• Royal Caribbean International

Which ships have the nursery?

By AtlantaAlly , April 26, 2019 in Royal Caribbean International

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AtlantaAlly

We’re considering a cruise next summer with an 8 month old. Which ships offer the nursery where you can drop off kids under 3 with diapers and wipes and Pay then an hourly rate?

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Sorry, I don't know of any cruise lines with this option.  

Royal offers it on the mega ships at least. But I can’t find if it is offered on other ships as well, and if so, which ones. It’s unsurprising that their website isn’t helpful.

PhoenixCruiser

PhoenixCruiser

Freedom offers it as well

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ibonexheadi

I have no first hand knowledge, but someone did tell me they were phasing this out and will no longer offer it at some point in the future. 

gerif

1 hour ago, ibonexheadi said: I have no first hand knowledge, but someone did tell me they were phasing this out and will no longer offer it at some point in the future. 

You might be thinking of in-room sitting which has been eliminated. 

This Cruise Critic article will help

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=3231

Royal Caribbean's Royal Babies and Tots Nursery is available on the following ships:

  • Allure of the Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Brilliance of the Seas
  • Enchantment of the Seas
  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Grandeur of the Seas
  • Harmony of the Seas
  • Independence of the Seas
  • Liberty of the Seas
  • Mariner of the Seas
  • Navigator of the Seas
  • Oasis of the Seas
  • Quantum of the Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas
  • Radiance of the Seas
  • Rhapsody of the Seas
  • Serenade of the Seas
  • Symphony of the Seas
  • Vision of the Seas

Thanks

The Royal Babies and Tot's Nursery

Our extended family has used the nursery...just amazing !!!

2 hours ago, ibonexheadi said: I have no first hand knowledge, but someone did tell me they were phasing this out and will no longer offer it at some point in the future. 

Never heard that before. I highly doubt it because they promote a family environment. They would lose people to Disney or other cruise lines if that was the case. 

I was on Allure last year with a 17 month old at the time. And royal babies and tots nursery was offered. I didn’t use the service but the time slots filled up very quickly. We will be on Mariner next month and I plan to use it for my now 2yr old. Just a few hours so my DH and I can have a kid free dinner one night. 

1 hour ago, jalee7 said: Never heard that before. I highly doubt it because they promote a family environment. They would lose people to Disney or other cruise lines if that was the case.    I was on Allure last year with a 17 month old at the time. And royal babies and tots nursery was offered. I didn’t use the service but the time slots filled up very quickly. We will be on Mariner next month and I plan to use it for my now 2yr old. Just a few hours so my DH and I can have a kid free dinner one night. 

RCI isn't going to faze out the Nursery.....They have eliminated the in cabin babysitting.

  • 5 yr Clarea changed the title to Which ships have the nursery?

Great Review

We used the nursery extensively from 2011-2018 when we finally phased out of it.  We loved it and our kids spent countless hours there.   If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask as we used it on all classes of ships and each is a little different in size and hours.

  • 2 months later...

pattongirl1945

Rimmit, do you know the hours for the nursery (specifically on oasis class)? I cant find it anywhere. We are going on Harmony in October with a 14 month old. Do you just bring the diapers, wipes, food and milk? Thanks in advance, I know this was posted a while back.

If I remember right the nursery hours on the Oasis were from 9AM till midnight.  They were pretty much continuous unlike the other ships.  They open early if you have a shore excursion you’d like to make

dont have to bring food.   They provide food.   Just diapers.   They have wipes as well.  Just need diapers and I typically had a change of clothes in case there was an accident.

Awesome! Thank you so much for your response. I'll let you know if I think of any other questions. 🙂

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Everything To Know About Royal Babies and Tots from Royal Caribbean

If you’re sailing for the first time with a small child or baby, then you might not realize how much time you’ll spend watching them during your cruise.

While mass market cruise lines cater to families with special kids areas, there are age restrictions. On Carnival, for example, if your child is under two, then they aren’t allowed to be dropped off in the kids areas of the ships. On Royal Caribbean, the free kids areas are for passengers three years and older.

In other words, in most cases you will need to watch your young one the majority of the trip. With older kids, you could drop them off to be supervised while you go and enjoy the rest of the ship.

That said, Royal Caribbean does have a special program for kids under three. The Royal Babies and Tots nursery is designed to give parents a much-need break, allowing them to enjoy their vacation. However, unlike the kids areas for those older than three, there is a charge associated.

