breathtakingly beautiful countries across the globe. But believe it or not, it won’t only be your various drop-off locations that make this the perfect family trip.
Oh no, when you travel with Royal Caribbean cruise liners, you can be sure that your time off land will be equally as exciting as it is on.
And Royal Caribbean are known for their family-friendly activities that come in their plenty, making it a great option for individuals of all ages.
But which options are the best for your family? Well, it can come down to a matter of personal preference, so you’ll need to know all about what each of these amazing ships has to offer to make an informed decision.
And that’s where we come in. In this article, we’ll go over everything there is to know about family-friendly Royal Caribbean ships so that you can select the perfect dream vacation for you and your family! So, let’s get started!
Oasis of the Seas is an enormous cruise ship that is absolutely perfect for families. The entertainment is phenomenal and the amount of activities on offer are endless so you can be sure that there will never be a dull moment aboard.
And somehow, despite the ship offering respite to over a whopping 6,700 guests, the ship never feels overcrowded. There’s hustle and bustle for sure, but it never feels claustrophobic or overwhelming.
The amount of restaurant options is also pretty impressive. And we all know how fussy our little ones can be, so it’s great to know there are plenty of scrumptious options available.
You’ll find many casual options such as El Loco Fresh. Sorrento’s Pizza, and the Dog House, all offering different food choices that little ones are sure to tuck into.
If you’re looking for something a little more diverse there’s also Windjammer Marketplace that offers a delicious buffet, and of course, you’ll also find more high-brow sit-down venue options for the days you’re feeling fancy.
There are also so many options in terms of entertainment, such as an Aqua Theatre, an ice skating show, and a theater. The Royal Promenade also holds parades, 70’s shows, and more.
For hotter days, there’s a great pool that you can plunge into that also offers relaxing hot tubs and even a poolside ice cream bar! Then if you’re looking for a little adult time alone, you’ll also find a stunning adult-only swimming pool offering some peace and quiet.
Make sure to make the most of this while the kids are enjoying playing at the daily kid’s club!
Here are some of the other main attractions as a final recap:
For those on a slightly stricter budget, you won’t find a better option than the Navigator of the Seas. And it proves that even on a budget you don’t have to compromise when it comes to a good time.
While it is not quite as large as the aforementioned cruiser, you can be sure that there is still an abundance of amazing activities to keep you entertained on the waters.
And some good news – it’s recently been refurbished. So, you can expect to see some new and exciting options such as escape rooms, waterslides, and laser tag which are incredibly popular amongst the younger guests.
Then there’s also ample opportunity to feel an adrenaline rush on the variety of waterslides on board. The very best of which is a two-person tube slide that suspends you over the ocean. Certainly not for the faint of heart.
There are also plenty of eateries to ensure full bellies all around. From included restaurants such as El Loco Fresh, Windjammer Cafe, and the main dining room, there are plenty to choose from so you can be sure you’ll find something to your liking.
For an additional charge, you can also opt to dine in one of the high-quality specialty restaurants.
The sister ship of the Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas cruise ships, Quantum of the Seas is a fantastic option that you can ensure the whole family will be delighted with.
It is slightly smaller than its sister ships, but it still holds just under a whopping 5000 guests, so it’s far from small by any means.
And once aboard you’ll find that it also boasts some seriously cool and endlessly entertaining activities. Fancy testing your driving skills with the bumper karts? Or how about testing out that zero-gravity feeling with indoor skydiving?
Then, of course, there is the showstopper slide The North Star. This thrilling ride holds riders a whopping 300 feet above sea level and boasts some of the most stunning ocean views along with the Quantum of the Sea.
The ride accommodates up to 14 passengers too, so the whole family can ride together for the 15-20 minute jaunt! Depending on the day and time charges may apply.
There are also tons of pools and hot tubs for fun and relaxation and even an adults-only pool you can escape to while the kids are preoccupied at the joyful kiddies’ club.
While the Voyager of the Seas is one of the oldest ships on this list, it is far from outdated. And in fact, back in 2019, it underwent a major refurbishment to ensure that guests were surrounded by luxury.
The ship boasts all your typical fun activities such as ice skating shows which are phenomenal, plenty of water slides for exhilarating fun, and even a surf simulator to get practicing your skills.
Then as your kids escape to the kids club for non-stop entertainment, parents can escape away to the serene and soothing Solarium adults-only pool.
Its size also makes it a super family-friendly experience, it’s plenty big enough to hold all those amazing activities without being so huge that it becomes overwhelming for the little ones.
Welcome to the Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s very newest addition to the selection of cruise liners. This stunning option is also the world’s largest cruise ship, holding a huge 6988 passengers.
So, you can expect to have plenty of activity options onboard that are sure to keep you and your children endlessly entertained.
From a variety of waterslide options, including the super intense Ultimate Abyss, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and zip lines, there are plenty of ways to get your adrenaline pumping while you take to the waters.
Then when you’ve had your fill of thrill, you can settle down for some amazing entertainment options such as the ‘INTENSE’ aqua show that features incredible dancers, acrobats, and high divers.
There are also plenty of different room types available so regardless of your budget, you should be able to find a suitable option for you and your family.
The Freedom of the Seas ship is in the mid-range size of ships on offer, it is not quite as large as the likes of the Oasis but is bigger than the Voyager class options. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of family-friendly activities to get up to while you’re on the water!
And since its revamp in 2015, there have been several new additions to the ship to make it even more fun. These include the likes of super-fun water slides, laser tag games, and a Flowrider Surf Simulator.
But by far the biggest appeal of opting for the Freedom of the Seas ship is its price point. It’s absolutely perfect for families traveling on a budget.
And considering the price, along with all the activities and entertainment options on board, you won’t find a cruise package for better value!
Royal Caribbean Kids Club – Everything You Need To Know
While we all adore taking our children on vacation with us, sometimes it’s nice to have a brief respite from parenting to do some more adult-focused activities, are we right, Mom and Dad?
Well, you can get the best of both worlds on a Royal Caribbean Cruise.
The cruise ship offers a range of different clubs for children of all ages, ensuring that your children can be left in a supervised, safe, and super entertaining environment while Mom and Dad steal away a few peaceful moments aboard the ship.
We’ll go into more detail about the different clubs available now, but here’s a brief overview of the different clubs available on the ship:
Royal Babies & Royal Tots – For children aged between 6-36 months
Aquanauts – For children aged between 3-5
Explorers – For children aged between 6-8
Voyagers – For children aged between 9-11
Teens – For children aged between 12-14
Teens – For children aged between 15-17
Royal Babies & Royal Tots (6-36 Months)
This service is only available on a selection of Royal Caribbean ships, so you may just want to double-check that the ship of your choice is part of this group if you’re traveling with very young children. But if it does, it’s a great service to take advantage of.
You can be sure that each child has the necessary attention and supervision that they need as the staff runs on a 1:3 ratio, meaning no little one’s needs will ever go unattended to.
Throughout the day there will be a selection of age-appropriate activities such as art sessions, playtime, and watching movies. Parents can even join in on the fun should they desire to do so.
And the service runs from an impressive 9 am to 12 am! From 9 am to 6 pm, the service is valued at $6 per hour, per child, while from 6 pm until midnight the service is $8 per hour.
You can choose how long you wish to use the service, and it gives parents the freedom of a little respite to enjoy some adult-only activities.
Adventure Ocean Kids Club – Aquanauts/Explorers/Voyagers (3-11)
The Adventure Ocean Kids Club is a win-win for both parents and children alike. It allows Mom and Dad some free time to enjoy an elegant meal, some chilled time at the adults-only pool, or any other activity they deem fit.
All with the peace of mind of knowing that your child is also having the time of their life while you do so.
There are endless possibilities to get up to when participating in the Kid’s Club, let’s take a look at just a few of the activities on offer.
Video Games
Karaoke
Sports Tournaments
Talent Shows
Pyjama Nights
Pirate Nights
Movie Nights (in a luxurious private movie theater!!)
Scavenger Hunts
The club is open almost 24 hours a day too, so no matter when you fancy some alone time, you can be sure there is supervised fun waiting for your little one. The opening hours look a little something like this:
9 am – 12 pm
2 pm – 5 pm
7 pm – 10 pm
10 pm – 2 am
It’s worth noting, though, that the late-night option between 10 pm and 2 am will incur an additional fee.
Adventure Ocean Teen’s Club – Teens (12-17)
On Royal Caribbean Cruises, the staff understand that teenagers are in that in-between age where they are not quite old enough for all the adult-only activities, but are looking for activities a little more mature to enjoy. And that’s exactly what it provides.
Let’s take a look at just a few of the amazing things your teens can get up to while at the club:
Casino Night
Pool Parties
Themed Dance Parties
Battle of the Sexes
Karaoke
Beach Volleyball
Sports Tournaments
Teen’s Dance Floor
Again, the clubs are on offer almost 24 hours a day to guarantee parents can have a little alone time no matter when they want it. The opening hours are as follows:
9 am – 12 pm
2 pm – 5 pm
7 pm – 1 am
We really recommend encouraging your teens to take to the teens club. It’s a little more mature, super fun, and a great way for them to make some new friends abroad.
Teen guests often revel at the age-appropriate dance floor where they can get an (alcohol-free, of course) taste of the nightlife waiting for them once they turn of age.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to looking for an amazing cruise that your whole family will enjoy there are a variety of things you’ll want to consider.
Are there enough restaurant options to accommodate even the fussiest of eaters? Are there plenty of activities to get up to onboard so you can ensure they’ll never be sat around bored?
And are there kid’s clubs available so that Mom and Dad can get a few moments of much-needed respite?
Each ship has a plethora of amazing activities that are sure to provide a once-in-a-lifetime super fun experience, tons of restaurants offering delicious grub, and a fantastic kids club open basically all hours with a selection of age-appropriate activities for your little ones.
We can assure you that no matter which of these amazing ships you choose, you will have an absolutely phenomenal experience. So, what are you waiting for? Book the vacation of a lifetime today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Royal Caribbean Have Rooms For Families Of 5 Or 6?
Yes! These ships are, for the most part, seriously large and can accommodate families of a range of sizes.
There are several different room accommodation options that can sleep five or 6 members that come in inside, oceanview, or balcony categories.
Does My Child Need A Passport For Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Any child under the age of 17 will require a passport, birth certificate, or government-issued photo ID to travel.
Children under the age of 16 without a passport or photo ID must bring a copy of their birth certificate or parent’s Medicare Card to travel.
Can One Parent Take A Child On A Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Yes. However, adults that are not the parent or legal guardian of a minor traveling with them must present an original notarized letter from the parents expressing their consent for travel.
They must also supervise the child at all times (unless at a kid’s club) and allow for any necessary emergency medical treatment while aboard.
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
