royal caribbean family cruise

Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Families – Complete Guide

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Royal Caribbean is well known for its family friendly cruise ships with lots of activities for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for a cruise that the whole family can enjoy, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for you.

As someone who has cruised on Royal Caribbean since I was 4 years old and through my teen years, I know first-hand which are the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for families .

Cruise ships aren’t one size fits all, so it’s important to choose the right cruise ship for your families’ needs and preferred vacation style.

With that being said, here are the best Royal Caribbean ships for families, plus everything you need to know about the kid’s club on Royal Caribbean.

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6 Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Families

1. oasis of the seas.

The Oasis of the Seas is one or the largest ships in the world. As someone who cruised on the Oasis of the Seas recently, I’ll be the first one to say that this is the ultimate cruise ship for families!

With multiple restaurants, fantastic entertainment and endless activities, the Oasis of the Seas has something for every member of the family. For a ship with over 6,700 passengers, somehow the Oasis never feels overly crowded.

Now if you’re thinking about food that is great for kids and families, there are many free casual food options including Sorrento’s Pizza, El Loco Fresh and the Dog House.

Additionally, the Windjammer Marketplace (buffet) has a wide variety of options. If you prefer a sit down meal, the main dining room has great food and service. You’ll also find plenty of specialty restaurants that have an extra charge.

There are multiple entertainment venues onboard the Oasis of the Seas, including the Aqua Theatre, Studio B (ice skating show) and the Royal Theatre.

A few other fun things to do for families are a parade and a 70’s show, all happening in the Royal Promenade.

On sea days , the pool area is a great place to hang out with the family. There are multiple hot tubs and pools, and there is even poolside ice cream for those who have a sweet tooth.

Just because you’re on a family cruise, doesn’t mean that you can’t have some adult only alone time!

On Oasis of the Seas, you’ll find a beautiful solarium pool with hot tubs. The solarium pool area is a perfect adult only escape while your kids are in the kid’s club.

Activities on the Oasis of the Seas:

• The Ultimate Abyss (10 story dry slide)
• Water Slides
• Flow Rider Surf Simulator
• Basketball Court
• Miniature Golf Course

Related: What’s Included on Oasis of the Seas (Entertainment, Activities, Food & Drink)

2. Navigator of the Seas

The Navigator of the Seas is a great option for those who are looking to travel on a budget. The Navigator of the Seas may not be as big as the Oasis class ships, however this Voyager class ship still has some amazing activities!

Since it was recently refurbished, the Navigator of the seas has a beautiful new look and some incredible new attractions. Escape rooms, laser tag and water slides were all recently added to this ship, which is a big hit among kids.

If your kids love waterslides, the will love what the Navigator of the Seas has to offer. This cruise ship has multiple slides, including a two person tube slide that has you suspended over the water.

The Navigator of the Seas has some delicious included restaurants, like El Loco Fresh, Windjammer Café and the main dining room. There is also a wide variety of specialty restaurants, that have an extra charge .

Related: What to Pack for a Royal Caribbean Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

3. Quantum of the Seas

The Quantum of the Seas is one of the best cruises for families . This is a sister ship to the Anthem of The Seas and the Ovation of The Seas cruise ships.

In comparison to the Oasis class ships, the Quantum of the seas is smaller (although still a big ship at 168,000 tons). Quantum of the Seas holds just under 5,000 passengers.

The Quantum of the Seas has some cool and unique attractions: bumper karts, indoor sky diving and the North Star.

The North Star is a ride that brings you 300 feet above sea level where you’ll have beautiful view of the ocean and cruise ship. This ride accommodates up to 14 passengers and last for around 15-20 minutes. Depending on the time of day and sailing, charges may apply for the North Star.

The Quantum of the Seas has multiple pools and hot tub areas including the main pool, an indoor pool and a beautiful adult only pool area.

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4. Voyager of the Seas

The Voyager of the Seas is one of the older ships on this list, however it was recently refurbished in 2019. On the Voyager of the Seas, you can expect family favorites like ice skating shows, water slides and a surf simulator.

While your kids are at Adventure Ocean kid’s club, feel free to enjoy the beautiful adult only solarium. This is a great place to relax in a calm and quiet environment, while your children are having the time of their lives!

One of the great things about Voyager class cruise ships their size. At 137,000 tons, the Voyager of the Seas is a large ship with many onboard attractions and activities.

This ship size is great for families with younger kids that might find Oasis class ships overwhelming in size. While the Oasis of the Seas has many bells and whistles, the Voyager of the Seas has many great activities as well.

Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise: 27 Tips, Tricks & Hacks

5. Wonder of the Seas

The Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean ‘s newest ship. This is the sister ship to the Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and the Utopia of the Seas (coming soon!).

Currently, Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, holding 6,988 passengers. This cruise is loaded with fun activities, top notch entertainment and amazing food.

Wonder of the Seas has many of the same activities as the Oasis, like the zip lines, rock climbing, water slides, surf simulators and the Ultimate Abyss.

When it comes to onboard entertainment, the Wonder of the Seas has the “INTENSE” aqua show. This show is incredible as it features dancers, acrobats and high divers.

The Wonder of The Seas has a wide variety of stateroom options for families, from economical inside cabins to next level family suites.

6. Freedom of the Seas

The Freedom of the Seas is one of the three Freedom class cruise ships. At about 155,000 tons, this cruise ship is a bit larger than the Voyager class ships, and smaller than the Oasis class.

When it comes to the best cruise ships for families, this list wouldn’t be complete without the Freedom of the Seas.

