Life of Travel
Royal Caribbean
Cruise Guide
Home to the world's largest cruise ships, featuring waterparks, Broadway shows, and endless family adventures
Welcome to Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean operates 29 incredible ships across seven distinct classes, carrying more guests each year than any other cruise line. From the record-breaking Icon of the Seas with its six waterslides and eight neighbourhoods, to intimate Radiance Class vessels perfect for scenic Alaska voyages, there's a Royal Caribbean ship for every family. Known for innovation, they pioneered the FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating rinks at sea, and the revolutionary Central Park neighbourhood with real trees and plants.
The Royal Caribbean Experience
Waterparks at Sea
Central Park
AquaTheater
Pool Paradise
Ship Classes
Tap each class to learn more about the ships
Icon Class
5,600+ guests
The world's largest cruise ships with 8 unique neighbourhoods and revolutionary design
Ships: Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas (2026)
Key Features: Category 6 waterpark (6 slides), Surfside family area, AquaDome, Ultimate Family Townhouse suite, 40+ dining options
Best for: Families wanting the ultimate cruise experience • First-time cruisers • Those who want everything in one place
Oasis Class
5,400+ guests
Revolutionary mega-ships that introduced neighbourhood concept with Central Park and Boardwalk
Ships: Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, Utopia of the Seas
Key Features: Central Park with real trees, Boardwalk carousel, AquaTheater diving shows, 7 neighbourhoods, zip line, FlowRider
Best for: Families who love variety • Broadway show enthusiasts • Adventure seekers
Quantum Class
4,100-4,900 guests
Innovative ships featuring groundbreaking technology and the iconic North Star observation capsule
Ships: Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum, Odyssey of the Seas
Key Features: North Star (300ft views), RipCord skydiving simulator, SeaPlex bumper cars, Two70 entertainment venue, Bionic Bar robot bartenders
Best for: Tech-loving families • Thrill seekers • Those wanting unique experiences
Freedom Class
3,600-4,500 guests
The original mega-ships that introduced the FlowRider surf simulator to cruising
Ships: Freedom, Liberty, Independence of the Seas
Key Features: FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating rink, Perfect Storm waterslides, H2O Zone kids area, Royal Promenade
Best for: Great value family cruises • Caribbean itineraries • Those who want big ship fun at better prices
Voyager Class
3,100-3,800 guests
Pioneering ships that first brought Royal Promenade, ice skating, and rock climbing to sea
Ships: Voyager, Explorer, Adventure, Navigator, Mariner of the Seas
Key Features: Royal Promenade indoor boulevard, ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, The Blaster waterslide (Navigator), mini golf
Best for: Short getaways (3-4 nights) • Caribbean and Bahamas • Budget-conscious families
Radiance Class
2,100+ guests
Elegant mid-sized ships designed for scenic cruising with walls of glass and ocean views
Ships: Radiance, Brilliance, Serenade, Jewel of the Seas
Key Features: Floor-to-ceiling glass, self-leveling pool tables, outdoor pool with retractable roof, intimate atmosphere, extensive spa
Best for: Alaska and scenic voyages • Couples and multi-gen families • Those preferring smaller ships
Vision Class
1,900-2,400 guests
Classic intimate ships perfect for visiting smaller ports and unique itineraries
Ships: Grandeur, Rhapsody, Enchantment, Vision of the Seas
Key Features: Glass-wrapped exteriors, intimate atmosphere, unique Caribbean itineraries, ports larger ships can't visit
Best for: Port-intensive itineraries • Experienced cruisers • Those wanting a relaxed pace
Onboard Highlights
- 🌊FlowRider surf simulator and waterslides on most ships
- ⛸️Ice skating rinks with spectacular shows (Oasis, Freedom, Voyager classes)
- 🎭Broadway musicals including Grease, Mamma Mia, and Wizard of Oz
- 🧗Rock climbing walls with ocean views on every ship
- 👶Adventure Ocean kids clubs from 6 months to 17 years
- 🍽️Complimentary dining plus specialty restaurants like Chops Grille and Wonderland
- 🏝️Perfect Day at CocoCay private island with Thrill Waterpark
FlowRider
Kids Club
CocoCay
Cabin Types
From cosy inside cabins to spectacular suites
Inside Cabin
Budget-friendly option with virtual balconies on newer ships showing real-time ocean views
- ✓ Virtual balcony on Icon/Oasis class
- ✓ Comfortable for 2-4 guests
- ✓ All standard amenities
Best for: Budget-conscious • Families who'll spend time exploring • Short cruises
Ocean View Cabin
Natural light and ocean views through a window or porthole
- ✓ Real window with sea views
- ✓ Natural daylight
- ✓ Same size as inside cabins
Best for: Natural light lovers • Light sleepers • Mid-range budget
Balcony Cabin
Private outdoor space to enjoy sea breezes and stunning views - the most popular choice
- ✓ Private balcony with seating
- ✓ Floor-to-ceiling glass doors
- ✓ Best for scenic cruising
Best for: Most families • Scenic itineraries • Anyone wanting outdoor space
Family Suites
Spacious suites with separate sleeping areas for kids, split bathrooms, and family-friendly layouts
- ✓ Separate kids' sleeping area
- ✓ Split bathroom design
- ✓ Priority boarding & dining
Best for: Families with children • Those wanting extra space • Special occasions
Ultimate Family Townhouse
Icon of the Seas exclusive: Three-storey suite sleeping 8 with in-suite slide, cinema, games room, and private balcony with hot tub
- ✓ 3 floors with in-suite slide
- ✓ Private cinema & games room
- ✓ Balcony with hot tub
- ✓ Sleeps up to 8 guests
Best for: Once-in-a-lifetime celebrations • Multi-generational trips • Ultimate family splurge
Popular Itineraries
Caribbean
3-8 nights
Eastern, Western & Southern Caribbean from Florida ports with Perfect Day at CocoCay
Popular ships: Icon, Oasis & Freedom Class
Alaska
7 nights
Scenic glacier cruising from Seattle or Vancouver with wildlife and adventure
Popular ships: Radiance & Quantum Class
Mediterranean
7-12 nights
Western & Eastern Med from Barcelona, Rome, and more European ports
Popular ships: Oasis & Voyager Class
Bahamas Getaways
3-4 nights
Perfect short breaks from Florida with Nassau and CocoCay visits
Popular ships: Utopia, Wonder & Freedom Class
Family Cruise Tips
Book early for school holidays. Popular sailings sell out months in advance, especially for connecting cabins and family suites
Pre-book kids club sessions and popular activities through the Royal Caribbean app before you sail
My Family Time dining lets kids eat quickly then head to Adventure Ocean while parents enjoy a relaxed meal
Purchase drink packages and excursions before sailing for the best prices
Mid-ship cabins on lower decks have less motion, ideal if anyone gets seasick
Set up a spending account for teens so they can have some independence onboard
A Day at Sea
7:00am
Early risers grab coffee and watch the sunrise from the pool deck
8:30am
Family breakfast at the Windjammer buffet or main dining room
10:00am
Kids head to Adventure Ocean while parents hit the FlowRider or spa
12:30pm
Lunch together, then afternoon pool time and waterslides
3:00pm
Ice skating show, rock climbing, or trivia in the Schooner Bar
6:00pm
Dinner at specialty restaurant or main dining room
8:30pm
Broadway show, AquaTheater diving, or evening entertainment
Frequently Asked Questions
Adventure Ocean accepts children from 6 months old (with Royal Babies & Tots Nursery) through to 17 years old. The nursery has a small hourly charge, while clubs for ages 3-17 are complimentary. Kids are grouped by age so they're always with peers.
Yes! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are included in your fare at the main dining room, buffet, and many casual venues. Specialty restaurants like Chops Grille, Izumi, and Wonderland have an extra charge but offer exceptional à la carte experiences worth trying.
Icon of the Seas and the Oasis Class ships offer the most for families with waterparks, kids areas, and endless activities. For a first cruise or shorter trip, Freedom and Voyager Class ships offer great value. For scenic destinations like Alaska, Radiance Class ships are ideal.
It's Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas featuring Thrill Waterpark (the tallest waterslide in North America), Oasis Lagoon (the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean), beautiful beaches, and the helium balloon ride Up, Up and Away. Many Caribbean itineraries include a visit.
You don't have to, but booking through the cruise line guarantees the ship will wait if your excursion runs late. We can advise on the best excursions for families and help you book the most suitable options for your children's ages.
Ready to Book Your Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Let us find the perfect ship, cabin, and itinerary for your family. We'll handle everything from flights to transfers, plus secure any available perks and onboard credit.
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