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Adventure Ocean ®

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WHY CRUISING IS THE BEST WAY TO VACATION WITH THE FAMILY

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Who says a family vacation has to be all about the kids? While the young ones are off exploring onboard or having a blast at the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, reconnect with your partner over dinner at one of the fleet’s world class specialty restaurants, catch a Broadway spectacular in the Main Theater, or get down on the dance floor to the sounds of a DJ or a talented live band.

KID-APPROVED CARE

Craving a little grown-up time? Both Adventure Ocean and the Royal Babies & Tots programmes provide care and educational activities for kids in different age groups. Adventure Ocean also offers a Late Night Party Zone group sitting for children aged 3 and 11 between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., so you can enjoy a stress-free adults-only night out on deck.

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PENCIL IN A PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

While the kids are at play, indulge in the ultimate date night with your partner in adventure. Kick things off with a dinner to remember, followed by a glass of your favorite wine at Vintages or a singalong session at Schooner Bar. Then keep the party going long into the night at a live stand-up comedy show before you take a whirl on the dancefloor at Club Twenty.

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8 Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Kids (2023)

Ever thought of turning your family vacations into thrilling voyages? Here’s the thing: cruising isn’t just for grownups, and Royal Caribbean is the cruise waving the flag high for family fun at sea. With heart-racing slides, dreamlike nurseries, and even onboard surf Virtual Reality simulators, Royal Caribbean adds a pinch of magic dust to the concept of family holidays.

But with so many fantastic vessels in their fleet, which are the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids ? Fear not, this is your compass to navigate the choices. Welcome aboard Funky Cruise, your fun-filled guide to child-friendly cruising!

Why Choose a Royal Caribbean Ship for a Family Vacation?

When it comes to family-friendly cruising, Royal Caribbean is an unmatched champion. This cruise line has made a remarkable commitment to ensure every member of the family, no matter how tiny, can have a grand time at sea. They are not merely ‘allowing’ kids on board; they’re rolling out the red carpet for our little seafarers.

Imagine ice skating rinks and laser tag arenas. Picture kid-friendly pools, bumper cars, or a rock-climbing wall – and we’re still just scratching the surface. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean® program provides educational activities tailored to all age groups, making these cruises both fun and enriching.

Why are cruises good for kids? Simple! They provide a smorgasbord of experiences and learnings in one safe, contained environment. It’s like the entire world is brought to them, in the most entertaining way possible. For the young ones, a Royal Caribbean family vacation is nothing short of an epic adventure.

What Makes a Cruise Ship Great for Kids?

Now, this might have crossed your mind: “ What are the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids ?” Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what makes a cruise ship tick the ‘kid-friendly’ box.

First and foremost, onboard activities are pivotal. A great ship for kids will have a slew of exciting options that go beyond the traditional swimming pool. Think water slides, zip lines, mini-golf, and climbing walls. Royal Caribbean ups the ante with surf simulators, ice skating rinks, and even skydiving simulators!

Next up, the amenities. Kid-friendly dining options, age-appropriate movies in the cinema, and family staterooms spacious enough to fit the clan without stepping on Lego bricks (or each other) are essential. Bonus points for interconnecting rooms, so you can have your own space but keep the kiddos in sight.

Kids Clubs deserve a special mention. They are the beating heart of a child-friendly cruise ship, offering a variety of engaging and educational activities. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean® stands out, catering to different age groups from tiny tots to hard-to-please teens.

Lastly, we have family rooms. A ship designed with kids in mind will offer family-friendly accommodations. Rooms that comfortably house everyone, and maybe even have a separate area for the kids – because let’s be honest, they need their own kingdom sometimes.

These are the components we’ll use to measure the contenders and reveal the crowning glory: the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids. Let’s dive in!

Top Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships for Kids

When it comes to creating unforgettable family memories, not all ships are created equal. So, without further ado, here are our ultimate picks for the finest Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids .

Symphony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, Symphony of the Seas, is a floating city that’s a dream come true for kids. The seas symphony ship boasts an impressive Splashaway Bay, an aquatic playground filled with slides, water cannons, and fountains. Add to this a glow-in-the-dark laser tag, a multi-level sports deck, and the Adventure Ocean ® kids program, and you’ll understand why we rank Seas Symphony at the top of the lot.

Harmony of the Seas

As the second-largest ship in the fleet, seas harmony offers kids a slice of heaven. The Perfect Storm waterslides, an interactive escape room, and the DreamWorks Experience – where kids can meet their favorite characters – make it a standout. The Seas Harmony ship also offers family suites with a slide from the kids’ room down to the living area. Talk about an indoor playground!

Oasis of the Seas

Oasis-class ships come with a carousel, a zipline, two FlowRider surf simulations, and the largest kids club at sea, Oasis-class ship is sure to impress even the most seasoned young voyagers. Oasis-class ships AquaTheater, hosting breathtaking water acrobatics shows, is a magical experience for all.

Anthem of the Seas

Seas anthem screams fun. Its SeaPlex is the largest indoor activity space at sea, featuring bumper cars, a roller skating rink, and even a circus school. The Seas Anthem ship also offers virtual balconies for rooms without a window, so everyone gets a view.

Freedom of the Seas

Seas Freedom offers an excellent balance of kid-friendly activities and spaces for adults to relax. Seas Freedom boasts a water park, a 3D movie theatre, and the Adventure Ocean ® program. Its newly revamped Giovanni’s ℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is a hit for family dining. Freedom-class ships are one of the very finest royal Caribbean ships for the young ones.

Grandeur of the Seas

Don’t be fooled by its smaller size; Seas Grandeur packs a punch when it comes to kid-friendly features. With an outdoor movie screen, a rock-climbing wall, and the award-winning Adventure Ocean® kids program, Seas Grandeur provides an intimate yet adventurous cruising experience.

Mariner of the Seas

With the Perfect Storm waterslides, Sky Pad virtual reality bungee trampoline experience, and an escape room, Seas Mariner is a hub of action and adventure. The Adventure Ocean ® program ensures younger kids have just as much fun as the older ones while on board a Seas Mariner.

Liberty of the Seas

Seas Liberty serves a perfect blend of fun and relaxation. Kids will love the H2O Zone water park, while parents unwind at the adults-only Solarium. The Seas Liberty ship also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including the DreamWorks Experience and the Ocean Adventure ® program.

Each of these ships brings its unique magic to the table. Your little ones are not just passengers on these vessels – they’re adventurers, explorers, and conquerors of the high seas. With the best of Royal Caribbean cruises ships for kids , every journey is a storybook waiting to be written. So, anchors aweigh, and let the good times roll!

Activities & Amenities to Look for in a Kid-Friendly Ship

When setting sail with little ones, what truly transforms a ship into a floating wonderland are the activities and amenities on offer. Here’s a comprehensive list of what makes the Royal Caribbean cruise ships the best for kids and the perfect family vacation.

• Aquatic Playgrounds: Beyond your standard pools, these ships come equipped with extensive water parks. Look for water slides, splash pads, and interactive water features in areas like Splashaway Bay and H2O Zone.
• Adventure Ocean®: This program offers age-specific clubs, including Aquanauts (3-5 years), Explorers (6-8 years), and Voyagers (9-12 years). Activities range from science experiments to arts and crafts, ensuring fun and education go hand in hand.
• Royal Babies® & Royal Tots nursery®: These nursery services allow the youngest cruisers to have their share of fun while parents enjoy some leisure time.
• Teen Hangouts: Teens have their own spaces like The Living Room, a lounge devoid of adults, and Fuel, a teen-only club. So, your adolescents can socialize and enjoy activities without feeling ‘babyish’.
• Entertainment: Family-friendly shows, parades and even meet-and-greets with favorite characters are a part of the Royal Caribbean experience.
• Sports and Simulation Activities: Rock climbing, ice skating, mini-golf, and even simulated sky diving – these ships pull out all the stops.
• Family Dining: Kid-friendly menus and early dinner seating options make meal times stress-free. With the thoughtful My Family Time Dining option, Royal Caribbean ensures that kids finish their meals within 40 minutes. Once they’ve enjoyed their dinner, Adventure Ocean staff members promptly escort them to a world of engaging evening activities. This thoughtful feature ensures the kids are happily occupied while the adults enjoy a relaxed dining experience.
• Accommodations: Spacious family rooms, interconnected staterooms, and even suites with slides ensure the comfort of every family member.

With such a vast array of offerings, every day at sea brings a new adventure for kids on Royal Caribbean ships. From toddlers to teens, there’s something exciting for every age group, ensuring your family vacation is truly one for the books.

Tips for Cruising with Kids on Royal Caribbean

Setting sail with the little ones? Here are some pearls of wisdom to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruising experience on the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids .

• Firstly, plan ahead . Pre-book your kids into the Adventure Ocean® program to secure their spot. Also, reserve early dining times if your tots follow a strict bedtime.
• Pack wisely . Remember to bring swim diapers for the under-3s for pool time. A compact stroller can be a lifesaver for navigating the ship.
• For new parents , Royal Caribbean offers excellent baby amenities. However, don’t forget to pack a baby essentials kit for those ‘just-in-case’ moments.
• Always keep communication open with your older kids about safety and ship etiquette. Teenagers, for instance, should know the ship’s curfew rules.
• And finally, take a moment to read up on similar cruise ship blogs – they’re treasure troves of advice and shared experiences. If you’re reading this, you’re already on the right path, and we appreciate your foresight! Recognize that the goal is to have fun. So, go forth, be merry, and let Royal Caribbean take care of the rest.

