Cruise Informer’s Complete Planning and Cruising Guide for Royal Caribbean Cruises

Destinations

Interior

 Like to sleep in complete darkness or just want an affordable place to get you on the ship? There are many reason why you might choose an interior stateroom over other more expensive options.

These rooms are excellent value. For an interior room with a view, opt for a Promenade Stateroom, available on all Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis Class ships. They offer all the features of a standard stateroom, plus a bowed window overlooking the Promenade, note these interior rooms with windows don’t give you that complete cave-like night darkness as the others, but for those of you who might want an option to a view from an interior room other than a window, there is a virtual balcony option on select ships. 

Cruise Informer recommends for:  Budget minded, frequent cruisers, and people with fears.

We really like interior staterooms but are not fans of the interior rooms with virtual balconies as the quality is not as high definition as we would like….However, it is a great affordable option if a balcony’s price is out of sight and you’d still like to have that balcony-ish feel in your room. We would suggest to just get an oceanview instead of an interior virtual balcony.  

Oceanview

Want to have a connection to the outside for a more affordable price? An oceanview stateroom might be your best choice. They are usually slightly larger than interior staterooms and offer a window with picturesque views outside of the ship.  The rooms are usually located on lower decks or towards the front or back of ships.

Cruise Informer recommends for: Budget minded, the claustrophobic, people that want some natural light, and families with little kids.

Note: These windows do not open. 

Balcony

The most common option outside of interior staterooms is the Balcony staterooms. They provide the largest budget friendly footprint while also delivering floor to ceiling sliding glass doors opening up to you own private balcony.  It’s a great way to get close to every destination each and every port.  Our favorite thing to do is enjoy breakfast in the morning on the balcony.

Cruise Informer recommends for : Adventurers, Couples, if your looking for your own private deck space. 

Note: There is no smoking allowed on balconies. 

Suites

If you want luxury, these are the rooms where you will find upgraded experiences and acces included in you stateroom booking. Not all suites are the same and you will quickly see that a junior suite is drastically different thank a Royal Loft (on select ships). Royal Suite Class or Royal Suite Program is a free benefit of these rooms.  Please see individual ship pages for more info as suites size and quality vary drastically from ship to ship.

Cruise Informer recommends for:  Special Occasions, honeymooners, people looking for luxury accommodations, and families looking to travel together and stay in the same room with lots of space.  

Royal Suite Class Ships (The best of the best; also the newest): ALLURE OF THE SEAS, ANTHEM OF THE SEAS, HARMONY OF THE SEAS, OASIS OF THE SEA, ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS, OVATION OF THE SEAS, QUANTUM OF THE SEAS, SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS, SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS, WONDER OF THE SEAS

Junior Suite (Sea Class)

A junior suite is a type of stateroom offered on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Junior suites are larger than standard staterooms and offer additional amenities and features, such as a private balcony, a sitting area, and a larger bathroom. Junior suites may also include a separate bedroom and a living area, depending on the specific ship and stateroom category.

In general, junior suites are a good choice for travelers who want more space and amenities than a standard stateroom, but who don’t want to splurge on a full suite. Junior suites may be located in a variety of areas on the ship, depending on the specific stateroom category. Some junior suites may have a partial or obstructed view, while others may offer a full or panoramic view.

Grand Suite (Sky Class)

Grand suites are among the largest and most luxurious staterooms on the ship, and they offer a range of amenities and features to make your cruise experience even more special.

Grand suites on Royal Caribbean ships typically include a private balcony, a separate bedroom and living area, a spacious bathroom with a tub and shower, and a sitting area. Grand suites may also include additional amenities such as a mini-bar, a coffee maker, and a walk-in closet. Some grand suites may also offer access to a private lounge or concierge services.

In general, grand suites are a good choice for travelers who want the ultimate in luxury and space while on a cruise. Grand suites may be located in a variety of areas on the ship, depending on the specific stateroom category. Some grand suites may have a partial or obstructed view, while others may offer a full or panoramic view.

