Cruise Lines · October 2026
Royal Caribbean vs Virgin Voyages: Family Mega-Ships or Adults-Only
Royal Caribbean
Virgin Voyages
Royal Caribbean runs one of the largest fleets at sea, with more than 25 ships across several classes. Its Oasis Class ships are among the world's largest cruise ships, and the newer Icon Class adds Category 6, which the line calls the largest waterpark at sea. Itineraries cover the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, Asia and Australia, and many Caribbean sailings call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, its private island in the Bahamas with a waterpark, several beaches and an adults-only beach area.
Virgin Voyages is an adults-only line for travellers 18 and over, with a smaller fleet of four ships. Its fare bundles things other lines often charge for, including WiFi, group fitness classes, soft drinks and water, and dining across more than 20 eateries, with no traditional buffet. Caribbean itineraries include its Beach Club at Bimini.
The real difference is audience: Royal Caribbean is built for every age with huge onboard attractions, while Virgin Voyages is designed around adults and a more inclusive fare.
| Royal Caribbean Our pick | Virgin Voyages | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.7/10 · Outstanding | 9.5/10 · Outstanding |
| Rank | #1 in Cruise Lines | #2 in Cruise Lines |
| Highlights |
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| Get Deal | Get Deal |
Our verdict
Royal Caribbean is the better choice for most travellers, and especially for families and multi-generational groups. Its biggest ships pack waterslides, climbing walls and a range of dining and shows, so different ages can each find something to do, and the CocoCay private island gives a full beach and waterpark day without leaving the cruise. The size of the fleet also means more departure ports, more sailing dates and more destinations to choose from. That breadth is why it leads our ranking.
Virgin Voyages is the better pick for adults who want a quieter, design-led trip without children on board. Couples and groups of friends get a modern ship where WiFi, fitness classes and a wide choice of restaurants are already in the fare, which makes the onboard spend easier to predict. The four-ship fleet means fewer itineraries, so check that its routes match where you want to go.
In short: if anyone in your party is under 18, or you want the widest choice of ships and routes, choose Royal Caribbean. If it is an adults-only getaway, Virgin Voyages is designed for exactly that.
Get Deal — Royal CaribbeanRead the full reviews: Royal Caribbean review · Virgin Voyages review · or see all our Cruise Lines picks.