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Vincent Vacations' Guide to Premium & Family Cruising
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Vincent Vacations certified luxury planners arrange custom bookings, upgrades, and Signature network perks.
There are places that live in the imagination long before they are ever seen with your own eyes. Egypt is one of them. It’s a land of whispers and legends, of colossal monuments that defy time and a river that has nourished civilizations for millennia. The names alone—Giza, Karnak, Valley of the Kings—are enough to stir the soul of any traveler. Yet, for many, the sheer logistics of navigating this ancient world can feel as vast and intimidating as the Sahara itself.
The name ‘Egypt’ whispers on the wind, a timeless incantation summoning images of gilded pharaohs, colossal pyramids piercing a sapphire sky, and the lifeblood of a civilization, the majestic Nile River. For millennia, this land of wonders has captivated the hearts of explorers, historians, and dreamers. Today, the question isn't whether to go, but how. Amidst a sea of travel options, one stands out for its unique blend of epic adventure and contemporary luxury: a Royal Caribbean cruise to Egypt. But is this floating resort approach the right way to unlock the secrets of the ancients? Is it truly worth it?
There are places you visit, and then there are places that visit you, long after you’ve returned home. They seep into your dreams, coloring them with the ochre of desert sands and the deep blue of a sacred river. For me, that place is Egypt. For decades, I had carried a vision of this land, a collage of childhood history lessons, epic films, and dog-eared travel magazines. But the logistics always felt daunting, a puzzle of transfers, hotels, and tours that seemed too complex to piece together. Then, I discovered a way to unlock this ancient world with modern grace and unparalleled comfort: a Royal Caribbean cruise. And I can tell you, without a hint of hyperbole, it changed everything.
Imagine the first rays of morning sun warming your skin, the air thick with the sweet scent of salt and hibiscus. Below your private balcony, a sea of impossible turquoise stretches to meet a horizon dotted with emerald-green islands. This isn't a daydream; it's the daily reality aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise to the sun-drenched Eastern Caribbean. For those of us who seek not just a vacation, but a true departure from the everyday, this journey is a symphony of sensory delights, a masterclass in relaxation, and an adventure that redefines the very essence of escape.
As a travel journalist, I’ve been fortunate to step foot on six continents, sleep in everything from overwater bungalows to centuries-old castles, and chase horizons most people only see on screen savers. Yet, I harbored a secret skepticism. A confession, if you will: I had never been on a modern mega-ship cruise. I’d heard the whispers—that they were crowded, impersonal, a floating buffet of forced fun. The idea of a ship so large it has its own zip code felt, frankly, overwhelming.
Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the sun, a warm and golden blanket on your skin. Hear the gentle, rhythmic lapping of turquoise water against a hull, a sound that has lulled travelers to sleep for centuries. Inhale the clean, salt-tinged air, a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet scent of coconut and hibiscus carried on the breeze. This isn't a daydream. This is the palpable reality that awaits you in the Eastern Caribbean, and Royal Caribbean International has perfected the art of delivering this dream with a level of service and spectacle that you have not only earned, but truly deserve.
Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the scent of wild orchids mingling with the salty Caribbean air. Hear the distant, rhythmic pulse of merengue music drifting from a sun-drenched colonial plaza. Feel the cool mist of a hidden waterfall on your skin after a trek through a lush, emerald jungle. This is the Dominican Republic you haven’t met yet—a vibrant, soulful island that exists far beyond the postcard-perfect beaches it’s famous for. And there is no better way to unlock its secrets than from the deck of a magnificent Royal Caribbean ship.
There’s a moment on every truly great vacation when time seems to slow down. It might be the instant the Caribbean sun warms your face as you step onto your private balcony, the turquoise water sprawling towards an endless horizon. It could be the sound of laughter echoing from the pool deck, mingling with the distant rhythm of a steel drum. Or perhaps it’s the taste of a perfectly ripe mango, a sweet, vibrant burst of island life.
