4 things youll love about Royal Caribbeans Odyssey of the Seas, even bigger than the giant Oasis-class vessels, The 9 most exciting new cruise ships of 2023, The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship, The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites, What it takes to get concierge lounge access on a cruise ship, The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea, A peek at Perfect Day by CocoCay, Royal Caribbeans private island, Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships, How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? 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. In This Article Freedom of the Seas Stats 1. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. The company offers itineraries in Europe, the Caribbean, the U.S. and Canada, and also Greenland and Iceland. In addition, every ship has a least one and sometimes many extra-charge eateries. With onboard pools, you've got plenty of chances to make a splash. As is typical for cruise lines, Royal Caribbean charges on a per-person basis, not per room, and it prices most cabins based on two people occupying a room. The venues feature ocean views, bars, plush seating and other amenities. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. The line's two ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, feature all-balcony cabins and depart from either the Dover or Southampton cruise ports in the U.K. Play the classics and modern faves at the Royal Caribbean Arcade. Royal Caribbean What Is Royal Caribbean's 'The Quest?' "The Quest" varies based on who's leading, but it's a mildly adult (to sometimes very adult) game/competition designed to be more. 3. Arcadia's five restaurants and 10 bars and cafes include Indian offerings with a British twist at Sindhu as well as steaks and seafood by renowned British chef Marco Pierre White at Ocean Grill. The drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18. And this is just one example. Royal Suite Class 3. Quest is uproariously fun, supremely competitive, and it's definitely for adults only, which is why it's often scheduled after 11 p.m. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. You'll also find indulgences like onboard helicopters for intimate excursions and Scenic Neptune, an underwater submarine. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Seniors: Radiance-class ships offer floor-to-ceiling views perfect for taking in the sunsets and watching your destinations come into view. 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. This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. Two ships in P&O Cruises' U.K.-based fleet Arcadia and Aurora are exclusively for adults 18 and older. Similar in design, these five ships are known as the Oasis class, and they are unlike anything else at sea when it comes to size, amenities and passenger capacity. 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. Note that, unlike airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. On board you'll find a wide selection of casual and formal dining options ranging from Windows Caf to the main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant. Youll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins measuring just 149 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multi-room suites that are more than 10 times that size. Both programs are hosted by trained youth staff. Take your best shot in our archery tournament. Relive original performances in stunning 4K at Two70's Virtual Concert. The best class of Royal Caribbean ships for couples is the Quantum Ultra Class. Dive into a fully-immersive augmented reality adventure in Expedition Two70. That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises. 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. Mini Golf. Guests can enjoy wellness-focused activities on the ship, such as yoga classes, spa treatments and customized fitness programs. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest. 10:00 pm - 10:45 pm Last Laughs Adult Comedy Show (18+) Royal Theater Deck 4; 10:30 pm - 11:45 pm Hush! Access to the space is complimentary for passengers 21 and older; while there, guests can enjoy relaxing loungers, daybeds and whirlpools. Lace up your skates and take a spin on the only rinks at sea. Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Take in the warm sun and ocean breeze with a signature sangria in hand, or stop for a healthy meal at Fresh Creations Salad outlet (available on select ships) for an alfresco lunch. At Redemption Spa, relax or recharge in the mud room or salt therapy chamber. The top spot for any adult looking to spend time without children around is to head to the Solarium pool area. If you're heading off the ship for an excursion to Princess Cays (the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas), plan to chill out for the day in an adults-only Sanctuary Bungalow. The most out-there deck-top attractions on Royal Caribbean ships are surely the North Star rides found on Quantum-class ships. If you're not easily offended and love to cut loose on a cruise, this is a must. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers arent great, but its not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if youre cruising a lot. The newest cruise ship, Seabourn Ovation, accommodates up to 600 guests and offers amenities found on most of Seabourn's ships such as well-appointed oceanfront suites, living areas with dining tables, verandas, a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio and a Personal Suite Host to cater to your every need. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars youll spend to take your family to a show in New York City. When I was invited to the Inaugural Voyage and naming ceremony of their new ship - Odyssey of the Seas, I was excited to attend. Fuel bolder bonding at Surfside the ultimate stay-all-day family neighborhood. Plus Ups are excluded. All vessels operate on a cashless system, with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. A whole new way to explore and discover an underwater-themed world full of fun. Norwegian Cruise Line has three adults-only outdoor venues for guests 18 and older (though specific spaces vary by ship). It's gross tonnage is 182,000, or about nearly 25% smaller than Wonder. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. Quantum-class ships have Two70, an extraordinary, high-tech theater space that offers multi-sensory shows combining singing, dancing and acrobatics. Buckle up for the only bumper cars at sea at the largest indoor activity space ever to set sail. An agent also can help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. Spice H2O is another adults-only venue on the Norwegian Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway, Breakaway, Epic, Star and Spirit vessels; access is complimentary. The newest ship in the fleet, Silver Endeavour, is touted by the line as the most luxurious expedition ship at sea. If youre sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary and about a dozen other things you can head over to RoyalCaribbean.com and book directly. Located on all of Carnival Cruise Line's cruise ships, this adults-only outdoor hideaway is a tranquil oasis hidden away from bustling venues and family-friendly areas. Dine at the same time every evening at club-style restaurant Alexandria, or opt for a more flexible schedule at The Beach House or Medina. Cruise lines have strict policies that once you turn 18, you can no longer participate in teen activities, even if you are still in high school. Saga's boutique luxury ocean cruise ships carry a maximum of 987 passengers each. The Discoveries Bar is another favorite of guests where you can mingle with fellow cruisers at the end of the day. Bring along a camera that does well in low light; much of the action takes place in darker spots that are backlit. (If you can't get a seat but plan to participate, don't worry: Chances are, you won't actually sit all that much anyway.). Gather the grown-ups and set sail on an ocean, river or expedition cruise around the world. A few lines have meet-and-greets for young adults to meet other cruisers their age, but it's assumed that passengers age 18+ will just participate in the regular cruise activities: hanging out by the pool, joining in dance classes or trivia games, playing ball on the sports court, etc. Gear up, grab a foil and get ready for an introduction into the art of fencing. Youve scored a one-way ticket to funky-town. When the bumper cars arent in use, the space transforms into a roller rink, which is also used as a circus school with lessons on a flying trapeze. Get ready for a total blast from the past at the greatest 80's party ever. By the end of this class, youll be dancing like the stars. TheWhat to Expect on a Cruiseseries, written by Cruise Critic's editorial staff, is a resource guide, where we answer the most common questions about cruise ship life -- including cruise food, cabins, drinks and onboard fun -- as well as money matters before and during your cruise and visiting ports of call on your cruise. You can purchase a multiday pass in advance for Vibe Beach Club, and cabana rentals are available for more privacy. Depending on the ship, adult travelers can also dance the night away in a trendy club, watch live entertainment or a cabaret show, catch a sports game on satellite TV, or sit back and relax with an after-dinner cocktail at a bar or lounge. The top-notch entertainment, including Broadway shows. At Norwegian Epic's Posh Beach Club, complimentary perks include fruit skewers, cold water spritzers and a snack menu. The version of the Royal Promenade on Oasis of the Seas, for instance, offers the Bionic Bar, where a robot makes the drinks, along with the equally innovative Rising Tide Bar, which rises between the Royal Promenade and the outdoor Central Park area three decks above while you drink. Symphony of the Seas has Hairspray, for instance, and Oasis of the Seas has Andrew Lloyd Webbers Cats.. The entire room is a mystery to unravel in Escape the Rubicon, Browse and buy original art from our curated collection. Sold-out shows, particularly in onboard comedy clubs. After dinner, you won't want to miss the galactic libations and ever-changing views of faraway galaxies at the adults-only Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge bar. 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. Become the star of your own show as you belt out all your favorite tunes, karaoke-style, at Star Moment. The newest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet are the Icon-class ships, with the debut ship being Icon of the Seas. In 2021, the line introduced sailings out of Barbados. 1. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. How to Plan the Perfect Graduation Cruise, Best Cruise Ship Activities for a Class Reunion Cruise, Pacific Explorer: What's Free -- and What's Not, 5 Things to Know About Family Expedition Cruising, 5 Reasons Why Families Will Love the Refurbished Norwegian Jewel, The Panorama Suite (Owner's Suite Connecting Cabin) on Silver Muse, Mangrove Kayak Excursion in the Darien Jungle. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. A cruise is appealing to guests of all ages, and while Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line, there are certain things to do that are perfect for just the adults. Royal Caribbeans designers are masters at designing vessels that can carry thousands and thousands of people but still feel relatively uncrowded at least in some areas. Note that such voyages are on hold of late due to travel restrictions in China related to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, while a group of college kids can certainly take a cruise, they'll have to bring along an older friend, sibling or even a parent. These include the solarium, casino, nightclub, spa and certain adult-only bars and lounges. Royal Caribbean has one of the most extensive childrens programs at sea, with programs and activities for children as young as 6 months old through the age of 17. Two clans collide in an icy new glow-inthe-dark laser tag faceoff for control of a mystical frozen city. It is the moments, As much as everyone on a cruise hopes for endless days of sun, a slight breeze, and warm temperatures, the truth is, Certain cruise ports require tendering from ship to shore, but what does this mean and how does the cruise ship tender, Several changes are coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023, from a new Main Dining Room menu to a Perfect Day at CocoCay. Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship. Rock climb to the top of Adrenaline Peak for unmatched views. The Solarium is an adults only pool on all Royal Caribbean ships where children under 16 years old are prohibited from lounging. The Solarium is an adults only pool on all Royal Caribbean ships where children under 16 years old are prohibited from lounging. You don't even have to participate to enjoy it; you can sit back and watch everyone else run around and still share in the laughter. Yes. 