Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line are two of the most family-friendly cruise lines at sea. From included youth programming to state-of-the-art amenities and spacious cabins, both lines are ideal for families looking to create lasting memories at sea. 

That said, there are some stark differences between the two. Royal Caribbean, for example, features a variety of activities for children, teens, and adults alike—including ice skating, water parks, rock climbing walls, and more. 

Within the past week, two ships crossing the Atlantic have encountered unprecedented weather, with one ship dramatically tilting and causing extensive damage onboard. 

Explorer of the Seas was the first to report sailing through a sudden, powerful squall. The 137,308 gross registered ton ship was en route from Barcelona to Miami when they were hit by a rogue storm with winds exceeding 50mph. The violent gusts of wind and rough sea conditions caused Explorer to dramatically list, leaving the ship in shambles and injuring several passengers onboard. 

Cruisers either love or hate windowless, inside cabins. I fall somewhere in between—they aren't my favorite stateroom category, but if I find a good enough deal, I won't consider upgrading to a cabin with a view. 

Recently, I sailed in an interior stateroom on one of Royal Caribbean's oldest ships. My 5-night voyage on Vision of the Seas departed from Baltimore, Maryland, and took us to Bermuda for an overnight stay. 

At the start of 2024, Icon of the Seas beat out Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship in the world. Royal Caribbean's mega-ships continue to break records, and just a few months later, Utopia of the Seas debuted as the second-largest ship in the world. 

Determined to compare the industry's biggest cruise ships, I sailed on both Icon and Utopia this year. How different are the two largest ships in the world?

Cruise ships, regardless of size, are like floating cities, packed with amenities and activities catering to diverse travelers. Having sailed on some of the world's newest and largest ships, I've recently begun to explore older ships to see why they remain popular among many cruisers. 

Welcome guest writer Sydney Wall! Sydney graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a degree in English and a concentration in creative writing in 2021. She has always been passionate about traveling and never stops looking for adventure. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's in Accounting from UNC-Chapel Hill and continues to write every opportunity she gets.

I had never been on a cruise before my friend and I decided to journey across the Atlantic from Baltimore to Bermuda. The 5-night stay was rocky, but the fun was never-ending. 

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean added a popular cruise must-have to their list of prohibited items. 

While Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ships exemplify the latest innovative designs, passengers sailing on the upcoming Star of the Seas should expect the onboard musical to take them back in time. 

According to Royal Caribbean Productions' Facebook page, the company is holding auditions for Back to the Future: The Musical in London, England. Based on the beloved 1985 film, the musical promises to bring a nostalgic and energetic experience to the ship's entertainment lineup. 

Cruising with Royal Caribbean is an incredible way to enjoy an affordable vacation while visiting multiple destinations on world-class cruise ships. With your base cruise fare, you’ll have so much included, such as lodging, transportation, select food venues, and entertainment.

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on luxury. With some extra time and research, you can find great deals and promotions that will save you money.