Imagine the first rays of the Caribbean sun warming your face, the scent of salt and hibiscus in the air, and the gentle rhythm of turquoise waves lapping against a shore of impossibly white sand. This isn't a daydream; it's the moment you awaken in the Dominican Republic, a jewel of the Antilles where vibrant culture and breathtaking nature dance in perfect harmony. For decades, I've traversed the globe, seeking experiences that don't just transport the body, but stir the soul. And I can tell you with absolute certainty: experiencing this island paradise from the deck of a Royal Caribbean ship is a travel symphony you will never forget.
There’s a moment on every truly transformative journey when the world seems to pause, holding its breath just for you. For me, it happened on the balcony of my stateroom, a warm mug of Costa Rican coffee in hand. As the Royal Caribbean ship glided silently into the bay, the pre-dawn mist lifted like a theater curtain, revealing a coastline so impossibly green, so teeming with life, that it felt like sailing into the first day of creation. The distant, guttural call of a howler monkey echoed across the water—a primal welcome to the land of Pura Vida.
Imagine a place where the Caribbean sun warms ancient stone, where the air hums with the rhythm of cumbia, and where balconies overflow with cascades of fuchsia bougainvillea. This is not a postcard from a forgotten era; it is the vibrant, beating heart of Colombia, a nation reborn, ready to share its profound beauty and rich cultural tapestry with the world. For too long, travelers have associated the Caribbean with little more than crystalline waters and powder-soft sand. But a new kind of journey awaits—one that goes beyond the beaches to touch the very soul of a destination.
There are places on this earth that hum with a different frequency—a rhythm of resilience, a palette of impossible color, and a history so rich it feels woven into the very air you breathe. For decades, Colombia was a whispered secret among the most intrepid travelers. Today, that secret is out, revealing a nation reborn, pulsating with life, and ready to share its profound beauty. And there is simply no more magnificent way to witness the renaissance of its Caribbean coast than from the deck of a Royal Caribbean ship, where luxury and adventure dance in perfect harmony.
There’s a certain magic that hums in the Colombian air—a vibrant, intoxicating rhythm that pulses from the cobbled streets of its colonial cities to the turquoise shores of its Caribbean coast. It’s the scent of strong tinto coffee mingling with the sweet fragrance of tropical flowers, the sound of cumbia music spilling from open doorways, and the sight of a thousand brilliant colors painting a living historical canvas. For years, this South American jewel was a secret whispered among the most intrepid travelers. Today, that secret is out, and there is simply no better way to experience its coastal splendor than from the deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
Imagine the first rays of morning sun spilling over the horizon, painting the Pacific Ocean in hues of liquid gold and rose. You’re standing on the private balcony of your stateroom, a warm mug of coffee in hand, the gentle sea breeze a soft caress. In the distance, a rugged, sun-bleached coastline emerges from the morning mist, culminating in a magnificent stone arch—a natural gateway to paradise. This isn’t a dream. This is your arrival in Cabo San Lucas, the jewel of the Baja California Sur, aboard a magnificent Royal Caribbean vessel. It’s a moment where untamed natural beauty meets unparalleled floating luxury, and it’s an experience that stays with you forever.
Imagine the feeling. The gentle, rhythmic sway of the ship, a warm, salt-kissed breeze on your skin, and a horizon that stretches into an endless expanse of sapphire blue. The daily grind, the endless notifications, the constant hum of responsibility—it all melts away, replaced by the promise of adventure and the luxury of pure, unadulterated relaxation. This isn’t just a daydream; it’s the reality that awaits you on a Royal Caribbean cruise to the sun-drenched shores of Cabo San Lucas.
As a travel journalist, I've learned to temper my expectations. I’ve seen the glossy brochures and the perfectly filtered social media posts. So, when I stepped aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas for a Mexican Riviera cruise, with Cabo San Lucas as its glittering centerpiece, I was prepared for a pleasant, predictable vacation. What I wasn't prepared for was being completely, utterly captivated. This wasn't just a trip; it was a vibrant, sun-drenched, flavor-filled experience that recalibrated my definition of a perfect cruise getaway.