We recently took advantage of the Royal Babies and Tots program aboard a cruise on Liberty of the Seas . Here’s everything you need to know about it, and a couple of other programs on the ship for small children…

The Royal Babies and Tots Nursery

Royal Babies and Tots

The Royal Babies and Tots nursery is the highlight of things for your child under three years old to do on the cruise. It allows mom and dad a chance to take a break from watching kids while they enjoy the pool, hit the casino, go into port, or simply have a quiet meal in the dining room.

Aboard Liberty of the Seas, the nursery is located at the back of the ship near the kids clubs on deck 12. This is almost as high and as far back as you can get on the ship.

During our trip, the nursery was open from 9:00 a.m – Noon and 3:00 p.m to Midnight on sea days and from 9:00 a.m to Midnight on days in port. (Yes, you can drop your kids off at the nursery while you head off the ship.)

Royal Babies and Tots Cost The day care nursery is surprisingly affordable. Rates are $6 per hour, per child for care between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. From 6:00 p.m. until closing, the rate increases to a still reasonable $8 per hour, per child. Charges are simply put on your onboard account.

Registering and Dropping Off Before you drop your child off, you’ll need to register and reserve your drop-off time. Registration includes filling out some consent forms and details about your child — including who may pick them up. Once registered, you can request hours. There are some limits on the total booked hours at the start of the cruise, but after the first formal night (when demand is higher), then all hours are on a first-come, first served basis.

You can also just be a walk-in, but there is no guarantee that space will be available if you go this route.

When you drop off your child, you’ll be given a portable phone to carry with you. Should anything come up, the staff will give you a call. These phones work on the ship, but do NOT work off the ship. If you are headed into shore, you can give your cell number in case of emergency.

Royal Babies and Tots phone

What Do I Need to Bring? As you already know, little ones have a lot of baggage wherever they go. It’s the same at the nursery. When you drop off, you’ll need to bring anything they need. This includes diapers and wipes, food, snacks, cups, bottles, formula, milk, and any comfort items. In other words, you should bring anything they might need. Royal Caribbean simply provides the supervision, a nursery space, and toys.

The Nursery Area Aboard Liberty of the Seas, the Royal Babies and Tots nursery isn’t too extravagant but is plenty for small kids. The nursery consists of mats with lots of toys, a couple of tables, and a couple of rocking chairs.

Here’s what it looks like:

Royal Babies and Tots Nursery

Open Play Area

In addition to the supervised (and paid) nursery, Royal Caribbean also offered an open play area for kids and their parents. This was a spot where parents can bring their kids to play with toys. It’s completely free.

The play area aboard Liberty of the Seas was located in Fuel — the teen nightclub that isn’t normally used during the day. It was open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

There area itself was large and open, with several play mats put down. The cruise line provided a number of toys for kids and also changed them out each day so that kids won’t get bored. In addition, there were crayons, coloring pages, and books for kids to enjoy.

The open play area is a great place to sit back and relax while your kid burns off some energy. You don’t have to worry about them getting in the way of other passengers and they can run and jump all they want.

Royal Tots free play area

Baby Splash Zone

In addition to the nursery and open play area, Liberty of the Seas also had one more dedicated spot for babies and small kids — the Baby Splash Zone.

One of the most popular spots for kids on the ship is Splashaway Bay. This waterpark on the ship is a kid’s paradise. With waterslides and all sorts of water features that are sure to get kids wet, it’s always busy.

But if your child isn’t potty trained and still in swim diapers, then they aren’t allowed in most of the waterpark area. Thankfully, there is a small section of Splashaway Bay that’s dedicated to kids who aren’t yet potty trained. Called the Baby Splash Zone, it’s great for small kids. There are several features that spray water, a small climbing area and slide, and lots of water everywhere.

Royal Tots Splash Zone for kids

One tip — before you get your child excited about going to the Baby Splash Zone, make sure it is open. In our experience, sections of the park close at irregular times, whether for cleaning or mechanical issues. You don’t want to get a little one’s hopes up, only to tell them that the waterpark isn’t open.

Final Thoughts and Tips

With the Royal Babies and Tots nursery, free play area, and Baby Splash Zone, Royal Caribbean has done quite a lot to entertain smaller kids. Note that not every ship has every feature mentioned above. The newer the ship, the more likely it is to have these features.

For more on bringing your child on a cruise, don’t miss our other articles including 41 Must-Have Tips for Cruising With Babies, Toddlers, or Kids and The Complete Guide to Cruising with a Baby (From Someone Who’s Done It)

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Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies.

Excellent summary thank you!

Did u have any recommended rooms or part of the ship when staying on anthem of the seas

Quick update: Royal Carribean just announced that the in-room babysitting program will end effective September 30, 2018. Royal Tots and Babies and other children’s programs will remain unchanged.

Thanks for the update! That’s a big change.

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The Best Royal Caribbean Cruise For Babies And Toddlers

Choosing to Cruise With A Baby is a big deal, there are so many questions about how babies fit into family cruising and life onboard a ship, what about feeding my child, can babies go in the pool and so many more. Having done this ourself as a family many times I can tell you that as a family it worked for us. This post explores The Best Royal Caribbean Cruise For Babies and Toddler, because if your get that right the whole trip is a lot more enjoyable.

Symphony of the Seas - Aerials at night offshore Barcelona (Spain) on April 5, 2018 Symphony of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International

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The Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship For Babies And Toddlers

In a time when Cruise lines are climbing over themselves to cater for families with younger children, Royal Caribbean is doing this particularly well.

How Old Does A Baby Need To Be To Sail With Royal Caribbean

Babies sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise must be at least 6 months old on the first day of the cruise vacation. For transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, select South American and other selected cruises, babies must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise/CruiseTour.

The Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship For Babies And Toddlers, Clubs And Nurseries

Stay and play sessions on royal caribbean ships.

From 6 months parent and tots can enjoy family time in Royal Babies (6-18 months) or Royal Tots (18-36 months) who offer interactive playgroup sessions including music, art, toys and also mini learning sessions. These activity based sessions are 45-minutes long and parents must accompany their child to the sessions.

Free-time play is offered daily, which allows parents and children to bond whilst playing with a variety of developmental toys.

Royal Tot Nursery Prices

Royal Babies & Tots Nursery

However the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery also allow you to leave your child. Although this service does come at an extra fee, children aged 6-36 months can be cared for by trained professionals at a ratio of one staff member to three children, while enjoying specially designed programs. Daytime and evening drop-off charges are $6 per hour per child from 9 am – 6 pm and $8 per hour per child from 6 pm – midnight.

Royal Caribbean Ships Who Offer The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery Drop Off

  • Allure of the Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Brilliance of the Seas
  • Enchantment of the Seas
  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Grandeur of the Seas
  • Harmony of the Seas
  • Independence of the Seas
  • Liberty of the Seas
  • Mariner of the Seas
  • Navigator of the Seas
  • Oasis of the Seas
  • Quantum of the Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas
  • Radiance of the Seas
  • Rhapsody of the Seas
  • Serenade of the Seas
  • Symphony of the Seas
  • Vision of the Seas

The ultimate guide to cruising babies clubs on Royal Caribbean including stay and plays and bookable nurseries

The Royal Tots Art Program

Additional to the play and stay sessions the  Royal Tot Art program  features unique developmentally-appropriate art activities. These are designed for parents and children to enjoy creative play sessions together.

Each 45-minute session, parents and their children enjoy story-time with an Adventure Ocean member, and then go on to use art products to create story related works of art. These sessions include exciting themes such a My Colourful World (introducing the concept of colours); Also featuring sessions such as let’s explore the sea, and also our big, big ship .

Facilities On Royal Caribbean Ships For Babies And Toddlers

Toy loans on royal caribbean ships.

A good selection of age appropriate toys are available to families to loan during their cruise in the  Toy Lending Program . This comprises of a collection of developmental toys created for infants and toddlers, ages 6 – 36 months. Parents can exchange toys for a new activity every day to prevent boredom and keep those little minds active.

Royal Caribbean Cruises kids clubs for toddlers

Can Babies Use The Pool On Royal Caribbean Ships

If you are looking for a Royal Caribbean ship which caters for babies and allows them in the pools? There are 5 ships who offer baby splash zones. CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST of all cruise lines. Rules on children in diapers in the pools are rigid, and although there are kiddies pools, babies must stick to the baby splash areas.

Royal Caribbean  Ships With Baby And Toddler Splash Zones?

  • Allure of the Seas.
  • Anthem of the Seas.
  • Freedom of the Seas.
  • Independence of the Seas.
  • Oasis of the Seas.
  • Will also be on Wonder of the Seas

Getting Baby And Toddler Supplies Onboard RCC Ships With Babies 2 Go

Royal Caribbean offer a fantastic service where you can pre-order Huggies nappies, wipes, cream and also organic baby food, all delivered right to your stateroom, when you arrive and throughout your cruise. These cruise baby essentials are available for order online through Royal Caribbean’s Gifts & Gear section on the Royal Caribbean website.

