The world-renowned Global Culinary Ambassador for the line, Daniel Boulud, created the menu at this elegant venue, incorporating dishes inspired by his travels. On Oasis-class ships, theres also an outdoor Boardwalk area with a hand-carved carousel. 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. And when it's time for an after-dinner drink, sample one (or several) of more than100 whiskeys available at Scenic Lounge Bar. Take the plunge on the tallest slide at sea - the Ultimate Abyss. 12 Major Differences Between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line In short, theyre like the megaresorts you see in Las Vegas or Orlando. The casinos on the four other Oasis-class ships are similarly giant. 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. The Casino Royale on Oasis of the Seas sprawls with 450 slot machines, 27 table games (including blackjack, roulette and craps) and a poker room, plus its very own bar. Insider tip: Be sure to book the (free) tickets for onboard comedy clubs early. We were told to divide into teams, with no limit to the number of teams, and then we were off. Rock climb to the top of Adrenaline Peak for unmatched views. Whether youre seeking a relaxing oasis of calm in the adult-only solarium, looking to try your luck in the casino, or eager to dance the night away in the nightclub, Royal Caribbean features plenty of fun for the adults on board. By the end of this class, youll be dancing like the stars. The line also operates five somewhat smaller Voyager Class vessels that can each hold around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy. Smart casual is a step up to collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits, with a jacket for men optional. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Young Adults: Royal Caribbeans Quantum-class ships feature the cruise lines first installations of the North Star observation pod and the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator. Royal Caribbean sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe. The currency used on all Royal Caribbean ships is U.S. dollars, no matter where they are in the world. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship. Show off new moves during Dance Classes with the pros. 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. To fully unwind, consider reserving a private cabana, where you can book an open-air massage. Brush up on your Spanish skills in an interactive onboard class. Hi, I'm Jenni. You can splurge on a stone therapy treatment at the Oasis spa for some extra pampering, followed by a live show at the three-tiered theater, The Palladium. You can purchase a multiday pass in advance for Vibe Beach Club, and cabana rentals are available for more privacy. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Soak up the thrills on all The Perfect Storm, the boldest waterslides at sea. Add those in, and Royal Caribbean operates 13 of the worlds 30 biggest cruise ships. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. We were cruising with a group of Royal Caribbean pros, and the first mention of Quest came on the first day of our cruise -- something like, "Oh good! 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! One of Royal Caribbeans great strengths is its theater entertainment, which can be mind-blowing at times i.e., you wont believe youre seeing what youre seeing on a cruise ship. Family fun takes a nostalgic turn on the handcrafted carousel, Feel the freedom of freefall on the only skydiving simulator at sea RipCord by iFLY, Make your circus dreams come true on the flying trapeze. Solarium Included SUN AND SERENITY Slip away to this adults-only indoor and outdoor retreat. (Getty Images). See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. 2. Outdoors, Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil place to relax on Disney's Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy and Wish ships. Royal Caribbean's Thrill Waterpark is a mega watersports paradise with 13 waterslides, a record . The Oasis-class ships have three distinct pool areas, as well as a watery play zone for kids. Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites. Single-day or multiday passes are available to all adult cruisers, while travelers who book a Haven suite can access Posh Beach Club for free. 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). Adults will love this ship more than kids. For more information about the difference between Royal Caribbeans classes, check out my guide: Royal Caribbean Ship Classes Compared. Here are a few more tips forstaying safe on a cruise. These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. 10 Fun Cruise Ship Games and Contests That Bring Out - Cruise Critic 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. After exploring exciting ports of call, head back on board to enjoy Arcadia's elegant interiors and top-notch service. 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. While not necessarily the focus at Royal Caribbean, these smaller ships, which in general are the lines older ships, allow it to offer itineraries to places that arent as easy for big ships to visit. The rules vary by cruise line, but most allow 18-year-olds to hang out at bars or nightclubs on their own, or with family and friends who are also 18+. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. The Royal Tots program (for ages 18 months to 3 years) offers 45-minute interactive playground sessions with age-appropriate activities and toys. Most cruise lines allow passengers age 18 and older to leave the ship and sign up for shore excursions on their own. Keep an open mind and go with the flow. Recently, Royal Caribbean soft launched their new Hyperlink Program onboard select vessels, and after reading some mixed reviews, I decided to see what the activities were all about while sailing on Symphony of the Seas. We put it to the test. 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. Daniel Kline Jun 24,. Go airborne on the only boomerang slide at sea, Youre the VIP (Very Important Passenger) behind the scenes, See the ship over nine decks above the Boardwalk on the Zip Line. On some ships, youll also find Izumi, a sushi-serving Asian eatery; Vintages, a small bite-serving wine bar; imaginative cuisine-serving Wonderland; and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which offers cold brews, burgers and wings along with games like foosball. This elegant ship boasts 366 luxurious all-balcony suites and an impressive ratio of 567 crew members to just 732 guests. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Check out the full list of Perfect Day CocoCay Bahamas activities below. 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. They sometimes sell out in advance due to heavy demand and limited capacity. Find the right card for you. 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. But do note that the drinking age on all ships that visit the U.S., as well as on many U.S.-based cruise lines sailing anywhere in the world, is 21. Relive original performances in stunning 4K at Two70's Virtual Concert. While this isnt the biggest class for Royal Caribbean, its onboard facilities are more focused on technology, adrenaline-rushing activities and thrill-seeking, with plenty of adult-only options too. On these expedition-style voyages, the ship will carry only 200 guests and a total of 192 crew. On Royal Caribbeans Oasis-class ships there are more than 20 places to grab a bite, ranging from Johnny Rockets diners to high-end restaurants serving six-course tasting menus. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. 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. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. In the end, the top three teams get medals and temporary admiration from every person who witnessed the hysterical display. If you're an athletic traveler, there's no shortage of competitive cruise ship games that will keep you active. Thanks to a full glass canopy over the interior space, adult passengers can enjoy quiet lounging areas, swimming pools and whirlpool tubs with a view, no matter the weather. Plunge into new thrills on the only headfirst mat racer waterslide at sea, Riptide. 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. Two ships in P&O Cruises' U.K.-based fleet Arcadia and Aurora are exclusively for adults 18 and older. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. The newest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet are the Icon-class ships, with the debut ship being Icon of the Seas. When the bumper cars arent in use, the space transforms into a roller rink, which is also used as a circus school with lessons on a flying trapeze. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. With no real rules, let your conscience be your guide on this one. Pricing changes over time, but recently has been priced at $17.99 per day per device for a package that includes streaming. That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises. Then, finish off the evening dancing the night away at The Globe. The top spot for any adult looking to spend time without children around is to head to the Solarium pool area. Theres also a British pub, a karaoke lounge, a Latin-themed nightspot and located one deck up in a balcony area the lines signature Schooner Bar. The British-inspired sailings are all-inclusive; fares cover meals at all onboard restaurants as well as access to entertainment venues, Wi-Fi, and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Arcadia's five restaurants and 10 bars and cafes include Indian offerings with a British twist at Sindhu as well as steaks and seafood by renowned British chef Marco Pierre White at Ocean Grill. If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the high seas, consider booking the Regent Suite. The drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18. Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations; select spirits, wine and beer; gratuities, nonalcoholic beverages like bottled water, specialty coffees and tea; and complimentary "AzAmazing Evenings" ashore or "Destination Celebrations" aboard the ship. Cruise fares cover door-to-door transfers from home to the ship, including airfare (business class in some destinations) and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays. Learn more aboutplanning a college spring break cruise. Some veterans of the game bring along purses or tote bags packed with items they expect might be asked for; others consider this "cheating." Skip to Content. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. The most common one found across the fleet is Chops Grille, the lines signature steakhouse. Pictures of Cruise Compasses showing activities on a Royal Caribbean Cruise on the Harmony of the Seas including Perfect Day at CocoCay! Children and adults, from. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, The best places to see cherry blossoms around the US this spring, Looking back: How my points and miles strategy has changed over the years, The best increased card offers to sign up for this March. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Royal Caribbean is known for offering a wide range of accommodations on its ships. When I was invited to the Inaugural Voyage and naming ceremony of their new ship - Odyssey of the Seas, I was excited to attend. A whole new way to explore and discover an underwater-themed world full of fun. If youre more of a small boutique hotel sort of person or someone who just isnt happy around crowds, well this might not be the line for you. Quest is uproariously fun, supremely competitive, and it's definitely for adults only, which is why it's often scheduled after 11 p.m. With each step-down in size, youll find fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment offerings and attractions. The cruise director took the stage and warmed us up with a few jokes, along with some instructions that included warnings like, "Be careful" and "Don't run into each other." 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. Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship. Hang on tight for The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea. If you're traveling with (or without) children on one of these lines, you'll want to know the adults-only venues to plan your afternoon or evening out sans kids. Have you and your team got what it takes to beat the clock? A passenger staying in suites can get to the Diamond Plus level with just 13 seven-night cruises. Some ships also have comedy clubs, and theres always live music in multiple venues nightly. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. It would take five cruises if youre doing seven-night trips (fewer if youre in a suite) to reach the second tier, Platinum (30 points). A four-level atrium gallery sits at the heart of the ship. If you want to enjoy some time on shore without kids, look for excursions that do not allow kids to be booked. 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. Youll receive a SeaPass card that you can use to make charges. Sold-out shows, particularly in onboard comedy clubs. Together, the 18 Oasis, Quantum, Freedom and Voyager class vessels make up Royal Caribbeans big-ship fleet. Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar. 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. Check Price. And on the recently launched Norwegian Prima, an elevated beach club experience includes the line's first infinity hot tubs. Most cruise lines require travelers under age 21 to share a room or an adjoining room with someone 21 years or older. Specialty restaurants offer top-notch steak and seafood at Prime C or, if you prefer, Italian fare at Aqualina. Endeavour's features include state-of-the-art technology for navigation and exploration and an industry-leading Zodiac-to-guest and expert-to-guest ratios. 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. Take in the warm sun and ocean breeze with a signature sangria in hand, or stop for a healthy meal at Fresh Creations Salad outlet (available on select ships) for an alfresco lunch. 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. Disney World; Disneyland; Disney Cruise; . Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like destination-themed performances, cooking classes and lectures by historians. 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. But, which ship is the best depends on the kind of cruise youre looking for. Balcony cabins on the same sailing started at around $683 per person, based on double occupancy. Some are enormous, with more than two dozen treatment rooms and thermal areas with hot stone chairs, rainforest shower areas, saunas and steam rooms. The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat (for ages 18 and older), offers cruisers an escape from the bustling public spaces on the ship. 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. Sports Competitions. Onboard Shops 7. The top spot for any adult looking to spend time without children around is to head to the Solarium pool area. Dive into a fully-immersive augmented reality adventure in Expedition Two70. Treat your whole crew to over-the-top milkshakes, including boozy adults-only options at Desserted. Mini Golf. But there have been instances of rape and sexual assault on cruise lines, so you'll want your child to use common sense and take the same precautions she does at home, school or in any new city. 6 Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Families. But onboard, excitement like this comes standard and the ice skating comes complimentary. Sip to the rhythm of live music and DJs at every turn at Chill Island. However, higher levels of the program start to be very enticing. Its time to take your pool game to the next level. These include the solarium, casino, nightclub, spa and certain adult-only bars and lounges. Spice H2O is another adults-only venue on the Norwegian Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway, Breakaway, Epic, Star and Spirit vessels; access is complimentary. 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 and time for relaxation among like-minded and similarly aged travelers.