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Royal Caribbean Is Headed Back to Australia — and You Can Start Booking Today

Sailings will begin in October 2023.

Royal Caribbean has announced a slew of Australian cruises for 2023 and 2024 a week after the country said it would lift its ban on cruise ships.

The cruise line will sail out of Brisbane and Sydney , embarking on everything from two-night getaways to 19-night voyages, according to Royal Caribbean . The Australia cruises, which will start in October 2023, will sail on the Ovation of the Seas , Quantum of the Seas , and — for the first time — on the Enchantment of the Seas .

"It's thrilling to welcome back two Quantum Class ships Down Under, demonstrating Royal Caribbean's commitment to the region. Plus… we've taken the opportunity to bring Enchantment of the Seas to Australia to offer unique sailings that visit new destinations we know our guests are excited to explore," Gavin Smith, the managing director of Australia and New Zealand for Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement. "We look forward to even more guests, their loved ones, and families creating memories while holidaying with us in several of the most spectacular places on earth."

Sail along Queensland's coast, including a trip to Cairns, which is a jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef . Or use Sydney as your base to explore New Zealand's coastline , Hobart, Adelaide, or the stunning South Pacific islands.

Those who board the Enchantment's inaugural season in Australia can visit Kangaroo Island , New Caledonia, and Vanuatu, or plan to celebrate Christmas at sea with an 11-night South Pacific and Fiji Christmas cruise.

Travelers can book a Royal Caribbean Australia cruise starting Wednesday and will receive half-price deposits if they book before April 5.

Australia dropped its ban on cruise ships last week, allowing it to end when it expires on April 17, according to the government . Before the pandemic in 2019, Australia welcomed more than 600,000 cruise ship passengers.

"On the basis of medical advice and with the agreement of National Cabinet, lifting the cruise ban is consistent with the reopening of Australia's international border and shows that we have successfully navigated Australia's emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic," Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said in a statement.

The decision also comes weeks after Australia opened its borders to vaccinated international tourists .

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

Royal Caribbean Cruises

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Royal Caribbean Australia Cruise Deals Departing from Sydney, Brisbane, & Worldwide

Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia is an illustrious award-winning global cruise line with a 45-year legacy of innovation and excellence in the cruise industry.

Redefining the cruising industry with the inclusion of exciting onboard facilities as well as high-tech advancements and never-before-seen activities at sea, Royal Caribbean cruises have built up a loyal base of regular voyagers. You can choose from Royal Caribbean cruises from Sydney or Royal Caribbean cruises from Brisbane, or from a number of fantastic ports across Australia and the world.

Royal Caribbean cruises boast outstanding new ships in the fleet with Oasis and Quantum Classes. These phenomenal ships are equipped with advanced technology, the fastest internet at sea and the widest variety of accommodations, from single rooms with a balcony to family-connected staterooms and luxurious two-storey lofts. Combined with personalised, attentive service, Royal Caribbean cruises are committed to delivering the best holiday experience to its guests.

Cruise Guru also has many other  last-minute cruise deals available for a plethora of Royal Caribbean cruises. Furthermore, with our Price Guarantee , you can rest assured that you are getting value for money. If you are looking for a Royal Caribbean cruise for a couple, a family, or a group of friends look no further than our Royal Caribbean sale.

If you have any questions, request a callback and speak to one of our Australian-based cruise experts today. Let our team help you compare Royal Caribbean cruises 2024 or our Royal Caribbean cruises 2024. When it comes to Royal Caribbean cruises, Australia has no better choice than the fantastic cheap cruises available at Cruise Guru.

Planning to sail afar, but want to stay on an affordable budget? Why not check out our selection of upcoming Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises 2024 to truly fantastical destinations? Choose between some of your favourite Royal ships, with repositioning cruises available at a truly affordable price.