Since it got refurbished back in 2015, the Freedom of the Seas now has some new attractions and activities . Royal Caribbean added water slides, laser tag, and the Flowrider Surf Simulator to the cruise ship.

One of the biggest advantages of doing a family cruise on Freedom of the Seas is its value, which is amazing for families cruising on a budget .

Since the Freedom of the Seas is not one of the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ships, the price is often lower than other newer cruise ships.

However, don’t let its age fool you. The Freedom of the Seas is full of some amazing features and fun things to do!

Related: What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise (dress code & outfit photos)

Royal Caribbean Kid’s Club Information

One of the best parts about cruising for families is the kid’s club. The kid’s club, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean, is a place where children and teens can hang out in a supervised and safe environment.

Children are divided by age group, which allows for each age group to have a unique set of activities. Here’s how the children are divided:

Adventure Ocean Age Groups:

• Royal Babies & Royal Tots (6-36 months)
• Aquanauts (ages 3-5)
• Explorers (ages 6-8)
• Voyagers (ages 9-11)
• Teens (ages 12-14)
• Teens (ages 15-17)

Royal Babies & Royal Tots Information (6-36 months)

The Royal Babies and Royal Tots program is offered on select Royal Caribbean ships. This program is for younger children who are not old enough to attend the Adventure Ocean kid’s club.

There is a 1 staff to 3 children ratio, to ensure that each child gets the proper supervision. There are activities for the young kids throughout the day, like play time, watching movies and art sessions, which parents can participate in.

This program costs $6 per hour, per child, between 9 am to 6 pm and $8 per hour, per child, between 6 pm and midnight.

The Royal Babies and Royal Tots program makes cruising with young children a lot easier and it’s one of the many reasons that Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for families.

Aventure Ocean Information Ages 3-11:

Those who take part in the Adventure Ocean kid’s club will have the time of their lives. As a kid, my parents could never get me out of the kids club, because it was so much fun!

Here’s a list of activities for the Adventure Ocean Kid’s Club:

• Scavenger Hunts
• Movie Night (in private movie theater)
• Pirate Night
• Pyjama Night
• Talent Show
• Sports Tournaments
• Video Games

Adventure Ocean Hours:

• 9 AM- 12 PM
• 2 PM – 5 PM
• 7 PM – 10 PM
• 10 PM – 2 AM (Additional Fee)

Overall, Adventure Ocean is a blast and the kids will absolutely love it. The staff are great and they keep things fun and exciting throughout your cruise.

Adventure Ocean Teen’s Club Information (Ages 12-17)

The teen club on Royal Caribbean is a great place for young people on a cruise to meet and hang out. In the teen’s club there is a dance floor, video game areas and activities going on throughout the day.

As a teenager who has cruised on Royal Caribbean , I can say that they have one of the best youth programs at sea. The staff are super friendly. Plus, the kid’s club is a cool area to hang out and the activities are super fun.

Here’s a list of activities for the Adventure Ocean Teen Club:

• Pool Parties
• Casino Night
• Battle of the Sexes
• Themed Dance Parties
• Beach Volley Ball

Adventure Ocean Teens Hours (ages 12-17):

• 7 PM – 1 AM

If you have a teenager, they will absolutely love going to the teen’s club. It’s a great place for them to meet new people, participate in activities and have the vacation of a lifetime!

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• What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
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Final Thoughts on The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Families

Well there it is, the best Royal Caribbean ships for Families!

When it comes to a cruise line that every member of the family can enjoy, you can’t go wrong with Royal Caribbean. No matter what cruise you decide to book, Royal Caribbean will be a great time for the whole family.

In his post, I shared the 6 best Royal Caribbean cruises for families and everything you need to know about the kids club on Royal Caribbean.

Are you planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

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The Family Vacation Guide

8 of the Best Caribbean Cruises for Families

posted by Karly Braggington on October 29, 2021 // last updated on November 1, 2021

Cruising is at an all-time high, with many cruise companies offering awesome deals for family cruises. Consequently, choosing the best cruise ship for your next family vacation becomes overwhelming. 

If you plan your next vacation to the Caribbean , you can narrow down your cruise ship options by setting a budget and understanding the different cruise lines in the region.

To make it even easier for you, here are 8 of the best Caribbean cruises for families.

Disney Cruises

Carnival cruises, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean cruise, princess cruises, holland america line, norwegian cruise line, msc cruise line, popular ports of call on caribbean family cruises.

Disney Cruise is a well-known family cruise for anyone looking for premium cruising services. It offers a kid-friendly atmosphere, whimsical amenities, and spacious rooms. It’s the best cruise line for adults who wish to reconnect with their childhood fantasies when sailing. 

The cruise line ensures maximum customer satisfaction. In this case, they provide one crew member for every three passengers, regardless of the ship size. In addition, the cruise line offers adults-only pools, restaurants, traditional Italian food, and lounges. 

Disney Cruise Family-Friendly Features

Disney Cruise Line offers the opportunity to experience the Disney magic on an ocean voyage and tropical beaches. Some family-friendly features to enjoy on your Caribbean vacation with Disney Cruises include:

• Luxurious staterooms- Disney Cruises offer spacious accommodations that feature storage space and separate bathrooms that allow your family to get ready at once. Depending on your budget, you can choose a stateroom with a private verandah. 
• Pools and water fun- your kids get an opportunity to enjoy quality time on the wild water coaster AquaDuck.
• Disney rotational dining- the cruise has a dedicated wait staff that learns and serves your preferred taste. In addition, they offer a bountiful buffet where you can get a casual meal and an innovative dining experience at the Animator’s Palate show. 
• Tropical beaches- during your trip to the Caribbean Islands, you get a chance to visit Disney’s Private Island Castaway Cay, which is exclusive for Disney Cruise Line Guests. Here, you get access to a large family beach, splash stations, secluded adults-only beach, and lagoons. The tour includes beach chairs, umbrellas, and a buffet.
• Enjoy the magic of Disney- immediately you set your foot on the cruise ship, you become a part of a story that only Disney can create. Here, you’ll enjoy spectacular entertainment that includes quality shows that bring Disney storytelling to life. 