Imagine the moment. The sun, a brilliant gold medallion in a sapphire sky, warms your skin. Below your balcony, the Pacific Ocean unfurls in endless shades of turquoise, its rhythmic pulse a soothing soundtrack to your escape. In the distance, the iconic El Arco, Cabo’s magnificent stone arch, rises from the sea—a timeless sentinel marking your arrival at one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. This isn’t a daydream; it’s the beginning of your Royal Caribbean adventure to Cabo San Lucas.
Imagine the sun, a warm, golden weight on your skin. The air, crisp with the scent of salt and adventure. Below you, the Pacific Ocean unfurls in a thousand shades of sapphire, its surface glittering as if strewn with diamonds. In the distance, a dramatic rock formation, sculpted by millennia of wind and water, marks the point where the world seems to end and paradise begins. This isn’t a daydream. This is the moment your Royal Caribbean ship glides into the bay of Cabo San Lucas, and your unforgettable journey truly begins.
Imagine the color. Not just any blue, but a shimmering, impossible turquoise that kisses the softest blush-pink sand. This is the image of Bermuda that lives in our collective imagination—a postcard-perfect paradise. For over two decades, I’ve sailed the world’s oceans, and I can tell you with certainty that this vision is breathtakingly real. But it’s only the beginning of the story.
Imagine a place where the sand blushes a soft rose petal pink under a turquoise sky. An island where pastel-hued cottages with brilliant white limestone roofs dot rolling green hills, and a gentle, sophisticated charm permeates the very air you breathe. This isn't a dream; it's Bermuda. And for discerning travelers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and effortless luxury, there is no better way to arrive than on the decks of a magnificent Royal Caribbean International ship.
There’s a particular shade of blue the ocean takes on as you sail towards Bermuda. It’s not just blue; it’s an impossible, luminous turquoise, a color so vibrant it seems to hum with energy. It’s the first sign that you’re leaving the mundane world behind and entering a realm of sublime beauty. Couple this with the signature, high-energy fun of a Royal Caribbean International ship, and you have the recipe for a vacation that doesn't just recharge your batteries—it redefines what a getaway can be.
There’s a moment, standing on the top deck of a Royal Caribbean ship as it glides out of port, when the world seems to melt away. The city skyline shrinks, the sea breeze picks up, and the only thing on the horizon is the promise of adventure. For me, that promise often has a name: Bermuda. It’s a whisper of pink-sand beaches, the scent of saltwater and hibiscus, and the cheerful chime of tree frogs at dusk. It’s an island of refined charm and breathtaking natural beauty, a destination that never fails to capture my soul.
Imagine a place where the ocean shimmers in impossible shades of turquoise, where the beaches blush with a soft, rosy hue, and where the gentle, hibiscus-scented breeze carries the promise of pure relaxation. This isn't a dream. This is Bermuda, the jewel of the Atlantic. And there is simply no better way to arrive at this island paradise than aboard a magnificent Royal Caribbean ship, your floating resort of world-class dining, thrilling entertainment, and unparalleled comfort.
There’s a certain magic to Australia. It’s a whisper on the wind, carrying the scent of eucalyptus and the distant, laughing call of a kookaburra. It’s the glint of the sun on the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House, the feel of impossibly white sand between your toes, and the humbling sight of a star-dusted sky in the vast, ancient outback. For many, it’s the destination that tops the bucket list—a grand, sweeping adventure that can feel as daunting to plan as it is thrilling to imagine.
There’s a moment, just as the sun crests the horizon, when the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House catch the light. They transform from stark white silhouettes into shimmering, pearlescent shells, glowing against the deep blue of the harbour. To witness this from the private balcony of a Royal Caribbean ship, a warm coffee in hand and the gentle salt spray on the air, is not just a vacation moment; it’s a life moment. It’s the kind of memory that anchors itself in your soul.
