As my kids get older and we start to cruise more with grandparents, friends, and my kids' friends, it's become abundantly clear I can't cruise the same way I did when we first started.

One thing I love about going on a cruise versus a land vacation is we can be together, without spending every minute together.

When I've rented an Airbnb or toured a city with family, it feels like if we don't do everything together, then something is missing.  But it's different on a cruise.

I find that's the beauty of a cruise, however, I've had to adjust my cruising style lately. And with that, I've found dinner time is the anchor for what makes the vacation work so well.

Evolving wants and ways to relax

When my kids were little, we did everything together with them.  It was as much necessary for them, as it was for us.

But with the kids getting older, hanging out with mom and dad isn't as high on their priority list. Putting my ego aside, the truth is they deserve to have time to do the things they want as much as I do.

They've gone from hanging out in Adventure Ocean to hanging out with the friends, enjoying time by the pool, and even talking with friends at home.  Ultimately, I want them to enjoy cruising, and there are things I want to do without them as well.

Plus, we've started to cruise more with family and friends.  When you add more people and personalities to the mix, we don't all want to do the same thing at the same time.  

With that reality in mind, I made a change to how I plan my day onboard.

Planning around dinner

I found the best idea for fostering a sense of togetherness on a cruise is to plan to have dinner together each night.

In general, the schedule on a Royal Caribbean cruise seems to have a focal point each evening. Whether your ship is in port or on a sea day, I find the culmination of the schedule tends to coincide with the evening activities.

To that point, I would ensure that while everyone is free to pursue various activities during the day, meeting up for dinner is the most important strategy.

Ideally, you can have dinner together in the Main Dining Room. 

There's a few reasons why I think dinner works best.

First, everyone is on the ship for dinner in most cases.  If you have shore excursions, there's a good chance they are complete by dinner time. 

If you're at sea, then the draw of going to the pool and laying out or enjoying activities on the top decks is complete by evening.

Second, meeting for dinner works better than breakfast or lunch.  With breakfast, some people may not be awake and breakfast service is only available in the Main Dining Room for a couple of hours.  Lunch is only served on sea days.

Third, coming together in the evening allows everyone to talk about what they did that day already, and make plans for the evening.

Each evening there are shows, bars to hit, or parties to plan around. There are also themed nights, in which you may want to have everyone dress up to match and take family photos together.

Dinner just seems to me to be the natural fit for synching up with everyone in your group and talking about what happened that day, and what's to come the next day.

One other recommendation is don't always sit in the same seats each night.

Mix up who you are sitting next to and on which side of the table you're on so you can vary the conversations.

I recommend traditional dinner for large groups

I'd pick the traditional dinner option and try to have either one large table for everyone, or a few tables near each other. 

While the flexibility of having different times with My Time Dining is nice, I think it makes coordinating times and getting a large table too troublesome.

Before your cruise, have your travel agent coordinate this by linking reservations together.

Then when you get on the ship, I'd recommend heading down to the Main Dining Room on embarkation day to verify your table assignment is correct.

If it's not, ask to speak to the Head Waiter to help get everyone together.

Keep in mind there's a limit of how large a table you can have. Depending on the ship, tables in the Main Dining Room may max out at 10 or so.

More tips for cruising with large groups

There are a few more tips and pieces of advice I have for anyone going on a cruise with a large group, or multiple parties.

To begin with, I'd recommend booking everyone with the same travel agent.  

You love your family and enjoy the company of your friends, but the last thing you want to do is be hounding them for money to make final payment or being their liaison sitting on hold with Royal Caribbean to fix a clerical issue.

A good travel agent will take care of the mundane tasks related to all of that. Plus, if you have enough cabins, they could create a group and get you better prices or freebies onboard.

If you have at least 8 cabins, you could create a group and then take advantage of certain benefits.  Royal Caribbean provides discounts and amenities to the group and the "group leader", so speak to your travel agent about this for further information.

Speaking of cabins, I would not place that much emphasis on getting staterooms near each other.

Sure, it's nice to have, but I don't think it should be a major priority. While I'm sure your kids would enjoy being down the hall from grandma or their cousins, it may be troublesome to find rooms that work.

Be sure to also come up with a way to communicate pre-cruise and onboard the ship.

Some families or groups will create a Facebook group, or you could use an app such as GroupMe to do this. The key is good communication before the sailing begins so everyone feels welcome and part of the excitement.

Then once onboard the ship, pick an app or way to easily communicate. 

Royal Caribbean's app has a group chat feature and it's free.  But if everyone is buying an internet package, then using a group chat in your iMessage, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger might be simplest. Pick one and ensure everyone knows it before the sailing commences.

Taking a baby on a cruise is an unforgettable adventure, but it comes with its own unique surprise. 

After all, cruise vacations are known for being relaxing, convenient, and packed with activities, but traveling with a baby adds a whole new layer of considerations to the mix. 

Having recently experienced my first cruise as a parent, I realized there was so much I didn’t know before we boarded the ship. From what to pack to how to navigate the ship with a stroller, there were countless moments where I found myself learning as I went.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably read a few articles and checked out forums for tips on traveling with a baby. However, nothing truly prepares you for the unique quirks of life aboard a cruise ship when you’re juggling nap schedules, diaper changes, and feedings while still trying to enjoy your vacation. 

I’m here to share what I wish I had known before setting sail, so you can feel more confident and prepared when it’s your turn to embark on this memorable journey.

Be Prepared to Pack More Than You Think

One of the most important lessons I learned while cruising with a baby is that being overprepared is essential. Although I was aware that certain items might be hard to come by onboard, I didn’t realize just how limited the availability would be, especially when it came to baby essentials. 

On Icon of the Seas, there were absolutely no baby products available for purchase. No diapers, wipes, bottles, baby food, or even age-appropriate toys! This was something I definitely did not anticipate.

Even if these items had been available, it’s important to note that the ship’s shops have limited hours, often not aligning with your needs. This means that if you forgot something or ran out of essential items, you might not be able to get them easily. 

We were glad we packed as much as we did, as it ended up being more than just helpful—it was a lifesaver. 

From diapers to baby wipes, we used everything we brought and still had to stock up on more wipes while we were in port just to be on the safe side. Packing everything you could possibly need will ensure you don’t find yourself in a pinch during your cruise.

Excursions Have More Restrictions Than You Might Expect

Before booking our cruise, we imagined ourselves spending every day in port and lounging on the beach with our baby. It seemed like the perfect plan, especially since we knew our little one would only be able to use the Baby Splash Zone onboard—not the pools—making beach excursions a great way for her to swim.

However, we were surprised to learn that most of the excursions, even the basic beach trips, had age restrictions starting at around four years old. I’m still unsure whether this is due to transportation liability or safety concerns, but it definitely left us feeling a bit disappointed. 

There were very few excursions available to families with babies, and we ended up either searching for independent activities on our own or simply strolling around the port, which isn’t exactly what we had in mind for a vacation. It’s important to research your excursions ahead of time and confirm if they’re baby-friendly, so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute.

Family-friendly options, for even the youngest cruisers

I was excited to learn that the Icon of the Seas offers an Adventure Babies room, which is a fantastic service for parents traveling with young children. 

The room is designed for babies aged 6 to 36 months and allows parents to drop off their little ones for baby care sessions for a small fee. It was a great opportunity for us to have some adult time to explore activities that weren’t suitable for a baby, such as the waterpark, adult comedy shows, and specialty dining.

However, it's essential to know that this service is not available on every ship, so be sure to check whether your cruise line offers similar services. Also, reservations are required, and because the room’s capacity is limited, it can fill up quickly, especially during busy sailings with many young children. 

They also offered plenty of family programming, like black light puppet shows, bedtime stories under the stars, and others. 

Another great tip is to check with the cruise line if they offer Adventure Ocean programming, as many ships provide complimentary toy rental bags filled with age-appropriate toys. These bags are a lifesaver and allow you to exchange them for a fresh set of toys anytime during your trip.

The other wonderful option are the babysitting services. They have a fee, but it's worth it.

A balcony cabin is essential for families with small children

While cruising has always been a dream vacation for me, I never realized just how important the type of cabin would be when traveling with a baby. While I’d happily sleep anywhere on a cruise, the cabin became a central part of our experience with a baby in tow. 

One of the early challenges was which Royal Caribbean cabin to book for our family. We got lucky when booking our cruise, as the lowest cabin category came with a guaranteed balcony. Having this extra space was more important than I expected. With a baby, you’ll need a quiet, dedicated area outside of your cabin to enjoy some fresh air, converse with your partner, or simply relax without disturbing your little one. 

We used our balcony not just for quiet moments but also as a play area for our baby. Watching the water and people-watching from the balcony became part of her daily routine. I don’t think I could go on a cruise again without booking a cabin with a balcony, as it gave us much-needed space and comfort during our time at sea.

Navigating the ship with a stroller can be tricky

If you’re planning to bring a stroller on board, be prepared for some tight squeezes. We opted for a travel stroller, which was more compact and easier to navigate compared to our everyday model. However, I didn’t anticipate just how difficult the hallways would be to navigate. 

On embarkation and disembarkation day, the hallways were packed with suitcases, making it a challenge to move around. But it wasn’t just those days that proved tricky—every single day was an obstacle course. Cleaning carts, scooters, and other items often blocked the path, forcing us to squeeze through narrow spaces, sometimes bumping against walls. 

If we had brought a wider stroller, there’s no way we would’ve made it through. It’s definitely something to consider when traveling with a baby, as hallways can get crowded, making stroller navigation a bit of a hassle.

Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Kids

Additionally, we’re used to hopping on and off stairs quickly, but that wasn’t an option with the stroller. Navigating through the ship’s multiple levels meant that we had to wait for elevators. Unfortunately, this wasn’t always convenient since elevators can get crowded, and not all elevators accommodate strollers easily. 

Plus, during peak hours, you can be waiting a while for one to open up that is big enough for you to fit in with a stroller. 

There were a few times when we felt like we were in a race against the clock, trying to catch a lift before it became overcrowded with other guests. If you’re someone who is used to being on the move quickly with stairs or walking fast, this was definitely a noticeable change in our typical flow.

Food for babies on a cruise is easier to find than I thought

A major concern for us going into this cruise was whether our baby would have enough options to eat. She had recently started eating solids but still required soft foods, so we packed purees as a backup, just in case. 

However, we quickly realized that we didn’t need to worry at all. The cruise staff, both in the Main Dining Room and the Windjammer buffet, were incredibly accommodating and more than willing to prepare food for our baby. 

In the dining room, the waitstaff quickly brought over fruits and vegetables as soon as we were seated, so she could start eating while we waited for our own meals to arrive. In the Windjammer, we were impressed with the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available, and the staff was happy to steam fresh broccoli from the Asian station upon request. 

It was such a relief to know that we didn’t need to bring along jars of baby food or worry about feeding her at mealtimes. The wide selection and the willingness of the staff to cater to our baby’s needs made a huge difference and allowed her to enjoy meals with us like a little foodie!

Expect to interact with other guests and crew more frequently than you’re used to

Normally, when we cruise, we tend to keep to ourselves or stay within our travel group. However, with a baby on board, things were different. Our little one had a natural curiosity and loved to interact with everyone she met, prompting many friendly conversations. 