Whether you want to sail into Asia, out into North America, the sunny shores of the Caribbean and South American countries like Puerto Rico, or are planning to head back to home in Australia, there will undoubtedly be Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises for you to choose between all year round.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals Departing from Brisbane and Sydney

At Cruise Guru, our Royal Caribbean deals are available from ports throughout Australia. As a result, no matter where you are in Australia, you will be able to find Royal Caribbean cruises that are convenient for your location. If you do wish to depart from a different city including Royal Caribbean cruises from Sydney, we can also help you to arrange transfers and hotels. This will give you an all-in price for your dream cruise.

There are plenty of choices of destinations and types of Royal Caribbean cruises, whether you are looking for a Royal Caribbean Brisbane cruise, a Royal Caribbean Sydney cruise, or one from anywhere else in Australia. You can also start your voyage overseas and select a cruise that travels back to Australia. Cruise Guru can help to arrange all the details and create the perfect itinerary for you. Browse our Royal Caribbean Australia cruises that we have available and if you have any questions at all, contact us today, and we will answer them as quickly as we can.

Plenty to Do on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Our Royal Caribbean sale Australia have great deals across multiple ships, and you’ll never be bored onboard with the variety of activities on offer. From rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, zip lines, bumper cars, the signature FlowRider surf simulator, and exclusive skydiving thrills of RipCord by iFly, the list just keeps going.

Royal Caribbean cruises were also the first to bring the best of Broadway to the high seas, staging full-length productions of hit musicals like MAMMA MIA!, Cats and We Will Rock You. The world-class entertainment program includes dazzling only-on-Royal stage ice, aerial, dive and multimedia shows, plus dance clubs, bars and lounges that never charge a cover.

Whether you are old or young, want an action-packed adventure, or sit and relax and enjoy the atmosphere, there is plenty to keep you entertained and a Royal Caribbean cruise for everyone. All our Royal Caribbean cruises include room service, which is available 24 hours a day, and there is no need to feel disconnected when at sea with fast and reliable internet. You can be as active or relax as much as you want when you choose one of our excellent Royal Caribbean cruise deals.

Why book Royal Caribbean Cruises with Cruise Guru

If you’re looking for the best Royal Caribbean cruises on offer online, there is no better location than Cruise Guru. We offer amazing Royal Caribbean deals and extraordinary Royal Caribbean sales available on exciting itineraries available throughout the year! Our team has over 35 years of experience in providing the highest-value holidays and luxury cruises to Australians.

As you can see by our online reviews , we have had many happy customers who love our services organising Royal Caribbean Australia cruises. Our experience within the travel industry, as well as our excellent relationships with Cruise Line companies, means that we can offer not only fantastically priced Royal Caribbean cruises Australia-wide but also many other Cruise Lines.

We have excellent value-for-money offers from P&O Cruises Australia ,  Oceania Cruises ,  Carnival Cruises , and  Princess Cruises to name but a few. When you book your cruise with Cruise Guru, you also benefit from our Price Guarantee.

You can book your cruise online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus, we are here to answer any questions that you have about our Royal Caribbean cruises, and you can get in contact with us today through your preferred method. Let us help you book a fantastic Royal Caribbean cruise that will have you making memories that will make you want to go on another voyage soon.

Frequently Asked Questions for Royal Caribbean Cruises

How do i get the best deals on royal caribbean cruises.

To get the best deals on Royal Caribbean cruises we recommend booking as early as possible, preferably as soon as the sailings get announced! As the departure date grows closer and closer, Royal Caribbean cruises tend to increase in cost. This is due to the increasing demand for booking and a decline in availability to book a cabin or suite.

If you’re looking for the best deals on upcoming Royal Caribbean Australia cruises, then you’ve come to the right place! Not only do we offer the lowest prices on all Royal Caribbean Australia cruises, but we also have the low-down on the latest sales and offers that you want to see. From massive price savings, reduced deposits, to fantastic inclusions such as Wi-Fi and dining, we’ll likely have the perfect deal on the Royal Caribbean cruises you’re looking to book.

Can I bring alcohol on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean cruises guests are not allowed to bring beer or spirits onboard. However, guests can bring up to two 750ml bottles of personal wine or champagne per stateroom in their carry-on luggage. Each bottle consumed onboard may also incur a corkage fee.

