One thing I really love about a cruise is when you can share the experience with friends and family, and it's one of the best kind of vacations when you're accounting for different ages.

When I've taken a land vacation with my extended family, it seems inevitably some people end up "doing their own thing" because what others are doing isn't to their liking.  And that usually means more separation from everyone because of distances involved.

I find a cruise vacation lends itself more towards being together, and even when you're not, you're never too far away.  Royal Caribbean is in that sweet spot for large families because they have lots for kids, parents, grandparents and weird uncles to enjoy.  It doesn't lean too heavy into one particular demographic.

I don't necessarily want a vacation where my entire family feels like we're "joined at the hip", but it's still important to feel like we spent time together.

Regardless of which type of vacation you pick, it's not easy balancing the needs of every family member and everyone coming home satisfied at the end of the trip.

Planning a multigenerational cruise

I think it's important early on to get buy in from everyone involved.

When you're picking the cruise ship, dates, itinerary, and travel arrangements, you want to make sure everyone is on the same page.

One of the top challenges of planning a family trip is not defaulting into the "travel czar" for everyone.  You don't want the family thinking one person has taken over the trip planning and it's become "their trip".

While some degree of decision making will ultimately need to be made by one person, the more you can include others in the decision making process, the better it ends up going.

Cruises are great because families have options for staterooms, depending on their budget.

Read more: Ways I Save Money on Cruises With Family

An easy idea to make this work is to start the planning process the next time your family is together.  Christmas, Thanksgiving, someone's birthday, or any time you can have the principles in the same room makes for simpler choices and less passive aggressive texts later.

Everyone's family dynamic is different, but the more inclusion you start off with, the better you are later.

Work with a travel agent

You know what starts more arguments among family members? Money.

Everyone has grandiose visions of that perfect family trip, but handling money is not pretty. You don't want to be the "bad guy" reminding everyone to pay, and you definitely do not want to be a middle man for taking payments.

My advice is loop a travel agent in as soon as you want to book so they can deal with collecting payments and making other arrangements.

Not only can a good travel agent ensure everyone is paid up and there's no confusion about who owes who money, but they could be a great asset as well.

If you book enough cabins, you might qualify for a group discount.  Even if you don't, travel agents have access to special rates that could save everyone money.

Read more: 10 secrets Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew

Plus, travel agents are there to take care of any problems anyone encounters with the cruise line.

One you think a multigenerational trip is possible, I'd contact a travel agent to get the ball rolling.  

Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Kids

Plan on time together at least once a day

One secret to a great multi-gen cruise is not planning out every minute of every day.  

Some of your family will be up at dawn, and others will emerge around lunch.  Don't worry about trying to be together all the time.

Instead, plan on having one time per day you are together, and I think dinner is the perfect opportunity.

Not only will everyone be awake for dinner, but it's the perfect time to see everyone and talk about what everyone did.  Plus, the Main Dining Room is conducive to handling large groups.

Beyond that one time together a day rule, make it clear there's no hard feelings for what happens the rest of the day. It's their vacation as much as yours, and sometimes you want to do your own thing.

To help avoid drama later on related to "I didn't know you were doing that", a group text is a good idea (along with paying for an internet package for at least one person per family).

Read more: Royal Caribbean wifi guide

Book shore excursions early

Once you have a cruise booked, I think the next thing to tackle are shore excursions.

It's not easy finding tours that work for everyone, but you'll want to start on it before some of them start to sell out.

Beach days are the simplest and most popular choice for a multigenerational trip, so that's always an easy starting point (especially in the Caribbean).

Read more: 11 of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean

No matter which tour you pick, it's also good to split the costs evenly. If someone wants to pay for the entire family, that's fantastic, but if not, plan on everyone paying for their share so that there's no arguments later who paid for what.

Going back to the first tip, you'll also want to get buy in for which shore excursions you pick. It's not a big deal if some family members do their own thing, but I find a tour I do with everyone feels a lot more special.

Focus on what will make memories

After you get home and the trip is over, the most important takeaway will be the memories you make.

What that means is having first experiences that create family bonding moments with memories. The sort of things that happen that everyone talks about for years later because it was funny, loving, or just a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A lot of families elect to buy matching t-shirts for the trip. Not only is it something to wear together on the first day of the cruise, but you can wear it for months or years later.  It's like a rock concert shirt that commemorates that you were there.

Beyond souvenirs, focus on things you can all do together. While there's no guarantee going to the CocoCay waterpark or singing karaoke will make a memory you'll think about for the rest of your life, it's more likely than just not doing anything at all.

I've rented a yacht in St. Thomas on one trip and while not cheap, it's been a tour we've talked about a lot over the years because we had an epic day.

When I cruise with my parents, I've noticed they much prefer big family dinners where we can all sit together and share stories. 

Mixing in different opportunities to foster memories is a good priority for any multigenerational trip.

Do kids need to be reigned in more on cruise ships?

Royal Caribbean has always been a family-focused brand, providing exciting vacation experiences for all ages. However, some adult cruisers feel the number of unruly kids onboard degrades their cruising experience.

At a talk on Utopia of the Seas' preview cruise this week, one travel agent shared that she's receiving a lot of complaints from adult clients.

She claims some of her clients are even leaving Royal Caribbean for other cruise lines because of the amount of unruly children onboard.

"I'm hoping you take this as an opportunity for improvement," she said to senior management on Utopia of the Seas.

She explained that adults are having an increasing amount of problems with unruly children onboard Royal Caribbean's vessels, particularly on Icon of the Seas, a ship marketed to families.

"Icon is fantastic, but [at] the swim-up bar, there's kids splashing into your drinks."

She said that she was on the dance floor at Bolero's at midnight, and still had children crawling through adult's legs as they tried to dance.

Because of these incidents, passengers are starting to leave Royal Caribbean for other quieter, more adult-focused cruise lines.

