Top Tips For
First Time Cruisers
What's So Epic About Cruises?
Imagine a holiday so big and bold it defies imagination. An amped-up mix of a resort-style escape and a memory-maxing voyage to bucket-list destinations. It’s packed with epic thrills – Hop on your board and prepare for an exciting surf session on Flowrider®*, then challenge yourself on The Perfect Storm℠ dual waterslides, while kids enjoy endless fun at Splashaway Bay℠. Delicious dining, spectacular Broadway productions, and activities for every family member – a Royal Caribbean® cruise from Southampton is an adventure with no wave left unturned.
Not Your Typical Holiday
From the high-flying North Star® capsule to top-notch dining and elevated accommodations, it’s time for an altitude adjustment. This is not how our parents cruised.
Sail With the Best
For 21 consecutive years, Royal Caribbean has been voted Best Cruise Line Overall by Travel Weekly readers. This honour reflects our unwavering commitment to our guests and to providing them experiences that are unforgettable first-at-sea game-changers.
Suite Dreams
Spacious and beautifully appointed, the staterooms on your cruise from Southampton are the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. From inner staterooms with real-time virtual balconies to stunning suites packed with perks, your accommodations will exceed expectations.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Looking for a family holiday all will love? Enjoy a wide variety of food, incredible entertainment and unforgettable activities for all ages- all included in your fare on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
WHat to do on board
Gear up for an adrenaline-pumping glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff in Battle for Planet Z℠. Experience the thrill of catching a wave on the FlowRider®* surf simulator and feel the rush as you race down The Perfect Storm℠ dueling waterslides.
STAY CONNECTED
Now available on your Royal Caribbean® cruise from Southampton, VOOM® is the fastest internet at sea, connecting you to loved ones 24/7. With the VOOM® Surf + Stream Package, you can message, video chat, browse the web, send emails, post on social media, stream your favourite content, and more. Share your adventure!
Feast Royally
Regardless of the length of your holiday – weekend mini-cruise or extended holiday – sampling delicious dishes is a massive part of the experience! Standouts include the exclusive Chef’s Table, umami-rich Izumi Japanese Cuisine and Giovanni's Table with its rustic Italian flavor.
Wander the World
With more than 300 destinations – from Alaska to Australia – we go as far as your dreams take you. Cruise from Southampton to warm Canaries shores or to the fairytale magic of Northern Europe. Calypso in the Caribbean. Island-hop the South Pacific. It’s up to you.
Where to first?
There are many itineraries to choose from whether it’s far from home in the Caribbean, or close to home in Europe.
CUSTOMISE YOUR CRUISE
Personalise your family’s cruise with your choice of beverage and dinner packages, plus shore excursions that immerse you into local culture and can’t-miss sights.
Quench Your Thirst
Your cruise fare includes options like coffee, tea, milk, and lemonade and other drinks can be purchased on-the-go. For extra-thirsty families, the Soft Drink Package, the Refreshment Package – which also features fresh juices and mocktails – or the alcohol-inclusive Deluxe Beverage Package are solid cost-saving hacks.
Treat Your Tastebuds
From craveable fast bites to bountiful buffets, many all-inclusive eateries await. But why not launch on an adventure of epicurean proportions with a Speciality Dining Package? You’ll save on non-inclusive options – like Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, a thrilling through-the-looking glass experience.
Explore the Local Scene
Immerse yourself in the local scene with Shore Excursions, the best way to discover more. From tours of ancient historical sites and cultural landmarks to nature treks and cooking classes, our Shore Excursions cover a wide range of categories.
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Start by zeroing in on where you would like to go. Is it close to home or an international getaway? A great thing about cruises is that you can visit multiple destinations on the same voyage, so be sure to check out the available itineraries and their ports of call.
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How long can you get away? You’ll find cruises from Southampton ranging from 2-night mini-cruises to 14-night Transatlantic holidays, and plenty of options for European cruises.
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A third consideration involves the ship you would like to choose as your home away from home. The Royal Caribbean fleet boasts amazing ships such as the current world’s largest, Icon of the Seas℠.
Award Winning Fleet
Seven Royal Caribbean ship classes and 27 award-winning ships offer endless possibilities for an unforgettable holiday. From intimate vessels to the largest ships at sea, a variety of options to choose from. Each ship class boasts its unique features and amenities that cater to different preferences and interests. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly adventure or a romantic getaway, there's a ship and itinerary that has your name on it. Cruising from Southampton, Independence of the Seas® is a favourite, packed with endless ways to play.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Crusing Insider
When going on a European cruise, with its charming coastal towns, history-soaked sites and deliciously fresh dishes–is a magical destination. Your 2025 cruise is generally all-inclusive and a great deal for an epic holiday, but if you don’t want to go sightseeing solo, consider springing for a carefully curated and convenient shore excursion. Either way, non-stop adventure is on the agenda!
Ready to bring on the thrills? Explore the stunning Norwegian Fjords, the diverse Canary Islands on a cruise from Southampton.
