Collect double Avios on the ultimate family cruise adventure

Words: Agatha Zarzycki

Perfect for seafarers of all ages, Royal Caribbean’s fleet of ships are destinations in themselves, with the largest waterpark at sea, full-scale West End musicals and an AquaTheater showing off aerial-water performances (all included in the price, we might add).

Moreover, Royal Caribbean is the only cruise provider that you can collect Avios with, and its newest offer – just in time for the long-awaited New Year payday – is the paramount pick-me-up from back-to-school routines: from 16-30 January, you can collect double Avios (6 Avios per £1 spent) on Balcony and Suite bookings for trips completed by the end of 2026. The Avios you might collect from this cruise can be spent in several incredible ways, including on Reward Flights, a cushy cabin upgrade, hotels and car hire, or when you purchase travel essentials such as suitcases, backpacks and packing cubes from the Edit at Avios Shop. In other words: this adventure could help pay for your next holiday.

Here are ten reasons why Royal Caribbean is more than Avios worthy.

1. Worldwide sailing journeys that meet British Airways routes

Travelling to more than 300 ports in 60-plus countries across seven continents, Royal Caribbean has adventures for every style – especially families energised from entertainment – and timeline, from weekend minibreaks to 12-night hideaways. Many of Royal Caribbean’s departure ports are British Airways’ destinations, too. If you book a cruise from a destination British Airways flies to and also book your flight with British Airways during the sale in January, that means two different ways to collect even more Avios on the same trip.

Fly to Barcelona and explore its Gothic Quarter before sailing to the castles and village markets of Provence, and then Naples to discover the nearby pastels of Positano. Or fly to Rome and set sail for the Greek islands. Or you might fly to Miami and head off to the Caribbean. The options are endless.

2. Record-breaking on-ship waterparks

Superior splashing steals the spotlight on board half of Royal Caribbean’s vessels. Its signature thrill? The Perfect Storm, three high-speed waterslides found on larger ships, including two side-by-side racing tubes, and the Supercell – prepare to shoot out into a giant bowl and swirl around it at full tilt before a dramatic vertical drop.

Meanwhile, on Navigator of the Sea, the aqua coaster ‘Blaster’ is the longest waterslide on a cruise ship, rising and dipping for more than 800 feet. Also impressive is Icon of the Seas, starring the largest on-ocean waterpark, Category 6, named after its six record-breaking waterslides. Muster up some courage for the Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea – aka 46 feet of “I can’t believe I did this”.

3. Broadway and West End musicals

Think nothing can top London’s West End or the Broadway Theatre District in Manhattan? Royal Caribbean puts on licensed, full-scale productions – from Cats to Hairspray and Mamma Mia! – in its cruise ship theatres that seat up to 1,400. Musicals are based on each ship’s personality: Legend of the Seas, for example, does an epic rendition of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that fits in with the ship’s edgy design.

4. AquaTheater and ice shows

If there were an award for the most extraordinary entertainment venue at sea, it would go to Royal Caribbean’s AquaTheater. The massive open-air auditorium on the back of Oasis-class ships is the setting for surreal scenes that blur the lines between circus, dance and theatre. Envisage mythological water worlds and professional divers leaping from 70ft-tall platforms.

Just as mesmerising are Royal Caribbean’s professional figure-skating spectacles, where former European, World and Olympic competitors glide through artificial snow, mist, laser lighting and 3D illusions. The full-sized rinks appear on most Voyager, Freedom and Oasis–class ships. Imagine Cirque du Soleil meets winter wonderland.

5. Comedy and live music

The Daily Show’s Lewis Black, Greg Proops of Whose Line is it Anyway? fame, and Derrick Cameron, who performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, are just a few headliners bringing the Royal Caribbean house down. Get ready for stand-up, improv and sketch comedy (there are appropriate shows for children and teens), which are split between the main theatre and more intimate comedy clubs. Later, trade laughs for live music, including concerts (Royal Caribbean loves a tribute band), themed music nights from Latin to reggae, plus jazz clubs and piano bars.

6. Incredible restaurants and bars

With up to 40 restaurants on a single ship, there’s not enough time on one (or even two) holidays to experience all of Royal Caribbean’s foodie offerings. Adults and teens shouldn’t miss molecular gastronomy at Wonderland – expect floating and smoking dishes – while kids’ favourites include El Loco taco and burrito bars, gourmet hot dogs at Boardwalk Dog House and 1950s-style American diner Johnny Rockets, featuring retro décor and a jukebox.

When it comes to drinks, Legend of the Seas is loaded with places to refuel, from Rye & Bean for fresh brews to the Lobby Bar, where mixologists work their magic. Royal Caribbean offers a tiered dining system, so you can choose from paid-for options – including the main dining rooms and Windjammer Marketplace buffet – and speciality restaurants.

7. Glorious games

When it comes to action-packed activities, Royal Caribbean has more up its sleeves than stunning pools and astounding shows. It’s also famous for games and interactive play. We’re talking arcades, electric bumper cars and laser tag, where a battle for Planet Z takes place across a multi-level arena. Best of all is the Royal escape room (popular themes are the pirate heist and secret agent mission), involving time-sensitive logic puzzles, hidden objects and teamwork.

8. Thrill-seeking sports

Can’t get enough of the aqua coaster Blaster? Wait until you try the Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider surf simulator. A long sheet of water mimics a continuous wave, as people cheer you on and the real ocean shimmers in the distance. Up for earning an even better view? Try your hand at one of the rock-climbing walls. Think of climbing and surfing as your warmup before skydiving simulator RipCord by iFly – the vertical wind tunnel replicates the feeling of free-falling with a certified instructor. It’s a daredevil’s dream.

9. Spa sanctuaries

Like most things Royal Caribbean does, its on-ship spa is nothing short of exceptional. The multi-zone wellness complex combines pampering treatments, thermal ‘suites’ (saunas and hot stone chairs await), a salon and grooming services, plus a gym and fitness classes. There’s even a spa menu for teens, YSPA, with tailored treatments such as the ‘Acne Attack’ facial, and parent-teen massages, including Mother & Daughter Paradise and Father & Son Chill Out. Bonding bliss.

10. Its new ship, Legend of the Sea

Royal Caribbean has around 30 remarkable ships, and its latest addition is mega (literally). Designed like a floating city, highlights include the massive glass AquaDome – a climate-controlled ‘neighbourhood’ with shows, dining and wellness – and the largest ice arena at sea, Absolute Zero.

First sailings begin from Rome and Barcelona in summer 2026, before moving on to Caribbean routes for winter (put us down for both seasons, please).

Please note: double Avios offer ends 30 January 2026

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