Conclusion: Cruising Into the Sunset

The search for the best Royal Caribbean ship for kids leads us to the grand Symphony of the Seas, the thrilling Harmony of the Seas, the dazzling Oasis of the Seas, the exciting Anthem of the Seas, and the balanced Freedom of the Seas. Each ship is a testament to Royal Caribbean’s commitment to family-friendly cruising, offering an array of amenities and activities for all age groups.

Choosing the perfect ship for your family vacation ultimately depends on your kids’ preferences and your family’s vacation goals. So, take the plunge, set your course, and embark on a voyage that your family will treasure forever. Here’s to oceans of fun and endless horizons!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best royal caribbean ships for kids under 10.

For youngsters under 10, Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas from Royal Caribbean’s fleet are excellent choices, offering a perfect blend of fun and discovery. Both offer a range of age-specific clubs and activities. Their water parks, like Splashaway Bay, are a hit with this age group. Features like family-friendly shows, the DreamWorks Experience on Harmony, and a carousel on Symphony make these ships.

What activities do Royal Caribbean ships offer for teenagers?

Royal Caribbean Cruises crafts experiences tailored just for thrill-seeking teenagers. With teen-only lounges like The Living Room and nightclubs such as Fuel, socializing is a breeze. Sporty teens will relish in adventurous pursuits like rock climbing walls, ziplining, and surfing on FlowRider simulators. The SeaPlex on Anthem of the Seas offers a mixed bag of fun with bumper cars, roller skating, and a circus school.

Can babies and toddlers cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship?

Yes, indeed! Royal Caribbean warmly welcomes babies and toddlers aboard their ships. They offer programs like Royal Babies ® & Royal Tots ® that provide engaging activities for the youngest guests. Certain ships also have nurseries where your little ones can be taken care of for a fee. Family-friendly dining options and spacious staterooms ensure that cruising with babies and toddlers is a breeze.

What are some tips for first-time family cruisers on Royal Caribbean?

Pre-book your dining times, shows, and activities as they can fill up fast. Remember to pack essentials , especially kid-friendly items like swim diapers and sunscreen. Once you’re onboard, take time to get acquainted with the ship’s layout, especially pinpointing all the areas designed for kid-friendly fun and activities. Ensure older kids understand safety rules and set meeting points. Lastly, relax, soak in the experience, and create lasting family memories!

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I’m Bobby Pham, but you can call me “Bobby on Cruise.” I’ve been cruising the high seas and exploring the world for years, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with you. When not cruising, I spend my time on growing my marketing agency.

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Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Families – Complete Guide

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Royal Caribbean is well known for its family friendly cruise ships with lots of activities for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for a cruise that the whole family can enjoy, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for you.

As someone who has cruised on Royal Caribbean since I was 4 years old and through my teen years, I know first-hand which are the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for families .

Cruise ships aren’t one size fits all, so it’s important to choose the right cruise ship for your families’ needs and preferred vacation style.

With that being said, here are the best Royal Caribbean ships for families, plus everything you need to know about the kid’s club on Royal Caribbean.

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6 Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Families

1. oasis of the seas.

The Oasis of the Seas is one or the largest ships in the world. As someone who cruised on the Oasis of the Seas recently, I’ll be the first one to say that this is the ultimate cruise ship for families!

With multiple restaurants, fantastic entertainment and endless activities, the Oasis of the Seas has something for every member of the family. For a ship with over 6,700 passengers, somehow the Oasis never feels overly crowded.

Now if you’re thinking about food that is great for kids and families, there are many free casual food options including Sorrento’s Pizza, El Loco Fresh and the Dog House.

Additionally, the Windjammer Marketplace (buffet) has a wide variety of options. If you prefer a sit down meal, the main dining room has great food and service. You’ll also find plenty of specialty restaurants that have an extra charge.

There are multiple entertainment venues onboard the Oasis of the Seas, including the Aqua Theatre, Studio B (ice skating show) and the Royal Theatre.

A few other fun things to do for families are a parade and a 70’s show, all happening in the Royal Promenade.

On sea days , the pool area is a great place to hang out with the family. There are multiple hot tubs and pools, and there is even poolside ice cream for those who have a sweet tooth.

Just because you’re on a family cruise, doesn’t mean that you can’t have some adult only alone time!

On Oasis of the Seas, you’ll find a beautiful solarium pool with hot tubs. The solarium pool area is a perfect adult only escape while your kids are in the kid’s club.

Activities on the Oasis of the Seas:

• The Ultimate Abyss (10 story dry slide)
• Water Slides
• Flow Rider Surf Simulator
• Basketball Court
• Miniature Golf Course

Related: What’s Included on Oasis of the Seas (Entertainment, Activities, Food & Drink)

2. Navigator of the Seas

The Navigator of the Seas is a great option for those who are looking to travel on a budget. The Navigator of the Seas may not be as big as the Oasis class ships, however this Voyager class ship still has some amazing activities!

Since it was recently refurbished, the Navigator of the seas has a beautiful new look and some incredible new attractions. Escape rooms, laser tag and water slides were all recently added to this ship, which is a big hit among kids.

If your kids love waterslides, the will love what the Navigator of the Seas has to offer. This cruise ship has multiple slides, including a two person tube slide that has you suspended over the water.

The Navigator of the Seas has some delicious included restaurants, like El Loco Fresh, Windjammer Café and the main dining room. There is also a wide variety of specialty restaurants, that have an extra charge .

Related: What to Pack for a Royal Caribbean Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

3. Quantum of the Seas

The Quantum of the Seas is one of the best cruises for families . This is a sister ship to the Anthem of The Seas and the Ovation of The Seas cruise ships.

In comparison to the Oasis class ships, the Quantum of the seas is smaller (although still a big ship at 168,000 tons). Quantum of the Seas holds just under 5,000 passengers.

The Quantum of the Seas has some cool and unique attractions: bumper karts, indoor sky diving and the North Star.

The North Star is a ride that brings you 300 feet above sea level where you’ll have beautiful view of the ocean and cruise ship. This ride accommodates up to 14 passengers and last for around 15-20 minutes. Depending on the time of day and sailing, charges may apply for the North Star.

The Quantum of the Seas has multiple pools and hot tub areas including the main pool, an indoor pool and a beautiful adult only pool area.

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4. Voyager of the Seas

The Voyager of the Seas is one of the older ships on this list, however it was recently refurbished in 2019. On the Voyager of the Seas, you can expect family favorites like ice skating shows, water slides and a surf simulator.

While your kids are at Adventure Ocean kid’s club, feel free to enjoy the beautiful adult only solarium. This is a great place to relax in a calm and quiet environment, while your children are having the time of their lives!

One of the great things about Voyager class cruise ships their size. At 137,000 tons, the Voyager of the Seas is a large ship with many onboard attractions and activities.

This ship size is great for families with younger kids that might find Oasis class ships overwhelming in size. While the Oasis of the Seas has many bells and whistles, the Voyager of the Seas has many great activities as well.

Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise: 27 Tips, Tricks & Hacks

5. Wonder of the Seas

The Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean ‘s newest ship. This is the sister ship to the Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and the Utopia of the Seas (coming soon!).

Currently, Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, holding 6,988 passengers. This cruise is loaded with fun activities, top notch entertainment and amazing food.

Wonder of the Seas has many of the same activities as the Oasis, like the zip lines, rock climbing, water slides, surf simulators and the Ultimate Abyss.

When it comes to onboard entertainment, the Wonder of the Seas has the “INTENSE” aqua show. This show is incredible as it features dancers, acrobats and high divers.

The Wonder of The Seas has a wide variety of stateroom options for families, from economical inside cabins to next level family suites.

6. Freedom of the Seas

The Freedom of the Seas is one of the three Freedom class cruise ships. At about 155,000 tons, this cruise ship is a bit larger than the Voyager class ships, and smaller than the Oasis class.

When it comes to the best cruise ships for families, this list wouldn’t be complete without the Freedom of the Seas.

Since it got refurbished back in 2015, the Freedom of the Seas now has some new attractions and activities . Royal Caribbean added water slides, laser tag, and the Flowrider Surf Simulator to the cruise ship.

One of the biggest advantages of doing a family cruise on Freedom of the Seas is its value, which is amazing for families cruising on a budget .

Since the Freedom of the Seas is not one of the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ships, the price is often lower than other newer cruise ships.

However, don’t let its age fool you. The Freedom of the Seas is full of some amazing features and fun things to do!

Related: What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise (dress code & outfit photos)

Royal Caribbean Kid’s Club Information

One of the best parts about cruising for families is the kid’s club. The kid’s club, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean, is a place where children and teens can hang out in a supervised and safe environment.

Children are divided by age group, which allows for each age group to have a unique set of activities. Here’s how the children are divided:

Adventure Ocean Age Groups:

• Royal Babies & Royal Tots (6-36 months)
• Aquanauts (ages 3-5)
• Explorers (ages 6-8)
• Voyagers (ages 9-11)
• Teens (ages 12-14)
• Teens (ages 15-17)

Royal Babies & Royal Tots Information (6-36 months)

The Royal Babies and Royal Tots program is offered on select Royal Caribbean ships. This program is for younger children who are not old enough to attend the Adventure Ocean kid’s club.

There is a 1 staff to 3 children ratio, to ensure that each child gets the proper supervision. There are activities for the young kids throughout the day, like play time, watching movies and art sessions, which parents can participate in.

This program costs $6 per hour, per child, between 9 am to 6 pm and $8 per hour, per child, between 6 pm and midnight.

The Royal Babies and Royal Tots program makes cruising with young children a lot easier and it’s one of the many reasons that Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for families.

Aventure Ocean Information Ages 3-11:

Those who take part in the Adventure Ocean kid’s club will have the time of their lives. As a kid, my parents could never get me out of the kids club, because it was so much fun!

