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. Royal Caribbean's Thrill Waterpark is a mega watersports paradise with 13 waterslides, a record . Become the star of your own show as you belt out all your favorite tunes, karaoke-style, at Star Moment. 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. Aurora is a slightly more intimate ship, carrying 1,874 passengers and 850 crew members. Polish your PADI skills and get dive certified on your vacation. The first Icon class vessel, Icon of the Seas, will debut in January 2024. 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. 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. 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. Take the plunge on the tallest slide at sea - the Ultimate Abyss. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars youll spend to take your family to a show in New York City. 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. Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only retreat for guests ages 18 and older. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship. 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. You can enjoy a quiet afternoon reading a book on a bench in the tree-lined Central Park area of Wonder of the Seas while, just a few decks above, thousands of vacationers frolic away at the ships three distinct pool areas. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. Disney World; Disneyland; Disney Cruise; . In This Article Freedom of the Seas Stats 1. Cruise lines have strict policies that once you turn 18, you can no longer participate in teen activities, even if you are still in high school. 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." With 27 ships in the fleet, many of them offer adult-only areas and venues for a cruise getaway completely kid-free. Perhaps no other area is as synonymous with adults only as Casino Royale, where gambling laws prohibit kids from being around. Cruise line staff cannot serve wine or any other alcoholic drink to your underage son or daughter. We finished with a bronze, and for the next two days, in-the-know passengers who stopped our pal to say, "Hello Savannah" were greeted with a big smile (and a little blush). Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. 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. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. The cruise line has not brought back a popular very adult event, but there are signs that may change. Its not just families that flock to Royal Caribbean, though. Its grub time anytime at Pier 7 with beachside bites, all-day brunch and chill vibes, Indulge in kid-approved favorites that grownups never stopped loving at Surfside Eatery and Surfside Bites. Fresh blood." Since you have to use your cruise card to pay for all on-ship purchases, including drinks, the cruise ship will flag the cards of minors in the system (sometimes they even have a different color or design), so an alert will pop up if an underage passenger tries to buy alcohol. The line typically sends three to four ships every summer to Alaska. TPG values it at $1,600. Passengers can make the most of some alone time with a quick nap and a good book, or simply kick back and relax before heading back into the high-energy environment elsewhere on the ship. Learn more. Five big Quantum Class ships and three big Freedom Class ships each have total capacities ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. Enter a musical world and power up sound-glyphs in the virtual reality Sky Pad game, Bass Bouncer. On these expedition-style voyages, the ship will carry only 200 guests and a total of 192 crew. This elegant ship boasts 366 luxurious all-balcony suites and an impressive ratio of 567 crew members to just 732 guests. 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! Norwegian Cruise Line has three adults-only outdoor venues for guests 18 and older (though specific spaces vary by ship). The heart of the program, called Adventure Ocean, has free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. 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. Mellow out to live Caribbean music in this open-air sanctuary thats high above ordinary. All suite accommodations include a private veranda or terrace; butler service; state-of-the-art amenities; Egyptian cotton linens; and an in-suite minibar stocked with Champagne, wine and other personally selected beverages. A few lines have meet-and-greets for young adults to meet other cruisers their age, but it's assumed that passengers age 18+ will just participate in the regular cruise activities: hanging out by the pool, joining in dance classes or trivia games, playing ball on the sports court, etc. Outdoors, Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil place to relax on Disney's Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy and Wish ships. 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. Take a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you can reach it even sooner. That should've tipped us off. Royal Caribbean Activities: Royal Caribbean is known as the pioneer of onboard innovation. Adults can also enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in one of the lounges and nightly entertainment in the Constellation Theater; for a nightcap, sip a fine cognac in one of the ship's favorite hideaways, the Connoisseur Club. It's gross tonnage is 182,000, or about nearly 25% smaller than Wonder. Dive into a fully-immersive augmented reality adventure in Expedition Two70. The neighborhood also hosts Lime & Coconut bars, including the first to specialise in frozen cocktails. While it's possible that restaurant wait staff might not notice if you give your teen a sip of wine, cruise ship staff do have the right to disembark passengers found giving alcohol to minors, so you do so at your own risk. Vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services. Learn more. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Its forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee. The drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18. In short, theyre like the megaresorts you see in Las Vegas or Orlando. 