Royal Caribbean International had brought a new dimension to the cruise market with mega-ships boasting extravagant facilities, lavish entertainment programmes, and a wide range of ports of call. These so-called floating resorts have got bigger and better in recent years with the launch of Voyager of the Seas which set new standards when it came to onboard facilities with its rock-climbing wall up the ship’s funnel, an ice-skating rink and indoor promenade. This set the scene for its new vessels, and Royal Caribbean cruise holidays were never the same again. In 2006, RCI pushed the limits further by launching the world’s biggest cruise ship Freedom of the Seas, which takes a staggering 3,600 passengers and can carry as many as 4,375 on Royal Caribbean holidays. It has since been followed by Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, which launches in April this year and will be based at Southampton this summer for sailings to the Mediterranean.

Royal Caribbean International is definitely a cruise line for big ship lovers who will adore all the facilities they offer. Its mega-ships ships will even appeal to those who aren’t really bothered about cruising as some of the time, you don’t even feel like you’re on a ship – more like a self-contained resort. For families, they are perfect – with the larger vessels offering all the hallmarks of a Royal Caribbean cruise, but with masses of facilities and activities packed on board and more spacious staterooms. Even passengers without children will appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Voyager and Freedom-class ships which can comfortably accommodate all tastes and requirements on Royal Caribbean cruises. On the Freedom ships alone, diners can choose from 11 restaurants, cafes, pizza bars and even a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream parlour. And if your Royal Caribbean cruise leaves you feeling thirsty, you can take your pick from 12 watering holes, ranging from a pub to a champagne bar.

Royal Caribbean cruises will definitely appeal to younger passengers with their kids clubs and activities, while the Freedom-class ships also boast a fabulous H2O water play zone, teen hangout and kids’ entertainment area. Activity fans can try the FlowRider surf simulator or put their best punch forward in the full-size boxing ring in the huge state-of-the-art gym. With 21 ships that cruise to more than 170 destinations in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and across the world, choosing the right Royal Caribbean cruise holiday shouldn’t be that difficult.