Any additional bottles of wine beyond the two will also be allowed onboard alongside any alcoholic beverages you’ve purchased in port or via a Royal Caribbean cruise ship shop. However, these will be stored by the Royal Caribbean cruise ship and will only be delivered to your stateroom on the last day of your Royal Caribbean cruise.

What Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit Australia?

The following Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit Australia:

Ovation of the Seas

Quantum of the seas, anthem of the seas.

• Voyager of the Seas

Aussie travellers can choose between Royal Caribbean cruises from Sydney or Royal Caribbean cruises from Brisbane. Each of these departure ports offers itineraries taking guests on splendid voyages across Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and beyond. Royal Caribbean Australia cruises are all but guaranteed to whisk guests away on voyages they’ll remember for a lifetime.

Whether you’re searching for Ovation of the Season , Quantum of the Seas , Anthem of the Seas , or Voyager of the Seas voyages, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll be able to find the best deals on any of these Royal Caribbean cruise ships at an affordable price. Peruse our Royal Caribbean cruises today and you’ll quickly find a marvellous offer on the holiday of your dreams.

What is the largest Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

Icon of the Seas is currently the largest Royal Caribbean cruise ship on the fleet, with its total length coming into a total of 365m (or 1,197.51ft). Capable of accommodating 5,610 lucky passengers amongst 2,805 cabins, Royal Caribbean cruises on this ship will be nothing short of epic! While not sailing on a Royal Caribbean Australia voyage soon, we cannot wait to see Icon of the Seas sail down under in the future.

Worried that you can’t book Royal Caribbean cruises on Icon of the Seas ? Not to worry, the Icon class is planning to have a number of additional ships in the coming years that we cannot wait to see sail the seas. In the mean time, you can also check out their impressive Oasis class, their previously largest class of Royal Caribbean ships. From the first of its class Oasis of the Seas or the spending Harmony of the Seas , you’ll undoubtedly have plenty of choice when booking Royal Caribbean cruises.

What can you take on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

You can take a whole load of things aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise! Here’s a quick Royal Caribbean packing list of essentials:

• Plenty of comfy clothing
• Portable charger
• Beach-going attire
• Sun-screen and aloe vera
• Formal and casual shoes

Guests are also welcome to bring aboard non-perishable, pre-packaged food on Royal Caribbean Australia cruises. However, this is only allowed in a limited quality. Similarly, non-alcoholics are permitted on Royal Caribbean cruises, but cannot exceed 12 500ml cans, bottles, or cartons per stateroom. You can additionally bring onboard Royal Caribbean Australia voyages milk and distilled water for infant, medical, or dietary use. For further information on this, please contact Cruise Guru or Royal Caribbean Australia directly.

Keep in mind that Royal Caribbean cruises are at their best when you try and experience everything on offer aboard Royal Caribbean ships. So, don’t overpack and keep an open mind!

Are there Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises?

Definitely! The world-renowned cruise line regularly moves its ships across the globe as it seeks sunny summer shores. Typically, there’ll be Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises ready to book at any moment. Guests on Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises start in one location and then end their journey in a new bucket-list locale. The best part of these voyages is that they’re relatively affordable. So, if you’re planning a holiday on a budget, we strongly recommend trying out a Royal Caribbean repositioning cruise. Plus, if you love your sea days, then these popular voyages are the perfect match for you!

Contact Cruise Guru today for the best Royal Caribbean Cruises Sale Deals

We are here to help our customers in any way that we can, and if you have any questions that you would like answered, there are multiple ways to get answers. The first place to look is our FAQ Page . If you cannot find your answer there, you can request a call back by clicking here , and one of our advisors will call you at the time of your choosing. You can also use our online contact form and we will answer your questions as quickly as possible. Let our time find the right Royal Caribbean International voyage or close-to-home escape for you.

You can keep up to date with all the latest cruise news, special offers, promotions, and competitions follow us on Facebook or Instagram . If you are looking for the perfect cruise, consider Royal Caribbean Australia from Cruise Guru and enjoy magical moments while you make memories that will last forever.

Adventure Of The Seas

Allure Of The Seas

Brilliance Of The Seas

Enchantment Of The Seas

Explorer Of The Seas

Freedom Of The Seas

Grandeur Of The Seas

Harmony of the Seas

Icon of The Seas

Independence of the Seas

Jewel Of The Seas

Liberty Of The Seas

Mariner Of The Seas

Navigator Of The Seas

Oasis Of The Seas

Odyssey of The Seas

Radiance Of The Seas

Rhapsody Of The Seas

Serenade Of The Seas

Spectrum of the Seas

Star Of The Seas

Symphony of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas

Vision Of The Seas

Voyager Of The Seas

Wonder of the Seas

AUSTRALIA/NZ/PACIFIC Save up to 30% + kids sail from $59/n with Royal Caribbean! Cruise locally with Royal and enjoy great savings if you book now + bonus savings*

ASIA Book with Royal and receive savings up to 60% off the 2nd guest + bonus savings*

EUROPE Book now with Royal Caribbean & enjoy savings up to 60% off the 2nd guest + bonus savings*

CENTRAL AMERICA/CARIBBEAN Book now to receive savings up to 60% off the 2nd guest + bonus savings*

NORTH AMERICA Book now to receive savings up to 60% off the 2nd guest + bonus savings*

REPOSITIONING CRUISE DEALS Offering unique itineraries between Australia and Asia, Hawaii, and mainland USA/Canada, these popular cruises have limited cabins and do sell fast!

CHRISTMAS CRUISES Discover the perfect ho-ho-holiday for your crew today! Compare upcoming Christmas cruise deals at amazing prices.

Included with your cruise fare

All onboard meals in the main dining room and buffet

A selection of onboard entertainment

Room service

Rock Climbing Wall

Ice Skating Rink

Mini-golf and golf simulators

In-line skating track

Seaplex including roller skating rink and bumper cars at sea

North Star (except for on China sailings)

Ripcord by iFly (except for on China sailings)

Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z

Water park and water slides including Tidal Wave, Riptide, H2O Zone Water Park, The Perfect Storm, The Blaster and Splashaway Bay

Table Tennis

Ultimate Abyss

Merry-Go-Round

Sky Pad trampoline experience

Included when you book a Junior suite

Welcome amenities

Stateroom service provided by a suite attendant

Included when you book a suite

Dedicated check in lines

Priority departure lounge

Complimentary 24 hour room service

Reserved VIP seating in the main theatre

Priority bookings for salon and spa appointments, tendering tickets and shore excursions

Dedicated suite attendant

Complimentary luggage and valet service

Additional suite inclusions on Oasis and Quantum class ships

All day access to Coastal Kitchen

Suite Lounge Access

Complimentary Voom, the fastest internet at sea

Access to Sun Suite deck

*Inclusions are subject to change at any time.  Activities vary by ship.

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Press Releases

Royal caribbean reveals adventures for 2023-24 australia season.

SYDNEY, 22 March 2022 – Starting October 2023, a summer full of memories and untamed adventure is on the horizon as Royal Caribbean International announces its bold season of 2023-2024 Australia cruises packed with returning favourites, firsts and new itineraries. Ovation and Quantum of the Seas , among the world’s most ground-breaking cruise ships, return to Australia to sail from Brisbane and Sydney. The season also welcomes a big Down Under debut with the arrival of Brilliance of the Seas , touting new destinations and itineraries from Sydney.

Royal Caribbean’s action-packed line-up is now open and available on the cruise line’s website , and holidaymakers can celebrate with half-price deposits when they book from 23 March to 5 April.

Adventurers of all ages can experience the region’s spectacular beauty on varying itineraries that range from 2-night getaways to 19-night adventures. Guests can visit multiple destinations of 38 gems of the Southern Hemisphere from one day to the next, including locales along the rich coasts of Australia, the Land of the Long White Cloud and the postcard-perfect beaches of the South Pacific.

“It’s thrilling to welcome back two Quantum Class ships Down Under, demonstrating Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the region. Plus, because there’s always more room for adventure with Royal Caribbean, we’ve taken the opportunity to bring Brilliance of the Seas to Australia to offer unique sailings that visit new destinations we know our guests are excited to explore,” said Gavin Smith, managing director of Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean International. “We look forward to even more guests, their loved ones and families creating memories while holidaying with us in several of the most spectacular places on earth.”