Dining With Babies And Toddler On Royal Caribbean

Organic baby food can be pre ordered for your baby on  Royal Caribbean , however we also found the restaurant staff very accommodating. Royal Caribbean also offers children’s menus and options in all their restaurants. Additionally we were also able to order portions of veg, fruit and rice in the restaurants making dining with a toddler very easy.

Check Out The Splashaway Café On Board Spectrum Of The Seas

Also this adorable area is made just for the kids. Ideally located near the kids’ pool area on deck 14 its the perfect, flip-flop-friendly spot for families to catch up and enjoy lunch in between adventures.

royal caribbean cruise ships with nursery

Sarah also writes for Mini Travellers Family Travel Blog and Extraordinary Chaos Craft and Lifestyle Blog. Both are award-winning blogs with a travel and family focus. She is married and has two boys, aged 18 and 22, who all love cruising as a family. Nothing is better than waking up every day in a new port with new and exciting things to explore. She aims to share how cruising as a family with young adults is the perfect choice for family travel. Her boys are sporty and love the activities, sports and dining options cruising offers. Sarah has worked with brands such as Walt Disney World, Mark Warner, Ikos Resort, Center Parcs, Laura Ashley, Belling and Next.

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Royal Caribbean kids club: A guide to Adventure Ocean

Erica Silverstein

Royal Caribbean's megaships provide tons of activities and entertainment to suit all ages and personalities — and that includes kids. Not only do ships provide family-friendly programming, but they have drop-off spaces for kids and teens to hang out with peers and not their parents.

On Royal Caribbean, kids clubs include Adventure Ocean, Teen Lounge, and the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery. Here's everything you need to know about these onboard play spaces — before your kids ditch you and spend all day doing age-appropriate activities with their newfound friends.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Does Royal Caribbean offer a kids club?

royal caribbean cruise ships with nursery

The family-friendly cruise line doesn't offer just one kids club — it offers several! And they're available on every ship in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean kids club is divided into three groups: Aquanauts, Explorers and Voyagers. The groups will either have their own space or shared play areas, depending on the ship and the number of kids on board.

Ships also have teen clubs and lounge spaces (including outdoor hangouts) and nurseries and toddler play areas for the youngest cruisers.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

What's the age limit for Royal Caribbean kids clubs?

The Royal Babies & Tots Program takes children ages 6 to 36 months. Some ships offer drop-off sessions, while others offer spaces for parents or caregivers to play safely with babies and toddlers.

Adventure Ocean targets kids ages 3 (and toilet trained) up to 12. It is further divided into age-specific groups: Aquanauts (3 to 5 years old), Explorers (6 to 8 years old) and Voyagers (9 to 12 years old).

Note that on Freedom, Odyssey, Oasis, Wonder, Icon and Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's kids clubs are divided into AO Babies (6 to 36 months), AO Juniors (3 to 5 years old) and AO Kids (6 to 12 years old) . On these ships, you'll likely find extra-large AO Kids play areas where school-age children can choose play areas and activities based on their interests, rather than all the kids of the same age playing together.

Related: Cruising with kids: 10 mom-tested tips for smooth sailing

Tweens and teens ages 13 and up can participate in teen activities or hang out in their ship's lounge and club. The upper age limit for Royal Caribbean's teen club is 17. Once you're 18, even if you're still in high school, you can't participate in youth programming.

What activities are available for kids in Adventure Ocean on Royal Caribbean?

royal caribbean cruise ships with nursery

Activities will vary by ship facilities and by age group, but will typically include a mix of active games, arts and crafts (often inspired by the cruise destination) and video game play. Some ships have Adventure Science Labs for hands-on experimenting, while others have Imagination Studios where there's always an art project going on. Larger ships might also have the Adventure Ocean Theater where kids can watch or star in shows or play theater games.

Some Royal Caribbean ships, like the biggest Oasis-class vessels, have Play Spaces with climbing structures geared toward the younger cruisers, where kids can explore under parent supervision.

What activities are available for teens?

royal caribbean cruise ships with nursery

Many Royal Caribbean ships have spaces reserved for teenage cruisers, but the number, layout and names of these teen lounges vary across the fleet.