Benefits of Using Disney Cruise 

• The cabins are spacious.
• Non-alcoholic drinks and beverages and onboard entertainment are included in the cruise fare.
• Florida residents receive special rates.
• Disney Cruise has minimal onboard adult activities.
• Alcoholic drinks are not included in the cruise fare.
• Shore excursions incur additional charges.

If you’re looking for a family cruise ship to the Caribbean which offers a festive atmosphere and versatile entertainment options, Carnival Cruise is your best bet. Their trips range from two to 16 days, with at least one crew member for every three passengers. 

Carnival Cruise Line offers plenty of fun onboard activities for both adults and kids. Once onboard, get ready to enjoy waterslides, casinos, sports courts, comedy acts, piano bars, and nightclubs.

In addition, they offer guests a variety of cuisines served in three-course meals. You can choose to enjoy your meals in the main dining room, the Lido deck buffet, or specialty restaurants. The latter serves everything from sushi to traditional Italian dishes.   

Carnival Cruise Family-Friendly Features

Some of the features that make Carnival Cruise one of the best Caribbean cruises for families include:

• Waterworks- when using the Carnival Cruise Line, you don’t have to wait until you get off-board to enjoy water-based action. The cruise line includes an onboard water park that features rides that suit kids and fun-loving parents. In addition, there’s a PowerDrencher where you can enjoy family soaking and a Speedway Splash for the teens. 
• Mini golf- if any member of your family is a golfing enthusiast, the cruise line has a mini-golf where you can enjoy a round or two. So what makes this onboard golfing experience exceptional? It comes with sea breezes, ocean views, and extra features such as a windmill and treasure chest. 
• Dr. Seuss activities- Carnival Cruise offers Seuss at Sea, entertaining and engaging to members of all ages. For instance, the kids can participate in the magical and interactive Seuss-a-palooza storytime, where their favorite stories come to life. 
• Camp Ocean- this activity allows kids to delve into marine life with ocean-themed settings and supervised activities. The activities divide according to age groups. For example, kids aged two to five interact with the penguins, six to eight with the stingrays, while nine to eleven interact with the sharks. 

Benefits of Using Carnival Cruise

• Offers a variety of dining options
• They have an extensive selection of onboard activities
• They have numerous ships and itineraries to choose from
• Shore excursions attract extra fees
• You need to pay more for Wi-Fi services
• Larger cruise ships may feel too crowded

Celebrity Cruise Line is for anyone looking for an upscale design and innovative cuisine. With this cruise line, you have the freedom to choose a smaller cruise ship that accommodates 48 passengers only. Alternatively, you can board a large cruise ship that houses over 2,900 passengers. Both ship sizes offer exceptional customer service, with each boat carrying at least one crew member for every two passengers. 

Celebrity Cruise Family-Friendly Features

This cruise line plies waters all over the globe and offers numerous onboard activities to passengers of all ages. Some of its family-friendly features include:

• Kids programs- Celebrity cruise ships offer numerous kids programs that are supervised by experienced staff. The activities are tailored for specific ages, including toddler time, Fun Factory, and X Club. They also get to enjoy movies, games, and sports, among other activities. 
• Camp at sea- during your voyage, Celebrity Cruise offers exciting, entertaining, inspiring, and engaging activities to all family members. In addition, they introduce you to the culture, history, and flavors of all the Caribbean Islands you visit. 
• Autism-friendly ships- with Celebrity Cruises, you no longer have to avoid going on a voyage because you have an autistic child. This cruise line has Autism Friendly Certification that allows them to have kids with autism onboard. 

Benefits of Using of Celebrity Cruise 

• You get access to exclusive events and rewards when you enroll in the cruise line’s reward program.
• They have cost-saving packages for specialty restaurants
• They have a wide range of activities for kids and teens
• Cruise fare doesn’t include shore excursions
• If you need an unlimited supply of soft and alcoholic drinks, you must purchase a beverage package.

Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise choices when planning a family vacation and looking for a cruise that caters to different ages and preferences. Each of their ships is packed with palette-pleasing dining options, a wide range of activities for all ages, and entertainment.

With Royal Caribbean, you get an opportunity to explore different cultures while sunbathing and dipping your toes in turquoise waters. With their stress-free flexibility, you’re already into an incredible family vacation to the Caribbean. 

