Sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise is a dream vacation that caters to the whole family. From tadpoles to teenagers, the Royal Caribbean cruise ships have created the ultimate vacation experience that keeps everyone smiling. With an endless variety of kid-friendly activities and family-oriented amenities, there is something for everyone in your crew. Let's dive into why sailing with Royal Caribbean is a top choice for families with kids!
FAQs
- Is Royal Caribbean good for families with kids? Yes! Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for families thanks to its wide range of kid-friendly activities, youth programs, family staterooms and destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay. Ships like Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are especially designed with families in mind.
For a limited time, get get 60% off the second guest AND Kids Sail Free on select Royal Caribbean itineraries! Plus, get up to $1,000 onboard credit!
- Do kids really sail free on Royal Caribbean? When offered, Royal Caribbean's Kids Sail Free promotion allows children ages 12 and under to sail free on select sailings, though taxes, fees and port expenses still apply. Availability is limited and blackout dates apply, so booking early is key.
- What age groups are included in Royal Caribbean kids clubs? Adventure Ocean programs are divided into Aquanauts (3-5), Explorers (6-8) and Voyagers (9-11), while teens ages 12-17 have their own dedicated spaces and activities onboard.
- What is the best Royal Caribbean ship for families? Newer ships such as Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas offer the most family-focused features, including Surfside neighborhoods, updated Adventure Ocean spaces and more activities than ever before.
- Is CocoCay included in a Royal Caribbean Cruise? Yes and no. While visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay is included on many Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, with plenty of complimentary dining, beaches and activities, premium experiences are an additional fee.
Save Some Green with the Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free Program!
If you've ever thought that a family cruise vacation was out of reach, we're here to fill ya in on a giant secret. The Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free program is a game-changer! This program is essentially a budget-friendly way to experience a cruise vacation with the whole family.
So, how does it work? Children ages 12 and under can cruise for free! This applies to select 3-night or longer sailings. For every two adult guests (age 13+) in a stateroom, the kids can hop aboard for FREE! To take advantage of this offer, be sure to book your trip while it’s still available. The savings will be applied to the cruise fare at checkout.
On top of that, you can combine this offer with the Buy One Guest, Get a Second Guest 60% off (and an extra 30% off for the third or fourth guests) special for select cruises. These offers are available for a limited time.
Keep in mind that promotions change frequently throughout the year, and Royal Caribbean often rotates seasonal offers, so checking regularly can help you snag the best deal.
Blackout dates and holiday sailings may be excluded, and the offer may not apply to all ships or itineraries. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check out our cruise deals page regularly.
Activities Just for Babies and Toddlers
Many of the Royal Caribbean ships appeal to families with babies and toddlers. Ships such as Freedom of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are particularly well-suited for young children. Onboard, you'll find dedicated play areas and amenities for this age group.
Royal Babies and Tots Program: Most of the Royal Caribbean ships feature nursery facilities for tadpoles 6 months to 3 years old. The staff is nurturing and specially trained in childcare, so you'll never have to worry. Parent frogs, be sure to take advantage of these supervised play areas to sneak in some adult time or to just enjoy other ship activities sans the kiddos.
The nurseries onboard are clean, safe and equipped with toys that are just right for babies and toddlers. Keep in mind that nursery drop-off isn't available on the Adventure, Explorer or Jewel of the Seas. Additionally, there's an extra charge for the nursery, which varies by the time of day.
On select ships, Royal Caribbean also offers “Tot Time” in play areas for toddlers and parents to enjoy together. These are unsupervised sessions with age-appropriate toys and soft play spaces.
Families with little ones will leap for joy at the Surfside neighborhood found on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. This shipboard neighborhood is designed for young families and has a dedicated family zone with splash areas, dining, play spaces and a stroller-friendly design — it's also conveniently located near other popular ship areas!
Surfside is one of the newest and most thoughtfully designed family zones at sea, making these Icon Class ships especially appealing for families traveling with younger tadpoles.
H2O Zone and Splashaway Bay: Swim diapers are typically not allowed in the pools for health and safety reasons. Because of this, H2O Zone and Splashaway Bay are the way to go if you're traveling with a baby or toddler. These aqua parks feature fountains, water cannons and water slides. The size and depth of the play areas are perfect for the youngest cruisers.
Fun and Engaging Youth Programs
Adventure Ocean: Adventure Ocean is the youth program aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise ships. This dedicated space is divided into specific age groups that provide tailored and age-appropriate activities and entertainment. Just like the Royal Babies & Tots programs, the staff is trained to provide a fun and safe environment.