On Wonder of the Seas, for example, the indoor hangout is called Social100 and an outdoor gathering spot is called The Patio. On some ships, the Living Room is a place to chill with video games, table games (like foosball) and maybe even board games for organized competitions, and the Fuel Teen Club is the evening hangout with a DJ, dance floor and mocktail/soda bar.

Related: The 5 best cruises for teens

Activities might involve sports competitions, movie watching, video and board game play, scavenger hunts, evening dance parties or karaoke. Youth staff is on hand to supervise and get games and parties started, but the schedule for teens leaves more room for independent hanging out than the more structured program for the younger kids.

What about little cruisers too young for the kids club on Royal Caribbean?

royal caribbean cruise ships with nursery

Royal Caribbean offers the Royal Babies & Tots program (or AO Babies on select ships) for diaper-wearing kids too young for Adventure Ocean. Onboard nurseries are outfitted with age-appropriate toys and soft mats for crawling and playing. Many also have a nap room with cribs.

During select times, parents can play in a safe space with their babies and toddlers. Otherwise, they can drop off their little ones into the care of trained early childhood staff.

Related: Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship aims to be the ideal vacation for young families

Note that Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas are the only Royal Caribbean ships without a nursery.

What are the hours of Royal Caribbean's kids clubs?

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean runs from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. The Late Night Party Zone typically operates from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. Schedules can change based on the itinerary, so check at the kids club when you board the ship for open hours on your sailing.

Often, the kids facilities will close from roughly noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. to encourage family mealtime. The kids clubs are open when the ship is in port, and kids can attend activities in the nursery and Adventure Ocean even if their parents are off the ship. In these cases, kids in the youth program during lunch hours will enjoy lunch together.

Teen lounges often open later and might not have structured programming until the afternoon or evening.

Are the kids clubs free or does child care cost money?

Daytime and early evening kid and teen club activities are included in your fare, and you do not have to pay extra for these services.

After 10 p.m., kids attending Adventure Ocean, AO Juniors and AO Kids can join the Late Night Party Zone until 1 a.m. at an hourly rate of $10 per hour, per child.

Parents can play with their babies and toddlers in the kids club free of charge but nursery drop-off costs $6 per hour, per child, before 6 p.m. and $8 per hour, per child, after 6 p.m.

Related: Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare

What else does Royal Caribbean offer families with children?

royal caribbean cruise ships with nursery

Royal Caribbean ships offer tons of activities that kids can enjoy with their peers or with their families. Pools, waterslides and splash areas are ideal for warm-weather fun, and all Royal Caribbean ships have rock-climbing walls (it's a Royal Caribbean signature). Shows of all kinds (musicals, ice skating, comedy, Promenade parades, AquaTheater and outdoor movies) are geared for all ages. Many ships offer miniature golf, ping pong, arcades and sports courts for basketball and other games.

The bigger ships have attractions including zip lines, surfing or skydiving simulators, bumper cars, escape rooms, carousels, laser tag and giant dry slides that will entertain kids and adults.

Related: Kids cruise free: 7 cruise lines offering family deals

Royal Caribbean dining options are always family friendly with kids' menus in the main dining room and specialty restaurants. Young cruisers will especially like casual eateries, such as Sorrento's Pizza , Johnny Rockets (burgers and shakes), Boardwalk Dog House (hot dogs) and El Loco Fresh (Mexican) found on select ships. Plus, there's always free soft-serve ice cream on the pool deck.

Bottom line: Royal Caribbean kids club

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean, teen lounges and nurseries provide safe and fun spaces for kids to enjoy their vacation with peers, make new friends and give parents some time to do grownup things, like wine tasting and spa treatments (or simply enjoying a peaceful dip in the adults-only solarium). Some kids want to play there all day long, while others might dip in and out for an hour or two and spend the rest of their cruise with their family.

No matter how your children see it, Royal Caribbean dedicates a ton of space and creativity to making its youth programs some of the best at sea. Its varied offerings allow kids of all ages to find their happy places on board and your kids to grow up with Adventure Ocean over years of family vacations, from tot to teen.

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Navigator of the Seas Aft Aerial Gradiant

Best Family Vacations Onboard Navigator Of The Seas: Insider’s Guide

Looking for a cruise ship designed with families in mind navigator of the seas® offers endless opportunities for you to bond with your loved ones..

By Amanda Mesa | Published on March 9, 2023

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Planning a family vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it’s a breeze when you choose to cruise with Royal Caribbean®. The internationally acclaimed cruise line wins big with families year after year, thanks to a fleet of award-winning ships designed with guests of all ages in mind.

Though you can’t go wrong with any ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Navigator of the Seas   in particular has long been a hit among parents traveling with kids and even the whole extended crew, thanks to its abundance of cruise activities for families. Daredevils will find plenty of thrills onboard this ship, like The Blaster® aqua coaster — the longest waterslide at sea, and Riptide℠ — the only headfirst mat racer water slide at sea. There’s also an amped up pool deck that offers double the pool’s surface and more space to swim, unwind and soak up the sunshine with your loved ones.

If you’re cruising with a baby or a toddler, you’ll be pleased to know that Navigator of the Seas  offers an abundance of childcare options for little ones, like the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program and the Royal Babies and Tots℠  Nursery. That’s in addition to convenience-boosting amenities like cribs brought to your stateroom and babysitting services run by qualified, caring professionals. What’s more, most of the attractions and experiences onboard the ship are accessible to young cruisers, provided they meet varying height requirements. When the sun goes down, you’ll find there’s plenty left to do onboard thanks to a stellar lineup of family-friendly cruise entertainment that ranges from Broadway-style musicals to spellbinding ice-skating shows.

And because great food is an integral part of all family cruises, Navigator of the Seas offers a diverse, foodie-approved selection of crave-worthy cruise dining options  for even the pickiest eaters. Think fast-casual Mexican goodness at El Loco Fresh®, juicy burgers, golden fries and frothy milkshakes at Johnny Rockets® Express, sweet treats and fuss-free apps at Cafe Promenade and an ever-changing multi-course journey of global favorites served every night in the ship’s iconic Main Dining Room.

If that sounds like the perfect ship to host your next getaway, keep reading to learn more about what makes Navigator of the Seas a great option for family escapes.

There Are Plenty Of Opportunities To Earn Bragging Rights Onboard

Young Boy Climbing Rock

When it comes to friendly competition, Navigator of the Seas offers all kinds of ways to get in the game with the people you love. One of the top cruise activities for kids and parents is Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z SM . It’s an intergalactic clash between the remnant of a robot civilization and an alien scouting party seeking refuge from a mega nova. Each faction is competing to claim dominion over the last habitable planet for light years around. Players choose a side, suit up and go head-to-head on a thrilling, glow-in-the-dark battleground. What’s more, kids as young as five years old can get in on all the action.

Then there’s the Rock Climbing Wall, a Royal Caribbean classic that’s been inviting guests to test their climbing skills for years. Challenge someone in your travel group to a race all the way up to the top. Whether you make it up the 40-foot face first or last, you’ll still get to enjoy some of the best views from the ship.

If you’re looking to put your putting skills to the test, head to Navigator Dunes, a nine-hole mini golf course that promises lots of fun for families — PGA pro-status not required. The best part? All of these experiences are complimentary for cruise guests.

You Can Chase Thrills All Day, Every Day

royal caribbean cruise ships with nursery

If you’re traveling with one or more thrill-seekers in tow, this is definitely the right ship for you. During its Amplification, Navigator of the Seas was kitted out with all kinds of exciting onboard attractions for kids, teens and adults . There’s the FlowRider® surf simulator, a Royal Caribbean staple that lets guests tame waves like pros — or wipe out trying. Kids must meet the 58-inch height requirement to take on the surf simulator’s 30,000 gallons of rushing water upright on their feet, or the 52-inch height requirement to ride the waves boogie-style on their bellies. Parents who prefer to watch from the sidelines can cheer on their loved ones from the stadium-style seating that flanks this much-loved onboard attraction.

For the truly brave at heart, Navigator of the Seas offers some of the most thrilling water slides in the cruise world. Like Riptide, the world’s only headfirst mat racer water slide at sea. It propels guests along a twisting, turning, white-knuckle plunge complete with a translucent tube that juts over the side of the ship. Here’s a pro tip: you’ll want to keep your eyes open for the incredible views. Guests must meet the 42-inch height requirement to ride Riptide.

There’s also The Blaster, another record-setter that claims the title of longest water slide at sea. This exhilarating aqua coaster lets guests team up on a tandem tube, then blasts the daring duo along more than 800 feet of hair-raising drops, dips and lightning-quick straightaways. The grand finale is an open-air chute — the longest stretch of slide ever suspended over water.

