Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Freebies And Inclusions A Comprehensive Guide

Cruise vacations offer numerous amenities and activities that are included in the fare, with Royal Caribbean being particularly known for its extensive array of complimentary offerings. While some premium activities and specialty items come with additional costs, many passengers are pleasantly surprised by the wealth of freebies and inclusions available throughout their sailing experience. This article explores the various free activities, entertainment options, food and beverage offerings, loyalty program benefits, and family amenities that passengers can enjoy without extra charge on Royal Caribbean cruises.

Free Activities and Entertainment

Royal Caribbean cruise ships are designed with a multitude of activities that are included in the base fare. Among the most popular complimentary attractions are the adrenaline-pumping experiences available on many of their vessels. The iFly indoor skydiving simulator, FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, and bumper cars are all available at no additional cost to passengers. These activities provide entertainment for thrill-seekers of various ages and interests.

The North Star, a unique observation capsule that extends over 300 feet above sea level, offers another complimentary experience. However, it's important to note that while the North Star is free when the ship is in port, it charges USD 19 per person when the ship is at sea. This distinction allows passengers to plan their activities accordingly to maximize their value.

Beyond these signature attractions, Royal Caribbean ships feature an impressive array of free entertainment options. Live performances are a cornerstone of the cruise experience, with most entertainment offerings taking place in the evening. Passengers can enjoy musical acts ranging from poolside bands playing easy-listening tunes to full-scale Broadway-style shows. Many ships also host ice skating productions that rival professional performances on land.

Karaoke is another popular free activity available daily on Royal Caribbean cruises. Similar to karaoke experiences on land, passengers can choose from a book of songs and sign up on a first-come, first-served basis to perform. The cruise line typically hosts multiple karaoke sessions each day, with ships that have dedicated karaoke venues offering even more opportunities.

Trivia contests are another staple of cruise entertainment, with most ships hosting at least four or five trivia sessions on sea days. The topics range widely, from general knowledge to specific themes like TV show theme songs or even artist-specific trivia such as Taylor Swift. These trivia sessions focus on bragging rights rather than substantial prizes, creating a fun, competitive atmosphere among passengers.

Movie lovers will also find plenty of free entertainment options. Royal Caribbean ships feature movies in various venues, including dedicated movie theaters on some of the smaller vessels and poolside screens on most ships. The poolside movie setup allows passengers to enjoy films while relaxing in hot tubs or lounge chairs, creating a unique cinematic experience under the open sky or stars.

Food and Beverage Inclusions

One of the most appreciated aspects of Royal Caribbean cruises is the generous food and beverage inclusions that come with the fare. All passengers can enjoy a variety of complimentary beverages, including ice water, flavored waters, brewed coffee, assorted teas, iced tea, hot chocolate, milk, lemonade, and fruit juices. These beverages are dispensed at self-serve machines in venues like the Windjammer Café and other casual dining areas, and they are also served in the Main Dining Room and other restaurants.

The cruise line ensures that the tap water provided onboard is safe to drink, as it is filtered through advanced treatment systems onboard. This filtered water is often considered the safest drinking water available given the extensive treatment processes it undergoes.

While the aforementioned beverages are included, certain other drink options are not covered by the cruise fare. Passengers should expect to pay separately for soda, wine, beer, liquor, cocktails, premium coffee and tea (such as Starbucks®), bottled water, and fresh-squeezed juices. Those who wish to enjoy these beverages can either pay as they go or purchase one of the beverage packages offered by the cruise line.

When it comes to dining, Royal Caribbean's main dining rooms and casual buffets like the Windjammer Café are included in the cruise fare. These venues offer a wide variety of food options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. However, for passengers seeking more specialized culinary experiences, the cruise line also offers numerous specialty dining venues at additional cost.

Popular specialty restaurants include Chops Grille for steakhouse fare, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen for old-world classics, Izumi for Asian cuisine, and 150 Central Park for seasonal fine dining. The cruise line has also partnered with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to offer Jamie's Italian, serving Tuscan-style fare. For those interested in sampling multiple specialty restaurants, cruise line offers specialty dining packages that can provide a cost-effective way to experience several venues.

Notably, children receive special consideration when it comes to specialty dining. Kids ages 6-12 can dine in specialty restaurants for a reduced price of $12.99, while children age five and younger dine for free in these venues. This policy makes specialty dining more accessible for families traveling with young children.

Loyalty Program Benefits

Royal Caribbean rewards its most loyal passengers through the Crown & Anchor Society, a comprehensive loyalty program that offers increasingly valuable benefits as guests accumulate cruise nights. The program operates similarly to hotel or airline loyalty programs, with passengers rising through tiers based on their cruise history.

All guests are automatically enrolled in the Crown & Anchor Society after completing their first sailing with Royal Caribbean. This initial enrollment provides access to several discounts that can be used during future cruises. However, the most substantial benefits become available once passengers reach higher loyalty tiers, particularly Diamond status.

Points are earned at a rate of one point per night sailed. Passengers staying in suites or cruising solo have the opportunity to earn an additional point per sailing, accelerating their progress through the loyalty program. These points determine a passenger's status level and corresponding benefits.

One of the most sought-after benefits of the Crown & Anchor Society is the collection of crystal blocks. These distinctive crystal pieces serve as both keepsakes and collectible markers of a passenger's cruise history and loyalty status. Many dedicated cruisers take pride in building their collection with blocks from various ships, particularly those they've enjoyed most.

Crystal blocks become available to passengers once they reach 140 cruise points. This milestone represents a significant achievement in the loyalty program, typically requiring multiple cruises or extended sailings. Beyond crystal blocks, higher-tier members receive various other benefits, which may include priority check-in, exclusive onboard events, cabin upgrades, and other perks designed to enhance the cruising experience.

For passengers interested in maximizing their loyalty benefits, the cruise line recommends consulting with a travel agent. Some agents offer additional loyalty rewards, such as complimentary champagne or small onboard credits, to their repeat clients. They may also have access to special cruise deals that provide additional value.

Kids Club and Family Amenities

As a family-oriented cruise line, Royal Caribbean places significant emphasis on providing excellent programming for younger passengers. The crown jewel of their family offerings is the Adventure Ocean kids club, a comprehensive program designed specifically for children of various ages.

Adventure Ocean is more than just a supervised play area; it functions as a hub of age-appropriate activities where children can engage in play, creative pursuits, and social interaction. The program is thoughtfully structured by age groups, ensuring that activities are both suitable and engaging for different developmental stages. This age-based approach also helps children connect with peers of similar ages, fostering friendships that can enhance their cruise experience.

The kids club philosophy encourages children to be themselves and engage in activities they genuinely enjoy, whether that involves drawing, playing games, or participating in organized events. This approach allows children to have fun in a supportive environment while giving parents valuable opportunities to enjoy adult-oriented activities or simply have some quiet time during their vacation.

Beyond the Adventure Ocean program, Royal Caribbean offers numerous family-friendly amenities that are included in the cruise fare. All ships feature pools and hot tubs that passengers can enjoy at no additional cost. For adults seeking a more tranquil atmosphere, many ships also include an adults-only pool area, providing a space for relaxation away from family zones.

The cruise line's commitment to family entertainment extends to their daily programming, which includes numerous activities suitable for all ages. From pool games and contests to family-friendly trivia sessions and evening entertainment, Royal Caribbean ensures there are plenty of options for families to enjoy together without extra charges.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean cruises offer an impressive array of freebies and inclusions that enhance the overall value of the vacation experience. From thrilling activities like iFly and the North Star to diverse entertainment options including live shows, karaoke, and trivia, passengers have numerous choices that don't impact their onboard account. The generous food and beverage inclusions, particularly the wide selection of complimentary drinks and dining options, further contribute to the appeal of cruising with this line.

The Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program rewards frequent cruisers with increasingly valuable benefits, with crystal blocks serving as tangible mementos of one's cruising history. Meanwhile, the Adventure Ocean kids club and family-friendly amenities ensure that passengers of all ages can enjoy a memorable experience without additional costs.

While some premium experiences and specialty items come with extra charges, the wealth of complimentary offerings makes Royal Caribbean an attractive option for travelers seeking excellent value and diverse entertainment options. By taking advantage of these freebies, passengers can customize their cruise experience to suit their interests and budget, creating a vacation that balances cost-consciousness with memorable experiences.

Sources

1. Forever Karen - Cruise Ship Freebies
2. Royal Caribbean Blog - The Ultimate Guide to Freebies on Royal Caribbean Cruises
3. Royal Caribbean Blog - Royal Caribbean Crystal Blocks
4. Royal Caribbean - What Is Included on a Cruise