Here’s a list of activities for the Adventure Ocean Kid’s Club:

• Scavenger Hunts
• Movie Night (in private movie theater)
• Pirate Night
• Pyjama Night
• Talent Show
• Sports Tournaments
• Video Games

Adventure Ocean Hours:

• 9 AM- 12 PM
• 2 PM – 5 PM
• 7 PM – 10 PM
• 10 PM – 2 AM (Additional Fee)

Overall, Adventure Ocean is a blast and the kids will absolutely love it. The staff are great and they keep things fun and exciting throughout your cruise.

Adventure Ocean Teen’s Club Information (Ages 12-17)

The teen club on Royal Caribbean is a great place for young people on a cruise to meet and hang out. In the teen’s club there is a dance floor, video game areas and activities going on throughout the day.

As a teenager who has cruised on Royal Caribbean , I can say that they have one of the best youth programs at sea. The staff are super friendly. Plus, the kid’s club is a cool area to hang out and the activities are super fun.

Here’s a list of activities for the Adventure Ocean Teen Club:

• Pool Parties
• Casino Night
• Battle of the Sexes
• Themed Dance Parties
• Beach Volley Ball

Adventure Ocean Teens Hours (ages 12-17):

• 7 PM – 1 AM

If you have a teenager, they will absolutely love going to the teen’s club. It’s a great place for them to meet new people, participate in activities and have the vacation of a lifetime!

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Final Thoughts on The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Families

Well there it is, the best Royal Caribbean ships for Families!

When it comes to a cruise line that every member of the family can enjoy, you can’t go wrong with Royal Caribbean. No matter what cruise you decide to book, Royal Caribbean will be a great time for the whole family.

In his post, I shared the 6 best Royal Caribbean cruises for families and everything you need to know about the kids club on Royal Caribbean.

Are you planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

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Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Kids (COMPLETE GUIDE)

Royal Caribbean ships are famous for being family-friendly and a great way to spend a vacation with kids.

But not all ships are built the same.

Whether it’s water slides or pools to rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks, they provide an exhilarating experience for all ages.

Depending on what you and your kids are looking for, some ships may be much better than others for you and your family…

Table of Contents

What Are The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Kids?

Royal Caribbean has a lot of family-friendly ships, but we highly recommend Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas , and Allure of the Seas for families with kids.

These ships are not just ordinary cruise ships. They offer a wide range of exciting activities, such as water slides, zip lines, and many more, that cater to the interests of kids of all ages.

From adventurous activities to fun-filled amenities, these ships go above and beyond to provide an unforgettable vacation experience for families.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Features for Kids

Splash zones.

On your Royal Caribbean cruise, your little ones will love the baby splash zones designed specifically for them.

These areas provide a safe and fun environment for babies and toddlers to play in the water.

With gentle fountains, shallow pools, and adorable water features, your children can enjoy hours of water play while you supervise from a comfortable seat nearby.

Royal Caribbean ships with Baby Splash Zones:

• Adventure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas

• Anthem of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas

• Icon of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas

• Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean offers various kids clubs to cater to the interests and ages of your children.

The Adventure Ocean kids’ club is a popular choice, with activities tailored for different age groups, such as 3-5 years old, 6-8 years old, and 9-11 years old.

These clubs have age-appropriate activities like arts and crafts, games, and themed parties.

Your kids will be entertained by the trained staff while making new friends and exploring new interests.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean ships feature the Royal Babies & Tots nursery for the youngest travelers, providing a cozy and nurturing space for babies and toddlers.

Royal Caribbean Ships Who Offer The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery Drop Off

• Brilliance of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas

Ships that DO NOT have Royal Babies and Tots Nursery:

• Empress of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Majesty of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas

Outdoor Adventure Areas

For the more adventurous kids, Royal Caribbean ships boast exciting outdoor facilities.

Your children can challenge themselves on the rock climbing walls or engage in friendly competition with table tennis matches.

Your kids can make a splash in the swimming pools and whirlpools, featuring thrilling water slides, which are available on some ships. For families seeking even more excitement, certain ships offer ziplines and mini-golf courses for hours of outdoor fun.

Remember, these experiences may vary depending on the specific Royal Caribbean ship you choose for your vacation, so it’s essential to check the ship’s amenities before booking to ensure it offers the features and activities that will make your family cruise unforgettable.

Entertainment and Activities on Royal Caribbean Ships

Family-Friendly Shows

On your Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly shows that cater to all age groups.

The entertainment includes Broadway-style productions, ice-skating shows, and aqua theater performances. Catch a dazzling performance of “Grease” or “Mamma Mia!” on select ships like Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

For a more thrilling experience, watch ice-skaters perform incredible stunts and choreography on the ice rink.

And don’t miss out on the heart-stopping performances at the Aqua Theater, where acrobats, divers, and synchronized swimmers put up a mesmerizing show against a backdrop of fountains and a giant video wall.

Interactive Game Zones

For an action-packed family time, visit the interactive game zones on your ship.

Royal Caribbean offers innovative spaces like the SeaPlex® – an indoor multi-purpose sports complex that features bumper cars, roller-skating, and a full-size basketball court on ships like Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.

Test your surfing skills on the FlowRider® – a surf simulator available on select ships. And for the more adventurous, try out zip-lining, rock climbing, and even laser tag on certain ships!

In addition to these exhilarating activities, younger guests can explore the Adventure Ocean® youth programs – where activities are tailor-made for various age groups, featuring art classes, science experiments, and theater workshops.

Teenagers have dedicated spaces to hang out, play video games or just relax with new friends.

As you see, your Royal Caribbean cruise offers a world of entertainment and activities for the whole family.

Go ahead and enjoy these unforgettable moments while making memories that will last a lifetime!

Dining Options and Packages

Kid’s menus.

Your little ones will have plenty of options onboard Royal Caribbean ships with kid-friendly menus, designed specifically for their tastes.

Imagine them enjoying crispy mac & cheese fries, or selecting their favorite dishes from a dedicated children’s menu.

These menus include a roundup of kid-approved favorites from the “grownups” menu, allowing them to taste a bit of everything.

Family Dining

Family dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise combines the best of both worlds: enjoying quality time together while savoring a wide variety of delicious cuisine.

The main dining rooms and Windjammer Marketplace offer complimentary dining options, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family.

For a more special dining experience, consider the specialty dining packages available on your cruise.

With options like the Unlimited Dining Package, your family can explore various specialty restaurants throughout the ship.

Plus, kids ages 6-12 dine at these specialty restaurants for only $12.99, and ages 5 and under eat free!

This allows your family to try new and exciting culinary experiences together without breaking the bank.

Remember, by reserving your specialty dining packages before you sail, the prices will be adjusted for your kids once you’re onboard, and the final charges will be reflected in your account statement.

Enjoy the vast array of dining options and packages on your Royal Caribbean cruise, and create unforgettable family memories around the table while exploring the high seas.

Best Ships for Kids

When it comes to family-friendly cruises, you can’t beat sailing on the Symphony of the Seas .

This ship boasts an array of activities that cater to children and teens alike.

Your kids will love the thrilling water slides at the Perfect Storm, and the Splashaway Bay aqua park offers the perfect spot for younger children to splash around.

Symphony of the Seas also features a colorful and engaging Adventure Ocean Youth Program.

This award-winning program offers educational and fun activities tailored to different age groups. With spaces like the Voyagers and Explorers clubs, your children will never want to leave!

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy numerous options, such as:

• Rock climbing walls
• Mini-golf courses
• Table tennis

The Harmony of the Seas should definitely be on your radar for fabulous family vacations. This ship offers the innovative and exhilarating Ultimate Abyss slide – the tallest slide at sea.

With 10 decks spanning its height, this slide will thrill even the most daring members of your family.

Harmony of the Seas also offers unique attractions, such as the ice-skating rink and the energetic AquaTheater.

While the kids skate or attend a spectacular water show, you can unwind at one of the many sun decks or indulge at a specialty restaurant.

Onboard activities for your children include:

• Flowrider Surf Simulator
• Splashaway Bay
• Adventure Ocean Youth Program

On the Allure of the Seas , your family will enjoy a holiday filled with unforgettable memories.

This ship is packed with kid-friendly options, such as the DreamWorks Experience, where they can meet their favorite characters from movies like Shrek and Madagascar.

The Allure Dunes Mini Golf is a must-try for families who love some friendly competition.

The vividly designed course will immerse your family in a fun and relaxing atmosphere as they traverse the challenging holes.

For the aspiring young chef in your family, the Cupcake Cupboard is a charming and delectable experience they will not want to miss.

Your kids can participate in a cupcake-decorating class and savor their scrumptious creations.

Additionally, the ship offers these activities:

Things for Kids To Do on A Royal Caribbean Cruise

Cruising with your kids on a Royal Caribbean ship is an exciting, unforgettable adventure.

They offer a wide variety of activities and amenities tailored specifically for children of all ages, ensuring your little ones won’t ever feel bored or left out.

Adventure Ocean® Youth Program caters to different age groups, offering both fun and educational experiences.

For instance, Aquanauts (ages 3-5) can become Certified Jr. Adventure Scientists by participating in cool experiments onboard.

Explorers (ages 6-8) can indulge their curiosity with hands-on science activities, such as studying fossils, meteorology, and even exploring mini volcanoes.

Voyagers (ages 9-11) get to enjoy movie time, science lab experiments, trivia, sports competitions, gaming, talent shows, and discos.

Apart from the youth programs, you’ll also find plenty of other attractions that will keep your kids entertained. Some ships offer:

• Rock climbing walls for little climbers who love reaching new heights.
• Table tennis for family competitions and good-natured fun.
• Waterslides for kids (and adults) who want to make a splash and cool down in style.
• Ziplines thrilling your little daredevils as they zip overhead.
• Mini-golf offering a great bonding activity for the entire family.