To improve the adult experience, the travel agent suggested more adult-oriented areas or curfews at the bars onboard.

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, responded that the cruise line hears passengers' concerns and will look into it.

Royal Caribbean will revisit curfews for kids

For cruisers ages 17 and under, Royal Caribbean has a curfew of 1:00 A.M. 

Security staff onboard take measures to enforce this curfew by asking kids to return to their staterooms and checking the SeaPasses of passengers in public areas.

Michael Bayley said that the cruise line has been receiving an increased amount of written complaints about kids in public areas, so the line is willing to revisit the curfew policy.

"It's probably time for us to take a look at [the curfew]. I think the idea of curfews in some of the bars is a great idea," he said.

Other senior staff at the talk suggested an earlier curfew, especially for adult-focused bar and lounge areas, such as Bolero's or the swim-up bar.

Mr. Bayley reassured passengers that Royal Caribbean is still a family brand that welcomes kids onboard, but "we do need to make sure that we respect the adults."

"And you know what they say, everybody loves their own kids, but they're not so fond of everybody else's kids."

Royal Caribbean has already made changes in recent years to recognize customer feedback regarding kids onboard.

The Solarium, a crystal canopy pool area located at the front of most Royal Caribbean ships, used to allow guests aged 16 and over. 

In September of 2023, the cruise line raised the age limit to 18 years old, keeping the adults-only name consistent. 

Parents can continue to take advantage of Adventure Ocean

Royal Caribbean has a free kid's program across its fleet.

Adventure Ocean features activities for kids aged 6 months to 11 years, with different rooms and games tailored to each age range.

Parents have to register at the beginning of the cruise and sign their children in and out at each visit.

On sea days, the area is open from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M., then from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. and from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M.

Adventure Ocean is completely free between those hours, but there is an extra charge per hour after 10:00 P.M.

On port days, Adventure Ocean is open for the entire time that the ship is docked at port.

Guests booked on Royal Caribbean shore excursions can even drop off their kids and head to their destination.

Tween and teen cruisers can also find activities in separate hangout spaces designed specifically for them.

Read more: I'm a teen and went on the world's largest cruise ship. I was worried it would be juvenile, but it exceeded all my expectations

To avoid infringing on other cruiser's vacations, parents can take advantage of Adventure Ocean and should avoid leaving their children unattended.

Royal Caribbean's guest conduct policy states that parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior of accompanying minors, and must appropriately supervise them throughout the cruise vacation.

Read more: Royal Caribbean is testing a way to track your kids on the world's largest cruise ship

Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International's Senior Vice President of Travel, Trade, and Support also spoke about the activities available for kids onboard Royal Caribbean's ships.

"We are reevaluating some of the activities for the young children and also the teens to keep them more engaged with one another in our different venues like Adventure Ocean," she said. 

How to choose a cruise with fewer children onboard

Royal Caribbean is a family brand, but some cruises will have more kids than others.

Adults looking to avoid mischievous youngsters can plan ahead by avoiding certain sailings.

Summertime and holiday cruises, when kids are on break from school, will have a larger amount of families onboard.

"Icon has a huge number of families," Mr. Bayley said. "Of course, it peaks during the summer with families and kids."

Read more: 4 mistakes I saw other people make on Icon of the Seas—and 2 mistakes I made

Larger ships, such as Icon of the Seas, are marketed as floating amusement parks for all ages, so they have a wider appeal to families.

Royal Caribbean's mega-ships, from the Icon to the Oasis Class, are packed with activities like waterslides, ice skating, rock climbing, mini-golf, carousels, craft lessons, theater productions, and so much more.

They appeal to families because of their ability to entertain people of all ages.

Read more: 12 differences between the big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships

On the other hand, sailings when school is in session (September to May) and longer cruises are likely to have fewer kids onboard.

Any adults who are cruising and notice rowdy or unattended kids onboard can let Guest Services know and allow crew members to handle it.

Alexa H. Bluth is a writer who lives in Sacramento with her husband, two sort of well-behaved teenage daughters, and two not-at-all well-behaved dogs. She took some time to write this guest post entry about what she's learned about cruising with teenagers and why they love taking Royal Caribbean cruises together as a family. You can check out a previous post she wrote about first time cruising here. 

If there’s one thing nobody wants to hear on a family vacation, it’s “I’m bored.”

So parents of teenagers might be hesitant to take them on a cruise. A common misperception is that cruising is only for senior citizens and parents wanting to drop their small kids at daycare to go drink rum punch by the pool (not that there’s anything wrong with that!).

You might be wondering, "Will my teenagers have fun on a cruise?"

The answer is a resounding YES. Cruise vacations are ideal for families with teenagers, with ships brimming with fun-filled activities and ports full of adrenaline-packed adventures.

What is there for teens to love about cruises?

Teen lounges

In addition to Adventure Ocean for younger kids, Royal Caribbean ships have teen areas on board for youth ages 12-17. 

They can come and go from these venues without signing in or out (unlike the younger kids). These offer a spot to meet new friends, chill out, play games, and more. The teen club staff typically hosts a bunch of activities, from scavenger hunts and game shows to karaoke and teen-only time on the FlowRider.

You’ll get a weekly schedule of teen activities in your room, or you can pick one up in the teen club.

Pro tip: Make sure your teen goes to the teen lounge on night one to sign up for activities and start making friends immediately.

Pools and hot tubs

While this is an obvious one, teens can spend hours basking in the sunshine and sea air and swimming in brisk, clear pools on a cruise ship. The pool deck offers a vibrant spot, often pulsing with pop music, for teens to hang out.

They can sip a mocktail or enjoy a snack or soft serve cone while they’re at it. And don’t forget the water slides that many new and amped-up ships boast!

Arcades

Most ships have arcades, offering a variety of games (for an extra charge). Teens can head there to enjoy a game of air hockey or Donkey Kong. Set a budget for them and let them enjoy!

