Recommended for...

Overall, Royal Caribbean (RCI) is BEST FOR people who want...

• Sporty "bells and whistles": all ships have a rock-climbing wall, and many have ice skating rinks and even surf simulators.

<--break!-->

• "Polished" product at mass-market prices: RCI consistently delivers a high standard of ship upkeep, dining, and efficient, professional service. Even fussy cruisers will rarely see scuffed furniture or worn carpet.
• Spanish-speaking environment. Most announcements are made in both English and Spanish, and other languages are added to safety announcements (depending on the composition of guests aboard). The daily program, dinner menus, and select television channels are available in a wide variety of languages.

Some groups should look for SPECIFIC SHIPS / SAILINGS:

• No crowds. Although well-designed, the largest ships are prone to lines and crowds, especially at embarkation and when tendering. Avoid Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas.
• No kids. Even in the off-season there will be a significant number of families aboard the newest ships and those on 7-day or shorter itineraries.
• Flexible dining in the main dining room is currently being tested and is not widely available

The line is NOT RECOMMENDED FOR those who require ...

• Highly active nightlife. The social atmosphere aboard RCI ships is generally much more subdued than on Carnival, with the disco and casino frequently empty early in the evening.
• Small-ship experience. With the possible exception of your cabin steward, don't expect crewmembers to remember your name on an RCI ship. And the larger ships make it hard to get to know new people, as you are unlikely to run into the same folks on a regular basis.
• Luxury amenities. While RCI does a great job within its price category, it's not "luxury" - or even "premium." The cabins have no robes, only basic amenities like shampoo and soap, and limited enrichment programs.