Royal Caribbean International review

Royal Caribbean ranks first because it pairs the widest set of onboard activities with fares that start low. Its deals page listed Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and Alaska cruises from $289 per person on November 14, 2026, and the same page showed cruises from Florida, Texas, New York and California from $289, so many US travelers can drive to a port. The line markets its Icon Class ships as having the largest waterpark at sea, and most short Caribbean itineraries stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, its private destination in the Bahamas. Loyal guests earn Cruise Points through the Crown & Anchor Society. The limits are the usual ones for a mass-market line: the headline price covers the cheapest cabin on select dates, newer ships cost far more, with a 7-night Icon of the Seas sailing from $1,334 per person, and drinks and Wi-Fi are extra. For families who want the most to do on board, it is the first line to price.

Who it is for

families and first-time cruisers who want the most onboard activities

Price

Cruises from $289 per person; a 4-night Bahamas cruise on Wonder of the Seas was listed from $309.

THE CARIBBEAN STARTING FROM $289
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• Perfect Day at CocoCay, the line's private destination in the Bahamas
• Icon Class ships with what Royal Caribbean calls the largest waterpark at sea
• Cruises from Florida, Texas, New York and California, each listed from $289
• Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program that earns Cruise Points toward tier status
• Payment options that include Affirm financing and gift cards

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest advertised fare from $289 per person on Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and Alaska pages
• Strength: Ships from four US home port regions, so many travelers can skip a flight
• Strength: 3rd and 4th guests sail free on the November 2026 sale
• Weakness: Headline fares are for the cheapest cabin on select dates
• Weakness: Newest Icon Class sailings cost more: a 7-night Icon of the Seas cruise was listed from $1,334
• Weakness: Drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty dining are not part of the base fare

Key facts

• Starting fare: $289 per person
• Private destination: Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Loyalty program: Crown & Anchor Society
• US home ports: Florida, Texas, New York, California

Where it ranks

Royal Caribbean International is No. 1 in our Best Cruise Lines verdict.