Owner’s Suite (Sky Class)

An owner’s suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship is a type of luxury accommodation that typically includes a separate bedroom, living area, and bathroom. These suites are typically larger than other staterooms on the ship and may have additional amenities such as a private balcony, a Jacuzzi tub, and a separate seating area. Owner’s suites are typically located in a more desirable location on the ship, such as near the front or back, and may offer additional perks such as priority check-in, access to a private lounge, and concierge service. They are usually reserved for the highest paying passengers on the ship and are typically among the most expensive accommodations available.

Royal Suite 

These suites are usually larger than other staterooms on the ship and may have additional amenities such as a private balcony, a Jacuzzi tub, and a separate seating area. Royal Suites are typically located in a more desirable location on the ship, such as near the front or back, and may offer additional perks such as priority check-in, access to a private lounge, and concierge service. They are usually reserved for the highest paying passengers on the ship and are among the most expensive accommodations available.

In addition to the standard amenities offered in most staterooms, Royal Suites may also include added amenities and services, such as a private dining area, a personal butler, and priority access to various activities and amenities on the ship. The specific amenities and services included in a Royal Suite may vary depending on the specific ship and cruise package.

Crown Loft Suite (Sky Class)

The Crown Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean is a luxurious two-level accommodation available on some of the cruise line’s largest ships, including Oasis-class and Quantum-class vessels. This suite is designed to offer guests a high-end experience at sea, with luxurious amenities and stunning views of the ocean.

The Crown Loft Suite can typically accommodate up to four guests and features a modern and elegant decor. The suite is located at the top of the ship and spans two levels, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing breathtaking views of the ocean.

The first level of the suite features a spacious living area with comfortable seating, a dining area, bathroom with shower, and a media center with a large flat-screen TV. There is also a private balcony with outdoor seating, offering a perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze and panoramic views.

The second level of the suite features a master bedroom with a king-size bed and a private bathroom with a large soaking tub and shower. 

Star Loft Suite (Star Class)

The Star Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean is another luxurious two-story accommodation available on some of the cruise line’s largest ships, including Oasis-class and Quantum-class vessels. This suite offers similar amenities to the Royal Loft Suite, but with a slightly different layout and decor.

The Star Loft Suite can typically accommodate up to four guests and features a modern and sophisticated decor with a sleek and stylish design. The suite is located at the top of the ship and spans two floors, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing stunning views of the ocean.

The first floor of the suite features a spacious living area with comfortable seating, a dining area, and a media center with a large flat-screen TV. There is also a private balcony with outdoor seating, offering a perfect place to take in the fresh sea air and panoramic views.

The second floor of the suite features a master bedroom with a king-size bed and a private bathroom with a large soaking tub and shower.

Royal Loft Suite (Star Class)

The Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean is a luxurious two-story accommodation available on some of the cruise line’s largest ships, including Oasis-class and Quantum-class vessels. This suite is designed to provide guests with a high-end experience at sea, with an array of luxurious amenities and stunning views of the ocean.

The Royal Loft Suite can typically accommodate up to six guests and features modern and stylish decor. The suite is located at the top of the ship and spans two floors, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing breathtaking views of the ocean.

The first floor of the suite features a spacious living area with comfortable seating, a dining area, and a media center with a large flat-screen TV. There is also a private balcony with outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and panoramic views.

The second floor of the suite features a master bedroom with a king-size bed and a private bathroom with a large soaking tub and shower.

Main Dining Room

In the Main Dining Room, you can experience flavors that take you from French to Asian and anywhere in between, a rotating menu of delicious dishes always offering something unexpected. A multi-level restaurant that in the morning is the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty brunch paired with refreshing mimosas, at dinnertime transforms into a world-class dining experience with a menu that invites you to taste your way around the world.

