royal caribbean international cruise ship jobs

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Royal Caribbean Productions

Broadway shows. world-class performers., positions available, can you see the world from your window we can..

We are always looking for talented performers to entertain our guests. See below for more information about the positions that are currently available and how to apply. Please note that you must be 18 years of age or older to be hired.

About Hiring Partners

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Royal Caribbean Group has a network of hiring partners to assist in meeting recruitment goals around the world. Hiring partners are third party service providers; they are not employees of our company.

Only those listed on this site are authorized to recruit for our company. If you received a solicitation from a company that is not listed on our site, please report it to [email protected] .

The hiring partner’s responsibilities are to source, pre-screen, and present qualified applicants for final approval by a recruiter from our team. The hiring partner does not have the authority to hire applicants or decide on an assignment for approved applicants. They are acting on instruction from our recruitment or scheduling teams.

Once a new hire receives a ship assignment, he/she will receive a Letter of Employment from Royal Caribbean. The hiring partner will assist new hires with their visa applications, and provide guidance for medical and travel arrangements. The new hire also receives access to company orientation and information about shipboard life.

After the new hires join their assigned ship, they become employees of our company and will work directly with the Human Resource office on the ship and their scheduler for future assignments.

Royal Caribbean Group pays hiring partners for their services and does not allow the collection of administrative fees, agency fees, or processing fees from job applicants. Once approved by a recruiter, there are costs involved with joining the ship (passport, seaman’s books, national identification documents, medicals, airlines tickets, certifications and license as required for the position) but there is no fee associated with obtaining an interview, position or ship assignment with the company. If you successfully complete all of the requirements and are able to join your assigned ship, the cost of travel visa(s) will be reimbursed once you join the ship, services charges or associated fees for obtaining the visa are not eligible for reimbursement.

If you are asked to pay money for an interview, position or ship assignment, or suspect other unethical activities, we encourage you to contact our AWARE Compliance and Ethics Hotline at rclaware.ethicspoint.com.

If you are interested in a job with our company that is not listed on this website, we invite you to contact one of our hiring partners. Please only contact the hiring partner closest to your permanent address. Submitting applications to more than one hiring partner could result in your disqualification as a candidate.

Thank you again for your interest in Royal Caribbean Group.

Find your local Authorized Partner

Please select your country of residence from the list below to find the nearest authorized Hiring Partner or Referral Agent. If your country of residence is not listed, we apologize for the inconvenience, but we currently do not have a partnership developed in your country. You may apply online if a position you are qualified for is available, please check our job opportunities page for current postings.

Only the Partners listed here are authorized to provide recruitment and placement services for any of the brands operated by Royal Caribbean Group. They have been certified to meet company and MLC 2006 guidelines.

You will note that some are listed as “Certified Hiring Partner”, these agencies are regularly audited, and are certified and authorized to provide Recruitment and Processing services for the company.

Those listed as “Authorized Referral Sources” are partners that are authorized to refer interested applicants or resumes to the company. The services they provide are limited and therefore are not considered a full-service hiring partner.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Jobs

Royal Caribbean International currently operates a fleet of 25 cruise ships and will be welcoming another four ships between 2022 and 2026.

Facts about Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has been around since 1968, but redefined their brand names in 1997 when Royal Caribbean Cruise Line changed its name to Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean International operates under its parent company, Royal Caribbean Group. Other brands within the Royal Caribbean Group include Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises (which was fully acquired in 2020), and TUI Cruises. They sold Azamara to Sycamore Partners in 2021.

Royal Caribbean debuted another Quantum-class ship in July 2021, Odyssey of the Seas and a fifth Oasis-class ship, Wonder of the Seas will be delivered in March 2022. They also have a new Icon class, fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) with the first one to be delivered in fall 2023. A second one will be delivered in the second quarter of 2025 and a third ship in 2026.

The Royal Caribbean International brand appeals to families and cruisers seeking adventure since their ships’ features amenities not found on other cruise lines. They offer climbing walls, skating rinks, boxing rings, ziplines, surfing simulators, Aqua Theaters and much more. Children and teens have a number of separate categories based on age with select ships also offering nursery options for babies and tots.

How to Apply for Royal Caribbean Jobs

They employ an international crew that promotes Royal Caribbean’s Gold Anchor Service. Their employment web pages provide details on how to apply for job vacancies and a list of authorized hiring partners. Click on the desired cruise ship job and you will be prompted to “Apply Online”.