Each And Every Meal Onboard Is Memorable

El Loco Fresh Tacos and Margaritas

No matter which Royal Caribbean cruise ship you choose to sail on, you can always expect an incredible food scene with cruise dining options for every craving. Navigator of the Seas is no exception. It’s home to some of the cruise line’s top culinary concepts, like Chops Grille℠, a contemporary steakhouse that’s become a fleetwide favorite over the years for its perfectly seasoned and seared prime cuts of meat, its crave-worthy side dishes and its elevated atmosphere. This specialty restaurant is a great option if you’re celebrating a special occasion, such as an anniversary or birthday.

Another guest favorite onboard the ship is Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs. At Jamie’s Italian, families can tuck into Tuscan-inspired cuisine that’s perfect for sharing — like hearty homemade pastas, Chianti-braised short rib, creamy burrata and more.

For those looking for something a little more casual — though just as crave-worthy — there’s El Loco Fresh. Conveniently located steps from the pool, this laid-back favorite serves up yummy eats from south of the border, like loaded nachos, tasty tacos and burritos that go big on all your favorite flavors.

Of course, the best family cruises all involve at least one dinner in the Main Dining Room, an upscale — and complimentary — choice for cruise dining options known by many for its unforgettable multi-course feasts paired with five-star service. You’ll find a kid’s menu here, too.

This Ship Takes Family Pool Days To The Next Level

Navigator of the Seas Pool

One of the biggest reasons why cruising families love Navigator of the Seas is its spectacular pool deck. During the ship’s Amplification, the surface area of the pool was literally doubled and even more space was created for lounging and making sun-drenched memories. Every square inch of this wow-worthy space was carefully designed to keep you connected to the water.

There’s a signature bar, too. It’s called The Lime and Coconut SM  and keeps the tropical vibes going strong across three decks with views of all the poolside action. The hot tubs were also moved up a deck to offer guests unrivaled ocean views. Grab some loungers, claim a hammock or reserve a spacious, shady casita for the whole family on vacation  — you and your crew are going to want somewhere comfy to retreat to in between dips in the expanded main pool.

Craving a little bit of grown-up time? Parents — and teens aged 16 and older — can unwind in the tranquil Solarium, a peaceful hideaway that offers plenty of room to destress in the sunshine or the shade while enjoying dazzling sea views.

You’ll Have Your Pick Of Family-Friendly Cruise Entertainment Nightly

Navigator of the Seas Showgirl Dancers with Feathers

After a full day spent chasing thrills or soaking up chill vibes onboard, you can keep the adventure going strong every night during your cruise getaway. Navigator of the Seas offers a stacked lineup of mesmerizing shows and onstage spectaculars everyone in the family will love.

Allow the ship’s world-class performers to whisk and whirl you away in an unforgettable celebration of ballroom dance during the original production, Ballroom Fever. Or take a trip from the iconic cabarets of Paris to the neon-drenched stages of Las Vegas in Showgirl TM , a glitzy, glamorous homage to the siren of the stage.

If you prefer a stunt-filled showcase filled with wow-worthy spins, figure-eights and double-axels, head to the ice-skating rink for iSkate, where professional skaters show off awe-inspiring stunts and freestyle jumps.

All the family-friendly entertainment onboard Navigator of the Seas is complimentary for cruise guests. All you have to do is reserve a spot at the Box Office or via your Cruise Planner app .

Kids And Teens Can Have A Blast Every Sea Day In Spaces Designed Just For Them

Oasis of the Seas Adventure Ocean Babies Playpen

For families cruising with young kids, having an Adventure Ocean onboard is a huge plus. This award-winning youth program by Royal Caribbean was designed with explorers aged 3-11 in mind. Little ones are broken into groups based on their age and given plenty of engaging and educational activities to keep them busy all day under the supervision of trained and qualified professionals. For the tiniest travelers, there’s the Royal Babies & Tots program, which offers nursery drop-off sessions oriented around age-appropriate toys and activities. Both the Adventure Ocean and Royal Babies & Tots programs are available onboard Navigator of the Seas.

Teens will also be happy to know the ship is home to a lounge designed exclusively for travelers aged 13 to 17. It’s called the Living Room, and it’s a hub for dance parties, movie nights, video game sessions and other fun daily programming.

These are just some of the many reasons why Navigator of the Seas is a great option for a family vacation. Of course, there are plenty more experiences onboard sure to thrill everyone in your group, from the smallest adventure-seekers to their young-at-heart grandparents. Check out all there is to do onboard this award-winning Navigator of the Seas  cruise ship, or view some of its popular vacation itineraries .

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  1. Baby & Tots Program

    Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® Card. CruisingPower.com. Royal Caribbean App. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Join your child in the fun of Royal Babies and Tots interactive playgroup sessions offering activities that make playtime a learning time as well. Enjoy this on a Kid Friendly Royal Caribbean Cruise.

  2. Royal Babies and Tots on Royal Caribbean Cruises

    What It Is. The physical Royal Babies and Tots Nursery is available on many, but not all, Royal Caribbean ships. The size and amenities vary by ship, but all offer a play space and a nap space ...

  3. Introduction to bringing toddlers on a Royal Caribbean cruise

    If you are wondering, Royal Caribbean no longer offers in-room babysitting, so a nursery is a must-have. 2. Pack at least 25% more baby supplies than you need. When you are packing diapers, formula, wipes, medicine and anything else your baby needs, be sure to pack much more than you could ever think you would need.

  4. Which ships have the nursery?

    The Royal Babies and Tot's Nursery Royal Caribbean's Royal Babies and Tots Nursery is available on the following ships: Allure of the Seas Anthem of the Seas ... Cruise Critic Feature: Which Cruise Ships are Sailing from Asia? LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:53 PM. 0. Cruise Critic Feature: Adventures in Antarctica: Just Back from Atlas Ocean ...

  5. Everything To Know About Royal Babies and Tots from Royal Caribbean

    During our trip, the nursery was open from 9:00 a.m - Noon and 3:00 p.m to Midnight on sea days and from 9:00 a.m to Midnight on days in port. (Yes, you can drop your kids off at the nursery while you head off the ship.) Royal Babies and Tots Cost. The day care nursery is surprisingly affordable. Rates are $6 per hour, per child for care ...

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    Babysitting. Royal Caribbean offers Royal Babies and Royal Tots nurseries on most ships*, with daytime and evening daycare options for an additional fee ($6/hour during the day and $8/hour at ...

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    Splashaway Bay on Freedom of the Seas. ROYAL CARIBBEAN. I cruised with a 1-year-old to Alaska on Rhapsody of the Seas, one of Royal's oldest and smallest ships, and it wasn't my best cruise by a long shot. If you're planning to cruise with little kids, my advice is to start with a short, warm-weather sailing on a ship that caters to the youngest cruisers.

  8. What you need to know about taking an infant on a Royal Caribbean cruise

    Royal Caribbean requires infants be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise to be able to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise. For transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, select South American and other selected cruises, your infant must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise. In addition, any cruise that has 3 or ...

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    The Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship For Babies And Toddlers, Clubs And Nurseries Stay And Play Sessions On Royal Caribbean Ships From 6 months parent and tots can enjoy family time in Royal Babies (6-18 months) or Royal Tots (18-36 months) who offer interactive playgroup sessions including music, art, toys and also mini learning sessions.

  10. Cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean

    Moreover, any cruise that has 3 or more days consecutive at sea will require infants to be 12 months old on the first day of the cruise. Children between the ages of six months and 36 months old can participate in the Royal Babies and Royal Tots (6-36 months) program. Most Royal Caribbean ships offer a nursery, where parents can drop children ...

  11. Review: Royal Babies & Tots Nursery on Freedom of the Seas

    The service was excellent and another added value for cruising with Royal Caribbean. We reviewed the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery aboard Freedom of the Seas. Cost: $8 per child, per hour. Ships available: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Rhapsody of the ...

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    The best place for your child for when you need or want a break is the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery. It's not available on all Royal Caribbean ships yet, but if you are cruising with an infant, be sure to look for a cruise that features one. The Royal Babies and Tots Nursery is for children between the age of 6 and 36 months old.

  13. These Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Are The Best For Kids

    The best Royal Caribbean ships for kids aged nine and over are the Oasis-class ships, which are Allure, Harmony, Oasis, Symphony and Wonder of the Seas. The best overall Royal Caribbean ships for kids are the Icon-class ships, including Icon of the Seas and two ships due to launch in the next few years. Icon of the Seas.

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    4. Choose a ship with Splashaway Bay. Splashaway Bay is a kids-only aqua park on Royal Caribbean where you'll find small slides, water cannons, a drench bucket, and jungle gym placed in shallow water. If you aren't sailing on a ship with Splashaway Bay, check if the ship has a baby splash pad available. Kids in diapers are not allowed in ...

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