Royal Carribean cruise ships what's your recommendations

I have a question.

I am going on my first cruise in Jan on Independence of the Seas and am wondering how many pictures do they take with the photo package. Also, when can you start reserving seats for the shows? Every time I log in to my acct and go to my activities, there's no where I see where you can add shows to your itinerary.

Help!

I've always thought the Freedom-class ships were just about perfect... just the right size, well designed and so many activities. The Oasis-class (and presumably Quantum-class) kick it up another notch, but there's just something about the Freedom-class that just feels "right"

We have sailed on numerous RCI ships before. We love Allure of the Seas as well as the Freedom class ships-we have done both Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.

As glomarrone points out, newer ships usually have more bells and whistles. So, we have Quantum of the Seas booked for our next cruise, after our Alaskan cruise in two weeks!

But, the newer ships are priced at a premium, so if you are budget conscious, then perhaps a ship that is a few years older might be a good bet.

Also, if you are considering taking a shorter cruise, less than 7 days, your options will be limited. I suggest Freedom class.

I just put my brother on Freedom for a 7 night Western that leaves 8/31 for his first cruise. I can let folks now his thoughts when he returns.

Liberty of the Seas, the same class of ship, also has four night sailings so you can try those if you want to get your feet wet. That ship also has a full production of the Broadway show Saturday Night Fever.

So many good options when sailing RCI!

I would usually recommend the newer ships no matter which cruise line that you are choosing. I usually go by the itinerary, though.

Radiance of the Seas is the right ship for me , just the right size

The Oasis & the Allure are my favorite ships but they are huge. I love all the amenities and choices. If you prefer smaller ships than book one of their other ships.

I agree with DEFINITELY considering the size of the ship! I personally prefer LARGE ships with LOTS to do. The more the better! Freedom class was great!

We been lucky enough to have sailed onboard the Oasis class, Voyager class, and Radiance class. Don't think we would personally go any smaller than the radiance class! But saying that we would also look at the ports of call? Just go with what floats you boat! Sorry ship

Thanks for the responses! I'll be thinking hard while planning my next royal carribean cruise.

While we felt the Voyager class (like Adventure of the Seas you sailed on) and Freedom class ships were “too big” for our tastes, we absolutely loved sailing aboard Allure of the Seas! We’ve learned that how big a ship feels has a lot more to do with layout and scheduling than the actual size. That being said, our next cruise (number 13 with Royal Caribbean) will be aboard our favorite Royal ship: Radiance of the Seas. We’re sailing to Alaska with a group of family and friends and all the glass and windows aboard this beautiful ship will be perfect for the magnificent scenery!