If the position you are interested in is not one of their current vacancies, Royal Caribbean encourages applicants to use one of their authorized hiring partners. Royal Caribbean also works with a number of third-party concessions to provide some of their onboard services.

Updated:  November 10, 2021

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Royal Caribbean International

• 3 July 2019

The Royal Caribbean International based in Miami, Florida currently ranks as the world's second largest cruise company.

Company Background

It was first established in 1968 by three Norwegian shipping companies - Anders Wilhelmsen & Company, I.M. Skauge & Company, and Gotaas Larsen. It entered the expanding American cruise market when its first ship Song of Norway made its debut in 1970.

The "Royal Caribbean Cruise Line" as it was originally known, rebranded to its new company name "Royal Caribbean International" in 1997 when it merged with the Greek cruise line Celebrity Cruises. The company also operates under the brand names of Pullmantur , Azamara Club Cruises and TUI Cruises under a joint venture.

The company provides innovative cruising options for vacationers through its unique “Nation of Why Not” philosophy. It's sizable fleet visits more than 400 exciting destinations each year, such as Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/England, Caribbean, Dubai/Emirates, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, and South America.

The fleet currently consists of 24 vessels under the following headings:

Quantum Class - 3 ships

Oasis Class - 3 ships

Freedom Class - 3 ships

Voyager Class - 5 ships

Radiance Class - 4 ships

Vision Class - 4 ships

Sovereign and Empress Class - 2 ships 

Between 2018 and 2021 two additional Quantum class ships and two more Oasis class vessels are expected to join the growing fleet. 

Job Opportunities at Royal Caribbean

There are a range of opportunities for job seekers seeking a shipboard career with Royal Caribbean International. Roles may be available in the food and beverage, housekeeping, hotel, marine, retail and facilities department.

If working in entertainment is more your style, look out for opportunities on the floating Casino Royale or with the cast for night productions. Corporate roles can also be found onboard in its financial, human resource, information technology departments.

Contact Details

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd 1050 Caribbean Way Miami, FL 33132 USA

Tel: +1-305-5396000 Fax: +1-305-5393939 Email: [email protected]

Related Links

• Current jobs - Royal Caribbean International
• Royal Caribbean International jobs site
• RCI Shipboard Careers

Crew Relations Specialist Royal Caribbean International

Reporting to the HR Manager and supervised by the Crew Administrator, this position is responsible for providing administrative support to the HR division for crew related issues. Manages the berthing and par level processes for all crew members and provides reports for each voyage. Coordinates the crew emergency plan numbers. Assists the Crew Administrator with Crew Immigration/Customs with specific duties during the sign-on & sign-off process. This includes assigning name badges and cabin keys at sign-on and collecting these at sign-off. Responsibilities include coordinating repatriation for all crew by providing re-employment letters. Processes all employee cruise requests with shoreside. Organizes crew activities/events and manages crew welfare. Performs HR administrative duties as directed by the HR Manager.

Royal Caribbean International expects each shipboard management team member to relentlessly exemplify the principles of the Anchored in Excellence Credo to all team members. In addition, all duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with Royal Caribbean International’s The Royal Way, SQM standards, USPH guidelines, environmental, and safety policies.

• In accordance with Royal Caribbean International’s philosophy of Anchored in Excellence, each employee conducts oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times. This consists of physical and verbal interactions with guests or fellow shipboard employees and/or in the presence of guest contact and crew areas.
• Provides information and services to shipboard employees with regards to orientating, assigning and retrieving berthing, equipment, and written literature. Issues cabins and bulk assignments to all Officers, Staff and Crew. Records all cabin and crew changes and prepares berthing report for each voyage. Assigns crew emergency numbers, name badges and cabin keys. Collects all items when shipboard employees sign-off.

Assists with the crew sign-on and sign-off process, as directed by the Crew Admin. Manager, reviewing immigration documentation such as passports, visas, Alien Resident Cards (ARC), Letters of Re-Employment, etc. to determine validity of documents. Refers unusual documentation to the Crew Admin. Manager and HR Manager.