Keep in mind that not all ships have the same attractions, so when selecting a cruise, make sure to research which ship offers the best amenities for your kids based on their interests.

When you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re giving your children an opportunity to experience a wide range of activities designed just for them.

With so many things to explore and enjoy, your kids’ adventure at sea will be one they cherish for years to come.

How Old Does A Baby Have To Be To Cruise With Royal Caribbean?

For most cruises, babies must be at least 6 months old on the first day of the vacation to cruise with Royal Caribbean.

However, for certain cruises such as transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, select South American, and other selected cruises, babies must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise.

This is because these types of cruises may involve longer periods at sea and require more extensive travel, which can be challenging for very young infants.

It’s always a good idea to check with the cruise line before booking to ensure that your baby meets the age requirements for your chosen itinerary.

Is Royal Caribbean A Good Cruise Line For Babies?

Royal Caribbean is a great cruise line for families with babies.

They provide cribs, high chairs, and strollers as well as babysitting services for parents.

Plus, a lot of Royal Caribbean ships have splash pools, play areas, and other activities that are designed for babies and toddlers specifically.

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Royal Caribbean kids club: A guide to Adventure Ocean

Royal Caribbean's megaships provide tons of activities and entertainment to suit all ages and personalities — and that includes kids. Not only do ships provide family-friendly programming, but they have drop-off spaces for kids and teens to hang out with peers and not their parents.

On Royal Caribbean, kids clubs include Adventure Ocean, Teen Lounge, and the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery. Here's everything you need to know about these onboard play spaces — before your kids ditch you and spend all day doing age-appropriate activities with their newfound friends.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Does Royal Caribbean offer a kids club?

The family-friendly cruise line doesn't offer just one kids club — it offers several! And they're available on every ship in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean kids club is divided into three groups: Aquanauts, Explorers and Voyagers. The groups will either have their own space or shared play areas, depending on the ship and the number of kids on board.

Ships also have teen clubs and lounge spaces (including outdoor hangouts) and nurseries and toddler play areas for the youngest cruisers.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

What's the age limit for Royal Caribbean kids clubs?

The Royal Babies & Tots Program takes children ages 6 to 36 months. Some ships offer drop-off sessions, while others offer spaces for parents or caregivers to play safely with babies and toddlers.

Adventure Ocean targets kids ages 3 (and toilet trained) up to 12. It is further divided into age-specific groups: Aquanauts (3 to 5 years old), Explorers (6 to 8 years old) and Voyagers (9 to 12 years old).

Note that on Freedom, Odyssey, Oasis, Wonder, Icon and Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's kids clubs are divided into AO Babies (6 to 36 months), AO Juniors (3 to 5 years old) and AO Kids (6 to 12 years old) . On these ships, you'll likely find extra-large AO Kids play areas where school-age children can choose play areas and activities based on their interests, rather than all the kids of the same age playing together.

Related: Cruising with kids: 10 mom-tested tips for smooth sailing

Tweens and teens ages 13 and up can participate in teen activities or hang out in their ship's lounge and club. The upper age limit for Royal Caribbean's teen club is 17. Once you're 18, even if you're still in high school, you can't participate in youth programming.

What activities are available for kids in Adventure Ocean on Royal Caribbean?

Activities will vary by ship facilities and by age group, but will typically include a mix of active games, arts and crafts (often inspired by the cruise destination) and video game play. Some ships have Adventure Science Labs for hands-on experimenting, while others have Imagination Studios where there's always an art project going on. Larger ships might also have the Adventure Ocean Theater where kids can watch or star in shows or play theater games.

Some Royal Caribbean ships, like the biggest Oasis-class vessels, have Play Spaces with climbing structures geared toward the younger cruisers, where kids can explore under parent supervision.

What activities are available for teens?

Many Royal Caribbean ships have spaces reserved for teenage cruisers, but the number, layout and names of these teen lounges vary across the fleet.

On Wonder of the Seas, for example, the indoor hangout is called Social100 and an outdoor gathering spot is called The Patio. On some ships, the Living Room is a place to chill with video games, table games (like foosball) and maybe even board games for organized competitions, and the Fuel Teen Club is the evening hangout with a DJ, dance floor and mocktail/soda bar.

Related: The 5 best cruises for teens

Activities might involve sports competitions, movie watching, video and board game play, scavenger hunts, evening dance parties or karaoke. Youth staff is on hand to supervise and get games and parties started, but the schedule for teens leaves more room for independent hanging out than the more structured program for the younger kids.

What about little cruisers too young for the kids club on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean offers the Royal Babies & Tots program (or AO Babies on select ships) for diaper-wearing kids too young for Adventure Ocean. Onboard nurseries are outfitted with age-appropriate toys and soft mats for crawling and playing. Many also have a nap room with cribs.

During select times, parents can play in a safe space with their babies and toddlers. Otherwise, they can drop off their little ones into the care of trained early childhood staff.

Related: Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship aims to be the ideal vacation for young families

Note that Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas are the only Royal Caribbean ships without a nursery.

What are the hours of Royal Caribbean's kids clubs?

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean runs from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. The Late Night Party Zone typically operates from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. Schedules can change based on the itinerary, so check at the kids club when you board the ship for open hours on your sailing.

Often, the kids facilities will close from roughly noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. to encourage family mealtime. The kids clubs are open when the ship is in port, and kids can attend activities in the nursery and Adventure Ocean even if their parents are off the ship. In these cases, kids in the youth program during lunch hours will enjoy lunch together.

Teen lounges often open later and might not have structured programming until the afternoon or evening.

Are the kids clubs free or does child care cost money?

Daytime and early evening kid and teen club activities are included in your fare, and you do not have to pay extra for these services.

After 10 p.m., kids attending Adventure Ocean, AO Juniors and AO Kids can join the Late Night Party Zone until 1 a.m. at an hourly rate of $10 per hour, per child.

Parents can play with their babies and toddlers in the kids club free of charge but nursery drop-off costs $6 per hour, per child, before 6 p.m. and $8 per hour, per child, after 6 p.m.

Related: Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare

What else does Royal Caribbean offer families with children?

Royal Caribbean ships offer tons of activities that kids can enjoy with their peers or with their families. Pools, waterslides and splash areas are ideal for warm-weather fun, and all Royal Caribbean ships have rock-climbing walls (it's a Royal Caribbean signature). Shows of all kinds (musicals, ice skating, comedy, Promenade parades, AquaTheater and outdoor movies) are geared for all ages. Many ships offer miniature golf, ping pong, arcades and sports courts for basketball and other games.

The bigger ships have attractions including zip lines, surfing or skydiving simulators, bumper cars, escape rooms, carousels, laser tag and giant dry slides that will entertain kids and adults.

Related: Kids cruise free: 7 cruise lines offering family deals

Royal Caribbean dining options are always family friendly with kids' menus in the main dining room and specialty restaurants. Young cruisers will especially like casual eateries, such as Sorrento's Pizza , Johnny Rockets (burgers and shakes), Boardwalk Dog House (hot dogs) and El Loco Fresh (Mexican) found on select ships. Plus, there's always free soft-serve ice cream on the pool deck.

Bottom line: Royal Caribbean kids club

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean, teen lounges and nurseries provide safe and fun spaces for kids to enjoy their vacation with peers, make new friends and give parents some time to do grownup things, like wine tasting and spa treatments (or simply enjoying a peaceful dip in the adults-only solarium). Some kids want to play there all day long, while others might dip in and out for an hour or two and spend the rest of their cruise with their family.

No matter how your children see it, Royal Caribbean dedicates a ton of space and creativity to making its youth programs some of the best at sea. Its varied offerings allow kids of all ages to find their happy places on board and your kids to grow up with Adventure Ocean over years of family vacations, from tot to teen.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Best Royal Caribbean Family & Kid Friendly Cruises

• Royal Caribbean International
• Family Cruises

4 Night Cruise to the Mexican Riviera

• You want new features like virtual balconies in inside cabins
• You want a big-ship experience with family-friendly fun
• You want a splash of traditional grandeur with lots of choice
• You want a ship with plenty of massive, windowed public rooms
• You want a quiet cruise experience that focuses on relaxation

4 Night Cruise to Canada & New England

• You want mega-ship fun with innovative onboard features
• You need a cruise that is suitable for families of all ages
• You want your ships big and bold but with a touch of class
• You hate crowds; things can get competitive at the buffet
• You are looking for cruises longer than a week in duration
• You don't enjoy being upsold for promotions and packages

5 Night Cruise to Bermuda

4 night cruise to the western caribbean.

• You a value-packed cruise on a ship with plenty of features
• You find Royal Caribbean's newer ships to be just too big
• You like to keep busy and want a full schedule of activities
• You want the wow factor of Royal Caribbean's big new ships
• You need spacious cabins; standard cabins are fairly tight
• You want all the latest bells and whistles to be onboard

5 Night Cruise to the Western Caribbean

• You want a freshly renovated older ship with lots of activities
• You like plenty of open decks and cabins with balconies
• You want a ship that provides fun with a touch of class
• You want a quiet, classically understated cruise experience
• You need diversions like massive waterparks and ziplines

4 Night Cruise to Alaska

• You like scenic cruising; this bright ship is perfect for it
• You appreciate a traditional look with high-tech features
• You want big ship amenities wrapped up in a smaller package
• You're after active diversions like ziplines and surf simulators
• You want nonstop activities and a party atmosphere onboard

7 Night Cruise to the Western Caribbean

• You want an energetic cruise that's impossibly fun for all
• You love action; the Ultimate Abyss slide is heart-pounding
• You enjoy big, busy ships filled with plenty of dining options
• You prefer a more traditional, laid-back cruise experience
• You love watching the sea; some public rooms lack windows

3 Night Cruise to the Mexican Riviera

8 night cruise to the southern caribbean.

