by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: July 28, 2008   Last Updated: February 24, 2012

In 1968, three Norwegian companies joined together to create what is now known as Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The first ship hit the seas in 1970 and they have never looked  back. From one ship to 22 in six different classes,  it has been a story of growth and expansion and even acquisition, in the case of Celebrity Cruises. RC offers cruisers a wide selection when it comes to ship size, from the more intimate to the huge mega ships. No matter what your cruising style, there is a ship that will provide exactly what you are looking for.

Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular of the mid price cruise lines. It is no wonder. They have an excellent loyalty program that rewards repeat cruisers with perks from the second cruise on. They offer great customer service on all aspects of your cruise from book through debarkation.  Your level of service from Royal Caribbean will not be diminished even if you book through a discount site. Their aim is to make you happy and they go above and beyond to accomplish just that.

If you have ever hesitated to cruise because you believed one of the many myths that are circulating about cruising, you really need to give it a try for yourself.  You will be happily surprised , especially if you choose Royal Caribbean.

Dining on Royal Caribbean has many choices. For the evening meal you do pick the early or the later seating, but you always have the option of dining in one of the other restaurants. On the largest ships, The Oasis and the Allure freestyle dining is also available. The more formal dining room has very good food. The benefit of the set seating is that you have an assigned table, and you can choose the number of people people at your table from 2 to 10. You have the same wait staff at every dinner. Your wait staff knows your preferences after the first night and will provide your tea or coffee the way you like it etc, they are quite amazing.

If you just don't ever want to dress up you can eat at the casual buffet every meal and wear shorts and flip-flops 24/7, you have the choice. Specialty restaurants are available as well at an additional charge.

There are always lots of entertainment options. The shows are great; you won't want to miss any. There are activities going on just about every minute of every day. You can make new friends if you want to or you can be a hermit, you are in charge.  There are trivia games, ping pong, shuffle board, exercise classes and tons of other things to  do. You can just veg by the pool if you prefer, you are the boss.

They have very nice spas and health clubs so you never have to give up your normal exercise routine. From early morning to late at night you can find things to do, you just need to check your Compass" every evening to see what the next day has to offer.

The staff are wonderful, your rooms will be kept immaculate. If you came in and use towels when you return later they will have been replaced. You will fell so pampered even in the cheapest rooms. You will love your daily animals left on your bed made from the towels and even using your sunglasses and sandals, it is  hilarious. You never knew what you will find when you get back from dinner.

You don't need to pre-book your excursions, you can book them after you arrived on the ship and they had a vast selection from which to choose. You will be very happy with every one that you take, they were exactly as described.

You will find like many others before you that Royal Caribbean knows how to pamper its guests and you will want to make cruising with them part of your yearly vacation routine.

Learn more about this author, Isabelle Esteves.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.