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. 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. And don't miss the new two-story Sunset Bar, reimagined by interior designer and TV personality Nate Berkus. The timing of when you book can also matter. The lines biggest ships are bigger than any other cruise vessels afloat, and theyre chock-full of more restaurants, bars, entertainment zones and attractions than youll find anywhere else at sea or even at many of the biggest land resorts. There are pools, of course on the bigger ships, oodles of them. I've always loved cruising, and am thrilled to see a return to the seas for the major cruise lines. On many ships, there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups. On these expedition-style voyages, the ship will carry only 200 guests and a total of 192 crew. 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. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. 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. 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. 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. Its forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee. If its a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and youre bound for the top deck, that means looking like youre going to the beach T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine. 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. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. From the robot mixologists at Bionic Bar to the FlowRider surf simulators, and the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss, to hit Broadway musicals like Grease. 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. The line will welcome Venture's sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit, in 2023. Adults will love this ship more than kids. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Here's Why You Shouldn't Panic, Virtual Cruise Trip Report: Onboard a Cruise Critic Member's "Fake, Made Up and Completely Impossible" Cruise Itinerary. 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. 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. These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Extraordinary tech meets top-notch talent and epic imagination at Two70. The most adrenaline-amping adventures converge at Thrill Island only on Icon of the Seas. 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. Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. 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. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers arent great, but its not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if youre cruising a lot. 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. 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. Note that, unlike airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. 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 best class of Royal Caribbean ships for couples is the Quantum Ultra Class. 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. 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. 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. Balcony cabins on the same sailing started at around $683 per person, based on double occupancy. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: Smackdown! - Cruiseline.com 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. There are seven dining venues and 11 bars and cafes on the ship. Awe is inspired on a grand new scale at the shimmering AquaDome. Yes. Simrad Cruise 9 US Coastal with 83/200 Transom Mount Transducer. Don't worry if you don't win. Published: 11/19/2021 - Last updated: 02/28/2023. 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. Whatever thrills you seek, youll find all sorts of ways to fill your days onboard Royal Caribbean. Ive worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and now my blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. Meanwhile, in just over a year, Royal Caribbean will begin to roll out a series of cruise ships even bigger than the giant Oasis-class vessels. Dont worry if you dont want to go that fancy, though. To gain entrance, people need to be over 16.. 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. Rock climb to the top of Adrenaline Peak for unmatched views. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Quantum-class ships have Two70, an extraordinary, high-tech theater space that offers multi-sensory shows combining singing, dancing and acrobatics. Keep an open mind and go with the flow. The top spot for any adult looking to spend time without children around is to head to the Solarium pool area. 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. 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. 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. 20 Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Adults (2023 Updated) In addition to these off-the-beaten-path excursions, guests can visit iconic sites like the ancient city of Ephesus (Kuadasi) in Turkey and the Parthenon and Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece. Two ships in P&O Cruises' U.K.-based fleet Arcadia and Aurora are exclusively for adults 18 and older. Two clans collide in an icy new glow-inthe-dark laser tag faceoff for control of a mystical frozen city. The rinks are in the interiors of the ships, surrounded by stadium seating for up to 775 people, and the shows are out of this world. Other SeaPlex activities include air hockey and table tennis. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. 3. So thats another option if you want an epic action-packed experience. Smash candies into colorful bits in this super-sweet virtual reality game on SkyPad. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Adults (2023) - Cruise Mummy The Oasis-class ships are well-known for a few things. The first Icon class vessel, Icon of the Seas, will debut in January 2024. 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. Insider tip: Be sure to book the (free) tickets for onboard comedy clubs early. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment or dancing at the show lounge Carmen's, or watch larger productions at the ritzy 652-seat Curzon Theatre. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest "scavenger hunt," so check out your daily cruise planner to see when it's scheduled. 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. 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. Bid on bold masterpieces at an action-packed onboard art auction. Plunge into new thrills on the only headfirst mat racer waterslide at sea, Riptide. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Royal Suite Class 3. That said, it's not uncommon for teens to find ways to drink onboard (just as they do at home). Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. 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. That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. If youre a megaresort lover, youll surely love the lines biggest ships, particularly the giant Oasis-class vessels. Restrictions 16 + (Excluding China sailings) For China Sailings only Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. We were told to divide into teams, with no limit to the number of teams, and then we were off. The Best Overall Royal Caribbean Ships for Adults. Disney. Decode the mysteries of Mission Control in the latest Royal Escape Room challenge. Mellow out to live Caribbean music in this open-air sanctuary thats high above ordinary. 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. What Royal Caribbean cruisers all have in common is that they love a big, bustling resort experience. On Spirit of Adventure, Saga's newest ship, passengers can spend evenings indulging in Italian cuisine at Amalfi, sampling Nepalese dishes at Khukuri House, or settling in for drinks and dinner at the Supper Club, which features jazz music and cabaret-style entertainment. 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. Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like destination-themed performances, cooking classes and lectures by historians. The new Swim & Tonic is your go-to for ice-cold drinks and sun-kissed beats. Launch yourself into a virtual world on a bungee trampoline experience Sky Pad. The spa area offers massages, facials, a salon and many more services to enjoy. 10 Fun Cruise Ship Games and Contests That Bring Out - Cruise Critic If you're not easily offended and love to cut loose on a cruise, this is a must. Become the star of your own show as you belt out all your favorite tunes, karaoke-style, at Star Moment. Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. 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. A whole new way to explore and discover an underwater-themed world full of fun. Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea. However, higher levels of the program start to be very enticing. Sing along to a chorus of ivory tickling classics at Schooner Bar nightly. This sprawling oasis is the largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water. The top-notch entertainment, including Broadway shows. Learn more. The venues feature ocean views, bars, plush seating and other amenities. Cruise fares cover meals at all the dining venues; basic beverages such as water, tea and coffee; gratuities for the crew; Wi-Fi; and unlimited fitness classes. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Daniel Kline Jun 24,. If your idea of getting away from it all includes a vacation without the kids, consider booking an adults-only or adults-oriented cruise. Most cruise lines allow passengers age 18 and older to leave the ship and sign up for shore excursions on their own. Some of the extra-charge eateries come with a flat fee, usually around $35 to $50 per person, not including the cost of drinks. Learn more aboutplanning a college spring break cruise. 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. 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! Royal Caribbean is the worlds largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 26 ships that together offer more than 94,000 berths. Fuel bolder bonding at Surfside the ultimate stay-all-day family neighborhood. The line also operates five somewhat smaller Voyager Class vessels that can each hold around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy. 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. 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. 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. Cruise line staff have strict instructions not to serve underage drinkers. Quest is uproariously fun, supremely competitive, and it's definitely for adults only, which is why it's often scheduled after 11 p.m. It's up to you to set rules about where your kids can be without you or what kind of behavior you expect from them. 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. In general, Royal Caribbeans big, resort-like Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships will be more expensive than the lines older, smaller vessels. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 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. Ship Waterslides 4. Even 30 minutes ahead of schedule, the lounge was filling up and the crowd was buzzing excitedly. 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). They might get an older friend to buy them a drink (though both parties could get kicked off the ship if caught) or smuggle booze onboard and drink secretly in their stateroom or in the cabin of a friend. 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. Travelers 18 and older are welcome aboard Viking's adults-only ships, which feature destination-focused itineraries around the world. Editorial disclaimer: 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. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. 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. With each step-down in size, youll find fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment offerings and attractions. Here are our 16 favorite things to do on a Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas cruise. To be called the Icon class, it'll be made up of at least three vessels that each measure more than 250,000 tons. 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. The top decks of Royal Caribbean ships are where things get crazy. Guests can enjoy wellness-focused activities on the ship, such as yoga classes, spa treatments and customized fitness programs. The line charges a $15 corkage fee if you bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or other public areas to drink. If you take yourself too seriously, you won't have fun at the Quest game on Royal Caribbean. 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. It's gross tonnage is 182,000, or about nearly 25% smaller than Wonder. This can be a plus if your kid doesn't want to spend all his or her time with you, or simply enjoys meeting new people. Swirl through a champagne bowl funnel in Supercell, part of The Perfect Storm, the boldest waterslides at sea. When Will Royal Caribbean Bring Back an Adult Favorite Activity? The newest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet are the Icon-class ships, with the debut ship being Icon of the Seas. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. I'm so sorry that this post wasn't useful for you! Check Price. 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. 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. Get ready for a total blast from the past at the greatest 80's party ever. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. Revamped Kid. 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. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional farm near Bergen, Norway, or spend an evening dining on Caribbean Creole cuisine prepared by renowned chefs in a mansion in Cartagena, Colombia. This elegant French restaurant seats just 35 guests and features a multi-course degustation menu and Champagne bar. 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. 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. Were particularly fond of the two-deck-high Music Halls on Quantum-class vessels. On some vessels, such as the Quantum-class ships, youll find a dedicated space with games and a widescreen TV called The Living Room where teens can hang out, plus a teens-only disco called Fuel. One of the lines newest ships, Spectrum of the Seas, has offered trips for Chinese travelers out of Shanghai and Tianjin, China (the port for Beijing). It takes one cruise to hit the first tier, Gold. (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.). What Royal Caribbean event has you sharing your underwear, putting lipstick on strangers and screaming at the top of your lungs? Except they float. Pictures of Cruise Compasses showing activities on a Royal Caribbean Cruise on the Harmony of the Seas including Perfect Day at CocoCay! 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. All vessels have North American-style 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style 220-volt outlets. Arcadia, the newer of the two ships, carries 2,094 guests and 866 crew. Also, under-21s will not have easy access to alcohol on the ship. 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 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. To find out the specifics, read our story oncruise line alcohol policies. Interior areas bring everything from full-size spas and large casinos to Broadway-quality theaters with top-name shows. The most common one found across the fleet is Chops Grille, the lines signature steakhouse. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. 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. 5 Best Cruise Lines for Adults - Cruise Radio Disney's newest ship, Disney Wish, boasts several adults-only luxurious venues featuring characters and scenes from "Beauty and the Beast." Members Celebrate 25 Years of Cruising Community. 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. On a typical sailing, you might find an entry-level cabin for around $100 per person per night, while a high-end suite is five or 10 times that amount.