Windjammer

No matter what kind of dish you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something tasty worth trying at the Windjammer. Pop in during the morning for a breakfast buffet sample your way from Italy to India with dishes like traditional chicken marsala, savory pork vindaloo, tangy duck a l’Orange, and flavorful Caribbean goat curry during lunch and dinner.

Chef’s Table

Start your meal with the Scallop carpaccio, served with yuzu vinaigrette and crispy quinoa. Then transition to the Smoked tomato soup, sprinkled with garlic focaccia croutons and parmesan. Seafood lovers rave about the Maine lobster salad, flavored with pineapple, cilantro, and vanilla dressing, and the Roasted branzino paired with grilled vegetables and lemon confit. Blending peanut butter ganache, Valrhona chocolate mousse, and salted caramel gelato, our signature dessert, The world, is the ultimate sweet ending.

Chops Grille

Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse with all the classics. The steakhouse’s dark woods are offset with jewel-toned carpeting and tan accents in addition to white tablecloths, all of which emphasize the restaurant’s upscale feel.  

Izumi

From delicious sushi rolls to fresh sashimi and nigiri, Izumi serves up an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience. Savor izakaya-style appetizers and rolls that range from classic to imaginative. 

The Mason Jar

Where Southern comfort food meets hospitality and creativity. On the menu are staples and new twists on classics for brunch and dinner, and late at night, along with live country music, farmhouse-style decor, a robust collection of 19 American whiskeys and other Southern libations.

Coastal Kitchen

Exclusively for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, Coastal Kitchen fuses Mediterranean influences with farm-fresh flavors from California. Filled with Pacific Coast favorites and Med-inspired entrees, the menu here rotates to spotlight delicious, seasonal ingredients. And you can pair every bite with a glass or bottle of wine off a list that includes vintages from the sun-kissed valleys of Napa to the golden-green hills of Tuscany.

El Loco Fresh

If you’re stopping by El Loco Fresh for breakfast, try a filling breakfast burrito or breakfast quesadilla. For lunch until 6 p.m., this fast-casual favorite focuses on delicious Mexican staples like shareable nachos loaded with creamy cheese, savory tacos, and burritos stuffed with your choice of beef, chicken, or pork, and south-of-the-border sweets like chocolate dulce de leche,  Mexican flan, and a tres leches cake.

Wonderland

Wonderland is a unique and whimsical specialty restaurant on select Royal Caribbean cruise ships, featuring a creative and playful approach to dining. The restaurant is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic book “Alice in Wonderland” and is designed to be an immersive and interactive dining experience.

The restaurant has a modern and eclectic decor, with bright colors, unusual shapes, and unexpected details throughout the space. The menu is presented as a “storybook” with different sections, each with a different theme, such as “Fire,” “Ice,” “Earth,” and “Sea.”

The dishes at Wonderland are designed to be visually stunning and playful, using unexpected ingredients and techniques to create a multi-sensory dining experience. Guests are encouraged to try dishes they may not have had before, and the servers provide guidance on how to best enjoy each dish.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar

Giovanni’s Kitchen and Wine Bar is a specialty restaurant on select Royal Caribbean cruise ships, featuring classic Italian dishes and a curated selection of wines in a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. The restaurant is named after Royal Caribbean’s corporate executive chef, Giovanni Oursi.

The restaurant has a modern and upscale decor, with warm lighting, dark wood finishes, and tasteful artwork on the walls.

The menu at Giovanni’s Kitchen and Wine Bar features a range of classic Italian dishes, such as pasta, risotto, and meat dishes. The restaurant sources its ingredients from local markets and artisanal producers to ensure the freshest and highest quality ingredients. In addition to the food, the restaurant also offers a carefully curated selection of wines, which are specifically chosen to complement the flavors of the dishes.

Hooked

Hooked has a nautical-themed decor, with fishing nets, oars, and other maritime touches throughout the space.

The menu features a variety of seafood options, including appetizers, main dishes, and sides. The restaurant sources its seafood from sustainable fisheries, and the menu changes regularly to reflect what is fresh and in season.

