Some say all cruise liners are created equal, but we beg to differ; when it comes to cruising, Royal Caribbean does it best. Why? Because they’ll take you everywhere in style, shower you with luxury and offer a myriad of activities both on and off the ship. There’s just no denying it; Royal Caribbean offer the kind of vacation some can only dream about. Or maybe not!
Merely three decades ago, only four million people joined cruises worldwide, prices being a tad out of reach of us mere mortals. Fast-forward to 2011 however, and it’s a whole different ballgame. Last year, over 19 million people hopped aboard for an exhilarating ride, and only half of those were first-time cruisers. Stiff competition has done wonders for the cruise world; deals abound and cruises have now become main-stream.
Nowadays, if you can afford any holiday, then you can afford a cruise! Search long enough and you’ll notice that 400 pounds, for a two week cruise around the Mediterranean, is all you’ll need to spend!
Want to know more about the two most popular Royal Caribbean cruise liners? Well read on, and see for yourself why the Independence of the Seas and the Grandeur of the Seas are taking the world by storm.
Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas
The formidable Independence of the Seas is fast gaining recognition as the best large-sized cruise liner to choose, if gallivanting the seas with the whole family. Activities abound, and children (of all ages) are very well catered for; leaving mom and dad plenty of time and options to have a grand time too.
In fact, there’s really not much you can’t do ON this ship, let alone off it! There’s a surfing pool (with amazing waves), amongst its numerous swimming and whirl pools, a full 9-hole mini-golf course, a skating rink, all the fitness equipment and classes you’ll ever need (to burn off the delectable food on offer), daily and nightly entertainment for guests of all ages, a casino, skating & jogging rinks, and indoor rock-climbing wall, and far too many restaurants to mention. But that’s just the beginning!
The extensive Day Spa menu and yoga classes ought to satisfy every woman’s whim, whilst the full-size Everlast boxing ring will keep the men on their toes. The kids will be entertained with various fun clubs and even teenagers will be so enthralled, they’ll barely have time to brood or act tortured. It’s really a win-win cruise liner!
When cruising with Independence of the Seas, the biggest challenge will be convincing your family to actually get off the ship…ever.
The Independence is based in Southampton and is a familiar sight in all European nooks and crannies. It also offers amazing Transatlantic trips for all cruise aficionados.
Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas
Royal Caribbean has amassed an impressive number of awards over the years; lately, it’s been the Grandeur of the Seas which has gained world-wide prominence as one of the very best mid-sized ships around.
The Grandeur of the Seas may be the smaller sister to the Independence, but it is by no means any less….grand. Perfect for those who want a slightly more ‘intimate’ cruising experience, The Grandeur still offers unbeatable attractions.
The Casino Royale on the 5th deck will entertain you for hours, as will the eight bars and lounges on board, including a kids’ themed lounge. There’s an incredibly gorgeous rooftop swimming pool, as well as two whirlpools on either side of the ship. You’ll still be able to workout in the on-board gym and, while the Grandeur lacks the boxing ring and ice-skating rinks of the Independence, it still offers plenty of fun and relaxation with a Day Spa, climbing wall and jogging track.
As usual, your dining and shopping options are almost endless, so choose the Grandeur if you wish to share all the luxury on offer, with fewer people.
The Grandeur of the Seas offers trips to harder to reach places in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; so take advantage of this smaller class ship for that extra sneaky peek.
