Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is one of the most exciting decisions a traveler can make. Whether you dream of exploring the Caribbean 888-840-8331, Alaska, Europe, or Asia, Royal Caribbean offers some of the world’s most innovative ships, incredible onboard activities, Broadway-level entertainment, and award-winning itineraries.
But how exactly do you book a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Do you do it online? Through a travel agent? How do you choose the right ship, date, cabin, or itinerary? How do promotions work? What about payments?
If these are your questions, this ultimate guide will walk you through everything step-by-step—from planning and comparing ships to making the final payment.
Call here: 888-840-8331
- Understanding What Makes Royal Caribbean Special
Before you book, it’s helpful to know why Royal Caribbean stands out. This helps you understand what you’re paying for and how to choose the right ship based on your goals.
1.1 The World’s Most Innovative Ships
Royal Caribbean is known for constantly reinventing cruise experiences. They introduced:
- Surf simulators (FlowRider)
- Zip lines
- Ice-skating rinks
- Robot bartenders (Bionic Bar)
- AquaTheater high-diving shows
- Central Park neighborhoods with real trees
- The tallest slide at sea (Ultimate Abyss)
Depending on the ship, your experience can be totally different. Choosing the right ship is as important as choosing the itinerary.
1.2 A Ship Class for Every Traveler
Royal Caribbean groups its ships into classes:
- Icon Class (Newest, largest) – Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas (families, luxury, mega-ship lovers)
- Oasis Class – Symphony, Wonder, Harmony, Allure, Oasis (amazing entertainment, huge offering)
- Quantum Class – Anthem, Ovation, Quantum, Odyssey (North Star observation capsule, skydiving simulator)
- Freedom/Voyager Class – Mid-large ships with FlowRider and water parks
- Radiance/Vision Class – Smaller ships for scenic destinations like Alaska, European rivers, and the Mediterranean
1.3 Destinations Offered
When booking, choose by experience:
- Caribbean – Ideal for families and beach lovers
- Alaska – Glaciers, wildlife, scenic cruising
- Mediterranean – History, culture, food
- Northern Europe – Fjords, castles, breathtaking landscapes
- Asia – Japan, Singapore, Thailand
- Transatlantic – For slow travelers wanting long sea days
1.4 Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay, is a major selling point:
- Thrill Waterpark (largest in the Caribbean)
- Chill Island beaches
- Over-water cabanas
- Hot air balloon views
If your ship visits CocoCay, it’s a bonus worth considering.
- Ways to Book a Royal Caribbean Cruise
There are multiple booking methods. Each has its own advantages depending on your travel style, budget, and level of experience.
2.1 Book Directly Through the Royal Caribbean Website
This is the most popular method.
How to Book Online
- Go to the official Royal Caribbean website.
- Choose:
- Destination
- Month
- Departure port
- Ship
- Review cabins and prices.
- Select:
- Number of guests
- Cabin type
- Enter your details.
- Pay the deposit.
Pros
- Easy, fast, no intermediary
- Access to official promotions and sales
- You can choose your exact cabin number
- View real-time pricing and availability
Cons
- No personal guidance
- You must manage all changes yourself
2.2 Book Through a Travel Advisor or Cruise Agency
Many first-time cruisers prefer an expert.
Why Use a Travel Agent?
- They understand all ship classes
- They can help compare itineraries
- They understand cabins and how to pick the right location
- They often offer extra perks like onboard credit
- You get a human who deals with price drops, upgrades, and changes
Best for:
- First-time cruisers
- International travelers
- Large families or group bookings
- People who want help with visas and flights
Pros
- Personalized service
- Free consultation (agents earn commission; you don’t pay extra)
- Access to group rates and exclusive discounts
Cons
- Limited control if your agent is slow or unresponsive
- Must contact agent for any changes
2.3 Book Through Royal Caribbean Call Center
If you prefer a human but still want to book with Royal Caribbean directly, calling customer service works well.
Pros
- Human advice
- Assistance with discounts
- Help picking a cabin
Cons
- Wait times may be long
- Less flexibility than travel agents
2.4 Book Through Third-Party Travel Websites
Examples:
- Expedia
- MakeMyTrip
- Cruise.com
- Priceline
- Costco Travel
Pros
- Quick comparisons
- Extra perks like Costco gift cards
Cons
- Post-booking support varies
- No direct control over changes
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Here’s a detailed, beginner-friendly walkthrough.
Step 1: Choose Your Travel Date and Destination
Factors to consider:
- Weather
- Hurricane season (June–November in the Caribbean)
- School holidays (prices increase)
- Peak seasons for Alaska or Europe
Best Time for Each Destination
- Caribbean: December–April
- Alaska: June–August
- Mediterranean: May–September
- Northern Europe: May–August
- Asia: November–April
If you're flexible, sail during “shoulder seasons” for lower prices.
Step 2: Choose Your Departure Port
Royal Caribbean departs from:
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale
- Orlando (Port Canaveral)
- Tampa
- Galveston
- Los Angeles
- Seattle
- New York/New Jersey
International ports:
- Barcelona
- Rome
- Southampton
- Vancouver
- Singapore
- Tokyo
Choose one closest to you or near your desired destination.
Step 3: Choose the Ship
Choosing the right ship is critical.
Here’s how to match your personality with the ship.