Crew members and fellow guests alike enjoyed chatting with her, whether in the elevators, during meals, or while walking around the ship. People were genuinely interested in hearing about our experience traveling with a baby and often joked about how she was earning her cruise loyalty status at such a young age. 

We were surprised by how many new connections we made just by being parents with a baby. Traveling with a young child opened up more opportunities to interact with others and make lasting memories with fellow cruisers.

Read more: 50 tips for cruising with kids

Cruising with a baby makes for a stress-free family vacation

One of the biggest advantages of cruising with a baby is the convenience of always being close to your cabin. Whether she needed a nap, a diaper change, or just some quiet time, we could easily retreat to our cabin without the stress of coordinating transportation or worrying about getting back to a hotel. 

We never had to feel guilty if we needed to leave a meal or activity early because we knew our cabin was just a few steps away. The convenience of being so close to our “home base” made it easy to explore the ship and ports at our own pace without the added stress of complicated logistics. 

Plus, the best part of a cruise—only having to unpack once while visiting multiple destinations—is always a huge perk! Cruising offered a level of ease that made it the perfect first family vacation with our little one.

Taking a baby on a cruise may seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can turn into an enjoyable and stress-free experience. 

Looking back, I’m so glad we chose this as our family’s first big adventure. Despite the challenges, like figuring out how to navigate the ship with a stroller or adjusting to excursion limitations, we created memories that will last a lifetime.

Cruising with a baby comes with its own set of challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. The key is to find your rhythm, stay flexible, and embrace the unexpected. 

These tips are designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to make the most of your time at sea. With the right preparation, your family cruise can be an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.

One of the best reasons to go on a cruise as a family is you don't all have to be doing everything together at the same time to have a good time.

If I was visiting New York City with my family, I'd spend nearly every minute of that trip with my wife and kids doing the same thing.  At best, we might leave them in the hotel room while my wife and I go out.

On a cruise ship, however, it's set up to be more contained and facilitating for families. In fact, there are entire areas of the ship meant to leave your kids.

As my kids have gotten older, I've given them more freedom to be on their own and do what interests them.  That isn't to say I'm letting them loose with no guidelines either. I've seen examples of kids with too little supervision, and it's not what I want for my family.

On my latest cruise on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas, my kids had the most roaming ability that I've ever given them and I think our approach worked well overall.

Here are the five important rules we put into place to ensure they could have safe, and have fun without being obnoxious.

Text when they go somewhere

Communication is so important, so we emphasized early they need to let us know what they're doing.

We told our kids we need to know when they're changing activities or going into a friends' cabin so we're aware of what they're up to.  

There are two ways you can stay in contact with kids on a cruise digitally: the Royal Caribbean app or an internet app.

Royal Caribbean's app has a totally free chat feature and it works great.  We used it to chat with our friends onboard the ship who did not buy an internet package.

It supports direct messaging as well as group messaging.  And Royal Caribbean seems to have fixed the lack of notifications that plagued the chat feature early on.

The problem with the Royal Caribbean app is you need to be at least 13 years old to have your own account. So if you have tweens, the only workaround is for them to sign in as a parent and then you're essentially texting yourself and notifications don't work in that scenario.

The other option is to buy an internet package and use a messaging app, which is what we did.

With an internet package for each kid, they can easily text us with iMessage or any other app you prefer. It's simple, works well, and everyone knows how to use it already.

We had the kids message us when they moved around, or we would let them know if we were changing what we were doing.  This also worked well if we wanted to do something they might be interested in.

One issue we ran into early was not them ghosting us.  We'd send them a message, see they read it, but not respond. 

After a quick talk about how that's not acceptable, they understood and wasn't an issue again.  Still, I think we'll need to remind them of that again on future sailings to avoid it.

Bring friends from home

The decision to let them roam was a bit easier given that we were cruising with friends who had kids their age.

I've often joked our kids are too annoying to be kidnapped, and if they're with their friends, I barely want to go near them. They laugh, share their inside jokes, and think they're smarter than everyone else.

By having their friends from home with us, it served two functions: a built-in support system and less reliance on other kids.

I want my kids to make new friends and be social, but just like at school, not every kid is necessarily your ideal candidate for friends with your child.

Plus, having their friends with them kept them more honest because their friends are familiar with me and my wife and won't hesitate to (playfully) tattle on each other.

It's not so simple to have friends join you on a cruise, but it did provide more peace of mind for me that I knew who they were mostly hanging out with.

Set curfew times

One of the first rules we set were curfews for our kids.

We'd set times they needed to be back in the cabin, no matter what.  Not only for bed time, but also in the afternoon.

Expectations are important, and we told them how curfews aren't suggestions.  

On a couple of occasions, my oldest texted me to ask to have her curfew pushed back.  Being able to quickly text made it simple, and we handled it then.

I would never not set a curfew for my kids, and we adjusted the curfew times based on what we had planned the next day.  They might think they can go to bed at midnight and be up and ready by 7am for a shore excursion, but I'm not playing that game.

Make sure we have family time everyday

I also made it clear that their roaming privileges don't come at the expense of family time.

We had certain activities that were meant to be enjoyed together as a family. Our shore excursion plans and dinners were the most important, and we planned our day around it.

Since the kids loved sleeping in, there wasn't much of an issue in the morning.  So really we had to work around primarily the afternoon and evenings.

I'm no parenting expert, but I think conveying that a cruise vacation is about time together first, and time apart second. They need to understand that and as a parent, I needed to make time for it too.

Point out examples of what not to do

One thing I wanted to make clear to my kids is what not to do, and pointing out examples to my own kids was my best idea.

Inevitably we'll get in an elevator, walk around the ship, or witness somewhere kids behaving badly. Most of it is harmless immaturity, but I'll usually make a comment that they'd better not to do the same thing.

I think it not only shapes their conceptions of what is acceptable or not, but also sets a kind of baseline for themselves. The less they can play the ignorant card, the better.

Did I feel safe letting my kids roam a cruise ship?

Letting my kids be on their own for part of the cruise was different, but overall I felt safe about the whole thing.

I feel there are risks with everything in life, and I can't hover over them every minute.  Certain activities were never allowed, such as swimming, eating alone (to prevent choking), disembarking the ship, or roaming CocoCay alone.

We also felt good about putting in time constraints in the form of curfews.  

The biggest x-factor are the other kids they'll meet on a cruise and if there are any bad influences. This risk was mitigated by the fact we cruised with friends from home, but it was probably the top concern.

I'm also in a unique situation that both me and my kids have cruised a lot, so they know the layout of the ship quite well.  There was less risk of getting lost.

Overall, I thought this foray into independence went well. Everyone's kids are different, so your experience may need to be curtailed in order to match up with your needs. 

Want to know the best secret to going on a cruise ship with kids? Book a cabin for them and one for you.

I know it sounds like that would be expensive, but you'd be surprised how much better a deal it can be to get two connecting cabins instead of trying to book everyone into a single room.

This is one of my favorite family cruise hacks, and I've been using it for years.

We recently sailed on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas for 5-nights and booked two connecting balcony cabins, which cost about $3,000 each. It was a New Year's Eve sailing, so that's why the price is higher than you might expect.

Here's why you should think about booking two cabins instead of one, and one thing I'll do differently after my latest sailing.

Two connecting cabins instead of a suite is usually cheaper

Ever since my kids started getting to an age where a little bit of privacy and separation was nice to have, we've embraced the two cabin idea. It's turned out to be a great decision, especially once we get on the ship and my wife and I get our own space from the kids.

The natural temptation is to book everyone in the same cabin, but that tends to be more problematic on cruise ships than at a hotel.

Cruise ship cabins are generally smaller than hotel rooms, so even before you consider alternative booking strategies, families have less space to contend with.

While Royal Caribbean has developed bigger cabins and cabins that are more family focused over the years (especially on Icon of the Seas), putting everyone in the same cabin usually results in the same two issues: not enough living space to be comfortable and sharing one bathroom.

There are suites that solve this problem by offering a separate bedroom and two bathrooms, but the prices for suites are anything but cheap.

Most suites don't have a second bedroom and/or bathroom, so it's really just the massive suites that work. And that means suites that are among the most expensive.

It's easy to just go for everyone in a single room and hope for the best.  To be fair, I've done that with my family on occasion and while not ideal, it's not the worst experience either.

In my experience, booking two smaller connecting staterooms can be more affordable than a suite and offers exactly what families need: space for everyone.

Having a second bathroom is the best reason to book two staterooms

As my kids have gotten older, demand for the bathroom has gotten far more contentious.

Not only do teens compete for the shower, but when we get back from a shore excursion, there's more fighting over the shower than who gets to ride in the front seat of the car.

In standard cabins, the bathrooms are usually really small.  This is definitely true of older Royal Caribbean ships, such as Voyager of the Seas.  

Space on the counter is really limited, so booking my wife and I along with our four kids in the same room means the bathroom would be a giant mess of toiletries.

Every time I've booked us in a cabin where we share one bathroom, I have almost immediate regret once the fighting begins about who gets to use the bathroom first.

Next time, I'd change how I book my teenagers in the cabin

For a long time I've had my MEI Travel agent book me in one cabin with one kid, and my wife in the cabin with the other kid.

The reason we did this was to be able to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package without incurring the rule that requires all the adults to buy a drink package if one adult buys one.

This strategy was fine when my kids were younger and I bought a beverage package every sailing, but I've stopped buying them as much because of the higher prices.

But the real reason why this booking strategy is becoming an issue is because my kids are spending more time around the ship on their own.

Because my oldest daughter is booked with me in my room, her SeaPass card can only open my cabin.  That's the cabin my wife and I share.  So if she's in the teen club on the ship until midnight and we're in bed, she'll disturb us as she returns to the room before her curfew.

In the future, I'll book the kids in one cabin and my wife and I in the other cabin to avoid this issue.

While it's true minors cannot be booked in a cabin without an adult, Royal Caribbean allows only minors in the room if it's one cabin away from the adults.  It can be one cabin away by connecting or adjacent cabins, or even across the hall.

The best cruise line to sail with kids? It's Royal Caribbean because of how much they offer children and families onboard.

From pools, outdoor movie screens, waterslides, and enormous kids clubs, there is no shortage of fun things for children's activities.  There's also rock climbing walls, laser tag, ice skating rinks, carousels, and much more. While primarily it's the new cruise ships that have the most for kids, oldest ships were still designed with family fun in mind. 

The two biggest cruise ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet are poised to become arguably the best ships for families: Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

Being the world's largest cruise ships means you'll find plenty to do for everyone, not just kids. There's something for mom, grandpa, the older cousins, and your brother's girlfriend. Not an easy task for any vacation choice.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis, Icon, and Quantum Class ships lead the pack as the newest generation of cruise ships with more kid-friendly options than any ship before it.  The Freedom and Voyager Class cruise ships still offer a lot, and at great prices for families.  Lastly, the Radiance and Vision Class ships are the smallest, oldest ships in the fleet and lack the whiz-bang features that usually attract families with young children.

Whether you're looking for "wows", a multitude of things for the kids to do, or just a family vacation that won't break the bank, here's my top picks for the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for young kids: Star of the Seas or Icon of the Seas

If you have little kids, you're going to want to sail on one of the Icon Class ships.

The world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, redefined what a cruise ship can offer young families.

Icon is the top choice in the fleet for anyone with young kids because that's exactly the market the cruise line has doubled down on to attract.

