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Top Royal Caribbean Activities for Families

Royal Caribbean has been on a roll lately, introducing new, bigger, and better ships every year. These exciting ships offer fun activities for everyone in the family – making staying on the ship even more appealing than exploring the ports of call.

If you are considering a cruise on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, you may wonder what activities and amenities are on the ship for your kids. A cruise is a commitment; you’ll want to ensure your kids have plenty of things to do during their vacation.

Here are some of the best Royal Caribbean activities for families. Remember that each ship varies, so you’ll want to research the specific ship you are looking at.

Disclosure: I’ve sailed on several complimentary Royal Caribbean media sailings and some at my own cost. All opinions are my own.

Two Royal Caribbean ships docked at Castaway cay with a rock slab in the foreground.

Top Royal Caribbean Activities for Families

Like other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean offers several classes of ships, including the popular Oasis Class ships (among the largest ships at sea). The shows, activities, and amenities on these ships vary greatly, so you really need to look at information about the specific ship you are planning to sail on. This list below contains all of the activities and amenities throughout the cruise line – but no ship includes all of these things.

theater space transformed into cafe on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Shows

In my opinion, Royal Caribbean offers some of the best entertainment at sea. Options vary by ship, but typically include large stage productions as well as smaller venue shows.

Some of the ships offer Broadway shows at sea, including Mamma Mia, which plays on the Allure of the Seas. This is the full production, not a shortened version.

Other ships, like the Odyssey of the Seas, offer unique production shows to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. The Effectors, a superhero show, is Royal Caribbean intellectual property. This small franchise includes the original show, a sequel, and a parade (which we saw on Utopia of the Seas).

Some of the Royal Caribbean ships offer an aqua show, which takes place at the AquaTheater on the Oasis Class ships. These ships also offer an ice show held on the ship’s ice rink theater. Open skating is offered on ships with an ice show during select times of the day.

Like other cruise lines, you’ll also find a selection of third-party entertainment on the ship. There are many different options, including cover bands, a capella groups, magicians, and comedians. Check the Royal Caribbean app to see what is offered during your sailing, times, and venues.

Mini Golf on Utopia of the Seas

Sports Deck

You may think you can’t stay active on a cruise ship, but that isn’t the case. Royal Caribbean offers many opportunities to get some exercise in, including the fitness center and sports deck.

Activities may include an outdoor track, pickleball, tennis, basketball, ping pong, and mini golf. These can vary by time and ship – especially in cases where the courts are multi-purpose. So, you may need to look at the app to see specific schedules. Some ships include a SeaPlex indoor area.

North Star observation pod above the ship

Adventure Activities

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is popular for its world-class adventure activities on the ships. Depending on your specific ship, here are some of the activities you can expect to find:

  • Ripcord by iFly Indoor Skydiving
  • Bumper Cars
  • Ziplining
  • Ultimate Abyss dry slide
  • Rockclimbing walls
  • Royal Escape Room
  • North Star 360 Observation Pod

If there’s something specific you want to experience, it’s a good idea to look at the ship information to make sure this activity is offered on your ship. These are not offered on all of the ships.

While these activities include sailing, hours and availability may vary. In some cases, you may need to make a reservation.

cafe and bookstore play spaces

Kids’ Clubs on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Kids on board Royal Caribbean can take advantage of the various kids clubs on the ship. These are a great way to meet other kids and for mom and dad to enjoy some quiet time.

The kids club is offered for kids aged 6 months to 12 years old, and teen programs are also provided. These clubs include Adventure Ocean, Adventure Science Lab, Adventure Ocean Theater, Imagination Studio at Adventure Ocean, Aquanauts, Adventure Art, and Adventure Ocean Voyagers.

The clubs are separated by age range – Aquanauts are for kids 3-5, Explorers are 6-8, and Voyagers are 9-12.

Admission to the kids club is included with your sailing, but a fee does apply for Adventure Ocean Babies and the Late Night Party.

Effectors Parade float

Parades

One of the more unique aspects of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is the parades offered. These typically occur in the Royal Promenade – the multi-level, central park of the cruise ship. During a parade, you can see the ship’s entertainers in a unique offering.

Parade availability and themes vary – like other entertainment on the ship, you can find more information on the Royal Caribbean app.

colorful pool deck on Royal Caribbean

Pools and Waterslides

The pool deck is a popular spot when sailing on a warm-weather cruise (like a Caribbean cruise, for instance). Royal Caribbean includes many fun activities and amenities on its pool deck.

You can expect pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and water slides (vary by ship) on the pool deck. Towels can be borrowed – you’ll need to supply your stateroom number, and you will be charged if the towels aren’t returned.

Many of the ships also have an adult-only Solarium. This covered area includes pools, whirlpools, and lots of lounge chairs. It’s a great place to hang out when your kids are in the kids’ club.

Overview of Perfect Day at Coco Cay with waterslides, beach chairs, hot air balloon and palm trees.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Does your sailing include a Day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas? This island destination offers so many things to do, including the following:

  • Thrill Waterpark (including Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America). Thrill Waterpark is offered for an additional fee.
  • Splashaway Bay is a splash pad area with waterslides, pools, and a drench bucket. It’s separate from the Thrill Waterpark and doesn’t cost extra.
  • Oasis Lagoon is the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, with three different coves.
  • Chill Island and South Beach are beach areas with umbrellas and lounge chairs.

Have you sailed on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line? What is your favorite family activity?

Colorful pool deck on Royal Caribbean cruise ship

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