You Can't Go Wrong With Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail beyond the Caribbean. The line has a total of five ship families, 22 ships currently sailing and several under construction. The Genesis, currently being built in Norway, will cost over a billion dollars and accommodate 5400 travelers. She's set to arrive in 2009.

But until the newest ship arrives, the world's second-largest cruise line has a wide range of ships to choose from. The Empress of the Seas is in a class by herself. The smallest of the Royal Caribbean cruise ships, she still has the ability to carry over 2,000 passengers. The ship visits over 100 ports of call, from Alaska to the Caribbean, Bermuda and Panama.

Slightly larger are the Sovereign family of ships. One these ships you'll find some of the amenities that were missing from the Empress, like conference centers, and more swimming pools and restaurants. You'll also notice more "elbow room" on a Sovereign ship, and slightly larger cabins.

The Vision family of ships has six members. These ships are medium-sized, and designed to go almost anywhere—and they do. The Caribbean, Bermuda, Europe. . . even a transatlantic cruise are all popular destinations and all served by the Vision family. These ships are very versatile, and their destination, length, and departure port offerings all reflect that.

The Radiance Family of ships offers slightly larger deck plans and these ships can carry more people. You'll also see an upgrade of the ship itself and amenities on this class of ship. Glass elevators carry you up and down the decks, and the nine-story Centrum and glass solarium allow you to see the beauty of Nature passing by. And speaking of Nature, the Radiance family of ships uses gas-turbine engines, the most ecologically friendly out there.

Next up is the Voyager Family with five ships. At over 1,000 feet, these are very large ships. These ships sail to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and even transatlantic crossings. These are the ships with the legendary ice skating rinks on them. There are, of course, the rock-climbing wall, fitness center, several swimming pools and hot tubs, and restaurants and bars galore.

And finally, the "big daddy" of cruise ships, at least until the newest one arrives. The Freedom family is Royal Caribbean's largest family of cruise ships. Weighing in at 160,000 tons, you might wonder how she floats. But float she does, all 1,112 feet of her.

Aboard one of the Freedom family of ships (the Freedom of the Seas, the Independence of the Seas, or the Liberty of the Seas) you'll find the first-ever shipboard surf park. A waterpark, boxing ring, and wireless internet service throughout the ship will keep you entertained and connected.

There are flat-screen televisions in every stateroom, restaurants ranging from casual pizzerias to formal dining areas, and sports of every imaginable sort. Typically sailing from Florida (Miami or Ft. Lauderdale) these ships primarily sail the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.  However, transatlantic crossings are made once or twice a year, so if you fall in love with these ships as so many people do, you may want to opt for a longer voyage.

There certainly is variety in your choice of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and your options for onboard activities are even broader. Especially if you're one of the more active cruisers, this may be the cruise for you!