The fact there's an entire neighborhood for parents and their young kids is a compelling reason to choose Icon. Surfside is an open-air section of the ship that has a splash area, kid-friendly water slides, and infinity pool for adults. You will also find in Surfside an arcade, carousel, playground, and lots of family-centric dining choices.

Royal Caribbean positioned Surfside right near Adventure Ocean, so you can easily drop off and pick up your kids without trekking around the ship.

There's also special family cabins and suites in Surfside that are designed to give kids and parents the space they need to enjoy a cruise together.

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

If that's not enough to do on a cruise, there's lots of other activities around the ship, such as the main pools, water slides, minigolf, ice skating, production shows and more.

Icon of the Seas offers weeklong cruises to the Caribbean from her homeport in Miami, and every cruise includes a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

In 2025, Star of the Seas will start sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and also sail 7-night Caribbean cruises.

Star will be nearly identical to Icon, with a few notable tweaks. Nonetheless, it's a great ship for young families and considering she'll be based about an hour from Orlando, it's going to be a compelling alternative to a theme park vacation.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for families of all ages: Wonder of the Seas

If you want something for everyone, look no further than Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship.

Wonder of the Seas (as well as the other Oasis Class cruise ships) is not just a giant cruise ship, but it has just about everything kids, teens, and grandma will find enjoyable.

Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size

Oasis Class ships are packed with the best offerings Royal Caribbean has, and there's very few activities or amenities found on other ships that you can't find on these vessels.

You've got water slides, a giant aqua park, surf simulator, two rock walls, playscape, and a carousel if you need to burn some energy. Then there's the zip line, ice skating, hot tubs, and 10-story dry slide.

The adults-only solarium pool area is found on every Royal Caribbean ship, but like everything on an Oasis Class ship, the solarium on Wonder is just bigger.

Another great amenity on Wonder of the Seas are the shows. There are three entertainment venues with shows almost every night: AquaTheater, Royal Theater, and Studio B.

You can expect to see comedy shows, ice skating show, diving show and more.

If you're new to cruising, or are traveling with a wide variety of ages, it's hard to go wrong with an Oasis Class cruise ship like Wonder.

If there's a downside to going on Wonder of the Seas, it's that you'll pay more on average for a cruise on Wonder of the Seas compared to other ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet.

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes guide & explanation

If your budget is tight, perhaps one of the other ships in this list might be a better fit, but that isn't to say Wonder will cost you an arm and a leg either. Relatively speaking, newer ships tend to cost more.

You can save money on just about every cruise by taking advantage of certain planning tips for getting the lowest price, so there's no excuse for paying top dollar, even for a cruise on Wonder of the Seas.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for families with older kids: Odyssey of the Seas

Let's say you have tweens or teen in your family and want to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise that caters more to them than younger children.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships have always been the best choice for families with older children because of the more sophisticated offerings onboard.

Just like Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas is the newest ship in its class and has the latest offerings available. Moreover, Odyssey is a very new ship too, which means you're going to find lots to enjoy.

If you have a teen, be sure to start off by showing them the teen club and teen sun deck.  Teens not only have an indoor area for them, but they have a reserved area of the pool deck just for them.

Read more: 6 things you can only do on Odyssey of the Seas

Then there's the SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas, where throughout the day activities are swapped that include bumper cars, roller skating, basketball, and more. Parents can "observe" from the nearby Playmakers sports bar located on the upper level of the SeaPlex.

Something to do with your teens would be Zone Zero, an immersive virtual reality experience where you put on a full virtual reality suit.

Everyone will be able to also check out North Star observational pod, which is a glass capsule that takes you 300 feet above the ocean.  

If your teens ever wanted to try skydiving, Odyssey has a sky diving simulator too!

Grandparents and parents will find their enclave in the Solarium, which is as beautiful to look at as it is to relax in and enjoy.

For your evening entertainment, head to Two70, which has performances that incorporate amazing technology at the rear of the ship.  You'll be wowed by how Royal Caribbean has taken traditional stage productions and infused tech enhancements.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for families on a budget: Freedom of the Seas

You want to take your family on a fabulous cruise but also need to make every dollar count? Check out Freedom of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean revamped this ship in early 2020, and it offers plenty to do without the price tag newer cruise ships come with.

Freedom is still a "big ship", so there's no compromising on what there is to do onboard. You're going to find a surf simulator, beautiful pool area, aqua park, water slides, rock climbing wall, and much more.

In fact, the resort-style pool deck stands out as a big win for families. Kids can enjoy time at Splashaway Bay aqua park while adults will find serenity at the Solarium. The Lime & Coconut spans 3 decks, which creates a fun party atmosphere onboard.

Freedom has Royal Caribbean's new take on kids club and teen area, just like the newer ships.

Because she's getting older, the average price on Freedom is notably less than ships built in the last 5 years.  However, her age doesn't come with a lot of compromise, because there's a lot still to do for families onboard.

In short, Freedom of the Seas delivers on the promise of something for everyone, but at far less of a cost than newer ships.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for families visiting Alaska: Ovation of the Seas

There's simply nothing like an Alaska cruise, and families will love everything Alaska has to offer as well as onboard Ovation of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises to Alaska on four ships, but I like Ovation the best for families, especially if it's your first Alaska cruise.

Related: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2024

Based out of Seattle, you'll be able to find more direct flights to get you onboard and if you're an American, at a lower price than if you flew to a ship departing from Canada.

Once onboard, there is lots to do and most of the activities are indoors. Just like Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation has a North Star, Flowrider, SeaPlex, indoor Solarium and more.

Since Ovation has an indoor pool for guests of all ages (in addition to the Solarium), it's the perfect ship for Alaska.

While Alaska is worthy of dedicating as much time as you can on shore, once you get back to the ship, there's no compromise with things to do aboard.

Best Royal Caribbean ship to take your parents: Brilliance of the Seas

Whether your kids are with your or not, if you are ready to take mom and dad on a cruise too, you might look at a ship that focuses more on the classic cruise experience.

Brilliance of the Seas is a Radiance Class ship, which is actually one of Royal Caribbean's smaller ships in the fleet.

Don't let her size fool you, there's still activities onboard to enjoy.  There's still the rock climbing wall and a fun pool deck. If you do bring young kids with you, there's a water slide on the back of the ship too.

The adults-only solarium might be my favorite solarium across the entire fleet. It's enclosed and climate controlled, and has lots of great seating for reading, napping, or both.

Something I've always loved about the Radiance Class are the floor-to-ceiling views, which are perfect for taking in the sunsets and watching your destinations come into view.

In addition to the main dining room, you'll find three great specialty restaurants worthy of a visit.  After dinner, take a show in at the Royal Theater.

So why Brilliance over her sister ships? The upgrades Brilliance received a few years ago stand out from her sister vessels (although Serenade has very similar features). Sailing from Tampa in the winter, there's also a good chance mom and dad are nearby.

Something else you'll love when you invite your parents to sail with you is the price. Quite often the value of Brilliance is unmatched.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for babies and toddlers

If you have young kids under the age of 3, there are a subset of Royal Caribbean ships you'll want to book for the better offerings they have for this age group.

Look for ships that have these important features.

Nursery

Not every Royal Caribbean ship has a Royal Babies & Tots Nursery, and it's a difference maker to go on a ship that has one.

The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery has an hourly cost to it, along with limited capacity. They are available for children between the age of 6 and 36 months old.

The fee for this service is $6 per hour between 9 am and 6 pm and $8 per hour from 6 pm until midnight.

The ship's nursery is a boon for parents because the nursery is a place you can drop off your infant or toddler and have someone take care of them for a few hours, allowing you to go to dinner, see a show, and otherwise enjoy the ship.

Heck, you can leave the child in the nursery while you get off the cruise ship in a port of call for a fun shore excursion.

Royal Caribbean ships with Royal Babies & Tots Nursery:

• Allure of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Star of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas

Baby splash zone

Did you know children in a diaper cannot go in the pools or hot tubs on Royal Caribbean?

Babies still in a diaper can, however, go in designated splash zones that are part of Splashaway Bay or the H2O Zone.

Royal Caribbean ships with a baby splash zone:

• 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
• Star of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas

The right ships if you have kids

It's important to talk about why Royal Caribbean is the best cruise line for families before we pick a ship. Someone new to cruising may not be aware of how Royal Caribbean separates itself from other lines in the family travel market.

Royal Caribbean is known in the cruise industry for building cruise ships that are floating destinations, with lots of amazing things to do onboard.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a supervised kids club, fun activities on the pool deck, and visits to private islands in the Caribbean. Many ships have babysitting for younger children, water slides, surf simulators, bumper cars and more.

Royal Caribbean doesn't put things on its ships just for kids, rather, they design experiences that kids and their parents can enjoy together. FlowRider, bumper cars, carousels, laser tag are all things guests of all age can find fun.

If getting your adrenaline pumping isn't your idea of fun, Royal Caribbean also has Broadway musicals on select ships, parades, ice skating shows, and expansive pool decks.

Arguably as important for parent and child alike is Adventure Ocean. Every day of your cruise there's a kids club where kids can go to meet other kids and play together in a supervised environment. Adventure Ocean isn't just a large room that kids get put in. There's activities, art, games, video games, and books for kids to enjoy. 

Royal Caribbean revised its Adventure Ocean program on its newest ships and a few amplified ships, which revamped the spaces and greatly expanded the offerings.

Adventure Ocean is included in your cruise fare, with the exception of late night (after 10pm), so your vacation budget won't break.

There's even teen spaces on many ships, including dedicated lounges for teens and tweens to go and find their own enclave. The teens club is less programmed as the younger kids club, but there's still fun activities for them.  In fact, Royal Caribbean will dedicate certain times of the day at the FlowRider or other signature activities just for teens.

If you have toddlers, the nursery program is a fantastic offering for parents and kids alike. The nursery has an additional hourly cost to it, but it provides a safe place for children between 6 - 36 months to go and play, nap, eat, and play some more. For parents to have a place to drop infants off and be able to enjoy dinner and evening entertainment while their baby gets to play and be put down for sleep is a boon.

If all of this sounds great, you might be wondering how much this will cost you.  Royal Caribbean's prices are quite reasonable, with cabins and cruise fares to match nearly any family vacation budget.

Another ace Royal Caribbean has up its sleeve for families are its private islands of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

These are ports your ship can visit on a Caribbean itinerary that are run by Royal Caribbean, which means lots of activities, beaches and a freshwater pool (at CocoCay) included with your cruise fare. A visit to either island is a highlight for nearly any family.

Other cruise lines may be more synonymous with kids, but Royal Caribbean's onboard programming stacks up favorably and offers more for children of all ages without compromising on the adult experience. Plus, Royal Caribbean routinely offers a kids sail free deal where children in the same cabin as the adults pay nothing for their cruise fare.

Cruises have a unique appeal when it comes to vacationing with little ones. 

There’s no packing and unpacking between destinations, plenty of activities for all ages, and, crucially, opportunities for parents to have some alone time. Unlike other vacations that can feel like nonstop parenting marathons, a family-friendly cruise like those offered by Royal Caribbean allows parents to unwind and recharge.

Royal Caribbean markets itself as the ultimate family-friendly cruise line, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for a more adult-centered experience, there are other cruise lines to explore. But for families, especially those with babies, Royal Caribbean’s setup is ideal. 