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. Royal Caribbean adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18.50 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. The cruise line has not brought back a popular very adult event, but there are signs that may change. Our companions persuaded us to show up early at the Safari Club, where Quest would take place, so we could grab a primo seat -- in this case, close to the stage with unobstructed views. On Spirit of Adventure, Saga's newest ship, passengers can spend evenings indulging in Italian cuisine at Amalfi, sampling Nepalese dishes at Khukuri House, or settling in for drinks and dinner at the Supper Club, which features jazz music and cabaret-style entertainment. 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. Consider Vegas rules in play -- what happens at Quest stays at Quest. On some lines, like Holland America, that "chaperone" age is as high as 25. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Disney. The newer classes of ships are better catered to younger adults and those seeking adventure, while the smaller classes of ships bring with them more port-intensive itineraries as well as a pared-back roster of activities, meaning there will likely be fewer children around. Fresh blood." The newest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet Celebrity Beyond provides a unique adults-only dining experience at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. In a typical summer, the line will deploy about half its ships on sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda while sending another six or seven ships to Europe. Most cruise lines allow passengers age 18 and older to leave the ship and sign up for shore excursions on their own. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. On Oasis-class ships, there also are 735-seat outdoor aqua theaters that are home to dazzling aerial and water shows. (Getty Images). The line currently has two sister ships: Scarlet Lady the first in the fleet and Valiant Lady, which had its inaugural voyage in March 2022. Take a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you can reach it even sooner. Sip to the rhythm of live music and DJs at every turn at Chill Island. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. In the evenings, diners can choose between French cuisine at Chartreuse; creative Asian fare at Pacific Rim; aged steaks at Prime 7; Italian cuisine at Sette Mari at La Veranda; or seafood, steaks and vegetarian options at Compass Rose. Each evening, there is at least one late-night party happening onboard and Royal Caribbean enforces a strict age policy to prevent kids from getting in. 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? Check Price. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. This elegant French restaurant seats just 35 guests and features a multi-course degustation menu and Champagne bar. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. As of the time of this guide's posting, for instance, a two-bedroom Grand Suite on Harmony of the Seas for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in January 2024 was going for $3,010 per person, based on double occupancy. The Vitality Spa presents as relaxing an atmosphere as possible, and the fact it is kid-free is an added bonus. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Young Adults, The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Couples, The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Seniors, The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Solo Travellers, The Best Overall Royal Caribbean Ships for Adults, Read more about Royal Caribbeans Quantum Class, The Best & Worst Royal Caribbean Ships By Reviews. Whatever thrills you seek, youll find all sorts of ways to fill your days onboard Royal Caribbean. On these expedition-style voyages, the ship will carry only 200 guests and a total of 192 crew. However, there are a lot of factors that go into pricing for any given cruise, including the popularity of the specific itinerary, the time of year when the cruise is taking place and changing demand trends. Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like destination-themed performances, cooking classes and lectures by historians. Whether you are taking a break from the kids after dropping them off in Adventure Ocean, or cruising without kids, there are a few good spots and activities to look for where children will be far from view. Royal Caribbean has one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems at sea so fast that you're able to watch Netflix from your room on your mobile device. Here are a few more tips forstaying safe on a cruise. But onboard, excitement like this comes standard and the ice skating comes complimentary. The aft location of the bar offers almost twice the space as previous iterations and beautiful wake views. They are lively and fun. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest "scavenger hunt," so check out your daily cruise planner to see when it's scheduled. The Oasis-class ships have three distinct pool areas, as well as a watery play zone for kids. Then, contact one with a best-price guarantee and have them beat it! With multiple restaurants, fantastic entertainment and endless activities . 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. Enrollment required. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Royal Caribbean also operates a Royal Babies nursery program for children ages 6 to 18 months old that includes interactive child and parent classes with activities developed by early childhood experts. That's more than six times the cost of the least-expensive inside cabin (which was starting at $481 per person, based on double occupancy). There are pools, of course on the bigger ships, oodles of them. Once youve uncovered The Hideaway, your sea days will never be the same. The new Adventure Ocean youth program is designed to ignite the imagination. Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea. Some veterans of the game bring along purses or tote bags packed with items they expect might be asked for; others consider this "cheating." 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. For a special treat during your cruise, don't miss "Caviar in the Surf." Vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services. The North Star is generally free to ride. I've always loved cruising, and am thrilled to see a return to the seas for the major cruise lines. Learn more. In other words, if youre the kind of person who loves staying on property at Disney World or at a giant Las Vegas resort, this is the line for you. The Casino Royale on Oasis of the Seas sprawls with 450 slot machines, 27 table games (including blackjack, roulette and craps) and a poker room, plus its very own bar. The top spot for any adult looking to spend time without children around is to head to the Solarium pool area. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure).