Seven Unique Royal Caribbean Activities & Features

Posted on 23rd Sep, 2024

Record-Breaking Fleet Size: The revolutionary Icon-class trio dominates the global charts as the largest cruise vessels ever constructed.
Adrenaline-Pumping Thrills: From 10-deck dry drops to open-air zip lines, extreme adventures are built directly into the top decks.
Complimentary Innovations: The vast majority of these signature onboard experiences are fully included in your standard cruise fare.

What are some of the best things to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean are renowned for their trailblazing ideas in the cruise industry, designing creative and innovative features to give you the ultimate holiday at sea. From resort-like attractions, incredible features and dazzling entertainment, they continually seek to up the ante.

But what are some of the top unique features, which are usually free to all guests, that can be found on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

Below, we share seven of the most quirky and cool features that help Royal Caribbean cruise ships top the list as some of the best around.

1. Unrivalled Ship Architecture and Scale

Before diving into individual attractions, it is impossible to ignore the magnificent scale of Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

The line consistently dominates the global rankings for the largest cruise ships in the world, a lineup driven by the phenomenal success of their Oasis-class and ground-breaking Icon-class vessels.

The fleet features three massive sister ships - Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and the new Legend of the Seas - which stand as the undisputed heavyweights of the ocean.

Weighing in at over 250,000 gross tons and stretching nearly 1,196 feet in length, these floating destinations accommodate up to 7,600 passengers alongside more than 2,300 dedicated crew members.

While sheer size is impressive on its own, this expansive structural footprint is what creates the physical space necessary to house the line's signature neighbourhoods and activities.

2. Category 6 Waterparks and Record-Breaking Slides

Royal Caribbean excels at bringing theme-park-level excitement to the open ocean. While their classic Oasis-class and amplified Voyager-class ships feature the immensely popular Perfect Storm water slides (Typhoon and Cyclone), their newest Icon-class vessels take aquatic thrills to an entirely new level.

These newer ships play host to Category 6, the largest waterpark ever constructed at sea. This massive open-air complex features six record-breaking waterslides, including:

Frightening Bolt: The tallest drop slide at sea.
Pressure Drop: The industry's first open free-fall slide.
Storm Chasers: The first mat-racing duelling slides on the waves.
Hurricane Hunter & Storm Surge: The first raft slides at sea capable of holding up to four riders simultaneously.

3. Ultimate Abyss

Are you brave and adventurous enough to take on the tallest slide on the seas? Reaching the height of ten decks, at an incredible 150 feet above sea level, Ultimate Abyss leads you up the stairs through the mouth of a formidable sea predator before you step out onto its glass platform, which offers extensive views out to the horizon.

Take a breath before launching yourself on a thrilling journey down 216 feet of twisting, turning tunnels, where neon LED lights and heart-thumping music raises adrenaline levels even further. It may only last 13 seconds, but the buzz will continue much longer.

The thrilling Ultimate Abyss slide is currently available on Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.

4. FlowRider

Channel your inner surfer; whether you’re a complete novice or a surfing pro, this exhilarating 12-metre-long surf simulator will help you perfect your skills or simply have a great time trying!

An experienced surf instructor is on hand to help you stand up on your surfboard or engage in a bit of boogie boarding as you enjoy the exhilaration of 100,000 litres of water rushing past and create this awesome surf simulation.

Currently available on 17 of Royal Caribbean’s ships – some, including Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, even have two!

5. Zip Line

High above the bustling Boardwalk on select Oasis-class Royal Caribbean ships, you can soar nine decks above the ground on a thrilling Zip Line ride that offers breathtaking views of the ship and ocean.

This one-of-a-kind activity combines adventure with unforgettable scenery, making it a favourite among thrill-seekers and families alike. Whether you’re a first-time zip liner or an adrenaline junkie, it’s a must-try experience that leaves you feeling both accomplished and exhilarated.

And the best part? It’s completely complimentary!

6. North Star

Winning the Guinness World Record for the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship, North Star extends 100 metres above sea level and provides stunning, panoramic views. This spherical glass pod is attached to a huge mechanical arm, which lifts it up and out over the ocean waters. The ride up on the pod is slow and serene, lasting around 15-20 minutes, but perhaps not one for guests who do not have a head for heights. To see stunning views over the ocean on the North Star, book an Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas cruise.

7. Other unique and delightful draws

Of course, the creativity of Royal Caribbean does not end at its theme park-style features. Many other extraordinary attractions add to the list of what makes this cruise line special.

Meander the glorious interior oasis, known as Central Park, a feature that makes internal-facing cabins no longer a compromise. Then see evenings light up with spectacular world-leading entertainment, including top-billing Broadway shows, ice extravaganzas, and amazing performances in the Aqua Theater.