Our 7-night sailing on Icon of the Seas was my baby’s first cruise and my first time navigating a vacation with a child in tow. Thankfully, the ship’s thoughtful amenities and the Adventure Ocean program helped make the experience unforgettable.

Adventure Ocean: A game-changer for parents

Over my years of cruising, I’ve come to know and love most of what Royal Caribbean has to offer, but this trip brought me into new territory as I explored their renowned youth program: Adventure Ocean. Specifically designed for families, this program offers activities and babysitting services for children aged 6 months to 12 years, with age-appropriate groupings to ensure every child has a fun experience.

Adventure Ocean’s Royal Babies & Tots (or Adventure Ocean Babies on the Icon of the Seas) is designed for children from 6 months to 36 months. It includes activities and playtime that keep little ones engaged, allowing parents to enjoy some time to themselves. 

For older kids, there are even more options: Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (ages 6-8), and Voyagers (ages 9-12), each with spaces and programs geared to their interests.

What to love about Adventure Ocean

Adventure Ocean is a fan favorite among families, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not uncommon to hear that parents often find that their children prefer spending time here over accompanying them around the ship. 

Between the vibrant play spaces and the expertly crafted activities, it’s no wonder kids beg to return. From black-light puppet shows to bedtime stories under the stars in Surfside, the programs are entertaining and enriching, making Adventure Ocean a true win-win for parents and children alike.

During our cruise, there were endless activities for kids, including a haunted house experience just for little ones and themed play sessions. These features set Adventure Ocean apart, showcasing Royal Caribbean’s dedication to creating a memorable family-friendly experience.

Babysitting services

For parents of babies, one of the most valuable services is the Adventure Ocean Babies program, available on select Royal Caribbean ships. 

While there is a small hourly fee—$6 per hour until 6 p.m. and $8 per hour from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.—it’s an affordable rate compared to the cost of babysitters on land. Where I live, babysitting can cost upwards of $20 an hour, so this onboard service felt like an amazing deal.

Reservations are required for the baby program due to the need for a safe ratio of caregivers to children. On our sailing, the Icon of the Seas’ baby and toddler room could accommodate ten children during sea days and eight on port days, with multiple staff members in the room at all times. Knowing my baby was in good hands with qualified staff made it easy to relax and enjoy some much-needed time for myself.

Registration for Adventure Ocean Babies

One of the best tips I received was to go directly to Adventure Ocean for registration as soon as we boarded. It’s a small but important step, as registration ensures your little one is on the list for the program and avoids any last-minute hiccups. Additionally, for the Adventure Ocean Babies program, early registration lets you book time slots before they fill up.

After completing the mandatory muster drill, we went straight to the Adventure Ocean area. There were no lines, and we were greeted by a friendly staff member who walked us through the registration process on a tablet. 

The form allowed us to share essential information about our daughter’s eating and sleeping habits, as well as any special needs. We also designated who in our party was allowed to check her out of the program.

One helpful feature we received during registration was a DECT phone. This phone allowed the staff to reach us anytime while we were on the ship, which brought tremendous peace of mind. 

However, it’s worth noting that this phone only works on board, so we were unavailable if we took a shore excursion. We signed an agreement acknowledging a replacement fee if the phone was lost or damaged, ranging from $25 to $300 depending on the condition.

Booking time slots

Once we completed registration, we were ready to book our initial time slots. Initially, families are limited to reserving six hours at a time, with the option to check back after Day 3 to see if additional hours are available. 

Knowing in advance when we wanted baby-free time was helpful, and we used the Cruise Planner to map out activities. This way, we maximized our experience and secured the care slots we needed.

An added bonus we learned about was nursery access for families booked on Royal Caribbean excursions during port days. This option allows parents to use the service even when nursery capacity is limited. 

By reserving spots specifically for families on Royal Caribbean excursions, Royal Caribbean ensures parents can enjoy these special activities without concern for their little ones’ care. While we briefly considered booking a nursery slot on a port day to take an excursion that involved bus transportation (which we wouldn’t do without a car seat), we ultimately decided against it.

Still, this option is fantastic for families with older kids, especially since many excursions have a minimum age limit of around 4 years old. I was surprised that even beach breaks, which seem ideal for small children, were often restricted by age requirements. 

Knowing that parents of toddlers can still enjoy these excursions without worry, thanks to the nursery, is a big plus for families looking to make the most of their trip.

Exploring Adventure Ocean

After completing registration and chatting with the friendly nursery staff, we took a quick tour of Adventure Ocean. The spaces designed for older kids were impressive; it was easy to see why children would love spending time there. 

Because no children were currently present in the nursery, we were allowed to take pictures—something we couldn’t do otherwise, and we appreciated the thoughtfulness behind that policy.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Adventure Ocean Babies room, but I was genuinely pleased with what we found. Right as we entered, a half-wall partition with a door separated the main nursery area from the entrance. This setup kept the space safe and clean by preventing people from walking through unnecessarily. The partitioned area allowed us to handle drop-off and pick-up procedures while still being able to see clearly into the main room.

For added safety, the door leading into the room is locked and can only be opened by staff members from the inside. The room was spacious, clean, and thoughtfully arranged with features for little ones’ enjoyment and comfort. A large playmat in the center, surrounded by toys and a rocking chair, was designed for play and comfort. 

To one side, there was a small table for toddlers, along with a row of lockers for storing any items brought from our stateroom. The bathroom was designed specifically for small children, with pint-sized toilets that even the youngest could use.

Beyond another half-wall, we discovered a quiet area with cribs and a changing station. This part of the room was kept dim, with a low-level sound machine playing softly for children who needed to nap during their stay. It was clear that a lot of thought went into making the space as functional and cozy as possible.

Toy lending bags

One surprise we discovered was the availability of toy lending bags through Adventure Ocean. These bags, available to families with young children, are filled with age-appropriate toys, books, and activities to keep little ones entertained in the cabin or around the ship. It’s an excellent option for parents who don’t want to pack a ton of toys but still want their child to have engaging activities on board.

We picked up a toy bag on the first day, and it included a variety of fun, safe, and clean items like a light-up piano, rattles, squeaky toys, and more—all of which kept our daughter happily occupied during downtime in the cabin. 

Each bag is carefully curated by age group, so parents can feel confident that the toys are suitable and safe. These are not only free to borrow, but you can exchange the bag for a new one as often as you like, so there’s always something fresh and exciting for your child.

This service really added a special touch to our family cruise, and it’s a great example of how Royal Caribbean has thought through the details to make traveling with young kids easier. The toy lending bags allowed us to pack lighter and still have all the entertainment essentials we needed for a relaxing family vacation.

Our first reservation: smooth sailing on a sea day

Our first nursery reservation was scheduled for the second day of the cruise, a full day at sea. We had reserved the 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. slot, hoping to experience the record-breaking water park—something we couldn’t fully enjoy with our baby in tow. We arrived a few minutes early, just in case there was a line.

The check-in process was quick and straightforward, which put us at ease. The staff verified our reservation times and then asked to see our SeaPass card for scanning. 

They provided a small label with our baby’s name, stateroom number, and reservation time, which we were instructed to place on her back. Next, they inquired about her last feeding and diaper change and whether she would need to be fed or put down for a nap while in the nursery.

Parents can leave a prepared bottle or bring formula in pre-portioned containers to be mixed as needed for bottle-fed babies. 

If bottles aren’t labeled, staff will mark them with tape and your child’s name to ensure they’re only used by your baby. Parents are also asked to provide diapers, wipes, and other essentials, such as a favorite toy or pacifier. We even had the option to leave our stroller with them, making it easy to enjoy the water park without extra baggage.

The check-in process took under five minutes, and then we were off. Since our baby attends daycare during the week, she was comfortable in the nursery environment, which resembled our daycare’s setup back home. Thanks to the time change we had experienced the night before, her nap schedule aligned perfectly with our reservation.

One of the conveniences of Royal Caribbean’s nursery is the DECT phone system, which allows parents to stay connected without interrupting their activities. 

Between each water slide ride and exploration of the ship, we made a point to check the phone for missed calls, which gave us great peace of mind. Knowing we could be reached immediately made it easier to relax and enjoy our time together.

When our two-hour session at the water park was over, we made our way back to Adventure Ocean. By then, the nursery was busier, and another family was checking their child in. We learned that the nursery only allows one family in the room at a time, which keeps the space from getting crowded and adds an extra layer of safety for the children.

The pickup process was just as smooth as check-in. After scanning our SeaPass card to confirm we were authorized to pick up our baby, the staff shared a quick overview of her time there. They noticed she loved the bouncer chair and spent a good part of the session happily playing. 

When she began showing sleepy cues, as noted in our registration, they laid her down in one of the cribs, where she napped. This attention to detail and personalized care reassured us that she was in excellent hands.

Since she was still sleeping, they allowed one of us to go into the room to get her. They quickly buzzed me in, and I was able to pick her up from the crib to try to preserve the nap. We really appreciated this, as anyone who has dealt with a sleeping baby knows that waking them early can end badly.

After starting off with a positive experience, we were able to breathe a sigh of relief. Even though our daughter is used to childcare, you never know how they may react in a new environment, and with this room having a larger age range than our home daycare, we weren’t sure if that would impact anything.

Following experiences

Since the next day was Day 3 and we were feeling confident, we called them in the morning to see if there were any extra time slots available. We were in luck! While they didn’t tell us exactly how much time was available, they asked what hours we were looking for. We reserved a dinner slot that night, so we could relax and enjoy the Main Dining Room without feeling rushed.

Later that evening, we also took advantage of some post-dinner time. My husband tried out the thrilling Crowns Edge experience, while I spent some time meeting the Chief Dog Officer, Rover. It was refreshing to share some “grown-up” time together without worrying about our little one.

This experience was very similar to our first, and when we returned, our daughter was napping again. This time, they mentioned they initially tried to put her in a crib, but she had trouble settling. So they placed her in her stroller, rocked it a bit, and she drifted off. The staff even pushed her stroller into the dimly lit crib area, letting us roll her out peacefully, which was a nice touch and something we’d pre-approved as a backup option.

Our third reservation was on Day 4, and it was our first time testing a past bedtime drop-off. Normally, we stick to a strict bedtime routine, but we decided to loosen the reins and go with the flow.

We dropped her off at 7 p.m. so we could catch the 7:30 p.m. adult comedian show. We made sure to do our usual pre-bed routine, including bath time and changing her into pajamas but saved her evening bottle for Adventure Ocean Babies. 

When we picked her up later, we were glad to hear she had settled in, finished her bottle, and fallen asleep in a crib. I managed to transfer her back to our cabin without waking her up—something I’m sure fellow parents can appreciate as a small victory!

Our last reservation was on Day 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., so we could catch a favorite show, Love & Marriage. However, I’d mistakenly remembered it as a 2 p.m. reservation and didn’t realize until we showed up at 1:50 p.m. Luckily, since they weren’t at capacity, they extended our reservation, letting us stay until 4 p.m.

Half an hour later, however, our phone rang—alarming us, since it had been practically inactive the entire cruise. The staff informed us that our daughter was crying, and they couldn't soothe her. We immediately left the show and headed over to pick her up.

When we arrived, I found one of the staff holding her, trying to calm her down. It was uncharacteristic of our daughter to be so upset, and I wondered if she might have taken a small tumble since she’s still learning to sit up unassisted. 

