Royal Caribbean and Carnival have changed the image of the cruise industry. Instead of older folks in fancy clothes sitting for long dinners, both cruise lines offer a much more active cruising experience.
Yes, you can have those long dinners or spend the day with a book lounging in a chair on the pool deck, but you can also do a lot more. Royal Caribbean (RCL) and Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) have both steadily added features designed to make cruising a family-friendly activity.
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Both companies can't rival Walt Disney (DIS) when it comes to intellectual property. Royal Caribbean even dropped its deal with Comcast's (CMCSA) Dreamworks animation brand while Carnival does offer breakfast with Dr. Seuss characters, but that's not where both cruise lines have been putting their efforts.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival have steadily been adding features to their latest ships designed to appeal to kids of all ages. Carnival's most recent ships, the Mardi Gras and the Celebration offer the Bolt roller coaster -- a first of its kind at sea -- along with water slides, sport courts, impressive kids' clubs, mini golf, and other family-friendly features.
Carnival has done an impressive job, but Royal Caribbean has raised the bar. The cruise line's ships offer everything from FlowRider surf simulators to rock walls, and laser tag, and bumper cars on select ships. Now, as the cruise shares details on its next ship, Icon of the Seas, it has made it clear that it wants to not only outdo Carnival but also challenge Disney for the family audience.
Image source:Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Makes a Big Play for Families
While Royal Caribbean offers some lovely features designed specifically for adults, like its 16-and-older Solariums and its many unique bars, the company wants to make it very clear that Icon of the Seas, which is the first of its class, will cater to families.
The cruise line made it very clear in its latest press release about Icon of the Seas that it's addressing family concerns including "finding things to do that everyone can enjoy and “me time.” Icon of the Seas has clear answers for those problems along with a first for the cruise line, a mascot -- Admiral Awesome.
"The newly created position will be in charge of the family excitement on Icon – sure to be the head of LOL (leader of laughter)," the cruise line shared.
And while Admiral Awesome sounds like something created by a very unhip focus group, it's more the intent than the silly name that matters.
Royal Caribbean Is Building Icon Around Families
Royal Caribbeans next ship, which will replace the cruise line's Wonder of the Seas as the largest in the world, will have its first-ever family neighborhood, Surfside, which the company described as "the ultimate stay-all-day neighborhood designed for young families."
Some of Surfside's highlights include:
- The Larger-than-Life Family Festival, hosted by Admiral Awesome, is a celebration with live music, dancing, and supersized games like bowling, ring toss, darts, and more.
- The Big Shark Block Party is the ultimate dance party with Admiral Awesome and friends, and it will keep the vibes alive with themed mashups and classics, like Baby Shark and Baby Beluga.
- Steel Pan Family Jam is for the whole family to drum up rhythms -- and memories. Instructional instruments and kid-friendly sheet music will have everyone playing tropical tunes in no time.
- After days at play, kids can get cozy and wind down under the stars with Once Upon a Bedtime Story, the new readings of original bedtime stories narrated by Admiral Awesome.
In addition, Surfside will offer a number of brand new eating and drinking options including The Lemon Post, with menus of unique drinks for adults and kids; Surfside Bites, a convenient window for a quick stop to grab salty and sweet snacks; Surfside Eatery, a buffet dedicated to families that serves up favorites for the whole bunch; and Pier 7 for all-day brunch," the cruise line shared.
Icon of the Seas will also have some special features for older kids and teens including:
- Social 020, a hidden, teens-only hangout with video games, music, movies, and comfy lounging.
- Category 6 in Thrill Island is the largest waterpark at sea and home to six record-breaking slides.
- Returning favorites and reimagined experiences in Thrill Island include Royal Caribbean’s most epic mini golf course, Lost Dunes, rock climbing to the max at Adrenaline Peak, the FlowRider surf simulator, and the Sports Court for basketball, soccer, and more.
And the ship won't be lacking in activities for the whole family:
- Laser Tag: The Fight for Atlantis is where everyone can battle it out. Adults can challenge each other, or older kids and teens can have at it on their own.
- The Royal Escape Room will have everyone working together to solve the puzzle and find their way out before the time is up.
- Absolute Zero is where the whole family can strap on skates and hit the biggest ice-skating arena at sea.
- Desserted in Thrill Island is the first over-the-top and Insta-worthy milkshake bar in the fleet. It will serve up three types of milkshakes, including classic, extravagant, and adults-only boozy options.
Icon of the Seas will have its maiden voyage in January 2024.
