One company in the cruising industry undoubtedly is the forerunner when it comes to versatility - Royal Caribbean.  Even its rival company, Carnival Cruises, may find it difficult to contest such a claim.  Royal Caribbean has pioneered and risked on investing on many of its onboard amenities, those which are now regular inclusive facilities of lesser fleets.  And with its varied customer base (the average age of a Royal Caribbean cruiser is 42), there must be something in its fleet which appeals to every part of the family, from toddlers to seniors, a contributing factor to its ships’ ever-increasing size, and breaking new boundaries in industry standards.

Royal Caribbean ships are truly a destination on their own, and for good reason: how else would you describe an indoor water park, a rock climbing wall, and facilities for ice skating and surf riding, all housed in one big floating behemoth of a ship?  And don’t forget the usual amenities, which have been spruced-up and expanded in true Royal Caribbean fashion; an assortment of pubs, Vegas-style casinos, solariums and massive atriums, and all-glass elevators which provide a breathtaking, 360-view of the sea.  With such a variety of facilities, you would expect bustling activity within - put in a modest way, if you like to people-watch, you surely won’t be disappointed here.

All of the ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet are massive, even if you include the older ones.  Its largest ships to date, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, are eighteen stories high, and can accommodate less than five thousand people, including the crew - now that’s something to wrap your head into.  In anticipation of its versatile customer base’s needs, the company has enforced policies which are gradually being observed on its entire fleet; majority of the areas are now smoke-free, including certain lounge areas.  Areas dedicated to the differently-abled are present on all ships, such as lifts and wheelchair ramps.  They have even gone to more acute extents by labeling deck stairs in Braille.

There are plenty of things to do onboard for the entire family.  Teens can lounge in their own clubs and discos, and adults can while away the time trying their luck at the many casinos.  Tykes and toddlers can participate in dedicated children’s activities elsewhere on the ship; and don’t forget the other park-standard amenities wherein the entire family can practically have a field day with.  Onshore, the company privately owns two resorts in the Bahamas and in Haiti, both named CocoCay, a regular voyage stopover where everyone can enjoy the surf and sun.

It’s the little things that add up and probably stick on the minds of the passengers long after the actual experience, an impression which encourages them to come back for more.  For Royal Caribbean, it’s all about value.  Indeed, the stateroom beds are adjustable to accommodate extra people, there’s a minibar and closed-circuit TV, hair dryers included in every suite just because, and the absence of rental fees for equipments such as ice and roller skates.  That should amount to significant savings in the long run, and fits in perfectly with Royal Caribbean’s family-oriented themes.