They assured me that she was physically fine but was simply unable to self-regulate at that moment. I took her into the hallway to soothe her while the staff helped gather our stroller and diaper bag. Once she calmed down, we returned to our cabin, where she napped and woke up as back as her usual self.

Reflecting on this, I realized she might have been experiencing early signs of separation anxiety, a typical stage for infants. She was also starting to teethe, which has made her a bit more irritable than usual, a pattern we noticed even after returning home.

Overall thoughts

Even though our last session at Adventure Ocean Babies was cut short, I felt relieved knowing she was in capable, caring hands. 

Babies cry—it's how they express themselves. I've seen plenty of adults shed tears on a cruise (especially later in the evening after a few drinks), so it’s all part of the experience! What matters most is how children are responded to, and Royal Caribbean has clearly taken the time to vet their Adventure Ocean staff, prioritizing professionalism and warmth.

Cruising with a baby might seem daunting, but Royal Caribbean’s family-friendly approach and well-designed Adventure Ocean program make it an enjoyable experience for parents and little ones alike. 

Whether you’re a first-time parent cruiser or seasoned sailor, you’ll find that this combination of amenities and thoughtful services allows for a memorable, relaxing trip that everyone in the family can enjoy.

The cruise industry is convenient for people traveling in twos—but what about families of five?

For groups of five or families with three kids, it can be tricky to find proper activities, accommodations, and sailings.

Royal Caribbean is a popular cruise line for family holidays, but some of its ships and itineraries are better for families than others.

And once you choose a ship and sailing, you'll still have to figure out the best stateroom configurations for your brood.

Larger families have additional challenges when it comes to planning vacations.

You'll have to work around schedule conflicts between school and employment. 

Families also have a broad range of ages that contribute to a variety of interests, from toddlers preferring pool time to adults who just need a quiet moment at the bar.

Finding the right stateroom is also difficult for a family of five, who need extra space and privacy. Cruise lines make it easy to book rooms for two to four people—add a fifth, and things get more complicated.

Whether you're looking for entertainment that enthralls the whole family or the perfect two-bedroom suite, here are the best cruises for a family of five. 

Wonder of the Seas

For families traveling with multiple age ranges, Wonder of the Seas has something for every generation.

One of the cruise line's biggest ships, Wonder is an Oasis-Class vessel packed with entertainment and activities.

The size of the ship ensures that there's enough space to hold something for everyone.

For the active bodies, the vessel has pools, waterslides, a zip line, a surf simulator, laser tag, ice skating, rock climbing walls, and a 10-story dry slide.

Adults can get away in the Solarium, an 18+ pool area, or enjoy comedy, ice-skating, and diving shows with the whole family.

Plus, Wonder of the Seas has nine complimentary venues and over 12 specialty venues, including the signature Mason Jar Southern cooking.

Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ship—and the largest one in the world—was built with young children and their parents in mind.

The ship's Surfside neighborhood caters specifically to families with young kids with its splash area, water slides, arcade, carousel, and playground.

Read more: Royal Caribbean added a new suite for families on Icon of the Seas that has more space than ever

The neighborhood also features family-centric dining options, like Surfside Eatery, Surfside Bites, and Pier 7.

Surfside neighborhood is also adjacent to Adventure Ocean and multiple family-style suites and cabins.

Icon of the Seas has 28 unique cabin categories, with unique and new designs built especially for families.

Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's debut Oasis-Class vessel, Oasis of the Seas, has a fun, vibrant atmosphere perfect for families.

Much like Wonder of the Seas, the ship is packed with activities for every passenger's taste.

Oasis first launched in 2009 and was amplified in 2019. The amplification added modern amenities, including a Caribbean-style pool deck with a tropical feel. Four distinct pool areas have lots of space for families to spread out. 

Splashaway Bay, a pool area specifically for children, features small slides, water sprayers, and playground-style climbing areas.

Plus, Oasis has three waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, an extra-tall rock climbing wall, a space-themed escape room, Central Park, and the Boardwalk, complete with a carousel.

Utopia of the Seas

Much like her sister vessels in the Oasis Class, Utopia of the Seas has a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy.

However, another reason families should book a sailing on Utopia is to try a shorter itinerary.

Utopia is the first large Royal Caribbean ship to immediately start offering 3 and 4-night cruises at its debut.

If you struggle to get time off from work, get the children out of school, or coordinate with older kids, a weekend on one of the world's biggest cruise ships has everything you need.

The line's newest cruise ship is packed with novel activities, from an immersive train car dining experience to new parties.

Plus, if you're already a fan of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, Utopia takes its classic features to the next level.

Most popular cabins for 5 people

Once you choose a vessel and itinerary, you'll choose a stateroom category to book the sailing.

When it comes to families of five, this isn't always a straightforward process.

The Royal Caribbean website won't allow you to book a cabin for five people, so you'll have to consult with a travel agent or call the cruise line's customer service.

Picking your stateroom onboard means choosing your home for the length of the cruise, so finding a good fit is key. Plus, families especially need comfortable cabins with lots of space for naps, quality time, and extra showers. 

The following aren't all the possible cabin categories for a group of five, but they're the most popular options with cruisers.

Two connecting staterooms

The easier option, available on all ships in the fleet, is to book two connecting staterooms.

The cost of two separate staterooms can be cheaper than one large family stateroom, and two connecting staterooms ensure that the family is still close together.

Doors between them keep an easy flow and can be left open during the day to create a multiple-bedroom cabin.

Two separate staterooms also include the benefit of two bathrooms—great to prevent arguments over who's showering next.

Families with older children (or adults who need some extra space) will appreciate the separation two connecting cabins provide.

Each cabin needs to have a guest over 21 booked in the room, but that doesn't mean each adult has to sleep in a particular cabin.

You'll find connecting staterooms on all Royal Caribbean ships.

Family interior stateroom

For groups with a certain budget, the "spacious interior" stateroom is the most affordable cabin category that fits five guests.

The family interior stateroom fits up to six guests inside a windowless interior cabin.

Families who want to focus on shore excursions or onboard activities can save money by skipping an oceanview or balcony cabin and booking this category instead.

It is windowless, with two twin beds, two Pullman beds that fold down from the wall, a private bathroom, and a living area with a sofa bed.

You can book a family interior stateroom on Oasis Class, Freedom Class, and Vision Class ships.

Family oceanview stateroom

Families who want to stay together in one cabin can book a family oceanview stateroom.

Also called the "ultra spacious oceanview," this category has the capacity for six guests and requires a minimum of five to book.

Because a larger group is needed to book, this cabin is less likely to sell out quickly, lowering its cost and making the category easier to find onboard.

This cabin features a bright ocean view through a window or set of portholes.

The category usually ranges in size from 265 to 328 square feet and features a king-size bed, additional bunk beds, and a living area with a sofa bed.

You can book a family oceanview stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, Freedom Class, Voyager Class, Radiance Class, and Vision Class vessels.

Royal Loft Suite

Families looking to splurge on the luxurious benefits of a cruise ship suite can find the Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean's newer ships.

The high-end suit comes with over 560 square feet of space, Star tier suite benefits, and a large private balcony.

The loft configuration features two distinct floors, giving a maximum of six guests tons of space to spread out.

The high price tag comes with some worthwhile treats. The Royal Loft Suite is available on Royal Caribbean ships in the Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Classes.

Ultimate Family Suite

Another luxurious family suite is the Ultimate Family Suite, available on a few Royal Caribbean ships.

This cabin can sleep from five to nine guests and boasts Star-tier benefits.

Families ready to invest in their stateroom experience will appreciate the king-sized bed, two twin beds, four bunk beds, and double pull-out sofa.

The cabin also features plenty of entertainment—you won't even have to step outside for a fun cruise.

The living room features video games, table tennis, Connect 4, and even a slide. 

A wide balcony also features a private Jacuzzi, perfect for parents to enjoy without leaving any sleeping children.

The Ultimate Family Suite is only on Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's ships are packed with lots of activities and entertainment, that include areas just for kids and teens to go without their parents.

The dedicated spaces for kids have grown as Royal Caribbean's ships have gotten bigger, and there's a large emphasis on family-friendly programming.

I've taken my kids on dozens of cruises over the years, and it quickly became our family's preferred way to travel. Without a doubt, there's an art to cruising with kids because like all things with children, you've got to find the right balance of fun, relaxation, and sanity.

While we enjoy family fun with my kids on the ships, the supervised kids clubs in Adventure Ocean, Teen Lounge, and the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery have given a break to all of us. 

How the kids club works on Royal Caribbean

On every Royal Caribbean ship is a supervised area reserved just for kids. Parent's drop them off, and it's a win-win for both kids and parents alike.

You'll need to register your kids once you get onboard by visiting the kids club or nursery. You just need to enter some personal information about your kids, who can pick them up, sign out privileges, and authorization for the cruise line staff to supervise them.

Adventure Ocean is the name of the kids club on Royal Caribbean, and it's open every day of your cruise.  It's not open 24 hours, but its operating hours mean you can count on it being open most of the day and into the late night.

If your kids are at least 3 years old, there's no cost to use Adventure Ocean up until 10pm.  After that, there's an hourly fee.

Adventure Ocean is separated into three groups: Aquanauts (3 to 5 years old), Explorers (6 to 8 years old) and Voyagers (9 to 12/13 years old). This ensures there are age-appropriate activities for everyone.

Sometimes groups will be merged if there aren't a lot of kids checked-in, such as during the morning on a sea day or late at night.

Kids going into Aquanauts need to be fully potty trained, regardless of age. The staff cannot assist with kids using the toilet. 

As many parents know, 3-year-olds are usually in the midst of potty training, so my advice is take them to the restroom before drop off and check in often with them to see if they need to go.  There's no problem with you stopping by to take them to the bathroom and then the child returning to the fun.

Kids under the age of 3 can go to the ship's nursery, which always has an hourly fee. The nursery will care for, feed, and put the child down for a nap while in their care.

Teens have their own area of the ship. Depending on the ship, the minimum age for teens is 12 or 13 years old, and includes anyone up to the age of 17.

Kids club on new ships vs old ships

You should be aware that Royal Caribbean's kids programming varies considerably depending on which ship you're sailing on.

Since about 2019, Royal Caribbean has steadily been upgrading Adventure Ocean and Teens Club with a new approach. Primarily, the differences include:

• Teen club starts at 13 instead of 12
• Adventure Ocean is more free play, rather than organized activities. There are still activities wit staff, but kids have more choice whether to participate or not.
• Addition of craft rooms (AO Workshop)
• Addition of outdoor teen deck space
• More interactive digital entertainment in the clubs

Ships with "Adventure Ocean 2.0" include:

• Navigator of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas
• Star of the Seas

Other ships have essentially the original Adventure Ocean approach to programming and spaces available.

What are the ages for kids club on Royal Caribbean?

Kids between the ages of 6 months and 17 years old can access Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean program.

Each area is split up by age:

• Royal Babies & Tots: Children 6 months–36 months
• Aquanauts & AO Junior: Children ages 3–5
• Explorers: Children ages 6–8
• Voyagers: Children ages 9–11
• AO Kids (new ships): Children ages 6-12
• Navigators: Children ages 12–14
• Teens: Children ages 15–17
• Social (new ships): ages 13-17

What are the Royal Caribbean kids club hours?

On sea days, Adventure Ocean is typically open 9am - noon; 2pm - 5pm; 7pm - 10pm. After 10pm, Adventure Ocean remains open until perhaps 1am or 2am, but there is an hourly charge for kids that stay past 10pm.

