What are the most popular Royal Caribbean destinations?

The Most Popular Royal Caribbean Destinations: Where Cruise Travelers Love to Sail

Cruising with Royal Caribbean isn’t just about the ship—it’s about the extraordinary places you sail to. When travelers search “What are the most popular Royal Caribbean destinations?”, they’re really asking: Where can I go that offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, beaches, and unforgettable experiences?

From the sparkling Caribbean islands to glacier-carved Alaskan fjords, Royal Caribbean covers the world with routes that excite every kind of traveler. This detailed pillar guide explores the most popular destinations, the standout attractions in each region, why they’re traveler favorites, and how to choose the right itinerary for your vacation style.

Let’s embark on a deep dive into the top Royal Caribbean cruise destinations that consistently earn rave reviews from cruisers worldwide.

Why Royal Caribbean Destinations Are So Popular

Royal Caribbean sails over 240+ destinations across 6 continents, but a select few regions rise above the rest because of their accessible ports, diverse itineraries, and guaranteed WOW-worthy attractions. These popular destinations consistently appear on wish lists because of:

• Stunning natural beauty

• Iconic landmarks

• Cruise-friendly ports

• Variety of shore excursions

• Family-friendly and adventure-focused activities

• Warm weather for most of the year

• Ships designed perfectly for those regions

Now let’s break down the top Royal Caribbean destinations travelers request the most.

The Most Popular Royal Caribbean Destinations (Top 5 Regions)

The Caribbean – Royal Caribbean’s Signature & Most In-Demand Destination

When travelers ask “What are the most popular Royal Caribbean destinations?”—the Caribbean is always number one. In fact, Royal Caribbean is known primarily for its iconic Caribbean sailings.

With turquoise water, white-sand beaches, tropical weather, and world-famous ports, the Caribbean offers amazing diversity.

Top Caribbean Ports You Can Visit

1. Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island)

2. Bahamas (Nassau, Freeport)

3. Jamaica (Falmouth, Ocho Rios)

4. St. Maarten

5. Puerto Rico

6. Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao (ABC Islands)

7. Cozumel, Mexico

Royal Caribbean ships like Icon of the Seas, Wonder, Harmony, and Oasis frequently sail here.

Why the Caribbean Is So Popular

• Warm weather year-round

• Short, medium, and long itineraries

• Ideal for families, couples, and first-time cruisers

• Incredible beaches and water sports

• Affordable pricing and easy flights from the U.S.

Must-Have Experiences

• Snorkeling in crystal-clear water

• All-day fun at CocoCay’s Thrill Waterpark

• Beach clubs and cultural tours

• Adventure activities like zip-lining or ATV rides

• Catamaran cruises and sunset sails

The Caribbean remains the top-rated destination for good reason.

The Bahamas – Quick Getaways Packed With Fun

Closely tied with the Caribbean but noteworthy on its own, the Bahamas is one of the most searched Royal Caribbean destinations. This region offers famous beaches, lively culture, and Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island.

Why The Bahamas Is a Fan Favorite

• Short 2–4 night cruises

• Perfect for beginners & families

• Offers both relaxation and thrill-filled excursions

• Close to U.S. homeports like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa

Key Ports You’ll Visit

Perfect Day at CocoCayA private island paradise with:

• Largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean

• Gigantic water slides

• Overwater cabanas

• Stunning beaches

NassauFamous for:

• Atlantis Resort

• Cable Beach

• Food tours

• Water adventures

Royal Caribbean continues to invest heavily in this region, making it one of the most important hubs for short, action-packed vacations.

Alaska – The Most Scenic Royal Caribbean Destination

If breathtaking natural landscapes make your heart skip a beat, Alaska is undeniably one of the most popular Royal Caribbean destinations—especially from May to September.

Alaska cruises are dramatically different from warm-weather cruises: they're about wildlife, glaciers, rugged coastlines, and authentic small towns.

Why Alaska Tops the List for Nature Lovers

• Massive glaciers

• Wildlife such as whales, bears, & eagles

• Dramatic fjords

• Charming frontier towns

• Cool summer temperatures

• Once-in-a-lifetime excursions

Favorite Ports and Sights

• Skagway – historic railway rides

• Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier & whale watching

• Ketchikan – salmon fishing & native culture

• Hubbard Glacier – jaw-dropping scenic cruising

Ships such as Quantum, Ovation, and Radiance of the Seas are typically deployed in Alaska due to their excellent observation lounges.

Europe – The Most Culturally Rich Royal Caribbean Destination

Europe is a top choice for travelers who want history, architecture, food, culture, and world-famous landmarks. Royal Caribbean offers multiple European routes:

• Mediterranean

• Greek Isles

• Northern Europe

• Norwegian Fjords

• British Isles

These cruises combine beauty with culture in a way few destinations can match.

Why Europe Is a Top Royal Caribbean Pick

• Visit multiple countries in one trip

• Incredible landmarks like the Colosseum & Eiffel Tower

• Culinary adventures everywhere

• Ideal for couples, culture lovers & explorers

Major Ports Worth Highlighting

• Barcelona – Gaudí architecture & tapas

• Rome (Civitavecchia) – Ancient history

• Athens (Piraeus) – Greek mythology & ruins

• Santorini & Mykonos – Greece’s iconic islands

• Norway Fjords – majestic landscapes

• Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Stockholm – modern European beauty

Royal Caribbean deploys ships like Odyssey, Oasis, Independence, Anthem, and Voyager of the Seas in Europe.

Asia – One of the Fastest-Growing & Most Exciting Cruise Regions

Asia continues to rise in popularity, with Royal Caribbean offering itineraries from:

• Singapore

• Japan

• Hong Kong

• China (select sailings depend on season)

The cultural diversity, food, and attractions make Asia a destination with endless possibilities.

Why Asia Is Becoming a Top Royal Caribbean Destination

• Stunning temples and palaces

• Food that varies from spicy to savory to sweet

• High-energy cities like Tokyo & Singapore

• Family-friendly attractions

Can’t-Miss Asian Ports

• Tokyo & Yokohama – technology, culture & food scene

• Osaka & Kyoto – temples and tradition

• Singapore – futuristic attractions like Gardens by the Bay

• Phuket – beaches & nightlife

• Vietnam – history and authentic markets

Royal Caribbean frequently deploys ships like Spectrum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas in this region.

How to Choose the Best Royal Caribbean Destination for You

Start by Deciding What Type of Vacation You Want

Royal Caribbean destinations each offer a unique style. Use this simple guide:

Want beaches & sunshine?

Choose: Caribbean, Bahamas

Love wildlife & nature?

Choose: Alaska

Craving history & culture?

Choose: Europe

Want something exotic & vibrant?

Choose: Asia

Consider Ship Size & Features

Different destinations offer different types of ships:

• Caribbean/Bahamas → Icon, Oasis, Quantum class

• Alaska → Quantum & Radiance class

• Europe → Mix of large and midsize ships

• Asia → Quantum class

Match Your Travel Style to Your Destination

• Families → Caribbean, Bahamas

• Couples → Europe, Norwegian Fjords

• Adventure lovers → Alaska, Asia

• First-time cruisers → Bahamas

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean Destinations

What is the number one most popular Royal Caribbean destination?

The Caribbean—especially routes that include Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Which Royal Caribbean destination is best for first-time cruisers?

The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean are ideal.

Which destination is cheapest?

Short Bahamas and Caribbean cruises offer the lowest pricing.

Which destination has the best views?

Alaska and the Norwegian Fjords win this easily.

Which destination is most luxurious?

Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises are often considered most premium.