Casa del Libro (La)

Royal Caribbean sells a mass-market style of cruising that's reasonably priced and offered aboard informal, well-run ships with nearly every diversion imaginable -- craft classes, horse racing, bingo, shuffleboard, deck games, line-dancing lessons, wine-and-cheese tastings, cooking demonstrations, art auctions, and the like -- plus elaborate health clubs and spas, covered swimming pools, large open sun deck areas, and innumerable bars, lounges, and other entertainment centers. The Viking Crown Lounge and other glassed-in areas make excellent observation rooms from which to see the Alaska sights. Royal Caribbean spends big bucks on entertainment, which includes high-tech show productions. Headliners are often featured. Port lectures are offered on topics such as Alaska wildlife, and the line offers some 65 shore excursions. The line's children's activities are some of the most extensive afloat.The line offers 7-night Inside Passage cruises. Passenger Profile -- The crowd on Royal Caribbean ships, like the decor, rates pretty high on the party scale, though not quite at the Carnival level. Passengers represent an age mix from 30 to 60, and a good number of families are attracted by the line's well-established and fine-tuned kids' programs. In Alaska, Royal Caribbean is focusing more on international sales than the entrenched market leaders, Princess and Holland America, which often results in sailings populated by a good many international passengers, especially travelers from Asia and Europe. Ships -- The 2,500-passenger Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas are slightly more upscale than the line's other vessels. They are designed to remind guests they are at sea -- walls of glass everywhere you go allow you to view the passing Alaska scenery. Cabins are larger than on the Vision -- the smallest is 170 square feet -- and more come with verandas. And here's a nice touch: the pool tables have built-in self-leveling mechanisms in case waves get too high. The 2,435-passenger Vision of the Seas has small cabins, though nearly a quarter of them offer verandas and all have sitting areas. The ship also offers loads of fine dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Sample rates per person: Lowest-price inside cabins $100 per diem, lowest outside $128, lowest suite $221 for a 7-night cruise. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Directions

Metro: Gran Vía. Bus: 1, 2, 46, 74, 146, or 149

Information by Frommers