There's always a first for everything, but none quite as exciting as your first Royal Caribbean vacation. Don't let their name fool you. Royal Caribbean International's 12-ship fleet has journeyed way past the islands of the Caribbean, making room for 125 destinations all over the world. They are used to thinking in epic proportion: intriguing shows, historic sites and scenery no postcard could do justice to. Sports, saunas and spa treatments. Fine dining and dancing. Everything, from romantic moonlight dances to family pizza parties, from outrageous comedy to fascinating history. You decide how to spend your time. It's your vacation.

Like No Vacation On Earth! You've got tropical breezes coming. And long, long crescents of sugary white beach. You've got a long, lazy sun-drenched escape coming. You've got endless pampering from morning to night. And perfect privacy. You've got the vacation of a lifetime coming. Aboard our peerless ships in the Caribbean and Bahamas, you'll find people dedicated to making every meal, every song, every moment perfect. With just-picked flowers on your dinner table. Delicious-every-time filet mignon. Freshly turned sheets, meticulously clean floors and night after night of stellar entertainment.

The Night Comes Alive ! If the mood is a lucky one , better head to the Casino Royale. We'll look for you by the blackjack tables or the roulette tables. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the video poker and slot machines. And if the only kind of chips you're familar with are the ones that are covered in salsa, we'll even give you lessons. Just be glad that you realized that you had some long days in the tropical sun coming and some decedent midnight buffets. Breakfast in bed, a dance in the moon light, a stroll in the sea air coming. In short some Royal Caribbean Coming.

Royal Caribbean International- Like No Vacation On Earth. Royal Caribbean is one of the world's largest cruise lines operating 12 ships with a total capacity of 16,800 passengers. In 1996, the award-winning fleet offers 54 itineraries and 134 destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Baja Mexico, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Europe, British Isles, Norway, Scandinavia, Russia, the Far East and Southeast Asia.

Fellow Passengers: Moderately upscale couples and singles from mid-30s to mid-50s and family vacationers with a household income of $40,000+. They are active fun-seekers looking for a wide variety of shipboard activities and destinations. Average age is early 40s, but slightly lower in three- and four-night cruises and slightly higher on ten-night or longer trips. In summer, the median age also drops due to the large number of families traveling with children. Less than 25 percent are 60 or older and they are likely to be on cruises of longer than nine nights. About half of the passengers have taken at least one cruise and a quarter have sailed with RCCL. Up to 73 percent of the men and 65 percent of the women are married; 16 percent are retired, 36 percent are professional, managerial, or proprietors; 9 percent say they are homemakers. About 50 percent are taking their first cruise, but vacation twice or more annually.

Recommended For: Almost anyone taking a first cruise. Those who like large ships or want an array of options with a touch of class. Those who want to be active, sociable, and don't mind large crowds and lines. It's also ideal for families with several generations traveling together, as the diversity of shipboard activities and programs provides something for every age. Begin planning your Cruise Vacation!