You'll also find an impressive wine list to accompany your dining experience at the restaurant. For the most part, Royal Caribbean operates big, bustling megaships that will appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. Bring along a camera that does well in low light; much of the action takes place in darker spots that are backlit. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Thrill Waterpark. I'm so sorry that this post wasn't useful for you! Performances and Shows 9. Restrictions 16 + (Excluding China sailings) For China Sailings only However, even the smallest of Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer. Check Price. Also, overlaid across most ships are high-end suites, eateries and services that are at a luxury level, and the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. 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. 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. Note that, unlike airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. Lace up your skates and take a spin on the only rinks at sea. Scenic Eclipse, touted as "The World's First Discovery Yacht," offers an all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious experience for just 228 guests and with 172 crew. While you can't book a room on the opposite end of the ship from your older children (as much as you might like to), most cruise lines let you place your teen or young adult children in an adjoining cabin, a room across the hall or one just a few doors down. And if youd like to see how the different Royal Caribbean ships fared in reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Cruiseline.com and Cruise Critic, then take a look at this guide to The Best & Worst Royal Caribbean Ships By Reviews. Casual means just that jeans, polo shirts and sundresses. The most adrenaline-amping adventures converge at Thrill Island only on Icon of the Seas. Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. Bid on bold masterpieces at an action-packed onboard art auction. While many all-inclusive or mostly all-inclusive boutique and luxury cruise lines are family-friendly, many of the onboard venues and activities are adult-by-design. 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. While some lines provide a fully adults-only experience (i.e., children are not allowed on board), others offer adult-focused venues and activities on the ship to keep you separate from younger patrons. Enrollment required. The line typically sends three to four ships every summer to Alaska. 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. Both programs are hosted by trained youth staff. They are lively and fun. 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. The line also operates five somewhat smaller Voyager Class vessels that can each hold around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy. If your idea of getting away from it all includes a vacation without the kids, consider booking an adults-only or adults-oriented cruise. 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). Its a great photo op, so dont forget your camera. If you take yourself too seriously, you won't have fun at the Quest game on Royal Caribbean. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive But it quickly got a little more bawdy: a man wearing lipstick or someone with their pants on backward. On Oasis-class ships, theres also an outdoor Boardwalk area with a hand-carved carousel. When I was invited to the Inaugural Voyage and naming ceremony of their new ship - Odyssey of the Seas, I was excited to attend. Royal Caribbean added new cruise ship activities for Gen-Z cruisers and In the end, the top three teams get medals and temporary admiration from every person who witnessed the hysterical display. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Wonder of the Seas. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. There are full-blown Starbucks cafes on some ships or at least a Starbucks stand. Quantum-class ships have Two70, an extraordinary, high-tech theater space that offers multi-sensory shows combining singing, dancing and acrobatics. 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. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Cruise Ship Activities | Entertainment & Attractions | Royal Caribbean Ice Skating Show 10. 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. 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. During the winter, the line will move even more of its ships to the Caribbean and send a few to Asia and Australia. These two vessels feature 132 oceanfront suites, a 26-person expedition team and two six-person submarines; and they visit five continents around the globe. An 18% gratuity is added to bills for bars, minibars, salons and spas. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. How to Plan the Perfect Graduation Cruise, Best Cruise Ship Activities for a Class Reunion Cruise, Pacific Explorer: What's Free -- and What's Not, 5 Things to Know About Family Expedition Cruising, 5 Reasons Why Families Will Love the Refurbished Norwegian Jewel, The Panorama Suite (Owner's Suite Connecting Cabin) on Silver Muse, Mangrove Kayak Excursion in the Darien Jungle. Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations with a private veranda, all meals (including specialty dining venues), wine and beer at lunch and dinner, one free excursion per port, complimentary Wi-Fi and access to onboard amenities such as the Nordic Spa. Its an adult-only, deck-top retreat found on every Royal Caribbean vessel. Decode the mysteries of Mission Control in the latest Royal Escape Room challenge. @booking.com. Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class is best for solo travellers as those travelling alone couldnt possibly get bored while sailing on some of the largest cruise ships in the world! There are seven dining venues and 11 bars and cafes on the ship. 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). 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! Yes, with caveats. Each day and night brings something new to do, see and explore. 4 things youll love about Royal Caribbeans Odyssey of the Seas, even bigger than the giant Oasis-class vessels, The 9 most exciting new cruise ships of 2023, The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship, The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites, What it takes to get concierge lounge access on a cruise ship, The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea, A peek at Perfect Day by CocoCay, Royal Caribbeans private island, Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships, How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? The superyacht-inspired vessels boast 20-plus eateries, including restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, and a variety of onboard fitness and wellness spaces. On Oasis-class ships, there also are 735-seat outdoor aqua theaters that are home to dazzling aerial and water shows. Royal Caribbean sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe. You must be 21 to consume alcohol on sailings originating in North America or the United Arab Emirates. 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. Usually these tours are offered to resorts or beaches that do not allow children in, either due to the inclusion of alcohol or other prohibitions. A passenger staying in suites can get to the Diamond Plus level with just 13 seven-night cruises. Access to the space is complimentary for passengers 21 and older; while there, guests can enjoy relaxing loungers, daybeds and whirlpools. 15 Fun Adults-Only Cruises for 2023 - US News & World Report Outdoors, Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil place to relax on Disney's Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy and Wish ships. You don't even have to participate to enjoy it; you can sit back and watch everyone else run around and still share in the laughter. Click the button above to compare the prices of cruises from all travel agents. 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. Plentiful smaller and affordable cabins, included casual dining options, and a plethora of bars and onboard attractions give Royal Caribbean ships a for-the-masses feel and make them accessible to travelers on a budget. With more than 10,000 plants and flowers, its a true tropical hideaway. The venues feature ocean views, bars, plush seating and other amenities. 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. These ships are also often less expensive for travelers on a per-day basis. Be the first to rate this post. And thats just on the top deck. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. 