Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. On these expedition-style voyages, the ship will carry only 200 guests and a total of 192 crew. There are seven dining venues and 11 bars and cafes on the ship. Could you please tell me how I can improve it? Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services. Guard the goal against drone-launched balls in this virtual reality Sky Pad game. Enrollment required. For more information about the difference between Royal Caribbeans classes, check out my guide: Royal Caribbean Ship Classes Compared. It has long dazzled customers with stunning, resort-like vessels full of every sort of amusement and activity you could imagine. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Pictures of Cruise Compasses showing activities on a Royal Caribbean Cruise on the Harmony of the Seas including Perfect Day at CocoCay! You'll also find indulgences like onboard helicopters for intimate excursions and Scenic Neptune, an underwater submarine. Other areas on the ship that make Royal Caribbean one of the most fun cruises for adults are activities such as the Quest Game Show (not for the easily offended), Silent Disco Parties, and. It is the moments, As much as everyone on a cruise hopes for endless days of sun, a slight breeze, and warm temperatures, the truth is, Certain cruise ports require tendering from ship to shore, but what does this mean and how does the cruise ship tender, Several changes are coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023, from a new Main Dining Room menu to a Perfect Day at CocoCay. For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. This tropical haven offers guests a truly unforgettable experience, with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear . Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels. 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! Depending on the ship, adult travelers can also dance the night away in a trendy club, watch live entertainment or a cabaret show, catch a sports game on satellite TV, or sit back and relax with an after-dinner cocktail at a bar or lounge. 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. Get ready for a total blast from the past at the greatest 80's party ever. 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. And on the recently launched Norwegian Prima, an elevated beach club experience includes the line's first infinity hot tubs. On board, guests will have butler service, a nearly one-to-one ratio of guests to staff, 24-hour gourmet dining, premium alcoholic beverages, one complimentary shore excursion in each port, gratuities and more. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Learn more. Solarium is Royal Caribbean International's complimentary, child-free space open to guests 16 and older. In addition, the line is extending its offerings on Country Intensive voyages in 2023 with itineraries in destinations like South Africa, Australia, the Canary Islands, Japan and Israel. Even 30 minutes ahead of schedule, the lounge was filling up and the crowd was buzzing excitedly. Interior areas bring everything from full-size spas and large casinos to Broadway-quality theaters with top-name shows. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship. Most cruise lines allow passengers age 18 and older to leave the ship and sign up for shore excursions on their own. In some cases, the shows are cut down slightly (though some still run nearly two hours), and the casts arent the A-team youll find on Broadway. Whatever thrills you seek, youll find all sorts of ways to fill your days onboard Royal Caribbean. Then, contact one with a best-price guarantee and have them beat it! Royal Caribbean has one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems at sea so fast that you're able to watch Netflix from your room on your mobile device. Royal Caribbean has grown into the worlds biggest cruise line by passenger capacity for a reason. These ships are also often less expensive for travelers on a per-day basis. Every vessel has a main dining room and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare the latter called either Windjammer Caf or Windjammer Marketplace. If you prefer French-style fare and world-class wines served in an elegant and shimmering setting (think Lumiere), Enchant by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. The best class of Royal Caribbean ships for couples is the Quantum Ultra Class. Its time you discover just how suite life can be at the Suite Neighborhood. For megaresort lovers, Royal Caribbean may be the ultimate cruise line. The second-to-highest tier, Diamond Plus (175 points), brings Concierge Club access, priority seating at onboard shows, an exclusive number to call for bookings and reduced rates for solo travelers, plus other things. What you do in the privacy of your own cruise room will likely not be monitored, unless your young adult child then goes out onto the ship and behaves inappropriately. The Discoveries Bar is another favorite of guests where you can mingle with fellow cruisers at the end of the day. What Royal Caribbean event has you sharing your underwear, putting lipstick on strangers and screaming at the top of your lungs? Lower tiers dont bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. Related: What to pack for your first cruise. A few lines (including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Norwegian) allow 18- to 20-year-olds to drink alcohol in international waters if their parent or adult guardian signs a waiver form. The modern and innovative ships feature two open-air, resort-style pools for optimal fun in the sun, alongside the first fully-immersive, 4D virtual reality experience at sea Virtual Adventure Zone. The most out-there deck-top attractions on Royal Caribbean ships are surely the North Star rides found on Quantum-class ships. Some Royal Caribbean ships even feature ice skating rinks. Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea. As a parent, it is nice to have time now and then away from the kids to relax, and here are the top five things you can do on a Royal Caribbean cruise without kids! Other included-in-the-fare offerings found on some ships include Sorrentos pizza parlors, the Mediterranean cuisine-themed Solarium Bistro and the coffee bar Cafe Promenade. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Top 12 Best Cruise Lines for Adults The best days begin with brunch and bubbles. One more Oasis-class ship Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to join the fleet in 2024. Take your best shot in our archery tournament. Cruise fare for the suite also includes a long list of high-end amenities such as access to a private dining room called The Study, a personal car and driver in port, free in-suite spa services, a private butler, and more. Check Price. For top-notch steaks, contemporary Italian cuisine and panoramic ocean views, make a reservation at the Cogsworth-inspired Palo Steakhouse. 