2023-2024 Highlights

• Quantum of the Seas – Cruising from Brisbane Headlining the line-up in Australia is Quantum , returning for an encore after its first summer season sailing from Brisbane in 2022. Holidaymakers can choose from 3- to 13-night cruises to explore Queensland’s stunning coast, including destinations such as Airlie Beach and Cairns, Queensland ; or discover the untouched beauty of the South Pacific by visiting places like Port Vila, Vanuatu, and Noumea, New Caledonia.
• Ovation of the Seas – Cruising from Sydney Ovation, one of the most tech-forward ships, will set sail on its fifth season in the region. Holidaymakers can choose from a mix of 20 cruises, including 9- to 11-night sailings that visit destinations along New Zealand’s rugged coastline like Milford Sound, Wellington and Bay of Islands. Guests can also pick from a series of 3- to 9-night getaways around Australia to visit Hobart, Adelaide and Eden ; as well as cruises to the South Pacific islands.
• Brilliance of the Seas – Cruising from Sydney Highlights of Brilliance's  season in Australia include new destinations for Royal Caribbean: Kangaroo Island and Gladstone, Australia . Holidaymakers can escape to the South Pacific on 8- to 11-night sailings and visit Isle of Pines, Mare and Noumea, New Caledonia; Lifou, Loyalty Islands as well as Port Vila in Vanuatu. A series of special cruises are also on deck, including an 11-night South Pacific and Fiji Christmas cruise, and longer sailings of 16 and 18 nights to locales along Australia’s Top End and West Coast, such as Darwin, Exmouth and Fremantle . Guests can combine the two itineraries back-to-back to enjoy a 34-night Australia and New Zealand adventure. 

The 2023-2024 season will see Royal Caribbean capture the imaginations of families and adventurous holidaymakers alike. Sailing in style from one destination to the next on Quantum and Ovation , guests can catch waves on the FlowRider surf simulator, shoot hoops or battle it out on the indoor dodgems at the largest indoor activity complex at sea , SeaPlex. Brilliance’s debut will offer guests a wide range of accommodation options, and the ship is ideal for those who enjoy a more intimate cruise experience alongside destination-rich itineraries. With the option of three ships and a variety of domestic and international itineraries, there’s a line-up of new ways to explore and seek adventure for everyone next summer. 

To book the new 2023-2024 cruises, holidaymakers can visit www.royalcaribbean.com or contact their local travel advisor.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International , owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay , the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 19 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.  

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and @RCIaustraliaandnz on Facebook, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, holidaymakers can call their travel advisor, visit RoyalCaribbean.com.au or call 1800 754 500. 

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Reviews

1 - 10 of 42,673 Royal Caribbean Cruise Reviews

Sail Date: April 2024

Review for a Caribbean - Southern Cruise on Odyssey of the Seas

My experience on Odyssey was generally positive, with a few hiccups. Here are some pros and cons: Pros: -The ship is beautiful, easily navigable, and well-equipped -The staff were all exceptionally friendly -My stateroom was spotlessly clean and had plenty of storage -Onboard activities were fun and diverse, but you need to book ahead of time! -The destinations on this ... Read More

Review for a Caribbean - Western Cruise on Enchantment of the Seas

We have been on over 10 cruises & this was by far was our worst cruise experience. We did 2 Carnival cruises this summer, which were outstanding. So, many things went wrong with this one and we received no help from Royal Caribbean. A week before our departure I noticed that we were put into 2 different dinner times. We are a family of 6, our children are 8, 11, 14 and 16. We had to have 2 rooms ... Read More

Review for a Bahamas Cruise on Liberty of the Seas

This was my first experience on a cruise. Unfortunately, we booked 3 excursions ahead of time that were offered on the website and all 3 were cancelled. Last minute we booked a excursion to the blue lagoon and I felt like I was robbed because it was expensive, then we should have depart at 10:30 from the deck, we arrived at almost noon and have to come back at 3:15pm. That was a wast of money ... Read More

