This setup is ideal because you all can have some privacy, but still be within easy proximity for meeting up for activities. The ship departs from Southampton in the U.K. and sails to the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal; the British Isles; Norway and Iceland; and the U.S., Caribbean and Canada. In This Article Freedom of the Seas Stats 1. Be the detective at Mystery Dinner Theater, an evening of intrigue. No votes so far! The best part is they are entirely free. The lines remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are relatively smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,500 passengers. But, which ship is the best depends on the kind of cruise youre looking for. The first Edge series World Class Bar a popular spot on other Celebrity ships features craft cocktails in a beautiful setting. Ships with mini-golf courses . Ice Skating Show 10. Book an Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise. A few lines have meet-and-greets for young adults to meet other cruisers their age, but it's assumed that passengers age 18+ will just participate in the regular cruise activities: hanging out by the pool, joining in dance classes or trivia games, playing ball on the sports court, etc. For the most part, Royal Caribbean operates big, bustling megaships that will appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. The ships also draw customers from a wide range of incomes. Heres how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars youll spend to take your family to a show in New York City. On the newer vessels Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess The Sanctuary also offers an expanded space with more cabanas. The heart of the program, called Adventure Ocean, has free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12. 15 Fun Adults-Only Cruises for 2023 - US News & World Report That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Royal Escape Room - Mission Control: Apollo 18 North Star Virtual Concert Dance Classes Latin Fiesta Expedition Two70 Tidal Wave All Access Tour Zip Line FlowRider SeaPlex Table Tennis Bass Bouncer Whirlpools Game shows Dancing Under The Stars Typhoon and Cyclone Spanish Classes Totally Awesome 90s Street Party Pool Parties Moreover, the casino bar tends to be the first bar to open in the day and the last to close, so it is a safe bet for when you want to get away. In general, Royal Caribbeans big, resort-like Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships will be more expensive than the lines older, smaller vessels. Outdoors, Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil place to relax on Disney's Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy and Wish ships. However, even the smallest of Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer. Casual means just that jeans, polo shirts and sundresses. Royal Caribbeans designers are masters at designing vessels that can carry thousands and thousands of people but still feel relatively uncrowded at least in some areas. And don't miss the new two-story Sunset Bar, reimagined by interior designer and TV personality Nate Berkus. Awe is inspired on a grand new scale at the shimmering AquaDome. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The 13 vessels that are part of the Voyager, Freedom and Oasis classes also have Royal Promenades indoor, mall-like spaces that are home to some of the coolest bars at sea, as well as food outlets and retail shops. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. The ultimate infinity pool for serene ocean views with sun-drenched action always close by. Meanwhile, in just over a year, Royal Caribbean will begin to roll out a series of cruise ships even bigger than the giant Oasis-class vessels. The most out-there deck-top attractions on Royal Caribbean ships are surely the North Star rides found on Quantum-class ships. Like what you see? Sip to the rhythm of live music and DJs at every turn at Chill Island. TheWhat to Expect on a Cruiseseries, written by Cruise Critic's editorial staff, is a resource guide, where we answer the most common questions about cruise ship life -- including cruise food, cabins, drinks and onboard fun -- as well as money matters before and during your cruise and visiting ports of call on your cruise. 41 Must-Do Activities Aboard Royal Caribbean Ships 27 Things to Do on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas - Cruise Hive Since there are few (or no) activities geared toward younger cruisers and no babysitting services, you typically won't find parents with young children on these ships. Cruise fares cover meals at all the dining venues; basic beverages such as water, tea and coffee; gratuities for the crew; Wi-Fi; and unlimited fitness classes. While Royal Caribbean dont place an age limit on their sailings, there are still plenty of options for guests seeking an adult-only experience. Royal Caribbean also offers dedicated teen and tween programs on ships for children ages 12 to 17. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. There is a larger class of ship now available too the Icon Class, with one ship currently available to book which is Icon of the Seas. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Young Adults: Royal Caribbeans Quantum-class ships feature the cruise lines first installations of the North Star observation pod and the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator. You can enjoy cocktails crafted by robots, fantastic stage shows and watch the cruise industrys best cover bands at the Music Hall. In North America, Royal Caribbean ships generally sail out of PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdales Port Everglades and Tampa in Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Galveston, Texas; Bayonne, New Jersey (one of the ports for New York City); Baltimore; Boston; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia and Seward, Alaska. Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites. Relive original performances in stunning 4K at Two70's Virtual Concert. So thats another option if you want an epic action-packed experience. The newest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet are the Icon-class ships, with the debut ship being Icon of the Seas. Additional amenities like complimentary internet access, specialty dining, butler service and other perks come with Veranda Plus rooms or suite accommodations. A cruise is appealing to guests of all ages, and while Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line, there are certain things to do that are perfect for just the adults. Royal Caribbean sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe. Royal Caribbean adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18.50 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If youre more of a small boutique hotel sort of person or someone who just isnt happy around crowds, well this might not be the line for you. Formal officially means suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns. From the robot mixologists at Bionic Bar to the FlowRider surf simulators, and the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss, to hit Broadway musicals like Grease. Soak up the thrills on all The Perfect Storm, the boldest waterslides at sea. Royal Caribbean What Is Royal Caribbean's 'The Quest?' "The Quest" varies based on who's leading, but it's a mildly adult (to sometimes very adult) game/competition designed to be more. A growing number of Royal Caribbean ships also have water parks with significant waterslides. Go airborne on the only boomerang slide at sea, Youre the VIP (Very Important Passenger) behind the scenes, See the ship over nine decks above the Boardwalk on the Zip Line. What It Is Quest is uproariously fun, supremely competitive, and it's definitely for adults only, which is why it's often scheduled after 11 p.m. The line typically sends three to four ships every summer to Alaska. Central Park is a popular venue which is situated in the centre of the ship and brings a neighbourly vibe. However, these are quality productions. At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at well-heeled travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and these truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea. 2. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. The newer classes of ships are better catered to younger adults and those seeking adventure, while the smaller classes of ships bring with them more port-intensive itineraries as well as a pared-back roster of activities, meaning there will likely be fewer children around. If its a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and youre bound for the top deck, that means looking like youre going to the beach T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine. In fact, we're pretty certain no one really wins or loses, even though "winners" are rewarded with medals. Passengers can make the most of some alone time with a quick nap and a good book, or simply kick back and relax before heading back into the high-energy environment elsewhere on the ship. Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. The "Seabourn Conversations" program is another highlight, where accomplished experts host adventures ashore and participate in meals and chats with guests on board the ship. Family fun takes a nostalgic turn on the handcrafted carousel, Feel the freedom of freefall on the only skydiving simulator at sea RipCord by iFLY, Make your circus dreams come true on the flying trapeze. Restrictions 16 + (Excluding China sailings) For China Sailings only And if youd like to see how the different Royal Caribbean ships fared in reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Cruiseline.com and Cruise Critic, then take a look at this guide to The Best & Worst Royal Caribbean Ships By Reviews. Lace up your skates and take a spin on the only rinks at sea. For even more pampering, Senses Spa & Salon boasts treatment rooms with ocean views, luxurious spa villas and other amenities. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Royal Caribbean allows you to bring two bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin onto ships at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas. By the end of this class, youll be dancing like the stars. This can be a plus if your kid doesn't want to spend all his or her time with you, or simply enjoys meeting new people. This adult only retreat is a very popular choice for its relaxing lounge chairs and poolscape, along with whirlpools and nearby bar staff. In short, theyre like the megaresorts you see in Las Vegas or Orlando. You can find out more aboutcruise line age policiesin our story. Some are enormous, with more than two dozen treatment rooms and thermal areas with hot stone chairs, rainforest shower areas, saunas and steam rooms. The over-the-top super suites on some ships. Royal Caribbean ships offer an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to bumper car pavilions. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Revamped Kid. Forces collide in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff in Battle for Planet Z. Other adult-focused venues to check out on Celebrity Beyond are the new elevated bar spaces. The only parade where every holiday is celebrated at once, Royal Escape Room - Mission Control: Apollo 18. For top-notch steaks, contemporary Italian cuisine and panoramic ocean views, make a reservation at the Cogsworth-inspired Palo Steakhouse. We were cruising with a group of Royal Caribbean pros, and the first mention of Quest came on the first day of our cruise -- something like, "Oh good! Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like destination-themed performances, cooking classes and lectures by historians. Four New Eateries 3. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Adults can also enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in one of the lounges and nightly entertainment in the Constellation Theater; for a nightcap, sip a fine cognac in one of the ship's favorite hideaways, the Connoisseur Club. Five big Quantum Class ships and three big Freedom Class ships each have total capacities ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. When it's time to relax, The Solarium is a popular adults-only area that's found on the Resort Deck of all of Celebrity's ships, including Celebrity Beyond. Royal Caribbean is well-known for big ships with tons to see, do, and experience. The top decks of Royal Caribbean ships are where things get crazy. Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers (called Royal Genies) who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, access to a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues and priority boarding and disembarkation. The spa area offers massages, facials, a salon and many more services to enjoy. Perhaps the most bizarre attractions ever conceived for a cruise ship, they are giant mechanical arms topped with glass-enclosed capsules that will take you soaring above the ships for the view. They might get an older friend to buy them a drink (though both parties could get kicked off the ship if caught) or smuggle booze onboard and drink secretly in their stateroom or in the cabin of a friend. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Norwegian Cruise Line has three adults-only outdoor venues for guests 18 and older (though specific spaces vary by ship). There is stuff you just wont see on any other vessel at sea. Whatever thrills you seek, youll find all sorts of ways to fill your days onboard Royal Caribbean. And this is just one example. Take a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you can reach it even sooner. Also, under-21s will not have easy access to alcohol on the ship. Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar. Pricing changes over time, but recently has been priced at $17.99 per day per device for a package that includes streaming. This special event takes place in select destinations and includes chilled Champagne, caviar, live music and a barbecue set against the backdrop of white sand beaches and turquoise waters in beautiful locales around the world. Fuel bolder bonding at Surfside the ultimate stay-all-day family neighborhood. The version of the Royal Promenade on Oasis of the Seas, for instance, offers the Bionic Bar, where a robot makes the drinks, along with the equally innovative Rising Tide Bar, which rises between the Royal Promenade and the outdoor Central Park area three decks above while you drink. The ship also has a Polar Class 6 rating, enabling it to sail to destinations like Antarctica. Spice H2O is another adults-only venue on the Norwegian Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway, Breakaway, Epic, Star and Spirit vessels; access is complimentary. Silent Disco Party (18+), The . Related: What to pack for your first cruise. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. With a variety of activities and entertainment of all tastes and ages, these ships are ideal for making new-found friends and enjoying plenty of experiences while you sail. Every vessel has a main dining room and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare the latter called either Windjammer Caf or Windjammer Marketplace. If youre a megaresort lover, youll surely love the lines biggest ships, particularly the giant Oasis-class vessels. The aft location of the bar offers almost twice the space as previous iterations and beautiful wake views. Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships. Be the first to rate this post. It's up to you to set rules about where your kids can be without you or what kind of behavior you expect from them. Situated on deck 14 and boasting more than 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space this luxurious accommodation features one of the largest balconies at sea with a Treesse mini-pool, two bedrooms and a private in-suite spa. Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs. Western Caribbean Carnival Dream | Royal Holiday And with the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, kids and teens will have a blast plus parents can get a little time of their own. Hang on tight for The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea. Brave six record-breaking slides at Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. Planning a cruise? The modern and innovative ships feature two open-air, resort-style pools for optimal fun in the sun, alongside the first fully-immersive, 4D virtual reality experience at sea Virtual Adventure Zone. Enrollment required. For something quieter and more pampering, Royal Caribbean ships also all have spas. The new Adventure Ocean youth program is designed to ignite the imagination. Youll receive things like priority check-in and a private departure lounge with continental breakfast at the end of a trip. 9. If you know you want to eat at a few extra-charge restaurants during your voyage, you can buy one of several dining packages that offer meals at a discount. This sprawling oasis is the largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Its six ultra-luxury ships and five expedition vessels range in size from 51 to 364 suites and feature spacious ocean-view accommodations most with private verandas. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Get ready to shake your hips and find your Latin rhythm. When you're ready to plan your adventure on the high seas, the following cruise lines provide upscale amenities, immersive excursions, sophisticated dining options, lively nighttime entertainment and time for relaxation among like-minded and similarly aged travelers. If all that seems like too much to fit on a cruise vessel, consider this: The biggest Royal Caribbean ships are 18 decks high, nearly 1,200 feet long and capable of carrying nearly 7,000 passengers. Scenic Eclipse, touted as "The World's First Discovery Yacht," offers an all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious experience for just 228 guests and with 172 crew. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Royal Caribbean is known for offering a wide range of accommodations on its ships. The cruise director took the stage and warmed us up with a few jokes, along with some instructions that included warnings like, "Be careful" and "Don't run into each other." On Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private island, adults can head to Serenity Bay, a scenic, adults-only stretch of the beach. The line also has two Polar Class 6 expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which traverse waterways from Canada and the Caribbean to remote destinations in Antarctica. One of Royal Caribbeans great strengths is its theater entertainment, which can be mind-blowing at times i.e., you wont believe youre seeing what youre seeing on a cruise ship. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers arent great, but its not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if youre cruising a lot. Azamara's four upscale boutique ships feature the line's signature Destination Immersion experiences geared toward adults. The Quantum-class ships also have an indoor fun zone known as The SeaPlex that includes a bumper car pavilion. Solarium is Royal Caribbean International's complimentary, child-free space open to guests 16 and older. As of the time of this guide's posting, for instance, a two-bedroom Grand Suite on Harmony of the Seas for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in January 2024 was going for $3,010 per person, based on double occupancy. Similar in design, these five ships are known as the Oasis class, and they are unlike anything else at sea when it comes to size, amenities and passenger capacity. Quantum-class ships have Two70, an extraordinary, high-tech theater space that offers multi-sensory shows combining singing, dancing and acrobatics. Take the plunge on the tallest slide at sea - the Ultimate Abyss. Disney World; Disneyland; Disney Cruise; . This tropical haven offers guests a truly unforgettable experience, with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear . Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. The Oasis of the Seas is one or the largest ships in the world. Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: Smackdown! - Cruiseline.com That should've tipped us off. Oasis-class Zip Line 5. As a parent, it is nice to have time now and then away from the kids to relax, and here are the top five things you can do on a Royal Caribbean cruise without kids! The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. If not, just leave blank, Top 5 things to do on Royal Caribbean for adults, Spotted: Digital copy downloads of the Cruise Compass, This should be your approach to getting a Covid test before your cruise, 5 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023. With more than 10,000 plants and flowers, its a true tropical hideaway. On board you'll find a wide selection of casual and formal dining options ranging from Windows Caf to the main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant. The casinos on the four other Oasis-class ships are similarly giant. 10:00 pm - 10:45 pm Last Laughs Adult Comedy Show (18+) Royal Theater Deck 4; 10:30 pm - 11:45 pm Hush! Perhaps no other area is as synonymous with adults only as Casino Royale, where gambling laws prohibit kids from being around. Join puppets Mia and Max as they embark on a glow-in-the-dark adventure. The vibe is always on at this off-the-grid. Published: 11/19/2021 - Last updated: 02/28/2023. Serve up stiff competition during a table tennis face off. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Couples: Spectrum of the Seas is mainly based in Asia, featuring regional flavours on menus in restaurants such as Sichuan Red and Noodle Bar, while Odyssey of the Seas is found in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). 3. Cruise Activities for 18 to 20 Year Olds: What to Expect - Cruise Critic Travelers 18 and older are welcome aboard Viking's adults-only ships, which feature destination-focused itineraries around the world. Enrollment required. You'll also receive Silversea's high level of service with just 200 guests and 200 crew, for an immersive and personalized experience aboard. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. A four-level atrium gallery sits at the heart of the ship. Some guests are seeing a new way to get a copy of the daily guide to events on their Royal Caribbean cruise, Royal Caribbean changed the time window guests have to get a Covid test from 3 days to 2 days before embarkation, and, There seem to be certain moments of absolute joy when it comes to a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.