Food

I mean, they’re teenagers, so this one is a no-brainer. Ships offer a vast variety of food, including grab-and-go items that teens can snag until the wee hours of the night.

My teens particularly love venturing out for quesadillas from El Loco Fresh, pizza from Sorrento's, desserts (plural) from the buffet, and soft serve on the pool deck.

Another bonus is that picky eaters often are willing to try new things on cruises because of the wide selection of foods available. You might even get them to try escargot in the Main Dining Room! Never say never.

Friendships

My kids always make friends in the teen areas with whom they meet up for the rest of the cruise. This is why having an internet package that allows them to message each other comes in handy. 

Don’t be surprised if your teen meets new friends that they stay in touch with long after the cruise.

If you have a shy teen, don’t fret. The teen club staff are particularly skilled at coaxing quiet kids into participating. Or, of course, there is plenty for them to do if the teen club is not for them.

Independence 

This is another of my kids’ favorite aspects of cruises. They don’t have to spend every moment with their parents and they have more freedom than on a land-based vacation.

They can hang out in the teen lounge or grab a slice of pizza at Sorrento's on their own. We typically let our kids have a fair amount of independence on cruises, but of course, it comes with a set of strict rules including never entering anyone else’s cabin, staying in populated public areas, behaving well, and not doing anything dangerous.

My eldest particularly enjoyed exploring the ship and going to game shows sans parents with their new-found friends and has even met up with one friend they met on a cruise who lives nearby. 

Port excursions

Port excursions are cruise highlights, for sure. What teen wouldn’t love horseback riding on a beach, zip lining through a jungle, rafting along the rapids of a glacial river, jet skiing through crystal clear water, or snorkeling in a sea teeming with colorful fish?

Port days will not disappoint, even if it’s a chill beach day of sunbathing and boogie boarding or a cultural tour through a historic city. These priceless days offer endless options of activities that will create lifelong memories for the entire family. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Need I say more? Royal Caribbean’s private island literally has an area called Thrill Water Park. If your itinerary includes a trip there, teens will dig the daring water slides, the massive wave pool, and the variety of food that is included in your cruise fare.

Your drink package will work on CocoCay, too, so if you’ve sprung for the deluxe soda package (which I recommend you do), teens can sip a soda or mocktail while they soak in the fun. 

Game and stage shows

The headliner shows on the main stage are often can’t miss, featuring everything from Broadway-style shows to juggling acts. The comedians on board often have a family-friendly show earlier in the evenings that teens can enjoy, too.

Meanwhile, teens tend to love trivia, “Name that Tune,” and other game shows. They might grumble about the idea at first, but trust me, once they’re playing, that competitive spirit will kick in and they’ll have a blast.

The cruise director staff’s enthusiasm is always reliably infectious. My teens tended to roll their eyes at the idea of “80s music trivia” but inevitably had fun with us trying to remember whether David Bowie or Billy Idol sang a song. If you really need a hook to get them to try it out, just tell them there are prizes. Teens love free stuff.

Activities

A scavenger hunt may sound cheesy to some teens, but you’d be surprised how much fun they’ll have racing through the ship searching for selfies with a couple with matching shirts, a crew member, or three generations of the same family. Plus, there are plenty more ship-sanctioned activities, such as silent discos and belly flop contests, that teens will love.

Many Royal Caribbean ships also have mini-golf courses, sports courts, and movies offered at the theater or by the pool. The newest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet offer all sorts of incredible opportunities right on board. These include simulated skydiving, water slides, FlowRider surf simulators, bumper cars, ice skating, and water slides. Enough said. 

Family time

Family time, you say?! With teenagers?! Yep. There is something magical about cruising that truly does create memorable “together time.”

Don’t get me wrong, they will bury their faces in their phones, be embarrassed by everything you do, toss their soaking wet towels everywhere in the cabin, and glare at you when you wake them for an early port day. There will be many special moments, too, perhaps as you sail away from port with virgin daiquiris in hand and music blaring that makes it impossible not to be happy. 

You might also find that they enjoy dinners together in the Main Dining Room. They might also laugh at you screaming your head off while zip-lining on an excursion.

Their phones

Yep. Let’s be real, they’re teenagers. Get the internet package.

They will love posting selfies on Instagram and making TikToks at sunset. They can use the ship’s app to find out about activities or find their way around the ship.

And, as mentioned above, they can communicate and make plans with their new-found friends, and with their parents of course. 

Sunsets and sea views

Give teenagers some credit. They, too, will enjoy the spectacular ocean views and mesmerizing sunsets.

Encourage them to find a perch for the perfect sunset selfie or give them binoculars and designate them as the official family wildlife spotter.

I promise they will never forget these special moments on the vacation of a lifetime, and I guarantee that two words you won’t be hearing are “I’m bored.”

If you are planning a Royal Caribbean cruise with older children, you might be stuck wondering which ship is best. 

From the brand-new Icon of the Seas to smaller, revitalized ships like Navigator of the Seas, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Activities like ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, and more will keep even the most active teens busy. 

Plus, Royal Caribbean ships have a variety of different accommodation options, so whether you want a family-friendly suite or adjoining interior rooms, you will be able to select the perfect stateroom to appease everyone in your party, even the teens who are desperate for their own space. 

Whether you're looking for a ship that's packed with WOW factors or simply a family vacation that won't leave your pockets empty, here are the 5 best cruises to take with teens. 

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is the namesake ship of Royal Caribbean's brand-new Icon Class. Surpassing the six Oasis Class ships, including the upcoming Utopia of the Seas, in terms of size, there's no shortage of activities that teens will enjoy onboard. 

From the record-breaking Category 6 water park to Crown's Edge, the largest ice rink at sea, thrilling AquaDome shows, a revamped mini-golf course, and more, your teens will surely have some brag-worthy stories to tell their friends about!