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. Add those in, and Royal Caribbean operates 13 of the worlds 30 biggest cruise ships. Discover your own private slice of paradise. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville - Adults Only All Inclusive Resort is situated in the stunning Caribbean destination of the Dominican Republic. There are pools, of course on the bigger ships, oodles of them. Disney World; Disneyland; Disney Cruise; . Don't worry if you don't win. 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. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services. When Will Royal Caribbean Bring Back an Adult Favorite Activity? The Quantum-class ships also have an indoor fun zone known as The SeaPlex that includes a bumper car pavilion. Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites. Delve into your favorite card and board games at the Card Room, Royal Escape Room The Royal Society of Puzzles. Royal Suite Class 3. Check Price. 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). She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. As you might expect, pricing for all ships will generally be less during offseason periods such as September and October. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. 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. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. It's the Quest game show, the adults-only scavenger hunt that ranks as a cruise can't-miss. The drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18. 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. In addition to its ocean vessels, Viking offers river cruises in destinations around the world including the U.S. on the new Viking Mississippi, a ship purpose-built for Mississippi River cruises. The top spot for any adult looking to spend time without children around is to head to the Solarium pool area. Gather the grown-ups and set sail on an ocean, river or expedition cruise around the world. 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. 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. Join 40,000 cruiserswho readmy email each week Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Enter a musical world and power up sound-glyphs in the virtual reality Sky Pad game, Bass Bouncer. Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville - Adults Only All Inclusive. The incredible array of onboard activities. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. 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. 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. Royal Caribbean has grown into the worlds biggest cruise line by passenger capacity for a reason. The Best Overall Royal Caribbean Ships for Adults. This light-filled covered pool area encased by a glass dome is the perfect quiet space for reading a book or taking a nap. Onboard Shops 7. The casinos on the four other Oasis-class ships are similarly giant. Royal Caribbean has one of the most extensive childrens programs at sea, with programs and activities for children as young as 6 months old through the age of 17. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest. 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. Score prime waves all day every day on the FlowRider surf simulator. Some recently built ships even have skydiving simulators giant acrylic tubes where you get to experience the sensation of skydiving. Solarium | Adult Only Activities | Royal Caribbean Cruises Spa 6. Dont worry if you dont want to go that fancy, though. Royal Caribbean's large, epic ships have always intrigued me. Seabourn also features an all-inclusive adult-focused experience on its five luxury ocean vessels. Soak up the thrills on all The Perfect Storm, the boldest waterslides at sea. The best Royal Caribbean ships for younger adults are the Quantum-class ships. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. 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. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. 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. But don't post those perfectly lit photos on social media sites. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. The top spot for any adult looking to spend time without children around is to head to the Solarium pool area. You can purchase a multiday pass in advance for Vibe Beach Club, and cabana rentals are available for more privacy. First time cruiser's guide to Royal Caribbean's onboard activities 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. Be the detective at Mystery Dinner Theater, an evening of intrigue. Guard the goal against drone-launched balls in this virtual reality Sky Pad game. 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. The cruise line has not brought back a popular very adult event, but there are signs that may change. 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. Get ready for a total blast from the past at the greatest 80's party ever. 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. Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like destination-themed performances, cooking classes and lectures by historians. However, there are a lot of factors that go into pricing for any given cruise, including the popularity of the specific itinerary, the time of year when the cruise is taking place and changing demand trends. What Royal Caribbean cruisers all have in common is that they love a big, bustling resort experience. This is an elevated area that has the first suspended infinity pool at sea, with a multi-level sun terrace offering plenty of spaces to relax. Theres also Hooked Seafood, a relatively new concept now on three vessels (Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas) that serves lobster rolls, fish sandwiches and the like. Outdoor Spaces 2. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. And when it's time for an after-dinner drink, sample one (or several) of more than100 whiskeys available at Scenic Lounge Bar. The newest ship in the fleet, Silver Endeavour, is touted by the line as the most luxurious expedition ship at sea. 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. Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise. It has long dazzled customers with stunning, resort-like vessels full of every sort of amusement and activity you could imagine. It's gross tonnage is 182,000, or about nearly 25% smaller than Wonder. Really. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. (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.). The new Adventure Ocean youth program is designed to ignite the imagination. 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. The Oasis-class ships are not the only biggies in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Then, contact one with a best-price guarantee and have them beat it! Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. 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! The neighborhood also hosts Lime & Coconut bars, including the first to specialise in frozen cocktails. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship. The lines remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are relatively smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,500 passengers. A four-level atrium gallery sits at the heart of the ship. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Young Adults, The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Couples, The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Seniors, The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Solo Travellers, The Best Overall Royal Caribbean Ships for Adults, Read more about Royal Caribbeans Quantum Class, The Best & Worst Royal Caribbean Ships By Reviews. What Royal Caribbean event has you sharing your underwear, putting lipstick on strangers and screaming at the top of your lungs? At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at well-heeled travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and these truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea. To find out the specifics, read our story oncruise line alcohol policies. Four New Eateries 3. Ships with mini-golf courses . The entire room is a mystery to unravel in Escape the Rubicon, Browse and buy original art from our curated collection. To gain entrance, people need to be over 16.. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins. Youll also find all sorts of other fun-focused attractions giant rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, zip lines, miniature golf courses and basketball courts, to name a few. Every Royal Caribbean ship has adult-only areas. 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. 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. Join puppets Mia and Max as they embark on a glow-in-the-dark adventure.