Ever thought of turning your family vacations into thrilling voyages? Here’s the thing: cruising isn’t just for grownups, and Royal Caribbean is the cruise waving the flag high for family fun at sea. With heart-racing slides, dreamlike nurseries, and even onboard surf Virtual Reality simulators, Royal Caribbean adds a pinch of magic dust to the concept of family holidays.
But with so many fantastic vessels in their fleet, which are the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids? Fear not, this is your compass to navigate the choices. Welcome aboard Funky Cruise, your fun-filled guide to child-friendly cruising!
Why Choose a Royal Caribbean Ship for a Family Vacation?
When it comes to family-friendly cruising, Royal Caribbean is an unmatched champion. This cruise line has made a remarkable commitment to ensure every member of the family, no matter how tiny, can have a grand time at sea. They are not merely ‘allowing’ kids on board; they’re rolling out the red carpet for our little seafarers.
Imagine ice skating rinks and laser tag arenas. Picture kid-friendly pools, bumper cars, or a rock-climbing wall – and we’re still just scratching the surface. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean® program provides educational activities tailored to all age groups, making these cruises both fun and enriching.
Why are cruises good for kids? Simple! They provide a smorgasbord of experiences and learnings in one safe, contained environment. It’s like the entire world is brought to them, in the most entertaining way possible. For the young ones, a Royal Caribbean family vacation is nothing short of an epic adventure.
What Makes a Cruise Ship Great for Kids?
Now, this might have crossed your mind: “What are the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids?” Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what makes a cruise ship tick the ‘kid-friendly’ box.
First and foremost, onboard activities are pivotal. A great ship for kids will have a slew of exciting options that go beyond the traditional swimming pool. Think water slides, zip lines, mini-golf, and climbing walls. Royal Caribbean ups the ante with surf simulators, ice skating rinks, and even skydiving simulators!
Next up, the amenities. Kid-friendly dining options, age-appropriate movies in the cinema, and family staterooms spacious enough to fit the clan without stepping on Lego bricks (or each other) are essential. Bonus points for interconnecting rooms, so you can have your own space but keep the kiddos in sight.
Kids Clubs deserve a special mention. They are the beating heart of a child-friendly cruise ship, offering a variety of engaging and educational activities. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean® stands out, catering to different age groups from tiny tots to hard-to-please teens.
Lastly, we have family rooms. A ship designed with kids in mind will offer family-friendly accommodations. Rooms that comfortably house everyone, and maybe even have a separate area for the kids – because let’s be honest, they need their own kingdom sometimes.
These are the components we’ll use to measure the contenders and reveal the crowning glory: the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids. Let’s dive in!
Top Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships for Kids
When it comes to creating unforgettable family memories, not all ships are created equal. So, without further ado, here are our ultimate picks for the finest Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids.
Symphony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, Symphony of the Seas, is a floating city that’s a dream come true for kids. The seas symphony ship boasts an impressive Splashaway Bay, an aquatic playground filled with slides, water cannons, and fountains. Add to this a glow-in-the-dark laser tag, a multi-level sports deck, and the Adventure Ocean ® kids program, and you’ll understand why we rank Seas Symphony at the top of the lot.
Harmony of the Seas
As the second-largest ship in the fleet, seas harmony offers kids a slice of heaven. The Perfect Storm waterslides, an interactive escape room, and the DreamWorks Experience – where kids can meet their favorite characters – make it a standout. The Seas Harmony ship also offers family suites with a slide from the kids’ room down to the living area. Talk about an indoor playground!
Oasis of the Seas
Oasis-class ships come with a carousel, a zipline, two FlowRider surf simulations, and the largest kids club at sea, Oasis-class ship is sure to impress even the most seasoned young voyagers. Oasis-class ships AquaTheater, hosting breathtaking water acrobatics shows, is a magical experience for all.
Anthem of the Seas
Seas anthem screams fun. Its SeaPlex is the largest indoor activity space at sea, featuring bumper cars, a roller skating rink, and even a circus school. The Seas Anthem ship also offers virtual balconies for rooms without a window, so everyone gets a view.
Freedom of the Seas
Seas Freedom offers an excellent balance of kid-friendly activities and spaces for adults to relax. Seas Freedom boasts a water park, a 3D movie theatre, and the Adventure Ocean ® program. Its newly revamped Giovanni’s ℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is a hit for family dining. Freedom-class ships are one of the very finest royal Caribbean ships for the young ones.
Grandeur of the Seas
Don’t be fooled by its smaller size; Seas Grandeur packs a punch when it comes to kid-friendly features. With an outdoor movie screen, a rock-climbing wall, and the award-winning Adventure Ocean® kids program, Seas Grandeur provides an intimate yet adventurous cruising experience.
Mariner of the Seas
With the Perfect Storm waterslides, Sky Pad virtual reality bungee trampoline experience, and an escape room, Seas Mariner is a hub of action and adventure. The Adventure Ocean ® program ensures younger kids have just as much fun as the older ones while on board a Seas Mariner.
Liberty of the Seas
Seas Liberty serves a perfect blend of fun and relaxation. Kids will love the H2O Zone water park, while parents unwind at the adults-only Solarium. The Seas Liberty ship also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including the DreamWorks Experience and the Ocean Adventure ® program.
Each of these ships brings its unique magic to the table. Your little ones are not just passengers on these vessels – they’re adventurers, explorers, and conquerors of the high seas. With the best of Royal Caribbean cruises ships for kids, every journey is a storybook waiting to be written. So, anchors aweigh, and let the good times roll!
