What Cruise Lines Are Affiliated With Royal Caribbean Revealed

Royal Caribbean Group owns and operates multiple cruise lines, including its flagship brand Royal Caribbean International, along with Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and a joint venture with TUI Group—TUI Cruises. These affiliated brands cater to diverse travelers, from family-friendly adventures to ultra-luxury experiences, all under the same corporate umbrella.

Key Takeaways

• Royal Caribbean Group owns multiple brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.
• Joint ventures expand global reach, like TUI Cruises in Europe and Pullmantur in Spain.
• Each brand targets distinct travelers, from luxury (Silversea) to premium (Celebrity).
• Loyalty perks transfer across brands, boosting value for repeat cruisers.
• Shared resources drive innovation, like new ships and sustainability efforts.
• Smaller brands retain unique identities, despite corporate affiliation.

The Royal Caribbean Family: A Global Cruise Empire

When you think of Royal Caribbean, you likely picture massive, innovative cruise ships like Symphony of the Seas or Icon of the Seas, with their sky-high waterslides, robotic bars, and Broadway-style shows. But did you know that Royal Caribbean International is just one piece of a much larger puzzle? Behind this iconic brand lies a vast network of affiliated cruise lines, each catering to different markets, travel styles, and regions—yet all united under the same parent company. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, understanding these affiliations can help you choose the perfect vacation, discover unique destinations, and even unlock exclusive benefits across the fleet.

Royal Caribbean Group (formerly Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.) is one of the world’s leading cruise corporations, operating a diverse portfolio of brands that span luxury, premium, contemporary, and expedition cruising. From family-friendly megaships to intimate, all-inclusive yacht experiences, the group has strategically positioned each brand to capture specific niches in the global travel market. This article will explore the cruise lines affiliated with Royal Caribbean, revealing how each brand fits into the larger ecosystem, what sets them apart, and how you can leverage these connections to enhance your next cruise vacation. Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline of a Royal Caribbean megaship or the serene elegance of a luxury liner, knowing the full scope of the Royal Caribbean family will empower your travel decisions.

1. Royal Caribbean International: The Flagship Brand

The Pioneer of Modern Megaships

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is the crown jewel of the Royal Caribbean Group. Founded in 1968, it revolutionized the cruise industry by introducing massive, resort-style ships packed with amenities never before seen at sea. The brand is synonymous with innovation—think Harmony of the Seas, the first cruise ship with a full-sized ice skating rink, or Wonder of the Seas, which features an entire suite neighborhood with private sun decks and concierge service.

Today, RCI operates over 25 ships across its fleet, including the record-breaking Icon Class—the world’s largest cruise ships, launching with Icon of the Seas in 2024. These vessels boast over 20 dining options, surf simulators, Central Park neighborhoods with real trees, and even underwater lounges. The brand targets families, couples, and multigenerational travelers seeking high-energy, activity-rich vacations with a focus on entertainment and convenience.

Key Features and Destinations

• Fleet Size: 27+ ships (as of 2024), with new vessels added regularly
• Target Audience: Families, first-time cruisers, thrill-seekers
• Signature Features: FlowRider surf simulators, rock climbing walls, zip lines, Broadway shows, robot bartenders, and the Ultimate Abyss dry slide
• Popular Itineraries: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Australia, and transatlantic crossings
• Unique Selling Point: “The world’s most innovative cruise line”

RCI is ideal for travelers who want a “cruise resort” experience—where the ship is as much a destination as the ports. For example, on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Symphony of the Seas, you can enjoy a full day at Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island), followed by a night of Grease: The Musical and a midnight dessert party in the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Pro Tip: Maximize Your RCI Experience

Book a Suite Class cabin to access exclusive lounges, priority embarkation, and personalized concierge service. Also, consider purchasing the Royal Genie service on select ships—this ultra-luxury perk includes private dining, behind-the-scenes tours, and even surprise excursions at port.

2. Celebrity Cruises: Premium Elegance and Sophisticated Travel

Where Luxury Meets Innovation

Celebrity Cruises, founded in 1989 and acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 1997, occupies the premium segment of the market. Unlike Royal Caribbean International’s high-energy vibe, Celebrity focuses on refined elegance, gourmet dining, and immersive cultural experiences. The brand is known for its Solstice Class and Edge Class ships, which feature expansive outdoor spaces, modern design, and industry-leading sustainability initiatives.

The Edge Class—starting with Celebrity Edge in 2018—introduced the Magic Carpet, a movable platform that serves as a bar, dining area, and embarkation platform depending on its position on the ship. This innovation redefined ship design and won multiple awards for engineering and guest experience.

Distinctive Offerings and Onboard Culture

• Fleet Size: 15+ ships, including the upcoming Celebrity Ascent
• Target Audience: Couples, empty-nesters, luxury travelers, foodies
• Signature Features: The Magic Carpet, Infinite Veranda cabins (balcony and room merge), Spa & Wellness by Canyon Ranch, and Le Petit Chef 3D dining experience
• Popular Itineraries: Europe, Alaska, South America, and transoceanic voyages
• Unique Selling Point: “Modern luxury reimagined”

On a 10-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Celebrity Beyond, you might enjoy a private wine tasting in a Tuscan vineyard, attend a cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef, and unwind in the Thermal Suite with heated marble loungers and a sensory shower.

