On a Royal Caribbean cruise, there are plenty of things to eat, shows to watch and adventures to be had for every type of traveler and family member. What’s more, whichever action-packed ship you choose and private destination you visit, you’ll have your pick of one-of-a-kind thrills that range from skydiving and surfing to ice skating and zip lining. With these Royal Caribbean signature experiences, combined with quintessential vacation favorites—like epic pools, delicious food, live music and great nightlife—you can make the most of your time away and check off the bulk of your must-do list all in one trip.
Check out the top 10 things you can only do on a Royal Caribbean cruise:
The thrills for kids and adults on a Royal Caribbean cruise run the gamut, from the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator to the FlowRider surf simulator.
Credit: CREDIT: Luis Costa, Sports Staff, Instagram: @lui5costa
1. Skydive on RipCord by iFly
Don a jumpsuit, goggles and helmet to get the rush of skydiving while safely gliding inside a 23-foot-tall glass wind tunnel on skydiving simulator RipCord by iFly, the first of its kind on a cruise. The best part? The backdrop of endless ocean views and the varying shades of blue they offer.
Where to find it: Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships, like Ovation and Odyssey of the Seas.
2. Go Sky High on North Star
Enjoy unrivaled panoramic views from North Star, an all-glass observation capsule that sits atop the ship and whisks you 300 feet above the ocean. In fact, it holds a Guinness World Record from 2016 as the “Highest Viewing Deck on a Cruise Ship.” Just imagine the vantage point you would have of the sweeping wilderness and ice in Alaska, miles of white sand beaches in the Caribbean and mountains like Mt. Vesuvius in Europe.
Where to find it: Quantum Class ships, like Anthem and Quantum of the Seas.
3. Visit Perfect Day at CocoCay
Create your perfect vacation day on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas that is all about thrill and chill. For kids (and the young at heart), there’s a kids’ obstacle course; Up, Up, & Away, a breathtaking helium balloon ride that takes you 450 feet above the ocean; 13 waterslides at Thrill Waterpark, including Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America; and more. If you’re looking for laidback luxury, grab a cocktail and relax at Coco Beach Club, which has the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas. Each one features luxe amenities, like a dedicated cabana attendant, your choice of bites from the private restaurant, a waterslide into the ocean and an overwater hammock.
Pro tip: Labadee in Haiti, also a private destination, makes for the perfect beach day. There are miles of white sand beaches and activities like the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest overwater zip line at 2,600 feet in length.
Where to find it: Most ships cruising to The Bahamas and other Caribbean gems, including Freedom and Wonder of the Seas.
4. Hang 10 on FlowRider
Surf’s up for beginners and pro surfers alike on FlowRider, where thousands of gallons of rushing water make for conditions that are always on point. Brave the waves on your belly or on your feet—or enjoy the thrill of cheering on your family and friends from the sidelines of the only surf simulator on a cruise.
Where to find it: Freedom Class, Oasis Class, Quantum Class, Quantum Ultra Class and Voyager Class ships, like Independence and Symphony of the Seas.
The AquaTheater is where Olympic-level divers, slackliners, aerialists and acrobats perform daring feats that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
5. Watch entertainment across four “stages”
“Showtime” takes on a whole new meaning with front-row seats to full-scale entertainment across air, ice, water and stage. From award-winning Broadway favorites, such as “Hairspray” and “Grease,” to amazing acrobatics by Olympic-level divers at AquaTheater—home to the deepest pool at sea—to immersive 270-degree robotic dancing screens at Two70, Royal Caribbean shows are bar none. In fact, it’s all taken to the next level with cutting-edge technology across the board, like projection mapping, drones and 3D flying technology. Make sure to reserve your seat in advance on the Royal Caribbean app.
Where to find it: All ships feature a variety of shows and entertainment. Oasis Class ships have all four “stages.”
6. Brave the tallest slide at sea, The Ultimate Abyss
From more than 150 feet above the ocean, race down 10 stories of twists, turns, lights and sounds on The Ultimate Abyss. If waterslides are more your thing, check out The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest slide at sea at 800 feet in length; or Riptide, the only headfirst mat racer on a cruise, which will hurtle you through a translucent tube overlooking the ocean. There’s also Tidal Wave, the first boomerang-style waterslide, and more.
Where to find it: The Ultimate Abyss is on Oasis, Harmony, Symphony and Wonder of the Seas; Navigator of the Seas features The Blaster and Riptide; and Tidal Wave is on Liberty of the Seas.
7. Roller skate or hit the bumper cars at SeaPlex
Adults and kids alike can go for heaps of adventure at SeaPlex, the largest activity complex at sea. Shoot hoops on the basketball court, go for a spin when it then transforms into a roller-skating rink, compete with friends playing laser tag, take a few laps on the bumper cars or play at the arcade.
Where to find it: Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships, though the activities and features vary.
On Perfect Day at CocoCay, it’s high time for a good time at the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas, which offer a dedicated attendant, a private waterslide and more.
Credit: iStock
8. Find your favorite neighborhood
Several Royal Caribbean ships, like Symphony and Oasis of the Seas, feature a variety of distinct neighborhoods that have a lineup of experiences for everyone. For example, there are different restaurants, bars and lounges, like American steakhouses, Italian trattorias and sushi spots, as well as thrills like zip lines and Escape Rooms. Central Park is home to walking paths and 20,000-plus real plants, while Boardwalk has a carousel and other favorites like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, rock climbing walls and the AquaTheater.
Where to find it: Oasis Class ships like Harmony and Allure of the Seas. Wonder of the Seas features an eighth neighborhood called the Suite Neighborhood.
9. Indulge in the Ultimate Family Suite
With enough room for a big family, the two-story Ultimate Family Suite has amenities and features for the whole gang. There’s an in-suite slide, a personal whirlpool, a cinema room and even a karaoke area, to name a few of our favorite things. Plus, there are plenty of other accommodations to choose from, from spacious rooms with balconies to loft suites.
Pro tip: Treat yourself to the Royal Suite Class experience in the Royal Loft Suite. It’s two stories of luxury, with amenities like a private balcony and whirlpool, a piano and a Royal Genie—your personal expert who will make your trip even more memorable.
Where to find it: Symphony, Spectrum and Wonder of the Seas.
10. Eat Your Way Around the World
From an American steakhouse to Italian trattorias, to Far East flavors, Southern cuisine and New England-inspired dishes, and Mexican street fare, your tastebuds can cover many of the world’s different foods when on a Royal Caribbean ship. The Windjammer marketplace alone serves up complimentary dishes from the Caribbean, India, Asia and more every day. And did we mention there are vegan and vegetarian options and zero-proof cocktails? Travelers with all kinds of tastes will find a lineup of delicious things to eat on board.
Ready to make the most of your vacation with one-of-a-kind thrills and more on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Choose from a lineup of award-winning ships that sail to more than 240 destinations around the world here.