The first glimpse is always the most intoxicating. It’s the scent of eucalyptus carried on a warm, salty breeze. It’s the cry of a kookaburra echoing from a distant shore. It’s the impossibly deep sapphire of the Pacific Ocean meeting the turquoise shallows of a hidden cove. This is Australia—a continent of staggering contrasts, ancient landscapes, and vibrant, modern cities. And there is simply no more majestic, seamless, or utterly breathtaking way to experience its legendary coastline than from the deck of a Royal Caribbean ship.
There's a certain magic to Australia, a continent of ancient landscapes, sun-drenched coastlines, and cities that pulse with a vibrant, infectious energy. It’s a land of stark contrasts—where the rust-red Outback meets the sapphire blue of the Great Barrier Reef, and where cosmopolitan culture thrives alongside some of the most unique wildlife on Earth. For many, it’s the dream trip of a lifetime. But how do you conquer a destination so vast, so diverse, without spending weeks in transit and living out of a suitcase?
There’s a unique thrill that hums in the air just before a grand adventure. It’s the quiet excitement of poring over maps, the daydream of foreign shores, and the practical, tangible act of laying out clothes in an empty suitcase. When that suitcase is destined for Australia, the anticipation is electric. You’re not just packing for a holiday; you’re preparing for an encounter with ancient landscapes, sun-drenched beaches, and cities that pulse with a vibrant, welcoming energy. And when your vessel is a masterpiece of modern engineering from Royal Caribbean International, you’re packing for two distinct, yet equally dazzling, destinations: the wonders of Australia and the world of discovery onboard your ship.
There are words that echo with a certain untamed magic: Serengeti, Patagonia, Himalayas. And then there is Alaska. The Last Frontier. A name that conjures images of towering glaciers, immense wilderness, and wildlife that roams free under the midnight sun. It’s a destination that doesn’t just sit on a bucket list; it commands a place of honor.
The air hits you first. It’s crisp, clean, and carries the faint, ancient scent of pine and ice. You step onto your stateroom balcony, coffee in hand, and watch as the rising sun paints the jagged peaks of the Chugach Mountains in hues of rose and gold. In the distance, a colossal wall of blue-white ice groans, and a skyscraper-sized chunk calves into the turquoise water with a thunderous roar. This isn't a nature documentary. This is Tuesday morning on your Royal Caribbean cruise to Anchorage, Alaska.
There are moments in travel that etch themselves into your soul. The first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower at night, the taste of fresh pasta in a Roman trattoria, the sound of the ocean from a Caribbean balcony. And then there is Alaska. Alaska is different. It’s a feeling, a primal call to the wild that hums in your chest. It’s the thunderous crack of a glacier calving into a turquoise sea, the sight of a bald eagle soaring against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, the crisp, pine-scented air that feels cleaner than any you’ve ever breathed. This isn’t just a destination; it’s an awakening.
The air hits you first. It’s a crisp, clean, primordial chill that feels like it’s been filtered through a million years of ice and evergreen. You’re standing on the deck, a warm coffee in hand, as the ship glides silently through a fjord carved by ancient glaciers. To your left, a sheer granite cliff rises thousands of feet, its face streaked with waterfalls. To your right, a pod of orcas slices through the steel-blue water. This isn't a nature documentary. This is Tuesday morning on an Alaskan cruise.
Imagine the scene: a crisp, pine-scented breeze whispers across your private balcony as you glide through a majestic fjord. Towering walls of ancient ice, a brilliant, unearthly blue, flank the ship. A pod of orcas slices through the slate-grey water below. This is the Alaska you’ve dreamed of—a raw, untamed wilderness that stirs the soul. But what if I told you the adventure for your senses doesn't end with the scenery? What if the culinary journey onboard was just as breathtaking as the Hubbard Glacier at dawn?
