(RCI) Royal Caribbean International is a subsidiary company and largest brand of RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) - Norwegian-American corporation, ranked world's second largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival Corporation). However, RCCL owns the world's biggest passenger ships. As of 2018, RCCL controls around 32% of the global ship cruising market (revenue) and 23% (passengers), with full ownership of 4 brands (RCI, Celebrity, Silversea, Azamara) plus 49% stake in Pullmantur (51% owned by Springwater Capital) and 50% stake in TUI Cruises (50% owned by TUI AG).
Company history
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd is based in Miami FL (USA) and incorporated in Liberia. The company was formed in 1997 when RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, established 1968) purchased Celebrity Cruises (established 1988). A decision was made to keep the two brands separate. As result, RCCL was re-branded Royal Caribbean International (RCI) and RCCL was founded as the parent company of RCI and Celebrity. RCCL headquarters address is "Royal Caribbean International, 1050 Royal Caribbean Way, Miami, FL, 33132-2096 USA".
Around 55% of RCI's total revenue comes from USA. Company's other major markets are Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
Since March 2018, RCCL offers one login for RCI and Celebrity websites and mobile apps. The new policy allows one account to be used for loyalty program benefits, bookings, and reservations with both brands. The account security was also simplified and strengthened to ensure customers' personal data.
Since May 2018, RCCL also uses fleetwide only cage-free eggs and gestation stall-free pork. By the year 2024, for all its USA-based ships, RCCL will purchase poultry only from GAP-certified producers and dealers. The corporation will require chickens to be slaughtered and processed in a manner that doesn't involve live dumping and shackling, thus eliminating conscious throat-slitting and scalding.
Since June 2018, RCI ship bars serve cocktails with optional plastic straws (not by default) - a new policy aiming to reduce sea pollution. "Why no straws?" signs at onboard bars fleetwide now indicate that drink orders will not automatically receive a straw, but only upon request.
(deposit program changes) Since November 2018, RCI customers booking non-refundable deposit cruise fares don't receive onboard credit (USD 100) per stateroom. Instead, they are promised the lowest pricing on the fare.
RCCL's has a call centre in Springfield OR, operated since 2006. The customized office resembles a cruise ship. In 2014, the company employed there over 700 people. In Aug 2018 was announced that RCCL plans to outsource most of its Springfield jobs (~90%, excepting only sales employees) to company's call centers in Jamaica and Guatemala. This means that US sales agents will do the bookings, but when customers call back with issues they will be re-routed overseas.
Since 2017, Royal Caribbean has joint ownership of Freeport shipyard, where major drydock refurbishments and ship maintenance works take place.
All RCCL cruise ships are serviced by Wartsila (Helsinki Finland-based corporation, marine equipment manufacturer and maritime services provider). In 2018, RCCL and Wartsila extended their service agreement to 2028. Under the agreement, Wartsila optimizes machinery efficiency through improved Turbocharger maintenance, also provides OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spare parts, workshop services, technical assistance for the entire RCCL fleet. The deal covers a total of 196 marine diesel engines on 46 vessels. Most RCCL liners are equipped with Wartsila-developed monitoring technology sending real-time engine data to a land-based center for analysis.
In June-July 2018, RCCL acquired the brand Silversea Cruises.
On June 14, 2018, RCCL and Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio (Silversea's majority stock owner) announced an agreement for RCCL to acquire 66,7% equity stake in Silversea, at purchase price around USD 1 billion. At the time, Silversea was valued around USD 2 billion. RCCL financed the deal through debt. In addition to the cash money, Lefebvre family qualified for around 472,000 RCCL shares.
With the addition of Silversea (4 expedition ships) and the newbuild Celebrity Flora (Galapagos), RCCL's expedition fleet in 2019 grew to approx 2,5% of corporation's combined fleet (compared to 0,5% in 2018).
By combined expedition cruise berths, RCCL is ranked world's 4th largest operator - following Ponant, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions.
Accommodation in a cabin of the selected category;
All-inclusive meals (except for alternative restaurants);
non-ferrous drinks: water, tea, coffee at self-service points on the ship;
cultural program on board: evening shows, theater, live music, etc.;
visiting nightclubs and discos;
active entertainment on board;
visiting the library;
participation of children in children's clubs;
visiting swimming pools and jacuzzi;
gym and sports court;
steward services and cabin cleaning;
port fees and taxes.
Additionally paid: airfare; transfers; visas along the route; hotel before and after the cruise (if necessary); tips for staff; alternative restaurants; alcoholic and some non-alcoholic drinks; Internet on board; casino; laundry / dry cleaning services; beauty salon, SPA center; excursions in ports (optional).
