Royal Caribbean International

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Overview

Big, bigger, biggest! More than two decades ago, Royal Caribbean launched Sovereign-class ships, the first of the modern megacruise liners, which continue to be an all-around favorite of passengers who enjoy traditional cruising ambience with a touch of daring and whimsy tossed in. Plunging into the 21st century, each ship in the current fleet carries more passengers than the entire Royal Caribbean fleet of the 1970s, and has features—such as new surfing pools—that were unheard of in the past.

All Royal Caribbean ships are topped by the company's distinctive signature Viking Crown Lounge, a place to watch the seascape by day and dance away at night. Expansive multideck atriums and the generous use of brass and floor-to-ceiling glass windows give each vessel a sense of spaciousness and style. The action is nonstop in casinos and dance clubs after dark, while daytime hours are filled with poolside games and traditional cruise activities. Port talks tend to lean heavily on shopping recommendations and the sale of shore excursions.

A variety of lounges and high-energy stage shows draws passengers of all ages out to mingle and dance the night away. Production extravaganzas showcase singers and dancers in lavish costumes. Comedians, acrobats, magicians, jugglers, and solo entertainers fill show lounges on nights when the ships' companies aren't performing. Professional ice shows are a highlight of cruises on Voyager-, Freedom-, and Oasis-class ships—the only ships at sea with ice-skating rinks.

1050 Royal Caribbean Way, Miami, FL, 33132-2096. 305/539-6000 or 800/327-6700. www.royalcaribbean.com. Cruise Style: Mainstream.