How to Have an Amazing Family Cruise- Family Tested on Royal Caribbean Ships
Amazing Family Cruise Tips, Traditions, and Things We’ve Learned on Royal Caribbean
Planning an amazing family cruise on Royal Caribbean? One of the reasons our family keeps coming back is that there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with younger kids, tweens, or teenagers, it’s easy to create memorable family moments both on and off the ship.
After several cruises with our daughters, we’ve discovered some favorite activities and family traditions that have become highlights of every sailing.
Keep and eye out for the Family Scavenger Hunt
We try to do this on every cruise! It is organized through the kids club and there are even prizes at the end. It usually involves taking pictures near a statue or a piece of art so later when you are looking back at your photos you have some pretty great action shots!
⛳ Play Mini Golf Together
Mini golf is one of our family’s favorite activities onboard.
It’s:
-Included in your cruise fare
-Great for all ages
-Perfect for some friendly competition
Don’t worry about keeping score too seriously—some of our best memories come from the most ridiculous shots.
🎤 Participate in Family Game Shows
Royal Caribbean often hosts family-friendly game shows throughout the cruise.
Depending on the ship, you may find:
Family trivia
Game show challenges
Music competitions
Interactive audience participation events
Even if you don’t participate, they’re often hilarious to watch.
Check your Royal Caribbean app daily for scheduled activities.
🃏 Let Teenagers Check Out the Teen Club
If you’re cruising with a teenager, don’t overlook the teen club.
Many teens are hesitant at first, but we’ve found the cruise staff do a fantastic job helping kids connect with others their age.
Activities often include:
-Card games
-Video games
-Sports tournaments
-Group hangouts
-Social events
Sometimes simply having a place to relax and meet new friends becomes one of the highlights of the cruise.
🚪 Decorate Your Cabin Door
One of the easiest ways to add a little extra fun is decorating your cabin door with magnets.
Our girls love personalizing our cabin entrance.
Benefits:
-Makes your room easier to find
-Creates excitement each time you return
-Gives kids a fun project before the trip
You’ll be surprised how many families join in!
📍 Create a Family Meeting Spot
Cruise ships are safe, but they’re also huge.
One of our best family tips is choosing a designated meeting spot on the first day.
Examples:
-Guest Services
-A specific staircase
-The ship’s promenade
-A favorite lounge
Older kids and adults can usually use Royal Caribbean’s free in-app chat feature, but younger cruisers may not have access to phones or messaging.
Having a meeting place gives everyone peace of mind.
Watch Out for the Arcade
This one comes from experience!
Many parents don’t realize that SeaPass cards can sometimes be used in the arcade without additional approval.
Let’s just say our family once ended up with a few more prize ducks than we ever planned on bringing home.
Our Advice:
✅ Check arcade charging settings early
✅ Set spending expectations before the trip
✅ Consider purchasing arcade credit in advance when Royal Caribbean offers discounts
Royal Caribbean frequently runs sales on arcade credits before sailing, making them a much better value than paying onboard.
🍕 Create a Last-Night Family Tradition
If you only take one suggestion from this article, make it this one.
On your last night, skip the rush back to your cabin and head for a late-night pizza snack together.
Find a quiet spot on deck or in the promenade.
Talk about:
Your favorite memory
The funniest moment
Your favorite port
What you’d do differently next time
Some of our most memorable cruise conversations have happened during those late-night pizza runs.
The trip is almost over, everyone is relaxed, and there’s something special about being a little spontaneous.
Years later, your kids may not remember every excursion or activity—but they’ll remember those unexpected family moments.