• You enjoy active diversions, like skating, surfing and climbing
• You want lots of features but on a slightly smaller scale
• You are traveling with friends and need a ship for all
• You like a connection to the sea; this more like a resort
• You are looking for a more traditional cruise experience
• You want lots of high-energy entertainment options onboard
• You appreciate a value-packed cruise with lots of amenities
• You don't want to feel like one of a crowd on a bigger ship
• You want the latest flashy decor and knockout features onboard
• You like adventurous diversions, like waterslides and ziplines
• You prefer to have more spacious cabin accommodations
• You want solid entertainment and splashy, Broadway-style shows
• You like to keep busy, and want active days and vibrant nights
• You want a big ship cruise with plenty of bang for your buck
• You want longer cruises that explore uncommon destinations
• You prefer a more traditional, laid-back kind of cruise vacation

4 Night Cruise to Bermuda

4 night cruise to the eastern caribbean, 3 night cruise to the bahamas.

• You want a big-ship cruise to the most popular ports of call
• You want nonstop active entertainment by day and by night
• You want the latest features of Royal Caribbean's larger ships
• You don't like being upsold; extra cost activities abound
• You want to visit exotic, off-the-beaten-path ports of call
• You are looking for an intimate, traditional cruise experience
• You want a fun, big-ship cruise with classic nautical motifs
• You love open deck space; this ship has plenty to go around
• You want a variety of window-lined restaurants and lounges
• You want the gadgets found on Royal Caribbean's newer ships
• You think bigger is better and want a Vegas-style experience

9 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean

• You like lots of fun activities on a big ship with fewer people
• You are on a budget, and need a ship offering plenty of value
• You don't need the latest bells and whistles to have a good time
• You prefer Royal Caribbean's bigger, more feature-rich ships
• You want spacious cabins; Vision's are on the small side

4 Night Cruise to the Bahamas

5 night cruise to alaska.

Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean: Which family-friendly cruise line is for you?

If you're planning a cruise vacation with kids, you're likely focused on two brands: Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.

While other cruise lines cater to families, these two lines top the charts. Royal Caribbean is known for its humongous ships that are chock-full of family-friendly attractions, from waterslides and ice skating shows to huge kids clubs and adults-only solariums and sun decks. Disney is always top of mind for a family getaway, and the characters, quality of entertainment and family-focused service you're used to in its parks and hotels carry over onto its cruise ships.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

How do you make a decision when your vacation choice falls to Disney Cruise Line versus Royal Caribbean? The cruise lines are different in many ways — discover what sets the lines apart to determine which is the best for you.

Size of ships

Royal Caribbean is known for having some of the largest cruise ships in the world , including the 250,800-ton, 7,600-passenger titleholder, Icon of the Seas . Its Freedom, Quantum and Oasis Class ships are no joke either. Freedom Class ships measure roughly 156,000 tons and carry upward of 4,500 passengers at maximum capacity, Quantum Class ships measure 169,000 tons and accommodate 5,000 passengers, and Oasis Class ships measure a bit more than 225,000 tons and carry between 6,600 and 7,000 passengers.

As befitting their size, these ships are full of attractions and entertainment options, a range of cabins and suites at varying price points and multiple dining and drinking establishments.

The fleet does include smaller ships among its 28 vessels. The Vision and Radiance Class ships carry around 2,500 passengers when full. However, these ships lack many of the family-friendly attractions that Royal Caribbean is known for, and are also the vessels the line sends on longer voyages or based in secondary home ports, such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Baltimore. On many of these smaller ships, you'll find more adults, though all will have kids clubs and welcome families.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Disney Cruise Line has a much smaller fleet with only five ships (soon to be six by late 2024). These ships come in three sizes: the 83,000-ton Disney Magic and Disney Wonder carry 2,713 passengers at maximum capacity; the 130,000-ton Disney Dream and Fantasy carry 4,000; and the 144,000-ton Disney Wish (and its soon-to-debut sister, Disney Treasure ) can also accommodate 4,000. That puts its larger ships on par with Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class.

Unlike Royal Caribbean, Disney's smaller ships still bring all the Disney magic, including waterslides, family-friendly dining options and all the Disney character and princess encounters you could wish for.

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Cabins and suites

Both Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line ships offer a range of cabin and suite categories, so travelers can choose the amount of space, layout and price point that works for them.

Both cruise lines divide cabins generally into windowless inside cabins (on both lines, certain ships have digital screens that simulate windows, displaying video from outside the ship), ocean-view rooms with porthole or picture windows that do not open, balcony cabins with private verandas and suites with extra space and VIP amenities.

Both lines offer top-level cabins and suites with access to exclusive lounges and deck space and the services of a concierge. You can find these Concierge-level rooms on all Disney cruise ships, but Royal Caribbean's Suite Class is only offered on its newest classes of ships (Icon, Oasis and Quantum).

All of Disney Cruise Line's cabins were designed with families in mind. Most have a split bath design, with a sink and toilet in one room and a tub-shower combo and sink in another. They have room-dividing curtains and plenty of extra berths, with sofabeds and pulldown bunks. Royal Caribbean does have some family cabins fleetwide, especially on Icon of the Seas, but the majority of its rooms were not created with families of three and four in mind.

Royal Caribbean is your line if you're looking for over-the-top suites on the biggest ships. The collection includes stunning two-floor suites, including the Ultimate Family Townhouse and Ultimate Family Suite on Icon and Oasis Class ships which are a kid's dream accommodation.

Royal Caribbean also has some quirky cabins you might find fun, including ocean-view and balcony rooms that look onto the open-air, interior "neighborhoods" on Oasis and Icon Class ships, such as the fun-loving Boardwalk, leafy Central Park and kid-friendly Surfside. Icon of the Seas has new Infinite Balcony cabins, which have extra interior space and a glass wall that rolls down halfway (like a car window) to bring fresh air into the room.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Food and drink

Neither Royal Caribbean nor Disney Cruise Line is known for amazing food across the board; however, both have restaurants that will wow you.

When comparing Disney Cruise Line versus Royal Caribbean on dining, Royal Caribbean is your best bet, especially on its larger ships, if you want a lot of dining variety and don't mind paying extra for certain meals. Disney Cruise Line is the winner for family-focused restaurants and some amazing adults-only restaurants.

All Royal Caribbean ships include three meals a day in its multideck, banquet-style main dining rooms and Windjammer Marketplace buffets. Ships will also have a couple of additional included venues for snacks and fast-casual meals, such as cafes (with extra-fee coffee), Sorrento's pizza and El Loco Fresh for Mexican fare.

If you're willing to pay, you'll find nearly everything you could wish for: sushi and hibachi, steak, seafood, Italian, Southern, Johnny Rockets, pub fare and inventive dishes created using molecular gastronomy. Suite Class guests have access to an elevated, intimate dining room called Coastal Kitchen.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Disney Cruise Line takes a completely different approach to dining. Each of its ships features three included sit-down restaurants, and passengers are given a schedule of which venue to visit on which night. Your waiters rotate through the dining rooms with you, so they can get to know your preferences. The eateries are often themed to Disney movies or characters and might have a stage show or other entertainment as part of the fun.

In addition, a buffet is open for breakfast and lunch, along with all-day dining at poolside, grab-n-go venues for things like pizza, burgers and sandwiches.

Adults can seek a quieter, more romantic meal in Disney's various adults-only, extra-fee restaurants, including the Italian Palo and the French Remy or Enchante. At $50 per person, Palo is a great value for brunch and dinner with all-you-can-eat options from an extensive menu, all of very high quality. On the flip side, Remy and Enchante are among the most expensive specialty restaurants at sea.

Both cruise lines offer room service , but Disney's is included in the fare, while you have to pay extra on Royal Caribbean.

Kids activities

Both cruise lines excel at entertaining kids (especially on Royal Caribbean's bigger and newer ships), but the lines take different approaches here as well. To start, both Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have large kids clubs on their ships, with separate spaces for kids and teens, as well as extra-fee nurseries for the littlest cruisers.

Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab are expansive play spaces themed to Disney, Pixar and "Star Wars" characters. You can play in Andy's Room from "Toy Story" or fly the Millennium Falcon in a "Star Wars" simulation. Activities range from arts and crafts and science experiments (like making goop) to playing video games or digital entertainment on the Magic Play Floor. Tweens and teens each have separate hangouts with lots of games and hangout space.

On Royal Caribbean ships, teens and tweens share a hangout, and the cruise line is experimenting with new programming to host activities around the ship for this picky age group. Kids still congregate in Adventure Ocean with multipurpose spaces for sports, games and crafts and plenty of high-tech entertainment. Newer ships have separate artist's studios, theaters, science labs and game space.

And, of course, both cruise lines plan kid and family activities around the ship, outside of the drop-off kids programming in the clubs. On Disney Cruise Line, families can take photos with their favorite characters and princesses, enjoy family trivia and karaoke, and attend events like a Pirate Night deck show or dance parties in the main atrium. Royal Caribbean might offer a family festival with games and face painting or field day-style competitions.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Onboard attractions

Disney might be a wiz at theme parks, but no cruise line does onboard attractions better than Royal Caribbean. Look to its biggest, newest ships for wow-factor attractions, including a FlowRider surf simulator , waterslides (including a six-slide water park on Icon of the Seas) and giant dry slides, escape room, ice skating rinks, laser tag pop-ups, bumper cars (on Quantum Class ships), zip lines, rock climbing walls and sky diving simulators.

