I've sailed with every Royal Caribbean cruise line — here's how to pick the best one for you (2024)

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But there is one feature that ties the trio together — a loyalty program.

Royal Caribbean Group announced in 2023 that travelers with status at one of its brands can now get equivalent status across all three cruise lines.

So, if you're a Royal Caribbean International regular who's cruise-curious and eyeing a Silversea sailing or Celebrity vacation, here's a guide to the trio and how to best pick the one for your needs.

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Royal Caribbean International — the cruise line for families with young children.

The cruise giant's eponymous brand, arguably the most recognizable on this list, operates a fleet of 28 ships. Seven are the world's largest, including the title-holder 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas, which the company has repeatedly lauded as the "best-selling product in its history."

The six-month-old mega-ship perhaps best exemplifies the traits synonymous with Royal Caribbean International: giant vessels, a family-friendly environment, and uniquely exciting amenities.

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Expect attractions like waterslides, mini-golf courses, surf simulators, and children's water playgrounds.

The cruise line's oldest ship, Grandeur of the Seas, offers amenities such as a rock climbing wall and outdoor movie theater.

On its newest, Utopia of the Seas, guests get three waterslides, an ice skating rink, an underwater-themed mini-golf course, and five pools. But even that pales to Icon, which has seven pools and a six-slide waterpark.

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The cruise line is generally considered its parent company's most affordable brand.

Unfortunately, that also means there will be plenty of upcharges.

About half of the restaurants on its newest and largest ships cost extra, from casual dining venues like Johny Rockets to the upscale $200-per-person Empire Supper Club.

The same goes for some of its amenities, like the $49-per-person agility course. And the bars, of course, which include options like ones with robot bartenders, a sports bar, and even a karaoke lounge.

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Beyond floating hotels, the brand also boasts Perfect Day at CocoCay, its $350 million private island in the Bahamas.

There, travelers can lounge at various beaches, take a dip in a large freshwater pool, or pay extra to access the waterpark and two private beach clubs, one of which is adults-only.

The Bahamian destination was exclusive to Royal Caribbean International guests for its first few years in operation — until April, when Celebrity Cruises announced that it, too, would start sailing to CocoCay.

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Celebrity Cruises — the choice for travelers who want a premium, trendy ship.

Unlike Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises isn't known to be a vacation haven for young children.

Celebrity does offer onboard kids' clubs. But don't expect to see the waterslides and carousels of its mass-market sister brand.

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Celebrity's contemporary lounges and rooftop gardens are designed to target Gen Xers.

Celebrity ships have trendy and polished spaces. Think restaurants that look like they belong at high-end beachside resorts, 2.5-acre lawns with live jazz, and glassblowing classes.

Instead of frozen beverages and karaoke, Celebrity has bars focusing on martinis, wines, and mixology. Newer ships also have the Magic Carpet, a moving bar suspended over the water.

Some of its dining venues also have fees.

Celebrity's newer Edge Class ships have at least 29 bars and restaurants. But if you want sushi, a steakhouse feast, or a dinner at famed chef Daniel Boulud's Le Voyage, you'll have to pay extra (it is still a Royal Caribbean Group brand, after all).

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But just because it's a premium cruise line doesn't mean its ships are small.

Celebrity's latest and largest vessels, Celebrity Ascent and Beyond, have a double occupancy capacity of 3,260 guests. It's undeniably smaller than Royal Caribbean International's 5,000-plus-guest cruise liners but still large enough to give you that big-ship feel.

If you're craving a small, intimate vessel, that's what Silversea is for.

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Silversea — the pick for wealthy travelers who prefer small, quiet ships and sumptuous amenities.

Silversea is best known for its expedition cruises and luxurious ships, the largest of which can only accommodate 728 travelers.

The average age of its guests also skewers older than Celebrity and Royal Caribbean's, averaging in the mid-60s, Andrea Tonet, Silversea's vice president of product strategy, told reporters during a June media panel.

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The brand has started targeting younger travelers with its latest vessels.

And it's working — Silver Nova and Silver Ray have seen an influx in younger cruisers compared to Silversea's 10 other ships, Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts on Thursday.

"Younger," as in guests in their 40s, according to Tonet.

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If Celebrity has minimal kid-oriented amenities, Silversea has none.

Instead, it leans further into Celebrity's focus on relaxing, high-end lounges and restaurants. But unlike its premium counterpart's colorfully contemporary decor, Silversea's latest ships look more subdued.

Think "whisper luxury" with bright, elegant spaces and an emphasis on good drinks and food.

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Like other luxury cruise lines, Silversea has all-inclusive packages that include flights and excursions.

And unlike its sister brands, none of Silversea's cabins are inside and windowless.

Instead, they all have views, if not balconies, and a butler who can help with tasks like packing your luggage and reserving onboard restaurants.

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It's also the only cruise line with SALT, an acronym for 'sea and land taste.'

The program launched three years ago turns its small ships into local cuisine-focused cruises.

This could include food-oriented shore excursions, onboard cooking classes, restaurants with menus that rotate according to the port, and bars that showcase regional spirits and ingredients.

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Speaking of, it's also the only Royal Caribbean Group line with complimentary spa access and drinks.

Even the no-fee meals are high-end, from a restaurant with live jazz to room service with free caviar and foie gras.

Instead of a casual grab-and-go pizza stand, Silversea has an alfresco grill-it-yourself restaurant. And instead of an onboard Starbucks (like some of Royal Caribbean's ships), Silversea has a café with TWG teas and espresso drinks.

However, not everything is free. Like its sister brands, a handful of its restaurants, like the upscale French and Japanese options, are upcharged.

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With these high-end amenities comes comparatively hefty fares.

Silversea's least expensive weeklong cruise in 2025 starts at $2,800 per person — steep compared to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity's cheapest seven-night cruises next year, which are $804 and $641 per person, respectively.

Pricing aside, Royal Caribbean should be your top pick if your vacation priority is keeping the kids entertained and happy.

If you want to keep the big-ship feel but prefer a cooler and more contemporary environment, Celebrity is your best bet.

But if you only care about relaxation, being pampered, and caviar, go with Silversea. The less kid-oriented atmosphere will hopefully give you the quiet you're craving.