While in port, Adventure Ocean is open continuously while the ship is docked with no breaks.  Once the ship departs port, it resumes the normal sea day schedule.

The nursery hours are fixed every day and open 9am - midnight with a reservation.

The teen club has similar hours to Adventure Ocean, but there is no cost past 10pm.

Special kids club rooms

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has added more than just play areas for kids on their ships. You'll find labs, theaters, and more.

Depending on which ship you sail, there could be additional venues part of Adventure Ocean. These are primarily on the newest and biggest ships. 

All of these rooms are included with your cruise and there's no additional fee.  In many cases, it may only be open for kids checked into their club.

An open play area is an unsupervised room with play toys and climbing toys that is enclosed, with just one entrance. This is where parents can bring their young kids and let them run loose while supervising them.

It's similar to a play are you might see at a fast food restaurant, and it's great for toddlers who can crawl and start to walk and they need to get energy out.

The Adventure Ocean theater doubles as both a movie room and a place for original shows.

Sometimes there are activities held inside the theater for kids signed into kids club, while other times the theater is opened up to parents and kids.

The Science Lab is where Adventure Ocean counselors can take kids to do fun experiments.

Usually it's where kids can build a volcano and watch it "erupt" with the proper combination of chemicals, but it's been used for other activities as well.

Teens usually have an outdoor space for them, in addition to the club. 

On Odyssey of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, there's actually a teen sun deck space for them. Other ships have clubs for teens only.

On the newest Oasis Class ships, there is a Playscape area on the back of the pool deck (Utopia and Wonder of the Seas).

There's no registration or sign ups required, just bring your kids and let them explore and play.  Kids of all ages are welcome, but it leans heavily to favor under 7-year-olds.

Do you have to pay for kids club on Royal Caribbean?

Adventure Ocean and Teens Club is included with your cruise fare, and there is no additional cost. The exception is after 10pm for Adventure Ocean.

After 10pm, there is an hourly rate of $10 per child, per hour.

The nursery always has an hourly cost and costs $6 per child, per hour between 9am and 6pm; $8 per child, per hour between 6pm and midnight.

How the nursery works on Royal Caribbean

Most Royal Caribbean cruise ships have a nursery, and while it has an extra cost, I've found it to be a tremendous value for parents.

The nursery onboard is for toddlers and infants between 6 months and 36 months old, and you'll need to register your child in order to get a time slot.

Time slots are limited because the nursery has very limited capacity. Royal Caribbean maintains a strict counselor-to-child ratio because young children of this age require far more attention than older kids.

When you register, you'll provide information such as feeding schedule, nap preferences, and more.  Unlike the older kids clubs, the nursery can feed children, change their clothes or diapers and allow them to nap. 

Parents can drop off a bag of supplies, which includes formula, diapers, outfits, and anything else the staff might need.

On most ships, the nursery will limit the amount of hours you reserve in advance to ensure everyone has a chance to book times.  Usually after 2 or 3 days, they'll open time slots up without any restrictions.

While the nursery requires reservations, you can still drop your kid off if they have open slots.  My tip is to call the nursery and ask if they have availability at the moment, and they can advise if there's an opportunity.

Once in the nursery, the kids will interact with the counselors and other kids.  The very young kids might simply be held the entire time, while older kids can play with toys, watch a movie, or play with counselors or other kids.

There is a nap area with cribs. Newer ships have more separation between the cribs and the play area. 

Can the staff contact me if there's a problem?

There are various options for contacting parents if there's an issue, problem, or question about their kids.

Parents that drop children at the nursery will automatically get a phone to carry with them. The dect phone works anywhere on the ship, and it's a way to contact parents or parents contact the nursery.  

At Adventure Ocean Aquanauts/AO Juniors, parents can request a phone. It's not automatically given, but they have some to use for parents who have concerns with their kids.

Otherwise, the staff can always call your stateroom phone and leave a message. In the case of an emergency, you would be paged over the ship's public address system.

Kids club tips and advice

There are a few good bits of advice I can offer after taking my kids on many cruises and using Adventure Ocean.

Read more: 50 cruising with kids tips

Go to the open house on the first day

Held in the afternoon (usually 1pm) on embarkation day, you can register your kids and both parents and kids can explore the kids club.

You can meet the staff, get questions answered, and it's the perfect way for you and your kids to feel more comfortable before the first session later that evening.

You can drop kids off while you are off the ship

It might sound crazy, but you can leave your kids in Adventure Ocean while you are off the ship on a shore excursion or just walking around.

The kids club remains open anytime the ship is in port, and it's a great way to enjoy a more adult-centric shore excursion while your kids get to play in the club.

Why Royal Caribbean is the best cruise line for kids

While a lot of cruise lines advertise they're family friendly, Royal Caribbean stands out as the clear best choice for a cruise if you have kids.

For as long as I've been cruising, Royal Caribbean has been a family friendly brand that not only offers things for kids to do, but their parents as well.

I started cruising with I was in my teens, and as I got older, I graduated through various experiences. Now, I'm taking my kids onboard and my parents are the ones sailing with us to be with their grandkids. 

The reason why Royal Caribbean is the best cruise line for families is they offer the most for kids on their ships, at a great value, and without compromising the adult experience.

Other cruise lines may seem better for kids, but leave their parents wanting more.  Or the price is unreasonable.

The balance Royal Caribbean has for what they offer for every member of the family stands out to me.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for kids

There is not a Royal Caribbean cruise ship I wouldn't recommend for kids, but there are definitely a few ships that simply offer more.

By picking a ship that has more activities, larger spaces for kids, and more dining choices, you're increasing the chances that they'll have a good time (and you by proxy).

Think of it like choosing a city to visit. If you select a small town, your kids might love it, but there will be a larger variety of options to keep them occupied in a big city.

In choosing the best Royal Caribbean ship for kids, I think you want a ship with these features:

• A nursery
• Updated Adventure Ocean
• Many top deck activities
• Newer cabins that offer more family room configurations
• More restaurants

My top choices for a family with kids to sail on is Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, or Utopia of the Seas.

All three are big ships with the latest and greatest features onboard, tons of activities, and expansive dining choices.  In fact, Icon of the Seas is in a class by itself if you're cruising with young kids because the have an entire area dedicated to children.

If you're on a budget and want to cruise while saving money, I'd recommend Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, or Mariner of the Seas.

All three ships have been recently updated, and they're still "big ships".  However, they're all over 20 years old, and that means the price will be far less than my top 3 ships.

Cruising with kids is really easy on a Royal Caribbean cruise, especially if you know all the tips and tricks.

When you go on a cruise with your family, it can mean a mix of ages and even generations. While lots of parents take their kids on cruises, multi-gen cruising is another popular option so that grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins can spend time together onboard.

So while there are plenty of secrets I could share that apply to just about everyone, I wanted to focus on the sort of things families should know before they go on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Here are our top 50 best tips for cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean.

On This Page

• Planning tips
• Money saving tips
• Cruise cabin tips
• Packing tips
• Dining tips
• Adventure Ocean tips
• Miscellaneous tips

Planning tips

1. Buy your kids a passport

Passports cost money and kids passports expire after just 5 years, but they are worth the investment.

Having a passport for everyone in your party (that means you should get one too) makes the check-in, embarkation, and disembarkation process so much easier.

I think one of the biggest sources of frustration for families on a cruise are the lines and steps required to check-in and out of your cruise. Having a passport makes it all faster and simpler.

2. If you have toddlers, book a ship with a nursery

If you are going on a cruise with kids under 36 months old, make sure the ship you booked has a nursery.

Most Royal Caribbean cruise ships have gotten a nursery added over the last few years, but a few still do not, and I would say you should avoid these ships.

The nursery is a godsend for parents with toddlers, because it offers excellent supervised child care for children of that age. Kids can eat, play, and even nap in the nursery, making it an important resource for parents who want a break now and then.

3. Be aware of age restrictions for babies

Before booking a cruise with your newborn, make sure you’re aware of Royal Caribbean’s current infant policy.

Infants sailing on most cruises in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia must be at least 6 months old by the first day of the cruise.

For transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, select South America and other selected cruises, infants must be at least 12 months old by the first day of the cruise.

Any cruise that has 3 or more consecutive sea days requires infants to be at least 12 months old by the first day of the cruise.

4. Choose a ship with Splashaway Bay

Splashaway Bay is a kids-only aqua park on Royal Caribbean where you’ll find small slides, water cannons, a drench bucket, and jungle gym placed in shallow water.

If you aren’t sailing on a ship with Splashaway Bay, check if the ship has a baby splash pad available. Kids in diapers are not allowed in Royal Caribbean’s pools with the exception of the baby splash pad.

5. An internet package makes it easier to find your kids

Teenagers have a lot of freedom onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, but it’s important to be able to communicate with them throughout the day while they’re off exploring with new friends.

There are two main ways to stay connected on a cruise: an internet package or the Royal Caribbean app’s chat feature.

If you’re traveling with teens, consider booking an internet package so you can stay in touch while onboard. Internet packages are typically priced around $20 per device, per day.

Royal Caribbean's chat feature is free, but it requires users to be at least 13 years old to use the app.  Moreover, notifications can be hit or miss.

6. Cruises that visit a private island is the easy button

There's no bad cruise to pick for your kids, but I'd recommend one that visits Royal Caribbean's private island for a first cruise.

Royal Caribbean has two private destinations, with new beach clubs and private destinations coming online in a few years.

If you're looking for the easiest possible first cruise with kids, I think one that visits one of these spots will be about as easy as it gets.

The reason is because Royal Caribbean curates everything so well, it feels like an extension of the cruise ship experience.

7. Book a ship with water slides

While pools are fun, water slides are kings among kids, and not every Royal Caribbean ship has a water slide.

When you decide to have a pool day, kids always want something else to do other than relaxing by the pool. Water slides have been a boom for families since it offers them an activity kids can do over and over again.

Before you book, research to check if the ship you are looking at booking has a water slide.

Related: Which Royal Caribbean ships have water slides?

8. Set spending limits for your kids

For older kids who carry their own SeaPass card, you may want to enable spending limits to avoid a potential problem later.

First, when checking in online, you can choose the option “No onboard expense account” to prevent your children from using their SeaPass card for onboard purchases.

Once onboard, you can stop by Guest Services and set a pre-established limit.

The arcade, for example, has its own $50 per person daily limit, although you can increase/decrease this limit to whichever amount you would like by speaking to the arcade attendant once onboard.

9. Look for kid-friendly shore excursions

Consider your children's’ ages, fitness levels, and interests before booking a shore excursion.

Some shore excursions have age restrictions. Discover Scuba Diving tours, for example, often have a minimum age of 12.

Other shore excursions may include strenuous activities like kayaking or hiking. If you don’t think your toddler will fare well with hiking 5 miles, it might be best to plan something different in port.

You can filter shore excursions on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner site by interest, duration, and activity level to help find the best excursion to fit your family.

10. Kids don't need a drink package

I'm asked so often if parents need to buy their kids a drink package, and the answer is "no!".

Sure, if your kids are going to drink 4-5 sodas, mocktails, or coffees each day, you should get it for them.  But many kids, especially younger ones, won't.

You can easily order them drinks individually and pay for them rather than getting a costly package.  

A drink package can save you money, but it'll be cheaper to pay for drinks without one if your kids will drink just one or two drinks every day.

