If you’ve ever looked at cruise prices, you’ll know that Royal Caribbean often comes in at the higher end of the scale compared to other lines… And that’s just the base price. You still need to add on your gratuities and Deluxe Drinks Package. And in a world of All Inclusive cruising, it’s sometimes hard to justify the prices of Royal Caribbean. I wanted to write this blog post to answer out a question I always see: “Is Royal Caribbean expensive?”
The answer is… Yes, and also… No. But it all makes sense when you understand who Royal Caribbean is for.
Having cruised with them myself, I can say the price tag isn’t just about the cabin you’re booking – it’s the full experience that makes up the Royal Caribbean offering. Let’s break it down.
Who is Royal Caribbean’s Target Demographic?
Unlike Virgin Voyages (adults-only, couples-focused), Royal Caribbean is designed with young families in mind – think two adults with one or two kids in the same stateroom. The cruise fare is structured around that setup: the first two guests usually pay the higher price, but the 3rd and 4th guests in the cabin are often heavily discounted. So while it can look expensive for couples, it balances out for families sharing one room.
And beyond pricing strategy, there’s also the experience itself. Having cruised with them myself, I can say the cost isn’t just about the cabin you’re booking – it’s the full package that makes up the Royal Caribbean experience. Let’s break it down.
What’s Included with Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean’s advertised prices might look like they only cover the basics, but when you break it down, you’ll find that the fare includes much more than you might expect.
Royal Caribbean’s Innovative Ships and Onboard Attractions
Royal Caribbean is famous for pushing the boundaries of what a cruise ship can be. Their Oasis-class ships are practically floating cities with zip lines, surf simulators, ice skating rinks, skydiving simulators, robot bartenders, and neighbourhood-style decks. These things don’t come cheap to build or maintain, but they set Royal Caribbean apart from more traditional cruise lines.
But additionally… Most of these things are included in the cost of your cruise fare. Whereas other cruise lines such as Norwegian and MSC Cruises, charge you for those. I’m still triggered from having to pay for MINI GOLF.
High-Quality Entertainment
Broadway-level shows, live music across multiple venues, AquaTheater diving performances, and ice shows – all included in your fare. Hiring professional performers, running productions, and investing in staging adds significantly to costs, but it means you’re never short of entertainment options.
On some ships, the entertainment rivals what you’d find in Las Vegas or London’s West End.
IMO: Royal Caribbean has the best shows at sea.
Bigger Ships = More Staff and More Operations
Royal Caribbean’s ships aren’t just large – they’re among the biggest cruise ships in the world. With bigger ships come bigger crews, more maintenance, and more complex day-to-day operations. From housekeeping and dining staff to engineers and entertainment teams, there are thousands of people working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.
All of that manpower and operational cost adds up, and it’s part of why Royal Caribbean cruises can seem more expensive compared to smaller, simpler ships from other lines.
Investment in Technology and Guest Experience
Royal Caribbean ships are tech-forward. From the Royal Caribbean app that lets you plan your day, to virtual balconies, and advanced navigation systems, they’re constantly innovating. These investments don’t just improve safety and convenience – they enhance your overall experience. And what’s paying for those innovations? The guest cruise fare!
Reputation and Brand Positioning
Royal Caribbean isn’t positioning itself as the cheapest way to cruise. Instead, they market themselves as the most innovative, exciting, and activity-packed cruise line. People are willing to pay more for the name and the reassurance that comes with it – similar to booking a stay at a well-known resort brand instead of a budget hotel.
Is Royal Caribbean worth the larger price tag?
For many travellers, yes. You’re not just booking a cruise – you’re booking access to unique ships, world-class entertainment, a broad range of activities, and destinations you can’t easily reach otherwise.
In my personal opinion… Is Royal Caribbean expensive?
The value is in if you will use all the features and wow-moments. For example, if you’re not gonna ride the Flowrider, Zip-line, iceskating, nor are you going to go see any of the shows. Then you’ll probably have a hard time justifying the price.
While Royal Caribbean prices can be higher than some competitors, the premium goes toward experiences that are hard to find elsewhere – from cutting-edge ships to world-class entertainment. For travellers who love innovation and adventure, the cost is worth it. But if you’re looking for a quieter cruise without those classic Royal Caribbean flourishes, then you may find better value with other lines.
Can you find cheap Royal Caribbean deals?
Hell yes! I found a 7 night Royal Caribbean deal for less than £500 per person. Which was a great lead-in price. And if you skip on the drinks package like I did, you CAN do Royal Caribbean on the cheap. You can find a lot more affordable deals on the older ships from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. Prices from Southampton can still be a little higher given the fact that the target demographic is usually families during summer holidays.
If you’d like more Royal Caribbean blogs, you can read these:
Is Royal Caribbean right for you?
Is Royal Caribbean LGBTQ+ friendly?