• Ensure accuracy of employee records
• Conducts/coordinates weekly cabin inspections and reports discrepancies.
• With the full support of the HR team, helps organize and delivers activities for the crew that foster good shipboard employee morale. Assists in managing the Crew Welfare Fund.
• Maintains an awareness of the shipboard employee morale. Gathers information to make recommendations to maintain a positive environment.
• Prepares a variety of reports and letters utilizing personal computer system and equipment.
• Coordinates with the shore-side support group the repatriation process for shipboard employees.
• Prepares Letters of Re-employment for new contracts.
• Maintains strict numbering and inventory of the Letters of Re-employment.
• Performs a variety of related duties, as directed by the HR Manager and/or Crew Admin. Manager.
• Works with the shipboard Financial team in a cooperative, productive, and effective manner including, but not limited to, assistance with Payroll Stuffing.
• Administers the shipboard employee cruise privileges to ensure that all cruise requests submitted by the crew are processed onboard and submitted to HR shore-side.
• Observes flexible desk hours based on the itinerary and needs of the crew answering inquiries pertaining to services and general information. Responds to concerns or complaints from any crewmember in a considerate, professional and positive manner. Takes ownership of concerns, follows up and consults with the HR Manager and/or Crew Administrator as necessary.
• Ensures the continuous updating of clear and concise handover notes to eliminate any possible miscommunication that compromises the efficiency of set processes.
• Maintains safe, secure, and healthy environment by enforcing organizational standards, procedures, and legal regulations. Attends mandatory Crew and Guest Safety drills as required, including meetings, training activities, courses and all other work-related activities. Where appropriate, participates in meetings to address and resolve quality concerns and to continuously identify improvement opportunities.
• Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the shipboard employee occupying this position. Shipboard employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.

Hiring Requirements:

• Minimum 1 year prior administrative experience within a hospitality industry
• Completion of high school or basic education equivalency preferred.
• Working knowledge of onboard computer systems, internet access, and the ability to navigate within variety software packages such as MS Office
• Ability to work positively and cooperatively in a diverse team environment and to interact with a wide variety of ethnic diversity.
• Ability to interact in a professional and courteous manner with all officers, staff and crew.
• Ability to conduct activities to enhance crew morale and employee satisfaction
• Ability to work within the constraints of a crew welfare budget
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a closely-knit team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with crew information
• Excellent interpersonal and people skills

Work Experience Requirements

All applicants must have previous experience in working in a 4/5* Hotel or Upscale Restaurant.

Language Requirements

Good knowledge of the English language is required.

Cruise Ship Jobs

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World's second-largest cruise ship to arrive at Port Canaveral next week

The world's second-largest cruise ship will arrive at Port Canaveral next week, providing another milestone for the world's second-busiest cruise port.

Royal Caribbean International's Utopia of the Seas is schedule to sail into Port Canaveral the morning of July 11. It will begin sailings on July 19, offering three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas, with departures on Fridays and Mondays. Most of the sailings will have port-of-call stops in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island.

Utopia of the Seas is the world's second-largest cruise ship, behind Royal Caribbean's Miami-based Icon of the Seas, which debuted there in January. Utopia has 18 decks; 2,834 staterooms; a double-occupancy capacity of 5,668; and a crew of 2,290.

Utopia's plans for the port: Giant cruise ship Utopia of the Seas coming to Port Canaveral, where sister ship already sails

Royal Caribbean is marketing the ship as "the world's biggest weekend," alluding to its massive size and relatively short cruises.

Port Canaveral CEO John Murray said the Utopia of the Seas has so many attractions onboard that, for many passengers, "the ship itself is really a destination. So it's really cool."

"The ship is coming straight to Port Canaveral from the shipyard," Murray said told port commissioners at their meeting last week. "This ship is built specifically for the three- and four-day cruises, and Royal Caribbean selected us for that honor. So we're really excited, and we want to want to do a good job with it. It's going to be really exciting to see it sitting right outside of Cruise Terminal 1."

Murray said he expects the addition of the Utopia will give a boost to passenger traffic at Port Canaveral, which has been relatively flat in April and May compared with previous-year numbers, after posting strong year-over-year increases during the winter season.

The Utopia will be one of three Royal Caribbean ships based at Port Canaveral when it enters the lineup, joining the Adventure of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas.

Utopia has 22 restaurants; 13 bars and lounges; six special areas for young children and teens; eight themed neighborhoods; the AquaTheater, Royal Theater and Studio B entertainment venues; five pools; two casinos with more than 370 slot machines and nearly 30 table games; and two rock-climbing walls.

The ship also features the FlowRider surf simulator; a 10-story zip line; and The Ultimate Abyss, which is the longest dry slide at sea at 259 feet, plummeting 10 decks.

