As a travel consultant (and mum!), I’m always on the lookout for holidays that tick everyone’s boxes and Royal Caribbean completely blew me away. I’d been on 4 cruises with friends previously and this year was our first cruise as a family.
From the moment you step on board, it’s like entering a floating world of fun, relaxation, and adventure. The kids (and grown ups!) are entertained from morning to night, the food is amazing, and you wake up somewhere new every day without ever unpacking twice! It’s one of those rare holidays where everyone’s genuinely happy (and you don’t need a break after the holiday!).
1.
Choose the right ship for your family
Each Royal Caribbean ship has
its own personality, some are packed with adventure activities, while others
are a little more chilled and intimate. The smaller ships can get into the
smaller ports so you visit more secluded places. The bigger ships like Wonder
of the Seas or Icon
of the Seas are brilliant for families,
with water parks, kids’ clubs and endless entertainment.
(Did you
know the new Legend of the Seas is sailing the Mediterranean in 2026?!)
2. Arrive a day early
If you’re flying to meet the
ship, always arrive the day before your cruise starts. It takes away the stress
of flight delays and gives you a chance to start your holiday feeling refreshed
(and not rushing through the terminal with snacks and passports flying
everywhere!).
3. Pack a small carry-on
When you first board, your main
luggage can take a little while to reach your cabin. Pack a small bag with
swimsuits, sun cream and anything you might need for a few hours by the pool,
that way, you can start relaxing straight away.
4. Get the kids signed up for
Adventure Ocean
Royal Caribbean’s kids’
club, Adventure
Ocean, is a total game changer. It’s split by
age groups and run by the loveliest staff, the kids have so much fun they’ll be
begging to go back (which means you get a bit of grown-up time too!).
5. Download the Royal Caribbean app
This app becomes your cruise
bible! You can check daily activities, dining times, show schedules, and even
make reservations. It’s so handy especially when everyone wants to do something
different.
6. Embrace the dining options
From buffets and fine dining to
poolside pizza and soft-serve ice cream, there’s something for even the
fussiest eaters. Pro tip: book speciality dining early if you fancy a date
night, they fill up quickly!
7. Don’t miss the shows
The entertainment on board is
unbelievable, think ice-skating shows, Broadway-style musicals, and live music
everywhere. It’s one of the things that really sets Royal Caribbean apart.
Imagine how much a west end show would cost for a family? well, the cost is
included in your cruise fare! Amazing!
8. Plan your port days
Research your stops before you
go so you can make the most of your time on shore. Whether you book excursions
through Royal Caribbean or explore independently, it’s great to have a rough
plan so you don’t waste precious hours deciding what to do.
9. Budget for extras
While so much is included, there
are a few things that come at an extra cost like drinks packages, Wi-Fi, and
certain activities. Have a think about what matters most to your family so
there are no surprises once you’re on board. We didn’t bother with wi-fi as
it’s pretty expensive and we really didn’t miss it! You can pick up signal when
you’re at the ports and enjoy the peace whilst at sea!
10. Capture the memories
There are photo ops everywhere,
so make the most of them! Whether it’s family portraits on formal night or
snaps of the kids by the pool, you’ll be so glad you did, it’s a holiday you’ll
always want to remember.
Travelling as a family with
Royal Caribbean honestly takes all the stress out of holiday planning. You
unpack once, wake up somewhere new every day, and everyone gets to do what they
love from waterslides to spa days. It’s the perfect balance of fun, freedom and
togetherness.
So, if you’re dreaming of a family holiday that everyone will still be
talking about months later, this is it.Contact me for more information about Royal Caribbean.
Kim.Griffiths@travelcounsellors.com