Not a fan of inside cabins, wanted to try one with a window that overlooks the Promenade. Hubby is claustrophobic so invited sister to experience this cruise with me. The cabin did have limited space but with the window it made the cabin seem somewhat larger. Still do not think it would work for my husband though as he is spoiled by balcony cabins. We kept the window curtains opened during the ... Read More

Review for a Caribbean - Western Cruise on Odyssey of the Seas

Overall, my husband and I had a great trip. The excursions were fantastic, the room was great and the staff are very personable. However, being a young married couple without children, there is very little entertainment catered to our generation. Most of the entertainment was for the elderly or for young children. Unless you wait later in the night then there are a couple of shows or parties, ... Read More

Traveled with children

Review for a Bahamas Cruise on Anthem of the Seas

Cruise is terrible. Expect to pay way more once on the cruise. Absolutely nothing included. So u pay fortune for a cruise just to be nickle and dimed the whole cruise. Says has 4 pools but really there's 2 and never open both at same time. Overcrowded is an understatement. 80$ a day for family of for cleaning fees added to your bill. Food was terrible same thing everyday. Everything closes at like ... Read More

Traveled with disabled person

Review for a Caribbean - Eastern Cruise on Oasis of the Seas

Traveled with my husband and two teens. Not much to do for teens. Teen club was a huge disappointment. Ship was way too crowded. Couldn't get even 1 chair near the pools. People put their stuff on the chairs for the entire day. You're constantly online waiting, even sometimes at the buffet. Food is fine, very repetitive by the 3rd day. Kids had the soda package. Half the machines ... Read More

This was my first cruise ever. I'm usually a plan my own itinerary, airbnb type of traveller. My husband and I went with 2 other couples, both of which were experienced cruisers. The ship was very clean and well maintained. We had a balcony stateroom which was well laid out, spotlessly clean and had plenty of storage. My only complaint about the stateroom was the water in the shower could ... Read More

This was our first cruise and recommended by our travel agent. It was amazing!!! Smaller boat so it was more intimate. You really made connections with the crew. The staff was so accommodating and helpful. Will definitely cruise again. All of our excursions were Royal Caribbean as well and were fantastic. We started with the chill out river rafting in Costa Maya, then the Belize rum city tour, ... Read More

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I stayed in a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's 2 newest and largest cruise ships. One was clearly better — and $900 cheaper.

Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ships.

I stayed in both of their balcony staterooms — a $130-per-person-per-day difference.

Icon's pricier cabin looked more modern but lacked the functionality and comfort of Wonder's.

Do you know what $900 could buy you? More than three years of Netflix's premium plan, a new Gucci purse, or 2,059 spicy chicken McNuggets.

Or, in the case of Royal Caribbean's two largest and newest cruise ships , the cash could mean the difference between a cheap but functional balcony cabin and, ironically, a more expensive but less comfortable one.

Staterooms with balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category. After all, if you're going on a vacation at sea, wouldn't you want to be able to feel its breeze from your room?

But not all cabins with private outdoor spaces are created equal, even on two new mega-ships owned by the same cruise line.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and its larger successor, Icon of the Seas, in January.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony cabin for both complimentary sailings, the longest of which was three nights on Icon.

Both ships are operating seven-night cruises around the Caribbean in 2024.

About 66% of Wonder's cabins fall under the 'balcony' category. On Icon, they make up half of the staterooms.

Wonder of the Seas' balcony cabins start shy of $1,110 per person in 2024.

Even with nearly identical itineraries, the ones on Icon are, at their cheapest, a little more than $2,000 per person this year — or double that for the a New Year's cruise.

Wonder and Icon are the most boisterous, flamboyant, and overwhelming vessels I've ever boarded.

The pool decks were intensely colorful, the crowds were inescapable, and the long lists of activities and dining options were paralyzing.

So imagine my surprise when I unlocked my doors to find surprisingly bland rooms.

The neutral tans, blues, and whites did not scream "we belong on the world's biggest and most colorful cruise ships."