11. You can book kids in their own room with a hack

Royal Caribbean requires an adult to be booked in a cabin, but there's a workaround for this rule.

If you book a cabin with kids in them alone, it will be allowed if the cabin is one room away, either adjacent, connecting, or across the hall.

It's a lesser known policy, but could save you a lot of money (see tip #16 why).

12. Get your kids involved in planning the cruise

A Royal Caribbean cruise will undoubtedly be a fun experience for kids, so why not get them involved in the cruise planning process before you set sail?

Researching dining options, shore excursions, and onboard activities can get kids even more excited about their upcoming cruise vacation.

Another way to get kids involved in the cruise planning process is by finding YouTube videos or books about the cruise ship and ports of call. Watching a video tour of the ship you’ll be sailing on, for example, can help kids become more familiar with the cruise experience before your vacation begins.

Money saving tips

13. Don’t buy kids a dining package

Kids get special pricing at specialty restaurants, so buy dining packages only for the adults in your travel party.

Children between the ages of 0-5 are complimentary and ages 6-12 are $10 per child at any specialty restaurant.

When you make a reservation for a restaurant onboard, let your server know the adults have a dining package, but kids don’t and you will get a better price than if you bought the dining package for everyone.

14. Free ice cream on the pool deck

If your kids are craving ice cream but you don’t want to shell out extra money for Ben & Jerry’s, head to the pool deck for unlimited soft serve ice cream.

Not much makes kids happier than “unlimited” ice cream, and the soft serve station is usually available from around 11 AM to 6 PM each day.

15. Book during a Kids Sail Free promotion

Royal Caribbean regularly runs kids sail free deals that include the cruise fare of the third or fourth passenger in the same cabin as first two people paying normal price.

The "catch" with kids sail free are the blackout dates.  If you can find a qualifying sale, it can really save you a lot, especially if you book a suite.

Cruise cabin tips for families

16. Book two staterooms instead of one

My favorite family cruise tip is to book two connecting cabins instead of putting everyone into one room.

The conventional thought process is for a family of four or five to book one room for everyone. This is usually what families do at hotels or resorts, so why would a cruise be different?

Unlike hotels, cabins on a cruise are short on living space, so the experience is not exactly the same in sharing a room on a ship compared to on land.

Booking two connecting cabins not only provides more living space, but you get an extra bathroom (a huge benefit if your kids are older). Plus, you’ll have separation from your kids when it’s time to go to sleep.

Moreover, booking two connecting smaller rooms instead of one larger room may actually save you money.

17. Get a balcony room for some peace and quiet

If you have a child who will be napping during the day on your cruise, consider booking a balcony stateroom.

Having access to a private balcony means you can relax, chat, and make noise without worrying about waking your child up from his or her nap. You won’t have to worry about being extra quiet and silently sitting in the cabin.

Plus, you’ll have access to beautiful ocean views from your balcony. You’ll likely spend more time in your stateroom than normal when cruising with a young child, so splurging a bit more on extra comforts can be nice.

18. Bring a laundry basket

One of our best cabin hacks is to bring a cheap, pop-up laundry hamper for dirty clothes throughout the cruise.

It’s easy for cruise ship cabins to get messy quickly, especially when traveling with kids. Many cruisers find they have nowhere to put their dirty laundry and end up throwing clothes into a pile on the floor.

Instead, purchase a cheap pop-up laundry hamper to place in your stateroom. These hampers do not take up much space in your luggage but can be a life-saver when trying to keep your cruise ship cabin organized and clean.

19. Use magnetic hooks to hang extra belongings

Another cruise cabin hack we recommend is to pack magnetic hooks for extra storage space. Because Royal Caribbean cabins have magnetic walls, you can hang anything magnetic in your stateroom.

Purchasing a pack of sturdy magnetic hooks means you have extra space to hang things like jackets, towels, swimwear, hats, and backpacks.

20. Pack a USB hub

There are limited outlets in Royal Caribbean’s cruise cabins, particularly on the fleet’s older ships. It can be helpful to pack a USB hub to get more “charging space” from one outlet.

This is helpful when traveling with kids when you need to charge devices for 4+ guests, especially if you’re all staying in one room.

I recommend this outlet extender, which is approved for use on Royal Caribbean ships. (Contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use but we make a small commission if you buy it)

21. You can request a crib for the room

There’s no need to pack a Pack and Play for your kids on a Royal Caribbean cruise, as Royal Caribbean will provide a crib for your child free of charge.

When booking your cruise, you’ll indicate your child’s age. You can call and have a note added to your reservation. 

In addition, exactly three days before your sailing, you can fill out an online form to request it. 

If you realize there is no crib in the room once onboard, simply ask your stateroom attendant and they will provide the correct arrangements.

22. Pack a night light

Cruise ship cabins can be extremely dark at night, especially if you’re staying in an interior room.

Consider packing a small night light to place in the room so your kids can navigate the room should they wake up during the night.

Being in an unfamiliar place can be confusing for kids, especially if it’s pitch black, so this can help negate any uneasy feelings. Plus, it might even prevent you from running into furniture in the middle of the night!

23. Decorate your stateroom door

The walls and doors of your stateroom cabin are magnetic, and you’ll find that many passengers decorate their stateroom door with fun decorations.

Making custom door decorations or picking out decorations on a site like Etsy can be a fun way to get your kids involved in the cruise planning process.

Packing tips

24. Pack more diapers and supplies than you think you’ll need

While you might use X amount of diapers and baby wipes at home each day, you’re going to want to pack more supplies than you think you’ll need on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

We recommend that you pack at least 25% more diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, etc. Closer to 50% extra is ideal to ensure you won’t run out of supplies.

If you do run out of baby supplies, you’ll be forced to either buy diapers, wipes, and other baby supplies onboard or at a pharmacy in port. Both options are not ideal, as onboard prices will be significantly higher than at home and pharmacies in foreign countries may not have the same brands you're used to.

25. Be sure to pack athletic shoes, long pants, and socks

If your kids are interested in trying onboard activities like the rock climbing wall, ice skating, zip lining, or the basketball court, be sure to pack the appropriate clothing.

It’s mandatory to wear closed-toed shoes to participate in sports activities onboard. Your kids won’t be permitted on the Sports Court or zip line without proper footwear. Avoid slip-on tennis shoes without laces or velcro as these may not be permitted on activities like the zip line.

Likewise, be sure to pack socks for the rock climbing wall and ice skating rink. Long pants are required for the ice skating rink, too.

26. Buy a first aid kit to bring along

Between running around the ship and exploring new ports, it’s not uncommon for kids to be in need of a band-aid, antibiotics, seasickness medication, and other essentials.

While these are available onboard, it’s much easier to pack a few items in a first aid kit for easy access.

27. Consider sun protective swim suits

Most kids on a Royal Caribbean cruise will spend their days soaking up the sun, whether at the pool, water slides, or FlowRider. When combined with beach days in port, this leads to a lot of time spent in the sun.

Consider purchasing UV swimwear for your kids before a cruise to avoid any painful sunburns. UV swimwear protects against sunburn by blocking harmful UV radiation.

While you can apply and reapply sunscreen over and over again, using more protective swimwear for kids is recommended.

28. Don’t bring a car seat

This may sound crazy, but you really should not bring a car seat with you on the cruise.

You won’t find car seats in most taxis in the Caribbean, and it’s unlikely you’ll want to lug a car seat around port each day. For a short ride, we recommend doing as the locals do: putting your kids on your lap or buckling them in with regular seat belts.

While we don’t recommend this at home, it’s the way of life in many cruise ports.

29. Pack snacks from home

Passengers are permitted to bring non-perishable food onto a Royal Caribbean cruise. While there is no shortage of food to enjoy on any cruise ship, having easy-to-pack snacks available for kids can be helpful when visiting ports or spending time on the ship.

Avoiding temper tantrums is a must for parents whenever possible, and having some of your child’s favorite snacks available if they get hungry is helpful.

Items like granola bars, boxes of cereal, bags of chips, and trail mix can make for excellent snacks to bring on a cruise.

30. Leave the giant stroller at home

While you might have the latest and greatest stroller at home, consider packing something smaller while on a cruise ship.

We recommend bringing an umbrella stroller on a cruise ship, as these are much easier to navigate around the ship compared to a bulkier option.

Dining tips

31. Tips for picky eaters

Kids can be very picky about what they will eat.

The Windjammer is always a go-to option for picky eaters, as you’ll find kid-friendly food like pizza, french fries, hamburgers, and pasta available every day.

The Main Dining Room has a kids menu available every evening, with options like chicken noodle soup, chicken fingers, and grilled cheese sure to be enjoyed by even the pickiest of eaters.

If you want to dine with your kids at a sit-down restaurant, you can always bring food in from another restaurant (such as pizza or chicken nuggets). Most waiters will even go as far as to grab something simple like pizza from another restaurant for the kids.

Something else you can do is ask your head waiter for additional options for the kids. In the Main Dining Room, they can customize a lot of options; just give them a heads up in advance to ensure the chefs have enough time to prepare something.

If all else fails, grabbing a slide of pizza from Sorrento’s is sure to keep your kids satisfied.

32. Kids can order off the adult menu at specialty restaurants

Even though kids can dine at specialty restaurants at a reduced cost, the waiters do not mind offering your kids the same options as adults.

Specialty restaurants have kids menus, but if the kids want something off the adult menu, there is rarely an issue with doing so (even at their lower price).

33. Take kids to the Windjammer for dinner before Adventure Ocean

One of our best strategies for cruising with kids is to bring the kids up to the Windjammer for dinner, then take them to Adventure Ocean for the evening.

After that, the adults can go to dinner wherever they like. There’s no need to sacrifice dining options to please your kids when you can get the best of both worlds!

Adventure Ocean tips

34. Register for Adventure Ocean on the first day

On the first day of the cruise, be sure to head up to Adventure Ocean to sign your kids up as soon as registration opens.

Not only does this knock out an important must-do, but it ensures you can get up there before lines develop later on. Moreover, you don’t want to be that parent in line to register your kids while all the other families already did so and just want to drop their kids off.

Unfortunately you cannot pre-register your kids online before the cruise, but head up there on day one in the afternoon during the Adventure Ocean open house to meet the staff, get questions answered, and avoid time wasted later.

35. Bring kids to Adventure Ocean on the first day

After you register your kids for Adventure Ocean on embarkation day, encourage them to attend the first evening’s session. Just like at school or in extracurricular activities, the first day is often when friendships and cliques are formed.

It’s recommended to attend on the first day of the cruise so kids can make friends right away, especially for older children or kids who tend to be shy.

36. Our favorite nursery tip: call ahead

If your baby is ready for a nap, call the nursery and see if you can drop them off. The nursery is open throughout the day and in a lot of cases, they have availability in the morning and afternoon because most parents book up evening hours.

What I would do is call the nursery and ask if I can drop my child off. I’d let them know my kid is ready for a nap, and to provide whatever pre-nap routine they need (i.e. bottle, stroller, etc.) and to put them down for a nap and call me when they wake up.

This frees up both me and my wife so we can enjoy some time aboard while my kid takes a nap, instead of one of us being stuck in the cabin with them.

37. You can leave your kids in Adventure Ocean while you go on a shore excursion

It may feel weird to leave your kids on the ship while you go ashore, but you can safely use this option if you prefer.