The tip amount depends on the selected cabin category: Inside cabin/window/balcony/Junior suite – $18.50 /person/night Suites (except Junior suite) – $21.00 /person/night
Depending on the cruise date, a payment is required to confirm the cabin. After the prepayment is made, the manager confirms the application in the cruise system and notifies you by e-mail.
Cruise Duration Deposit (prepayment)
1-5 nights $100/person
6-9 nights $250/person
10 and more nights $450/person
Full payment
60 days before the cruise
Full payment (cruises from December 24-31)
90 days before the cruise
Standard Penalties for Royal Caribbean Intl. Cruises
Cancelation Period Cancellation Policy
1-5 Nights 6 Nights or More
90-61 Days Prior to Arrival $35/person $70/person
60-46 Days Prior to Arrival In the Amount of Deposit
45-31 Days Prior to Arrival 25% of the Full Cruise Cost, but no less than the Deposit
30-15 Days Prior to Arrival 50% of the Full Cruise Cost, but no less than the Deposit
14 Days Prior to Arrival/No-Show for Boarding 100% of the Cruise Cost
Penalties for Royal Caribbean Intl. New Year's Cruises (December 24-31)
Period in which the cancellation took place Cancellation conditions
1-5 nights 6 or more nights
90-61 days before arrival In the amount of the deposit
60-46 days before arrival 25% of the full cost of the cruise, but not less than the deposit amount
50% of the full cost of the cruise, but not less than the deposit amount
45-31 days before arrival 50% of the full cost of the cruise, but not less than the deposit amount
30-15 days before arrival 75% of the full cost of the cruise, but not less than the deposit amount
14 days before arrival/no show for boarding 100% of the cost of the cruise
Deluxe Beverage Package
If you want to drink several alcoholic drinks a day during the cruise, then the right option is to purchase this package.
The package includes:
- cocktails, spirits, liqueurs;
- beer;
- wine (by the glass);
- non-alcoholic cocktails;
- premium coffee and tea;
- fountain carbonated drinks / Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks;
- souvenir Coca-Cola cup included;
- bottled still and sparkling water;
- freshly squeezed juices.
Package price:
The price of the Deluxe package varies from ship to ship and is subject to change.
Additionally, when ordering a package, you will receive a -40% discount on bottled wines up to $100 and -20% on bottled wines over $100.
The price on board is currently $93/day.
Royal Refreshment
If alcohol is not your thing, or you are not old enough to drink it, then Refreshment is for you. It is ideal for cocktail lovers.
The package includes:
- non-alcoholic cocktails;
- carbonated soft drinks;
- souvenir Coca-Cola cup and Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks;
- sparkling and still bottled water;
- premium coffee and tea
- freshly squeezed juices
Package price:
The price of the Refreshment package varies from ship to ship and is subject to change.
The price on board is currently $36/day.
Classic Soda Package
Classic Soda Package. Enjoy cool sodas throughout the cruise ship.
Package includes:
- Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks;
- Fountain Soda and refills anywhere;
- Souvenir Coca-Cola cup included.
Package Price:
Soda package prices vary from ship to ship and are subject to change.
Onboard prices are currently starting at $13/day.
Water Bottle Package
Stay hydrated while cruising with Evian Natural Spring Water, a bottle of fresh water from the French Alps.
Package includes:
Evian Natural Spring Water (1L bottles) delivered to your cabin on boarding day (12 or 24 bottles).
Package Price:
Water Package Price - $20
In addition to beverage packages, guests can book a COFFE CARD, which gives access to 15 select varieties of coffee, tea, premium class and hot chocolate. When purchasing this card, you will save 50%. The cost of the card is $31.
Additional information on Royal Caribbean beverage packages
- Beverage packages are available for purchase on board the ship throughout the cruise, as well as in advance of departure.
- When purchasing a Deluxe Beverage Package for one guest, the same package must be added to all adult guests in the cabin.
- Non-alcoholic beverage packages may be purchased by individual guests, but are not transferable.
- Package prices listed reflect the daily cost per person and do not include an 18% gratuity, which will be added to the cost.
- Packages do not include beverages sold in gift shops, minibars or during cabin service.
- You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages on Royal Caribbean ships.
All Royal Caribbean ships feature the fastest internet at sea. Royal Caribbean ships offer Wi-Fi speeds up to six times faster than any other cruise ship thanks to VOOM, the Internet service owned by the Royal Caribbean brand.
VOOM Internet is a service that provides access to the Internet, apps, email, and social media virtually anywhere on board a cruise ship.
Each Royal Caribbean ship receives a signal directly from a satellite dedicated to the company's ships that is close to Earth, providing fast and reliable coverage.
The cost of Internet on board Royal Caribbean depends on the number of devices and the package purchased. Guests can choose from two package options:
Voom Surf Package
Voom app that provides basic Internet browsing, email, and social media without streaming video.
