Onboard Shops 7. Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers (called Royal Genies) who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, access to a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues and priority boarding and disembarkation. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels. Smart casual is a step up to collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits, with a jacket for men optional. Really. Throwback to the decade that was all that and a bag of chips, The poolside screen is huge - and so is the fun, Play 3-on-3 with an ocean view at the Sports Court, Jump, jive and wail at Harmony High, the most rockin show at sea. This can be a plus if your kid doesn't want to spend all his or her time with you, or simply enjoys meeting new people. Some recently built ships even have skydiving simulators giant acrylic tubes where you get to experience the sensation of skydiving. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Bring along a camera that does well in low light; much of the action takes place in darker spots that are backlit. During the evenings, there is an official dress code, but it only applies to passengers entering the main dining room. The Oasis-class ships have three distinct pool areas, as well as a watery play zone for kids. Mini-golf. Many Azamara voyages also offer longer stays and overnights in ports not found on many other itineraries (including wine and culture itineraries) and feature special events such as the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool during a British Isles cruise. There also are multi-device packages that are less expensive on a per-device basis. Saga's boutique luxury ocean cruise ships carry a maximum of 987 passengers each. The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who like a little more intimacy in a cruise vessel and dont mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. For a casual evening, plan to dine alfresco at the Pool Grill. The rules vary by cruise line, but most allow 18-year-olds to hang out at bars or nightclubs on their own, or with family and friends who are also 18+. Casino 11. When Will Royal Caribbean Bring Back an Adult Favorite Activity If youre more of a small boutique hotel sort of person or someone who just isnt happy around crowds, well this might not be the line for you. Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. Royal Caribbean designs its ships to appeal to a broad mix of people, in part by offering a wide range of cabin types at varying price points. If your teen or young adult isn't going to be satisfied hanging out with the family, consider bringing a friend along on your vacation. The Oasis-class ships are not the only biggies in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Find the right card for you. 15 Fun Adults-Only Cruises for 2023 - US News & World Report While Royal Caribbean offers the perfect collection of cruises for families and kids, this cruise line is also great at providing sailings ideal for adults too! These ships are also often less expensive for travelers on a per-day basis. There are pools, of course on the bigger ships, oodles of them. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 10 Fun Cruise Ship Games and Contests That Bring Out Your Inner Kid, Cruise Classes: 21 Things You Can Learn on Your Next Cruise, Q&A with a Cruise Ship Entertainment Director, 7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your OceanMedallion Experience, 6 Cruise Memories That Will Warm Your Heart, Your Favorite Cruise Ship is For Sale? Some, such as the Royal Loft Suites found on Oasis-class ships, are two decks high with sweeping views across the top of the vessel. Soak up the thrills on all The Perfect Storm, the boldest waterslides at sea. Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival's largest ship, is a full 50 feet shorter and carries about 5,200 passengers. This tropical haven offers guests a truly unforgettable experience, with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear . Gather the grown-ups and set sail on an ocean, river or expedition cruise around the world. On a typical sailing, you might find an entry-level cabin for around $100 per person per night, while a high-end suite is five or 10 times that amount. On Oasis-class ships, there also are 735-seat outdoor aqua theaters that are home to dazzling aerial and water shows. To gain entrance, people need to be over 16.. Every Royal Caribbean ship has adult-only areas. Two more ships Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady are slated to launch in 2023. That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. Once youve uncovered The Hideaway, your sea days will never be the same. Tags: Travel, Cruises, Couples Vacations, Solo Vacations, Vacation Ideas. A cruise is appealing to guests of all ages, and while Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line, there are certain things to do that are perfect for just the adults. Many ships also have an Italian eatery, called either Giovannis Table or Jamies Italian by Jamie Oliver. On these expedition-style voyages, the ship will carry only 200 guests and a total of 192 crew. Check Price. In addition to these off-the-beaten-path excursions, guests can visit iconic sites like the ancient city of Ephesus (Kuadasi) in Turkey and the Parthenon and Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. Since you have to use your cruise card to pay for all on-ship purchases, including drinks, the cruise ship will flag the cards of minors in the system (sometimes they even have a different color or design), so an alert will pop up if an underage passenger tries to buy alcohol. They are lively and fun. Since there are few (or no) activities geared toward younger cruisers and no babysitting services, you typically won't find parents with young children on these ships. This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. Just a step up from the Quantum Class, these ships pack even more on-board to keep both you and your partner entertained, including the lively Lime & Coconut Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar, laser tag and more! 2. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. The Discoveries Bar is another favorite of guests where you can mingle with fellow cruisers at the end of the day. Moreover, the casino bar tends to be the first bar to open in the day and the last to close, so it is a safe bet for when you want to get away. There are also plenty of options for exercise, fitness and relaxation at Serene Spa & Wellness. Adults looking to relax will love the Chill Island area of the ship, which is home to four of the pools that she holds. You'll also receive Silversea's high level of service with just 200 guests and 200 crew, for an immersive and personalized experience aboard. Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spend when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. That said, they also offer serene spots. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest. Every vessel has a main dining room and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare the latter called either Windjammer Caf or Windjammer Marketplace. While there, you can also grab a light breakfast or lunch at The Spa Caf and Juice Bar or order your favorite adult beverage while lounging in the hot tub. However, higher levels of the program start to be very enticing. Youve scored a one-way ticket to funky-town. World-class dining options are in partnership with renowned chef Thomas Keller, such as The Grill, Seabourn's signature restaurant. The first team to arrive with the requested item gets the most points, the second gets the second-highest and the third well, you get it. For a special treat during your cruise, don't miss "Caviar in the Surf." This is an elevated area that has the first suspended infinity pool at sea, with a multi-level sun terrace offering plenty of spaces to relax. Theres also Hooked Seafood, a relatively new concept now on three vessels (Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas) that serves lobster rolls, fish sandwiches and the like. For the most part, Royal Caribbean operates big, bustling megaships that will appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. The Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts. Performances and Shows 9. The only parade where every holiday is celebrated at once, Royal Escape Room - Mission Control: Apollo 18. Other onboard activities include culinary classes at Scenic picure, invigorating spa treatments at Senses Spa, or just sitting back and relaxing with spectacular sea views while sipping Champagne on deck 10. The Solarium is your slice of paradise, with soothing whirlpools, warm sunshine and a refreshing water mist. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Launch yourself into a virtual world on a bungee trampoline experience Sky Pad. Physical activities. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Its not just families that flock to Royal Caribbean, though. The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat (for ages 18 and older), offers cruisers an escape from the bustling public spaces on the ship. Youll also find all sorts of other fun-focused attractions giant rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, zip lines, miniature golf courses and basketball courts, to name a few. Cruise fares cover meals at all the dining venues; basic beverages such as water, tea and coffee; gratuities for the crew; Wi-Fi; and unlimited fitness classes. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. There is stuff you just wont see on any other vessel at sea. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. In North America, Royal Caribbean ships generally sail out of PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdales Port Everglades and Tampa in Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Galveston, Texas; Bayonne, New Jersey (one of the ports for New York City); Baltimore; Boston; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia and Seward, Alaska. We put it to the test, The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs, 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise, How to book a cruise with points and miles, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Cruise line staff have strict instructions not to serve underage drinkers. And if youd like to see how the different Royal Caribbean ships fared in reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Cruiseline.com and Cruise Critic, then take a look at this guide to The Best & Worst Royal Caribbean Ships By Reviews. Royal Caribbean is well-known for big ships with tons to see, do, and experience. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Adults (2023) - Cruise Mummy It started off innocently enough, with requests for items like "a tie" or "a sock with a hole in it" (yes, every sock has at least ONE hole in it). With onboard pools, you've got plenty of chances to make a splash. In some cases, the shows are cut down slightly (though some still run nearly two hours), and the casts arent the A-team youll find on Broadway. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Foreign cruise lines, such as the U.K.'s P&O Cruises or Italy's MSC or Costa Cruises, set the drinking age to 18 in non-U.S. destinations to reflect the normal drinking age abroad. Wine aficionados will enjoy pairing limited-production and rare vintages from the Wine Cellar with dinner and joining wine tastings held in the Mosaic Caf. Mellow out to live Caribbean music in this open-air sanctuary thats high above ordinary. There is a larger class of ship now available too the Icon Class, with one ship currently available to book which is Icon of the Seas. Note that such voyages are on hold of late due to travel restrictions in China related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Quantum-class ships also have an indoor fun zone known as The SeaPlex that includes a bumper car pavilion. If you know you want to eat at a few extra-charge restaurants during your voyage, you can buy one of several dining packages that offer meals at a discount. With no real rules, let your conscience be your guide on this one. To be called the Icon class, it'll be made up of at least three vessels that each measure more than 250,000 tons. Every Royal Caribbean ship has a casino, and on the lines bigger vessels, these are big operations. (Michel Verdure/Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International). A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins. The company offers itineraries in Europe, the Caribbean, the U.S. and Canada, and also Greenland and Iceland. Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: Smackdown! - Cruiseline.com As someone who cruised on the Oasis of the Seas recently, I'll be the first one to say that this is the ultimate cruise ship for families! Enter a musical world and power up sound-glyphs in the virtual reality Sky Pad game, Bass Bouncer. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Other SeaPlex activities include air hockey and table tennis. Of course, the casino offers slots and table games to try your luck at, if you want to combine your kids-free time with (hopefully) winning money. The first Icon class vessel, Icon of the Seas, will debut in January 2024. Interior areas bring everything from full-size spas and large casinos to Broadway-quality theaters with top-name shows. With more than 10,000 plants and flowers, its a true tropical hideaway. If you're not easily offended and love to cut loose on a cruise, this is a must. Theres also a British pub, a karaoke lounge, a Latin-themed nightspot and located one deck up in a balcony area the lines signature Schooner Bar. Passengers will also enjoy luxurious amenities while on board the ship with eight public decks; multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; a two-story solarium with a swimming pool and whirlpool tub; indoor and outdoor observation areas; and a spa. There are seven dining venues and 11 bars and cafes on the ship. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. The Oasis of the Seas is one or the largest ships in the world. Once on board a Royal Caribbean vessel, youll pay extra for most drinks (most beers will set you back $7.99, for instance; wine by the glass ranges from $8 to $14), extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things unless youve bought a package for some of these items in advance. Note that, unlike airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. However, even the smallest of Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer. Here are a few more tips forstaying safe on a cruise. On some vessels, such as the Quantum-class ships, youll find a dedicated space with games and a widescreen TV called The Living Room where teens can hang out, plus a teens-only disco called Fuel. The lines ships are designed to provide a little something for everyone, and they appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers (the line has added solo cabins to more ships in recent years). Spa 6. Some ships also have comedy clubs, and theres always live music in multiple venues nightly. Its forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee. Royal Caribbean has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the Crown & Anchor Society, that has six tiers ranging from Gold (requiring 3 points) to Pinnacle Club (700 points). While Royal Caribbean dont place an age limit on their sailings, there are still plenty of options for guests seeking an adult-only experience. At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at well-heeled travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and these truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Cruise Activities for 18 to 20 Year Olds: What to Expect, What to Expect on a Cruise: Cruise Activities for Teens, What to Expect on a Cruise: Family Cruises, 10 Ways to Fit in on Your First Luxury Cruise, Yes, There Are Fun Things to Do on Cruises for 18-Year-Olds, 19-Year-Olds and 20-Year-Olds. In addition to its ocean vessels, Viking offers river cruises in destinations around the world including the U.S. on the new Viking Mississippi, a ship purpose-built for Mississippi River cruises. Royal Caribbean sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe. Enrollment required. Heres how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise. Plentiful smaller and affordable cabins, included casual dining options, and a plethora of bars and onboard attractions give Royal Caribbean ships a for-the-masses feel and make them accessible to travelers on a budget. In addition, the line is extending its offerings on Country Intensive voyages in 2023 with itineraries in destinations like South Africa, Australia, the Canary Islands, Japan and Israel. With its Polar Class 6 rating, the ship will visit far ends of the earth in remote polar regions like Antarctica, where it will be for its inaugural season beginning in November 2022. That just scratches the surface of what Icon of the Seas has to offer, with 15 restaurants, many bars and lounges, exciting waterslides, cutting-edge entertainment and more. Specialty restaurants offer top-notch steak and seafood at Prime C or, if you prefer, Italian fare at Aqualina. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Young Adults: Royal Caribbeans Quantum-class ships feature the cruise lines first installations of the North Star observation pod and the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Quantum-class ships have Two70, an extraordinary, high-tech theater space that offers multi-sensory shows combining singing, dancing and acrobatics. You can even order a bottle of Champagne for yourself or friends anywhere on the ship via the Virgin Voyages Sailor app's secret "Shake for Champagne" feature. Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like destination-themed performances, cooking classes and lectures by historians. The best Royal Caribbean ships for younger adults are the Quantum-class ships. While some lines provide a fully adults-only experience (i.e., children are not allowed on board), others offer adult-focused venues and activities on the ship to keep you separate from younger patrons. Some guests are seeing a new way to get a copy of the daily guide to events on their Royal Caribbean cruise, Royal Caribbean changed the time window guests have to get a Covid test from 3 days to 2 days before embarkation, and, There seem to be certain moments of absolute joy when it comes to a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Learn more aboutplanning a college spring break cruise. If you're planning to take a cruise on Royal Caribbean, you should know that it offers something for everyone - from kids to teens to active adults and even grandparents. Cruise Activities for 18 to 20 Year Olds: What to Expect - Cruise Critic Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. And with the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, kids and teens will have a blast plus parents can get a little time of their own. Go airborne on the only boomerang slide at sea, Youre the VIP (Very Important Passenger) behind the scenes, See the ship over nine decks above the Boardwalk on the Zip Line. Polish your PADI skills and get dive certified on your vacation. 7. The ship also has a Polar Class 6 rating, enabling it to sail to destinations like Antarctica. Prices also include excursions in some ports of call, gratuities and chauffeur service from locations in the U.K. to the embarkation port. Two ships in P&O Cruises' U.K.-based fleet Arcadia and Aurora are exclusively for adults 18 and older. Adults can also enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in one of the lounges and nightly entertainment in the Constellation Theater; for a nightcap, sip a fine cognac in one of the ship's favorite hideaways, the Connoisseur Club. Usually these tours are offered to resorts or beaches that do not allow children in, either due to the inclusion of alcohol or other prohibitions. One of these is Swim & Tonic, the first pool on a cruise ship to have a swim-up bar, while theres also Cloud 17, an adults-only pool. Lace up your skates and take a spin on the only rinks at sea. Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville - Adults Only All Inclusive. Cruise Ship Activities | Entertainment & Attractions | Royal Caribbean By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Ultimate Abyss Slide on Royal Caribbean Cruises, Snorkeling in Alaska with Princess Cruises, Surfing on a Cruise Ship: We Try the FlowRider on Royal Caribbean, What's Your Cruise Critic Story? In Europe, Royal Caribbean ships mostly sail out of Southampton, England; Amsterdam; Copenhagen; Stockholm; Barcelona; Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome) and since 2021 Ravenna, Italy (which replaced Venice as a home port). Lower tiers dont bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. Some are enormous, with more than two dozen treatment rooms and thermal areas with hot stone chairs, rainforest shower areas, saunas and steam rooms. Both programs are hosted by trained youth staff. With destination-focussed itineraries, you can enjoy more time ashore and fewer sea days than on the larger ships. Silent Disco Party (18+), The . Hang on tight for The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea. While you can't book a room on the opposite end of the ship from your older children (as much as you might like to), most cruise lines let you place your teen or young adult children in an adjoining cabin, a room across the hall or one just a few doors down. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Hi, I'm Jenni. Join puppets Mia and Max as they embark on a glow-in-the-dark adventure. Tee off for friendly competition at Lost Dunes, the ultimate mini-golf course. But don't post those perfectly lit photos on social media sites. Yes. Theres also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining).