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The Complete Guide to Planning a Royal Caribbean Cruise Package
Ships, destinations, pricing, money-saving tips, and a step-by-step planning calendar — everything you need to make your Royal Caribbean family cruise vacation seamless and unforgettable.
Planning the perfect family vacation can feel overwhelming — but a Royal Caribbean cruise package takes the stress out of creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are dreaming of Caribbean beaches, sun-soaked days with the kids, or celebrating a milestone, Royal Caribbean offers unforgettable itineraries, world-class ships, and family-friendly amenities that are genuinely hard to beat.
The beauty of a royal caribbean family cruise vacation is that everything is in one place. Activities for kids, entertainment for teens, relaxation for parents, and remarkable destinations for everyone — all covered in a single package. Combine that with the insider tips in this guide and you will have everything you need to pull off a seamless, joyful trip.
What's Included in Your Royal Caribbean Cruise Package?
What Makes Royal Caribbean Perfect for Families?
Dining
Multiple restaurants and casual eateries are included. Specialty dining venues are available by reservation at an extra cost.
Entertainment
Broadway-style shows, ice skating performances, outdoor movies, and live music — all included in your fare.
Fitness Facilities
State-of-the-art gym, jogging tracks, and wellness areas to keep you energized throughout the voyage.
Onboard Activities
Rock climbing, surf simulators, mini-golf, pools, zip lines, and more — included for the whole family.
Kids' Programs
Age-appropriate clubs and activities run by trained counselors, covering ages 3 through 17.
Accommodations
Spacious staterooms and family suites designed for comfort, with options from cozy interiors to wraparound balconies.
Royal Caribbean has built its entire fleet around the idea that every family member — from toddlers to grandparents — should feel like the vacation was designed just for them. Here's how they pull that off:
Port Fees & Taxes
These are typically included in your package pricing, so you won't be surprised at checkout.
Adventure Ocean -Ages 3–11
Age-appropriate games and creative activities
Science experiments and arts & crafts workshops
Late-night party sessions (so the grown-ups can relax!)
Supervised by trained youth counselors
Teen SpacesAges 12–17
Dedicated teen-only hangout areas and lounges
Video game arcades and dance parties
Teen-only excursions and social meet-ups
A separate teen spa area on select ships
Family Activities for Everyone
Game shows, trivia nights, and karaoke
Pool deck movies under the stars
DreamWorks character meet-and-greets
Family scavenger hunts and ice skating lessons
Dining for Even the Pickiest Eaters
Main dining room with dedicated kids' menus
Windjammer Marketplace buffet (open all day)
Johnny Rockets burgers, pizza, and poolside hot dogs
Room service available (fees may apply)
Good to know: Royal Caribbean accommodates a wide range of dietary needs, including gluten-free, kosher, and vegan options. Simply let them know at least 60 days before sailing and they will make sure your family is well taken care of.
Popular Royal Caribbean Cruise Package Destinations to the Caribbean
Eastern Caribbean
St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico. Stunning beaches, duty-free shopping, and vibrant culture.
Western Caribbean
Cozumel, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. Snorkeling, jungle adventures, and iconic Stingray City.
Southern Caribbean
Aruba, Barbados, and Curaçao. Calm waters, colorful architecture, and world-class beaches
The Bahamas & CocoCay
Royal Caribbean's private island paradise. Perfect Day at CocoCay is a fan favorite for families of all ages.
Insider tip: If your family has never cruised before, a Bahamas itinerary with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay is a wonderful starting point. It is close to home, the private island is tailor-made for families, and you still get the full Royal Caribbean experience.
Royal Caribbean sails to every corner of the Caribbean. The most popular itineraries for families typically fall into one of four regions — and each one offers a beautifully different flavor of the Caribbean experience:
The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for a Family Cruise Vacation
Royal Caribbean's fleet includes ships in several classes, each with its own personality and activity lineup. Here's a quick breakdown of the three most family-friendly classes to help you find your best match:
Icon Class ⭐ Top Pick for Families
Icon of the Seas & Star of the Seas
The largest ships ever built — and the most activity-packed at sea
Home to the largest waterpark at sea, with record-breaking slides
The Surfside Neighborhood: a dedicated family zone with an aquapark, family pools, and casual dining all in one area
The Ultimate Family Townhouse suite — a three-level private space with its own slide and direct Surfside access
Oasis Class 🏆 Most Ships Available
Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder & Utopia of the Seas
Second only to Icon Class in size — still massive and endlessly fun
Seven distinct neighborhoods to explore onboard
Ultimate Family Suite options for groups who want extra space and perks
More departure ports and itinerary options, making them easier to book around school schedules
Freedom Class
Freedom, Liberty & Independence of the Seas
FlowRider surf simulators that kids and teens absolutely love
Cantilevered whirlpools with ocean views
H2O Zone water park for younger children
Slightly smaller and easier to navigate — great for first-time cruisers
Pro tip for larger families: If you are traveling with five or more family members, ask about staterooms that sleep five — they do exist and booking early is essential, as they sell out fast. Connecting cabins are another great option for privacy without splitting up too far.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Package Types & Pricing
All prices are subject to change. Gratuity rates are accurate as of 2025. Pre-purchasing drink and internet packages before your cruise is almost always cheaper than buying on board.
Base Cruise Fare
Interior staterooms - From $699 pp
Includes meals, entertainment & activities✓
Port fees & taxes - Typically included
Beverage Packages
Classic Soda Package - $12–$18 /pp/day
Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic) - $29–$42 /pp/day
Deluxe Beverage Package - $63–$120 /pp/day
Internet (VOOM)
VOOM Surf - $17.99/day
VOOM Surf + Stream - $23.99/day
Best value: pre-purchase before sailing
Overall Budget Estimate
Minimum daily spend (interior, incl. gratuities) - $200–$250 pp/day
Pre-purchasing packages saves money
Gratuities
Standard staterooms - $18.50 pp/day
Suites (Grand Suite & above) - $21.00 pp/day
Beverages & spa: auto-added - 18–20 percent
Specialty Dining
3-night dining package - $95 pp
Unlimited dining package - $35–$55/night
Best booked pre-cruise✓
Book at the Right Time
Wave Season (Jan–March): The cruise industry's biggest sale period — expect great deals and bonus perks like onboard credit or free drink packages.
Last-minute deals: If you're flexible, watching for offers 60–90 days before sailing can unlock significant savings.
Repositioning cruises: Unique, longer itineraries at lower per-night prices. Perfect for families who can travel during off-peak weeks.
Travel in the Off-Season
September through early November is one of the best-kept secrets in cruising — fewer crowds and lower prices.
Late April through May also offers solid value after spring break rush clears.
Avoid school holiday weeks if your schedule allows — prices and crowds both drop significantly.
Bundle & Save
Look for all-inclusive Royal Caribbean cruise package deals that combine airfare, pre-cruise hotel stays, port transfers, beverage packages, and gratuities.
Pre-purchase internet and drink packages before boarding — they are almost always cheaper than onboard pricing.
Ask your cruise specialist about Crown & Anchor Society loyalty discounts if you've sailed before.
Consider Shorter Cruises
3–5 day cruises are a fantastic option for budget-conscious families or first-time cruisers who want to test the waters before committing to a longer trip.
Shorter sailings from nearby ports also cut down on airfare costs.
Many Bahamas itineraries fit neatly into a long weekend getaway.
One of the most important things to understand about booking a Royal Caribbean cruise package is knowing what's included in the base fare and what costs extra. Here's a transparent breakdown to help you budget confidently:
Money-Saving Tips for Your Royal Caribbean Cruise Package
Your Step-by-Step Royal Caribbean Family Planning Cruise Guide
Six Months Before Sailing
Research ships and itineraries — then book early to secure adjacent cabins, connecting rooms, or family suites before they sell out.
Check that every passport is current (must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date).
Seriously consider travel insurance — it's worth it for a family trip.
Start researching shore excursions for each port.
Three Months Before Sailing
Book specialty dining reservations — popular venues fill up fast.
Pre-purchase drink and Wi-Fi packages for maximum savings.
Reserve spa treatments if that's part of your plan.
Plan outfits for formal nights so no one is caught off-guard.
Book popular shore excursions online to avoid sold-out disappointments.
One Month Before Sailing
Download the Royal Caribbean app — it's your digital companion for everything from menus to show reservations.
Complete online check-in to speed up embarkation day.
Print luggage tags and travel documents.
Arrange transportation to and from the port.
Confirm all shore excursion bookings.
One Week Before Sailing
Check weather forecasts for your departure port and destinations.
Pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and reef-safe products.
Prepare a carry-on with essentials in case checked luggage is delayed getting to your cabin.
Double-check the Royal Caribbean app for any schedule updates or new reservations to make.
Keeping everyone happy and stress-free starts long before embarkation day. Here's a friendly, practical timeline to make sure nothing falls through the cracks:
Royal Caribbean Cruise Package Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are the questions we hear most often from families planning their first (or fifth!) Royal Caribbean family cruise vacation:
Q: What's the best age for kids on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
A: Royal Caribbean warmly welcomes guests of all ages — newborns included! That said, children 3 and older can fully participate in the Adventure Ocean kids' club programs, which makes the experience noticeably richer for little ones. Teens especially love the dedicated spaces, activities, and freedom that comes with Royal Caribbean's teen-only areas. Many families say it's the first vacation where their teenagers actually thanked them!
