What are the most popular Royal Caribbean destinations?

Royal Caribbean International is one of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise lines, carrying millions of passengers every year to hundreds of ports across all seven continents. But what are the most popular Royal Caribbean destinations—and why do travelers keep choosing them?

This in-depth guide answers that question using publicly available data, itinerary trends, port statistics, traveler behavior, and official sources, while aligning with E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness). Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Royal Caribbean loyalist, this article will help you choose the right destination based on season, budget, ship class, and travel goals.

How Royal Caribbean Determines Popular Destinations

Royal Caribbean does not publicly rank destinations by popularity. However, based on publicly available information, popularity can be inferred using:

• Number of ships deployed to a region

• Frequency of sailings year-round

• Passenger volume reported by port authorities

• Investment in private destinations

• Repeat deployment of flagship ships (e.g., Oasis Class)

According to Royal Caribbean Group investor reports and port data from organizations such as PortMiami and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe consistently receive the highest passenger volumes.

The Caribbean: Royal Caribbean’s Most Popular Region

Why the Caribbean Dominates

• Year-round warm weather

• Short flight access from North America

• Calm seas compared to open-ocean routes

• High concentration of private islands and beach ports

According to CLIA’s State of the Cruise Industry Report, the Caribbean accounts for over 40% of global cruise itineraries, with Royal Caribbean as a leading operator.

Eastern Caribbean

Popular Ports

• St. Maarten

• St. Thomas

• San Juan, Puerto Rico

Why Travelers Love It

• Clear waters ideal for snorkeling

• Blend of U.S. and European culture

• Less rugged terrain than Western Caribbean

Western Caribbean

Popular Ports

• Cozumel, Mexico

• Roatán, Honduras

• Costa Maya, Mexico

Best For

• First-time cruisers

• Budget-friendly shore excursions

• Ancient Mayan ruins

Southern Caribbean

Popular Ports

• Aruba

• Curaçao

• Barbados

Key Advantage

• Fewer hurricanes due to southern location (confirmed by NOAA hurricane tracking data)

Perfect Day at CocoCay: The #1 Royal Caribbean Destination

Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas is widely considered its most popular destination.

Why CocoCay Stands Out

• Exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests

• Home to Thrill Waterpark (one of the largest in North America)

• Overwater cabanas and freshwater pools

• Complimentary food across the island

Royal Caribbean has invested over $250 million into CocoCay, according to company press releases.

Expert Insight:Private destinations increase guest satisfaction and repeat bookings, a trend also documented by Harvard Business Review in its analysis of vertically integrated travel experiences.

Alaska Cruises: Glaciers, Wildlife, and Scenic Sailing

Why Alaska Is So Popular

• Glaciers accessible only by ship

• Whale and bear sightings

• Cooler summer alternative to tropical cruises

Top Ports

• Juneau

• Skagway

• Ketchikan

Royal Caribbean offers glacier-viewing itineraries including Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier.

According to U.S. National Park Service data, over 1 million cruise visitors enter Alaska annually via cruise ships.

Mediterranean Cruises: Culture, History, and Iconic Cities

Eastern Mediterranean

• Greece (Santorini, Mykonos)

• Croatia (Dubrovnik)

Western Mediterranean

• Barcelona

• Rome (Civitavecchia)

• Naples

Why It’s Popular

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Culinary diversity

• Easy land extensions pre/post cruise

The European Commission tourism reports confirm cruise tourism as a major driver of Mediterranean port economies.

Bahamas & Short Getaways

Short cruises (3–4 nights) to the Bahamas are among Royal Caribbean’s best-selling itineraries.

Popular Ports

• Nassau

• CocoCay

Best For

• First-time cruisers

• Budget travelers

• Weekend vacations

Europe Beyond the Med: Northern Europe & Baltics

Popular Routes

• Norwegian fjords

• Baltic capitals (Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki)

Why Travelers Choose Them

• Dramatic scenery

• Cooler climates

• Cultural immersion

According to Visit Norway tourism data, fjord cruises are among the most searched European cruise routes.

Asia & Australia: Fast-Growing Royal Caribbean Markets

Asia

• Singapore

• Japan

• South Korea

Australia & New Zealand

• Sydney

• Auckland

Royal Caribbean has expanded deployment here due to rising regional demand, as noted in Royal Caribbean Group earnings calls.

South America & Transatlantic Voyages

These itineraries are less frequent but highly valued by experienced cruisers.

Highlights

• Brazil and Argentina

• Panama Canal crossings

• Repositioning cruises with more sea days

Comparison Table: Top Royal Caribbean Destinations

Destination	Best For	Peak Season	Ideal Traveler
Caribbean	Beaches, families	Year-round	First-timers
CocoCay	Private island fun	Year-round	Families, couples
Alaska	Nature & wildlife	May–Sept	Nature lovers
Mediterranean	Culture & history	May–Oct	Explorers
Bahamas	Short trips	Year-round	Budget travelers
Northern Europe	Scenery	May–Aug	Experienced cruisers

How to Choose the Best Royal Caribbean Destination (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Define Your Travel Goal

• Relaxation → Caribbean

• Adventure → Alaska

• Culture → Mediterranean

Step 2: Consider Seasonality

Use data from NOAA, UK Met Office, or World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Step 3: Match Ship Class to Destination

• Oasis Class → Caribbean & Bahamas

• Quantum Class → Alaska & Asia

Step 4: Review Health & Entry Requirements

Consult:

• CDC.gov

• WHO.int

• gov.uk travel advice

Health, Safety, and Travel Considerations

• Vaccination requirements vary by region

• Motion sickness more common in open seas (Alaska, North Atlantic)

• Travel insurance recommended (Consumer Reports strongly advises cruise-specific coverage)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Royal Caribbean’s most popular destination?

Based on ship deployment and passenger volume, the Caribbean, particularly Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the most popular.

2. Are Caribbean cruises good year-round?

Yes, though hurricane season runs June–November (NOAA).

3. Which destination is best for first-time cruisers?

Short Bahamas or Western Caribbean itineraries.

4. What’s the best Royal Caribbean destination for families?

Caribbean cruises with Oasis Class ships.

5. Is Alaska suitable for kids?

Yes, especially during summer school holidays.

6. Are Mediterranean cruises more expensive?

Generally yes, due to port fees and airfare.

7. Which destination has the calmest seas?

Southern Caribbean routes.

8. Does Royal Caribbean visit private islands?

Yes, including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee (Haiti).

9. Are health requirements the same everywhere?

No. Always check CDC and WHO guidance.

10. How far in advance should I book?

6–12 months for peak seasons.

Sources & References

• Royal Caribbean International – Official Website

• Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)

• World Health Organization (WHO.int)

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA.gov)

• Harvard Business Review – Travel & Experience Economy

• Consumer Reports – Cruise Travel Insurance

• European Commission Tourism Reports

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean’s most popular destinations are popular for a reason: accessibility, innovation, safety, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re chasing glaciers in Alaska, sun in the Caribbean, or history in Europe, the right destination comes down to your travel goals, timing, and comfort preferences.