Cruising Royal Caribbean: Why I’m Proudly “Loyal to Royal”
When people ask me which cruise line is my favorite, I don’t hesitate: I’m Loyal to Royal.
Royal Caribbean is where I feel that perfect mix of excitement, comfort, and “they just get me” when it comes to vacation style. It’s the line I trust not only for my own trips, but also for my clients, families, and groups I help plan for through my travel business, Magic Wishes Vacations.
This isn’t a paid ad. It’s the honest truth from someone who keeps going back to Royal Caribbean because they repeatedly deliver. Here’s exactly why I love it so much—and why I confidently send my clients onboard their ships.
1. The Ships Feel Like Floating Cities (In the Best Way)
Royal Caribbean builds ships that feel like destinations by themselves.
You don’t just board a ship; you walk into multiple “neighborhoods” with entirely different vibes. One minute you’re grabbing coffee and people-watching, the next you’re at a Broadway-style show, then you’re up on the pool deck with live music and the ocean stretched out around you.
What I love:
So much to do, but you’re never forced to do anything.
If you want non-stop activity—rock-climbing, waterslides, shows, trivia, music—you can absolutely go from morning to midnight. If you want to sit on a quiet deck chair with a drink and a book and ignore everything else? Totally fine too.Thoughtful design.
Royal does a great job creating spaces that don’t all feel the same. There are energetic spots buzzing with music and activities, and then there are calmer lounges and bars where you can actually hear yourself think. That balance matters on a ship full of people.It never feels like a cheap product.
Even on older ships that aren’t the newest in the fleet, I still find them clean, well-maintained, and upgraded over time. They invest in keeping things fresh instead of letting ships just deteriorate.
2. The Vibe: Fun, But Not Fake
One thing I respect about Royal Caribbean: the atmosphere onboard feels genuinely fun, not forced.
Cruise directors and activities staff are energetic without being over-the-top annoying. There’s always something happening—sailaway parties, game shows, karaoke, live bands, DJs—but you don’t feel like you’re on some cheesy spring break unless you go looking for that.
What keeps me coming back is the balance:
Families with kids, couples, friend groups, and multi-generational families all fit in.
There’s nightlife if you want it, but you’re not stuck in a floating nightclub if you don’t.
Dress codes are relaxed. Yes, there are dressier nights if you enjoy that, but in general you can be comfortable and still feel appropriate.
It’s a genuinely happy environment—people dancing on the pool deck, laughing at the silent disco, clapping at the shows, and just enjoying themselves without it feeling like a staged commercial.
3. The Entertainment Is Actually Worth Showing Up For
Let’s be honest: not all cruise entertainment is equal.
Royal Caribbean is one of the few lines where I tell clients, “Make time for the shows. They’re actually good.”
You’ll find:
Big productions – Full-scale shows in the main theater, with real talent, real production value, and not just something thrown together to fill time.
Live music everywhere – Piano bars, pub-style venues, Latin music lounges, pool bands… it’s not just one sad guitar player in the corner.
Specialty shows – Depending on the ship, you might see ice-skating shows, diving shows, or other unique performances you literally cannot get elsewhere.
I’ve had plenty of nights onboard where I had to pick between two things I genuinely wanted to see because the schedule was packed. That’s what I want on vacation: options that feel exciting, not filler.
4. Food: Not Michelin-Starred, But Consistently Good and Plentiful
Is this a five-star gourmet restaurant experience? No. And I’m not pretending it is.
But here’s what I do love about Royal Caribbean’s food:
The main dining room is reliable.
You’ll have solid meals with rotating menus, nice presentation, and attentive service. Is every single dish going to be life-changing? Of course not. But I rarely walk away unsatisfied.Windjammer buffet is underrated.
For a buffet feeding thousands of people, they do a good job. Tons of variety, theme nights, and plenty of choices for picky eaters.Specialty dining is where you can level up.
If you’re a foodie or celebrating something special, the specialty restaurants are worth it. You pay extra, but you also get more elevated menus, service, and atmosphere.Snacks, snacks, snacks.
Pizza, soft serve, cafés, late-night bites—there is always something to grab, which is a lifesaver after a show or between activities.
I also appreciate that they’ve gotten better at accommodating dietary needs. You do need to advocate for yourself and communicate in advance, but I’ve seen them handle allergies and preferences respectfully.
5. Service: You’re Not Just Cabin Number 8274
One of the biggest reasons I stick with Royal: the crew.