Powered by liquefied natural gas

The Utopia will be the third ship based at Port Canaveral to be powered by liquefied natural gas, a fuel that is cleaner-burning that traditional marine fuels. The other LNG-powered ships at Port Canaveral are the Carnival's Mardi Gras and Disney's Wish.

Before its first cruise with paying passengers, the Utopia will undergo its final U.S. Coast Guard inspection. The ship also will host a formal ship-naming ceremony, as well as a traditional maritime plaque-and-key exchange between Royal Caribbean and Port Canaveral officials.

In all, Royal Caribbean operates the world's seven largest cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean officially took delivery of the Utopia on June 13, after more than two years of construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said the Utopia of the Seas will provide cruise passengers "the keys to the ultimate weekend. This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a three-night weekend or four-night weekday getaway."

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] , on X at  @bydaveberman  and on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

Royal Caribbean International | CruiseShipJobs.com

Royal caribbean international.

1050 Caribbean Way Miami, Florida 33132-2096, USA

Phone: +1 305 539 6000

Company Website:  www.royalcaribbean.com

Employment Web Pages:   Royal Careers at Sea Entertainment Employment:   Royal Caribbean Productions

Passenger Loyalty Program: Crown & Anchor Society

Royal Caribbean International was established in 1968 and introduced their first cruise ship, Song of Norway in 1970. In 1997 Royal Caribbean Cruise Line changed its name to Royal Caribbean International. This was to reflect the separation between their acquired brand, Celebrity Cruises. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is the parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, and Pullmantur.

Royal Caribbean International currently operates a fleet of over 20 cruise ships with a new ship in the works to be launched in 2014. The brand is renowned for its climbing walls, skating rinks, surfing simulators, Dreamworks partnership and overall adventure-minded cruisers. Their extensive children and teen facilities and programming are offered for kids aged three to 17 plus a nursery on select vessels for ages 6 to 36 months. Many of their ships have been upgraded with their Royal Advantage enhancements with more upgrades to come in 2013 and 2104.

They employ an international crew that is recruited through a network of hiring partners. Their crew are known for their Gold Anchor Service, exceeding guests’ expectations.

Fleet of Cruise Ships

Allure of the Seas Entered Service: 2010 Tonnage: 225,282 GRT Total Passengers: 6,318 Total Crew: 2,384

Oasis of the Seas Entered Service: 2009 Tonnage: 225,282 GRT Total Passengers: 6,360 Total Crew: 2,394

Independence of the Seas Entered Service: 2008; Upgrade March 2013 Tonnage: 154,407 GRT Total Passengers: 4,375 Total Crew: 1,360

Liberty of the Seas Entered Service: 2007; Enhanced 2011 Tonnage: 154,407 GRT Total Passengers: 4,375 Total Crew: 1,360

Freedom of the Seas Entered Service: 2006; Enhanced 2011 Tonnage: 154,407 GRT Total Passengers: 4,375 Total Crew: 1,360

Jewel of the Seas Entered Service: 2004 Tonnage: 90,090 GRT Total Passengers: 2,502 Total Crew: 859

Mariner of the Seas Entered Service: 2003; Upgraded 2012 Tonnage: 138,279 GRT Total Passengers: 3,807 Total Crew: 1,185

Navigator of the Seas Entered Service: 2002; Enhance 2013 Tonnage: 138,279 GRT Total Passengers: 3,807 Total Crew: 1,213

Serenade of the Seas Entered Service: 2003; Revitalize November 2012 Tonnage: 90,090 GRT Total Passengers: 2,490 Total Crew: 891

Brilliance of the Seas Entered Service: 2002; Revitalize May 2013 Tonnage: 90,090 GRT Total Passengers: 2,502 Total Crew: 848

Radiance of the Seas Entered Service: 2001; Refurbished 2011 Tonnage: 90,090 GRT Total Passengers: 2,466 Total Crew: 894

Adventure of the Seas Entered Service: 2001; Revitalize January 2014 Tonnage: 137,276 GRT Total Passengers: 3,807 Total Crew: 1,185

Explorer of the Seas Entered Service: 2000; Revitalize November 2014 Tonnage: 137,308 GRT Total Passengers: 3,840 Total Crew: 1,185

Voyager of the Seas Entered Service: 1999; Revitalize April 2014 Tonnage: 137,276 GRT Total Passengers: 3,840 Total Crew: 1,176