Features Making Royal Caribbean One of the Best Caribbean Cruises for Families

Royal Caribbean ships depart from ports all over the country and numerous international airports. Their itineraries range from two to 19 nights. During these voyages, you get to enjoy a wide range of family-friendly features, which include:

• Onboard thrills- the cruise line offers a wide range of onboard activities that make your trip unforgettable even before reaching your destination. Most of these activities are easy to plan and are designed with your family’s interest in mind. In addition, each of these activities is tended by staff, allowing you total focus on these life-changing moments. Some of these outstanding activities include; rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating on ice rinks, bumper cars, and circus.
• Sight of beautiful shores- sailing to brand new places and the thrill of viewing new lands from a stunning perspective is an experience like no other. A voyage to the western or easter Caribbean gives you a glimpse of magnificent and ancient ports such as Puerto Rico and El Morro in San Juan. The Royal Caribbean Cruise stops over at these Islands to allow you to dive headfirst to some of the most family-friendly adventures. Here you can enjoy Jeep adventuring through the pines in the Bahamas or warm water diving in Belize. And if you are a family of reggae fanatics, you can listen to reggae beats in Jamaica when climbing Mt.Zion. 
• A taste of the delicious sea and land cuisine- Royal Caribbean cruise is a haven for the gourmet of all ages. While onboard, you can taste food from world-renowned restaurants where you can savor family-pleasers and traditional homemade dishes. And when you reach your destination, get an opportunity to enjoy the cuisine of the place. 

Benefits of Royal Caribbean Cruise

• They have numerous ships and plenty of destinations to choose from
• Offer a variety of onboard dining options
• Have a wide range of onboard activities suitable for all ages
• The cruise rates don’t cover all amenities
• You need to pay extra for some beverages

If you are looking for a personalized and family-friendly voyage, Princess Cruises is your best option. The cruise line has a fleet of 18 midsize and large boats that depart various US ports to multiple destinations, including the Caribbean. In addition, it offers enriching onboard activities and has at least one crew member for every two or three passengers. 

Princess Cruises Family-Friendly Features

The cruise line ships are technology-based, a feature that minimizes physical contact. In addition, Princess Cruises offer a wide range of services that make your family sea voyage memorable. These include:

• Voyage to the stars- with the Princess Cruise voyage, each member of your family can find a place among the stars. The cruise line has top-deck stargazing to view the planets, stars, and galaxies in real-time. In addition, they offer stateroom content, Camp Discovery activities, and Discovery at Sea, which experts guide. 
• Animal planets- the cruise line allows local animals onboard where you get to meet and greet animals such as Parrots in the Piazza . 
• Live theatre- the Princess exclusive offers Broadway-caliber stage shows from Steven Schwartz. The shows from this award-winning composer bring everyone together. In addition, the cruise provides The Voice of the Ocean, whereby each person on the cruise gets an opportunity to participate.
• Family dining options- while on your voyage to the Caribbean, the Princess Cruises allows you to have family dinners. Take the opportunity to try traditional foods from different parts of the world. In addition, the cruise has a special kids menu and provides your dietary preferences upon request. 

Benefits of Princess Cruises

• Offers a variety of culinary options
• Has a Me tool that allows you to plan travel plans together as a 
• The cruise is wheelchair accessible
• Shore excursions incur extra cost
• Cruise rates don’t cover some onboard amenities

If you are an affluent family and wish to voyage to the Caribbean, the Holland America Line is your best choice. Their ships leave the US cities to their destinations and can take anywhere from one to 128 days. During your time on the cruise, you get to enjoy plenty of activities ranging from mixology workshops, digital photography, and cooking demonstrations. 

They have a ship buffet, Lido Market, which offers plenty of dishes in an easy-to-navigate setting. In addition, their food is of top quality and each family member is guaranteed to get something they like. The cruise’s public spaces are clean, inviting, and functional, ensuring your comfortable stay throughout the voyage. 

Holland America Line Family-Friendly Features

In addition to their well-established reputation, Holland America Line offers several family-friendly features. These include:

• Club HAL- Holland America Line has a kid’s club which runs on a pre-planned schedule. During club time, the kids get to enjoy a lot of games and attention from the staff. The club involves kids (3-17), with the facility being divided into colorful rooms to hold different groups. Kids (3-6) go into pirate treasure hunts, crafting with their hands and minds, storytelling, and not-so-late night parties. From age 7 to 12, they enroll in Xbox tournaments, video games, scavenger hunts, and disco parties. Finally, teenagers (13 -17) get their fair share of activities, including hip hop classes, mocktail making classes, one vs one scavenger hunts, and nightclub parties. 
• Onboard activities and entertainment- the cruise ship includes outdoor and indoor pools where you can have fun in the water. They also offer other activities, including basketball, BINGO, shuffleboard, and cooking classes. 
• Stateroom- the cruise line offers spacious rooms with private verandahs and separate rooms for the kids. In addition, they have ample storage space and a bathtub that will meet your family’s expectations. 

Benefits of Holland America Line

• Give priority to kids and teen programs.
• They have small guest capacities, which make the cruise feel spacious
• Their prices are higher than the Royal Caribbean and the Carnival cruises
• Wi-Fi will cost you extra
• They have limited onboard activities compared to bigger cruises

The Norwegian Cruise Line has a long reputation for being one of the best Caribbean cruises for families and active adults. The cruise line combines action and high-energy activities with top-quality entertainment. In addition, it’s known as the cruise line that brought an end to the rigid dining schedules and dress codes. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Family-Friendly Features

The cruise line allows its passengers to dine in their specialty restaurants or the main dining hall. In addition, they have large suites to fit your family comfortably. In addition, the cruise’s other family-friendly features include:

• Entertainment- the cruise ships have plenty of production shows and events hosted by highly trained and talented performers. Every night on the cruise, you enjoy stand-up comedy, which is fun, fresh, and brings you laughter every night. In addition, they have lively dancers for anyone who doesn’t enjoy sit-down entertainment. 
• Onboard activities- the cruise ship has an array of onboard activities arranged with each family member in mind. These include award-winning casinos, state-of-the-art fitness centers, epic water parks, and shore excursions. If you take your Caribbean voyage using the newest ship in the fleet, you get an opportunity to access a virtual reality wonderland at Galaxy Pavillion. The kids get a full program of activities, all of which are divided into age groups. These include Splash Academy, Guppies Program, and Entourage centers for the youths to make friends and have an enjoyable time during the cruise. 