If you love water parks, slides, and entertainment:
- Icon Class
- Oasis Class
If you want cutting-edge technology and indoor activities:
- Quantum Class
If you value scenic cruising and smaller crowds:
- Radiance Class
- Vision Class
If you're traveling with kids:
- Wonder of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Icon of the Seas
If you want something mid-sized with all essentials:
- Freedom Class
- Voyager Class
Step 4: Compare Itineraries
Royal Caribbean offers:
- 3-night weekend getaways
- 4–7-night standard cruises
- 10–14-night Europe cruises
- 30-night repositioning cruises
Tips:
- Not all ships visit every port
- Some itineraries include multiple sea days
- Longer itineraries = more port variety
Step 5: Choose Your Cabin Type
1. Interior (Budget-Friendly)
- No window
- Dark = good for sleep
- Cheapest option
2. Oceanview
- Window but no balcony
- Good compromise
3. Balcony
- Private outdoor space
- Great for scenic destinations (Alaska, Europe)
4. Suites
- Large rooms
- Priority boarding
- Exclusive restaurant access
- Suite lounge and sun deck
Cabin Location Tips
- Mid-ship = less motion
- High decks = better views
- Aft cabins = quiet but long walk
- Avoid cabins above/below nightclubs or theaters
Step 6: Check Promotions and Discounts
Royal Caribbean regularly runs:
- Buy 1 Get 1 60% off
- Kids Sail Free
- 30% Off All Guests
- Holiday or seasonal sales
- Flash 48-hour sales
Additional discounts may apply for:
- Past cruisers (Crown & Anchor members)
- Seniors
- Military
- Residents of certain states
Always compare the price before and after applying promotions.
Step 7: Add Optional Packages
You can add these while booking or after booking.
1. Drinks Package
- Deluxe Beverage (alcohol included)
- Refreshment Package
- Soda Package
Prices vary per sailing.
2. Wi-Fi (VOOM Internet)
- Surf
- Surf & Stream
3. Dining Packages
- Specialty dining like:
- Chops Grille
- Izumi
- Giovanni’s Table
4. Shore Excursions
Book early for popular ones (e.g., Alaska glacier tours).
5. Travel Protection Insurance
Highly recommended.
Step 8: Make the Deposit
Royal Caribbean typically requires:
- $100–$500 per person deposit depending on itinerary and cabin
- Some bookings offer non-refundable deposits at a lower price
After the deposit, you can:
- Pay in parts
- Modify certain details
- Upgrade your cabin
Step 9: Make Final Payment
Final payment is typically due:
- 75 days before sailing for most cruises
- 90 days before sailing for holiday/long itineraries
After final payment:
- You can check-in online
- Download the Royal Caribbean app
- Select arrival time
- Upload photo and passport details
- Example Booking Scenario
Here’s a real-world example to understand how everything fits together.
Scenario: A family of 4 planning a Caribbean cruise
- Destination: Caribbean
- Dates: June (summer vacation)
- Departure Port: Miami
- Ship: Icon of the Seas
- Sailing: 7-night Eastern Caribbean with CocoCay
- Cabin: Balcony
- Extras:
- Deluxe drinks package for adults
- Soda package for kids
- Wi-Fi
- Coco Beach Club access
Total cost for 4 people could range from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on season and cabin location.
- How Far in Advance Should You Book?
For best prices:
- Book 6–12 months in advance
For holidays or new ships:
- Book 1–2 years in advance
Icon of the Seas sailings often sell out early.
For last-minute deals:
- 30–60 days before sailing
But options may be limited.
- Payment Plans & Budget Tips
Tip 1: Use the Low Deposit Option
Royal Caribbean sometimes offers $50–$100 deposits.
Tip 2: Price Drop Monitoring
If the price drops before final payment, you can request a price adjustment.
Tip 3: Book a Cheaper Cabin and Bid for Upgrade
RoyalUp allows bidding for suite or balcony upgrades.
Tip 4: Sail in Off-Peak Months
Cheapest months:
- January
- February
- September
- October
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Booking Without Checking Ship Reviews
Each ship has a different vibe.
❌ Ignoring Cabin Location
Noise can ruin your sleep.
❌ Not Factoring in Flights
Sometimes flights are more expensive than the cruise.
❌ Waiting Too Long to Book Shore Excursions
Popular excursions fill quickly.
❌ Not Using the Royal Caribbean App
Check-in becomes very easy.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I book without a passport?
Some closed-loop U.S. cruises allow a birth certificate + ID, but a passport is strongly recommended.
2. Can I change my cabin later?
Yes—before final payment, usually at no cost.
3. Can I book now and add packages later?
Yes. You can add:
- Wi-Fi
- Dining
- Drinks
- Shore excursions
All through Cruise Planner.
4. Are gratuities included?
No. You can prepay or pay onboard.
5. What is the cheapest Royal Caribbean cruise?
Short 3–4 night cruises on older ships like:
- Freedom of the Seas
- Explorer of the Seas
- Final Tips Before Booking
⭐ Book Early for Best Choices
Cabins with good locations sell fast.
⭐ Check Multiple Dates
Simply shifting your trip by 1 week can save hundreds.
⭐ Avoid Deck 3 or 4 if you dislike noise
These decks may have early-morning traffic.
⭐ Balcony cabins are worth it for Alaska and Europe
The scenery is incredible right from your room.
⭐ If you're confused, talk to a travel advisor
It doesn't cost extra and often saves money.
Conclusion: Booking a Royal Caribbean Cruise Is Easy—and Exciting!
Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is not just about selecting a ship—it's about choosing a vacation style, activities, dining experiences, destinations, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The process becomes simple once you:
- Choose your destination and dates
- Pick the right ship
- Select the ideal cabin
- Compare prices
- Make your deposit
- Personalize your cruise with add-ons
Whether you're booking directly online, through an agent, or via a third-party website, Royal Caribbean offers flexible options and unforgettable travel experiences.
Now that you know the complete step-by-step process, you’re ready to book your dream cruise confidently.
