So you’re going on a vacation at sea? A Royal Caribbean cruise is more than a trip – it’s an adventure full of fun, entertainment, and relaxation. With so many activities on board, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re looking for thrills, to chill, or just time with family and friends. Let’s get into the Royal Caribbean activities and see what’s included in your fare.
What’s Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
One of the biggest questions for first-timers is, “Are activities free on Royal Caribbean?” The answer is yes—many of the activities and entertainment options are included in your fare, so you can enjoy them without paying extra.
Free Royal Caribbean Onboard Activities:
- Rock Climbing Wall: On every ship, the rock-climbing wall offers stunning views and a fun challenge for all levels. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a first-timer, this is a great workout and a chance to reach new heights.
- FlowRider Surf Simulator: For surfers or just looking to try something new, the FlowRider is a surf simulator where you can catch a wave without getting in the water. It’s a blast, and it’s included in your fare. Don’t worry if you’ve never surfed before—lessons are often available to help you ride the waves.
- Mini Golf: Play a round of mini golf with family and friends while taking in the ocean views. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, and the whimsical courses are fun for all ages.
- Ice Skating: Yes, you read that right—many Royal Caribbean ships have an ice-skating rink where you can ice skate at sea. Whether you’re practicing your figure eights or just enjoying the cool air, ice skating is a unique and free activity that adds a touch of winter wonderland to your cruise.
- Outdoor Movie Nights: Watch a movie under the stars on the pool deck with free popcorn. There’s something magical about watching a movie with the ocean as your backdrop, and it’s a great way to unwind after a day of adventure.
- Fitness Center: Stay active with state-of-the-art gym equipment, group fitness classes, and outdoor jogging tracks. Whether you’re sticking to your workout routine or trying a new class like yoga or spin, the fitness center has everything you need to stay fit on vacation.
- Kids’ Clubs and Teen Programs: Royal Caribbean has youth programs for different age groups, from toddlers to teens. These programs keep the little ones entertained with supervised activities, from arts and crafts to video games and theme parties. These programs ensure the kids have as much fun as the parents.
What Sets Royal Caribbean Apart? Unique Onboard Activities
Royal Caribbean is all about pushing the limits of cruise ship entertainment.
Unique Experiences on Royal Caribbean
- Skydiving Simulator (RipCord by iFLY): Experience skydiving at sea in a safe and controlled environment. Float on air and feel the rush of free-fall without jumping out of an airplane. A must-try for thrill seekers but comes at an extra cost.
- Escape Rooms: Test your puzzle skills with an interactive escape room challenge, a popular activity for groups. Work together to solve clues and unlock the mystery before time runs out. This activity is great for bonding with family or new friends you meet on board.
- AquaTheater Shows: On Oasis-class ships, watch high diving, acrobatics, and synchronized swimming in the AquaTheater. These shows are a spectacle of talent and creativity set against the ocean and a highlight of any Royal Caribbean cruise.
- Broadway-Style Shows: Many Royal Caribbean ships have full-length Broadway musicals, like Grease or Mamma Mia!, performed in grand theaters. These productions bring the magic of Broadway to the high seas without leaving the ship.
- North Star Observation Capsule: On Quantum-class ships, this glass observation pod rises 300 feet above sea level and offers 360-degree views of the ocean and Royal Caribbean ports of call. It’s serene and awe-inspiring, perfect for taking great photos.
- Zip Lining: On select ships, you can zip line across the deck, flying high above the boardwalk and getting a bird’s eye view of the ship. A must-try for adventure lovers.
Are Activities Free on Royal Caribbean?
While many are free, some cost extra. For example, spa treatments, specialty dining, certain fitness classes, and select adventure activities like the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator come at an extra cost. Always check what’s included in your cruise package and plan your onboard activities accordingly.
Dining and Eating
Beyond the onboard activities, Royal Caribbean offers a world of food to satisfy every appetite. Your fare includes a ton of dining options—from main dining rooms to casual cafes and buffets—and the cruise line also offers specialty dining experiences worth paying for.
- Main Dining Room: Enjoy multi-course meals in an elegant setting, with daily changing menus featuring international cuisine. The main dining room is included in your fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Windjammer Cafe: Windjammer Cafe is a buffet-style restaurant with a huge selection of dishes—from comfort food to international cuisine—all included in your fare. It’s great for casual dining anytime.
- Specialty Restaurants: For a fee, you can dine at one of Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants. Options include steakhouses, sushi bars, Italian trattorias, and more. These restaurants offer a more intimate dining experience with high-quality ingredients and creative presentation.
- Room Service: If you prefer to dine in the comfort of your stateroom, room service is available 24/7. Basic room service is free during certain hours, but there may be a small delivery charge outside of those hours or for certain menu items.
Also read: What shows are available on Royal Caribbean cruise ships?
Plan Your Day at Sea
Whether you want to chill or get your adrenaline pumping, Royal Caribbean has activities galore to make your vacation anything but boring. From free activities like rock climbing and poolside movie nights to unique experiences like skydiving simulators and Broadway shows, there’s something for everyone.
If you prefer to slow down, Royal Caribbean has plenty of ways to do so. Lounge by the pool with a cocktail, have a spa day, or just take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the sea views. For families, the ship has many activities to ensure everyone has an amazing time.
FAQs about Royal Caribbean Cruise Activities
1. Are activities free in the Royal Caribbean?
Yes, many activities on Royal Caribbean are free and included in your cruise fare. These include the rock-climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, mini golf, ice skating, fitness center, and outdoor movie nights. Some premium activities, like spa treatments, specialty dining, and certain adventure experiences, may incur an extra cost.
2. What activities are in the Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean has something for everyone: rock climbing, surf simulators, mini golf, ice skating, fitness classes, Broadway shows, AquaTheater, skydiving simulators, escape rooms, and youth programs for kids and teens. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s something for you.
3. Do I need to book activities?
Many activities are on a first-come, first-served basis, but some popular or premium activities, such as spa treatments, specialty dining, and certain entertainment experiences, may require reservations. Check your ship’s itinerary and book ahead if you can secure your spot.
4. What activities are there for kids in the Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean has youth programs for different age groups. From the Adventure Ocean kids program to teen lounges and activities, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. Activities include arts and crafts, video games, sports, movie nights, and even science experiments, all supervised by trained staff.
5. Are there adult-only activities in the Royal Caribbean?
Yes, Royal Caribbean has adult-only areas and activities, including the Solarium, an adults-only retreat with pools and hot tubs, and adult-focused events like comedy shows, nightclubs, and specialty dining experiences for a more mature crowd.
6. Can I do all the activities? Are there age or height restrictions?
Some activities may have age, height, or weight restrictions for safety reasons. For example, the FlowRider surf simulator and the rock-climbing wall have specific guidelines to ensure the safety of all participants. Check these restrictions before you participate in certain activities.