Pro Tip: Leverage the Celebrity Advantage

Take advantage of Celebrity’s “Always Included” pricing model, which bundles gratuities, Wi-Fi, and a basic beverage package into the base fare. This simplifies budgeting and eliminates surprise charges. Also, book a Concierge Class or AquaClass cabin for access to the Spa Concierge and AquaSpa relaxation lounge.

3. Silversea Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury and Expedition Voyages

The Pinnacle of Ultra-Luxury Cruising

Silversea Cruises, acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 2018 (and later increased to full ownership in 2021), is the group’s entry into the ultra-luxury and expedition cruise market. Founded in 1994, Silversea operates smaller ships (typically 200–600 passengers) that deliver an all-inclusive, white-glove experience. Every fare includes butler service, premium beverages, gratuities, and even shore excursions on select itineraries.

Silversea’s fleet includes both classic luxury liners and purpose-built expedition vessels. The Silver Origin (Galápagos) and Silver Endeavour (Antarctica) are designed for immersive, small-group exploration, with expert naturalists, zodiac landings, and eco-friendly operations.

Exclusivity and Global Exploration

• Fleet Size: 12+ ships, including 4 expedition vessels
• Target Audience: Affluent travelers, luxury seekers, adventure enthusiasts
• Signature Features: All-suite accommodations, butler service, all-inclusive pricing, Connoisseur’s Corner (cigar lounge), and Relais & Châteaux dining
• Popular Itineraries: Antarctica, Galápagos, Arctic, Amazon, and remote Pacific islands
• Unique Selling Point: “All-inclusive, all-suite, all-butler”

On a 14-day Antarctic expedition aboard Silver Endeavour, you’ll experience daily zodiac landings to view penguin colonies, kayak among icebergs, and attend lectures by marine biologists—all while returning to a suite with a private veranda and 24-hour butler service.

Pro Tip: Maximize Your Silversea Value

Book a Grand Suite or Owner’s Suite to access the Concierge Lounge and receive a $1,000 onboard credit per suite. Also, consider Silversea’s “Expedition Plus” program, which offers pre- or post-cruise land adventures (e.g., Machu Picchu, Patagonia) with seamless logistics.

4. TUI Cruises: German Market Powerhouse

Royal Caribbean’s Joint Venture in Europe

TUI Cruises is a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Group (50%) and TUI AG (50%), specifically targeting the German-speaking market. Founded in 2008, TUI Cruises operates two distinct brands: TUI Cruises (premium, family-friendly) and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (ultra-luxury, expedition-focused). The partnership allows Royal Caribbean to expand its European footprint while leveraging TUI’s deep market expertise.

The TUI Cruises fleet includes ships like Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 6, which feature German-language entertainment, regional cuisine, and itineraries tailored to German vacation habits. These ships are known for their wellness focus, with large spas, organic dining options, and active shore excursions.

Brand Differentiation: Mein Schiff vs. Hapag-Lloyd

• Mein Schiff (TUI Cruises):
  • Premium, contemporary experience
  • German-speaking guests and staff
  • Itineraries: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe
  • Features: Blue Spa, Ocean Studio (fitness center), regional German cuisine
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises:
  • Ultra-luxury, all-inclusive
  • German-speaking, but international clientele
  • Itineraries: Antarctica, Arctic, Amazon, remote Pacific
  • Features: HANSEATIC expedition ships, Europa 2 (luxury yacht), butler service, expert-led excursions

For example, on a 12-night Baltic cruise aboard Mein Schiff 4, German-speaking guests enjoy a traditional Wurstfest on deck, a Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) afternoon, and a shore excursion to a Baltic spa town—all in their native language.

Pro Tip: Cross-Brand Benefits

While TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises operate independently, Royal Caribbean loyalty members (via the Crown & Anchor Society) can sometimes earn status points on TUI sailings when booked through certain channels. Always check with your travel agent about cross-brand perks.

5. Pullmantur Cruises and Azamara: Strategic Acquisitions (Now Divested)

The Rise and Fall of Pullmantur

Pullmantur Cruises, a Spanish cruise line acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 2006, was a key player in the Iberian and Latin American markets. Known for its Horizon and Monarch ships, Pullmantur offered Spanish-language entertainment, Latin cuisine, and affordable pricing. However, due to financial strain during the pandemic, the line suspended operations in 2020. In 2023, Royal Caribbean sold Pullmantur’s assets, marking the end of its direct presence in the Spanish market.

Though no longer active, Pullmantur’s legacy lives on. Some of its ships (like Monarch) were transferred to Royal Caribbean International, where they were rebranded as Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, continuing to serve Caribbean itineraries with enhanced features.

Azamara: From Acquisition to Independent Spin-Off

Azamara, acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 2019, specialized in destination-intensive, longer voyages (typically 7–14 nights). The brand focused on “destination immersion,” with late-night stays, overnight port calls, and cultural experiences like Local Immersion tours and Night Touring.

