RCI’s Crown and Anchor
With 22 cruise ships, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is the second largest cruise line in the world. There are six classes of vessels in their fleet. And all of them introduced exciting new features and amenities that resulted in sleepless nights for their competitors.
Sovereign of the Seas, which launched in 1988, was cruising’s first megaship. And RCI has never looked back. Sovereign’s atrium lobby influenced nearly every cruise ship that followed. And the bragging rights that come with having the biggest ship at sea, more often than not rest with RCI.
It would have been unimaginable then, but the current holder of the title — Oasis of the Seas — can carry twice as many passengers as that original megaship.
Today, RCI ships offer travelers experiences and activities they can’t enjoy at home, or at most land-based resorts, for that matter. They’re a great choice for families, especially those with teenagers. And they sail all over the world.
Oasis class ships.
The revolutionary Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009 and really broke new ground. The second Oasis Class ship, Allure of the Seas, follows later this year. The designers took a big risk taking the roof off the Royal Promenade to create an open-air space called Central Park. But the result is truly a breath of fresh air. Bringing the outside in makes these ships unlike anything you’ve ever sailed on before. And behind-the-scenes logistical planning makes cruises on these ships hassle free, despite their size.
Also new with this class are Loft Suites, the Rising Tide Bar — which can raise and lower itself three decks – an Aqua Theater where synchronized swimming and diving shows are performed, a zip line, and a carousel. The Broadway hit Hairspray is performed in the three-story theater.
Oasis of the Seas Central Park
Oasis does seven-night Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Allure will also sail from Fort Lauderdale and will call at different Caribbean ports.
Freedom class ships.
First introduced in 2006 with Freedom of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom class ships feature a top-deck water park where you can swim, sun, soak in a cantilevered whirlpool, or surf. After dark, the whole area becomes an al fresco nightclub. Active travelers can go a few rounds in the boxing ring, scale the rock climbing wall, or go ice skating. Modeled after Main Street, the Promenade is the heart of ships in this class, which includes Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas.
Voyager class ships.
Introduced in 1999, Voyager of the Seas changed everything. With a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, golf simulator, and Promenade filled with shops and restaurants, it was the first true resort at sea – a floating playground with something for everyone. A British pub, wine bar, and Johnny Rockets provide additional dining options. Voyager class ships are Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas.
Radiance class ships.
In response to ever-increasing demand for balcony staterooms and world-wide cruising, RCI launched Radiance of the Seas in 2001. Designed for a more traditional experience with lots of deck space and glass walls, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas have sensational views from just about everywhere. Carrying just 2,500 passengers, they’re smaller than the original Sovereign of the Seas.
Vision class ships.
Casino Royale on Radiance of the Seas
The 1995 launch of Legend of the Seas raised the bar once more. Purpose-built for cruising outside the Caribbean, Legend carried fewer passengers, but gave them bigger cabins, more space, and the Solarium – an indoor/outdoor pool area for adults only. Quickly joined by Enchantment of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Spendour of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas, Legend of the Seas features a multi-level atrium lobby
Sovereign class ships.
With the 2008 transfer of Sovereign of the Seas to Pullmantur, Majesty of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas are the last two Sovereign class ships in the fleet. They were launched in 1991 and 1992 and refurbished in 2007 and 2008 with new bedding and flat-screen TVs. Offering three and four-night cruises from Miami and Port Canaveral, there are more than enough amenities to keep passengers entertained.
Read more about Royal Caribbean cruise ships here.
RCI’s Crown and Anchor Image Flickr: prayitno
Oasis of the Seas Central Park Image Flickr: Nick Hobgood
Casino Royale on Radiance of the Seas Image Flickr: prayitno