10 Things To Do On A Royal Caribbean Cruise

There’s no shortage of things to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Between things to eat, shows to watch and adventures to be had, there’s something 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:

What Can You Do On A Royal Caribbean Cruise?

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 of the Seas® and Odyssey of the Seas®.

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 and Quantum Ultra Class ships, like Anthem of the Seas® and Spectrum of the Seas®.

Visit Perfect Day At Cococay

Create your perfect vacation day on Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Royal Caribbean private island destination in The Bahamas, that’s 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; 14 waterslides at Thrill Waterpark, including Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean; 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.

Hang 10 On Flowrider

Surf’s up for beginners and pro surfers alike on FlowRider®, one of the most popular Royal Caribbean cruise activities, 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, Icon Class, Quantum Class, Quantum Ultra Class and Voyager Class ships, like Independence of the Seas® and Symphony of the Seas®.

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 “Back to the Future,” to amazing acrobatics by Olympic-level divers at AquaTheater — home to the deepest pool at sea — to immersive 270-degree views 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.”

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 waterslide at sea at 800 feet in length; or Riptide, the headfirst mat racer, 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 of the Seas®, Harmony of the Seas®, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas® and Utopia of the Seas®; Navigator of the Seas® features The Blaster® and Riptide℠; and Tidal Wave℠ is on Liberty of the Seas®.

Roller Skate Or Hit The Bumper Cars At Seaplex

Adults and kids alike can go for heaps of adventure at SeaPlex®, the largest indoor 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.

Find Your Favorite Neighborhood

Several Royal Caribbean ships, like Symphony of the Seas 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 Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas feature an eighth neighborhood called the Suite Neighborhood.

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:

Harmony of the Seas®, Ovation of the Seas®, Symphony of the Seas®, Spectrum of the Seas®, Utopia of the Seas®, and Wonder of the Seas®

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