However, in 2021, Royal Caribbean spun off Azamara into an independent company, selling it to a private equity firm. While no longer part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Azamara maintains a strategic partnership with the group. This means:

• Royal Caribbean loyalty members can earn and redeem points on Azamara sailings
• Shared shore excursion platforms and booking systems
• Potential future collaborations on itineraries and marketing

For example, a Crown & Anchor Society member can book a 12-night Azamara voyage to the Greek Isles and still earn loyalty points, which can be redeemed for discounts on future Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruises.

Pro Tip: Leverage the Azamara Partnership

If you love deep cultural experiences, consider an Azamara cruise—but book through a Royal Caribbean-affiliated travel agent to ensure your loyalty points are tracked. Also, check for “Royal Caribbean Group” promotions that bundle Azamara with RCI or Celebrity for multi-brand vacations.

6. The Strategic Advantage: How Affiliations Benefit Travelers

Cross-Brand Loyalty and Perks

One of the most powerful benefits of Royal Caribbean’s affiliated network is the Crown & Anchor Society, the group’s loyalty program. Members earn points based on nights sailed across Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and select partner lines (including past Pullmantur and current Azamara bookings). These points unlock tiered benefits:

• Gold (20–49 nights): Priority boarding, free internet minutes, welcome gift
• Platinum (50+ nights): Complimentary specialty dining, onboard credit, suite upgrades
• Emerald (100+ nights): Free cruises, private events, personalized service

For example, a traveler who sails 30 nights on Royal Caribbean International and 20 nights on Celebrity Cruises reaches Platinum status—unlocking perks across both brands.

Fleet Modernization and Shared Technology

Royal Caribbean Group invests heavily in innovation, which benefits all affiliated brands. Technologies like WOWbands (wearable tech for keyless entry, onboard purchases, and ride access) debuted on RCI ships and are now rolling out to Celebrity and Silversea. Similarly, the Royal Caribbean app (for itinerary management, dining reservations, and shore excursions) is used across multiple brands, ensuring a seamless guest experience.

Data Table: Royal Caribbean Group Affiliated Cruise Lines (2024)

Brand	Fleet Size	Target Market	Key Features	Parent Company Status
Royal Caribbean International	27+	Families, thrill-seekers	Megaships, entertainment, private island	Fully owned
Celebrity Cruises	15+	Premium, luxury, couples	Edge Class, Magic Carpet, wellness	Fully owned
Silversea Cruises	12+	Ultra-luxury, expedition	All-inclusive, butler service, remote itineraries	Fully owned
TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff)	8+	German-speaking, premium	Wellness, regional cuisine	50% joint venture
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises	6+	Ultra-luxury, German-speaking	Expedition ships, expert guides	50% joint venture
Azamara	4	Destination immersion, adults-only	Overnight ports, cultural tours	Strategic partnership (no ownership)

Pro Tip: Maximize Your Cruise Strategy

Plan a multi-brand vacation—e.g., start with a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean, then a 10-night Mediterranean voyage on Celebrity. Use your accumulated loyalty points for onboard credits or future discounts. Also, book through a Royal Caribbean Group travel agent to access exclusive cross-brand promotions and early booking perks.

The Royal Caribbean family is more than just a collection of cruise lines—it’s a global travel ecosystem designed to meet the diverse needs of modern travelers. From the adrenaline of a megaship to the serenity of an expedition yacht, every brand offers a unique experience, all under one strategic umbrella. Whether you’re chasing thrills, seeking luxury, or exploring the world’s most remote corners, knowing which cruise lines are affiliated with Royal Caribbean empowers you to make smarter, more rewarding travel choices. So pack your bags, set sail, and discover the full spectrum of the Royal Caribbean universe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines are affiliated with Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean Group owns several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. The group also holds a majority stake in TUI Cruises and a joint venture with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in Germany.

Is Celebrity Cruises part of Royal Caribbean?

Yes, Celebrity Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group. It operates as a premium brand under the group, offering upscale experiences while sharing corporate resources and sustainability initiatives.

Which luxury cruise line is linked to Royal Caribbean?

Silversea Cruises, an ultra-luxury line specializing in small-ship expeditions and all-inclusive voyages, is fully owned by Royal Caribbean Group. This affiliation allows access to high-end travelers while expanding the group’s global footprint.

Does Royal Caribbean have partnerships with other cruise brands?

Yes, Royal Caribbean Group partners with TUI Cruises (Germany) through a majority stake and collaborates with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises via a joint venture. These partnerships focus on serving the European market with tailored cruise experiences.

Are there any budget-friendly cruise lines under Royal Caribbean?

While Royal Caribbean Group’s core brands are mid-to-luxury, its affiliated line TUI Cruises offers more affordable options in Europe. Royal Caribbean International itself occasionally features value-added promotions to attract cost-conscious travelers.

What’s the connection between Royal Caribbean and Silversea?

Royal Caribbean Group acquired full ownership of Silversea Cruises in 2020, integrating it as their ultra-luxury brand. The affiliation combines Silversea’s niche expedition expertise with Royal Caribbean’s operational scale.