Royal Caribbean Caribbean cruises

Royal Caribbean Caribbean cruises: where they sail and what to expect

Royal Caribbean's Caribbean programme covers the region in depth, with sailings focused on the Caribbean, the Western Caribbean and the Southern Caribbean. Departures run from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Port Canaveral, San Juan and Galveston, so there is real choice in where you join the ship. Most sailings are round trips, though a small number are one-way voyages — worth noting when you plan your travel. Durations across the programme run from short breaks to 12-night itineraries, with 7 nights the typical length.

Where in the Caribbean does Royal Caribbean sail?

The Caribbean is where Royal Caribbean concentrates the bulk of its programme. The Western Caribbean is especially well represented, offering a distinct mix of ports and landscapes compared with the broader Caribbean routes. The Southern Caribbean features more selectively, giving travellers who want something a little different a genuine alternative. All three regions depart from Florida or Puerto Rico, which means a short domestic flight from anywhere in Australia connects you to the ship — far easier than it sounds once flights and transfers are in one booking.

Miami and Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) are about half an hour apart, so a Florida trip can sail from either — worth checking both for dates and prices. San Juan in Puerto Rico is an alternative homeport for Southern Caribbean itineraries, while Galveston gives access to Western Caribbean routes from the Gulf Coast.

Which ships sail Royal Caribbean's Caribbean routes?

Several ships from the Royal Caribbean fleet cover these Caribbean itineraries, each with its own character. Here is a guide to the ships you are most likely to encounter:

Adventure of the Seas

Adventure of the Seas suits active travellers well: there is a large climbing wall, a water slide, an ice-skating rink and a roller-skating track all on board. The ship also stages glittering figure-skating shows that are well worth an evening. When it comes to cabins, you have real choice — from the compact Inside cabin with Promenade view (15.5 m², with a window looking directly onto the Royal Promenade) to the Ultra-spacious Ocean-view cabin at 30.5 m², ideal for families, right up to the Royal Suite at 117.1 m², which sleeps up to 5 guests and is more than twice the size of the Owner's Suite.

• Inside cabin with Promenade view (2T) — 15.5 m², sleeps 4, window onto the Royal Promenade
• Ultra-spacious Ocean-view cabin (1K) — 30.5 m², sleeps 6, dedicated bunk area for families
• Balcony cabin with connecting door (CB) — 18.4 m², sleeps 3, connecting door to double your living space
• Royal Suite (RS) — 117.1 m², sleeps 5, the largest suite on board

Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas keeps things lively: the Surf Simulator is a genuine crowd-pleaser, there is a skating rink, a mini golf course, and a dedicated wine bar called Vintage for quieter evenings. Cabin grades range from the Large Inside cabin with Promenade view (31.6 m², sleeping up to 6) to the Royal Suite at 130.1 m² — the largest on the ship, roughly 5 times bigger than a standard balcony cabin.

• Large Inside cabin with Promenade view (1Q) — 31.6 m², sleeps 6, views of the Royal Promenade
• Extra large Ocean-view cabin (1K) — 27.2 m², sleeps 6, noticeably more spacious than standard
• Balcony cabin (1B) — 19.2 m², sleeps 4, around 1.7 m² more than a standard balcony
• Royal Suite (RS) — 130.1 m², sleeps 4, the largest suite on board

Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas packs in plenty: ride the surf simulator, race twin waterslides, then choose from 10 different dining spots on board. The ice show is a genuine one-of-a-kind experience at sea — you can watch or lace up and skate yourself. In the evenings, the Royal Promenade boulevard is the social heart of the ship, lined with bars and places to wander. Cabin options include the Extra large Ocean-view cabin at 30.5 m² for families and the 117.1 m² Royal Suite for those who want the full suite experience.