However, its Vision and Radiance Class ships take a more traditional, pared-down approach to onboard attractions, focusing on pools and hot tubs, the casino and the spa. Choose your ship carefully if you have certain whiz-bang attractions on your to-do list.

Disney Cruise Line ships will have a water ride or slide or two, indoor and poolside movie theaters and a spa, but don't expect the over-the-top attractions of a Royal Caribbean ship. The line focuses more on activities than attractions and lazy days by the pool.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Entertainment

When you compare the entertainment of Royal Caribbean vs. Disney Cruise Line, you're not going to get a clear winner. Both lines excel at entertainment but — this won't surprise you — the two lines have different strengths when it comes to onboard shows.

Disney Cruise Line knows how to turn out high-quality shows, and each ship will offer three original Broadway-style musicals in its onboard theater. Some of them are musical versions of favorite animated classics, such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "Tangled." Other shows combine characters and songs from the Disney playbook to create original shows, like "The Golden Mickeys."

Disney is also known for captivating top-deck events, such as its Pirate Night shows, complete with fireworks, rappelling pirates and Mickey and friends dressed in their pirate best. Its ships run classic Disney movies on its poolside screen and first-run shows from the entire Disney portfolio in the indoor movie theaters. Adult entertainment in the lounges at night might include interactive game shows, karaoke, live music or even a solo show from a cast member.

Royal Caribbean also gets high marks for its stage shows, which range from shortened versions of Broadway musicals to original song-and-dance revues. Some ships have separate clubs where guest comedians perform, ice rinks for original Ice Capades-style shows and AquaTheaters for innovative acrobatic-diving-dancing performances. Expect high-tech effects, including the use of robotics, to enhance the entertainment.

The cruise line employs numerous musicians, including pianists who perform at the Schooner Bar, Dueling Pianos bar and even in the elevator and other unexpected locations (you never know where the Stowaway Pianist will appear). Ships with Royal Promenades host festive parades, dance parties and midnight balloon drops.

Who is on board?

Disney Cruise Line unsurprisingly attracts a lot of families, especially families with little kids in that princess-worshipping sweet spot, as well as multigenerational families. However, the line also attracts its fair share of adult couples, friends and families with grown children. It's not uncommon to find couples celebrating an onboard wedding or their honeymoon.

What most of these Disney passengers share is a love of the brand, whether that's the characters and movies or Disney's obsession with high-quality entertainment. Also, Disney cruises don't come cheap, so families tend to be well off, or they've saved for years for a special trip.

Related: 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids

Royal Caribbean sees a larger variety of passengers across its fleet due to multifaceted ships and a wide range of cruise fares. You'll find families with kids of all ages (including adult ones), couples celebrating milestones from weddings to retirements, and lots of bachelor and bachelorette parties, spring breakers and girlfriend getaway groups. Who is on board will vary depending on the ship, the time of year and the length and destination of the cruise.

If you want a more adult environment, look for smaller or older ships, longer itineraries and off-peak travel times. If you want to find families, look for weeklong cruises sailing during school breaks. The party crowd and younger friend groups gravitate toward the super-short three- or four-night or weekend itineraries.

Related: The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler

Itineraries and pricing

Disney Cruise Line ships mainly sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas on weeklong or shorter sailings. Three- and four-night cruises from Florida home ports, especially Port Canaveral, are ideal for tacking onto short visits to Disney World in Orlando.

Disney Wonder is the cruise line's Pacific-based ship. It sails to Mexico, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific and Hawaii (the latter as repositioning cruises). Disney Dream is the line's transatlantic ship. It sails to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida, but also crosses the ocean to offer European cruises (Mediterranean, Norwegian fjords, Western Europe).

Disney has previously offered Bermuda and Canada/New England cruises from northeastern U.S. home ports but does not currently have any on its schedule.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

With a much larger fleet, Royal Caribbean has a much more diverse itinerary roster, but its focus is mainly the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Europe. In the summer, the line might base a dozen ships in the islands, half as many in Europe and four in Alaska, with the rest sailing to places like Bermuda, Canada and New England, Mexico and Asia. It can offer ship and itinerary options within one cruise region at the same time, whereas Disney might only have one ship sailing one route.

Royal Caribbean also offers cruises to the South Pacific, Pacific Northwest, Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii and Panama Canal, as well as transatlantic and transpacific crossings to move ships to new home ports.

You'll also have a wider selection of departure ports in the U.S. with Royal Caribbean. Its ships sail from secondary home ports, such as Baltimore, Boston, Cape Liberty (Bayonne, New Jersey), Galveston, New Orleans and Tampa, as well as the major Florida ports, Los Angeles, Seattle and Vancouver.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Perhaps because Disney Cruise Line has far fewer ships to fill than Royal Caribbean, its prices are generally much higher on similar itineraries. For example, at press time, the cheapest seven-night Caribbean cruise you can book on Disney Cruise Line starts at $1,449 per person, based on double occupancy and not including taxes and fees. Royal Caribbean's cheapest weeklong cruise starts at $377 per person.

However, Royal Caribbean's newest ships are very much in demand, and pricing can rival Disney's. The cheapest seven-night cruise on the line's recently debuted Icon of the Seas starts at $1,723 per person; its 2025-arriving sister Star of the Seas isn't much more affordable, with rates starting at $1,677.

Bottom line: Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean

If you're looking at Disney Cruise Line versus Royal Caribbean for your next vacation at sea, you can't go wrong with either line.

Choose Disney Cruise Line if you're a huge Disney fan or are traveling with kids who are. Choose that line if you prefer smaller ships that are still kid-focused but offer plenty of adults-only spaces. Finally, book a Disney if you can afford the high fares and if your preferred destination and travel dates match up with the line's more limited schedule.

Choose Royal Caribbean if you like big ships and cruises that appeal to all ages and interests or if you're looking for smaller ships and are fine with older ships and more traditional onboard activities. If you need a wide variety of itineraries to choose from, are looking to cruise to more far-flung destinations or need options for affordable rooms or a wide selection of suites, Royal Caribbean is the line for you.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s 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 article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's 2 largest cruise ships. They were shockingly similar for the $1,000 difference

Royal Caribbean operates many of the cruise industry's biggest ships.

Icon of the Seas  launched in January, dethroning its predecessor, Wonder of the Seas, as the world's largest.

Here's how the two mega-ships compare in size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship darling, was deemed a success before it was even built.

In January, the highly anticipated vessel — complete with more than 40 bars and restaurants, a six-slide waterpark, and a waterfall — set sail, dethroning its less than two-year-old precursor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's largest cruise ship.

Before its debut, Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, had already repeatedly called Icon its "best-selling product" yet. The company experienced its largest booking day ever when reservations opened for Icon of the Seas more than a year before its launch, it said

Despite all of this fanfare, you might be surprised by how similar it is to its predecessor.

I've sailed on both ships. Let's see how Icon and Wonder compare in six categories: size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Both ships stunt the size of their competitors.

Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022 as the then-world's largest cruise liner, measuring 235,600 gross-tons, 1,188 feet-long, and 18 decks-tall. The ship can accommodate up to 9,288 people, including 2,204 crew.

Icon of the Seas is, comparatively, 13,063 gross-tons heavier, eight feet longer, and two decks taller. It can sail up to 9,950 people, including 2,350 crew, although it's 52 feet less wide than its predecessor.

Both vessels feel more like amusement parks than traditional cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean invited me on complimentary, non-revenue sailings on both ships: two nights on Wonder in late 2022 and three nights on Icon in January.

I spent most of my time lost, overwhelmed, and exhausted.

It's no surprise both ships are operating weeklong itineraries this year. Any less, and you might not have time to experience all the activities and restaurants on your list.

Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Wonder and Icon have eight 'neighborhoods' that serve separate purposes.

The new ship shares three of Wonder of the Seas' neighborhoods : Central Park, Royal Promenade, and Suite.

Icon's other five — Thrill Island , Surfside, Hideaway, Chill Island, and AquaDome — are a first for the cruise line.

Many of the ships' amenities overlap, but in differing quantities.

Wonder has three waterslides. Icon has a six-slide waterpark complete with rafting and racing options.

Both have increasingly popular cruise amenities like decks-long dry slides, mini-golf courses, rock climbing walls, and playgrounds.

But instead of Wonder of the Seas' zipline , Icon of the Seas has Crown's Edge, a thrilling agility course with a small zipline that leaves travelers dangling 154 feet above the ocean.

Wonder’s Boardwalk neighborhood was my go-to.

Boardwalk delivered exactly as it had promised: an open-air space grounded by wood-planked floors, a hot dog stand, a sweets store, and kitschy, colorful decor.

Icon of the Seas' Surfside , designed for families with young children, felt like its closest dupe.

Both neighborhoods had a carousel, an outdoor playground, and family-friendly dining. But Surfside was more toddler-friendly, as suggested by the children's water play area and nighttime story readings.

On to entertainment: Both mega-ships have ice skating performances and exciting multi-disciplinary shows at the AquaTheater.

But travelers who enjoy musicals at sea will want to stick to Icon.

Unlike its predecessor, the new ship shows a rendition of Broadway hit "The Wizard of Oz" — Munchkins, a puppet Toto, and a 16-piece live band included.

The layout of Icon's amenities were better than its cousin.

Some of Wonder of the Seas' enticing outdoor amenities — like the surf simulator, zipline, and mini-golf course — are clustered on the deck above and away from the pools and water slides.

This layout might be difficult for parents with children who bounce from one activity to the next. Wouldn't it be easier to have all of these outdoor extras near each other, or at least on the same deck, for parental supervision purposes?

