As we approach the summer holidays, this is normally the time families are looking forward to their summer cruise holidays which are a perfect holiday for the whole family and kids of all ages. With the little kiddo’s or big kids, everyone is entertained and with the Kids club onboard there is a tonne of activities for them to do. From arts and crafts to dance lessons, discos, Karaoke competitions, treasure hunts, face painting, mini-golf, video and arcade games, basketball, pools, and the list goes on! You know they are well taken care of giving mum and dads peace of mind, and a little slice of peace and quiet. We know the parents will be feeling it this year!!!
With some great ships gracing our shores next year, here are my Top 5 activities for Kids onboard (in no order).
1: Rock Climbing wall – Featured on Royal Caribbean Ships and P&O cruises.
Whether you’ve never climbed before or you’re an experienced climber, this is such a great activity to give a go. With different coloured courses on offer, you can take the easy route or challenge yourself with an advanced climb. You will have the experienced sports staff on-hand anchored to your rope to give you tips and motivate you to get to the top and ring the bell. That’s only half the fun! Then you get to repel back down! This is such a great way for the kids and adults to get fit and have fun at sea.
2: P&O - Edge Adventure Park
If the kids are adrenalin junkies and up for some serious adventure then look no further than the Adventure Park. The minimum age is 5yrs old and there are up to 19 exciting activities to get in and experience. Just some of the awesome activities on offer are; Race across the top deck on a 80m Flying fox, challenge the whole family to a game of Laser tag, go slackline surfing by walking a tightrope, see how far your nerves will take you by ‘walking the plank’ off the side of the on Deck 15 or challenge your new-found friends to a ‘Cargo Net Race’.
All these activities are at an additional cost. You can prebook your ‘Edge Pass’ through your cruise personaliser from 90 days to 4 days before your cruise. Or you can try and book them individually on board if they aren’t sold out prior.
3: Carnival Cruiselines - Green thunder, Green Lightning, Twister Waterslide and Splash Zone.
Can you believe you can have a waterslide at sea, let alone 2!? Carnival Cruiselines were the pioneers of making this happen. Boasting as the steepest waterslides at sea, this thrill ride begins when the capsule floor drops away and you take an 11.3 metre free fall followed by twists and turns at up to 65km an hour for a minimum of 300m! Race your friends in the side by side slide or just hang out and cool down in the splash park, perfect for any sea day and so much fun for all kids.
4: Flow Rider – Royal Caribbean
Love surfing and boogie boarding or have never tried? Why not give this a shot! This is the most awesome stationary wave simulator at sea. Located aft on the top deck, it also has the best view at sea! Not for the faint at heart, the Flowrider sends water at a very high speed, making it very easy to fall off. Don’t worry though, your experienced sports staff are there for safety and are on hand to offer advice for any novices or anyone looking for tips.
With morning sessions and all day on a sea day, they will have plenty of time to have a go and master this exhilarating sport.
The Flowrider is included in your cruise fare - you will simply need to line up and wait your turn. You do have the opportunity of booking private lessons. Just check your ‘cruise compass’ for details and times.
5: RipCord by I Fly -Royal Caribbean
In another all-time first, Royal Caribbean yet again pushes the boundaries of what you would never expect to see or experience on a ship.
Experience the rush of Skydiving without having to jump out of a plane in this thrilling simulator! Eligible for 3yrs and older, this incredible activity only lasts 60 seconds but the whole experience can take up to 2hrs with the instructor talking you through the safety instruction videos.
Complimentary for your first time, this is recommended to be prebooked through your cruise personaliser before you go or, you can book onboard if you’re on a longer sailing.
This is only a snapshot of some of the incredible activities offered for kids and adults onboard. Cruise lines are continuously pushing the envelope to reimagine what experiences people can have at sea only proving time and time again what a truly wonderful holiday cruising is!!!
