Royal Caribbean International was founded in 1968 by three Norwegian shipping companies (Anders Wilhelmsen & Company, I.M. Skaugen & Company, and Gotaas Larsen). It introduced its first ship, Song of Norway, in 1970, pioneering the concept of purpose-built ships designed specifically for cruising. Over the years, Royal Caribbean became known for innovation, introducing features like rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and surf simulators on its ships.

In 1988, it merged with Admiral Cruises, expanding its fleet and reach. Royal Caribbean continued to lead the industry with the launch of the Voyager of the Seas in 1999, the largest cruise ship at the time, and the first with an onboard promenade.

The company kept pushing boundaries, introducing the Oasis class in 2009, featuring the largest ships in the world, including unique neighborhoods like Central Park and the Boardwalk. Today, Royal Caribbean is one of the largest and most recognized cruise lines, known for its focus on adventure and innovation at sea.

Dining Options:

• Complimentary Dining: Many of the dining venues are included in your cruise fare. These include:

  • Main Dining Room: A traditional cruise dining experience with multi-course meals that change nightly.

  • Windjammer Café: A buffet-style restaurant with a diverse range of food from international cuisines to classic favorites.

  • Café Promenade: A 24-hour spot offering snacks, sandwiches, and coffee.

  • Sorrento’s Pizza: Classic pizza with various toppings, perfect for a quick bite.

  • Boardwalk Dog House: Grab hot dogs with a selection of toppings.

• Specialty Restaurants (Premium): For a more upscale or unique dining experience, some restaurants come with an extra fee. These are typically more refined or themed, such as:

  • Chops Grille: A high-end steakhouse with expertly prepared steaks and seafood.

  • Giovanni's Italian Kitchen: A trattoria-style Italian restaurant offering pastas, pizzas, and other Italian specialties.

  • Izumi: Japanese cuisine with sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki-style dishes.

  • Wonderland: A whimsical, molecular gastronomy restaurant that offers dishes inspired by the elements like fire and ice.

  • Jamie’s Italian: Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s take on rustic Italian dishes.

Onboard Entertainment:

• Broadway-style Shows: Royal Caribbean is known for its spectacular, high-energy productions. These include full-scale musicals like Hairspray, Grease, and Mamma Mia!, depending on the ship.

• AquaTheater Shows: Found on Oasis-class ships, these shows combine acrobatics, synchronized swimming, and high diving in a spectacular open-air theater.

• Ice Skating Shows: On ships with ice rinks, you can catch stunning figure skating performances.

• Live Music and Comedy: From live bands and jazz clubs to karaoke nights and stand-up comedy, there’s something for everyone.

• Movies Under the Stars: You can enjoy feature films by the pool on select nights under the open sky.

Activities Onboard:

• Thrill-seekers: Royal Caribbean ships are packed with adrenaline-pumping activities:

  • FlowRider®: A 40-foot-long surf simulator where you can test your surfing or bodyboarding skills.

  • Rock Climbing Wall: Found on every Royal Caribbean ship, you can climb to new heights while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean.

  • Zip Line: On select ships like the Oasis-class, you can soar above the Boardwalk.

  • Sky Pad®: A bungee trampoline experience mixed with virtual reality.

  • Ultimate Abyss®: The tallest slide at sea, spiraling down 10 stories.

• Family Fun:

  • Adventure Ocean® Youth Program: Kids from 3 to 17 years old have their own space with age-appropriate games, activities, and even science experiments.

  • Splashaway Bay: A waterpark designed for younger cruisers with water cannons, slides, and fountains.

  • Laser Tag: A futuristic battle game for families and friends.

  • Mini Golf: A classic family-friendly activity.

• Relaxation:

  • Vitality Spa: Offering a wide range of treatments, from massages and facials to body wraps.

  • Solarium: An adults-only retreat with pools, whirlpools, and loungers for some peace and quiet.

  • Fitness Center: State-of-the-art equipment and group exercise classes like yoga, spinning, and Pilates.