Royal Caribbean Cruise Guide: Daycare and Toddler Activities
Growing up, my family went through a “cruise phase,” in which we went on an annual cruise from the time I was 12 to 17. Since then I have cruised as an adult three times, and I can find no faults. They are amazing family vacations! Cruise ships are like floating cities, loaded with all of my favorite things - restaurants, ice cream, hot tubs, friendly people, spas, and great entertainment. My favorite part is that every activity is just a short walk from your bedroom with no need to ever find parking.
In all my years cruising, I had never been on a mega-ship - the ones with ice skating rinks, inward-facing cabins, and slides from Deck 16 to Deck 6! Yeah - there are such things! I knew I wanted to experience one of these cruises, and with so much to offer, I was sure our toddler would love it too!
We booked a trip on one of Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, Symphony of the Seas, out of Miami, Florida with a seven-day itinerary. While this post pertains to this ship, everything should be very similar if not identical to all the Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ships: Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas.
Ready to book? Read ”Royal Caribbean Cruise Guide: Know Before you Go” for info on selecting the best cabin, stateroom amenities, and our packing recommendations.
Looking for toddler-friendly options while in port? Read “Royal Caribbean Cruise Guide: Eastern Caribbean Port Recommendations with a Toddler”.
Toddler-Friendly Things to Do Onboard
Think your toddler might go stir-crazy on a ship for a week? Think again! There is so much to do!
Cool off at Splashaway Bay, the toddler water play area (open 10am-6pm). There are two separate play structures - one for toddlers (<3 years old), and one for older children that they must be out of swim diapers to use. We spent several mornings and afternoons here watching our son have a blast on the tower and the slides. It was also a great place for us to cool off in the water, and we noticed that beverage carts seemed to always be passing by serving up drinks to thirsty parents. We loved how RC did things like this to consider parents. Additionally, we noticed that the ship stocked most all the men’s and women’s restrooms with changing tables, wipes, sanitizing wipes, diaper pails, and latex gloves - including the bathrooms nearest the water-play area.
Swimming in one of the many family-friendly pools. Note: Children must be 36” and fully potty trained. Staff may ask those not in compliance to leave (we witnessed this a few times!)
Putting around at “Symphony Dunes,” the mini-golf course on the ship.
Snacking at the Windjammer buffet, Sorrento’s Pizza, Dog House, Park Cafe, and others.
Grabbing soft-serve every time we passed the machine on Deck 15.
Dancing to all the live music on board, from the lively jams on the pool deck to the mellow vibes of the acoustic guitar in “Central Park,” from the singers in the Schooner Bar to the spontaneous elevator crooner/pianist.
Attending all of the toddler-friendly activities put on by the crew, including the “Anchors Aweigh” parade and Carnival event on the Boardwalk.
Riding the elevators (pushing an elevator button brings endless joy to a toddler).
Taking a turn (or ten) on the Carousel on Deck 6.
Spending some time at the arcade. It took our two-year-old a full 20 minutes to finish one game of skeeball. Well worth the $2!
Getting our wiggles out at the Adventure Ocean indoor play area (open 9am-12pm and 2pm-10pm).
Royal Tots and Babies Open Play Area
Adventure Ocean’s Royal Tots and Babies (Nursery)
We knew if we booked a cruise, we would want some adult relaxation time in addition to time with our toddler. We had heard there was a “daycare” on board, but we didn’t know the details and found it challenging to locate any helpful information online about the under 3 years daycare options (sometimes referred to as “Adventure Ocean Babies” and other times “Royal Tots and Babies”). So, we made a point to ask a ton of questions to share with you all upon our return.
What to Expect
The nursery allows babies and toddlers 6 months to 3 years.
The nursery is open 9am-12pm and 2pm-1am, with some variation on port days.
There is a large open play area with toys and a television, and a separate nap area with cribs, all in the same room.
Parents are asked to provide diapers, a drink cup/bottle, sleeping gear (sleep sack, pacifier, etc.), a comfort item, and any additional food, breastmilk, or formula needed.
With your permission, they will offer your toddler snacks like yogurt, crackers, milk, and cheese.
Dinner is provided around 6pm. If your child is in the nursery around that time, they will get your child’s “order” when you drop them off. The menu includes “standard” toddler fare like mac n’ cheese, pizza, chicken nuggets, etc.
At drop off, staff will ask for the most recent diaper change time, as well as when they should be put down for a nap/bedtime, if necessary.
You are lent a phone to carry around while your child is at the nursery, in case the nursery needs to get ahold of you. You can also call the staff to check in.
The staff does a good job reporting back about your child’s experience - we got reports like “He danced to Cocomelon, crawled around on his knees and roared like a monster. He ate all his cheerios, had some water, and did some art. His last diaper change was at 1pm and it was only liquids.”
There is a nominal fee for nursery use - $6/hr before 7pm, $8/hr after 7pm. You must cancel your reservation 4 hours in advance, otherwise, you will be charged 50% of your reservation block.
Registration
You must register your child if they will partake in any Adventure Ocean activity (Nursery or the play rooms for kids over 3). This requires a single form about your child’s likes/dislikes, allergies, ability level in some areas, and parent contact information.
They will remind you that you need your sea pass at drop off and pick up.
Registration can be done at any point during the voyage but will need to be taken care of prior to your child’s first visit.
Required Reservations
Reservations are required for children under 3 years, as only 8 toddlers/babies are allowed in the nursery at a time.
You are able to make reservations as early as Day 1, starting at 1 pm at the Adventure Ocean Nursery. We showed up about 20-30 min early and were the 3rd family in line. By the time they opened, there were about 30 families in line! Most went to Adventure Ocean (3 and up), and we were first in line for the nursery (under 3 years).
On Day 1, you are allowed to schedule up to 8 hours of nursery time for the entire cruise. This is to ensure that all guests who wish to bring their child in are able to use the service.
On Day 4, you are able to make additional reservations without restrictions to a limited number of hours.
At any point, you can call or drop in to see if the Nursery is able to accommodate your child.
You have the option to leave your child with the Nursery while you enjoy a port-of-call.
Below are screenshots of the Royal Babies and Tots page on the Royal Caribbean app. You can only access these pages once onboard, and connected to the ship’s wifi. I have added them here for your reference, but note that times and protocols may vary by voyage and by ship.
Adventure Ocean (kids 3-11years)
Have kids over 3 years? The protocol is similar, with a few key differences noted below.
What to Expect
There are three rooms, each with their own age ranges 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11years.
The rooms are open 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm, and 7-10pm, with some variation on port days.
Each room has an open play area, a large tv, and developmentally appropriate toys and games.
Meals are not provided.
You are lent an old school phone to carry around while your child is in their care, in case the staff needs to get ahold of you. You can also reach the your child this way.
There is no fee! Only late night parties, hosted 10pm-1am incur a $7/hr fee.
Registration
You must register your child if they will partake in any Adventure Ocean activity.
They will remind you that you need your sea pass at drop off and pick up.
Registration can be done at any point during the voyage but will need to be taken care of prior to your child’s first visit.
Attending
Reservations are not required for any daytime use, though the late night sessions do require reservations.
Kids can pop in and out anytime during their open hours.
Though there is a room capacity, it is not usually met.
You have the option to leave your child with Adventure Ocean while you enjoy a port-of-call.
Do you have additional questions? Leave a note in the comments and we will do our best to answer them!
Ready to book your cruise? Read ”Royal Caribbean Cruise Guide: Know Before you Go” for info on selecting the best cabin, stateroom amenities, and our packing recommendations.
Have you cruised on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships? What would add? Share in the comments!