Over the past decade Royal Caribbean has continually enhanced onboard activities and programs that guarantee everyone in the family will have an extraordinary vacation. The cruise line has built innovative ships that offer plenty of ways to keep kids entertained and lots for the family to do together, like ice-skating, miniature golf, karaoke and talent shows.
When the much-anticipated Oasis of the Seas entered service in December, the ship made headlines worldwide by taking family cruising to a whole new level. In the Boardwalk area – reminiscent of an old-fashioned seaside amusement park – is an arcade and an exquisite full-sized carousel, a thrilling zip line and rock climbing plus AquaTheater with high-diving acrobatics and synchronized swimming. You’ll even find a full-staffed Nursery, with childcare drop-off options day and night.
And while Oasis and sister-ship Allure of the Seas (entering service next December) are solidly booked, Royal Caribbean offers family programs aboard all its vessels.
FROM TOTS TO TEENS
At the heart of Royal Caribbean’s family cruising program is Adventure Ocean, a complimentary program for kids aged 3 to 11. Separated by age group, children can make new friends in supervised play areas throughout the day while parents pursue adult activities. Teens have the private Living Room lounge for hanging out or joining other teens in fun-filled activities like trying the FlowRider, a simulated surfing machine, watching movies or playing video games. Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line with dedicated teen spaces: the Living Room and teen disco are off limits to adults.
Royal Babies & Royal Tots for 6- to 36-month-olds combines playtime and learning time in sessions developed by Fisher-Price. And parents traveling with infants and toddlers can order organic baby food and diapers to be delivered to the stateroom rather than lugging supplies from home. “Stroll & Roll” is a dedicated jogging track where parents can exercise with infants in strollers and evening baby sitting services are available at a surcharge of $10 per hour for one or two children or $15/hour for three.
Family Dining Program
As part of the recently enhanced family program, My Family Time Dining will offer an expedited 40-minute dinner experience during the first seating in the main dining room for kids, ages 3-11, enrolled in the Adventure Ocean youth program. Once seated, kids will enjoy expedited service and be immediately served. Forty-five minutes into the seating, a youth counselor will escort kids from the main dining room entrance back to the Adventure Ocean spaces for continued evening activities, allowing parents to enjoy the rest of their dinner at their leisure. For more convenience to parents and more fun for kids,
If the kids are having too much fun to leave the children’s center for lunch, try the “Lunch and Play” option. Lunch, movies, cartoons and play time is available for kids aged 3-11 who don’t want to make a break from friends. For a service charge of $7.95 per child, children’s counselors will feed and entertain kids between noon and 2:00 p.m.
The new Dine In Delights room service menu offers name-brand food options including The Original Johnny Rockets hamburger; Eli’s Cheesecake Company Original Cheesecake; Ben & Jerry’s Half-Baked and Cherry Garcia ice cream bars and Ghiradelli Chocolate Chip Cookie with Milk (available 24 hours per day for an additional charge.
FAMILY FUN ASHORE
Many ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet stop at CocoCay and Labadee for a private beach day where cruisers will find more fun-filled activities for kids. Younger children will love Aqua Parks and Labadee Luc’s Splash Bash while older kids can try parasailing, snorkeling or the Mile Long Zip Line. Kids aged three to eight accompanied by parents can experience a special driving adventure on the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Track, featured at CocoCay.