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. The version of the Royal Promenade on Oasis of the Seas, for instance, offers the Bionic Bar, where a robot makes the drinks, along with the equally innovative Rising Tide Bar, which rises between the Royal Promenade and the outdoor Central Park area three decks above while you drink. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest. The spa area offers massages, facials, a salon and many more services to enjoy. While these larger ships are kid-friendly and offer activities for families and children of all ages adults can also find hidden retreats and dining and bar venues just for grown-ups. At Redemption Spa, relax or recharge in the mud room or salt therapy chamber. All rights reserved. They are lively and fun. 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. Note that such voyages are on hold of late due to travel restrictions in China related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Single Travellers: Ships in the Oasis Class include Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony and Wonder of the Seas. You'll also find an impressive wine list to accompany your dining experience at the restaurant. 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. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. For even more pampering, Senses Spa & Salon boasts treatment rooms with ocean views, luxurious spa villas and other amenities. The first team to arrive with the requested item gets the most points, the second gets the second-highest and the third well, you get it. Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships. Enrollment required. The best class of Royal Caribbean ships for couples is the Quantum Ultra Class. For a special treat during your cruise, don't miss "Caviar in the Surf." Ship Waterslides 4. The Best Overall Royal Caribbean Ships for Adults. Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. As you might expect, pricing for all ships will generally be less during offseason periods such as September and October. If you want to enjoy some time on shore without kids, look for excursions that do not allow kids to be booked. If not, just leave blank, Top 5 things to do on Royal Caribbean for adults, Spotted: Digital copy downloads of the Cruise Compass, This should be your approach to getting a Covid test before your cruise, 5 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. 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. Dont worry if you dont want to go that fancy, though. Restrictions 16 + (Excluding China sailings) For China Sailings only The ultimate infinity pool for serene ocean views with sun-drenched action always close by. They sometimes sell out in advance due to heavy demand and limited capacity. You can find in the myriad of Royal Caribbean shore excursions a few that cater only to adults. Brush up on your Spanish skills in an interactive onboard class. Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea. 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. 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. But, which ship is the best depends on the kind of cruise youre looking for. Related: What to pack for your first cruise. With the most innovative ships at sea and an exhilarating assortment of activities around the corner, your event attendees will always have something new - and exciting - to experience. Even more wow, as Royal Caribbean executives like to say, are the ice skating shows put on at the ice skating rinks found on 13 of the lines ships. Balcony cabins on the same sailing started at around $683 per person, based on double occupancy. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Rock out on the Rock Climbing Wall for full-scale adventure, An aqua park that's cool, colorful and all kinds of crazy. You want someone who knows all 34 of those cabin categories that we mentioned above and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see them firsthand. The exact activities offered will vary from ship to ship, and sailing to sailing. Youll receive things like priority check-in and a private departure lounge with continental breakfast at the end of a trip. The Oasis of the Seas is one or the largest ships in the world. If you're planning to take a cruise on Royal Caribbean, you should know that it offers something for everyone - from kids to teens to active adults and even grandparents. The new Adventure Ocean youth program is designed to ignite the imagination. Join 40,000 cruiserswho readmy email each week Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Royal Caribbean ships offer vacationers a ton of options, whether it be for dining (some vessels have more than 20 distinct places to grab a bite) or entertainment. Extraordinary tech meets top-notch talent and epic imagination at Two70. Each day and night brings something new to do, see and explore. Then, contact one with a best-price guarantee and have them beat it! The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Serve up stiff competition during a table tennis face off. 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. In the end, the top three teams get medals and temporary admiration from every person who witnessed the hysterical display. 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. After exploring exciting ports of call, head back on board to enjoy Arcadia's elegant interiors and top-notch service. Located on all of Carnival Cruise Line's cruise ships, this adults-only outdoor hideaway is a tranquil oasis hidden away from bustling venues and family-friendly areas. With a variety of activities and entertainment of all tastes and ages, these ships are ideal for making new-found friends and enjoying plenty of experiences while you sail. It's the Quest game show, the adults-only scavenger hunt that ranks as a cruise can't-miss. You'll also find indulgences like onboard helicopters for intimate excursions and Scenic Neptune, an underwater submarine. Other SeaPlex activities include air hockey and table tennis. Grab a friend and race down The Perfect Storm twin waterslides Typhoon and Cyclone. There also are multi-device packages that are less expensive on a per-device basis. 