- messengers (text)
- sending emails
- internet (no video)
- social networks
Package price (1 device):
if purchased for 1 day - 19.99 USD
if purchased for the entire cruise (on board):
- 1 device - 13.99 USD
- 2 devices - 25.18 USD
- 3 devices - 33.58 USD
- 4 devices - 39.17 USD
if purchased for the entire cruise (in advance):
- 1 device - 9.99 USD
- 2 devices - 17.98 USD
- 3 devices - 23.98 USD
- 4 devices - 27.97 USD
Voom Surf + Stream Package
Unlimited Internet access 24 hours a day with unlimited Wi-Fi and streaming
- Messengers and video chat (e.g. Skype)
- Internet
- Sending emails
- Social networks and streams
- Watching movies and videos via Spotify and Netflix
Package price (1 device):
When purchased for 1 day - 24.99 USD
When purchased for the entire cruise (on board):
- 1 device - 19.99 USD
- 2 devices - 35.98 USD
- 3 devices - 47.98 USD
- 4 devices - 55.97 USD
When purchased for the entire cruise (in advance):
- 1 device - 14.99 USD
- 2 devices - 26.98 USD
- 3 devices - 35.98 USD
- 4 devices - 41.97 USD
Additional information about the Internet on board liners Royal Caribbean:
- the price of VOOM Internet packages is indicated for 1 day of use;
- you can connect no more than 4 devices to each of the VOOM packages;
- purchasing Internet packages "in advance" means purchasing packages no later than 4 days before the start of the cruise;
- on board the liner there are wired Internet terminals iCafes, the location of which depends on individual liners
Guests have the opportunity to check in online for boarding the ship via the Royal app on their smartphone or on the website https://www.royalcaribbean.com/account/create and save/print their boarding pass NO LATER than three days before the cruise starts
OR
They can check in at the port
For online check-in, please have the following information ready:
• Cruise booking number (Booking/Reservation number), it is in your cruise documents
• International passports
• Guests' permanent residence address
• Personal telephone number and e-mail of guests staying in the cabin;
• Telephone number of the person you can contact in case of an emergency (who will not be with you on the cruise);
• Payment card details (if paying on board with a bank card), namely: owner's first/last name, card number, card type (Visa, MasterCard), expiration date. CVV code is not required.
• Photo of guests on a white background in electronic format (optional);
Important! The personal account and registration are available in English only.
STEP 1 To log in to your reservation and start registration, you need to create your personal account at https://www.royalcaribbean.com/account/create or through the Royal app on your smartphone
STEP 2 In your personal account, select "Have a reservation? Add your travel party's reservations" and click the "Add a cruise" button.
STEP 3 In the new window, enter your reservation details.
STEP 4 After you have logged in to your reservation, select "Start check-in" in the new window.
STEP 5 In the new window, select the guest with whom you will start registration and click "Continue".
STEP 6 Then fill in all the fields... and click "Continue".
STEP 7 Add card details for payment on board
STEP 8 Select the boarding time. At this time, you need to be at the port (if you do not make it, you will need to wait your turn on site).
STEP 9 Congratulations, you have checked in! Now save and print your boarding passes.
You can also fill out a Health Questionnaire in the app the day before your cruise.
Check-in at the port:
If you have not completed online check-in for the liner, you can do it at the port, a cruise company employee will help you, and also provide you with a Health Questionnaire
All guests check in their luggage at check-in, having previously attached a luggage tag with the cabin number by last name. You will receive the luggage tag at the port.
Important! If the luggage has not been delivered to the cabin by 18:00, it probably contains prohibited items. Contact the reception on board to clarify the information.
Prohibited items in luggage:
· firearms and ammunition, including realistic replicas.
· sharp objects, including all knives and scissors. (Note: Personal grooming items such as safety razors are permitted. Scissors with blades less than 4 inches long are permitted.)
· Illegal drugs and substances
· Candles, incense, coffee makers, clothes irons, steamers, and hot plates. (Items that produce heat or an open flame. This includes vodka, clothes irons, candles, aroma lamps and any other items that may create a fire hazard.
· NOTE: The only exception to this policy are curling irons and hair straighteners, matches and regular lighters are allowed on board. However, lighters that look like weapons are not allowed on board.
· Hoverboards
· Self-defense items and sports equipment, including handcuffs, pepper spray, etc.
· Flammable liquids and explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks.
· Hookahs and hookah pipes.
· Baby monitors
· Electrical extension cords
· Hazardous chemicals, including bleaches and paints.
· Fast food and meat products
· Alcoholic beverages (Note: On the day of boarding, each You can bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per cabin in a secure location on the ship. These bottles will be returned on your last day on board the cruise.