While the children are off exploring the ship, adults will love the one-of-a-kind experiences curated for them, too, including a walk-up champagne bar, swanky supper club, and Cloud 17 adults-only oasis with private pools, bars, and more. 

The only downside to a family vacation on Icon of the Seas is that it comes with a premium price tag. During July 2024, families can expect to pay around $2,900 per person for an interior room, while balconies are going for as much as $3,400 per person. 

Looking into 2025, prices don't drop much. The cheapest sailing in January 2025 currently starts at $2,400 per person for an inside stateroom. Prices increase again around spring break. 

Read more: Things you'll notice when cruising on the newest cruise ship

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship, launches in July 2024, sailing 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas. While these are shorter cruises, your teens won't be denied the best that the cruise line has to offer, as this ship is unlike any other in the class.

You can expect to find fan favorites like Central Park, the Boardwalk, Sorrento's Pizza, the Lime and Coconut Bar, and more. Utopia of the Seas, however, has many new experiences that you will not find on even Wonder of the Seas, including the cruise line's first-ever immersive train car dining experience and the longest incarnation of the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

Advertised as the world's biggest weekend, a cruise onboard Utopia of the Seas is sure to appease your teens, as they'll be able to enjoy five pools, three water slides, eight hot tubs, and 21 dining venues, among other thrills. 

However, it is worth noting that any of the Oasis Class ships are great for adrenaline-loving teens. Regardless of which you select, you'll find a zip line, surf simulator, ice skating rink, mini-golf, and sports court. 

The other Oasis Class ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet are Wonder of the Seas (2022), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Allure of the Seas (2010), and Oasis of the Seas (2009). 

Read more: 6 things to know before you book Wonder of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas 

Odyssey of the Seas is the last Quantum Ultra Class ship constructed by the cruise line. Having only set sail in 2021, she's one of the newest ships in the fleet, too. 

While she's full of fun activities, what sets her apart from other ships is her summer itineraries in Europe. While enjoying everything that the ship has to offer, families can cruise around the Greek Isles and explore bucket-list destinations including Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, and more.  

Icon Class ships, including Star of the Seas launching in 2025, exclusively sail to the Caribbean, so you won't find much variety in itineraries. This can get repetitive, and if you want to explore ports outside of St. Maarten, Mexico, etc., you'll have to consider sailings on smaller ships. 

Onboard, you'll find an indoor SeaPlex where you can ride bumper cars, play glow-in-the-dark laser tag, or partake in a virtual reality game. 

There's also a skydiving simulator, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and North Star observation capsule, where your family can soar nearly 300 feet above sea level for breathtaking views of the sea and ports of call. 

While still a newer ship by today's standards, prices are not quite as high as sailings onboard Icon of the Seas. A 7-night cruise onboard Odyssey of the Seas in July 2024 starts at $1,145 per person, which breaks down to about $163 per night, making it a more affordable choice. 

Other Quantum Class ships should be considered if you want to take your teens to Alaska, Northern Europe, Asia, or beyond. 

Read more: The forgotten new Royal Caribbean cruise ship: Why Odyssey of the Seas is worth your attention

Freedom of the Seas 

Freedom of the Seas is an older ship; however, she underwent a $116 million revitalization in early 2020 to update its pool deck and bring newer amenities onboard, meaning that you'll find plenty to do onboard without the price tag of newer vessels. 

You can, for instance, find a 6-night cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas starting at $445 per person in March 2025. 

Activities onboard include a surf simulator, pool deck, aqua park for younger children, water slides, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, and much more. 

When upgraded, Freedom of the Seas received new dining options including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, El Loco Fresh for quick bites by the pool, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. 

Plus, Freedom has a redesigned teen area called Social 033, where teens can enjoy their own dedicated hangout space and play games, listen to music, watch movies, etc. 

Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids

Navigator of the Seas 

Finally, Navigator of the Seas based out of Los Angeles, California is a great choice for families with teens who want to have plenty to do onboard and cruise elsewhere than the Bahamas or Caribbean. 

The 139,999 gross registered ton vessel sails out of California to the Mexican Riveria year-round. While certainly not as large as Oasis or Icon Class ships, there's still a lot to do and see onboard. 

Like Freedom of the Seas, Navigator underwent some major upgrades in 2018, totaling roughly $115 million. This means that she has some activities and venues that other Voyager Class ships, such as Voyager and Explorer of the Seas, do not, including the Rip Tide and Blaster water slides. 

Parents will love the Bamboo Room, too. Navigator is one of only two ships in the fleet with this unique tiki-inspired bar onboard! Plus, Playmakers Sports Bar is centrally located in the Royal Promenade, and Hooked Seafood is ideal for families who want to treat their teens to a delicious seafood dinner consisting of crab cakes, chowders, oysters, and more. 

Read more: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

Royal Caribbean recently updated its infant policy to expand the definition of a sea day as it relates to its minimum age for infant cruisers.

Royal Caribbean allows infants between the ages of six months and 12 months to sail, provided there aren't too many sea days.

The amended policy now considers visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay or St. Kitts and Nevis as a sea day as it relates to infants. As a result, sailings with three consecutive sea days require infants to be 12 months or older at the beginning of the cruise.

Families traveling with infants who do not meet this age requirement for sailings with 3 consecutive sea days within this new definition will be unable to board the ship.

Previous policy language

Updated policy language

This is a significant update as many families select Royal Caribbean for its family friendly environment as well as amenities and services that cater to kids.

What’s considered a sea day?

For parents traveling with infants, specifically under 12 months of age, Royal Caribbean has a number of policies that families need to be aware of. As part of its operational rules, Royal Caribbean had previously required infants to be 12 months or older for cruises with three sea days.

The infant policy as detailed on Royal Caribbean’s website states:

“For the purposes of this policy, any cruise that has 3 or more days consecutive at sea will require infants to be 12 months old on the first day of the cruise/CruiseTour.”

Port stops considered a sea day

A significant modification to the policy, the cruise line has added: “Stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, are considered sea days under this policy. “

To provide cruisers with further clarity, they elaborate with examples: “…an itinerary with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay followed (or preceded) by two consecutive days at sea, or a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay between days at sea, actually is considered to have three consecutive days at sea.”

What does this mean for families who have already booked?

This is a significant policy update, especially as it relates to cruisers who may lose their money on a cruise that is already booked. The site lists no exemptions for those cruisers with an existing booking or are able to provide a doctor’s note or medical waiver.

Royal Caribbean states: “Please be aware that guests traveling with a young infant that does not meet the infant policy will be denied boarding. “

The policy adds: “No refunds or other compensation shall be due from the cruise line to anyone as a result of the denial of boarding to an underage infant or other accompanying guests.”

Why did they make the change?

Royal Caribbean has not commented on the updated policy in a press release, but many understand the rationale for these restrictions to be related to access to pediatric care and the overall well being of its youngest passengers.    

Beyond workers, Perfect Day at CocoCay is a largely uninhabited island without major hospital facilities. The best medical care in the Bahamas is located in the capital Nassau, which is over 55 miles away by boat or plane.

The dual island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has a population of just over 54,000 and has a few public hospitals. For some health care needs, inhabitants need to travel off island for more specialized care. Specific details on the level of pediatric care and beds are not readily available.

Impact on itineraries

Many of the cruise line’s four and five day sailings to the Bahamas that include Perfect Day at CocoCay also include a stop in Nassau before or after, which appears to be acceptable under the new policy.

Additionally, numerous cruises leave from Miami and Port Canaveral and arrive at Perfect Day at CocoCay the following day, causing no apparent impacts to these short term sailings.

A review of some of Royal Caribbean’s current itineraries show an 8 night cruise from Baltimore on the Enchantment of the Seas, with three consecutive sea days based on the new interpretation. With a stop in Bermuda, followed by a sea day, stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay and then another sea day, it would be an issue for infants under 12 months of age.

Other policies that relate to infants

In addition to this recent change, other policies that relate to infants remain in place. Specifically, infants sailing on a cruise must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise.

Additionally, transatlantic and transpacific cruises and those to Hawaii and select South American itineraries also require infants to be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise/tour.  

For those families concerned, it is advised to reach out to their travel agent or Royal Caribbean directly to ensure a clear understanding of the impacts on any future cruise bookings as it relates to the new infant policy and sea days.

From the moment we book a trip, we start dreaming about the “perfect vacation” we are going to have.  We imagine all the fun we are going to have, the things we will do and all the places we are going to see.  While this may sound like a reasonable expectation, expecting the “perfect vacation” is a set up for disappointment.  Last I checked, no one is perfect, so extremely high expectations can lead to “disenchantment” while on Enchantment of the Seas.  

When I dream about my vacations, I dream about sun and sand, and my happy, smiling children who are eternally grateful for this wonderful experience that I have given them. 

Instead sometimes the reality is my kids are fighting and throwing sand at each other, the ocean water is freezing cold, and it starts to rain.

Somewhere in there I realize I forgot to pack the sunscreen and my husband becomes “hangry” because we miss-read the hours of the Windjammer and got back to the ship too late.  

It is times like this where I used to throw up my hands in despair and lament that this is NOT how my vacation “should be”!  This is where I need to step back, take a few breaths and remember my kids fight like siblings at home as well.  They will be best friends again by supper time. 

Too much togetherness isn’t good and sometimes they need a little time apart.  This may be some alone time with each parent or a trip to the room for one and Adventure Ocean for the other.  

When my husband is “hangry” I’m eternally grateful for Sorrentos Pizza or the hot dog stand on Oasis and Quantum class ships.  A slice of pizza or a hot dog can make a world of difference and we usually have some emergency cookies stashed in the room for just such occasions.  

When I forget to pack something, I remind myself that beside my passport (and now vaccine cards), there isn’t anything I need that cannot be replaced on the ship or port.  The price may be higher for my forgetfulness, but it is not the end of the world.  Sometimes this is something that I need to remind myself.  We have never been turned away from the main dining room because my husband forgot to bring black dress shoes and dress socks… again.

Thankfully my embarrassment is saved once his feet are tucked under the table cloth hiding his “dress Keens” sandals.  

Traveling with extended family is not an exception to the “perfect vacation”.  The way they behave at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings is not going to magically change during a cruise.  While cruises are a great way for multiple generations to vacation together; it can provide numerous opportunities for opinions on how children should be raised and behave.  

It is so easy to forget when you watch the commercials of the happy and perfect looking people that vacations are still real life.  When you see people’s vacation photos posted on social media, trust me when I say they likely only posted the “good pictures” where everyone is smiling and happy.  They don’t take pictures when someone is crying or an excursion gets cancelled.  

Vacation can be a great time to work on table manners with kids; unfortunately I have seen adults who could use some remedial training.  On one cruise several years ago there was an elderly woman in her late 70’s who was seated at our table.  She was impossible to please. We watched the crew do everything in their power to try to appease her and make her happy.  It became a game to see how soon into the dinner service she would send something back to the kitchen.  

She received mashed potatoes one evening and insisted on a baked potato after her plate arrived.  When the crew brought it out, she gently touched it with one finger and announced that it was cold.  She then turned her nose up and waved a dismissive hand telling them to “take it away.”  When asked if she would like a different one, she tersely responded that it was “too late” and she didn’t want anything anymore.  

While there is nothing wrong with asking the waiter to fix an order, there is a way to do so with grace and compassion.  Sometimes I’ve left mistakes in place and didn’t point them out.  They ended up being “happy accidents” where I tried something new that I would not have otherwise done.  These are times when I found something new on the menu that I liked.  Also I have some empathy for the crew.  The amount of meals that are going out in such a short order of time means that things will not always be perfect.  Even with a 99.9% accuracy rate, on an Oasis class ship that would mean at least 5 dinners each night being messed up.  

