Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Kids (COMPLETE GUIDE)
Royal Caribbean ships are famous for being family-friendly and a great way to spend a vacation with kids.
But not all ships are built the same.
Whether it’s water slides or pools to rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks, they provide an exhilarating experience for all ages.
Depending on what you and your kids are looking for, some ships may be much better than others for you and your family…
What Are The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Kids?
Royal Caribbean has a lot of family-friendly ships, but we highly recommend Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas for families with kids.
These ships are not just ordinary cruise ships. They offer a wide range of exciting activities, such as water slides, zip lines, and many more, that cater to the interests of kids of all ages.
From adventurous activities to fun-filled amenities, these ships go above and beyond to provide an unforgettable vacation experience for families.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Features for Kids
Splash Zones
On your Royal Caribbean cruise, your little ones will love the baby splash zones designed specifically for them.
These areas provide a safe and fun environment for babies and toddlers to play in the water.
With gentle fountains, shallow pools, and adorable water features, your children can enjoy hours of water play while you supervise from a comfortable seat nearby.
Royal Caribbean ships with Baby Splash Zones:
- Adventure of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Freedom of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Icon of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
- Oasis of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Quantum of the Seas
- Spectrum of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
Kids Clubs
Royal Caribbean offers various kids clubs to cater to the interests and ages of your children.
The Adventure Ocean kids’ club is a popular choice, with activities tailored for different age groups, such as 3-5 years old, 6-8 years old, and 9-11 years old.
These clubs have age-appropriate activities like arts and crafts, games, and themed parties.
Your kids will be entertained by the trained staff while making new friends and exploring new interests.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean ships feature the Royal Babies & Tots nursery for the youngest travelers, providing a cozy and nurturing space for babies and toddlers.
Royal Caribbean Ships Who Offer The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery Drop Off
- Allure of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Brilliance of the Seas
- Enchantment of the Seas
- Freedom of the Seas
- Grandeur of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Oasis of the Seas
- Quantum of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Radiance of the Seas
- Rhapsody of the Seas
- Serenade of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Vision of the Seas
Ships that DO NOT have Royal Babies and Tots Nursery:
- Adventure of the Seas
- Empress of the Seas
- Explorer of the Seas
- Jewel of the Seas
- Majesty of the Seas
- Voyager of the Seas
Outdoor Adventure Areas
For the more adventurous kids, Royal Caribbean ships boast exciting outdoor facilities.
Your children can challenge themselves on the rock climbing walls or engage in friendly competition with table tennis matches.
Your kids can make a splash in the swimming pools and whirlpools, featuring thrilling water slides, which are available on some ships. For families seeking even more excitement, certain ships offer ziplines and mini-golf courses for hours of outdoor fun.
Remember, these experiences may vary depending on the specific Royal Caribbean ship you choose for your vacation, so it’s essential to check the ship’s amenities before booking to ensure it offers the features and activities that will make your family cruise unforgettable.
Entertainment and Activities on Royal Caribbean Ships
Family-Friendly Shows
On your Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly shows that cater to all age groups.
The entertainment includes Broadway-style productions, ice-skating shows, and aqua theater performances. Catch a dazzling performance of “Grease” or “Mamma Mia!” on select ships like Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.
For a more thrilling experience, watch ice-skaters perform incredible stunts and choreography on the ice rink.
And don’t miss out on the heart-stopping performances at the Aqua Theater, where acrobats, divers, and synchronized swimmers put up a mesmerizing show against a backdrop of fountains and a giant video wall.
Interactive Game Zones
For an action-packed family time, visit the interactive game zones on your ship.
Royal Caribbean offers innovative spaces like the SeaPlex® – an indoor multi-purpose sports complex that features bumper cars, roller-skating, and a full-size basketball court on ships like Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.
Test your surfing skills on the FlowRider® – a surf simulator available on select ships. And for the more adventurous, try out zip-lining, rock climbing, and even laser tag on certain ships!
In addition to these exhilarating activities, younger guests can explore the Adventure Ocean® youth programs – where activities are tailor-made for various age groups, featuring art classes, science experiments, and theater workshops.
Teenagers have dedicated spaces to hang out, play video games or just relax with new friends.
As you see, your Royal Caribbean cruise offers a world of entertainment and activities for the whole family.
Go ahead and enjoy these unforgettable moments while making memories that will last a lifetime!
Dining Options and Packages
Kid’s Menus
Your little ones will have plenty of options onboard Royal Caribbean ships with kid-friendly menus, designed specifically for their tastes.
Imagine them enjoying crispy mac & cheese fries, or selecting their favorite dishes from a dedicated children’s menu.
These menus include a roundup of kid-approved favorites from the “grownups” menu, allowing them to taste a bit of everything.
Family Dining
Family dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise combines the best of both worlds: enjoying quality time together while savoring a wide variety of delicious cuisine.
The main dining rooms and Windjammer Marketplace offer complimentary dining options, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family.
