What's the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise for Kids and Teens?

Our Cruise on Wonder, and Why Oasis Class is Hard to Beat

I often get asked, what's the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for kids and teens?  Choosing the right cruise can make a huge difference in your vacation experience.

Royal Caribbean has some of the most family-friendly cruise ships at sea, but not every ship offers the same experience. If your kids want waterslides, activities, sports, entertainment, and plenty of places to hang out—and you want enough options to keep everyone happy without hearing “I’m bored” halfway through the trip—there’s one group of ships I recommend families look at closely:

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class.

These massive ships offer an incredible combination of activities for younger kids, independence for teenagers, entertainment the whole family can enjoy, and plenty for the adults, too.

What Are Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class Ships?

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class includes:

• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas

We recently cruise on Wonder of the Seas.  Here's what we learned during our cruise as a family with three teens...

Oasis Class Entertainment is a Huge Advantage

The entertainment on the Oasis class ship is next level. 

There's 365: Season on Ice at the ice skating rink (yes, you read that right).  The show is fun, moving and impressive.  You can even free skate on this rink at different times during the cruise.  If you are going to participate in free skate, make sure you bring long pants and socks. 

Then, there's InTENse.  This unique water show features performers that dive into a 15 ft deep pool on the pool deck, while we are cruising.  The skill and focus that takes to do this safely just blows my mind and it will really impress kids of all ages.

The ship also features interactive game shows, Bingo, trivia and other activities throughout the cruise.  I won 3rd place in a round of Price is Right.  So much fun!  The Boardwalk neighborhood at the back of the ship features a full size carousel (adults can ride too!) and the AquaTheater.  This neighborhood periodically (not on every sailing) hosts a kid-focused block party complete with balloon animals and face painting.

There's a zip line, a splash pad zone, and multiple pools and water slides guaranteed to keep your kids begging for another cruise even before you get off of this one.  My teens also loved the Teen Club where they could hang out and do whatever it is that teens do.  🤣

The Neighborhood Concept Makes the Ships Feel Different

Now, before you come for me, I'm aware that Icon class ships also feature the neighborhood concept.  Even some other cruise lines are adopting this innovative design in their ships.  However, Oasis class did it first, and they did it right.  This ship has eight unique neighborhoods that really give different areas their own vibe.

Especially if you are planning a multi-generation cruise, these areas give families lots of choices without everyone feeling like they are spending the entire vacation around a swimming pool.  You can enjoy live plants in Central Park for a bit, then head to the Royal Promenade for some shopping and a quick bite.  I promise, you are going to have to remind yourself you are on a cruise ship.  It's really that enormous.

The shorter 3 and 4 night cruises are a blast, but they are going to leave you feeling like you didn't even get to see everything.  Just another reason to follow this cruise up with...another one.

Why Oasis Class is So Good for Kids and Teens

I hear it constantly.  Will my kid be bored??  I can confidently tell you that Oasis class was made for this question and the answer is a resounding "NO"!  There's always something to do.  You can experience activities like these on every Oasis class ship:

• Mini Golf
• Ultimate Abyss - a massive dry slide
• Rock climbing
• FloRider
• Sports Courts
• Arcade
• Adventure Ocean Kids Clubs
• Teen Club
• And more...

What about the parents?  Nope, you guys won't be bored either.  For you there is:

• Trivia
• Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
• Solarium - the Adult-Only Pool Area
• Live Music
• Bars and Nightlife
• Date Night at Main Dining or a Specialty Restaurant

Is Oasis Class Better Than Icon Class for Families?

Well, no.  Icon class ships have taken cruising to another level that frankly can't be touched by Oasis Class or even any other cruise line.  However, Icon class ships have a price point that matches the demand.  Oasis class ships consistently come in much less expensive than Icon class, simply because the demand has shifted that direction and these ships are (depending on the ship) just a bit older.  For some families, Icon class will absolutely be the right choice.

Oasis Class can give families many of the Royal Caribbean experiences they are looking for but at a much lower overall cost.  If you are a family of more than 4, this really begins to be true.  Icon class is designed for the "traditional" family size or smaller.  Once you add a 5th member, the price point really jumps.  Oasis class has rooms built especially for larger families, so it's the clear winner if that's your family size.

Need help choosing the right Royal Caribbean ship?

With so many choices, it can become overwhelming to choose the right ship for your family.  As a cruise-focused travel advisor, I can help you compare the options and narrow them down based on your family's ages, budget, and travel style.  I can help you find the Royal Caribbean cruise (or another line) that fits your family, not simply the one with the biggest advertising campaign.

Most cruises booked with me come with complimentary onboard credit, and it costs you nothing to benefit from my experience.  Ready to start planning?  Click the link below, and let's find the ship your kids will still be talking about long after you get home.