We have had excursions cancelled in the past due to bad weather. One instance was the waves were too high at “Sting Ray City” in Grand Cayman for my children.  Royal Caribbean staff were wonderful in helping us find a substitute excursion on the spot at the Turtle Sanctuary and the Dolphin Encounter.  This has been one of my (and my children’s) favorite excursions to date and it is not one that I would have picked.  Speaking with people that elected to go to “Sting Ray City” despite the waves, said they had a disappointing experience as they were pushed around by the waves and the water was cloudy with poor visibility from all the sand stirred up.  

I could have been disappointed and upset that I didn’t get to go to “Sting Ray City” which was a main reason for picking this itinerary.  On the other hand, I could be thrilled that we had this amazing excursion and have an excuse to come back to this port of call on another cruise, although I might have to convince my children to try an excursion other than the turtles. Sometimes the anticipation is just as satisfying as the actual experience.  

Covid and the related changes have complicated cruising, with onboard shows, ports of call, or even entire cruises cancelled with little notice.  Instead of complaining and asking “Why did this happen to me?!?” instead ask “How is this happening FOR me?” 

Try to find any glimmer of good that can come out of this situation.  It may take some work to come up with a silver lining for a missed cruise, but when you find it, it will feel much better to hold on to that instead of the disappointment and anger. 

We had a cruise that was cancelled in 2020 and instead of being upset, we adjusted directions. We ended up taking a trip to Yellowstone and Utah to visit friends. It was amazing!  We had another one that was cancelled in November 2021.  However, we were able to use the future cruise credits from both of those trips in order to upgrade to a suite for our cruise this past December.  

Just remember wonderful memories and great stories from any vacation rarely start with the phrase “Everything went exactly as planned.”  Many of our most memorable stories and adventures are when things went wrong, we got lost, someone got seasick, or there was some other hardship at the time that we had to overcome.  Our lives are made up of stories and the hero needs to overcome some adversity on their adventure.  

Just picture yourself as the hero of your story and find a way to win the day with an amazing adventure.  Heed the words attributed to Captain Jack Sparrow, who also spent time on a ship and faced many adventures that did not go as planned; “The problem is not the problem.  The problem is your attitude about the problem.”  What story do you want to tell when you get home?  Make it an amazing one since you get to write it, problems and all.      

If you have a Royal Caribbean cruise planned and want to surprise your kids, then we have the perfect way to get them super excited!

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Emily Davis created this ticket template that you can customize and then print to give to anyone in your family and get the cruise hype train started off in style!

All you have to do is save this ticket to your computer, and open in your favorite PDF program (Adobe Acrobat or FoxIt Reader are good choices).  Enter the proper information in the editable spaces, save and then print!

Emily recommends printing the tickets on cardstock to add to the presentation factor. You can get cardstock from most retailers, including Target, Staples or WalMart.  

There are crop lines to cut it down so the color goes to the edge like a real ticket!

Be sure to share in the comments photos of your finished work!

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas offers a lot for families to enjoy on their Caribbean cruise vacations. When we took our daughters on Symphony of the Seas, we sought to enjoy the very best activities, entertainment and things to do for a family. 

If you have never been on an Oasis Class ship, these are incredible vessels that pack as much into a cruise vacation as any ship in the world.  In fact, it is the largest cruise ship in the world and that means plenty to choose from onboard.  Family cruising on Symphony of the Seas means there is something for everyone and always something else to do or see, regardless of your age. 

Signature Activities

Prior to booking Symphony of the Seas, you may notice certain offerings onboard prominently advertised.  Royal Caribbean has built a reputation for itself by offering some of the best things to do onboard its ships.

A few activities and shows stand out as the premiere options that Symphony is well-known for.  The good news is that many of the activities are available to children of many ages. Some of the physical activities may have a height requirement that are best suited for children who are older elementary-school aged children or older. If your kids do not meet the height requirements, there is no need to worry as there is still plenty of other options to enjoy.

Families can enjoy these wonderful activities together:

• The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, is a duo of racing slides where guests spiral down a 92-foot drop in about 13 seconds
• The zipline crosses the open-air Boardwalk neighborhood at nine decks high
• Two FlowRider surf simulators
• Perfect Storm: three waterslides
• Splashaway Bay aquatic adventure park
• Escape from Planet Z laser tag
• Escape room

Adventure Ocean

The heart of children's programming on Symphony of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean program.  

Adventure Ocean is divided into three age-appropriate groups

• Aquanauts (ages 3 to 5)
• Explorers (ages 6 to 8)
• Voyagers (ages 9 to 11)

Adventure Ocean is complimentary, but kids need to be registered with Adventure Ocean and fully toilet trained to take part in activities. There are dedicated spaces for each age group, plus specialized areas like science labs and a theater for enhanced programming.  

Adventure Ocean is open most of the day, but their hours vary depending on if it is a port day or sea day.  On Sea days, Adventure Ocean can open as early as 6:30am.  Guests that have Royal Caribbean excursions booked and need to drop their children off earlier, can arrange with Adventure Ocean for that benefit.  For lunch, kids are brought to Wipe Out Cafe or Windjammer between noon and 1pm, and then again to the Windjammer for dinner between 5pm and 7pm. Adventure Ocean programming is included with your cruise fare.

Adventure Ocean closes at 10pm, but parents can leave their children with Adventure Ocean until 2am for an hourly fee.  The Late Night Party Zone runs from 10pm to 2am in Adventure Ocean, and is billed at $7 per hour, per child for children who remain after 10pm.