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. Revamped Kid. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Ultimate Abyss Slide on Royal Caribbean Cruises, Snorkeling in Alaska with Princess Cruises, Surfing on a Cruise Ship: We Try the FlowRider on Royal Caribbean, What's Your Cruise Critic Story? Hop across the pond to sail on U.K.-based Saga Cruises, which specifically caters to guests 50 and older (though travelers may bring a companion as young as 40). 41 Must-Do Activities Aboard Royal Caribbean Ships The Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts. Now it's time to enjoy the best of what Royal Caribbean has to offer - our exclusive onboard activities! If you're heading off the ship for an excursion to Princess Cays (the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas), plan to chill out for the day in an adults-only Sanctuary Bungalow. Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. That said, they also offer serene spots. Surfing. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Play the classics and modern faves at the Royal Caribbean Arcade. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. You'll also find an impressive wine list to accompany your dining experience at the restaurant. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. A growing number of Royal Caribbean ships also have water parks with significant waterslides. The first Icon class vessel, Icon of the Seas, will debut in January 2024. We were told to divide into teams, with no limit to the number of teams, and then we were off. The drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Located just minutes from the ocean and beach, the rentals accommodate four people, and the price includes two complimentary float rentals. Then, finish off the evening dancing the night away at The Globe. This elegant French restaurant seats just 35 guests and features a multi-course degustation menu and Champagne bar. Each evening, there is at least one late-night party happening onboard and Royal Caribbean enforces a strict age policy to prevent kids from getting in. Some parents set rules that their children should not go into another passenger's cabin or that someone should always stay sober if a group is out drinking. Get ready to shake your hips and find your Latin rhythm. Ships with mini-golf courses . Party with us poolside beneath the night sky. With more than 10,000 plants and flowers, its a true tropical hideaway. 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. Royal Escape Room - Mission Control: Apollo 18 North Star Virtual Concert Dance Classes Latin Fiesta Expedition Two70 Tidal Wave All Access Tour Zip Line FlowRider SeaPlex Table Tennis Bass Bouncer Whirlpools Game shows Dancing Under The Stars Typhoon and Cyclone Spanish Classes Totally Awesome 90s Street Party Pool Parties Got game? With destination-focussed itineraries, you can enjoy more time ashore and fewer sea days than on the larger ships. Royal Caribbean has one of the most extensive children's programs at sea, with programs and activities for children as young as 6 months old through the age of 17. If youre sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary and about a dozen other things you can head over to RoyalCaribbean.com and book directly. Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival's largest ship, is a full 50 feet shorter and carries about 5,200 passengers. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 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. 5 Best Cruise Lines for Adults - Cruise Radio Youll receive a SeaPass card that you can use to make charges. No other cruise line has as broad a range of entertainment and activities on its ships as Royal Caribbean. Except they float. During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. What It Is Quest is uproariously fun, supremely competitive, and it's definitely for adults only, which is why it's often scheduled after 11 p.m. The ship also has a Polar Class 6 rating, enabling it to sail to destinations like Antarctica. The newest cruise ship, Seabourn Ovation, accommodates up to 600 guests and offers amenities found on most of Seabourn's ships such as well-appointed oceanfront suites, living areas with dining tables, verandas, a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio and a Personal Suite Host to cater to your every need. You'll also find health and wellness programs curated by Dr. Andrew Weil. Hand glazed with 5 year old Tortuga rum then vacuum packed to lock in freshness. Fresh blood." The Oasis-class ships are well-known for a few things. Many ships also have an Italian eatery, called either Giovannis Table or Jamies Italian by Jamie Oliver. Prices also include excursions in some ports of call, gratuities and chauffeur service from locations in the U.K. to the embarkation port. 10:00 pm - 10:45 pm Last Laughs Adult Comedy Show (18+) Royal Theater Deck 4; 10:30 pm - 11:45 pm Hush! The venues feature ocean views, bars, plush seating and other amenities. The world-renowned Global Culinary Ambassador for the line, Daniel Boulud, created the menu at this elegant venue, incorporating dishes inspired by his travels. Royal Caribbean adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18.50 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Since there are few (or no) activities geared toward younger cruisers and no babysitting services, you typically won't find parents with young children on these ships. These spaces are also typically quieter and away from the crowds. You can find in the myriad of Royal Caribbean shore excursions a few that cater only to adults. It started off innocently enough, with requests for items like "a tie" or "a sock with a hole in it" (yes, every sock has at least ONE hole in it). When Will Royal Caribbean Bring Back an Adult Favorite Activity Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. If you're an athletic traveler, there's no shortage of competitive cruise ship games that will keep you active. In 2021, the line introduced sailings out of Barbados. However, these are quality productions. Broadway-Style Shows 8. This special event takes place in select destinations and includes chilled Champagne, caviar, live music and a barbecue set against the backdrop of white sand beaches and turquoise waters in beautiful locales around the world. The line has hired Olympic-level skaters to star in the productions. Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers (called Royal Genies) who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, access to a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues and priority boarding and disembarkation. For a special treat during your cruise, don't miss "Caviar in the Surf." 8 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Caribbean Adults 2023 On Oasis-class ships, there also are 735-seat outdoor aqua theaters that are home to dazzling aerial and water shows. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Disney World; Disneyland; Disney Cruise; . When you're ready to plan your adventure on the high seas, the following cruise lines provide upscale amenities, immersive excursions, sophisticated dining options, lively nighttime entertainment. Top 5 things to do on Royal Caribbean for adults You can also order a gourmet picnic to enjoy while lounging on shore. Related: The 9 best meals you can have at sea. Unlike some lines, Royal Caribbean does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships. The "Seabourn Conversations" program is another highlight, where accomplished experts host adventures ashore and participate in meals and chats with guests on board the ship. Other onboard activities include culinary classes at Scenic picure, invigorating spa treatments at Senses Spa, or just sitting back and relaxing with spectacular sea views while sipping Champagne on deck 10. There are pools, of course on the bigger ships, oodles of them. If youre a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, youll need either a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a drivers license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. While there, you can also grab a light breakfast or lunch at The Spa Caf and Juice Bar or order your favorite adult beverage while lounging in the hot tub. Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: Smackdown! - Cruiseline.com 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. For dinner in the main dining room, you must sign up for either My Time Dining, which is where you go whenever you want, or Traditional Dining, where you have a fixed table and time for dinner. The line also has two Polar Class 6 expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which traverse waterways from Canada and the Caribbean to remote destinations in Antarctica. They sometimes sell out in advance due to heavy demand and limited capacity. For the most part, Royal Caribbean operates big, bustling megaships that will appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. So, your 19-year-old can go biking, kayaking or hiking, while you take a leisurely day cruise or coach-based sightseeing tour. The newer classes of ships are better catered to younger adults and those seeking adventure, while the smaller classes of ships bring with them more port-intensive itineraries as well as a pared-back roster of activities, meaning there will likely be fewer children around. Hi, I'm Jenni. If you're interested in small-ship luxury expeditions, check out Seabourn Venture the line's first expedition ship, which set sail in July 2022. Related: What it takes to get concierge lounge access on a cruise ship. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars youll spend to take your family to a show in New York City. 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. TPG values it at $1,600. Once youve uncovered The Hideaway, your sea days will never be the same. While there are family-friendly parties and shows put on earlier in the evening, once the night club scene pops up, the cruise line security team will check ages of anyone who tries to get into the club. 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. Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? On Royal Caribbeans giant Oasis-class ships, there are multiple pool areas, watery play zones, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, miniature golf courses, basketball courts and even zip lines. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Unrivaled views for you while kids play steps away at Splashaway Bay aquapark. A cruise is appealing to guests of all ages, and while Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line, there are certain things to do that are perfect for just the adults. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. On six ships Sky Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess adults can also enjoy an exclusive Retreat pool, cabanas and bar area. If you want them to be able to drink with you, choose a line that sets the drinking age at 18 in the region you're sailing. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Cruisers can also sit down for a tasty meal at The Glass House, which serves casual bites paired with wines from around the world. The North Star is generally free to ride. Not everybody plays into it. Most onboard activities, such as rock climbing and zip lining, are included in the fare, as are your lodging, meals (in non-extra-charge restaurants) and entertainment. If you know you want to eat at a few extra-charge restaurants during your voyage, you can buy one of several dining packages that offer meals at a discount. Royal Caribbean has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the Crown & Anchor Society, that has six tiers ranging from Gold (requiring 3 points) to Pinnacle Club (700 points). Royal Caribbean is the worlds largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 26 ships that together offer more than 94,000 berths. On many ships, there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups. 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. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment or dancing at the show lounge Carmen's, or watch larger productions at the ritzy 652-seat Curzon Theatre. yourself fleeing a gang of ghosts, saving deep space from invaders, or starting a dance revolution, you might be at the Royal Caribbean Arcade. With onboard pools, you've got plenty of chances to make a splash. Take a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you can reach it even sooner. 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. Insider tip: Be sure to book the (free) tickets for onboard comedy clubs early. 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). In the casino, only cigarette smoking is allowed, and only in designated areas on most ships (smoking in casinos is forbidden on sailings out of Australia and U.K. ports). Simrad Cruise 9 US Coastal with 83/200 Transom Mount Transducer. Throwback to the decade that was all that and a bag of chips, The poolside screen is huge - and so is the fun, Play 3-on-3 with an ocean view at the Sports Court, Jump, jive and wail at Harmony High, the most rockin show at sea. Passports must be valid for at least six months. So, while a group of college kids can certainly take a cruise, they'll have to bring along an older friend, sibling or even a parent. Aurora is a slightly more intimate ship, carrying 1,874 passengers and 850 crew members. Plus Ups are excluded. Heres how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise.