To gain entrance, people need to be over 16.. 2. Related: The 9 most exciting new cruise ships of 2023. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. It does offer a small number of cabins on some ships that are priced based on single occupancy for solo travelers. The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat (for ages 18 and older), offers cruisers an escape from the bustling public spaces on the ship. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? Its grub time anytime at Pier 7 with beachside bites, all-day brunch and chill vibes, Indulge in kid-approved favorites that grownups never stopped loving at Surfside Eatery and Surfside Bites. Dare to conquer the Crowns Edge, a test of bravery like nothing youve ever seen. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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. Its an adult-only, deck-top retreat found on every Royal Caribbean vessel. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars youll spend to take your family to a show in New York City. And when it's time for an after-dinner drink, sample one (or several) of more than100 whiskeys available at Scenic Lounge Bar. However, even the smallest of Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer. 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. No votes so far! With each step-down in size, youll find fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment offerings and attractions. Other features of Oasis-class ships include the tallest slide at sea the Ultimate Abyss and the incredible AquaTheater stage for diving and acrobatics like youve never seen before. 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. Whatever thrills you seek, youll find all sorts of ways to fill your days onboard Royal Caribbean. Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. Plunge into new thrills on the only headfirst mat racer waterslide at sea, Riptide. Bid on bold masterpieces at an action-packed onboard art auction. At Norwegian Epic's Posh Beach Club, complimentary perks include fruit skewers, cold water spritzers and a snack menu. Outdoors, Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil place to relax on Disney's Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy and Wish ships. 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. In 2021, the line introduced sailings out of Barbados. The top spot for any adult looking to spend time without children around is to head to the Solarium pool area. 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. If you want to enjoy some time on shore without kids, look for excursions that do not allow kids to be booked. 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. The line will welcome Venture's sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit, in 2023. Casino 11. The venues feature ocean views, bars, plush seating and other amenities. In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Royal Caribbean ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. The vibe is always on at this off-the-grid. To be called the Icon class, it'll be made up of at least three vessels that each measure more than 250,000 tons. The ultimate infinity pool for serene ocean views with sun-drenched action always close by. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. 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). Were particularly fond of the two-deck-high Music Halls on Quantum-class vessels. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Take a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you can reach it even sooner. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. Plus, youll find more bars, lounges and nightspots than you could think possible. But do note that the drinking age on all ships that visit the U.S., as well as on many U.S.-based cruise lines sailing anywhere in the world, is 21. Look for the debut of the line's second luxury yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, in 2023. Ships with mini-golf courses . Mini Golf. On Royal Caribbeans Oasis-class ships there are more than 20 places to grab a bite, ranging from Johnny Rockets diners to high-end restaurants serving six-course tasting menus. There are also plenty of options for exercise, fitness and relaxation at Serene Spa & Wellness. It's gross tonnage is 182,000, or about nearly 25% smaller than Wonder. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. The cruise line has not brought back a popular very adult event, but there are signs that may change. 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. Others are a la carte. Each day and night brings something new to do, see and explore. Really. On Norwegian's Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway and Breakaway ships, the Vibe Beach Club sun deck invites guests to relax in oversized hot tubs and enjoy perks like a full-service bar and chilled towels. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. 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. Note that such voyages are on hold of late due to travel restrictions in China related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. A growing number of Royal Caribbean ships also have water parks with significant waterslides. The Royal Tots program (for ages 18 months to 3 years) offers 45-minute interactive playground sessions with age-appropriate activities and toys. Royal Caribbean adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18.50 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. If you want them to be able to drink with you, choose a line that sets the drinking age at 18 in the region you're sailing. Gather the grown-ups and set sail on an ocean, river or expedition cruise around the world. Brave six record-breaking slides at Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Launch yourself into a virtual world on a bungee trampoline experience Sky Pad. 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. You can find in the myriad of Royal Caribbean shore excursions a few that cater only to adults. The incredible array of onboard activities. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest. Royal Caribbean allows you to bring two bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin onto ships at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas. The Solarium is your slice of paradise, with soothing whirlpools, warm sunshine and a refreshing water mist. Tortuga Caribbean Six-Pack Mix, 4-Ounce Cake (Pack of 6) (Gift Pack) Baked in the Caribbean from a four-generations old family recipe. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, The best places to see cherry blossoms around the US this spring, Looking back: How my points and miles strategy has changed over the years, The best increased card offers to sign up for this March. As you might expect, pricing for all ships will generally be less during offseason periods such as September and October. There are full-blown Starbucks cafes on some ships or at least a Starbucks stand. Onboard Shops 7. This sprawling oasis is the largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water. Unlike some lines, Royal Caribbean does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships. Fuel bolder bonding at Surfside the ultimate stay-all-day family neighborhood. Endeavour's features include state-of-the-art technology for navigation and exploration and an industry-leading Zodiac-to-guest and expert-to-guest ratios. On top of that, select ships feature a cascading lagoon for further relaxation. The ships include the worlds five biggest cruise vessels Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas each of which can hold more than 6,600 passengers. You can purchase a multiday pass in advance for Vibe Beach Club, and cabana rentals are available for more privacy. On some ships, youll also find Izumi, a sushi-serving Asian eatery; Vintages, a small bite-serving wine bar; imaginative cuisine-serving Wonderland; and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which offers cold brews, burgers and wings along with games like foosball. The relaxing top-deck venue is available on all Princess Cruises ships and features plush lounge chairs; a spa-like setting; and Serenity Stewards who serve light bites, spa cuisine and other refreshments. From the robot mixologists at Bionic Bar to the FlowRider surf simulators, and the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss, to hit Broadway musicals like Grease. Cruise fare for the suite also includes a long list of high-end amenities such as access to a private dining room called The Study, a personal car and driver in port, free in-suite spa services, a private butler, and more. For something quieter and more pampering, Royal Caribbean ships also all have spas. While there are family-friendly parties and shows put on earlier in the evening, once the night club scene pops up, the cruise line security team will check ages of anyone who tries to get into the club. Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar. Theres another neighborhood just for adults as well, which is The Hideaway. Five big Quantum Class ships and three big Freedom Class ships each have total capacities ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. The best days begin with brunch and bubbles. Youll receive a SeaPass card that you can use to make charges. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship. Its not just families that flock to Royal Caribbean, though. The Best Overall Royal Caribbean Ships For Adults: While this is definitely a ship that families will love, there are some great features specifically for adults who are either travelling without kids or who just want to relax while their children are busy in the kids club. Pictures of Cruise Compasses showing activities on a Royal Caribbean Cruise on the Harmony of the Seas including Perfect Day at CocoCay! Ive worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and now my blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. Sing along to a chorus of ivory tickling classics at Schooner Bar nightly. Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites. 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. Interior areas bring everything from full-size spas and large casinos to Broadway-quality theaters with top-name shows. Other included-in-the-fare offerings found on some ships include Sorrentos pizza parlors, the Mediterranean cuisine-themed Solarium Bistro and the coffee bar Cafe Promenade. The heart of the program, called Adventure Ocean, has free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12. 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? 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). As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. Heres how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise. Smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, casinos and the cigar clubs found on Freedom- and Voyager-class ships. Related: 4 things youll love about Royal Caribbeans Odyssey of the Seas. In This Article Freedom of the Seas Stats 1. DECK 16 Up the ramp, around the curve and into the hole. They sometimes sell out in advance due to heavy demand and limited capacity. On six ships Sky Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess adults can also enjoy an exclusive Retreat pool, cabanas and bar area. @booking.com. Keep an open mind and go with the flow. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. It has long dazzled customers with stunning, resort-like vessels full of every sort of amusement and activity you could imagine. Rock out on the Rock Climbing Wall for full-scale adventure, An aqua park that's cool, colorful and all kinds of crazy. If you're traveling with (or without) children on one of these lines, you'll want to know the adults-only venues to plan your afternoon or evening out sans kids. Passengers can sip Champagne at Intermezzo, the ship's cocktail and Champagne venue, or enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif at the yacht-inspired Spinnaker Bar. The Vitality Spa presents as relaxing an atmosphere as possible, and the fact it is kid-free is an added bonus. 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. Solarium is Royal Caribbean International's complimentary, child-free space open to guests 16 and older. One of the lines newest ships, Spectrum of the Seas, has offered trips for Chinese travelers out of Shanghai and Tianjin, China (the port for Beijing). The rinks are in the interiors of the ships, surrounded by stadium seating for up to 775 people, and the shows are out of this world. If you take yourself too seriously, you won't have fun at the Quest game on Royal Caribbean. As a parent, it is nice to have time now and then away from the kids to relax, and here are the top five things you can do on a Royal Caribbean cruise without kids! Dedicated Teen Venue 12.. 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 and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 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. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Unrivaled views for you while kids play steps away at Splashaway Bay aquapark. The entire room is a mystery to unravel in Escape the Rubicon, Browse and buy original art from our curated collection. Get ready to shake your hips and find your Latin rhythm. With more than 10,000 plants and flowers, its a true tropical hideaway. Royal Caribbean does not publish its activities prior to a cruise, but if you learn about the most common activities available onboard, it should provide a good idea of what to expect once onboard. I'm so sorry that this post wasn't useful for you! While on board, be sure to indulge in a swanky dinner at The Wake and an immersive show at The Red Room, the first multiform theater at sea. Check Price. The Captain invites all guests to a formal night reception held in their honor. While not necessarily the focus at Royal Caribbean, these smaller ships, which in general are the lines older ships, allow it to offer itineraries to places that arent as easy for big ships to visit. Located just minutes from the ocean and beach, the rentals accommodate four people, and the price includes two complimentary float rentals. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. 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. With 27 ships in the fleet, many of them offer adult-only areas and venues for a cruise getaway completely kid-free. Prices also include excursions in some ports of call, gratuities and chauffeur service from locations in the U.K. to the embarkation port. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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.