Tweens and teenagers also have their own club, plus a variety of activities onboard such as the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing walls, an ice skating rink, a mini-golf course and a zip line. Teens meet at the Living Room, on Deck 15 aft and also have exclusive access to their own night club, known as Fuel on deck 15. Teens are free to come and go as they want, and curfew for all cruisers younger than 18 is 1 a.m. unless they're supervised by a parent.

Royal Babies & Tots Nursery

Any parent with a toddler or infant will find the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery an absolute blessing.  Royal Caribbean offers a nursery for children up to 36 months old.

At the nursery, you can drop off infants and toddlers off in a supervised environment, where the kids can watch TV, play with other children, explore and nap.   

The nursery will offer parents a drop-off option in the daytime and evening, while always maintaining an optimum staff-to-child ratio.

For a modest fee per hour ($8 at the time of this blog post), parents can reserve time for their kids here to give parents some time alone to enjoy what Royal Caribbean offers or explore a port.

The nursery staff are trained child care professionals and they will make sure your child is taken care of in the time they are there.  Parents also get a special mobile phone to use on the ship in case the nursery needs to call them or if the parents want to call and check in on things.

Entertainment & Shows

Symphony of the Seas offers shows that appeal to kids and adults, with its evening shows being real highlights. Depending on your kids ages and preferences, these shows may or may not be of interest to them, but Royal Caribbean designs its evening entertainment shows to be open to be family friendly.

You will find Symphony of the Seas' biggest shows across three venues: The Royal Theater, Studio B and the AquaTheater.

Here are the must-see shows on Symphony of the Seas and where to see each show:

• Hairspray (Royal Theater)
• 1977 (Studio B)
• HiRo (AquaTheater)
• Flight (Royal Theater)

Prior to your cruise, be sure to make reservations for each of these shows via Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site.  Reservations for these shows are complimentary and while it does not guarantee a specific seat, it will ensure you will be able to get into the show.  Guests without a reservation can wait in a standby line and take up any remaining seats, but it is simpler (and a whole lot easier for families) to make reservations before the cruise.

If you are wondering when you can make reservations for shows on Symphony of the Seas, it really depends.  If entertainment is available to reserve for your cruise, we have typically seen shows become available for booking around 75-60 days prior to the sail date, but your experience may vary.

Dining

Symphony of the Seas offers 23 dining venues for guests to choose between when eating onboard. Some of these restaurants are included with your cruise fare, while others have an additional cost.

Complimentary dining options are included with your cruise fare and guests can enjoy as much food as they like from these locations.  There is at least one complimentary option open at anytime during the day or night, with often quite a number of great choices. 

The alternative dining option are specialty dining, in which there is an additional cost to dine there.  Specialty dining costs can come in the form of cover charges (pay one fee and get all the food included) or a la carte charges (pay for only what you order). In general, specialty dining offers food and cooking styles not available elsewhere on the ship for guests that choose to indulge in them.

If you are looking for great choices for kids to grab something quickly, you will find some great options throughout the day for families at:

• Windjammer
• Park Cafe
• Sorrento's Pizzeria
• El Loco Fresh
• Johnny Rockets (breakfast is complimentary, cover charge for lunch and dinner)
• Boardwalk Dog House
• Room service ($7.95 per order fee, complimentary for suite guests)

When it comes to dinner, you might want to look into My Family Time Dining. My Family Time Dining is offered in the first seating time in the main dining room for children ages three to eleven.

Here is how it works

1. You arrive at the dining room with the kids and let your server know that the kids will be headed to Adventure Ocean as part of the My Family Time Dining program.
2. The kids order and are served right away so that they can finish their meal within the first 40 minutes.
3. After about 45 minutes, the Adventure Ocean staff arrive in the dining room lobby to sign in and hand off the kids.Parents will need to escort their children to the designated Main Dining room entrance doors at 6:45 pm to check their child in with the Adventure Ocean counselors. Once checked­in, the Adventure Ocean counselors will then escort their children to Adventure Ocean for ongoing evening activities.
4. Adults return to their table to enjoy the rest of their meal at a more leisurely place.

Prior to the cruise, you can can contact Royal Caribbean or travel agent to book it. Alternatively, guests can sign up onboard in the Adventure Ocean area. Pre­-cruise reservations are encouraged.

Staterooms

When booking a Symphony of the Seas cruise, you will need to find the right stateroom for your family. Symphony has staterooms that can accommodate three and four passengers easily, along with some stateroom configurations that can handle even more guests.

Depending on your family size, age of your children, and your comfort level, booking multiple staterooms can often be the same or cheaper than booking a large room.  Multiple rooms provides not only additional living space, but extra restrooms and separation from parents and children. Royal Caribbean does offer some rooms with a connecting inside door between rooms.  

If you are cruising with young children, you should pack your own diapers, bottles, and other supplies.  There is milk available to all guests without an additional charge (skim or regular).  Some parents prefer to bring their own kid-friendly snacks and food, which is permissible by Royal Caribbean. Refer to our Taking an Infant on a Royal Caribbean cruise article for more information.

More cruising with kids info

You may have additional questions about cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean, or simply would like to learn more tips and advice.  Here are some good resources to consider:

• Moms of the Seas: Question and Answer family cruising guide
• Cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean
• Six things to know about Adventure Ocean
• Podcast: Guide to cruising with young children on Royal Caribbean
• Dinner with kids in Royal Caribbean's specialty restaurants

Your thoughts

Now that you have read over our guide to taking kids on Symphony of the Seas, let's hear from other parents. What tips do you parents think are most important? Which advice we shared do you agree with? Where do you disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Royal Caribbean International’s new Symphony of the Seas is a “playground” for guests of all ages. From glow-in-dark laser tag, an escape room adventure and multistory waterslides, to the one-of-a-kind Ultimate Family Suite – featuring an in-suite slide, air hockey table and a private cinema – Symphony’s collection of bold, new thrills make this TIME magazine “World’s Greatest Places” winner the ultimate family vacation.