Benefits of Norwegian Cruise Line

• They have a variety of onboard restaurants
• They don’t have a fixed dress code
• The dining venues and theatres have long lines at some times
• The cruise rates don’t include some of the onboard activities

This cruise line sets itself apart from the competitors with its refined onboard activities. The cruise line ships carry between 1984 to 6300 passengers with at least one crew member for every three members. In addition, the cruise line has a reputation of having a sophisticated ambiance and a variety of globally inspired cuisines. 

MSC Cruise Line Family-Friendly Features

In addition to taking you to exotic beaches and ports in the Caribbean, the MSC cruise line has other family-friendly features that make it one of the best Caribbean cruises for families. These include:

• Water parks- MSC cruises have Aqua Park with water slides and splash zones where the kids can spend their days. In addition, they have onboard pools where you can have a great time as a family. 
• Kids clubs- the cruise line has unique programs and services to cater to kids of all ages. Kids of different ages can engage in supervised activities to spend the entire or half the day.
• Outdoor and indoor fun- no matter how many days your voyage is, the cruise line ensures you enjoy every bit of it with its numerous indoor and outdoor activities. They have sports activities which include; basketball, table tennis, bowling, and mini-golf, among others. And if your family is not up for water fun or sports, the cruise line has a video game arcade, formula one car stimulators, and 4D cinema. 
• Family cabins and dining- The cruise line offers family cabins and dining to help you bond as a family. The cabins costs are per room and not per person. The main restaurants in the fleets have a delicacy even for the pickiest eaters. They offer buffets with a kid’s corner, with some including menus for the infants. 

Benefits of MSC Cruise Line

• Offers free sails to kids aged 11 years and below
• It’s appealing to European and US travelers
• The cruise fare doesn’t include soft and alcoholic drinks

Now that you know some of the best Caribbean cruises and the features each offers, you may be wondering where family Caribbean cruises go. Well, here is a list of popular ports of call on Caribbean family cruises:

Western Caribbean Cruises

At this destination, your family will have a great time in popular ports, including:

• Key West Florida
• Dominican Republic
• Grand Cayman
• Jamaica, and 
• Various stops in Mexico

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

During this family cruise, you will visit places such as:

• Puerto Rico
• Tortola 
• Nassau in the Bahamas

Bermuda Cruises

Although located in the North Atlantic, making it a British territory, the region is in most Caribbean family cruises. A visit to the area gives you access to pink sand beaches, tea parties, and historic forts. 

Southern Caribbean/ Exotic Sailing

If you want a less tourist vacation but more adventure and exploration, you should get an itinerary to the Southern Caribbean. In this family cruise, you will visit places such as:

Hopefully, this guide helps you choose the best Caribbean cruise for your family and the best destination, depending on your preferences. 

More about our TFVG Author

Karly Braggington

Karly is a The Family Vacation Guide guest travel contributor.

About Karly Braggington

Royal Caribbean kids club: A guide to Adventure Ocean

Royal Caribbean's megaships provide tons of activities and entertainment to suit all ages and personalities — and that includes kids. Not only do ships provide family-friendly programming, but they have drop-off spaces for kids and teens to hang out with peers and not their parents.

On Royal Caribbean, kids clubs include Adventure Ocean, Teen Lounge, and the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery. Here's everything you need to know about these onboard play spaces — before your kids ditch you and spend all day doing age-appropriate activities with their newfound friends.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Does Royal Caribbean offer a kids club?

The family-friendly cruise line doesn't offer just one kids club — it offers several! And they're available on every ship in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean kids club is divided into three groups: Aquanauts, Explorers and Voyagers. The groups will either have their own space or shared play areas, depending on the ship and the number of kids on board.

Ships also have teen clubs and lounge spaces (including outdoor hangouts) and nurseries and toddler play areas for the youngest cruisers.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

What's the age limit for Royal Caribbean kids clubs?

The Royal Babies & Tots Program takes children ages 6 to 36 months. Some ships offer drop-off sessions, while others offer spaces for parents or caregivers to play safely with babies and toddlers.

Adventure Ocean targets kids ages 3 (and toilet trained) up to 12. It is further divided into age-specific groups: Aquanauts (3 to 5 years old), Explorers (6 to 8 years old) and Voyagers (9 to 12 years old).

Note that on Freedom, Odyssey, Oasis, Wonder, Icon and Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's kids clubs are divided into AO Babies (6 to 36 months), AO Juniors (3 to 5 years old) and AO Kids (6 to 12 years old) . On these ships, you'll likely find extra-large AO Kids play areas where school-age children can choose play areas and activities based on their interests, rather than all the kids of the same age playing together.

Related: Cruising with kids: 10 mom-tested tips for smooth sailing

Tweens and teens ages 13 and up can participate in teen activities or hang out in their ship's lounge and club. The upper age limit for Royal Caribbean's teen club is 17. Once you're 18, even if you're still in high school, you can't participate in youth programming.

What activities are available for kids in Adventure Ocean on Royal Caribbean?

Activities will vary by ship facilities and by age group, but will typically include a mix of active games, arts and crafts (often inspired by the cruise destination) and video game play. Some ships have Adventure Science Labs for hands-on experimenting, while others have Imagination Studios where there's always an art project going on. Larger ships might also have the Adventure Ocean Theater where kids can watch or star in shows or play theater games.

