If you long for more than a normal family bonding with your loved ones at home, a cruise will prove to be the perfect getaway that you can enjoy with the entire family! Your children can frolic on different amenities onboard and splash into different pools on the deck. Whilst you and your partner sip your favorite drinks and watch the sunset.
There are different Royal Caribbean ships that you can choose from depending on your preference and the activities that you want to do while on board. They also offer different destinations that you can explore.
No time to go through with the article? Here is a summary of what Ship is suitable for your preferences:
Best Ship for Babies and Toddlers: Any ship with adventure ocean kids club, royal babies and tots nursery and baby splash zones
Best Ship for 3 to 6 Year Olds: Quantum class Ships
Best Ship for 7 to 12 Year Olds: Freedom class Ships
Best Ship for Older Kids (9+): Oasis class Ships
Best Ship for Families on a Budget: Freedom of the Seas
To be prepared, here are some safety tips to consider when traveling with kids. This will give you an idea of the dos and don'ts when you are traveling with them.
Also, here are some tips and tricks to help you pack light when you are on a trip with your little ones.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Royal Caribbean Ship for Your Family
Family-Friendly Cabin
A cabin that is perfect for your family vacation is not a problem when you opt for the Royal Caribbean cruise line. It comes in different types of rooms such as suites, balcony staterooms, interior and outside staterooms that can accommodate passengers with various preferences.
Kids Activities
There are plenty of kids activities on board which gives them an opportunity to explore and meet new friends along the way.
Here are some of the amazing activities that they can do while on a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship.
Things that Babies and Toddlers Can Do On a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Baby Splash Zones
The baby splash zones are dedicated areas where your little ones can enjoy. These areas come with a separate filtration system that helps prevent contamination. Accidents may happen when swim diapers leak while babies use this area of the ship.
Royal Babies and Tots Nursery
The nursery inside the cruise ship provides a personal space for your little ones to relax and have their naps. It also has a play area wherein your little ones can play with other babies and develop interpersonal skills during their formative years.
Adventure Ocean Kids Club
A fun place for your kids to meet children their age and play games, enjoy themed parties onboard, art crafts, and other age-appropriate activities with the supervision of animated staff members of the cruise line.
It allows kids to choose their own immersive adventure while cruising the ocean.
Things that 3 to 6 Year Olds Can Do on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Aquanauts Kids Club
Do your kids love science? or some bubbling experiments that spark their curiosity? There are lots of secrets waiting to be uncovered when your child joins this kids club. Young adventurers ages 3 - 5-year-olds can participate in the Aquanauts Kids Club and they can access it every day while on the cruise ship.
Swimming Pools
Of course, do not forget to take a dip in one of the swimming pools inside the cruise ship. There are pools that are suitable for kids. Kiddie pools are specifically designed for young children to enjoy the water and swim around while they are onboard.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen before dipping in the pool to prevent sunburns and skin irritation from direct sunlight.
Skydiving Simulator
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping activity while you float weightlessly in the air like a true-to-life skydiving experience.
In this simulator, you can feel the freedom of freefall without jumping off the plane. Allow yourself to experience and let your spirit soar in this onboard activity.
It is currently available on Four Royal Caribbean ships: Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas.
North Star Observation Pod
This observation pod is a short ride that just goes up and down while you are on the ship. You can book your slot starting from 8 pm the night before your tentative date. You can only experience this activity once during your cruise, hence, we recommend that you give it a go!
The North Star Observation Pod is found on the following Royal Caribbean ships: Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas.
Bumper Cars
Just like in Disney Land and other theme parks, some cruise ships also offer rides in their bumper cars for the passengers to enjoy.
Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas offer this amenity for passengers to enjoy.
Things that 7 – 12 Year Olds Can Do on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Children under this age bracket can be very adventurous and want to try different activities while on a cruise.
Splashaway Bay
Splashaway Bay is the best kid-friendly water park that provides your kids a space to just play and spend their time. It comes with colorful water slides, water cannons, fountains, and other areas to enjoy.
The majority of the ships in the Royal Caribbean offer this amenity for their passengers.
Perfect Storm Water Slides
Are you ready for an exciting activity? These leveled-up water slides will give you twists, turns, and adrenaline-amping fun with your family. It is considered the boldest waterslides at sea.
The Royal Caribbean ships that offer Perfect Strom Water Slides for their guests are as follows:
- Freedom of the Seas
- Adventure of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Oasis of the Seas
Mini Golf
Playing mini golf with the family is always a good idea, especially during sunny days. You can have your drink while you hit your balls and get a good score. You can experience this activity with your loved ones in Adventure of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas.
Laser Tag
Playing laser tag with your friends and family is another activity that you can enjoy. This is also a chance for your to meet new people and bond with them.
The Royal Caribbean ships that have laser tag are the:
- Mariner of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Voyager of the Seas
- Freedom of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Quantum of the Seas
- Spectrum of the Seas
- Oasis of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
SkyPad Virtual Reality Trampolines
This SkyPad is a trampoline where guests put on a virtual reality visor to immerse themselves in the game. They can jump, bounce from one place to another, and experience a gravity-defying treat.
Once inside, participants will use bungee cords to safely bounce up and down while they are inside their virtual reality scenario.
The SkyPad Virtual Reality Trampolines are found on the following Royal Caribbean ships: Independence of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas.
