GAME ON:

7 Summer Sports to Try on a Cruise

From surfing and roller skating to beach volleyball, you can get in the game on vacation.
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You won’t miss a spin, sprint or split when watching any sport at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Did you know that you and the whole group can partake in your own lineup of summer sports on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Any member of your crew, from kids to grandparents, can join in on the fun and friendly competition on board no matter if you’re in the game or cheering from the sidelines.

Pro tip: When it’s time to root for your favorite team, head to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade to cheer them on with wings, burgers, ice-cold beers and games for the whole family.

From scaling rock walls and catching waves to sprinting from one activity to the next, here are seven ways to experience the thrill of victory—and get active—only on a cruise with Royal Caribbean:

Strap in and go vertical as often as you like on our rock climbing wall.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

1. Sport Climbing

Climb to new heights on our signature rock climbing walls and discover expansive views from more than 40 feet above deck. Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to beat your personal record, this steep ascent offers different levels of difficulty and is certain to challenge, as well as reward, every step.

Where to find it: Freedom Class, Oasis Class, Quantum Class, Quantum Ultra Class, Radiance Class, Vision Class and Voyager Class

 

Discover what surfers the world over already know when you hit the waves on FlowRider.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

2. Surfing

That’s right; surfing from the middle of the ocean is possible—and the view is a plus. Hit the waves and keep close to the pocket on FlowRider, the first surf simulator at sea, where “surf’s up” has been the name of the game ever since it debuted on Freedom of the Seas in 2006. Every level of expertise is welcome, whether your preference is boogie boarding or standing up. Carve the curl or the crest and hang loose as you find your groove.

Where to find it: Freedom Class, Oasis Class, Quantum Class, Quantum Ultra Class and Voyager Class

 

Run circles around the ship (literally) when you take to the track.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

3. Track and Field

Whether you’re a sprinter, long-distance runner or speed walker, you can make your splits and take in the stunning views on the jogging track. And there are no hurdles to clear here. Distances vary by ship, so be sure to check out the signs and keep pace. If you prefer a longer track, look no further than our Oasis Class ships—the world’s largest cruise ships.

Where to find it: Freedom Class, Oasis Class, Quantum Class, Quantum Ultra Class, Radiance Class, Vision Class and Voyager Class

 

Starting the day with a round of mini golf is a hole-in-one idea.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

4. Golf 

The crystal-clear water and endless views of the sky are par for the course on the mini golf greens. The best part about this game? Mulligans are welcome, and there aren’t any beach or water hazards to get in the way of your birdie, eagle or bogey—but there are plenty of fun structures to keep things interesting.

Where to find it: Freedom Class, Oasis Class, Quantum Class, Quantum Ultra Class, Radiance Class and Voyager Class

 

Roller skate in SeaPlex before taking part in one of the many other experiences, like bumper cars and trapeze school, found in the largest activity center at sea.

Credit: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

5. Extreme Roller Sports

There may not be a slalom, but our smooth inline skating in SeaPlex, the largest activity center at sea, on Odyssey of the Seas and other ships feature padded barriers. This gives you and your whole group the perfect surface—and rails—to try your feet at the classic form.

Pro tip: If winter sports are more your speed, take to the ice rink in Studio B on Freedom, Oasis and Voyager Class ships, and go for perfect 10s—or watch world-class ice skaters perform in incredible shows.

Where to find it: Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class

 

Take your mark and go to the pool for the best views, sunbathing and watersports.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

6. Swimming and Diving

Practice your stroke or opt to race from end to end when you hit one of the many pools found on our ships, including the adults-only Solarium. And while diving events on board are left to the pros (see our pro tip below), you can dive in to discover the underwater world at the destinations you’ll visit. Need some practice? Take scuba diving lessons with certified PADI instructors at the PADI Five Star Dive Centers on board.

Pro tip: If you want to see our high divers take this sport to new heights, check out a performance at the AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships, where the traditional high dive is combined with acrobatics, dancing and slacklining.  

Where to find it: Freedom Class, Oasis Class, Quantum Class, Quantum Ultra Class, Radiance Class, Vision Class and Voyager Class

 

Play beach volleyball at private island destination Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

7. Beach Volleyball

Welcome to the block party at Perfect Day at CocoCay, our private island destination in The Bahamas and the perfect place for a beach volleyball match. Show off your serve, set the stage for your partner and make that big dig for the match point. To the victors go the spoils, so celebrate with a turn sliding down the tallest waterslide in North America before relaxing at Chill Island with a drink in hand like our signature Coco Loco.

Where to find it: Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas

 

Ready to plan your next vacation? Head here and let the games begin on a Royal Caribbean cruise.