Key Takeaways
- Surfside is your family base… splash zone, carousel, Water’s Edge pool next door, quick eats.
- Adventure Ocean and Social 020 split by age so kids can pick what fits.
- Slides and thrill rides have height rules. Category 6 requires between 48 and 52 inches depending on the slide. Check signs and the app on board.
- Free vs paid. Waterpark, pools, mini golf, and many shows are included. Private lessons and select thrill add ons may have a fee.
- Reserve shows in the app. Book AquaDome and ice shows early, then fill gaps with Surfside time.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Set a family meetup spot in Surfside… then let older kids chase slides while little ones loop the carousel.
Age Band Guide… What to Do First
| Age band | Must‑do highlights | Helpful notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 36 months | Babies & Tots Nursery drop off, Surfside Baby Bay splash zone, stroller loops on the Royal Promenade | Nursery is staffed and space is limited… check hours and fees in the app. Program overview: Babies & Tots. Swim diapers are only allowed in splash areas, not regular pools. |
| 3 to 5 | Adventure Ocean age group sessions, Surfside Splashaway Bay, Surfside carousel, Lemon Post mocktails with grownups | Kids must be toilet trained for Adventure Ocean. Program overview and age splits are on the youth page: Adventure Ocean. |
| 6 to 8 | Adventure Ocean activities, Lost Dunes mini golf, beginner ice skating sessions at Absolute Zero during public skate times, Surfside splash time | Check daily schedule for skate session age guidance and closed toe sock requirements. Ice arena page: Absolute Zero. Mini golf info: Lost Dunes. |
| 9 to 12 | Adventure Ocean older group, FlowRider bodyboarding, mini golf rematch, family show at AquaDome | FlowRider details and lesson options: FlowRider. Show reservations open in the app. |
| 13 to 17 | Social 020 teen hangout, Category 6 slides, FlowRider stand up sessions, Absolute Zero skate, select thrill add ons | Height rules apply at Category 6. The official family guide notes 48 to 52 inches depending on slide. Waterpark page: Category 6. Teen hub: Social 020. |
Note Exact age splits and session times can vary by sailing. The Royal app shows the latest.
Sea Day Planner… One Easy Template
Morning Surfside splash time and carousel, register kids at Adventure Ocean, book or confirm show reservations in the app.
Midday Water’s Edge pool for adults while kids use Splashaway Bay nearby. Grab Surfside Eatery.
Afternoon Lost Dunes mini golf and FlowRider sessions. If skaters are in your crew, check public skate at Absolute Zero.
Evening Quick dinner near Surfside, then an AquaDome show or the ice show. Teens peel off to Social 020.
Popular Family Spots on Star
- Surfside neighborhood… splash area, carousel, family bites, arcade, and playscape. Details: Surfside.
- Category 6 Waterpark… six signature slides for big kids and teens. Height rules vary by slide. Overview: Category 6.
- Absolute Zero… ice shows and public skate sessions. Overview: Absolute Zero.
- AquaDome… high dive and acrobatics productions for the whole family. Overview: AquaDome.
- FlowRider… bodyboard or try a stand up lesson. Details: FlowRider.
- Lost Dunes mini golf… nine holes with ocean views. Overview: Lost Dunes.
Tips for Parents
- Check height early. If a rider is close to the mark, measure at the waterpark before you queue. Royal’s family guide notes a 48 to 52 inch range by slide.
- Pack the right swimwear. Swim diapers are allowed only in splash zones, not in regular pools.
- Reserve shows. Open the app on embarkation day to grab prime times for AquaDome and the ice show.
- Tag and meet. Give older kids a set check in time at Social 020 or a Surfside bench.
- Consider add ons. Thrill extras and private lessons can be booked in the Cruise Planner.
Niko’s Note 🐾 A small cross body pouch for SeaPass cards keeps tap points and muster checks smooth for the whole crew.
FAQ
Is Category 6 included Yes… there is no extra fee for entry. Height rules apply and vary by slide. See the waterpark overview: Category 6.
What are the youth program ages Nursery is 6 to 36 months. Adventure Ocean covers children starting around age 3 and up through preteen groups. Teens have Social 020 for ages 13 to 17. Overview: Kids and Teens.
Do I need reservations for shows Most AquaDome and ice shows use reservations through the app. Same day standby lines are sometimes available.
Can little kids skate Public skate sessions list age and gear rules in the app. Check Absolute Zero schedule on board.
Is Crown’s Edge for kids Crown’s Edge is an Icon Class thrill with specific height and weight limits. Check the official page and the app for your sailing. Overview: Crown’s Edge.
Sources
- Kids and Teens overview with nursery info and youth programs: royalcaribbean.com/experience/cruises-for-kids-and-teens
- Babies & Tots Nursery detail page: royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/babies-and-tots-programs
- Surfside neighborhood overview: royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/surfside-neighborhood
- Category 6 Waterpark info and slide overview: royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/category-six-waterpark
- Absolute Zero ice arena overview: royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/absolute-zero
- AquaDome neighborhood and shows: royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/aquadome
- Social 020 teen hub: royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/social-zero-twenty
- FlowRider overview and lesson info: royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/flowrider
