Imagine a cruise line where choices include ships with golf courses and rock-climbing walls looming 200 feet over
ocean. Where there is so much happening, so much to discover and experience it’s just possible crack of dawn will need to be your wake up call. They say it is journey and not destination – and case can certainly be argued in favor of Royal Caribbean International (known everywhere as RCI). Even imposing names of ships are literally synonymous with experience - Adventure, Grandeur, Rhapsody, and Splendour!
As thrum of engines heralds your departure, miles of heaven open ahead of you, filled with overflowing free-spirited fun and entertainment, contagious hospitality, simply superb dining and an infinity of pleasure. Complete escapes from humdrum, these absolutely nautical wonders, literally packed with adventure and leading edge guest facilities. No wonder Royal Caribbean International’s slogan is “Get Out There™”!
Atmosphere
Sparkling, stimulating, sensual, stress-less! You can take a siesta from world and glory in dinner by candlelight, walks by moonlight, excursions by daylight. As RCI put it: get pampered, get pumped! One of greatest blessings of a Royal Caribbean cruise is that atmosphere allows you to go from unassuming to absolute glamour with everything else in between.
Ship décor on all vessels is eye-popping, with opulent surroundings unrivalled by grandest hotel. Multi-storied Centrum's are designed as open atriums and crystal sculpture and cascading waterfalls are not uncommon. Adventure's Royal Promenade is four decks high and length of two football fields and bustles with charming shops, cafes, colorful street performers and lively street fairs (think New York's Times Square or London's Burlington Arcade).
Exquisite solariums offer sparkling pools, retractable glass ceilings and themes ("India during Raj" describes ambience of solarium on Brilliance where three 16-foot bejeweled elephants stand guard). More than half surface of 90,000-ton Radiance of Seas is glass, giving you masses of open space and unforgettable panoramic views. And speaking of panoramas, 360-degree view from RCI's signature Viking Crown Lounge, perched hundreds of feet above ocean is something to behold. Legend of Seas and Splendor of Seas have 18-hole miniature golf courses, basketball courts and billiard rooms with self leveling tables. Rock climbing walls are scheduled for all ships.
Gold Anchor Service
Three simple words that define very personal attention to detail you can expect from a crew that is expert in courtly, unpretentious hospitality. The bartender who remembers your extra olive, server who recalls name of your child's teddy bear, and housekeeper who reminds you of your dinner reservation. Friends taking care of friends.
Accommodations
A wide variety is available, such as Royal Suites, Owner's Suites, Royal Family Suites, Grand Ocean View Suites, and Superior Ocean View Suites - all with balconies, Ocean-view Staterooms with or without balconies and Interior Staterooms. All accommodations come complete with vanity area, hair-dryer, mini-bar, radio and closed circuit TV with satellite programming, classic movies, and children's programming. Staterooms have phones so you can call home, other guests, or order room service. On some ships you can receive unlimited dial-up Internet access for a reasonable charge if you bring your laptop.
Bedding varies by category. To give you just two "suite" examples, Royal Family Suite has two bedrooms with twin beds that convert to a queen-size, two bathrooms, one with a tub, a living area with double sofa bed and Pullman bed, fridge and private balcony. It easily accommodates eight. There is also an ocean-view Family Stateroom with two twin beds (convertible to queen) an additional twin bed, a sitting area with a sofa bed and a Pullman bed.
Dining
Whether your preference runs to chandeliers and escargot, glories of Italian cuisine, or perhaps just a simple clubhouse sandwich on your private balcony, you can expect venues and menus guaranteed to suit any frame of mind.
No matter how you wish to dress for dinner (or not dress for dinner - there's 24 hour room service), expect best in casual dining and elegant multi-course meals from accomplished chefs in RCI's famous galleys. Lively and witty waiters offer sumptuous cuisine to fashionable crowds in formal, romantic settings, and to those who select more relaxed casual environments. Selection ranges from penne cooked to al dente perfection and juicy steaks with all trimmings to succulent seafood and voluptuous five-course spectacles in truly stunning main dining rooms. And will you refuse sweets served at sinfully delicious chocolate buffet? Of course not - you're on vacation. Remember that you can always select low fat, low cholesterol, low calorie and/or vegetarian dishes. And there's always pumping up your heart rate in fitness center (that ought to be good for seconds on cheesecake).
Entertainment
If you thought there were a lot to do during day, just wait until stars come out. Life quickens as ship's illuminations light sky and party's on! So when it's time to up tempo, come and play with fortune in casino, then cheer dynamic, showy, contemporary productions performed in magnificent theatres. You'll think your ship has docked on Broadway. These live productions are offered several times each week and feature outstanding talents of The Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers. Plentiful lounges and clubs offer every type of music, from jazz to swing, disco to classic rock.
