While exploring new cities on your own or on a shore excursion is one of the many perks of cruise vacations, there are also plenty of onboard experiences to choose from when you’re sailing from one destination to the next on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Days spent at sea can be some of the most relaxing or thrilling parts of your trip, with a seemingly endless list of activities, restaurants, entertainment and more at your fingertips.

From sipping a craft cocktail poolside to getting your adrenaline pumping with the rush of sky diving, there’s something for everyone on board. Whether you want to enjoy an original theater production as a family or get some adults-only time at the spa while the kids hang in cool lounges just for them, no matter your age or interests, you’ll all be spoiled for choice on any ship. Plus, our mobile app makes it that much easier to plan your days so that you spend nearly every minute soaking up your time off.

Activites vary per on ship. 

Here are a few of the best ways you, your friends and family can spend your days at sea:   

Get your adrenaline pumping by catching waves on the signature FlowRider surf simulator

1. Ready, Set, Action

For thrill-seekers, there’s no shortage of can’t-miss adventures. Hang ten on the FlowRider surf simulator or experience the rush of sky diving on the RipCord by iFLY simulator. You can also take in 360-degree views from the world’s highest viewing deck on a cruise ship or plummet 10 stories down the tallest slide at sea—the Ultimate Abyss.

There are plenty of tamer thrills that still bring loads of excitement too. Think shooting hoops, roller skating, driving bumper cars at SeaPlex, scaling the rock climbing wall, ice skating and more.

Indulge in relaxing treatments, from bamboo massages to 24-karat gold facials, at Vitality Spa

2. Kick Back and Relax

There’s no better feeling than hitting snooze while on vacation. Better yet, ditch your alarm altogether and sleep in before ordering room service to your stateroom to savor breakfast in bed—or sip your morning coffee while taking in endless ocean views from your balcony.

When you’re up and about, adults can unwind and get in some “me” time by grabbing a cocktail at The Lime & Coconut or enjoying a beach read from a sun lounger at the resort-style pool deck, where mouthwatering snacks and dining options are never more than a few steps away. For the ultimate relaxation experience, pamper yourself at Vitality Spa with treatments ranging from restorative massages to body wraps.

Pro tip: From aqua parks for pint-sized cruisers to hangout spaces just for teens, there are myriad ways for kids to entertain themselves while parents unwind. Find out more about kid-friendly fun below. 

Kids ages 12 to 17 can hang out in their very own space with music, movies, games and more

3. Give Kids and Teens Some ‘Me Time’

It’s almost guaranteed that kids and (especially) teens will want some time to themselves too. Areas just for teens make it easy for 12- to 17-year-olds to meet new friends and relax in cool hangout areas, complete with all the fun, like the latest music, movies, a gaming lounge and even an outdoor patio.

Younger kiddos will love Adventure Ocean, where they can participate in activities ranging from crafts and science experiments to late-night pizza parties. Not to mention the pools, water parks and slides kids of all ages are sure to love. Even the youngest cruisers from 6 to 36 months old are well taken care of by trained and experienced staff in dedicated programs like AO Babies. Plus, options like My Family Time Dining, help ensure kids and parents alike have their needs met so every family member has an unforgettable cruise.

Pro tip: The holidays bring even more family-friendly fun, with appearances from Santa’s elves, cookie decorating, parades and more. Adventure Ocean staff will even help kids write letters to Santa.

Catch a thrilling original production full of daring flips and dives at the AquaTheater

4. Enjoy the Nightlife

The activities are far from over when the sun sets. Get a front-row seat at the original productions headlining venues that span ice, water, stage and air, from jaw-dropping high dives in the AquaTheater to captivating aerialist talents fused with mind-bending technology at Two70. Not to mention, all the dancing queens and musical enthusiasts can catch Tony Award-winning shows like Mamma Mia!, Grease and Hairspray.

If you’re inspired to take center stage for your own Broadway moment, head to Spotlight Karaoke to hit those high notes. And if listening to tunes is more your thing, live bands and singers perform throughout the ship, and you can always slip into Music Hall to dance the night away to your favorite cover band.

Meanwhile, sports fans can even cheer on their home team from at sea at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, while enjoying game-day favorites like wings and ice-cold brews. Or catch live sporting events and movies under the stars on the outdoor movie screens.