Vision of the Seas Entered Service: 1998; Refurbished 2000; Revitalize March 2013 Tonnage: 78,340 GRT Total Passengers: 2,416 Total Crew: 742

Rhapsody of the Seas Entered Service: 1997; Refurbished 2012 Tonnage: 78,491 GRT Total Passengers: 2,416 Total Crew: 765

Enchantment of the Seas Entered Service: 1997; Refurbish December 2012 Tonnage: 82,910 GRT Total Passengers: 2,730 Total Crew: 840

Grandeur of the Seas Entered Service: 1996; Refurbished 2012 Tonnage: 73,817 GRT Total Passengers: 2,036 Total Crew: 760

Splendour of the Seas Entered Service: 1996; Refurbished 2011 Tonnage: 69,130 GRT Total Passengers: 2,074 Total Crew: 761

Legend of the Seas Entered Service: 1995; Refurbish January 2013 Tonnage: 69,130 GRT Total Passengers: 2,074 Total Crew: 726

Majesty of the Seas Entered Service: 1992; Refurbished 2007 Tonnage: 74,077 GRT Total Passengers: 2,767 Total Crew: 912

Monarch of the Seas Entered Service: 1991 Tonnage: 73,937 GRT Total Passengers: 2,766 Total Crew: 856

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Cruise Ship Jobs - Royal Caribbean International

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Royal Caribbean Cruises history starts in 1969 when an idea suddenly struck Arne Wilhelmsen and Edwin Stephan (Arne was a Harvard-educated investor and Edwin a famous Floridian businessman). The idea was that there was a large community of extremely wealthy Americans in Florida, and that this community would put down top dollar for a short, relaxing luxury cruise to the nearby Caribbean. Arne and Edwin marketed this brainwave to some of the shipping magnates in Norway who readily bought it and came up with large investments. After a short gestation period, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (and an entire new industry) was born. The line's first newbuild, Song of Norway, entered service in 1970, and today, RCI operates a fleet of modern super- and megaliners including the largest cruise ship afloat, the Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean Cruises is the second largest cruise ship operator in the world with about 17 percent share of the world cruise market.

The Quantum-class ships were the first ships built for Royal Caribbean by Meyer Werft shipyard since the Radiance class and share many features with those ships, including indoor pools with retractable roofs, vast expanses of glass, outdoor seating in the Windjammer buffet, and self-leveling pool tables. Other distinctive features of the Quantum-class include the "North Star" observation capsule mounted on the end of a 41-meter-long (135 ft) crane arm,"RipCord by iFLY" a skydiving simulator the three-deck-high Two70° lounge and performance venue at the aft of the ship featuring panoramic windows that convert into projection screens, and the multi-purpose SeaPlex facility which hosts activities such as basketball, roller skating, bumper cars, and a trapeze school.

Needless to mention that the company is offering a huge number of shipboard jobs to prospective crew and staff members. Royal Caribbean International is also offering competitive salaries, provides great working conditions and is highly recommended cruise line to work for.

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Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

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Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

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Fire breaks out on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, cruise ship loses power

A fire broke out on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas cruise ship on Tuesday.

The ship also experienced a brief loss of power, according to Nathaniel Derrenbacher, a spokesperson for the line’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Group . The ship was docked in Costa Maya, Mexico, at the time.

There were no injuries and the small fire – which was isolated to a crew area – was quickly extinguished. The ship’s backup power was activated immediately, and the main power systems were restored.

Derrenbacher did not have additional information on where the fire occurred or how long the power outage lasted.

The vessel’s itinerary was not impacted. Icon, the biggest cruise ship in the world , is currently sailing a week-long Western Caribbean cruise that departed from Miami, Florida on Saturday, according to CruiseMapper . The ship is scheduled to visit Cozumel on Wednesday.

The news comes after a fire occurred in the exhaust funnel of Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Freedom ship in March, the second such fire on the vessel in less than two years.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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World’s largest cruise ship catches fire, loses power during mishap

Royal caribbean international’s icon of the seas ship was docked in mexico during the fire.

Carnival CEO discusses record cruise demand

Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein unpacks record demand for the cruise line on 'The Claman Countdown.'

Royal Caribbean International’s massive Icon of the Seas ship recently caught fire and experienced a power outage, company officials say.

A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson confirmed the incident to USA Today. The fire reportedly broke out on Tuesday while the ship was docked in Costa Maya, a tourist region in Southeast Mexico.