Activities & Amenities to Look for in a Kid-Friendly Ship
When setting sail with little ones, what truly transforms a ship into a floating wonderland are the activities and amenities on offer. Here’s a comprehensive list of what makes the Royal Caribbean cruise ships the best for kids and the perfect family vacation.
- Aquatic Playgrounds: Beyond your standard pools, these ships come equipped with extensive water parks. Look for water slides, splash pads, and interactive water features in areas like Splashaway Bay and H2O Zone.
- Adventure Ocean®: This program offers age-specific clubs, including Aquanauts (3-5 years), Explorers (6-8 years), and Voyagers (9-12 years). Activities range from science experiments to arts and crafts, ensuring fun and education go hand in hand.
- Royal Babies® & Royal Tots nursery®: These nursery services allow the youngest cruisers to have their share of fun while parents enjoy some leisure time.
- Teen Hangouts: Teens have their own spaces like The Living Room, a lounge devoid of adults, and Fuel, a teen-only club. So, your adolescents can socialize and enjoy activities without feeling ‘babyish’.
- Entertainment: Family-friendly shows, parades and even meet-and-greets with favorite characters are a part of the Royal Caribbean experience.
- Sports and Simulation Activities: Rock climbing, ice skating, mini-golf, and even simulated sky diving – these ships pull out all the stops.
- Family Dining: Kid-friendly menus and early dinner seating options make meal times stress-free.
With the thoughtful My Family Time Dining option, Royal Caribbean ensures that kids finish their meals within 40 minutes. Once they’ve enjoyed their dinner, Adventure Ocean staff members promptly escort them to a world of engaging evening activities. This thoughtful feature ensures the kids are happily occupied while the adults enjoy a relaxed dining experience. - Accommodations: Spacious family rooms, interconnected staterooms, and even suites with slides ensure the comfort of every family member.
With such a vast array of offerings, every day at sea brings a new adventure for kids on Royal Caribbean ships. From toddlers to teens, there’s something exciting for every age group, ensuring your family vacation is truly one for the books.
Tips for Cruising with Kids on Royal Caribbean
Setting sail with the little ones? Here are some pearls of wisdom to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruising experience on the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids.
- Firstly, plan ahead. Pre-book your kids into the Adventure Ocean® program to secure their spot. Also, reserve early dining times if your tots follow a strict bedtime.
- Pack wisely. Remember to bring swim diapers for the under-3s for pool time. A compact stroller can be a lifesaver for navigating the ship.
- For new parents, Royal Caribbean offers excellent baby amenities. However, don’t forget to pack a baby essentials kit for those ‘just-in-case’ moments.
- Always keep communication open with your older kids about safety and ship etiquette. Teenagers, for instance, should know the ship’s curfew rules.
- And finally, take a moment to read up on similar cruise ship blogs – they’re treasure troves of advice and shared experiences. If you’re reading this, you’re already on the right path, and we appreciate your foresight! Recognize that the goal is to have fun. So, go forth, be merry, and let Royal Caribbean take care of the rest.
Conclusion: Cruising Into the Sunset
The search for the best Royal Caribbean ship for kids leads us to the grand Symphony of the Seas, the thrilling Harmony of the Seas, the dazzling Oasis of the Seas, the exciting Anthem of the Seas, and the balanced Freedom of the Seas. Each ship is a testament to Royal Caribbean’s commitment to family-friendly cruising, offering an array of amenities and activities for all age groups.
Choosing the perfect ship for your family vacation ultimately depends on your kids’ preferences and your family’s vacation goals. So, take the plunge, set your course, and embark on a voyage that your family will treasure forever. Here’s to oceans of fun and endless horizons!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids under 10?
For youngsters under 10, Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas from Royal Caribbean’s fleet are excellent choices, offering a perfect blend of fun and discovery. Both offer a range of age-specific clubs and activities. Their water parks, like Splashaway Bay, are a hit with this age group. Features like family-friendly shows, the DreamWorks Experience on Harmony, and a carousel on Symphony make these ships.
What activities do Royal Caribbean ships offer for teenagers?
Royal Caribbean Cruises crafts experiences tailored just for thrill-seeking teenagers. With teen-only lounges like The Living Room and nightclubs such as Fuel, socializing is a breeze. Sporty teens will relish in adventurous pursuits like rock climbing walls, ziplining, and surfing on FlowRider simulators. The SeaPlex on Anthem of the Seas offers a mixed bag of fun with bumper cars, roller skating, and a circus school.
Can babies and toddlers cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship?
Yes, indeed! Royal Caribbean warmly welcomes babies and toddlers aboard their ships. They offer programs like Royal Babies ® & Royal Tots ® that provide engaging activities for the youngest guests. Certain ships also have nurseries where your little ones can be taken care of for a fee. Family-friendly dining options and spacious staterooms ensure that cruising with babies and toddlers is a breeze.
What are some tips for first-time family cruisers on Royal Caribbean?
Pre-book your dining times, shows, and activities as they can fill up fast. Remember to pack essentials, especially kid-friendly items like swim diapers and sunscreen. Once you’re onboard, take time to get acquainted with the ship’s layout, especially pinpointing all the areas designed for kid-friendly fun and activities. Ensure older kids understand safety rules and set meeting points. Lastly, relax, soak in the experience, and create lasting family memories!