This is where Icon of the Seas excelled: All its exciting open-air activities were adjacent.

The rows of pools flowed perfectly into Thrill Island's waterpark , rock climbing walls, mini-golf course, and Crown's Edge.

The best part? The adult-only Hideaway — which flexes an infinity pool club with a DJ — is right behind Thrill Island, creating a clear separation between parents and their children without being too far from each other.

'Free' options like the buffet and build-your-own tacos and burritos bar are available on both ships.

But you won't find the larger vessel's five-stall food hall or mini-golf-adjacent finger food stand on Wonder.

As expected, Icon of the Seas has more dining options than its predecessor, although there are some overlaps.

Wonder of the Seas has 11 bars and 21 dining venues (9 complimentary and 12 upcharged).

Icon of the Seas has eight more bars, four more complimentary restaurants, and three more specialty dining choices.

Nor will you find the new ship’s plush $200-a-person Empire Supper Club on any other cruise liner.

The multi-course dinner, paired with cocktails and live music, stunts the cost of either vessel's other dinner options.

But if you love Johnny Rockets, you’ll be disappointed by Icon of the Seas.

Restaurants like the popular burger chain and Southern comfort-inspired Mason Jar are only on Wonder of the Seas. Fine by me: My fried chicken at Mason Jar was as dry as a desert.

The younger ship doesn't have Wonder's robot bartender-armed bar either. It does, however, have new watering holes with dueling pianos and live jazz.

Surprisingly, Wonder of the Seas has 65 more cabins than its new cousin.

But several of Icon's 28 stateroom categories are a first for the cruise line.

This includes the new family infinite balcony cabin, which has a small bunk bed nook for children.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony stateroom on both ships.

My Wonder of the Seas' cabin was 20 square-feet smaller than the one on Icon. But my bathroom on the latter was so tiny, I accidentally elbowed the walls at almost every turn.

Sailing on the world's largest cruise ship doesn't mean you'll have the world's largest cabin after all.

Wonder and Icon are both operating seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Florida to the Caribbean.

In 2024, Wonder of the Seas is scheduled for year-round sailings from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , starting at $700 per person.

Icon of the Seas is spending its first year in service operating nearly identical itineraries but from Miami instead. The cheapest 2024 option is $1,786 per person.

That's a difference of more than $125 per person per day.

"Bookings and pricing for Icon of the Seas can only be described as 'iconic,'" Naftali Holtz, the CFO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts in February.

Icon of the Seas’ name speaks for itself.

If your family is looking for a jam-packed kid-friendly cruise with enough amenities to stay entertained for a week, both ships are a great option.

But if you're a seasoned mega-ship-cruiser looking to experience something new, Icon of the Seas is your best bet.

They may be similar, but no other behemoth cruise liner has a waterpark for children and a pool club for adults just dozens of feet from each other.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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The 8 best alaska cruises for families.

Plan your next family vacation to explore the boundless beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

A cruise to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime family or multigenerational vacation. With unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures that you won't find anywhere else in the world – not to mention scenic cruising days on the ship to spend time together – this special experience will stay with you forever.

For an extended vacation in the 49th state, consider booking a cruisetour. This combined cruise and pre- or post-cruise land tour option is offered by many of the larger cruise lines. The tours visit some of the top attractions in the state , such as Denali National Park and Preserve, and often include picturesque rides into Alaska's remote wilderness aboard the Alaska Railroad. Some tours also head north to Fairbanks and visit Kenai Fjords National Park or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (or both, in some cases). You can choose between fully escorted adventures or laid-back options to explore on your own, depending on what works best for your family.

Ready to book your Alaska adventure? These eight cruise lines offer excellent family-friendly excursions ashore , plus plenty of onboard activities to keep both kids and parents entertained during days at sea.

Find your perfect cruise

Princess Cruises: 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay

Departure city: Vancouver, British Columbia

The 2024 cruise season brings Princess' 55th-anniversary sailing to The Great Land, and the line is offering more than 150 Alaska voyages between April and September. The popular Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay itinerary northbound from Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , is available on dozens of dates this season on Grand Princess , Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The sailing includes stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as scenic cruising in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord in Alaska. If you prefer a smaller ship, choose Grand Princess or Sapphire Princess, which hold 2,610 and 2,680 passengers (double occupancy), respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Princess accommodates 3,560 guests at double occupancy.

The Princess Cruises North to Alaska program features immersive, family-friendly opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of the 49th state. Guests can sample fresh local seafood and meet famous Alaskans such as Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod dog race. In Skagway, families can meet some of the newest sled dogs and their handlers during Puppies in the Piazza on the ship. Younger cruisers and teens can participate in the Alaska Explorers Youth Program in partnership with Glacier Bay National Park and the Discovery Channel, which includes activities like the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Sort Challenge.

The North to Alaska program also partners with Discovery and Animal Planet to feature onboard exhibits about Alaska, as well as curated excursions like the White Pass Rail Bennett Lake & Yukon Adventure in Skagway, which was created by a train historian. Back on the ship, kids and teens can hang out with other young cruisers their age at Camp Discovery's Treehouse (ages 3 to 7), Lodge (8 to 12) or Beach House (13 to 17). In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for Princess Cruises' Alaska mascot: Stanley the Bear. You might even find him during story time at the kids clubs wearing a captain's uniform or destination-themed costumes, such as lumberjack gear in Ketchikan.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Alaska – Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Departure city: Seattle, Washington

This seven-day round-trip voyage from Seattle is available on Norwegian Bliss from April to September during the line's 2024 Alaska season. The sailing includes the ports of Sitka, Juneau , Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan (Ward Cove), plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia , before disembarking in Seattle. Norwegian Bliss can carry 4,004 passengers at double occupancy and 4,266 passengers at maximum capacity.

The entire family will enjoy excursions like the Whale Watching & Bear Search tour in Icy Strait Point, while thrill-seekers of all ages will want to book an adrenaline-pumping ride down the mountain on the massive ZipRider zip line. In Ketchikan, take a hike through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S., where you might catch glimpses of wildlife like black bears or bald eagles. You can also head offshore from Ketchikan aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the famed ship from Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," to pick up the day's bounty of king crab and search for marine wildlife along Alaska's Inside Passage.

Plenty of family activities and entertainment options are offered on this Norwegian Cruise Line ship, including the Bliss Speedway, a two-level racetrack at sea; laser tag; mini-golf; an interactive aqua park with waterslides that zip above the side of the ship; a video arcade; and live entertainment. You'll also find kids clubs designed for younger children and teens , as well as adults-only escapes like Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O. When it comes to dining, there's no shortage of casual fare for hungry kids at venues like the Garden Café buffet, American Diner and The Local Bar & Grill.

Disney Cruise Line: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

This seven-night itinerary aboard Disney Wonder departs round-trip from Vancouver on several voyages throughout the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. The weeklong Disney Cruise Line sailing includes glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap and stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Plus, you'll enjoy plenty of Disney fun on board, with character meet-and-greets, Broadway-quality shows, and entertaining activities and venues for kids and adults alike.

Many of the ship's nautical-themed staterooms are designed with families in mind and feature a "split bath" concept and extra under-bed storage for suitcases. Disney Wonder can hold 1,750 passengers at double occupancy and 2,700 passengers at maximum capacity. The ship's unique rotational dining venues include an "under the sea" adventure at Triton's, a dinner show with Disney characters at Animator's Palate and Southern specialties with jazz music at Tiana's Place. For a night out sans kids, adults can savor a quiet evening with northern Italian cuisine at Palo or nosh on casual pub fare at Crown & Fin Pub. Younger sailors will find age-appropriate spaces at Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab, tween venue Edge, and teen club Vibe.

Disney's excursions also offer family fun ashore – especially in Skagway. Try panning for gold with Disney characters like Donald Duck, then feast on baked Alaska salmon at Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. You can also take an extended six-hour tour by boat into Alaska's deepest fjord, Lynn Canal, then hike through the rainforest to reach your canoe for a wilderness safari at Glacier Point. For a bucket list splurge, reserve a spot on the helicopter flightseeing tour that includes dog mushing on the Denver Glacier with a team of Alaska sled dogs.

Holland America Line: 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America's Koningsdam will sail the line's seven-day Inside Passage itinerary more than 20 times between April and September in 2024. This round-trip voyage embarks in Vancouver and includes multiple days of scenic cruising. You'll sail through the Inside Passage for two days; through Tracy Arm Inlet, where you can disembark for a shore excursion; and through Glacier Bay, where the Junior Ranger Program is a highlight for kids. The ports of call on this itinerary are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska.

Koningsdam features dedicated family staterooms with beds for up to five guests, two bathrooms and extra closet space. The ship carries 2,650 guests at double occupancy and 3,194 passengers at maximum capacity. A wildlife expert on the ship helps guests spot Alaska's incredible marine and land animals through announcements and during daily programs. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, moose, brown bears and other wildlife. While in the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, you'll want to take the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion to explore glacier-covered mountains, jagged cliffs and the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. surrounding the fjord. On a high-speed catamaran, you'll get up-close views of the Sawyer Glaciers and have potential sightings of harbor seals, bears, mountain goats and more.

Back on board, Holland America Line 's kids club offers supervised, age-appropriate activities for young cruisers ages 3 to 17 – including children who may need certain accommodations. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly options for dining on Koningsdam, including Lido Market, New York Pizza and the poolside Dive In grill. During the cruise, look for themed evenings in the Lido Market like salmon bakes or seafood boil pop-up dinners, which are in line with Holland America's commitment to serving certified sustainable and traceable Alaska seafood. An Alaska brunch is also offered once during the voyage in the main dining room; you'll enjoy dishes highlighting ingredients from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Royal Caribbean International: 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Hop aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas for the seven-night Alaska Adventure Cruise, sailing round-trip from Seattle . This itinerary is available on several dates between May and August 2024 and features stops in the towns of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an afternoon call in the Canadian city of Victoria. While there, book an off-roading excursion through the coastal rainforest that includes a zip line adventure. Or, take a self-guided tour through Victoria's famed Butchart Gardens and the tropical Butterfly Gardens filled with wildlife.