Some excursions may not be open to kids under a certain age, or perhaps your kids just want to hang out onboard instead of go on a tour. Whatever the reason, Adventure Ocean is open while your ship is in port.

If your tour begins early in the morning before Adventure Ocean is set to open, let the staff know the day before and if it is a Royal Caribbean excursion. They can ensure someone will open up Adventure Ocean for you.

38. Bring kids to the Play Place

With limited space in a cruise ship cabin and other public areas on the ship, it can be difficult to find the best area for kids to run and play freely.

Select Royal Caribbean ships have a Play Place room in Adventure Ocean, which is an indoor, open play area where kids can run around, play with toys, and get any excess energy out onboard.

The Play Place is unsupervised, so children must be supervised by an adult while at the Play Place, and using the space is free of charge.

39. Know the difference between the old and new Adventure Ocean

There are two types of Adventure Ocean programming available on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

The first is the "original" rendition of Adventure Ocean, which divides kids into the following age groups:

• Royal Babies & Tots (6-36 months)
• Aquanauts (3-5)
• Explorers (6-8)
• Voyagers (9-11)
• Teen club (12-17)

The new rendition of Adventure Ocean has different age groups:

• AO Babies (6-36 months)
• AO Juniors (3-5)
• AO Kids (6-12)
• Teens (13-17)

The “old” Adventure Ocean focuses more on organized play, whereas the new rendition of Adventure Ocean gives kids more flexibility in what they would like to do. Each Adventure Ocean style has arts and crafts, video games, sports, talent shows, science labs, and more fun-filled programming.

40. Look for family activities scheduled in Adventure Ocean

While Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean kids-only programming, there are select scheduled activities for families throughout the cruise.

Activities like crafts, science lab programs, and family-friendly movies may be offered throughout the cruise for the whole family. You can check for scheduled activities in the Royal Caribbean app.

41. Understand the extra charges at Adventure Ocean

While the majority of Adventure Ocean programming is complimentary, there are two exceptions.

Any childcare for kids aged 6-36 months in the nursery comes at an hourly charge. This charge is $6 per hour from 9 AM to 6 PM and $8 per hour from 6 PM to midnight.

In addition, childcare for ages 3-11 from 10 PM to 2 AM is charged at an hourly rate of $7 per child.

Miscellaneous tips

42. Pack everything you’ll need on day 1 in your carry-on bag

Be sure to drop your luggage off with the porters at the cruise terminal on embarkation day. Your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom, so there's no need to lug suitcases around the ship for several hours until the stateroom is ready.

However, you'll want to make sure you have a day bag packed with any essentials you'll need on the first day of the cruise.

Luggage may not get delivered to your stateroom until 4 or 5 PM on embarkation day, so make note of what you'll need handy that first day.

Diapers, toys, swimsuits, and important documents are all great things to place in your carry-on bag.

Related: The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

43. Download movies and videos before you sail

While there are countless activities for kids to enjoy on any Royal Caribbean cruise, sometimes all your kids might want to do is watch a movie in the cabin.

Download movies from Netflix onto your phone, computer, or tablet before the cruise to ensure you have entertainment options for your kids when necessary. You can also download YouTube videos to watch offline as well.

While you can technically stream Netflix and YouTube if you have an internet package, there’s no guarantee that the internet will always be working properly, so it’s best to download entertainment you can watch offline.

44. Have a movie night at the pool

There is a movie screen on the pool deck of most Royal Caribbean ships*, and family-friendly movies are shown every evening of the cruise at no additional cost.

Watching a movie on the pool deck can be a fun activity for the whole family, and a different movie is shown each night of the cruise.

BONUS: If you’re cruising on a Radiance Class cruise ship, there is an indoor cinema onboard with 5 showtimes per day, every day of the cruise.

*The movie screen is at the AquaTheater on Oasis Class cruise ships (excluding Wonder of the Seas).

45. Set expectations with kids and their freedom onboard

Setting expectations with your kids before the cruise is important to ensure there aren't any problems during the sailing.

Kids find they have a lot more freedom on a cruise ship compared to their day-to-day life, and it can be challenging to find a balance between supervision and allowing kids some self-exploration.

Decide what works for you and your family in terms of letting kids explore on their own, and make sure your kids also understand that there is a curfew for passengers under 18 at 1 AM each night.

46. Slow down your cruising routine

Even though there is a plethora of activities available at any given time on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you don't have to do them all at once.

It may be tempting to plan every day from sunrise to sunset, but make sure to take some time to relax.

Slow down your cruising routine so that you and your family don't feel exhausted at the end of the day.

47. Use the complimentary life jackets

All Royal Caribbean cruise ships have complimentary life jackets available on the pool deck. There’s no need to pack floaties for your kids to use onboard. Instead, just borrow a life jacket and enjoy stress-free swimming at the pool.

Complimentary life jackets are also available at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Note that life jackets are not able to be brought off the ship and into port. If you plan on bringing your kids to the beach, you may want to consider packing your own life jacket, floaties, etc.

48. Don’t forget the muster drill

One of the first things you’ll have to do on embarkation day is complete the muster drill. This safety drill involves three steps: watching a safety video, listening to the sound of the ship’s emergency horn, and listening to a short safety briefing at your muster station.

You can do the first two steps before getting onboard, but you’ll have to visit the muster station in person to complete step three.

It can be pretty hectic when boarding a cruise ship with kids, and they’re most definitely going to want to head immediately to the water slides and pool. We recommend, however, finishing the muster drill process as soon as possible once onboard so you don’t have to worry about it later on in the day.

49. Keep kids safe around the railings

Always keep an eye on your children when they are near railings, balconies, or windows. Kids love climbing and exploring, and they can quickly get themselves into a dangerous situation if you’re not careful.

Never leave young children unattended on a balcony or the pool deck.

50. Lines for the free activities are long

Not going to sugar coat this one: lines for laser tag, water slides, and ice skating get pretty long.

If you want your kids to try them, I'd recommend getting in line early.

Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before an activity is scheduled to begin to ensure you're among the first in line.

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I fell in love with cruising before my first child was born, so when we started having kids, taking them with us was a natural fit.

My two kids are now 13 and 9 years old, and I've taken them on enough Royal Caribbean cruises that my oldest has well over 400 points on her own in the Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program. We've cruised around the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, and we're headed to Europe next summer for the first time with them.

Traveling with kids changes the dynamics, and I've learned a lot of lessons along the way.

In all those years, here are the biggest travel mistakes I've made with my kids, from when they were babies and toddlers to teenagers.

I should have cruised more after they were old enough to cruise

Babies need to be at least six months old to be able to sail on most Royal Caribbean cruises, and I wish I took advantage of the first six months of eligibility more.

When babies are in their first year, they're in their "goldfish stage" of life where they are there mostly to observe.  They can't crawl, can't talk, and they're mostly along for the ride.

The advantage of this age is you can do more with them onboard without much impact to your own plans.  

Kids change everything about your life, and that becomes very apparent as they get older and you start to incorporate their personalities into your plans. But in that first year, I feel like you can take them along more since they are still super dependent on you.

While babies seem to come with more supplies than an army regiment, I think we stayed home too much early on.

Not packing enough baby supplies

On one early cruise we took with my oldest daughter, we learned you go through many more supplies on a ship than at home.

We actually ran out of baby formula and ended up making a run to a supermarket in Cozumel, Mexico to get more.  Because the baby formula brands are different there, it left us a bit uneasy with what to purchase.

Part of why we ran low on formula was because the nursery on the ship seemed to feed her more often, and also because we tried to time feedings with when we were at a restaurant onboard.

On top of that, babies just go through a lot of clothing on a cruise and it was eye opening how much more we really needed. 

As a result, we packed double the baby supplies what we thought we would need. It seemed overkill, but the peace of mind of having enough was worth it.

Not slowing down my cruise pace earlier to cruise at their pace

As my kids got older and could walk, "talk", and swim, I learned we had to adjust our cruise expectations.

Because I had started cruising before I had kids, I developed my own rhythm to my onboard plans. But on one cruise, we got to the second day and things were not going well. It seemed like we were butting heads with my daughter about everything.

In frustration, I called my mom to vent and she taught me an important lesson of sometimes you have to take it down a notch and move at her schedule, even if it means not doing what I want to do.

So we skipped our plans the next day and let my daughter splash around in the aqua park, take a full nap, and have plenty of food breaks.

While not the most super adventurous cruise I ever took, we all had a better day overall. I learned my wife and I could enjoy having a cocktail while my daughter played and our evenings were better if a nap happened instead of trying to "power through it".

There's nothing wrong with making grandiose plans, but you also need to keep things simple.

Not calling the nursery during the day for more breaks

Royal Caribbean's onboard nursery is the best money I've ever spent on a cruise, but I wish I took advantage of it earlier on.

The nursery is small and has limited slots for kids. So when you register them, there aren't a lot of reservations you can make in advance.  On the surface, that sounds like you have only a few times to get your kids in there.

The truth is you can always call and ask if they have openings. I found in the daytime especially, they had a lot of no-shows or open slots.

My favorite strategy was when it was time to feed our kids and put them down for a nap to call the nursery first and ask if they had an opening. During the day, I think it almost always worked (most passengers preferred to bring their kids to the nursery for dinner) and we'd tell them to call us after the nap is over.

In many cases, even after the nap, our daughters loved hanging out in there and we'd have some extra time.  

By taking advantage of this strategy, we got more time for my wife and I to go to the pool, hit the casino, or enjoy one of the activities onboard.

Not pushing for more days away from school in early grades

When I was kid, being taken out of school for a day or two (or even a week) was no big deal. Now, it's a major faux pas to have more than a few unexcused absences.

Part of that is because of how much group learning kids do compared to when I was in school, but I really wish I pushed more for days away when the kids were in elementary school.

As my kids have gotten older, the workload at school has increased to the point that I can see why pulling them is a mistake. But in Kindergarten through second grade, it would have had less of a detrimental impact on their learning and grades.

Fighting my kids on what they eat or don't eat on a cruise

Every parent probably struggles with getting their kids to finish their meals, but I wish I had an epiphany about kids eating earlier.

I remember being in the Main Dining Room with one of my kids and struggling to get her to eat whatever she ordered. It then occurred to me, why do I care?

At home, the food costs money and if we make something else, it requires more effort to cook, clean, and serve. But on a ship, there's a buffet and other quick service food choices around. So I'm not hard pressed to ensure they eat the one dish they ordered. If they want Sorrento's pizza, c'est la vie.

After all, they're on vacation too, and if they eat quesadillas from El Loco Fresh, pizza, and whatever else they deem good, that's fine. I'll let us both enjoy the culinary détente, and resume hostilities back at home.

Two cabins is a must

As my kids got older, the need for an extra bathroom and sleeping separation became more and more apparent.

Sharing a cabin with your kids when they are toddlers makes sense since there's a lot of back and forth, but as they get older, I've found for sanity sake, it's a relief having two cabins.

Booking two cabins might sound expensive, but I've found booking two smaller connecting cabins is around the same price as a single larger cabin. This is especially true when comparing it against a suite.

I can't recommend enough to book two connecting cabins when you're cruising with kids so you can have a full bathroom for them. The shower alone is worth it, given how my girls use the shower as a karaoke room, makeup studio, and sauna.

I would caution against booking adjoining rooms because having the common door in-between that comes with a connecting room is well worth it.

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