A cruise vacation is about enjoying a family experience together, and Royal Caribbean shared its top picks for family friendly excurions in the Caribbean.

Here is the list of Royal Caribbean's favorite family friendly shore excursion options.

All Inclusive St. John Beach & Snorkel (St. Thomas)

Cruise from St. Thomas to nearby St. John and visit the stunning beach of Trunk Bay, featuring an underwater reef trail. Enjoy a narrated boat ride complete with photo stops en route to Trunk Bay — famous for its long stretches of white sand and sparkling water. Discover tropical fish and colorful coral on the snorkel trail or simply swim, sunbathe, and relax.

Caribbean Sail to Christmas & Honeymoon Coves (St. Thomas)

Climb aboard a schooner whose friendly crew delivers a fun day of sailing, snorkeling, swimming and beach time. Discover sea turtles, tropical fish and coral while anchored offshore in the waters of Christmas Cove. Sail on to Water Island, where you can relax on the sands of Honeymoon Beach, swim and do more snorkeling before sitting down to a freshly-prepared Caribbean BBQ served overlooking the sparkling blue sea.

5 Star Island Tour (St. Thomas)

Drink in lovely St. Thomas vistas, enjoy spectacular shopping and explore the stunning Magen's Bay Beach on a driving tour of key island landmarks. Stop at the famous Mountain Top, a local institution atop St. Peter Mountain where you can shop or enjoy the views. Then head to heart-shaped Magen's Bay Beach for two hours of sun and fun. Conclude with two more hours shopping in Main Street, downtown Charlotte Amalie.

4x4 St. Maarten and Beach Escape (St. Maarten)

Escape the crowds to discover the island’s scenery and leading sights on an adventurous 4x4 drive, with time in the French capital and on a gorgeous beach. Travel via convoy across the island, through the charming seafront town of Grand Case on route to Marigot, while stopping at scenic lookouts along the way. Enjoy free time to stroll around the quaint and atmospheric city. End your St. Maarten exploration with a refreshing swim and relaxation.

A Golden Eagle Sailaway (St. Maarten)

Walk the red carpet before boarding a catamaran for a pampered sailing excursion to an unspoiled St. Maarten beach. Keep an eye out for flying fish and dolphins as you stretch out in the nets or in the shade of the sail as the boat reaches speeds of up to 20 knots. At the beach, swim, sun, and snorkel. Recharge on the return to Philipsburg with sandwiches and cold drinks served by the friendly crew.

Maho Airplane Experience (St. Maarten)

Experience the thrill of watching, hearing and feeling a commercial airplane as it lands merely feet above you while lounging along the white sands and turquoise waters of Maho Beach. Join a friendly and informative local guide for a 35-minute narrated motor coach ride across the Dutch side of St. Maarten. Upon arrival at Maho Beach, you’ll enjoy over three hours of free time at this popular seaside locale. But beyond all those exciting activities, the most unique aspect of this beach is its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, as one of its runways is situated right next to the beach.

Old and New San Juan (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Fall in love with the beauty of Puerto Rico's capital as you go through a guided tour on the historical landmarks in Old and New San Juan. In New San Juan, you'll explore Condado, Isla Verde, and the picturesque residential areas. Step down the fabulous Window of the Seas where the famous Puerto Rican superstars have printed their signatures on the sidewalk resembling Hollywood Boulevard. In Old San Juan, you'll discover the Capitol Building, the 5th Centenary Plaza, and have the opportunity to choose between visiting San Cristobal Fort or the colonial shopping district.

Pirate Treasure Hunt Family Tour (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Get ready for some swash-buckling fun as your family helps a local pirate find his way home while walking along a sweet treat-laden trail around Old San Juan that leads to El Morro fortress. Set out on foot in true buccaneer style on a guided hunt that leads you through blue cobblestone pathways amidst San Juan’s historic colonial district. Discover notable treasures along the way: stone buildings dating back to the 16th century; the marble statues of Plaza de Armas; and the Ballaja Barracks, which once housed a thousand soldiers. Along the way you’ll learn about Puerto Rico’s illustrious history and taste a variety of sugary delights in local shops — frozen yogurt, popcorn or, chocolates and churros. Outside stately El Morro, a 16th-century citadel with a storied wartime legacy, kids can fly a kite into the Puerto Rican air to celebrate the finding of the trail’s final treasure. Take in the view of San Juan Bay before making the trek back through town to your ship.

Campo Rico ATV Adventure (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Hop on an ATV for a “Ride of a lifetime”. “ Experience the thrill of driving an all-terrain vehicle through the Puerto Rican countryside just minutes from San Juan on a 2,200- acre private ranch that leads you to a plantation home, horse stables and ends at the Mojito bar. Meet our experienced guides, receive a safety briefing and get operational instruction of how to drive your ATV. Then hit the gas and follow your guide as you maneuver your 4x4 machine around mountains, mangroves, lagoons, limestone formations and tropical fields. Watch for wildlife along the trails before driving up to Mi Casa, a traditional Spanish sugarcane plantation estate home. During a short break take photos and learn the history of this working ranch. Continue your ride through the ranch stopping at the horse stables and learn the history of the “ Paso Fino “ horse. End your ride at the Mojito Bar, relax and rejuvenate in this hilltop watering hole, where you can purchase beer, mojitos and other tropical drinks.

San Juan Food and Culture Tour (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Satisfy your tastebuds as you experience the best of Old San Juan on a small group walking tour. You’ll venture off the beaten path to discover its delicious foods, fascinating architecture, intriguing cultural traditions and bustling shopping streets of the historical neighborhood of Old San Juan. Your culinary walking tour lets you taste specialties from a variety of favorite local food establishments. You will have the opportunity to get involved in the food preparation by having an active role in some of the food served. You will also receive a coupon savings booklet which allows for additional savings in restaurants and shops throughout Old San Juan.