On newer ships like Wonder, Icon and Star of the Seas, Adventure Ocean has been reimagined with more interactive spaces and flexible drop-in times, making it even easier for families to plan their day.
These updated spaces include immersive play areas, creative labs and open-play concepts that give kids more freedom to choose their activities.
- Aquanauts (3-5 years): Here, kids will enjoy activities including storytelling, puppet shows and even arts and crafts. Tadpoles can conduct science experiments and become Certified Jr. Adventure Scientists. Our budding artist, Lily Frog, loved showing off her art projects when we would pick her up from here.
- Explorers (6-8 years): For slightly older kids, this space fosters creativity and a sense of adventure with scavenger hunts, science experiments and themed parties.
- Voyagers (9-11 years): This age group can participate in activities such as sports tournaments, talent shows and theme nights, just to name a few.
For children with support needs, Royal Caribbean offers the "Adventure Ocean Autism-Friendly" program on many sailings. This includes sensory-friendly films, toy-lending programs, priority check-in and trained staff to support children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Activities for Tweens and Teens
Royal Caribbean understands the importance of independence and social connections for older kids. On most of the Royal Caribbean ships, 12 to 17-year-olds can find exclusive lounges, clubs and arcades. Equally important, these trendy spaces are designed to provide a space where teens can relax and just hang out. Tad, our resident teen, made several new friends and practically lived in the arcade during our days out at sea.
Every Royal Caribbean ship has a dedicated teen space, but the fun doesn't stop there! Teens can look forward to nightly discos, themed parties like pajama night or Caribbean celebration and plenty of sports tournaments ranging from basketball to soccer to floor hockey. The teen team adds their own personality to each sailing, so no two itineraries ever feel the same, keeping it fresh for each cruise. Activities are scheduled around sea and port days and the energy often carries well into the night, with supervised events running late.
Several ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet stand out for their spaces and activities suited for tweens and teens:
- Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas: These ships feature teen lounges and extensive sports zones, including basketball courts, zip lines and FlowRider surf simulators.
- Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas: Here you'll find dedicated teen-only areas, video game arcades, rock climbing walls and The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea.
- Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas: With bumper cars and a skydiving simulator, these ships cater to the adventurous spirits of tweens and teens. The SeaPlex (Anthem of the Seas & Quantum of the Seas), a multi-purpose indoor space, transforms into a hub for activities such as roller skating.
- Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas: These ships include teen zones with video games, pool parties and sports facilities, including a rock climbing wall and mini-golf.
- Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas: With features like a virtual reality bungee trampoline, laser tag and ice skating, these ships provide entertainment options for teens who enjoy being active.
- Odyssey of the Seas: Featuring a selfie wall, music, games, mocktails and an exclusive outdoor deck where teens can relax away from the adults, Social180 is sure to bring a smile to any teen.
- Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas: On Icon class ships, 13 to 17-year-olds get Social020 — a hidden hangout just for teens with music, moves, gaming consoles, foosball competitions and plenty of comfy spots to chill with new friends.
Regardless of the ship, teens sailing with Royal Caribbean have the freedom to decide how to spend their time, with activities ranging from casual gaming and hanging out to late-night parties.
Spacious and Comfy Family-Sized Staterooms
We know that selecting a stateroom that is both comfortable and spacious enough to fit a family is a top concern. The Royal Caribbean ships have got you covered! There are plenty of stateroom options to accommodate families of different sizes, preferences and budgets.
Room categories and layouts continue to evolve, especially on newer ships like Icon and Star of the Seas, which feature some of the most innovative family accommodations at sea.
Stateroom Options: Royal Caribbean stateroom options include interior, oceanview and balcony staterooms. The room size configurations range from 298 square feet all the way up to 2,766 square feet suites.
Accommodating Larger Families: Spacious family staterooms are a must for larger families. Many of the interior staterooms can accommodate up to six guests. These rooms feature innovative layouts and amenities such as multiple sleeping arrangements and pull-out sofas.
Interconnected Rooms: If you still think your crew will need a bit more space, interconnected rooms are a frogtastic option. These rooms, usually with a connecting door, allow everyone in your family to stay close while still having their own separate space.
Suites and Special Accommodations: Royal Caribbean offers suite options that provide added luxury and space. These posh accommodations are ideal for families that are looking for an extra level of comfort and exclusive amenities. Some suites come with expanded living areas, larger balconies, as well as additional perks such as priority boarding and personalized concierge services.
Additionally, accessible staterooms are available for guests with mobility and other disabilities. These rooms include wide doorframes and a five-foot turning radius in all the sleeping, bathroom and sitting areas.
