Royal Caribbean

Growing up, I cruised with both Royal Caribbean and Disney. However, as a child, I was unaware of the difference in pricing. Now as an adult funding my own cruise obsession, I've become more conscious about seeking out the best value for my money.

This year, I sailed on two of Royal Caribbean's and Disney's oldest ships to compare their offerings. Though the price point was similar, Royal Caribbean offered the best overall value. 

Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay is a slice of paradise in the Bahamas known for its beautiful beaches and array of activities. Recently, I took my 60-year-old dad to Royal Caribbean’s private island for the first time since its multi-million dollar renovation. 

We were excited to spend a day together at the island, and I was especially looking forward to introducing him to some of my favorite spots, including South Beach's floating bar and the Snack Shack. 

Royal Caribbean's newest private beach, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, is slated to open in December 2025. The 17-acre slice of paradise will reshape how Royal Caribbean cruisers experience Nassau, one of the world's busiest cruise ports. 

Previously, passengers seeking a beach day had to book a pricey tour to a nearby island or plan their own day at a local beach, all shared by other cruise passengers. Now, guests booked aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise to Nassau can splurge on admission to an exclusive beach club just a short ferry ride from the piers. 

Out of the eleven Royal Caribbean cruises I've taken, the majority of them have been on the cruise line's mega-ships. 

I'm familiar with the Oasis and Icon Class—huge vessels with waterparks, movie theaters, and ice skating rinks. Despite the awe-inspiring amenities available on mega-ships, cruisers still enjoy Royal Caribbean's older, smaller vessels. 

Would you take a short cruise on one of the world's largest ships? 

Recently, I returned from a 4-night getaway on Allure of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship currently ranked 7th among the largest cruise ships in the world. With over 5,400 passengers onboard, Allure is packed with activities, dining options, and entertainment that make you feel like you're vacationing in a floating city at sea. 

My recent cruise proved the days of finding last-minute deals aren't gone yet. 

A few weeks ago, I was browsing Royal Caribbean's "Going, Going, Gone" sale and found an affordable 4-night cruise on Allure of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships. The fare, including gratuities, was just $834.36 for two people in a standard interior cabin, or around $417 per person. 

Patty Vognild and her daughter, Angie, recently went on a 5-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. She is sharing her experience with us in this guest post.

After cruising for over 30 years, I changed things up and had a great cruise experience!

As a fan of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, I eagerly anticipated my cruise on Utopia of the Seas. The cruise line's newest Oasis Class vessel—and second-largest ship in the fleet—launched this summer.

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.