Karl WP Beyer 
The success story of Royal Caribbean International (RCI) began in 1969. More than 50 years later, the Miami/Florida-based cruise line is the best-known brand in the world Royal Caribbean Group. The current 26 RCI cruise ships call at ports on six continents and visit more than 300 destinations.
Royal Caribbean International - innovative ships of all sizes
Royal Caribbean International offers guests a variety of amenities and innovations. Depending on the ship class, the on-board activities include a. Surf and parachute simulators, swiveling observation gondolas, pools, sun decks, sports and SPA offers, ice rinks, jogging tracks, basketball courts, climbing walls, mini golf courses, casinos, lounges, bars and cinemas. Parks and so-called Royal Promenades were set up on the ships of the Oasis class. Entertainment in the style of Las Vegas shows and live music everywhere round off the entertainment on board.
Symphony of the Seas
From A to W, from Adventure of the Seas to Wonder of the Seas, the names of the 26 cruise ships go right through the alphabet. The “royal” ships compete in six size and ship classes.
Oasis class
The Oasis class is the premier class of RCI ships: More than 230.000 GT and a maximum of 6.988 passengers are the best of what cruise ships have ever seen around the world. The Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas belonged first to this class of ships, which offers guests endless possibilities. With the Harmony of the Seas, the Symphony of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas, the Oasis class became a quintet.
Oasis of the Seas in Palma de Mallorca
Quantum class
After the Oasis class, the Quantum class represents the shipping company's second largest ship units. Fifteen meters in length differentiate the Oasis (362 meters) from the Quantum class (347 meters). Features of the four Quantum class ships to date are “skydiving” and the “North Star” gondola. The latter can be extended to a height of 90 meters above sea level. In addition, the gondolas can be swiveled over the side wall.
Ovation of the Seas - After undocking in the MEYER shipyard
The MEYER shipyard in Papenburg has built five ships in this category to date. They are the Quantum of the Seas, the Anthem of the Seas, the Ovation of the Seas and the Spectrum of the Seas. With the Odyssey of the Seas, a fifth Quantum-class cruise ship will follow in autumn 2020.
Anthem of the Seas in Cadiz
Freedom class
The Freedom class ships are also among the shipping company's larger cruise ships. The first of these ships left the Aker shipyard in Finland in 2006; today MEYER Turku shipyard. The key figures: around 155.900 GT measurement and a maximum of 4.370 passengers. The class includes three ships with the Freedom of the Seas, the Independence of the Seas and the Liberty of the Seas. The special features of the Freedom class are the surf simulator “Flow-Rider” and the “Royal Promenade” with the Irish pub, shops and bars.
Freedom of the Seas in Willemstad / Curaçao
Voyager class
The namesake of this class of ship, the Voyager of the Seas, was the largest passenger ship in the world when it was commissioned in 1999, measuring 311 meters in length and measuring 138.194 GT. The Voyager-class ships are licensed for up to 3.838 passengers. The special features include u. a. the Royal Promenade, a large ice rink, basketball and volleyball courts. Ships of this class are the Adventure of the Seas, the Explorer of the Seas, the Mariner of the Seaswho have favourited the Navigator of the Seas and the Voyager of the Seas.
Voyager of the Seas - in the roadstead in front of Grand Cayman
Radiance class
Radiance means "shine" in English. The ships of this group are also splendid. The ships are powered by environmentally friendly gas turbines. Measuring 90.000 GT, the fast ships are a good 290 meters long. The number of passengers is estimated between 2.450 and 2.700. This ship class includes the Brilliance of the Seas, the Jewel of the Seas, the Radiance of the Seas, and the Serenade of the Seas.
Brilliance of the Seas - in the roadstead off Lerwick / Shetlands
Vision class
The four ships belonging to the Vision class vary in their measurements. This is between 70.000 and 82.900 GT. The ships were put into service in the years 1995 to 1997. They hold an average of 2.050 passengers at double occupancy (Enchantment of the Seas: 2.252). The Enchantment of the Seas was lengthened by 2005 meters in 22. The Enchantment of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and Vision of the Seas fall into this ship class. 
Grandeur of the Seas in the Port of Civitavecchia
Royal Caribbean International - an interesting alternative for cosmopolitan cruisers
The cruise market is highly competitive. Every cruise company maintains its own individual standards. For Royal Caribbean, the ships are mainly booked in English-speaking countries. Most passengers are from the United States and Canada. Significant efforts have been made in recent years to better position the brand in Germany, the most successful and powerful European cruise market.
The language on board is English. Various services are provided in German. These include
- German-language daily programs on many routes;
- German-language menus in the main restaurants;
- German-speaking shore excursions to selected destinations (from 25 participants);
- numerous German-speaking crew members.
It is undisputed that the European home markets are dominated by the established competitors AIDA, Costa, MSC and TUI Cruises. Nevertheless, based on our own experience, we value Royal Caribbean International as an extremely interesting alternative for cosmopolitan German cruise passengers.
Update - October 2022