Q: Are gratuities included in the cruise package price?
A: Typically, no — gratuities are not included in the base cruise fare. In 2025, Royal Caribbean automatically charges $18.50 per person, per day for guests in standard staterooms and $21.00 per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above. These are applied daily to your onboard SeaPass account. You can also prepay gratuities before your sailing, which many families prefer for easier budgeting. An additional 18% gratuity is automatically added to beverage purchases, and 20% to spa and salon services. For a family of four on a 7-night cruise, budget approximately $500 or more in gratuities alone.
Q: Can we bring our own drinks onboard?
A: Yes, within limits! Each guest of legal drinking age may bring one (1) 750ml bottle of wine or champagne. Additionally, each stateroom may bring up to 12 standard cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages. Hard liquor and beer purchased outside the ship may not be brought onboard. This is a great way to enjoy a glass of your favorite wine on your balcony without the onboard markup.
Q: What about special dietary needs — can Royal Caribbean accommodate them?
A: Absolutely. Royal Caribbean is excellent at accommodating dietary restrictions with advance notice. Common accommodations include gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and vegetarian options. Simply note your needs when booking or contact Royal Caribbean's dining team at least 60 days before sailing. The main dining room staff are well-trained in dietary awareness and will happily walk you through your options each evening.
Q: Do kids count as full passengers for gratuities?
A: Yes, gratuity charges apply to every guest in the stateroom regardless of age. So when budgeting for your Royal Caribbean family cruise vacation, make sure to factor in gratuities for the children too. For a family of four on a 7-night cruise in a standard stateroom, that's roughly $518 in gratuities total ($18.50 × 4 people × 7 nights). Prepaying before you sail is a smart move and can sometimes lock in the current rate before any increases take effect.
Q: What is Perfect Day at CocoCay and is it worth it?
A: Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, and it is genuinely one of the highlights of any Caribbean itinerary. The island features Thrill Waterpark (home to the tallest waterslide in North America), calm lagoons, a helium balloon ride with panoramic views, private cabana rentals, and a swim-up bar. Basic beach access is free with your cruise fare, while premium experiences like the waterpark and cabanas cost extra. For families, it's an absolutely spectacular day and one of the most-loved stops on any Royal Caribbean cruise.
Q: Should I book shore excursions through Royal Caribbean or independently?
A: Both have merit! Booking through Royal Caribbean gives you peace of mind — if an excursion runs long, the ship will wait for you. Independent operators are often less expensive and can offer more personalized experiences. For families with young children, or if it's your first time in a port, we recommend booking through Royal Caribbean for the added security. For more adventurous families who have visited a port before, reputable independent operators can be a great option — just leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship.
Q: What is the Royal Caribbean app and do I really need it?
A: The Royal Caribbean app is genuinely useful and we strongly recommend downloading it before you sail. It allows you to view menus, make dining and entertainment reservations, chat with fellow guests onboard (without using cellular data), check your daily itinerary, and track your onboard spending. You'll use it every single day of your cruise. Download it at least a month before sailing so you can complete online check-in and start making reservations early.
Q: How far in advance should I book a Royal Caribbean cruise package?
A: For the best selection of staterooms and the most competitive pricing, booking 6 to 12 months in advance is ideal — especially if you are traveling during summer, spring break, or the holiday season. Popular ships like Icon of the Seas and sought-after cabins (family suites, rooms sleeping five, connecting cabins) can sell out a year or more in advance. If you have a flexible schedule and enjoy a bit of uncertainty, last-minute deals 60–90 days before sailing can offer excellent value on remaining inventory.
Q: Is a Royal Caribbean cruise all-inclusive?
A: Not entirely — but it covers more than most people expect. Your base fare includes accommodations, most onboard meals, entertainment, and the vast majority of ship activities. What costs extra includes alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, premium Wi-Fi, spa treatments, gratuities, shore excursions, and a few premium onboard experiences. The good news is that many families bundle these extras into an all-inclusive cruise deal package when booking, which makes the experience feel far more "all-in" and simplifies your onboard spending. Ask your cruise specialist about current bundled offers.
Ready to Make Your Royal Caribbean Family Cruise Vacation a Reality?
Whether you'd love to dive into the details yourself or hand everything to an expert, we are here to help. Our cruise specialists know every ship, every itinerary, and every trick in the book — and they love matching families with their perfect Royal Caribbean cruise package.
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