A week on Allure of the Seas and a week on Enchantment of the Seas are very different holidays. Start with the ship: compare the cabins, food and activities, read our editorial verdict, then find the people sailing with you.
Royal Caribbean makes the most sense when you want the ship to be a major part of the holiday. Its appeal lies in the combination of evening entertainment, active days at sea and places for different generations to spend time together. But the name on the funnel does not tell you how much of that experience you will get.
In Kamel Belgacem’s assessment, entertainment and activities are the strongest reasons to choose the line. His reservations concern the gap between the headline fare and the final bill, busy shared spaces at peak times, and the condition of standard cabins on older ships. A refurbishment announcement is a reason to check what changed, rather than assume every bathroom and bedroom is new.
Our advice: shortlist the ship class before comparing departure dates. A smaller, older vessel can be a sensible choice for a port-focused trip; it will disappoint if you booked expecting the attractions shown in an Icon-class advertisement.
English adaptation of Kamel Belgacem’s company analysis, updated on OkCroisiere on October 25, 2026. The original rating includes the perspective of French travellers; individual ships and sailings can deliver a different experience.
Think about how you will spend a sea day. A family planning to use attractions from morning to evening needs a different ship from a couple who mainly want ocean views, dinner and a show. These class profiles narrow the choice; facilities still vary between sister ships.
Consider Icon class when water-based fun and dedicated family spaces are central to the trip. Its neighbourhood layout gives different parts of the day their own setting. Check the walking distances and your cabin’s position before choosing on headline attractions alone.
Ships such as Allure combine Central Park, the Boardwalk and large entertainment venues. This is a strong starting point for travellers who want plenty to do without repeating the same evening. Allow time for getting around and plan popular shows.
This family of ships includes Anthem and Odyssey. Two70 and the covered SeaPlex help distinguish the experience from Oasis class. Check the exact ship’s activity list and booking conditions, especially if one attraction is the reason for your choice.
The Royal Promenade and ice-show venues give these classes a recognisable Royal Caribbean atmosphere. They are worth comparing if you want entertainment without choosing the largest ships. Refits differ: do not assume every sister ship has the same slides or restaurants.
Radiance-class ships put more emphasis on glass-lined spaces and views. They suit travellers who want to watch the scenery between port days. Compare the cabin condition and available dining choices as carefully as the itinerary.
Enchantment is a useful example of the contrast with the megaships. Choose this class for a simpler onboard rhythm, rather than the newest attractions. Kamel’s main caution is to examine the accommodation closely and set expectations for a smaller entertainment offer.
Start with Allure for the Oasis-class experience, or Enchantment for a smaller Vision-class ship. Each published guide connects the editorial review with cabins, dining and activities so you can judge the whole holiday.
Begin with the people sharing the room. Compare the bed arrangement, usable floor space and bathroom layout, especially when a sofa bed or extra berth will be occupied. Two connecting rooms may solve a family’s privacy problem better than a single larger category.
Then read the deck plan. A cabin close to the places you will use most can save repeated walks; being beneath an active public deck may matter more to a light sleeper than the view. On ships with inward-facing balconies, check whether the description promises an ocean view or overlooks a neighbourhood.
Kamel’s source review flags ageing standard accommodation as a recurring concern on older vessels. Treat that as a question to investigate through recent, cabin-specific reports, not a verdict on every room. A review is most useful when it names the deck, category, sailing date and any noise or maintenance issue.
The Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet provide the foundation of included dining. Additional casual venues depend on the ship. Specialty restaurants such as Chops Grille and Izumi cost extra, so check the actual restaurant list before buying a dining package.
Kamel rates dining below entertainment in his company assessment. His concern is consistency: crowded buffet periods and uneven experiences matter more to him than the sheer number of venues. For your own trip, compare the included choices you would use each day with the paid restaurants you would genuinely book.