For a more special dining experience, consider the specialty dining packages available on your cruise.
With options like the Unlimited Dining Package, your family can explore various specialty restaurants throughout the ship.
Plus, kids ages 6-12 dine at these specialty restaurants for only $12.99, and ages 5 and under eat free!
This allows your family to try new and exciting culinary experiences together without breaking the bank.
Remember, by reserving your specialty dining packages before you sail, the prices will be adjusted for your kids once you’re onboard, and the final charges will be reflected in your account statement.
Enjoy the vast array of dining options and packages on your Royal Caribbean cruise, and create unforgettable family memories around the table while exploring the high seas.
Best Ships for Kids
Symphony of the Seas
When it comes to family-friendly cruises, you can’t beat sailing on the Symphony of the Seas.
This ship boasts an array of activities that cater to children and teens alike.
Your kids will love the thrilling water slides at the Perfect Storm, and the Splashaway Bay aqua park offers the perfect spot for younger children to splash around.
Symphony of the Seas also features a colorful and engaging Adventure Ocean Youth Program.
This award-winning program offers educational and fun activities tailored to different age groups. With spaces like the Voyagers and Explorers clubs, your children will never want to leave!
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy numerous options, such as:
- Rock climbing walls
- Zip lines
- Mini-golf courses
- Table tennis
- And more!
Harmony of the Seas
The Harmony of the Seas should definitely be on your radar for fabulous family vacations. This ship offers the innovative and exhilarating Ultimate Abyss slide – the tallest slide at sea.
With 10 decks spanning its height, this slide will thrill even the most daring members of your family.
Harmony of the Seas also offers unique attractions, such as the ice-skating rink and the energetic AquaTheater.
While the kids skate or attend a spectacular water show, you can unwind at one of the many sun decks or indulge at a specialty restaurant.
Onboard activities for your children include:
- Flowrider Surf Simulator
- Splashaway Bay
- Adventure Ocean Youth Program
- Mini-golf
Allure of the Seas
On the Allure of the Seas, your family will enjoy a holiday filled with unforgettable memories.
This ship is packed with kid-friendly options, such as the DreamWorks Experience, where they can meet their favorite characters from movies like Shrek and Madagascar.
The Allure Dunes Mini Golf is a must-try for families who love some friendly competition.
The vividly designed course will immerse your family in a fun and relaxing atmosphere as they traverse the challenging holes.
For the aspiring young chef in your family, the Cupcake Cupboard is a charming and delectable experience they will not want to miss.
Your kids can participate in a cupcake-decorating class and savor their scrumptious creations.
Additionally, the ship offers these activities:
- Rock climbing walls
- Zip lines
- Flowrider Surf Simulator
- Adventure Ocean Youth Program
Things for Kids To Do on A Royal Caribbean Cruise
Cruising with your kids on a Royal Caribbean ship is an exciting, unforgettable adventure.
They offer a wide variety of activities and amenities tailored specifically for children of all ages, ensuring your little ones won’t ever feel bored or left out.
Adventure Ocean® Youth Program caters to different age groups, offering both fun and educational experiences.
For instance, Aquanauts (ages 3-5) can become Certified Jr. Adventure Scientists by participating in cool experiments onboard.
Explorers (ages 6-8) can indulge their curiosity with hands-on science activities, such as studying fossils, meteorology, and even exploring mini volcanoes.
Voyagers (ages 9-11) get to enjoy movie time, science lab experiments, trivia, sports competitions, gaming, talent shows, and discos.
Apart from the youth programs, you’ll also find plenty of other attractions that will keep your kids entertained. Some ships offer:
- Rock climbing walls for little climbers who love reaching new heights.
- Table tennis for family competitions and good-natured fun.
- Waterslides for kids (and adults) who want to make a splash and cool down in style.
- Ziplines thrilling your little daredevils as they zip overhead.
- Mini-golf offering a great bonding activity for the entire family.
Keep in mind that not all ships have the same attractions, so when selecting a cruise, make sure to research which ship offers the best amenities for your kids based on their interests.
When you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re giving your children an opportunity to experience a wide range of activities designed just for them.
With so many things to explore and enjoy, your kids’ adventure at sea will be one they cherish for years to come.
How Old Does A Baby Have To Be To Cruise With Royal Caribbean?
For most cruises, babies must be at least 6 months old on the first day of the vacation to cruise with Royal Caribbean.
However, for certain cruises such as transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, select South American, and other selected cruises, babies must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise.
This is because these types of cruises may involve longer periods at sea and require more extensive travel, which can be challenging for very young infants.
It’s always a good idea to check with the cruise line before booking to ensure that your baby meets the age requirements for your chosen itinerary.
Is Royal Caribbean A Good Cruise Line For Babies?
Royal Caribbean is a great cruise line for families with babies.
They provide cribs, high chairs, and strollers as well as babysitting services for parents.
Plus, a lot of Royal Caribbean ships have splash pools, play areas, and other activities that are designed for babies and toddlers specifically.
