with all of your family.
And they're just gorgeous aren't there.
They are a really great beach day and you've got obviously all the facilities.
You've got the bars and you've got the dining venues on the islands as well.
Absolutely.
The only thing to remember is that a lot of the activities are in extra charge on these islands.
Now, let's look at some of the dining.
[David] I'm so hungry. [Ben] Oh me too!
The main dining rooms are all included in the price.
These are open for breakfast as well as lunch on sea days.
You can either pick set time traditional dining
This is basically where you dine at the same time, on the same table, every night.
Or you can choose something called my time dining which is more flexible.
And you can choose to eat anytime between 6:00 and 9:30 p.m.
You will usually be seated on a different table every time
but obviously this gives you a little bit more flexibility.
but sometimes you do have a little wait as well.
There is also a number of complimentary quick dining options.
Such as the buffet.
Some of the quick service restaurants include the pizzeria Sorrento's,
the Cafe Promenade - serving sandwiches, pastries and treats.
Room service is an extra fee and at the time of filming costs $7.95 for everything you order.
So you can order loads of plates and you will only pay that $7.95.
Yeah, that's just a one-off delivery charge.
Royal Caribbean offers some of the largest range of speciality restaurants at sea.
A speciality restaurant basically means that it has an extra charge.
So you've got everything from Jamie Oliver's Italian to Japanese Cuisine.
There really is something to suit every single taste.
Formal nights are nights where formal dress is required in the main dining room.
A shirt and trousers for men or a blouse and trousers or dress the ladies will suffice.
You don't need to do the whole tux thing.
The number of formal nights change depending on the length of your cruise.
There are usually two formal nights on a 7-night cruise.
And if you don't fancy dressing up
It's absolutely fine you can go to you some of the other restaurants
or eat in the Buffett.
Don't worry about the formal nights.
They're really not as formal as you would think.
And even recently they've changed the name to elegant night.
So it is really just a slightly fancier night than normal.
Entertainment wise there's an outstanding range of Broadway shows in the main theater.
Such as Greece, We Will Rock You and Hairspray.
and these
These are the full-length Broadway productions.
Plus, there's lots of live music, comedy and visiting acts too in the main theatres.
There's also quizzes, trivia and game shows.
As well as loads to do for the kids.
There's also the fantastic kids clubs.
But, who better talk about the kids clubs then kids themselves.
Oh thank you so much.
That was Henry and Herbie our twin nephews.
Let's get back to it;
So on a night there's loads of night clubs for adults, casinos, themed bars and live music.
All around the ship,
And outside you'll find multiple pools, hot tubs, sun beds
and loads more.
The newer ships feature full outdoor movie screens
and water slides.
So let's take a look at some of the different types of accommodation onboard these ships.
There's everything from cheaper inside cabins
To oceanview cabins which are cabins with a window.
Balcony cabins which are cabins with a balcony.
To multi-level suites.
So the really is a category for everybody and every budget.
All cabins feature an interactive flat-screen TV, a large comfortable bed
and they come in all different shapes and sizes.
Essentially guys the larger the cabin, the more it will cost you.
Yeah.
They've got some crazy cabins including multi-level family suites,
duplex suites, suites with butlers - which they call Genies on Royal Caribbean.
And some ships even offer virtual balconies in inside cabins.
A little bit like our portholes.
Our little virtual portholes but a little bit bigger.
It's basically an 80 inch HD screen with a live view of the outside.
Which looks like a balcony on your inside cabin.
On the larger ships you'll find solo cabins
which are cabins are specifically designed for solo travelers
and it means that you don't have to pay at the single occupancy fee.
And all ships also feature accessible staterooms which have walk-in wet rooms.
So let's take a look at what's included in the price of your cruise.
Main dining, buffet restaurants and quick service dining venues are all complementary
and there's also a good selection of free tea, coffee, water and juices.
Kids clubs and entertainment are some of the best at sea and fully included in the price.
Most activities such as water slides, ice rink, the FlowRider, climbing walls
and live entertainment are all included.
And what is not included in your cruise.
Well, first of all drinks.
But drinks packages can be purchased before or whilst you're on the cruise.
It's usually cheaper to buy them beforehand on the Royal Caribbean cruise planner.
Which you'll find from the Royal Caribbean website.
Royal Caribbean run different deals throughout the year.
So you need to keep checking to see if there's a good deal on your speciality drinks package.
Speciality dining is also an extra charge
and costs anywhere from about $10 to $75 per person.
Depending on the restaurant.
As well as drinks packages they also offer dining packages.
So that you can buy several meals at a reduced price.
Again. you can do that on the cruise planner on the Royal Caribbean website.
Wi-Fi internet starts from around $9.99 per day
and is pretty good - especially on the newer ships which feature the Voom Internet.
As with all mainstream cruise lines, shore excursions are an extra charge
and vary massively in price.
From around $30 per person upwards of $200 per person.
You can spend a lot on shore excursions.
In addition there's a daily gratuity charge that is automatically added to your account each day.
And at the time of filming the gratuity charge is $14.50 per person, per day for guests in junior suites and below.
So this is the standard category cabins.
Or $17.50 per person per day for guests in grand suites and above.
If you are luck enough to stay there!
You have to remember as well.
It does it matter how old you are.
Everybody pays the same gratuity charge.
So if it's two adults and two kids you are going to be paying it four times.
And depending on where the ship is sailing and on the ship you're on.
Some of the onboard activities, such as the North Star, will also have a charge.
Yeah it does vary.
So overall we really love the flexibility of Royal Caribbean.
It really doesn't feel stuffy and you are free to do what you want, when you want.
But do be warned on the newer ships, as we just said,
some entertainment and activities require you to book beforehand
or whilst on board.
and the cost of drinks and dining can add up
so keep this into consideration when booking.
These are really fun ships with fantastic activities and entertainment
at all times of the day and night.
The rooms we've stayed in have always been very clean and spacious
and the crew have always been fantastic.
There's a massive range of places to eat both free and at an extra charge.
It does really feel like modern cruising doesn't it.
Yeah I think the biggest thing I always take away from the Royal Caribbean
is that they're a great all-rounder a cruise line for families and individuals alike.
If you do want a more traditional style of cruising.
Look at the older ships.
But if you want something that's new, modern, packed full of fun.
You need to be looking at the newer ships.
So guys that's it for our video for our Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean in 2020.
We hope you really enjoyed it.
Please do let us know what you think in the comments below
and hit that subscribe button so you're subscribed
We've got some amazing Royal Caribbean videos coming this year.
Hint hint.
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Cruise captain of the week this week is Amy so thank you Amy!
That's it till next time, Happy cruising!
Shall we do our little joke of the week guys?
[David] Go on then. [Ben] Is it that time?
Why didn't the sailors play cards?
So why didn't sailors play cards?
Because the captain was standing on the deck!
Well wasn't very nice of him.
No, do you get it?
Yeah.. standing on the deck.
Cuz he was standing on the deck of cards.
Yeah, yeah i know. I do get it.