There’s a moment on an Alaskan cruise when the world quiets down. It happens when you’re standing on your balcony, a warm mug cradled in your hands, as the ship glides silently through a fjord. The air, crisp and tasting of pine and sea salt, fills your lungs. Towering cliffs draped in emerald forests rise on either side, their peaks shrouded in ancient mist. And then you see it—a colossal river of blue-white ice, the glacier, groaning and creaking like a living thing. In that moment, the trivialities of daily life dissolve. You’re not thinking about emails or errands. You’re simply present, a witness to nature’s raw, untamed masterpiece. This is the Alaska you’ve dreamed of. It’s a feeling, not a trinket. It’s a memory etched so deeply it becomes a part of you.
There are moments in travel that etch themselves into your soul. For me, one of those moments was standing on the private balcony of my stateroom, a warm coffee in hand, watching the sapphire-blue ice of a tidewater glacier calve into the sea. The sound—a thunderous crack followed by a colossal splash—wasn't just heard; it was felt, a primal roar from the dawn of time. This wasn't a nature documentary. This was Alaska, experienced through the masterful lens of Royal Caribbean International, and it was more profound than I could have ever imagined.
There’s a moment, standing on the deck of a ship as it glides through a silent, ice-blue fjord, when the world seems to hold its breath. The air is so crisp it feels crystalline. The only sounds are the gentle lapping of water against the hull and the distant, thunderous crack of a glacier calving into the sea. This is Alaska. It’s a land of raw power and delicate beauty, a place that calls to the adventurer in all of us. And there is no better way to answer that call than from the unparalleled comfort and thrilling vantage point of a Royal Caribbean cruise.
There is a rhythm to Africa that beats in the very soul of the earth. It’s in the distant, rumbling roar of a lion greeting the dawn, the scent of red earth after a fleeting rain, and the vast, star-dusted canopy of the savanna sky. It’s a continent that whispers tales of ancient civilizations, showcases nature in its most raw and magnificent form, and leaves an indelible mark on all who answer its call. For decades, the dream of experiencing this magic was a complex puzzle of overland treks, safari lodges, and multiple flights. Until now.
There are journeys that refresh the spirit, and then there are journeys that redefine it. An African cruise falls squarely, and magnificently, into the latter. For over two decades, I’ve sailed the world’s oceans, seeking out experiences that transcend the typical vacation. Yet, the memory of the African coastline, viewed from the serene comfort of a cruise ship, remains etched in my mind as one of travel’s most profound privileges. It’s a continent of staggering contrasts—of ancient deserts meeting cold, wild oceans; of vibrant, modern cities pulsing with life at the foot of monolithic mountains; of wildlife that roams with a freedom that stirs something deep within the soul.
There are journeys that you take, and then there are journeys that take you. An African cruise is unequivocally the latter. It’s a voyage that rewrites your understanding of the world, a symphony of ancient rhythms, breathtaking landscapes, and wildlife encounters that echo in your soul long after you’ve returned home. Imagine the silhouette of Table Mountain greeting you at dawn, the scent of exotic spices in a bustling Dakar market, the humbling sight of desert dunes cascading into the Atlantic. Now, imagine experiencing it all from the unparalleled comfort and exhilarating world of a Royal Caribbean ship.
With so many experiences to choose from on a Royal Caribbean vacation, you can have your pick of adventures—whether it’s thrill, chill or everything in between. You can do just about anything, from sitting front row at a Broadway show to plunging 10 stories down one of the world’s tallest slides at sea or enjoying the many flavors on board, all while going from one bucket list destination to the next and only having to unpack once.
On vacation with Royal Caribbean, there are more ways than one for everyone to make memories together and on their own. From tasting the world’s many flavors to action-packed adventures on board—like zip lining and rock climbing—to relaxing on the beach or exploring top travel destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Australia and more, there’s something for every age, vibe and occasion.
When it comes to traveling the world, diving into new adventures and taking in stunning natural sights, a cruise has it all. Want to know where to go and what to do? The crew members behind every Royal Caribbean cruise have the best tips. Take it from Restaurant Operations Manager Tinashe Vumbugwa, who is adding even more destinations to his list on the Ultimate World Cruise, which will visit 65 countries on all seven continents over 274 nights.
One of the many reasons to take a cruise is the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of both the oceans and destinations around the world, from the cool waters and wilderness of Alaska to the warm Caribbean Sea and its idyllic islands.
On a Royal Caribbean cruise, there are plenty of things to eat, shows to watch and adventures to be had for every type of traveler and family member. What’s more, whichever action-packed ship you choose and private destination you visit, you’ll have your pick of one-of-a-kind thrills that range from skydiving and surfing to ice skating and zip lining. With these Royal Caribbean signature experiences, combined with quintessential vacation favorites—like epic pools, delicious food, live music and great nightlife—you can make the most of your time away and check off the bulk of your must-do list all in one trip.
Known to locals as le Midi (or midday), the south of France is one of the most popular destinations in Europe during the summer. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and bordering both Spain and Italy, it’s home to many top spots such as the French Riviera and Provence.
While planning a vacation, many turn to local experts for top tips on where to stay, what to eat and which activities to add to their can’t-miss list. Who we consider a “local” is closer to home than many: our second-to-none crew members who call Royal Caribbean ships their second home.
Ever wonder how there’s always enough water for everyone on a cruise ship? From strong shower pressure in each stateroom to the seemingly endless stream for our waterslides, at Royal Caribbean, we use state-of-the-art technology to produce our own water supply. And this helps ensure that we do not tap local water supplies in areas where the resource is limited.
Royal Caribbean International President & CEO Michael Bayley hugs local Bahamian Philip Smith, executive director, from The Bahamas Feeding Network.
Great Need In The Caribbean
After the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma, Caribbean islands were still struggling to recuperate from the damage when Hurricane Maria hit the region. Among the most affected were the islands of Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, now struggling from lack of water, food and electricity. Other destinations like Dominica and Turks and Caicos were also impacted by these storms, and before that, South Florida and the Gulf Coast of Texas were hit hard by Hurricane Harvey.
Each year, we unveil our cruise lineup with new, exciting destinations and options, and we’re pleased to highlight these Royal Caribbean updates for 2017-2018. This year brings several new adventures for travelers, such as cruisetours in Alaska, itineraries sailing through the Norwegian Fjords, and the chance to join our first-ever cruise to Cuba starting in April. Here’s what you need to know as you plan your next vacation.
Royal Caribbean ships travel all around the world—fittingly, our thousands of crew members, who keep things moving smoothly, come from a range of global locations; everyone brings with them different passions, skills and interests.
Cruise Critic is known for its expert advice on the cruising industry, providing insight on all styles and sizes of ships to itineraries that sail everywhere around the globe. Recently, the online community shared its best intel for making the most of your cruise vacation with Royal Caribbean International—and it’s full of good tips.
Typically, the honor of being named the Godmother of a cruise ship is reserved for celebrities and royalty, but when selecting a Godmother for Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean flipped the script. After a six-week search—where fans could submit their own nominations and vote for their favorite—Brittany Affolter, from Teach For America Miami-Dade, was selected by the public and the cruise line for her life-changing work in education.
In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, change is constant, and that goes for productions raising the bar from New York City’s Broadway to London’s West End, Las Vegas—and at sea. Royal Caribbean’s 132,500-square-foot production studio in North Miami is designed to create award-winning performances on any scale, culling top-rated talent from around the globe.
Legends of bar hopping earn their status and live on when they tell an interesting story about your companions or your bartender or the watering holes themselves. The Royal Promenade onboard Royal Caribbean International’s ships features many attractions, and at the top of the list is its collection of neighborhood bars, each with a distinctive lure and each waiting to join the list of legendary stories. If you were to start your night by bellying up to one of the bars on our Oasis Class ships (the largest cruise ships in the world!) and ask, “where ‘ya from?” you’ll find the answers are as varied as “MIT, Central Park or deck 8.” That’s a good start, but creating the rest of your memorable story is up to you.
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