Cruising for families and kids with Royal Caribbean

Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Great for families
Active lifestyle
Kids and family cruises with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean – adventure and fun for all ages

Excellent

5 Stars

Kids’ Clubs

4.5 Stars

Entertainment

5 Stars

Dining

4.5 Stars

Cabins

5 Stars

Itineraries

5 Stars

Value

4 Stars

Atmosphere

5 Stars

Multigen Fit

5 Stars

Nothing beats the magic of a family holiday at sea, and Royal Caribbean knows how to make it unforgettable. Their ships are like giant floating playgrounds packed with fun for everyone! Grandparents can sip cocktails in style, parents can kick back in the spa, and kids can dive into nonstop excitement from morning till night. Adventure, relaxation, and memories – it’s all aboard!

The line strikes an impressive balance between world-class children’s clubs and shared family moments, making it one of the best and most trusted brands for families on the water. Whether sailing through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean or exploring the historic ports of the Mediterranean, a voyage with Royal Caribbean feels like an adventure for every age.

Royal Caribbean H2O Zone
Royal Caribbean H2O Zone

Children’s clubs

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean programme consistently sets the benchmark for youth clubs at sea. The experience is thoughtfully split into age-appropriate groups, ensuring that activities are always engaging and tailored to specific interests. For the youngest guests, there are sessions filled with arts and crafts, imaginative science experiments, and lively themed parties.

Teenagers are given their own dedicated spaces, complete with relaxed lounges and exclusive dance nights, allowing them a sense of independence. Meanwhile, younger children can play with newfound friends under the watchful eye of highly trained staff. On the line’s newest ships, such as Wonder of the Seas and the groundbreaking Icon of the Seas, these spaces are even more spectacular, featuring high-tech labs, expansive play zones, and private hangout pods.

Royal Caribbean Adventure Ocean
Royal Caribbean Adventure Ocean

Family dining

Mealtimes on a Royal Caribbean ship are designed to please every palate, from the fussiest eater to the most adventurous foodie. Casual options abound, with classic American-style burgers at Johnny Rockets and seemingly endless global buffets at the Windjammer Marketplace.

In the Main Dining Room, families can enjoy a more traditional restaurant experience made easy, thanks to flexible timings and menus that cater to all tastes. A particularly thoughtful touch is the My Family Time Dining service. This allows children to have their dinner served quickly before being whisked away to the evening’s Adventure Ocean session, leaving adults to savour the rest of their meal at a more leisurely pace.

Family cabins

The family accommodation on Royal Caribbean is among the most creative and spacious at sea. The options are impressively varied, ranging from interconnecting staterooms that provide extra space and privacy to magnificent multi-room suites. Some, like the famous Ultimate Family Suite on Wonder of the Seas, are destinations in themselves, complete with slides between floors, private cinemas, and games consoles. Throughout the fleet, cabins are designed with families in mind, with practical features like bathtubs, generous storage, and comfortable sofa beds making life onboard effortless for families both large and small.

Activities and fun

When it comes to shared experiences, families are truly spoiled for choice. Sea days are packed with adventure, with activities ranging from a round of mini-golf and a spin on the ice-skating rink to a thrilling plunge down the ten-storey Ultimate Abyss slide.

For many, the highlight of a Caribbean itinerary is a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. It is the ultimate island escape, combining the thrills of a waterpark with pristine beaches, lagoon pools, and exhilarating zip lines. Back on the ship, the fun continues. Whether competing in a friendly game of family trivia or watching a breathtaking high-diving show at the AquaTheater, every generation will find something to love.

Royal Caribbean Teen Zone
Royal Caribbean Teen Zone

Time for the grown-ups

While the kids are off exploring, you’ll have time to sip a chilled drink by the adults-only solarium, melt away stress at the Vitality Spa, or get to know other parents over a wine-tasting session. With stunning ocean views and an attentive crew ensuring your mojito never runs low, it’s your chance to relax and recharge.

There’s also world-class dining, live entertainment, and shows that rival those in the West End. Think Broadway-worthy musicals, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and comedy nights that will have you in stitches. My personal favourite? The AquaTheatre shows where divers and aerialists perform synchronised moves against the backdrop of the open sea. Magical.

Royal Caribbean childcare - enjoy a night out
Royal Caribbean childcare – enjoy a night out

Top tips

  1. Register children for the Adventure Ocean club as soon as you board to secure preferred session times, as spaces can fill up quickly.
  2. Pack swimwear and plenty of sun protection for Perfect Day at CocoCay, as it is an all-day outdoor experience.
  3. Take advantage of the My Family Time Dining option in the Main Dining Room for a smoother and more relaxed evening routine.
  4. Look out for the scheduled family photo sessions onboard, as they provide a wonderful opportunity to capture a keepsake from your holiday.
  5. For peace of mind, use the complimentary Royal Caribbean app on your phone to keep track of daily activities and check schedules.