Room stewards, waitstaff, bartenders, activity staff—so many of them go out of their way to remember faces, names, and preferences. That matters.
I’ve had:
Room attendants who noticed my routine and timed service so they never disrupted me.
Waiters who remembered my drink order, how I take my steak, or that I hate when my dessert plate is taken too quickly.
Bartenders who actually engage, not just silently pour drinks and move on.
Is every single crew member perfect? No, they’re human. But overall, the service culture is strong. The crew often feels like part of the vacation memory, not just background.
6. Great for Real Life Families & Real Life Budgets
As a travel advisor, I don’t live in fantasy land. Most clients have real budgets and real kids with real opinions. That’s another reason I’m so loyal to Royal Caribbean—it works in real life, not just Instagram.
Why it works so well for families and groups:
There’s something for every age.
Kids’ clubs, teen areas, pools, slides, arcades, sports courts, adult-only spaces, lounges, casinos—everyone finds “their” place.You get a lot for what you pay.
Your cruise fare includes accommodations, meals in many venues, entertainment, activities, and transportation from port to port. Once people do the math, they often realize it’s a better value than some land vacations.It’s scalable.
You can stick mostly to what’s included and still enjoy a full trip, or you can add extras like drink packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and excursions if your budget allows. There’s flexibility instead of a one-size-fits-all model.
I’m not going to sugar-coat it: extras can add up fast if you’re not careful. That’s the truth. But that’s exactly why having a plan—and someone to walk you through it—matters.
7. Crown & Anchor Society: Loyalty That Actually Feels Rewarding
Another reason I stay with Royal Caribbean is simple: if I’m going to cruise multiple times, I want my loyalty to mean something.
Royal’s Crown & Anchor Society offers perks that actually feel useful as you climb tiers—priority boarding areas, discounts, little onboard benefits, and more. It’s not life-changing, but it does make you feel recognized for coming back.
When I talk to clients who are new to Royal, I always bring up joining Crown & Anchor from the start. If you’re going to cruise, you might as well be earning toward perks you’ll enjoy later.
8. The Honest Side: Things to Know Before You Go
Part of being “loyal to royal” for me includes being honest about where you need to be smart:
Onboard expenses:
Drinks, specialty restaurants, spa, arcade, casino, and excursions are not included. You need a game plan or that bill at the end will surprise you.Internet packages:
If staying connected is important, you’ll pay for Wi-Fi. It’s usually reliable, but it’s not free.Popular ships book early:
If you want specific ships, cabins, or holiday dates, you cannot wait until the last minute and expect the best pricing or availability. Planning ahead genuinely matters with Royal.
I’d rather tell someone all of that up front than pretend it’s an all-inclusive where nothing ever costs extra. The good news is, once you understand how it works, you can easily build a trip that fits your budget and still have an amazing vacation.
9. Why I Trust Royal Caribbean for My Clients
At the end of the day, my loyalty comes down to this:
I’ve seen Royal Caribbean deliver strong, consistent experiences.
I know how to match the right ship, right itinerary, and right stateroom to the right traveler.
When issues come up—as they can with any travel—they have systems and support in place, and I know how to navigate them on behalf of my clients.
As a travel advisor, my name and my business are attached to every trip I book. I don’t take that lightly. I recommend Royal Caribbean so often because I’m confident my clients will walk off the ship feeling like they actually got a vacation—not just “time off work,” but real memories, real laughter, and real connection.
10. Ready to Be “Loyal to Royal” Too?
If you’ve been curious about cruising, or you’ve done other lines but never tried Royal Caribbean, this is your sign.
Whether you’re:
A family juggling different ages and interests
A couple looking for a mix of relaxation and fun
A group celebrating a milestone
Or someone who just wants to try something that feels like a floating resort with endless options
Royal Caribbean is a line I can stand behind—personally and professionally.
And if you want help figuring out:
Which ship really fits your travel style
What cabin type makes the most sense
How to avoid the most common “first-time cruiser” mistakes
Which extras are worth it (and which you can skip)
That’s exactly what I do through Magic Wishes Vacations. I’m happy to walk you through it, step by step, so your first (or next) Royal Caribbean sailing feels less overwhelming and more like the vacation you actually need.
Because once you find your fit with the right cruise line, it’s not just a trip.
It’s the start of you becoming a little “Loyal to Royal,” too. 🚢💙
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