Founded in 1969, RCI carries close to a million passengers aboard 14 ships, with brand new megaliners entering the fleet at a very rapid pace. In August 1997, the company suddenly increased capacity by purchasing Celebrity Cruises, the top line in the mid-price range of ships. The two companies combined represent a fleet of 21 ships and a capacity of more than 30,000 berths, including Celebrity's Infinity which entered service in February of 2001 and Summit, which launched in late summer. The $1.3 billion transaction is the largest in cruise history. Celebrity remains a separate brand name and entity, maintaining its own staff, marketing and sales operations.

Royal Caribbean debuted the largest ship in the world, the 142,000-ton Voyager of the Seas, in late 1999. Explorer of the Seas, a sister to Voyager of the Seas, entered service in October of 2000, continuing in Voyager of the Sea's wake of innovation with rock climbing, ice skating, in-line skating, and for the first time ever, Atmospheric and Oceanographic Laboratories that include such fun interactive activities as a touchable iceberg.

In March of 2001, Royal Caribbean welcomed Radiance of the Seas, the first of a new series of vessels in an "in-between" size: smaller than Voyager-class, but bigger than Vision-class. Radiance of the Seas combines features found in previous RCI vessels: the sleek exterior of the Sovereign-class, the extensive use of glass of the Vision-class, and the wealth entertainment and activities amenities of the Voyager-class. Radiance of the Seas has the most balconies of any RCI ship--of the vessel's 1,050 cabins, 813 have ocean views and more than 71 percent of those have balconies. Radiance of the Seas is the first in the RCI fleet to have gas and steam turbines as the primary source of power to reduce emissions, noise and vibration. Sister ship Brilliance of the Seas joins the fleet in summer 2002 with European sailings.

This fall, Adventure of the Seas, the third in the "largest-ship-ever" triumvirate, was unveiled. It contains the now-established features of the previous two in the series, such as a Johnny Rocket's eatery and a rock-climbing wall.

While Royal Caribbean is a major presence in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Panama Canal, its cruising regions also include Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii. RCI introduced the first private destinations used exclusively for its passengers, including Labadee on the north coast of Haiti and its own island in the Bahamas called CocoCay, a popular day stop on Caribbean itineraries.

Dining: Royal Caribbean seems to draw high marks from nearly all passengers by offering dependably good quality and meeting the interest and lifestyle needs of a broad range of passengers. If you love lavish floorshows and large casinos, RCI's ships certainly fit the bill, while children's facilities are outstanding, with specialized programs ranging from toddlers to teens. Service is warm and friendly and cuisine, while far from gourmet, is fine unless one has a refined palate. Casual alternative dining is available from 6:30-9:30pm onboard all ships sailing 7-night or longer itineraries; passengers may dine every evening on specials from the main dining room, hamburgers, pasta, and other lighter fare in the ship's lido area, with single, open seating. In the main dining rooms, chicken breast, sirloin steak, and pasta have been added to the dinner menu as daily specials; vegetarian and low fat "Ship Shape" entrees will be available at lunch and dinner; and five fresh fish selections will be offered on Alaskan cruises.

The cruise line is rightfully proud of its nightlife, extensive fitness and children's facilities, especially on the largest and newest ships. This company's ships attract a good number of honeymooners and those celebrating special occasions, even serving up some 27,000 anniversary cakes each year!

RCI has had the dubious honor of having the tiniest standard cabins in the mid-price range aboard some of its older vessels, including Monarch, Majesty, Sovereign, and Nordic Empress, where staterooms are around 130 square feet. But that has been rectified somewhat with the launching of the new series of ships. Standard cabins are around 158 square feet, which is still smaller than other cruise lines. These ships are particularly pleasing to the active passenger: On-board fitness and spa facilities are among the best at sea while RCI's "Golf Ahoy" program makes it a cinch to play 18 holes in the best courses in Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico. Ashore at Labadee and CocoCay, RCI's private destinations, you can relax in a hammock or play volleyball and every water sport under the sun.

Fellow Passengers: The median passenger age fleet wide is 45, (younger in the Caribbean and older in Alaska, Europe, and the Far East). During school vacation periods and holidays expect to find a large number of children. RCI attracts a large number of honeymooners, especially on one-week Caribbean cruises.

Children's Programs: Royal Caribbean's most extensive children's programs are found on Majesty of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas, Nordic Empress, Legend of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas. Offered year-round aboard these vessels is the Kids/Tween/Teens programs for young people aged 5 to 7. Three separate areas offer special activities for toddlers (3 to 5), Kids (5 to 8), Tweens (ages 9 to 12) and Teens (ages 13 to 17), ranging from scavenger hunts, movies, and pizza parties to teen discos and teen dating games; special children's menus are available at dinner. Another nice feature: The cruise line charges a flat rate of $15 for unlimited soda on one-week cruises; with kids, this can save a fortune.