I've always loved cruising, and am thrilled to see a return to the seas for the major cruise lines. On some vessels, such as the Quantum-class ships, youll find a dedicated space with games and a widescreen TV called The Living Room where teens can hang out, plus a teens-only disco called Fuel. Theres also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining). Royal Caribbean does not publish its activities prior to a cruise, but if you learn about the most common activities available onboard, it should provide a good idea of what to expect once onboard. If your teen or young adult isn't going to be satisfied hanging out with the family, consider bringing a friend along on your vacation. Its an adult-only, deck-top retreat found on every Royal Caribbean vessel. In addition, some ships feature private restaurants just for passengers staying in suites along with top-tier members of the lines Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program. Rock out on the Rock Climbing Wall for full-scale adventure, An aqua park that's cool, colorful and all kinds of crazy. Lower tiers dont bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. Whether youre taking a break from the kids while they play in the Adventure Ocean kids club, or youre honeymooning as loved-up newlyweds, there are a few spots and venues where children arent to be seen. Some, such as the Royal Loft Suites found on Oasis-class ships, are two decks high with sweeping views across the top of the vessel. With onboard pools, you've got plenty of chances to make a splash. World-class dining options are in partnership with renowned chef Thomas Keller, such as The Grill, Seabourn's signature restaurant. Put your smarts to the test to unravel The Royal Society of Puzzles. And don't miss the new two-story Sunset Bar, reimagined by interior designer and TV personality Nate Berkus. Royal Suite Class 3. This isn't just the newest ship, but it's also the largest - with a gross tonnage of 250,800 and a maximum guest capacity of 7,600. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest. Some veterans of the game bring along purses or tote bags packed with items they expect might be asked for; others consider this "cheating." There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. Together, the 18 Oasis, Quantum, Freedom and Voyager class vessels make up Royal Caribbeans big-ship fleet. The line's two ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, feature all-balcony cabins and depart from either the Dover or Southampton cruise ports in the U.K. However, these are quality productions. After the top three teams, all other teams that arrive with the item receive one point each. The new Adventure Ocean youth program is designed to ignite the imagination. While Royal Caribbean offers the perfect collection of cruises for families and kids, this cruise line is also great at providing sailings ideal for adults too! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. How to Plan the Perfect Graduation Cruise, Best Cruise Ship Activities for a Class Reunion Cruise, Pacific Explorer: What's Free -- and What's Not, 5 Things to Know About Family Expedition Cruising, 5 Reasons Why Families Will Love the Refurbished Norwegian Jewel, The Panorama Suite (Owner's Suite Connecting Cabin) on Silver Muse, Mangrove Kayak Excursion in the Darien Jungle. You can enjoy cocktails crafted by robots, fantastic stage shows and watch the cruise industrys best cover bands at the Music Hall. It has long dazzled customers with stunning, resort-like vessels full of every sort of amusement and activity you could imagine. Decode the mysteries of Mission Control in the latest Royal Escape Room challenge. On the line's newest ship, the 684-passenger Azamara Onward, adults can grab a pre-dinner drink at Atlas Bar, which serves innovative craft cocktails like the London Fog Martini or Tuscan Delight. If you're planning to take a cruise on Royal Caribbean, you should know that it offers something for everyone - from kids to teens to active adults and even grandparents. Other adult-focused venues to check out on Celebrity Beyond are the new elevated bar spaces. Take the plunge on the tallest slide at sea - the Ultimate Abyss. Treat your whole crew to over-the-top milkshakes, including boozy adults-only options at Desserted. On Oasis-class ships, theres also an outdoor Boardwalk area with a hand-carved carousel. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The spa area offers massages, facials, a salon and many more services to enjoy. In This Article Freedom of the Seas Stats 1. Other features of Oasis-class ships include the tallest slide at sea the Ultimate Abyss and the incredible AquaTheater stage for diving and acrobatics like youve never seen before. (Michel Verdure/Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International). Keep an open mind and go with the flow. The 13 vessels that are part of the Voyager, Freedom and Oasis classes also have Royal Promenades indoor, mall-like spaces that are home to some of the coolest bars at sea, as well as food outlets and retail shops. . There is a larger class of ship now available too the Icon Class, with one ship currently available to book which is Icon of the Seas. Polish your PADI skills and get dive certified on your vacation. Passengers will also enjoy luxurious amenities while on board the ship with eight public decks; multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; a two-story solarium with a swimming pool and whirlpool tub; indoor and outdoor observation areas; and a spa. This adult only retreat is a very popular choice for its relaxing lounge chairs and poolscape, along with . Scenic Eclipse, touted as "The World's First Discovery Yacht," offers an all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious experience for just 228 guests and with 172 crew. Score prime waves all day every day on the FlowRider surf simulator. Cruisers can also sit down for a tasty meal at The Glass House, which serves casual bites paired with wines from around the world. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Guests can enjoy wellness-focused activities on the ship, such as yoga classes, spa treatments and customized fitness programs. Some are enormous, with more than two dozen treatment rooms and thermal areas with hot stone chairs, rainforest shower areas, saunas and steam rooms. Also, overlaid across most ships are high-end suites, eateries and services that are at a luxury level, and the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers. In general, Royal Caribbeans big, resort-like Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships will be more expensive than the lines older, smaller vessels. Royal Caribbean is known for offering a wide range of accommodations on its ships. This is an elevated area that has the first suspended infinity pool at sea, with a multi-level sun terrace offering plenty of spaces to relax. Royal Caribbean also operates a Royal Babies nursery program for children ages 6 to 18 months old that includes interactive child and parent classes with activities developed by early childhood experts. Viking's exploration program boasts special access to behind-the-scenes experiences curated for travelers interested in history, food or science. Here's Why You Shouldn't Panic, Virtual Cruise Trip Report: Onboard a Cruise Critic Member's "Fake, Made Up and Completely Impossible" Cruise Itinerary. The currency used on all Royal Caribbean ships is U.S. dollars, no matter where they are in the world. Royal Caribbean is well-known for big ships with tons to see, do, and experience. Got game? Show off new moves during Dance Classes with the pros. Daniel Kline Jun 24,. Interior areas bring everything from full-size spas and large casinos to Broadway-quality theaters with top-name shows. The most adrenaline-amping adventures converge at Thrill Island only on Icon of the Seas. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Before dinner at either venue, enjoy a signature cocktail just outside Palo at The Rose. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Surfing. The ship also has a Polar Class 6 rating, enabling it to sail to destinations like Antarctica. Mini Golf. The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat (for ages 18 and older), offers cruisers an escape from the bustling public spaces on the ship. Gather the grown-ups and set sail on an ocean, river or expedition cruise around the world. As is typical for cruise lines, Royal Caribbean charges on a per-person basis, not per room, and it prices most cabins based on two people occupying a room. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Oasis-class Zip Line 5. Two more ships Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady are slated to launch in 2023. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. The line charges a $15 corkage fee if you bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or other public areas to drink. If you're not easily offended and love to cut loose on a cruise, this is a must. Children and adults, from. The top-notch entertainment, including Broadway shows. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. In fact, the line likes to boast that it employs more world-class professional skaters than any other company in the world. These spaces are also typically quieter and away from the crowds. In Europe, Royal Caribbean ships mostly sail out of Southampton, England; Amsterdam; Copenhagen; Stockholm; Barcelona; Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome) and since 2021 Ravenna, Italy (which replaced Venice as a home port). The ship departs from Southampton in the U.K. and sails to the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal; the British Isles; Norway and Iceland; and the U.S., Caribbean and Canada. And on the recently launched Norwegian Prima, an elevated beach club experience includes the line's first infinity hot tubs. In the end, the top three teams get medals and temporary admiration from every person who witnessed the hysterical display. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. After dinner, you won't want to miss the galactic libations and ever-changing views of faraway galaxies at the adults-only Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge bar. Soak up the thrills on all The Perfect Storm, the boldest waterslides at sea. On Norwegian's Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway and Breakaway ships, the Vibe Beach Club sun deck invites guests to relax in oversized hot tubs and enjoy perks like a full-service bar and chilled towels. Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville - Adults Only All Inclusive. Ships with mini-golf courses . For cruises from international ports, youll need a passport. Dont worry if you dont want to go that fancy, though. As of the time of this guide's posting, for instance, a two-bedroom Grand Suite on Harmony of the Seas for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in January 2024 was going for $3,010 per person, based on double occupancy. Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs. These ships dont tend to attract as many crowds or young families, meaning its quieter and more relaxed. Located just minutes from the ocean and beach, the rentals accommodate four people, and the price includes two complimentary float rentals. The lines biggest ships are bigger than any other cruise vessels afloat, and theyre chock-full of more restaurants, bars, entertainment zones and attractions than youll find anywhere else at sea or even at many of the biggest land resorts. Youll receive things like priority check-in and a private departure lounge with continental breakfast at the end of a trip. Royal Caribbean's large, epic ships have always intrigued me. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Single Travellers: Ships in the Oasis Class include Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony and Wonder of the Seas. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. Dedicated Teen Venue 12.. Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea. All rights reserved. Consider Vegas rules in play -- what happens at Quest stays at Quest. We put it to the test, The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs, 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise, How to book a cruise with points and miles, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship. In addition to its ocean vessels, Viking offers river cruises in destinations around the world including the U.S. on the new Viking Mississippi, a ship purpose-built for Mississippi River cruises. In addition to these off-the-beaten-path excursions, guests can visit iconic sites like the ancient city of Ephesus (Kuadasi) in Turkey and the Parthenon and Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece. Both programs are hosted by trained youth staff. While on board, be sure to indulge in a swanky dinner at The Wake and an immersive show at The Red Room, the first multiform theater at sea. When I was invited to the Inaugural Voyage and naming ceremony of their new ship - Odyssey of the Seas, I was excited to attend. Onboard Shops 7. The line's nine ocean-going 930-passenger ships offer luxurious, Scandinavian-style accommodations and comfortable spaces to relax with a book or gaze out at the ocean. One of the lines newest ships, Spectrum of the Seas, has offered trips for Chinese travelers out of Shanghai and Tianjin, China (the port for Beijing). Really. In a typical summer, the line will deploy about half its ships on sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda while sending another six or seven ships to Europe. There is stuff you just wont see on any other vessel at sea. On these expedition-style voyages, the ship will carry only 200 guests and a total of 192 crew. Adults looking to relax will love the Chill Island area of the ship, which is home to four of the pools that she holds. Travelers 18 and older are welcome aboard Viking's adults-only ships, which feature destination-focused itineraries around the world. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. These ships are also often less expensive for travelers on a per-day basis. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship. Some guests are seeing a new way to get a copy of the daily guide to events on their Royal Caribbean cruise, Royal Caribbean changed the time window guests have to get a Covid test from 3 days to 2 days before embarkation, and, There seem to be certain moments of absolute joy when it comes to a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. Extraordinary tech meets top-notch talent and epic imagination at Two70. TheWhat to Expect on a Cruiseseries, written by Cruise Critic's editorial staff, is a resource guide, where we answer the most common questions about cruise ship life -- including cruise food, cabins, drinks and onboard fun -- as well as money matters before and during your cruise and visiting ports of call on your cruise. The only parade where every holiday is celebrated at once, Royal Escape Room - Mission Control: Apollo 18. The newest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet are the Icon-class ships, with the debut ship being Icon of the Seas. The best class of Royal Caribbean ships for couples is the Quantum Ultra Class. A few lines have meet-and-greets for young adults to meet other cruisers their age, but it's assumed that passengers age 18+ will just participate in the regular cruise activities: hanging out by the pool, joining in dance classes or trivia games, playing ball on the sports court, etc. One of these is Swim & Tonic, the first pool on a cruise ship to have a swim-up bar, while theres also Cloud 17, an adults-only pool. However, even the smallest of Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer. Passengers can sip Champagne at Intermezzo, the ship's cocktail and Champagne venue, or enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif at the yacht-inspired Spinnaker Bar. Wine aficionados will enjoy pairing limited-production and rare vintages from the Wine Cellar with dinner and joining wine tastings held in the Mosaic Caf. Hang on tight for The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea. Outdoor Spaces 2. Foreign cruise lines, such as the U.K.'s P&O Cruises or Italy's MSC or Costa Cruises, set the drinking age to 18 in non-U.S. destinations to reflect the normal drinking age abroad. These two vessels feature 132 oceanfront suites, a 26-person expedition team and two six-person submarines; and they visit five continents around the globe. Royal Caribbean allows you to bring two bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin onto ships at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas. Ive worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and now my blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. The Captain invites all guests to a formal night reception held in their honor.