• Inside cabin with Promenade view (2T) — 15.5 m², sleeps 2, Royal Promenade views at no sea-view surcharge
• Extra large Ocean-view cabin (1K) — 30.5 m², sleeps 6, nearly twice the space of a standard ocean-view
• Balcony cabin with sea view (1B) — 18.9 m², sleeps 4, around 4–5 m² more than a standard balcony
• Royal Suite (RS) — 117.1 m², sleeps 4, nearly 3 times larger than a standard balcony cabin

Harmony of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas is built around 7 distinct neighbourhoods to discover, each with its own atmosphere and mix of restaurants, bars and activities. With 20 unique dining options, you could eat somewhere different every night of a long cruise and still have places left to try. Parties and parades on the Royal Promenade keep the energy up at sea. See Harmony of the Seas cabin grades and deck plans to find the right fit.

Jewel of the Seas

Jewel of the Seas takes a more relaxed approach: 16 bars to choose from, a ShipShape Day Spa offering full relaxation treatments, and a 10-storey Centrum atrium that doubles as a shopping and social hub. It is a ship that rewards those who like to move at their own pace. Check Jewel of the Seas cabin grades and deck plans for the full range.

Freedom of the Seas

Freedom of the Seas offers a 3D cinema and an open-air cinema screen alongside an ice-skating rink and the Tropics bar serving exotic cocktails. It is a strong all-rounder for couples and families alike. Browse Freedom of the Seas cabins and deck plans before you book.

Two more ships round out the Caribbean programme: Allure of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas both sail these routes. See their Allure of the Seas cabin options and Brilliance of the Seas cabin options for more detail.

What fare types does Royal Caribbean offer?

Royal Caribbean offers several fare types across its Caribbean sailings, and choosing the right one can make a real difference to what your holiday includes. Fare types such as Last-Minute Fares and promotional offers for third and fourth guests are available on select sailings — our cruise experts can tell you which apply to the dates you have in mind. An Early Booking fare on qualifying sailings can include onboard credit, which is worth factoring in when you compare prices. Solo travellers are also catered for, with a dedicated Single/Solo Fare for those taking sole occupancy of a stateroom.

Some sailings carry discounts of up to 47% from the price previously listed for that cabin grade — though that maximum applies to one departure, with most reduced sailings sitting closer to 15% off. Our team can help you identify where the genuine value sits.

How do I get to the ship from Australia?

All Royal Caribbean Caribbean sailings depart from ports in the United States or Puerto Rico, so an international flight is part of every trip. That does not have to mean extra complexity. CruiseAway can arrange your flights, hotel nights before or after the cruise, transfers between the airport and the port, and any tours you want to add — all as a single DreamAway Package. Whether you are flying from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, putting it all in one booking means one point of contact and no loose ends.

If you are based near one of the Florida departure ports, domestic connections are straightforward. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are about half an hour apart by road, so it is worth comparing sailings from both when you search — the right date or cabin grade may fall on either side. For San Juan, Galveston and Port Canaveral, the same applies: we route your flights to whichever port fits your itinerary and sort transfers from there.

Other cruise lines also sailing the Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is not the only line covering the Caribbean. If you want to compare options, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line both sail the region, as do Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises. Norwegian's Free at Sea fares bundle specialty dining, beverages, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credits into the fare price — a different approach from Royal Caribbean's à la carte model and worth a side-by-side look. Princess Cruises' Plus package covers casual dining, beverages up to US$15 each, MedallionNet Wi-Fi and crew appreciation, pre-paid, which suits travellers who prefer to know the total cost upfront.

You can also explore the Royal Beach Club Lelepa sailings for a Royal Caribbean experience with a difference, or look at the Princess Cruises 2026/2027 season if you are open to other lines. For something further afield, Celebrity Cruises Mediterranean sailings are also available through CruiseAway.

*Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing, and are subject to change. This price is not kept up to date and therefore does not reflect live pricing and availability.

Where a discount is shown, it is a reduction from the price previously listed for that cabin grade on that sailing, not a comparison between cabin grades or against a brochure rate. Discounts and prices shown are not kept up to date: the reduction available now may be smaller, or may have ended, and prices may have changed.