9. On Oasis-class ships, theres also an outdoor Boardwalk area with a hand-carved carousel. Physical activities. (If you can't get a seat but plan to participate, don't worry: Chances are, you won't actually sit all that much anyway.). 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. It casually came up in conversation throughout our cruise on Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas, but it didn't show up on our Cruise Compass until the second-to-last night of our trip. In recent years, Royal Caribbean has deployed one or more ships to China for sailings aimed at the Chinese market. The most out-there deck-top attractions on Royal Caribbean ships are surely the North Star rides found on Quantum-class ships. With multiple restaurants, fantastic entertainment and endless activities . Have you and your team got what it takes to beat the clock? That's more than six times the cost of the least-expensive inside cabin (which was starting at $481 per person, based on double occupancy). (Enrollment required for select benefits.). 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. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. When it's time to relax, The Solarium is a popular adults-only area that's found on the Resort Deck of all of Celebrity's ships, including Celebrity Beyond. An agent also can help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage. For top-notch steaks, contemporary Italian cuisine and panoramic ocean views, make a reservation at the Cogsworth-inspired Palo Steakhouse. Got game? Royal Caribbean ships offer an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to bumper car pavilions. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. 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. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Onboard Shops 7. The top spot for any adult looking to spend time without children around is to head to the Solarium pool area. This sprawling oasis is the largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water. Daniel Kline Jun 24,. That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. The hardest part is deciding where to start. Of course, the casino offers slots and table games to try your luck at, if you want to combine your kids-free time with (hopefully) winning money. These smaller ships accommodating a maximum of 702 guests sail waterways and rivers larger ships can't access, where they can dock in city centers and unique ports of call around the globe. With each step-down in size, youll find fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment offerings and attractions. Cruisers can also sit down for a tasty meal at The Glass House, which serves casual bites paired with wines from around the world. Check out the full list of Perfect Day CocoCay Bahamas activities below. The ship departs from Southampton in the U.K. and sails to the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal; the British Isles; Norway and Iceland; and the U.S., Caribbean and Canada. Royal Caribbean does not publish its activities prior to a cruise, but if you learn about the most common activities available onboard, it should provide a good idea of what to expect once onboard. The Solarium is an adults only pool on all Royal Caribbean ships where children under 16 years old are prohibited from lounging. The Quantum-class ships also have an indoor fun zone known as The SeaPlex that includes a bumper car pavilion. Bring along a camera that does well in low light; much of the action takes place in darker spots that are backlit. 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. Our companions persuaded us to show up early at the Safari Club, where Quest would take place, so we could grab a primo seat -- in this case, close to the stage with unobstructed views. Were particularly fond of the two-deck-high Music Halls on Quantum-class vessels. The Radiance Class is best for seniors as it offers a smaller ship experience, alongside all the signature features cruisers of Royal Caribbean come to expect. Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship. Mini-golf. Whether you are taking a break from the kids after dropping them off in Adventure Ocean, or cruising without kids, there are a few good spots and activities to look for where children will be far from view. Your . Casual means just that jeans, polo shirts and sundresses. The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who like a little more intimacy in a cruise vessel and dont mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. And this is just one example. Gear up, grab a foil and get ready for an introduction into the art of fencing. The line's two ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, feature all-balcony cabins and depart from either the Dover or Southampton cruise ports in the U.K. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar. Hang on tight for The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. A whole new way to explore and discover an underwater-themed world full of fun. 1. For cruises from international ports, youll need a passport. This tropical haven offers guests a truly unforgettable experience, with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear . Disney. Related: The 9 most exciting new cruise ships of 2023. The line's all-inclusive fares include perks like round-trip business class or coach airfare (depending on the destination), complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays, two- or three-night land packages, all meals and beverages, free shore excursions, and more. 2. Then, finish off the evening dancing the night away at The Globe. Most cruise lines allow passengers age 18 and older to leave the ship and sign up for shore excursions on their own. The incredible array of onboard activities. The line's nine ocean-going 930-passenger ships offer luxurious, Scandinavian-style accommodations and comfortable spaces to relax with a book or gaze out at the ocean.