Jamie’s Italian

Jamie’s Italian is a specialty restaurant on select Royal Caribbean cruise ships, featuring Italian cuisine created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. The restaurant offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere with modern décor and an open kitchen, allowing guests to see the chefs at work.

The menu at Jamie’s Italian features a range of classic Italian dishes such as pasta, risotto, pizza, and antipasti. The restaurant uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to create its dishes, and many of the ingredients are sourced from local markets. In addition to the main menu, Jamie’s Italian offers a daily special created by the chef himself.

Cafe Promenade

A 24-hour cafe experience with a variety of food and drink options. The café is designed to be a hub for guests looking for a quick bite or a caffeine fix throughout the day.

The café has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating and large windows that provide plenty of natural light. The menu at Café Promenade features a range of food options, including pastries, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The offerings are designed to appeal to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, and are ideal for a quick breakfast, lunch, or snack.

Sorrento’s Pizza

Sorrento’s Pizza is a complimentary pizza restaurant available on select Royal Caribbean cruise ships. The restaurant is located in a casual and lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for families, friends, and groups looking to enjoy a quick and tasty meal.

The menu at Sorrento’s Pizza features a range of classic and contemporary pizza flavors, all made to order with fresh ingredients. Some of the most popular pizza options include traditional margherita pizza, pepperoni pizza, and vegetarian pizza, as well as a variety of specialty pizzas with unique toppings such as prosciutto, arugula, and feta cheese.

Solarium Bistro

Solarium Bistro is a specialty dining restaurant available on select Royal Caribbean cruise ships, with a focus on health-conscious cuisine. The bistro is located in the Solarium, a glass-enclosed area on the ship that offers a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere.

The menu at Solarium Bistro features a range of dishes made with fresh and healthy ingredients, including salads, soups, seafood, and vegetarian options. The emphasis is on whole foods, with an emphasis on dishes that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

The Cafe @TWO70

The café is named after its 270-degree panoramic views of the ocean, which are provided by floor-to-ceiling windows that line the entire back wall of the venue.

The café has a modern and elegant atmosphere, with sleek furnishings and a sophisticated color scheme. The menu at Café 270 features a range of contemporary and health-conscious food options, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, and small plates.

Playmakers

Playmakers Sports Bar is a popular dining and entertainment venue on select Royal Caribbean cruise ships, offering a lively and immersive sports bar experience for guests. The bar is designed to be a hub for sports fans, with multiple large-screen TVs showing live sporting events, and a variety of games and activities to keep guests entertained.

The bar has a casual and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable seating and plenty of space for groups. The menu at Playmakers Sports Bar features a range of classic bar food, including wings, burgers, nachos, and other snacks.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is a retro-style burger joint and malt shop that can be found on select Royal Caribbean cruise ships. The restaurant offers a nostalgic dining experience, complete with classic American burgers, fries, milkshakes, and rock ‘n’ roll music.

The menu at Johnny Rockets features a variety of classic diner fare, including burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, and milkshakes. The burgers are made with fresh, never-frozen beef, and guests can customize their burgers with a variety of toppings, such as bacon, cheese, mushrooms, and more.

3 Restaurant Package 

 For the 3 Restaurant Package, you can experience Royal’s unique specialty restaurants and enjoy great savings when you purchase this package to dine at 3 different venues. For pricing and reservations, visit your MyCruise portal.

From our experience the additional average cost is ~$10/per person and saves your approximately ~$5/per person from booking the restaurants individually. This is a great package if your looking to experience the specialty restaurants but also looking to dine in the main dining room. 

Cruise Informer Tip: Try something out of your comfort zone, you might find a new favorite dish. Great for all cruise lengths. 

Unlimited Dining Package

For the Unlimited Dining Package,

Savor the savings with the Unlimited Dining Package! For one low price, you can enjoy multiple entrees and visit multiple specialty restaurants every night of your sailing. And as an added bonus, the unlimited package also applies to lunch at specialty restaurants on sea days. Plus, enjoy a discount of 40% off bottles of wine under $100 and 20% off bottles above $100 while dining in specialty restaurants.

Prices vary by ship and sailing date

From our experience the additional average cost is ~$89-$119/per person on a 3 night cruise and ~$250-$320/per person on a 7 night cruise. However, on sale pricing ranges from ~$66-$89/per person on a 3 night cruise and ~$166-$199/per person on a 7 night cruise. Sales are not gauranteed to happen for every cruise.  

Cruise Informer Tip: Royal consistently has cruise planner sales where significant savings can be made on this package. The Cruise Informer team loves this package for 3-7 day cruises. For longer cruises (greater than 7 days), sometimes it is a better value to pay as you go or purchase the 3 restaurant package since you might not want to dine specialty every meal on the longer cruise lengths. 

Deluxe Beverage Package

With the Deluxe Beverage Package,

You will be able to toast to virtually unlimited options on your vacation – wake up with premium coffee, tea, and fresh-squeezed juices, then keep cool onboard with non-alcoholic drinks and bottled still and sparkling water. Relax and unwind with premium and frozen cocktails, domestic and imported beers and a wide selection of wines by the glass.

Pricing: During a sale you can expect this package to cost $50-$70/per person/per day. So on a three day cruise for two people at the lowest price, it would be $50 x 3 (# of nights on cruise) x 2 (number of drinking adults in your stateroom) = $300. This means for 2 adults on a 3 night cruise, their cost for the deluxe beverage package would total $300 before tax if the price per person/per day was $50. 

Cruise Informer Tip: Royal consistently has cruise planner sales where significant savings can be made.  Royal usually offers a boarding day BOGO (buy one get one) half off with the first package being full price. This means if you have two people sailing, you can buy one deluxe unlimited drinks package and get the other one half off. 

Highlights:

Enjoy a discount of 40% off bottles of wine under $100 and 20% off bottles above $100 in bars and dining rooms

Brands Included:

Vodka: Absolut, Belvedere, Grey Goose, Stoli, Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Rum: Bacardi, Bacardi 8, Captain Morgan Rum, Malibu Miami Club

Gin: Aviation, Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire, New Amsterdam, The Botanist

Tequila/ Mezcal: 1800 Avion Silver, Camarena Gold, Patron Silver, Del Maquey Vida Blanco Mezcal

Scotch: Chiva Regal 12 Year Old, Dewars 12 Year, Glenfiddich, Johnnie Walker Black, The Glenlivet

Whiskey, Bourbon/ Rye: Buffalo Trace, Canadian Club, Crown Royal, Jack Daniels, Jameson, Makers Mark, Whistle Pig Rye

Cognac: Hennessy VS, Remy Martin VSOP

Refreshment Package 

With the Refreshment Package,

You may wake up with the aroma of your favorite freshly brewed premium coffee or tea and enjoy breakfast with fresh-squeezed juices. Keep hydrated all day long with unlimited fountain soda refills in your Coca-Cola souvenir cup or a refreshing bottle of still or sparkling water.

What’s Included: Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages, Non-alcoholic cocktails, Fountain soda and refills at any venue, Bottled still and sparkling water, Premium coffees, teas, Fresh-squeezed juices, Johnny Rocket maltshakes, and a Coca-Cola souvenir refillable RFID cup.

Cruise Informer tip: On Oasis Class ships the vitality spa cafe can make you smoothies, fresh pressed juices, and juice shots of your choice.

Classic Soda Package

With the Classic Soda Package,

You will receive a Refillable RFID activated Cup that provides you access to Unlimited Flavor combinations on several Coke Freestyle machines scattered throughout your ship along with select fountain sodas at Bars and dining venues.

What’s Included: Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages, Fountain soda and refills at any venue, and a Coca-Cola souvenir refillable RFID cup.