The vessels have an almost two-year age difference, as evidenced by some of their decor (mainly Icon's recessed mood lights and the more chic, darker wood tones).

But besides the light fixtures, rugs, and — frankly negligible — wall art and pillows, both cabins were fairly underwhelming compared to everything outside their front doors .

Aesthetics aside, let’s talk functionality.

Both had furnished 50-square-foot balconies.

Regarding the interior space, my 204-square-foot cabin on Icon of the Seas was 22 square feet larger than mine on Wonder.

In retrospect, I would've thought Icon's was smaller. More on that in a bit.

Both king-sized beds faced a television and some wall storage.

And both were flanked by light fixtures with built-in USB outlets, as is expected on most modern cruise ships.

The cruise line says the ships' balcony cabins use two twin mattresses that have been "converted" to make a king bed. It's a common practice I've never had an issue with — until Icon.

On Wonder, the plush pillows enveloped me the moment I laid down. I slept great. No complaints.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the new ship.

I (my back pain) could feel the hard ridge where the two mattresses met, making for a pretty miserable and uncomfortable sleep.

So much for starfishing — I kept to one side of the bed to avoid rolling over the bony bump.

For the most part, the living “rooms” were the same.

Both had the same furniture I see on almost every mass-market ship: a couch that could convert into a bed and a desk that extended into a dresser.

But storage, a high priority for cruisers, was organized differently.

Two thin wardrobes with drawers, hangars, and shelves surrounded either side of my bed on Wonder .

Icon, on the other hand, had one large wardrobe next to the living room.

Unfortunately, it had noticeably less shelving. And the metal bins let out ear-piercing screeches at every move — a lazy and annoying detail that the designers could've easily fixed with cheap felt pads.

So far, the differences have been small. But not for long.

I had two gripes with my Wonder bathroom: the lack of hair conditioner and the ill-positioned faucet that flooded the counter whenever I washed my hands.

I had the same issues on Icon. But that was the least of my concerns.

My bathroom on the older ship was well-sized for 1 person, but maybe too small for 2.

On Icon — the world's largest cruise ship — my bathroom was too compact for even one body.

Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told reporters in January that 80% of Icon's 2,805 cabins were designed for families, a sharp increase from previous vessels like Wonder.

I'm not sure a family of four could coexist in Icon's balcony cabin — solely because of the bathroom size. There's no way two people could fit in there simultaneously. A fight over who gets priority access to the toilet could ruin a peaceful family vacation! (Which is to say, I'm glad I was traveling alone.)

With the bathroom door closed, I accidentally elbowed the walls more times than I could count.

The spare towels had to be stored on a shelf inside the shower. Because the counter was so small, I had to keep most of my toiletries and products on the shelves or in the drawer.

Surprisingly, that's where Icon excelled. Its bathroom had more storage options than its older counterpart, which didn't even have a drawer.

However, the older ship's shower had a clothesline perfect for drying swimwear. It's a small but crucial amenity, especially on a vessel with so many pools and waterslides.

Unfortunately, both were stocked with two-in-one body wash and shampoo — and no hair conditioner

Let’s go through our checklist.

My balcony cabin on Wonder looked less modern than its successor (the TV on Icon had Chromecast, after all).

But it was significantly more functional and comfortable. The bed was incomparably more pleasant, the closets had more defined storage components, and the bathroom was considerably larger, even if it lacked additional shelving and drawers.

The question is: Which one is more worth its price?

Icon's cheapest balcony cabins are currently $900 more than the most affordable ones on Wonder — an almost $130 per person and day difference.

Based on the quality of the staterooms alone, if you prioritize functionality, comfort, and affordability over modern decor, consider saving money and going with the two-year-old ship .

But let’s not forget that cruise fares include unlimited food, on board activities, and nighttime entertainment.

Both ships have a fairly similar list of amenities. But only the newer one has a waterpark , an adult-only infinity pool club, and a swim-up bar, to name a few unique amenities.

So yes, Icon's balcony cabins are more costly. But the staggering price difference — and tiny bathroom — could be worth it if you think the its surplus of additional amenities is worth paying for.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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