Ships
World’s largest fleet
Guests
Icon/Oasis class
Destinations
Globally
Over 55 Years
Of cruise innovation
If you’re searching for Royal Caribbean in Canada, you’re looking at the world’s most recognized cruise brand — and one where booking through a travel advisor unlocks rates, perks, and cabin selection that aren’t always available on the cruise line’s website. Phoenix Voyages, as a TICO-registered agency and Travel Leaders Network member, has preferred partner access to Royal Caribbean’s full inventory and exclusive promotions.
This guide covers everything Canadian travellers need to know about Royal Caribbean — from the record-breaking Icon of the Seas to departure options, ship class comparisons, and how to book at the best possible price with full consumer protection.
About Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean International is the world’s largest cruise line by fleet size and passenger capacity, and arguably the most innovative company in the cruise industry. A flagship brand of Royal Caribbean Group (which also owns Celebrity Cruises and Silversea), Royal Caribbean has spent five decades pushing the boundaries of what a cruise ship can be — introducing rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, surf simulators, and eventually entire neighbourhoods at sea.
What sets Royal Caribbean apart from its competitors:
- Innovation leadership: Royal Caribbean doesn’t just build ships — it builds floating cities with features that didn’t exist before. The line introduced the first rock climbing wall at sea (1999), the first surf simulator (2006), the first zip line (2016), the first waterslide taller than the Statue of Liberty (2024), and the first cruise ship to exceed 250,000 gross tonnes (Icon of the Seas, 2024). Every new ship class redefines what’s possible.
- Icon of the Seas: Launched in January 2024, Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship ever built at 250,800 gross tonnes. She features eight distinct neighbourhoods, six record-breaking waterslides, the largest waterpark at sea, and Category 6 — the first water theme park on a cruise ship. Icon sold out her entire inaugural season in record time and has become the most in-demand ship in the industry.
- Perfect Day at CocoCay: Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas has been transformed into a $250-million resort destination featuring Thrill Waterpark, an overwater cabana village, a freshwater pool, and Coco Beach Club. A second private destination, Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island (Nassau), is under development.
- Family-first design: Royal Caribbean is widely regarded as the best cruise line for families with children. Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs, teen lounges, splash pads, and the sheer variety of onboard activities — from bumper cars to laser tag to Broadway shows — mean that every age group is entertained. The line also excels at multi-generational travel, with cabin configurations that accommodate large family groups.
- Scale and value: With 28 ships ranging from 2,100 to 7,600 guests, Royal Caribbean offers an enormous range of itineraries, price points, and experiences. The fleet’s size means competitive pricing — Royal Caribbean frequently offers the lowest per-night rates in the Caribbean market, especially on 3- to 5-night sailings.
Who is Royal Caribbean best for? Families with kids (all ages), couples who want onboard thrills alongside relaxation, first-time cruisers looking for maximum variety, and groups who need a ship big enough that everyone finds something they love. If you want a cruise where boredom is physically impossible and the ship itself is a destination, Royal Caribbean is your line.
Popular Royal Caribbean Itineraries from Canada
Royal Caribbean sails to over 300 destinations globally. For Canadian travellers, the most popular itineraries include:
Caribbean
The Caribbean is Royal Caribbean’s home territory, with more ships deployed here than any other cruise line. Short sailings (3–5 nights) depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral, visiting Nassau, CocoCay, and Cozumel — ideal for first-time cruisers or quick getaways. Week-long Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and CocoCay. Western Caribbean loops cover Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Roatan. Southern Caribbean sailings of 9+ nights reach Aruba, Curacao, and Barbados. The newest and largest ships (Icon, Oasis, and Quantum class) are concentrated in the Caribbean year-round.
Bahamas
Royal Caribbean’s 3- and 4-night Bahamas sailings from Miami and Fort Lauderdale are the most popular short cruises in the world. These itineraries almost always include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the line’s private island resort. For Canadians, a Bahamas cruise is one of the most affordable cruise options available — especially when factoring in that meals, entertainment, and the CocoCay beach are included in the fare.
Alaska
Royal Caribbean deploys Quantum class ships (Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas) on Alaska itineraries from Seattle, with 7-night Inside Passage cruises visiting Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan plus glacier viewing at Endicott Arm or Hubbard Glacier. While Royal Caribbean isn’t the Alaska specialist that Princess is, the Quantum class ships bring a level of onboard innovation (North Star observation capsule, RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, SeaPlex indoor sports complex) that’s unmatched in the Alaska market.
Mediterranean
Royal Caribbean runs seasonal Mediterranean programs from Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Ravenna (Venice alternative). The Oasis class ships — Wonder of the Seas and Allure of the Seas — are deployed on Western Mediterranean circuits in summer, offering the full mega-ship experience in a European setting. Seven-night itineraries cover Spain, France, and Italy; longer sailings add Greek Islands and Croatia.
Repositioning Cruises
Royal Caribbean’s seasonal ship movements create excellent repositioning cruise opportunities — one-way transatlantic sailings between Europe and the Caribbean (typically in April/May and October/November) at significantly discounted per-night rates. These 12- to 16-night crossings are excellent value for travellers with flexible schedules. Our advisors track repositioning inventory closely and can alert you when pricing drops.
Canadian departure tip: Most Royal Caribbean sailings require a flight to the departure port. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are 3–3.5 hour direct flights from Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Seattle serves Alaska itineraries with easy connections from Vancouver. Cape Liberty (New Jersey) and Galveston offer alternative departure points with direct flights from Canadian hubs. Our advisors can arrange cruise-fly packages that bundle reduced airfare with your cruise booking.
Find the Right Royal Caribbean Sailing for You
Our TICO-registered advisors know the fleet inside and out and can match you with the right ship, itinerary, and cabin category — at no extra cost to you. We’re paid by the cruise line, so our service is completely free.
Royal Caribbean Ship Classes
Royal Caribbean’s 28-ship fleet spans six ship classes, each with a distinct personality and scale. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right ship for your trip.
Icon Class
Icon of the Seas (2024) and Star of the Seas (2025) represent the pinnacle of Royal Caribbean’s engineering. At 250,800 gross tonnes and up to 7,600 guests at full capacity, these are the largest cruise ships ever built. Icon class ships feature eight distinct neighbourhoods, Category 6 water theme park (six record-breaking waterslides), the largest waterpark at sea, Surfside (a dedicated family neighbourhood), and the Crown’s Edge — a walk-the-plank thrill experience suspended 154 feet above the ocean. These ships sail Caribbean itineraries from Miami year-round.
Oasis Class
The Oasis class revolutionised the cruise industry when Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009 as the world’s largest cruise ship. The class now includes five ships: Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, and Wonder of the Seas (2022). At 5,400–5,700 guests, these ships introduced the neighbourhood concept with Central Park (live trees and restaurants in an open-air atrium), Boardwalk (carousel, AquaTheater, and casual dining), and the Ultimate Abyss (a 10-story dry slide). Oasis class ships sail Caribbean and Mediterranean routes.
Quantum Class
Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas brought transformative innovations in a more manageable 4,900-guest package. North Star (a jewel-shaped observation capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level), RipCord by iFLY (skydiving simulator), SeaPlex (the largest indoor activity space at sea with bumper cars, roller skating, and basketball), and Two70 (a high-tech entertainment venue with floor-to-ceiling windows and robotic projection screens). Ovation is the primary Alaska deployment.
Freedom Class
Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas carry approximately 3,600 guests and were the world’s largest ships when they debuted (2006–2008). Recently amplified with new waterslides, dining venues, and the Perfect Storm water park, these ships offer a strong balance of activities and value. They typically sail shorter Caribbean itineraries (3–5 nights) and offer some of the most competitive pricing in the fleet.
Voyager & Radiance Classes
The Voyager class (5 ships, ~3,100 guests) and Radiance class (4 ships, ~2,100 guests) round out the fleet with more intimate options. Radiance class ships are particularly popular for Alaska and longer itineraries where a smaller, more manageable ship is preferred. These classes offer lower pricing and a less overwhelming experience for travellers who find the mega-ships too large.
Ship selection tip: The ship class matters more than the specific ship within a class, since sister ships share 95% of the same features. If you want maximum thrills, choose Icon or Oasis class. If you want innovation in a more manageable size, go Quantum. If you want value and a shorter itinerary, consider Freedom class. Our advisors can recommend the right match based on your priorities and budget.
Current Royal Caribbean Deals
Below are current Royal Caribbean promotions available through Phoenix Voyages. These rates include our Travel Leaders Network preferred pricing — rates that aren’t always available when booking directly with the cruise line.
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Don’t see what you’re looking for? Our advisors can search Royal Caribbean’s full inventory and often uncover unadvertised rates and bonus perks. Call 1-855-383-5771 or email us with your preferred dates and destinations.
Why Book Royal Caribbean Through Phoenix Voyages
You can book a Royal Caribbean cruise directly on their website — so why go through an agency? Here’s the honest answer:
TICO Consumer Protection
Phoenix Voyages holds TICO registration #50028032, which means your payments are protected by the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. If Royal Caribbean (or any supplier) were to default, your money is protected. Booking directly with a cruise line or through an unregistered website does not provide this safeguard.
Travel Leaders Network Preferred Rates
As members of Travel Leaders Network — one of North America’s largest travel agency consortiums — Phoenix Voyages has preferred partner status with Royal Caribbean. This translates into exclusive amenities: onboard credit, cabin upgrades, complimentary beverage packages, and promotional pricing that isn’t available to the general public or on Royal Caribbean’s own website.
Navigating the Fleet
With 28 ships across six ship classes, Royal Caribbean’s fleet is the most complex in the industry. The difference between booking the right ship and the wrong one can mean the difference between an incredible vacation and a disappointing one. An experienced advisor knows that a family with toddlers should be on a different ship than a couple celebrating an anniversary — and that the same itinerary on two different ships can be a completely different experience.
Personal Advisor Service
A dedicated travel advisor who knows the ship, the itinerary, and the cabin categories can save you money and prevent costly mistakes — like booking an interior stateroom on Icon of the Seas when a balcony on a smaller ship costs the same. If something goes wrong before or during your cruise, you have a real person to call — not a chatbot or a 90-minute hold queue.
No Extra Cost
Our service costs you nothing. Travel advisors are commissioned by the cruise lines — meaning you pay the same price (often less, with our preferred rates) and get a layer of expertise and protection on top.
| Feature | Book Direct | Book with Phoenix Voyages |
|---|---|---|
| TICO fund protection | No | Yes |
| Travel Leaders Network rates | No | Yes |
| Bonus onboard credit | Sometimes | Frequently |
| Cabin upgrade assistance | Self-serve | Advisor-managed |
| Fleet navigation expertise | Website filters | Expert guidance |
| Problem resolution | Call centre | Personal advisor |
| Service cost | $0 | $0 |
Get the Best Rate on Your Royal Caribbean Cruise
Our advisors compare all current Royal Caribbean promotions and layer in Travel Leaders Network exclusive perks — at no cost to you. Same cruise, better deal, full TICO protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean in Canada
What are the departure port options for Canadians?
Most Royal Caribbean sailings depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), or Port Canaveral — all a 3–3.5 hour direct flight from Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal. Alaska itineraries depart from Seattle, which has direct flights from Vancouver and easy connections from other Canadian cities. Cape Liberty (Bayonne, New Jersey) and Galveston (Texas) offer alternative home ports for Bermuda and Western Caribbean sailings respectively. Royal Caribbean does not currently homeport in any Canadian city, but seasonal sailings occasionally include Canadian ports (Quebec City, Halifax) as stops on New England/Canada itineraries.
What’s the difference between Icon of the Seas and the Oasis class?
Both are mega-ships, but Icon class is a generation ahead. Icon of the Seas (250,800 GT, 7,600 guests at full capacity) is roughly 30% larger than the Oasis class ships (~230,000 GT, 5,700 guests). Icon features the Category 6 water theme park with six waterslides (including the tallest at sea), Surfside (a dedicated family neighbourhood), the Crown’s Edge thrill walk, and eight distinct neighbourhoods versus the Oasis class’s seven. The Oasis class ships remain excellent and offer strong value — particularly Symphony and Wonder of the Seas, which received significant updates from the earlier Oasis and Allure. Icon commands a premium; Oasis class offers similar scale at a lower price point.
What kids programs does Royal Caribbean offer?
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program is the most comprehensive youth program in the cruise industry. Age groups include Aquanauts (3–5), Explorers (6–8), Voyagers (9–11), and teens (12–17 with separate Teens and Hangout spaces). Programming runs throughout the day and evening, and is included in the cruise fare at no additional charge. The Nursery (6–36 months) is available for a small hourly fee. On Icon and Oasis class ships, the dedicated Surfside neighbourhood creates an entire family zone with a kid-friendly pool, carousel, arcade, and family dining. Splash Away Bay water parks are designed specifically for toddlers and young children.
Are drink packages worth it on Royal Caribbean?
The Deluxe Beverage Package typically costs $60–$90 USD per person per day (prices vary by ship and sailing date) and covers cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffee, fresh juices, and non-alcoholic beverages up to $14 per drink. If you typically have 5–6 drinks per day, the package pays for itself. Royal Caribbean requires all adults in the same cabin to purchase the package if one does. Watch for promotions — our advisors frequently secure complimentary or heavily discounted beverage packages as part of Travel Leaders Network offers, which eliminates the math entirely.
Which Royal Caribbean ship is best for families?
For families with young children (under 10), Icon of the Seas is the clear leader — the Surfside neighbourhood, Category 6 waterpark, and Playscape climbing area are purpose-built for families. Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas (Oasis class) are close seconds, with the Ultimate Abyss slide, Boardwalk carousel, and AquaTheater. For families with teens, the Quantum class ships offer unique attractions (iFLY, North Star, bumper cars) that appeal to the hard-to-impress 13–17 demographic. For families on a budget, Freedom class ships offer a strong activity lineup at the most competitive pricing in the fleet.
When should I book for the best Royal Caribbean deals?
Wave Season (January through March) is when Royal Caribbean releases its most aggressive promotions — Kids Sail Free offers, bonus onboard credit, reduced deposits, and complimentary beverage packages. Booking 9–12 months in advance locks in early-bird pricing and the widest cabin selection. For Icon of the Seas and summer Alaska sailings, booking 12–18 months ahead is recommended as demand far exceeds supply. Last-minute deals (30–60 days before departure) can offer steep discounts on shorter Caribbean sailings, but cabin choice is extremely limited on popular ships. Call our advisors to find out what’s currently available and where the best value sits across the fleet.
Ready to Book Your Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Phoenix Voyages is a TICO-registered travel agency (registration #50028032) and Travel Leaders Network preferred partner with Royal Caribbean. Our advisors compare all current promotions and layer in exclusive perks — at no cost to you.
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Related resources: Cruise Deals | Caribbean Cruise Deals | Canadian Cruise Ports | Group Travel