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Planning a family vacation for all ages can be a tricky proposition. Teens may not want to hang out with their younger siblings (or adults for that matter), sometimes parents just want to unwind, and children’s almost-boundless energy can require a new activity every hour. Besides that, sometimes you’ll want to find things you can all do together.
When you need to entertain all ages, here’s why our cruises pack thrills for your whole crew.
1. All-Time Favorites
Finding ways to spend quality family time while on board is easy, from cheering each other on while scaling the rock-climbing wall to strolling the much-loved Boardwalk neighborhood and riding the quintessential carousel on Oasis Class ships. Spending a day at sea gives your family the time to find new hobbies — from discovering new culinary traditions in a cooking class to learning new moves during a dance lesson. Everyone can indulge in the spa experience, from mother-and-daughter manicures and other kid-friendly services to a massage or facial, there are plenty of ways to truly relax. The extensive shops, bars, and restaurants—not to mention the parades—along the Royal Promenade offer activities for all as well.
Everyone has their own idea of fun at pool time. Liberty of the Seas offers parents the option to relax with a cold drink before taking a run on the Tidal Wave adult waterslide. Kids can play their own way at Splashaway Bay aqua park, which they likely will visit as part of the Adventure Ocean youth program.
Evenings are perfect for a family outing: You can watch a 3D movie, see a live show or hit “Broadway” and take in a musical like Grease or Hairspray, which debuts on Symphony of the Seas in April 2018. Younger families in particular will love the chance to meet, greet and eat with their favorite characters from Madagascar and Shrek with the DreamWorks Experience.
2. Unexpected Adventures
With each new ship, we create new experiences and can’t-miss adventures perfect for every interest. There are options for everyone — from ice skating and bumper cars to soaring to new heights with different aerial activities, like taking trapeze lessons, zip lining across the ship or skydiving with the RipCord by iFly. Head poolside to catch a wave on the FlowRider surfing simulator or conquer the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story slide that’s certain to impress your most adventurous family members.
There will be times when you want to sit for a moment, enjoy your surroundings and watch a show. Be sure to take in the sights in the North Star observation capsule that is 300 feet above sea level or immerse yourself in the high-flying acrobatics at the AquaTheater. And a great place to find a seat is at Two70, a two-deck high venue that offers a panoramic ocean view while dining or taking in one of the evening’s performances.
3. Thrilling Excursions
The entire family can create lasting memories while exploring destinations with us. From catching King Crab in Alaska to diving the Caribbean’s largest barrier reef in Honduras or learning the art of tossing pizzas in Italy — no two ports are the same. When choosing excursions, be sure and check out our dedicated Family Connections excursions for great ways to spend time on shore.
In Bermuda, for example, explorers can go spelunking at the Crystal Caves or head out to snorkel and discover shipwrecks in that famed triangle. Spotting wildlife is often a highlight, like seeing green monkeys and leatherback turtles in Barbados, swimming with sting rays at Stingray City Barrier Reef in the Cayman Islands, finding koalas and kangaroos in their native Australia, or even feeding elephants in Thailand.
Extra active families can get their fix as well. When in Cozumel, Mexico, you can zip line through the rain forest or climb ancient Mayan ruins. If your vacation includes a visit to Italy, spend an afternoon as a Roman gladiator and learn hand-to-hand combat, or while in Alaska try your hand at dog sledding one day and walk on a glacier the next. For families who want to try new and exotic flavors, food tours in Vietnam, Turkey and Hawaii will tantalize everyone’s taste buds.
4. Distinct, Customizable Accommodations
Any size family can relax in style while on board. From the Ultimate Family Suite rolling out on Symphony of the Seas, to spacious staterooms with family-friendly floor plans, deluxe or more private rooms, there is an option for every family. Your group can unwind in rooms that can accommodate up to six people — and have additional sleeping options like a sofa, Pullman bed or a crib, if needed. Any guests with special needs will also feel comfortable in our staterooms— and anywhere else on our ships—since we’ve made it a priority to be accessible to everyone.
There are many options to consider: A room with a view, perfect for breakfast on the balcony or a window to see the historic sights as you pull into port, to suites for families who need more room. Or, there are connecting staterooms, just like hotels, with one door in between the rooms, that are a great way to give your kids space but keep them connected.
5. Delicious Eats
Variety is the spice of life, so our many dining options offer everyone their favorite meals, as well as new tastes they’ll love. Whether sitting down for brunch or “brinner,” buffet-style options in the Windjammer cafe can please picky eaters with pizza and pasta, while others can sample regional dishes, salad bars, carving stations and more. In our Main Dining rooms, My Family Time Dining gives you the flexibility to schedule evening plans. Families can eat earlier and then kids head off to fun, supervised activities with Adventure Ocean staff while parents enjoy their own dinners from our constantly-rotating menu.
For an epicurean adventure, try any dish from one of our specialty restaurants’ menus from around the world, with just one cover charge or as part of a dining package. From formal to casual dining experiences, our eclectic mix of restaurants is sure to please every palate. Order distinct dishes at Jamie’s Italian with world-renowned chef Jamie Oliver’s authentic recipes, or mix an eclectic craft cocktail with whimsical food creations at Wonderland. If your crowd craves sushi or the excitement of hibachi, pull up a chair at Izumi, while steak lovers can order their favorite cuts at Chops Grille, our signature steakhouse.
If you’re ready to plan the family vacation that everyone can get behind, learn even more and book your Royal Caribbean cruise here.