This adventure could help pay for your next

Words: Emma Blackmore

Before we set sail, let’s set the scene. The kids are bursting with energy, eager for non-stop fun. The grandparents are dreaming of poolside tranquillity with an ocean breeze. The parents, meanwhile, are caught in the middle – wanting a balance of action-packed family time, fine dining and maybe even a quiet evening to themselves. Coordinating all of this? The ultimate juggling act. And that’s where Royal Caribbean steps in. For more than 50 years, the cruise line has perfected the art of bringing generations together – combining adventure, relaxation and luxury into one seamless experience without the stress of logistics. Here’s why it should be on the top of your bucket list.

Collect on the seas, spend in the sky

Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line where guests can collect Avios on their travels. Whether you’re exploring rainforests and ruins in Mexico, or island-hopping around Greece, by booking a Balcony or Suite room and entering your British Airways Club membership number on the confirmation page, you’ll collect 3 Avios for every £1/€1 you spend. Book directly with Royal Caribbean (only available in the UK, Ireland and Spain) and your Avios will appear in your account 28 days after your cruise has ended. You’ll collect Avios on every family member’s cabin that you book up to a maximum of 100,000 Avios in a single transaction. Bank this for your next getaway, putting it towards a flight or even treating yourself to an upgrade.

Tailored family-fun

On board Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas® and Icon of the Seas®, there’s no shortage of family fun. Babies and toddlers can enjoy the sensory-rich Adventure Ocean programme, while children can try the FlowRider 12m-long surf stimulator, rock climbing, mini-golf and more. Legend of the Seas and Icon of the Seas feature the Category 6 water park, the largest waterpark at sea, with its first open free-fall slide (the tallest slide on a cruise), affectionately named the Frightening Bolt, plus seven pools and nine whirlpools. Watch the dramatic high dives at the aquatheatre or the mesmerising twirls at an ice-skating show, decode mysteries in an escape room or rush down the zip line…there’s fun for everyone, day or night. The best bit? It’s all included.

Extravagant shore excursions

Nothing compares to waking up in a new country or city each day. Every morning brings a fresh adventure, whether you’re soaring through Jamaica’s Cockpit Country rainforest on a zip line or unwinding at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s exclusive private island in the Bahamas offering everything from splash zones to overwater cabanas. In Europe, family members can stroll through ancient Grecian streets, sample gelato in sun-drenched Italian squares or visit world-class galleries and museums. There are accessible shore excursions that provide comfortable, step-free transportation, so the whole family can get involved.

World-class entertainment at your fingertips

Evenings come alive on Royal Caribbean with spectacular entertainment that rivals London’s West End. Sing along to Tony award-winning Mamma Mia!, tap your heels with The Wizard of Oz or be enchanted by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, all produced by world-class performers. But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. Comedians will leave you in stitches, aerial acrobatics in awe, and salsa dancers and live bands on your feet. And for those seeking tranquillity, the Vitality Spa is a sanctuary of calm offering massages, facials and thermal suites for a retreat after a day of adventure – there’s even a separate spa space for teens.

A foodie’s paradise

Royal Caribbean is a true culinary haven, with dining options that cater to even the most discerning of family members. Indulge in Italian classics at Giovanni’s Kitchen & Wine Bar, freshly caught fish and New England-style plates at Hooked Seafood or savour a date-night steak for two at Samba Grill. There’s always an international buffet-style option included at Windjammer Marketplace and a sit-down dining option in the Main Dining Room. Solarium Bistro offers healthy, Mediterranean-inspired plates while hibachi masters at Izumi Teppanyaki cook up Japanese flavours in front of you. There’s a good balance of fine dining, hearty classics and dishes suitable for both vegans and vegetarians, and, of course, endless sweet treats for the little ones. Many venues are already included in your fare.

Accommodation designed for families

When it’s finally time for some shuteye, Royal Caribbean’s accommodations are built for comfort, with spacious family suites and interconnecting rooms that also allow for privacy. The new Ultimate Family Townhouse on Legend of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, though, takes it up a notch. Make the most of the in-suite slide and lucky climber (an art-like climbing structure for kids), level up your air hockey skills or compete in your private game room, complete with a video game system and a life-size Connect-Four. Adults can relax in the Jacuzzi and make the most of the dedicated ‘Royal Genie’ who will coordinate all your experiences for you. What are you waiting for?

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