The company official said no one was injured during the fire, which was isolated to an area where crew members worked. The spokesperson also said the ship's backup power was "immediately" activated, and the ship's main power system was eventually restored back to normal. 

Icon of the Seas — which is the largest cruise ship in the world — entered into service in January of this year. The 250,800-ton ship has more than 2,800 guest cabins in 28 variations, and even boasts a three-story "Ultimate Family Townhouse."

CRUISE LINE OFFERS RETIREES CONCERNED ABOUT INFLATION A 'NEW WAY OF LIFE'

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, is seen docked at the Port of Miami on Jan. 11. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via / Getty Images)

After previewing the cruise in January, Travelmation head of media and luxury travel adviser Rebekah Ingraham told FOX Business that she had "never seen anything like that before."

"When you drive up even to the port, you can’t help but just go ‘wow,’" she explained. "And as we were sitting there waiting to take off, there were a couple other cruise ships that would come by—– and these are massive cruise ships — but they look small next to the Icon of the Seas."

NOROVIRUS OUTBREAKS LINKED TO 2 CRUISE SHIPS WITH OVER 150 INFECTED  

The Icon of the Seas arrives in Miami in January. (Royal Caribbean)

According to Royal Caribbean International’s website, a standard room on the ship's seven-day Caribbean voyage costs between $1,450 and $1,850. Guests interested in renting suites can spend anywhere from $2,900 to $4,800.

The company describes Icon of the Seas as a "first-of-its-kind" experience that includes several pools, a water park and numerous food and drink options.

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"It’s thrills you never dared to imagine and next-level chill you never dreamed possible," the website describes. "Let your adrenaline surge at the largest water park at sea or conquer an all-out test of courage dangling high above the ocean."

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxbusiness.com/lifestyle

Water slides at the Thrill Island water park onboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas at PortMiami in Florida. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via / Getty Images)

"Pick from seven unique pools to satisfy any mood — this is an all-you-can-swim buffet…. and discover dishes to delight every appetite with 40 ways to dine and drink," the site adds. "This is the Icon of Vacations."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS         

No additional details about the fire incident are known at this time. 

FOX Business reached out to Royal Caribbean Group for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

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Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas Cruise Reviews

10+ Cruises

1 - 10 of 58 Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas Cruise Reviews

Sail Date: February 2024

Review for a Asia Cruise on Spectrum of the Seas

This was a back-to-back sailing for us. Our previous cruise was 12 days on Celebrity which ended in Singapore where this cruise was embarking. Royal Caribbean had been our favorite cruise line until we took the celebrity cruise. Throughout the years, the changes in Royal Caribbean have been more negative than positive to us. The long lines, the scarcity of available tables at the breakfast buffet, ... Read More

Sail Date: January 2024

We took this 4 night cruise prior to another cruise just to go to Phuket. The staff was wonderful and the ship was in good repair. The food was average but nothing spectacular. On our last few RC cruises we have been disappointed with food not being hot/cold. There is not an indoor bar with a view outside. Being in Asia 90 degrees & 80% humidity that is an issue. My biggest ... Read More

WHILE it's easy to simply catch a flight to Sydney or drive up to Brisbane to join a cruise ship the options of where you can sail to are limited. The main offers see you cruise off to NZ, Tasmania, South Pacific destinations or even just float along the Aussie coastline. All are good options, but if you've done it once you rarely book the same trip. That means if cruising is your goal ... Read More

I wanted to start off stating that we are American. This ship was created specifically for the Asian market. I've read terrible reviews and since we had a great experience, I wanted to share our review. The Pros: -The service was top notch. Where ever we were on the ship, we were provided with excellent service and the crew were always smiling and willing to assist. -The quality of food ... Read More

Sail Date: December 2023

This was one 1st cruise traveling with elderly on wheelchair, and It was great and wonderfully short cruise :- 1. RC - Spectrum of the Sea was sizeable and with great facilities and common areas for all ages. 2. We were traveling with elderly on wheelchair and we have no issues moving around with priority access given too. 3. Main dining Supervisor, Waiter and assistant waiter were very ... Read More

Sail Date: November 2023

Cabin Type: Ocean View Balcony

The Spectrum of the Seas is a very large ship with many activities for families and people who want to experience onboard activities. Although my husband and I are in neither of those categories we enjoyed the cruise and particularly the quieter areas of the ship set aside for suite guests. Our junior suite was a good size and in very good condition. The food was good quality and the staff were ... Read More

Sail Date: August 2023

Cabin Type: Sky Junior Suite

We were visiting our kids and grand kids in Singapore and decided to take them on this spring break cruise. There were six of us and we were at first a bit concerned about crowding with the ship being sold out. However, RCL did a superb job in crowed management. Never did we feel in any way encumbered: Boarding was a breeze, less than 30 minutes wait, cabins were ready and luggage was there when ... Read More

Sail Date: March 2023

Traveled with children

Due to health issues my mobility is not so good and I have to use a walker and furthermore I have to have frequent toilet breaks. I knew that traveling the usual way would be a real challenge for me. So cruising became my choice. Spectrum really interested me because it was an “Asian” orientated cruise ship and had an itinerary I liked. Visiting Vietnam and Thailand and ... Read More

Sail Date: February 2023

Traveled with disabled person

Asian cruise. We chose RC because of itinery and ship. Did not want to eat food locally and chose RC as we thought the food would be good as our previous RC cruises had been. However it was canteen food served warm at best. Was fed up of sending back food that we could not eat because it was cold. Waiters badly trained. Too many tables squashed together in MDR. My time dining non exisent. ... Read More

Find a Spectrum of the Seas Cruise from $266

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I sailed on Silversea's new ultra-luxury cruise ship and was blown away by all the perks you get for $650 a day

• Silversea invited me on a complimentary five-night cruise on its new 728-guest ship, Silver Ray . 
• The ship's cheapest 2024 itinerary is a seven-day cruise for $4,550 per person.
• See all the amenities wealthy cruisers get on Silver Ray, from caviar room service to butlers.

Silver Ray is not where you go to watch travelers in their mid-20s drink cheap margaritas.

No. Silversea's new 728-guest ship is the cruise to go on when you want to be surrounded by 60-some-year-olds who enjoy Champagne, quiet vacations, and $180, 11-course dinners.

In mid-June, the ultra-luxury cruise line's latest and 12th vessel, Silver Ray, set sail on its maiden voyage. At 801 feet long and 54,700 gross tons, it's markedly larger than Silversea's previous ships. And with it, an equally large price tag, starting at $4,550 for a weeklong cruise in 2024.

A vacation that costs $650 per day might sound outrageous, but wait until you see the ship's amenities.

Silver Ray upholds Silversea's long-standing promises of good food, drinks, and service.

In an attempt to capture the next generation of wealthy cruisers, Silver Ray's design moves away from some "stereotypical" luxury ship elements — which Andrea Tonet, Silversea's vice president of product strategy, told reporters in mid-June includes being "very closed and, to some extent, also boring" — in favor of a modern yet understated flair.

The ship is filled with light, and the decor has stylish and contemporary sensibilities without being too unapproachable. Even the elevators have sweeping ocean views.

No need to fear dingy interior staterooms. Every cabin on Silver Ray has a balcony.

The ship's accommodations range from 357 square feet to 1,324 square feet.

The largest suite on Silver Ray , of which there are two, comes with a private hot tub, a library, and a starting cost of $17,000 per person.

However, even the smallest accommodations still have walk-in closets and marble bathrooms.

Most cruise lines offer butlers to guests who've booked the most expensive suites.

On Silversea's cruise ships , every guest has a butler who helps with tasks like booking restaurants, packing luggage, and setting up the dining table for room service caviar.

No need to stay in your cabin to indulge in fine cuisine.

Silver Ray has eight restaurants. Three — the French, Japanese, and chef's table — are up-charged. But if you can't resist a mid-day sushi and sashimi combo, the Japanese restaurant Kaiseki is complimentary during lunch.

It's not the only place that serves up lunchtime sashimi.

The lunch buffet also features raw fish of Kaiseki's quality, as well as stations of pasta, poached seafood, and freshly carved meats, for example.

In the morning, the breakfast buffet includes customizable smoothies blended to order, classic American breakfast items, and even congee.

In the evening, the dining room transforms into the Italian restaurant La Terraza, serving options like whipped mortadella with pecorino chips.

If you prefer more traditional cruise fare (think steaks and lobster tails), there's Atlantide.

But if you want a dinner experience akin to a jazz club, go to Silver Note. There, guests can dine on small plates of beef tenderloin and caviar while being serenaded by a jazz singer and pianist.

(Pro tip: If you forget to reserve a table at Silver Note, you can still enjoy the live music at the restaurant's bar.)

Like the buffet, Silver Ray’s alfresco dining room also wears several hats.