Quantum of the Seas – which holds 4,180 passengers at double occupancy and 4,905 passengers at maximum capacity – is one of the two larger Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska in 2024 (Ovation of the Seas is the other). As such, it offers abundant activities and entertainment for families at sea. On board, guests can experience Ripcord by iFly (the only skydiving simulator at sea) and take in snow-capped mountain views from the FlowRider surf simulator or atop the ship's rock climbing wall. Other onboard activities include bumper cars, an escape room, an arcade, pickleball and The Silent Party (a dance party where everyone wears headphones).

At mealtime, kids will have plenty of choices for casual and quick bites, from carefully crafted hot dogs at the Dog House and specialty pies at Sorrento's Pizza to around-the-clock snacks at Café Promenade and grab-and-go fare at The Café@Two70. When the little ones want to play or chill out with kids their age, Adventure Ocean offers activities for children 3 to 12 years old. Meanwhile, teens can meet other 13- to 17-year-olds at the Hideout Hangout.

Carnival Cruise Line: 7-Day Alaska from Seattle, WA

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Departure city: Juneau, Alaska

Carnival's 2024 Alaska season runs from May to September, with the 7-Day Alaska from Seattle itinerary available every month during that time. The round-trip sailing aboard Carnival Luminosa stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. You'll enjoy scenic cruising in Victoria and through Tracy Arm Fjord. You'll also have one "fun day at sea" to check out the activities and entertainment on the ship, which offers a double occupancy capacity of 2,260 passengers and a maximum capacity of 2,826 passengers.

Younger sailors ages 2 to 11 can join in on ocean-themed games, songs and programming at Camp Ocean, while tweens and teens (ages 12 to 17) can participate in destination-focused activities at See the World. Club 02 is a designated space for guests ages 15 to 17 to watch movies, play sports and video games, and more. Families can enjoy Dive-In Movies together at Carnival Seaside Theater and watch live musical productions at Playlist Productions. When it comes to dining on Carnival , families will have a choice of several casual restaurants to satisfy finicky eaters, including Pizzeria del Capitano, The Carnival Deli, Lido Marketplace and Swirls for soft serve ice cream. For a special night out, make reservations at the Steakhouse, which costs extra but offers reduced prices for children 11 and younger.

When going ashore, Juneau offers many family-friendly excursions – some of which you may not have the chance to experience anywhere else in the world. The Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery takes guests airborne by bush plane over the five glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. After the ride, you'll land in the Taku River at the historic Taku Lodge, which sits across from Juneau's largest glacier, the Taku Glacier. At the lodge, you'll feast on a bountiful meal featuring homemade side dishes and one of the best-known local seafood specialties, Alaska king salmon.

Celebrity Cruises: 7 Nights Alaska Hubbard Glacier

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's seven-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier itinerary is available on nine voyages between May and September 2024. The Celebrity Solstice (which holds 2,852 guests at double occupancy) sails round-trip from Vancouver and stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. You'll have two days of scenic cruising in the Inside Passage and around Hubbard Glacier. While in Icy Strait Point, book a guided nature walk excursion along the "Trail of the Bears" in the bush country of the Spasski River Valley. During your search for Alaska's coastal brown bears, you'll also learn about the Tlingit culture and community in Hoonah, and perhaps even see Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.

Back on the ship, Celebrity's Camp at Sea program entertains children, tweens and teens ages 3 to 17 with four different age-appropriate programs: Shipmates (ages 3 to 5), Cadets (ages 6 to 9), Captains (ages 10 to 12) and Teens (ages 13 to 17). The customizable activities change every cruise and are based on the interests of the participants. Celebrity also offers autism-friendly activities and services for families on board.

When it comes to dining options on the ship, families will find kid-friendly selections on the in-room dining menu and at the main restaurant. For quick casual fare, head to the buffet-style Oceanview Café or to the Mast Grill for burgers and other grab-and-go bites. If you want healthier dishes, the Spa Café offers homemade energy bars, acai bowls, turkey wraps and other light choices.

UnCruise Adventures: Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

If you prefer a small-ship cruise experience without the bells and whistles of some larger vessels, UnCruise offers adventure-style cruises to Alaska on its fleet of safari- and expedition-style ships. With these intimate cruises, you and the kids (ages 8 and older) can get up close to glaciers, wildlife and Alaska's vast wilderness directly from the ship via Zodiacs and kayaks. You may even see wildlife from a short distance away along the shoreline, as UnCruise vessels are able to sail into smaller waterways that are inaccessible to larger ships.

The line's Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise features two full days in pristine Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve aboard the Wilderness Discoverer, which holds a maximum of 76 passengers. Here, guests can hike along remote coastlines amid old-growth forests, view sea life up close and go birding at South Marble Island. You'll also have the opportunity to see several tidewater glaciers, go kayaking in the Keku Islands and explore Neka Bay on Chichagof Island. Another highlight is a visit to Glacier Bay Lodge at Bartlett Cove, the only hotel accommodations in the 3.3 million-acre national park. The seven-night itinerary departs round-trip from Juneau and is offered between April and September 2024.

The full itinerary includes stops in Icy Strait and Neka Bay; Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve; Chichagof Island (which boasts the world's largest population of brown bears per square mile); Frederick Sound; and Tracy Arm and the Sawyer Glaciers. During the weeklong cruise, you'll have narration by expert onboard guides and embark on some of the most memorable adventures your kids will ever have in Alaska's remote wilderness.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.

Whether you want a weekend getaway or to max out your vacation days, there’s a cruise for that.

Cruise lines offer itineraries ranging from a few days to monthslong . But there are more differences between short and long sailings than just the amount of time guests spend on board. The length of a cruise can help dictate the types of ports passengers visit, the kind of ship they’re sailing on and even the general vibe on board.

“It's important to walk our guests through and for cruisers to think about, what's the experience that they're trying to have,” said Jamie Margolis, owner of Moms at Sea Travel, a Dream Vacations franchise. “So, we try to tease out that information, like, ‘What's your vacation style?’ ”

What can guests expect from short cruises?

Cruises can be divided into those shorter or longer than a week, according to Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel. “So, anything less than that is really considered a short cruise,” he said.

Those around three nights long are often aimed at new-to-cruise guests “who aren’t really ready to commit to seven days but really want to quote-unquote test the waters, let's say – to see if cruising is right for them,” he added.

Those sailings typically feature just one port and a sea day and often visit tried-and-true cruise destinations. Travelers sailing from South Florida ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale will likely visit Nassau in the Bahamas or one of many cruise line private islands , for example. While those sailing from Galveston, Texas, can expect to stop in Cozumel.

Margolis called three-and-four-night voyages a “great intro to cruising,” albeit with more limited itinerary choices. “Is their dream to go to Saint Kitts? They're probably not going to find that on a short sailing,” she said.

Shorter cruises may also lend themselves more to a party atmosphere and be less kid-friendly. But Margolis noted that’s not unique to cruising. “I mean, it's the nature of travel that short weekends can be celebratory,” she said.

And with diverse onboard offerings – from ship-within-a-ship concepts to kids clubs – passengers can often carve out their own experience.

Cruise lines have new offerings in that shorter category. Celebrity Cruises is launching its first regular weekend itineraries in the Caribbean this month, and Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas will offer three-and-four-night sailings when it debuts in July.

What can guests expect from long cruises?

Feldman said any sailing over seven days could be considered a “longer cruise.” Those can range from around 10 days to more than six months. Royal Caribbean is operating a nine-month world cruise to more than 60 countries.

While short cruises “can feel like a bit of a whirlwind,” according to Margolis, longer itineraries offer more time to explore a greater variety of ports. They may feature less-visited destinations such as Aruba and Curaçao and often take place on smaller, older vessels (though ships are refurbished regularly).

That’s partly due to the limitations in places they stop. “Some of the ports … cannot really accommodate this large ship hardware,” Feldman said. “So, you need a smaller-size ship to navigate in and out of these ports.”

The onboard demographic also tends to skew older on those cruises since retired passengers typically have more free time, and travelers with kids are often beholden to school schedules.

If you want a middle ground, though, Margolis said a seven-night cruise “really takes you through what I think is, like, the whole cruise cycle.”

"You get on, you get acclimated, you find all the different amenities, and then you're able to … truly relax, disconnect, unwind,” she said. ‘And then you know, midweek, you start getting your luggage tags, and you go through that mental process of accepting that you're going to have to get off in a couple of days and go back to work.”

At that length, it's also easier to tack on a bit of extra time on the front or back end of the sailing to explore on their own, Feldman added.

Are short or long sailings cheaper?

Because short sailings frequently take place on larger ships, they are “very attractively priced” to help fill the cabins. But that doesn’t mean they’ll always be cheaper than a longer cruise.

A cruise with more stops will have higher port fees, but passengers may book longer itineraries further out and get better fares.

Looking for cheap cruises?: Here's what to know know about finding deals.

“Most times, you're not going to book a three-to-four-night sailing 12 to 18 months in advance,” said Feldman. “You're going to book that much closer in.”

The ship’s age also plays a role in how it’s priced, with shiny new vessels commanding higher rates . “So, there's a lot of different variables in play that kind of dictate where you're going to come out ahead or how much your cruise is ultimately going to cost based on those factors,” said Feldman.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].