Ice Skating
Looking for an ice skating area during summer? Book a cruise with the Royal Caribbean and enjoy ice skating activities with your loved ones. Everyone is welcome to try this amenity while on the cruise ship.
All ships in the Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis classes have rinks.
Rock Climbing Wall
If you like heights and enjoy climbing, give the rock climbing wall a go. Imagine rock climbing and enjoying the view at the top. You can find this activity on most of the Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Explorers Kids Club
Activities in this club depend on the age group your child belongs to. This will be a good opportunity to meet new friends and experience different amenities on board with other children.
What Makes Oasis Class Ships the Best for Kids?
Oasis Class Ships offer the world's largest cruise ships, which means more excitement and adventures, especially for older kids. There are 5 Oasis Class Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships that you can choose from when you are planning to book a trip with your kids.
Unique features found on Oasis Class Ships only:
Zipline
Up for an adrenaline rush? Check out the 82-foot long zipline.
Ultimate Abyss
This is a 10 story slide that takes guests for an adventure from the sports deck to the Boardwalk neighborhood.
Utopia of the Seas
Capacity: 5,668 Passengers at double occupancyUtopia of the Seas, the cruise line's newest Oasis-class cruise ship, offers a memorable experience for guests with 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday getaways.
They can choose which one will fit their schedule, budget, and preference.
However, this cruise ship is currently under construction and expected to launch on July 2024. You may have to wait for a little bit longer if you want to experience the Utopia of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas
Capacity: 5,734 passengers at double occupancy or up to a maximum of 6,988 passengers, as well as a 2,300 crew.
The Wonder of the Seas is hailed by far as the largest cruise ship in the world. It measures around or over 1,100 feet in length.
With its opulent furnishings, it offers amazing and top-of-the-line amenities for guests to enjoy with their families.
Symphony of the Seas
Capacity: 5,518 Passengers at double occupancy
While Symphony of the Seas is a vibrant and thrilling ship during the day, it also gives a unique experience for its guests during the night. You can enjoy live music, performance on ice, entertainment shows, and other activities that will keep you up and vibing.
Royal Caribbean Ships with Adventure Ocean Kids Clubs + Royal Babies and Tots Nursery + Baby Splash Zones
Allure of the Seas
Capacity: 5,484 Passengers (double occupancy)
The Allure of the Seas offers different types of accommodation and includes a wide variety of rooms and suites that will be suitable for couples, families, and friends.
They can book Sea, Sky, and Star classes with each class offering special services and amenities.
This ship has the same facilities as the Oasis of the Seas. It offers AquaTheatre, spa and fitness facilities, a pool and sports zone, an entertainment area, and many more.
Do not forget to read and follow some safety precautions set by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) for guests and crew while onboard a cruise ship.
Anthem of the Seas
Capacity: 4,180 Passengers (double occupancy)
Every day onboard Anthem of the Seas is like embarking on a whole new adventure while you cruise the ocean. You can try all the activities that the Anthem of the Seas may offer while you are at sea.
This cruise ship can throw amazing parties and exciting nightlife for guests. It also has amenities that are suitable for your kids.
Freedom of the Seas
Capacity: 3,926 Passengers (double occupancy)
Your palate will be bursting with authentic flavors while onboard the Amplified Freedom of the Seas. Experience amazing food from different parts of the world inside the cruise ship.
It offers an ultimate getaway from Miami to the Bahamas. You can also soak under the sun and have a perfect day at CocoCay.
Harmony of the Seas
Capacity: 5,479 Passengers (double occupancy)
What do you get when you combine one of the biggest ships in the world with some of the unique thrills and activities at sea? A gravity-defying and electrifying expedition onboard the Harmony of the Seas.
You will never run out of things that you can do while on this ship with your friends and family.
Independence of the Seas
Capacity: 3,858 Passengers (double occupancy)
Independence of the Seas is loaded with surprises to thrill its guests even for a 3 to 4-day getaway. It also comes with overflowing food and activities that can fill your time between shores with the whole family.
Liberty of the Seas
Capacity: 3,798 Passengers (double occupancy)
Liberty of the Seas is packed with exciting amenities, so there is plenty to do from dusk until dawn. Simulated rides with the FlowRider, spacious pools, tasty specialty restaurants, and many more.
Oasis of the Seas
Capacity: 5,602 Passengers (double occupancy)
Oasis of the Seas has set the standard for incredible family cruising experiences.
She comes with modern designs throughout the ship. The staterooms provide a relaxing ambiance and an experience of home-away-from-home for the guests.
Quantum of the Seas
Capacity: 4,180 Passengers (double occupancy)
The Quantum of the Seas is a great option for adventurers of all types, as well as food lovers in your family.
Thrill-seekers can have a blast while on this ship. It offers activities such as simulated rides through virtual reality, bumper cars, laser tag, and trapeze school.
You can also try the FlowRider or take a ride in North Star which gives you breathtaking views.
Book Your Royal Caribbean Cruise Vacation
When it comes to cruising, there are many Royal Caribbean ships that offer different types of amenities and destinations that you and your loved ones can enjoy.
Start by picking the type of ship you want to experience, then choose an itinerary. Enjoy!
As Florida is a port commonly used for cruises, you can check out activities to do with kids in Florida.
You can also look up strollers that are suitable for Disney if you are deciding to experience the magic of Disney while in Florida.