In the morning, the open-air restaurant serves relatively healthy breakfasts. The menu switches to pizzas, salads, and grilled fare during lunch.

In the evening, it transforms into a casual grill-it-yourself restaurant with tabletop hot rocks. Think Americanized Korean barbecue but with shrimp and steaks instead of bulgogi.

Guests in the mood for a more upscale dining experience can pay for La Dame and SALT Chef's Table instead.

For $160, travelers can dine on several courses of fine French cuisine at La Dame.

Or, for $180, they can book one of the 18 seats at the interactive SALT Chef's Table. The 11-course meal showcases regional dishes and ingredients — all plated in front of diners while the chef explains each small course.

During the day, Chef's Table is home to Silver Ray's complimentary cooking class, SALT Lab.

SALT — an acronym for "sea and land taste" — is one of Silversea's prized programs, putting cuisines local to the itinerary's region at the forefront of the cruise.

This means guests who sign up for the cooking class on a roundtrip Portugal cruise could learn to cook Portuguese tarts with almonds, for example.

There's also SALT Kitchen, a more approachable and complimentary answer to SALT Chef's Table.

SALT Kitchen gives guests a taste of local cuisine without a $180 fee.

The menu is divided into two halves: one that remains consistent throughout the cruise and one that changes almost every day depending on the destination.

After dinner, travelers can have a nightcap at the SALT Bar. As you might've guessed, the venue puts a boozy spin on the SALT mentality, leading to cocktails like dry sherry with mint and sparkling lemonade, as an example from the Portugal cruise.

(I promise this is the last SALT-themed venue.)

It's one of eight bars and lounges on the ship, which include a Champagne-focused one and another for whiskey and cigar enthusiasts.

Bars like Panorama Lounge have an alfresco seating area. But if you're in the mood for some live music, head inside the lounge or go to Dolce Vita, both of which have a small stage for entertainers like pianists and violinists.

The bars are a great antecedent to the entertainment at the two-floor, 370-seat Venetian Lounge theatre.

Expect the typical song-and-dance cruise shows on Silver Ray, although the theater also hosts lectures and entertainment reflective of the ship's destinations.

All of the lounges have non-alcoholic cocktails.

But if you want a truly sober experience, go to the Arts Café.

Many new mass-market cruise ships now have a Starbucks. But who needs the coffee chain when you have a café that serves latte art-embellished espresso drinks and tea from TWG Tea?

The observation lounge also has a brew-it-yourself coffee and tea station.

Like any luxury ship, the lounge has sweeping ocean views, literature, and board games like Monopoly and Pictionary.

If none of the books are catching your eye, look for the door to the hidden library. Inside, you'll find a twinkling ceiling reminiscent of Rolls-Royce's Starlight Headlining. It's the perfect, isolated place to curl up with a book and a cup of tea.

You might need that caffeinated pick-me-up after a few hours at the spa.

Massages start at $299 for 75 minutes, while the cheapest facial costs $199 for 50 minutes.

Feeling wrinkly? The spa also offers dermal fillers and Dysport injections.

But if you want to relax without paying, the sauna, steam room, and thermal pool are complimentary for all guests. It's a great way to unwind after a workout at the adjacent gym, supplied with Technogym equipment.

Like any traditional cruise, the largest pool is on an open-air deck.

But unlike most ships, the pool isn't surrounded by lounge chairs. Instead, it's off-centered and closer to the vessel's edge, giving swimmers a panoramic view of Silver Ray's surroundings instead of sunbathers' toes.

Cruise classics like a casino and shopping also appear on Silver Ray.

The casino is notably small. So, if you get bored there, you can spend your money on the stores' perfumes, jewelry, and Silversea merchandise.

But that's assuming you haven't already blown past your vacation budget just by booking the new vessel.

The cheapest Silver Ray cruise starts at $4,550 per person for a seven-day roundtrip sailing from Fusina, Italy, to destinations in Croatia and Italy.

If you want a fare inclusive of shore excursions, it'll be $5,000 per person. (For reference, a spokesperson for Silversea told Business Insider that a SALT cooking class excursion in Lisbon's Time Out Market would be about $219 per person.)

For an additional $1,500, Silversea will also organize your airfare and airport transformations.

But if all you want to do is wine, dine, and relax, the base fare will do. It may be steep, but that's the price of being on a ship filled with fresh-cut flowers, unlimited cocktails, and room-service caviar.

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