Some Royal Caribbean ships, like the biggest Oasis-class vessels, have Play Spaces with climbing structures geared toward the younger cruisers, where kids can explore under parent supervision.

What activities are available for teens?

Many Royal Caribbean ships have spaces reserved for teenage cruisers, but the number, layout and names of these teen lounges vary across the fleet.

On Wonder of the Seas, for example, the indoor hangout is called Social100 and an outdoor gathering spot is called The Patio. On some ships, the Living Room is a place to chill with video games, table games (like foosball) and maybe even board games for organized competitions, and the Fuel Teen Club is the evening hangout with a DJ, dance floor and mocktail/soda bar.

Related: The 5 best cruises for teens

Activities might involve sports competitions, movie watching, video and board game play, scavenger hunts, evening dance parties or karaoke. Youth staff is on hand to supervise and get games and parties started, but the schedule for teens leaves more room for independent hanging out than the more structured program for the younger kids.

What about little cruisers too young for the kids club on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean offers the Royal Babies & Tots program (or AO Babies on select ships) for diaper-wearing kids too young for Adventure Ocean. Onboard nurseries are outfitted with age-appropriate toys and soft mats for crawling and playing. Many also have a nap room with cribs.

During select times, parents can play in a safe space with their babies and toddlers. Otherwise, they can drop off their little ones into the care of trained early childhood staff.

Related: Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship aims to be the ideal vacation for young families

Note that Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas are the only Royal Caribbean ships without a nursery.

What are the hours of Royal Caribbean's kids clubs?

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean runs from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. The Late Night Party Zone typically operates from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. Schedules can change based on the itinerary, so check at the kids club when you board the ship for open hours on your sailing.

Often, the kids facilities will close from roughly noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. to encourage family mealtime. The kids clubs are open when the ship is in port, and kids can attend activities in the nursery and Adventure Ocean even if their parents are off the ship. In these cases, kids in the youth program during lunch hours will enjoy lunch together.

Teen lounges often open later and might not have structured programming until the afternoon or evening.

Are the kids clubs free or does child care cost money?

Daytime and early evening kid and teen club activities are included in your fare, and you do not have to pay extra for these services.

After 10 p.m., kids attending Adventure Ocean, AO Juniors and AO Kids can join the Late Night Party Zone until 1 a.m. at an hourly rate of $10 per hour, per child.

Parents can play with their babies and toddlers in the kids club free of charge but nursery drop-off costs $6 per hour, per child, before 6 p.m. and $8 per hour, per child, after 6 p.m.

Related: Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare

What else does Royal Caribbean offer families with children?

Royal Caribbean ships offer tons of activities that kids can enjoy with their peers or with their families. Pools, waterslides and splash areas are ideal for warm-weather fun, and all Royal Caribbean ships have rock-climbing walls (it's a Royal Caribbean signature). Shows of all kinds (musicals, ice skating, comedy, Promenade parades, AquaTheater and outdoor movies) are geared for all ages. Many ships offer miniature golf, ping pong, arcades and sports courts for basketball and other games.

The bigger ships have attractions including zip lines, surfing or skydiving simulators, bumper cars, escape rooms, carousels, laser tag and giant dry slides that will entertain kids and adults.

Related: Kids cruise free: 7 cruise lines offering family deals

Royal Caribbean dining options are always family friendly with kids' menus in the main dining room and specialty restaurants. Young cruisers will especially like casual eateries, such as Sorrento's Pizza , Johnny Rockets (burgers and shakes), Boardwalk Dog House (hot dogs) and El Loco Fresh (Mexican) found on select ships. Plus, there's always free soft-serve ice cream on the pool deck.

Bottom line: Royal Caribbean kids club

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean, teen lounges and nurseries provide safe and fun spaces for kids to enjoy their vacation with peers, make new friends and give parents some time to do grownup things, like wine tasting and spa treatments (or simply enjoying a peaceful dip in the adults-only solarium). Some kids want to play there all day long, while others might dip in and out for an hour or two and spend the rest of their cruise with their family.

No matter how your children see it, Royal Caribbean dedicates a ton of space and creativity to making its youth programs some of the best at sea. Its varied offerings allow kids of all ages to find their happy places on board and your kids to grow up with Adventure Ocean over years of family vacations, from tot to teen.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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Royal Caribbean sails to some of the most popular cities and destinations across the globe. Its growing fleet of innovative, stylish ships is relaxed, elegant and upscale with a broad appeal that attracts everyone from honeymooners to families to couples celebrating golden anniversaries.

The first to install a rock wall on every ship in its fleet, Royal Caribbean International emphasizes new experiences. Each and every ship is jam-packed with fun activities, restaurants, bars and lounges, shopping, entertainment and sports and spa facilities guaranteed to make each guest's vacation unforgettable. Kids ages 3 to 17 will enjoy Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program and teen facilities, which feature age-appropriate activities and amenities in a kid-friendly environment. 

On land, Royal Caribbean delivers unique adventure tours and guided excursions that satisfy all types of travelers. Swim with stingrays in the Caribbean, hike through glacial waterfalls in Alaska or see the view atop the Rock of Gibraltar. If you choose, combine your cruise vacation with a land tour on a Royal Caribbean cruise tour.

Take a look at our Royal Caribbean cruise discounts for your next cruise.

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Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which Cruise Line Is Right for Your Family?