A Royal Caribbean cruise is not automatically all-inclusive. Allow for drinks beyond the included selection, internet access, specialty meals, excursions and applicable gratuities. Look at your sailing’s booking terms and package conditions before comparing totals. A lower cabin fare can lose its advantage once your usual extras are added.
For a simple comparison, write down the total for your party: fare, travel to the port, gratuities and the extras you actually want. Keep optional splurges separate so you can see what you would be comfortable leaving out.
Royal Caribbean’s entertainment is a central strength in Kamel’s review. Theatre productions, sports and family activities can fill the hours between ports, but the ship determines the programme. Aqua shows, ice shows and headline attractions are not available throughout the fleet.
Adventure Ocean caters to children aged 3–12, with separate teen spaces and programmes. Families with younger children should check nursery availability, charges and session times on the chosen ship. Age, height and other participation requirements can also decide whether a much-anticipated activity is suitable.
For Oasis, Icon and Quantum-class ships, check which shows can be reserved in the Royal Caribbean app or My Royal Cruise. Avoid filling every evening before thinking about dinner and your children’s routine. A good plan leaves room for the unexpected conversation or an unhurried evening on deck.
Count the sea days before deciding how much onboard variety you need. On a port-intensive Mediterranean itinerary, cabin comfort and a convenient evening meal may matter more than a long attractions list. On a trip with several sea days, the pool layout, indoor spaces and entertainment deserve more weight.
If CocoCay appears on your itinerary, you can enjoy beaches such as Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon and included food venues without buying a waterpark ticket. Thrill Waterpark, Hideaway Beach and Coco Beach Club are paid options. Decide whether you want a beach day, slides or a premium beach area before purchasing extras; prices depend on your sailing.
Compare the full journey as well as the cruise: arrival times, the distance between airport and port, and the buffer you want before embarkation. Check travel-document requirements for your nationality and itinerary with the relevant authorities before committing to transport.
Already booked? Look for your ship and departure in Meetups to arrange a coffee, meet other families or find people to explore a port with. After the trip, help the next cruiser with a dated review of your cabin, meals and daily life aboard.
You can review ships across the Royal Caribbean fleet, including those whose editorial guides are not yet published.
Start with the holiday you want. Oasis class is a useful shortlist for entertainment and dining variety; Vision class is a different proposition for travellers prioritising ports and a smaller ship. Compare the actual cabin, itinerary and final budget before picking a winner.
Meals in complimentary venues are included, together with a limited selection of basic drinks. Specialty dining, many beverages and drink packages are additional purchases. Check your fare and chosen ship’s venues before deciding what to add.
No. Attractions vary substantially by class and by ship. Do not book an older, smaller ship expecting the water slides or family neighbourhoods advertised for Icon class. Check the specific ship guide.
Yes, if the itinerary, accommodation and onboard facilities suit you. They can offer a more traditional cruise. Read recent cabin reports and check the scope of any refurbishment; new public spaces do not necessarily mean refurbished cabins.
No. His 3.9/5 is a separate editorial assessment of the company, carried over from his OkCroisiere analysis. Passenger reviews describe individual sailings and remain distinct from that company-level judgement.
Use our Meetups area to find your ship and departure, then explore or propose a gathering. Keep the meeting place and time clear so fellow cruisers can join you once aboard.
Adapted in English from Kamel Belgacem’s Royal Caribbean company hub and expert review on OkCroisiere, with a focus on choosing a ship and sharing the onboard experience. Kamel has followed cruising for more than 20 years and previously worked at Expedia and a Marseille-based tour operator. This guide is an editorial synthesis, not a claim that every ship was personally tested.
Official references checked October 27, 2026: ship classes and fleet history, fare inclusions, dining venues, activities and youth programmes, show reservations, and CocoCay inclusions and extras. Facilities, charges and booking arrangements depend on the ship and sailing.
Sign in or create an account to join the meetups aboard your sailing, post reviews and comment.
Continue with GoogleEmail me a sign-in link instead
New here? Create an account
By proceeding, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