Royal Caribbean participates in the Autism on the Seas program, offering specially trained staff, support and accessible accommodations for families traveling with children who have autism or other cognitive disabilities on select sailings. This includes priority boarding and departure, specialized respite sessions and dietary accommodations. You can find the list of available sailings here.
Comfort and Convenience: Each stateroom comes standard with basic amenities. These amenities include ample storage space, an in-room HD TV, an in-room safe, a hair dryer and toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and body wash. If needed, cribs, Pack 'n Plays, bottle warmers and high chairs are available upon request.
A limited number of “Ultimate Family Townhouse” and “Ultimate Family Suite” staterooms are now available on select ships such as Icon of the Seas. These multi-level suites include slides, movie rooms and direct access to the Surfside neighborhood. Additionally, families sailing on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas can book a suite in Surfside neighborhood with it's tadpole-friendly design.
Additionally, family suites and Surfside neighborhood staterooms on Icon Class ships are designed specifically with families in mind, offering proximity to kid-friendly amenities.
Flexible Dining Schedules
The "My Time Dining" and "My Family Time Dining" are two flexible dining experiences onboard any Royal Caribbean cruise. "My Time Dining" is for adults and families who prefer the freedom to dine at different times each evening. This option allows you to choose when you want to eat, make reservations or just simply walk in when you're ready to dine.
Kid-Approved Dining Options on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Diverse Culinary Offerings: On any of the Royal Caribbean ships, you'll find a variety of dining options. We know firsthand what it's like to travel with picky eaters. The buffet-style Windjammer Café is always a safe bet simply because there are so many options! For breakfast, they serve made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles, bacon, eggs, cereal and fruit. At lunch, there's a delicious spread of soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and fries.
Royal Caribbean has continued to expand its complimentary and specialty dining options across newer ships, giving families even more variety than ever before.
Specialty Restaurants: For kiddos with more adventurous palettes, be sure to dine at one of the specialty restaurants. These eateries feature international dishes and upscale cuisine. And as an added bonus for parents, kids ages 5 and under eat free at all specialty restaurants!
Main Dining Room: Even in the main dining room, there's a dedicated children's menu that includes standard kid fare. The menu includes options such as macaroni and cheese, pizza and chicken nuggets.
Similarly, the Cafe Promenade, Johnny Rockets, Sorrento's Pizza, Park Cafe, Dog House and El Loco Fresh offer quick and delicious bites for families on the go.
Surfside Eatery: New on the Icon and Star of the Seas, Surfside Eatery is the first restaurant designed specifically with families in mind — with all-day breakfast, kid-friendly classics and easy grab-and-go meals right in the Surfside neighborhood. This eatery continues to be a standout addition, offering one of the most convenient dining options for families with younger kids.
Room Service: Room service is a great option for families! This comes in handy when your little ones need to rest or if you want a more relaxed meal in the comfort of your stateroom.
Food Allergies, Sensitivities and Special Diets: For guests with food allergies or dietary needs, Royal Caribbean provides customized dining options including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and kosher meals. Just notify the cruise line in advance or speak with the head waiter once onboard.
Royal Caribbean's Private Island CocoCay
One major highlight of a Royal Caribbean cruise is paying a visit to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's very own private island. This tropical destination is perfect for families! In fact, Royal Caribbean has given it the moniker of "Perfect Day at CocoCay." Many of the Royal Caribbean Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries make a stop here. To view the itineraries that include a stop at CocoCay, visit our Royal Caribbean booking page.
Family Adventures: From lounging on the beach to various shore excursions, you'll never get bored at CocoCay! Furthermore, your perfect day might include renting snorkeling gear or going on a guided kayak tour. Tad and Lily can't stop talking about our Stingray City excursion. For the adventurous ones in the group, there are options such as jet skis, parasailing and even zip-lining.
Family-Friendly Amenities: A visit to CocoCay includes complimentary meal options. Quick bites are available at the Chill Grill and Snack Shack. Furthermore, complimentary lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach towels and cabanas (additional charge) are perfect for hanging out at the dedicated family beach areas. There are even more options for families to include beach games, sports activities and Captain Jill's Galleon water play area.
New additions at CocoCay include an expansion of Chill Island with more lounge chairs, shaded areas and dining — plus Hideaway Beach, an adults-only retreat perfect for parents who want a little quiet time while the kids enjoy the island. Royal Caribbean has also announced plans to expand the Perfect Day experience to other destinations, so more family-friendly island adventures are coming soon!
And there ya go — all the frogtastic reasons we love sailing on a Royal Caribbean Cruise with kids. And now your family can experience the joy of cruising with the Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free program. So, when will you be setting sail? Leave a comment below!
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Hoppy planning!