Jan 22, 2020

See recent posts by Cortney Fries

You know you want to go on a cruise for your next family vacation, but how do you choose between some of the most popular cruise lines for families ? Carnival and Royal Caribbean are two power players in family cruising , with a plethora of unique activities both on and off the ships. Based on our family’s recent experiences on Carnival Panorama, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas and Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, as well some industry expertise, we’ve compared Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean to help you choose the right cruise line for your next vacation.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Cost

Royal Caribbean:  “Royal Caribbean’s fares— especially on newer ships—tend to be a bit higher, but with a greater selection of options onboard, some at an added cost (such as room service and specialty dining),” says Erica Silverstein, senior editor at Cruise Critic .

Carnival: Known to be affordable, casual and focused on fun, Carnival was recently named Best Cruise Line for Value by the editors of Cruise Critic. Silverstein says this is due in large part to their budget-friendly fares and wealth of inclusions.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Kids’ Programs

Royal Caribbean:  Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s complimentary youth program for ages 3 to 17. Its edu-tainment features programs in art, theater and science. Teens will love socializing in their own spaces, including a teen-only lounge and nightclub. Arcades and 3D theaters bring the action to life and create additional opportunities for tweens and teens to meet new friends.

Cruising with an infant? Order organic baby food , diapers , wipes and other essentials via Babies 2 Go , to be delivered to your stateroom upon arrival.

Late-night group babysitting ensures kids are cared for in the comfort of their staterooms while parents enjoy an evening out. “Royal Caribbean also has a drop-off, extra-fee nursery and free parent-kid play space for under-3s on many ships,” says Silverstein.

Carnival:  Carnival offers Camp Ocean for children aged 2 to 11, where they enjoy games, crafts, music and more in groups divided by age (Penguins: 2 to 5; Stingrays: 6 to 8; and Sharks: 9 to 11). “Carnival is the only line in the industry to allow 2-year-olds to be dropped off at its programs,” says Silverstein. “Counselors will also change diapers.” For tweens and teens, there’s Club O2, with karaoke, sports and even a prom !

Night Owls programming offers nighttime babysitting for an added fee.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Family Activities and Entertainment

Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean is an adventure in technology and entertainment. The line offers huge ships with amusement park-like amenities — including many industry firsts — such as the first ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, zip line, aqua theater, surf simulator, and 10-story slide (the Ultimate Abyss) at sea. Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, simulated skydiving, bumper cars, trapeze school and even robotic bartenders are a few of the other unique features you’ll find on Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean is also the only cruise line that offers Tony Award-winning shows at sea. You can expect to see Grease , Cats and other Broadway hits.

“Royal Caribbean’s entertainment is second-to-none, recently recognized as the best in the industry by Cruise Critic’s editors,” says Silverstein. (Another) case in point: Royal Caribbean recently launched a new private island experience, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with wild waterslides (including the tallest in North America), blissful beaches, a giant wave pool and a floating helium balloon ride.

Carnival:  Carnival offers traditional cruise ship activities featuring cruise directors that rile up guests in poolside contests and during evening entertainment. Your kids will be able to experience comedy shows and karaoke nights, which include the famous Lip Sync Battle . There’s also Hasbro , The Game Show, plus games and dive-in movies by the pool.

Continuously recognized by Cruise Hive’s Cruise Ship Awards as a fantastic domestic cruise line that delivers fun family experiences, Carnival also won Best Cruise Ship Feature for SkyRide , its suspended cycling experience. Carnival is also known for its Sky Zone trampoline park, available on select ships. For an added fee, kids can jump, climb a wall, dunk a basketball and play dodgeball for an hour. (Our children loved it so much, they went every day, giving us an hour to ourselves!). Silverstein also calls out the popular Carnival partnership with Dr. Suess that includes themed events, such as the Green Eggs and Ham breakfast, a costume parade, and Dr. Suess Bookville, a reading and play area.

Complimentary family fun includes the SportsSquare; with mini-golf, foosball and Ping-Pong; and WaterWorks, with adrenaline-inducing waterslides.

Related: 11 Things You Can’t Forget to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Family Dining

Royal Caribbean: Included dining involves the main dining room, Windjammer buffets and a few other options. For added fees, you can enjoy specialty restaurants such as steakhouses, sushi restaurants and celebrity-chef driven establishments, like Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian. My Family Time Dining is a great option for kiddos to eat with their parents for the first 40 minutes, and then get whisked off to the kids club so parents can enjoy the rest of their meal together.

Carnival:  Accolades for best cruise ship dining venue often go to Guy’s Burger Joint, which is free and available on all Carnival ships. The smashed burgers are total kid-pleasers. Carnival offers several other complimentary dining options, which include room service. Don’t miss the signature Carnival chocolate melting cake served in the main dining room!

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Family Cabins and Staterooms

Royal Caribbean: In 2019, Royal Caribbean launched another first at sea: the Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas. The luxurious cabin has multiple TVs, video gaming systems, air hockey, a climbing maze, a floor-to-ceiling slide, and two bedrooms to sleep a total of eight guests. It also includes the service of a personal butler.

The price tag is out of most families’ budgets, but don’t worry; there are plenty of family-friendly room options available. “Royal Caribbean has a wealth of cabin selections- many with connecting doors- so families of all sizes and preferences can find a suitable option, at various price points,” says Silverstein. “That’s especially great for multi-generational groups, where you’re traveling with a wide range of family members.”

Royal Caribbean even offers interior rooms with virtual balconies, featuring 80-inch screens with real sights and sounds from outside. This is a great option for those on a budget.

