Cruising with Royal Caribbean, Review

We have been on a 3 cruises with Royal Caribbean International, and have had some amazing experiences. I thought I would write an overview, with some hints and tips based on our experiences. We had cruised with Cunard and Princess prior to sailing with Royal Caribbean, and had thoroughly enjoyed each cruise; I don't think I can fault either.

The Liberty of the seas

We booked a cruise on Royal Caribbean as a friend recommended them, although it looked fantastic on the web site and in the brochures we were not prepared for how amazing it actually was. The first ship we sailed on was the Adventure of the Sea’s; we then went onto to sail on the Liberty of the Sea's.  As soon as we entered the arrivals lounge at the port the experience was exceptional, we hadn't experienced hospitality to this standard prior to embarking a ship before. Royal Caribbean had fresh cookies, and drinks to enjoy while we waited to embark, great when you have bored kids with you. Check-in was easy, the easiest we have ever experienced.

Joe rock climbing

The buzz on the ship was phenomenal, the staff was so friendly and could not do enough for you, I have always found this to be the case when cruising but the excitement on Royal Caribbean was infectious. On our tour of the ship we discovered exactly what it had to offer our family, above and beyond any other cruise ship. Surfing, ice skating, H2O zone, to name a few, the boys couldn't wait to try all the activities, the problem was they wanted to try it all immediately. 

They have never been fans of kids clubs, so we have never pushed them to go in, however they could not believe the facilities, they were fantastic, the program was endless with lots of exciting actives and enthusiastic staff that created a buzz around themselves. The boys signed up to the club and absolutely loved it.

Jack ice skating

Cabins, we chose an aft balcony cabin on our last cruise, the main reason was we wanted to enjoy a balcony but Joe is like a monkey, I knew I would not be able to relax. I would be constantly worrying about him climbing; the aft balconies are tiered so you have a balcony below you rather than the sea. I felt Joe would not climb if there were a risk of falling into someone’s balcony, whereas the sea looked deceptively safe. The cabin was huge and the balcony was s big as the cabin, there is something magical about standing on an aft balcony watching the surf behind you. If any one were ever thinking of getting a balcony cabin, I would definitely recommend an aft cabin.

Our deck 10 aft balcony

Food, Wow the food is epic, so many choices, and fantastic quality and in endless supply, the problem is you really must watch what you eat. I put a stone on in two weeks on my first cruise, I know hippo! So I am very conscious now that I enjoy my food but do not totally pig out. 

The main restaurant has a different theme every night and the staff are great at being able to cater for fussy children. There are specialty restaurants, A huge buffet restaurant, I am not a buffet fan I like to get dressed up for dinner, but the food choices were endless. There was also a pizza/snack bar, a coffee bar and an ice cream parlor. 

The fantastic Dreamwork's parade

The service is exceptional, the staff are helpful and friendly, and will go out of their way to answer questions and deal with any issues you may have, the bar staff never allow your glass to go empty around the pool.

Entertainment and activities, we needed a rest when we got home. We all love to be busy so it is great to have so many options. You get a daily paper called the Cruise Compass, which details every activity on-board for the day; there is sooo much going on.  

Alex the Lion , Roar

Firstly the obvious choice, get off the ship and explore. I am going to write about some of the ports we have had the pleasure of visiting, it is so exciting sailing into a new country on a daily basis.  There is a whole sports deck with basketball, football, mini golf, skating, a board games room, rock climbing and surfing. 

Jack Surfing

The promenade deck has shops, bars, cafe's and hosts daily Dreamwork's parades and character photo opportunities. The shows are to such a high standard with ice shows, variety shows, magicians, and west end shows such as Saturday night fever. I am not a big gambler but I love the quality, and bond like feel of the casino.

In short if I was ever recommending a cruise it would be Royal Caribbean every time, the previous cruise lines we have cruised with have been fantastic, but for our family Royal Caribbean offered something magical and special. We will definitely cruise with them many more times. Hopefully we will sail on the Oasis of the Seas next.