Carnival:  Cabins that connect or sleep up to four or five guests make it easy to cruise with kids on Carnival Cruise Line. (Our family’s cabin, a standard category 8 balcony, included bunk beds for the kids and a king bed for the parents). Bathing and sleeping get even more comfortable when you reserve a family stateroom, featuring five berths (pull-down beds) and two bathrooms, and located in the Family Harbor section of Carnival ships. The Family Harbor Lounge (available on select ships), an area for families to relax with snacks, ice cream and video games .

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: The Bottom Line

“Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean are fantastic options for families—with tons to do onboard, and plenty of family-focused features,” says Silverstein. The real difference is in the cost and number of inclusions, so decide which onboard experiences are most important to you and your kids before making your final decision.

Related: 7 Things You’ll Regret Not Packing for Your Family Cruise

Cortney Fries (pronounced “freeze”) is an award-winning Chicago-based writer and mom to two spunky elementary school-age kids. She loves nothing more than traveling with family, having adventures with friends and exploring the outdoors. Cortney believes that you should definitely do things that scare you just a little bit. Follow her on Instagram,  @cortneyfries.

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Breaking news, vacation horror as ‘drunk’ son, 20, jumps from royal caribbean cruise in front of family.

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A cruise turned into a nightmare for people aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas when a young man jumped overboard shortly after 4 a.m. Thursday.

The 18-story ship was sailing between Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island when the as-yet-unidentified man jumped off one of the decks.

According to onlookers, his father and brother watched helplessly as he leaped over the side.

Some passengers said it appeared to be an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment decision. 

“I had hung out with him and his brother in the hot tub until 3:30,” passenger Bryan Sims tells The Post. ” It was standing room only. He sat right beside me the whole time.”

“He was pretty drunk,” Sims continues.

“As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess.” “When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all.” 

“There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately,” another passenger,  Deborah Morrison, told The Post.

“His family was horrified. Just beside themselves. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through.”

“It was insane,” says Sims. “It was just surreal.” 

In a statement to The Post, Royal Caribbean said its crew immediately sprang into action following the incident.

“The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort alongside the US Coast Guard, who has taken over the search,” the statement reads.

“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”

News of the apparent suicide attempt quickly spread among the guests — and many of them tried to help in any way they could.

“The early morning was definitely somber as so many people came out of their cabins to stare at the sea, hoping to be able to aid in finding the person,” said Amy Phelps Fouse, a passenger on the ship.

“Royal Caribbean has been excellent at communicating updates throughout the day,” Fouse continued. “They have asked that people act with compassion in light of the tragic situation.”

Overboard incidents on cruise ships are rare.

According to the Washington Post , about 386 people were reported to have gone overboard on the major cruise lines between 2000 to 2020.

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The incidents, whether accidental or intentional, are often deadly.

In the past few years, most cruise lines have enacted onboard safety measures and surveillance systems to help reduce the risk of overboard deaths.

The Coast Guard confirmed to The Post it is still conducting a search and rescue operation in the waters off Cuba. The man has not yet been found.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to  SuicidePreventionLifeline.org .

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A cruise to nowhere: Royal Caribbean sailing canceled after guests boarded

A Royal Caribbean International Alaska voyage became a cruise to nowhere over the weekend, with the line canceling the sailing after guests had already boarded.

The cruise line’s Radiance of the Seas ship experienced propulsion issues, forcing it to shorten and eventually scrap the weeklong itinerary, according to notices shared with guests. The sailing was originally set to depart from Vancouver on Friday.

Charlene Chong, who was on board with her husband, their 3-year and 11-month-old children, and her parents, said passengers were notified Saturday afternoon that the cruise was canceled. The 34-year-old teacher and her husband previously took a cruise for their honeymoon, but this marked their first trip with Royal Caribbean.

“My parents had wanted to go to Alaska for a really long time,” said Chong, who lives in Vancouver.

The cruise line warned guests several days before boarding that the ship had a “technical issue with its propulsion system,” according to an email sent to passengers that Chong shared with USA TODAY. The line later pushed the departure back by two days to allow more time for repairs.

Royal Caribbean said boarding would proceed as planned but that the terminal would close Friday evening due to U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules. Passengers would not be able to leave until the ship arrived at Icy Strait Point.

“We were going stir crazy a little bit,” said Chong.

Royal Caribbean gave guests onboard credit worth two days of their fare, a future cruise credit of the same amount, complimentary drinks and other compensation, another email said.

According to Chong, the ship sailed toward a nearby cargo port, but the captain announced Saturday afternoon that the sailing could not proceed and that guests would need to disembark by Sunday at 4 p.m. Chong said she and her family were “lucky” they were local, but she saw other guests scrambling to change their flights and find accommodations.

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

“We understand the disappointment due to this unfortunate turn of events,” the cruise line said in a letter shared with guests. “We truly extend our sincerest apologies for the continued unforeseen disruptions to your vacation.”

Royal Caribbean gave them their money back as onboard credit with any remaining amount refunded, increased their future cruise credit to 100% of their fare and kept its open-bar policy for the remaining time on board. The line also offered to reimburse trip change fees up to $250 for guests traveling domestically and $400 for international travel and additional reimbursements for hotel and transportation costs, among other compensation.

“Due to a technical issue, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the April 26 sailing," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "Guests will receive a full refund and 100% future cruise credit, and have been notified directly.” The spokesperson did not comment on the specifics of Chong's experience.

The ship will resume service for its May 3 sailing.

After they got home, Chong and her family booked a trip to Mexico instead – though her parents decided not to join as they were “a bit exhausted by the whole ordeal.” For now, she’s not inclined to use the future cruise credit. “I would like to go to Alaska,” she said. “I'm not sure if I want to go with them.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach him at [email protected].