Royal Caribbean has designed its ships so that passengers can enjoy world-class experiences without paying additional fees. From poolside relaxation to Broadway-level shows and jaw-dropping attractions, there’s something for every age group and travel style.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
Free entertainment
Free adventure & thrill activities
Free family & kids’ activities
Free sports & recreation
Free educational & enrichment activities
Free nightlife & lounges
Free fitness fun
Special seasonal or ship-specific free options
Let’s explore each category in a detailed, easy-to-understand way.
Royal Caribbean is famous for being the most adventurous cruise line, and the best part is that many of its headline attractions are totally free. These activities vary by ship class, but many iconic ones are included on most vessels.
This signature attraction is a passenger favorite—and it’s free on all ships that offer it. You can try:
Stand-up surfing
Bodyboarding
Beginner or advanced sessions
Spectator viewing from stadium seating
Tip: Arrive early to avoid queues.
Every Royal Caribbean ship features a massive outdoor climbing wall—and it’s 100% included.
What you get for free:
Safety equipment
Climbing shoes
Supervised sessions
Varying difficulty levels
On Oasis-class ships, the nine-deck-high zip line is completely free and offers a breathtaking ride over the Boardwalk neighborhood.
This is the tallest slide at sea, dropping you 10 decks in seconds. It’s included, no reservation required.
Free multi-slide waterpark experiences include:
Cyclone
Typhoon
Supercell
Tidal Wave
During scheduled public skate hours, ice skating is completely complementary.
Every ship offers free mini golf with scenic sea views. Great for both kids and adults.
The open-air multi-sport court is free for:
Basketball
Pickleball
Volleyball
Dodgeball tournaments
A peaceful track for strolling, jogging, or marathon training—totally free.
Royal Caribbean dominates the cruise industry with its unmatched entertainment, most of which is free. From Broadway shows to aqua theater performances, you get spectacular quality without paying an extra dollar.
Depending on your ship, you may find:
Grease
Hairspray
Mamma Mia!
We Will Rock You
Cats
All included with your fare, no ticket cost.
These include high-dive stunts, synchronized swimming, and acrobatics—performed in the deepest pool at sea.
Smaller rinks but huge talent. World-class figure skaters perform original productions with lighting and special effects.
Family-friendly early shows + adult late-night comedy.
Free music throughout the ship, including:
Latin bands
Jazz trios
Piano bars
Caribbean steel drums
Dance party DJs
Royal Caribbean is known for special events such as:
70s disco night
Pirate/Caribbean night
Pool deck parties
Parade through the Royal Promenade
Movies under the stars are shown on giant open-air LED screens—totally free.
Royal Caribbean is incredibly family-friendly, offering complimentary activities for babies, children, teens, and families.
This supervised kids’ club includes:
Science experiments
Pirate nights
Arts & crafts
Games and contests
Educational activities
Completely free until late-night hours (late night incurs a small fee).
Teens enjoy:
A private teen lounge
Video games
Movies
Karaoke
Dance parties
Sports competitions
Note: This is the ONLY kids’ service that’s not free—but it’s inexpensive. All other youth activities are complimentary.
Families can enjoy:
Scavenger hunts
Trivia games
Poolside contests
LEGO or art sessions
Family karaoke
Most ships offer this amazing and free water playground for kids.
Multiple pools are free, including:
Main pool
Adults-only Solarium
Hot tubs
Sports pool
Whirlpool baths
Cruise staff hosts:
Belly-flop contests
Pool volleyball
Water relays
Music & dancing
Available near the sports court or pool deck.
Quiet, air-conditioned spaces for reading, puzzles, or board games.
Some ships offer a few complimentary arcade games, though most require a small fee.
Royal Caribbean provides a variety of free fitness options, especially for cruisers who like staying active.
These may include:
Stretching
Dance classes
Abs workout
Zumba (sometimes free, varies by ship)
The state-of-the-art fitness center includes:
Cardio machines
Weight machines
Free weights
Functional training area
Depending on sailing, you might find free:
Destination talks
Shopping seminars
Photography lessons
Dance lessons
Cooking demos (some free, some paid)
Viewing the art—especially the auctions—is free.
Royal Caribbean nightlife is legendary—and much of it is free.
Enjoy:
Live music bars
Latin dance venues
English pubs
Pool bars
Quiet piano lounges
Entry is free—even if you don’t buy a drink.
Always a hit. Fun, free, and full of energy.
This is a favorite on most ships—and it’s usually free.
Some Royal Caribbean ships offer special free activities you won’t find fleet-wide.
While most sessions have a fee, some itineraries offer complimentary rides.
Free bumper cars, roller skating, and indoor sports.
A charming boardwalk carousel ride for families—100% free.
Sometimes free, depending on sailing.
Audience-friendly fun such as:
Love & Marriage Show
Battle of the Sexes
Crazy Quest
Trivia tournaments
All free.
FlowRider, zip line, and water slides get busy.
It shows schedules, wait times, and daily activities.
You’ll receive a printed schedule every day.
Crowds drop significantly.
Even free shows require RSVP on some ships.
You can enjoy world-class experiences without paying extra.
Kids and teens have endless free entertainment.
Surfing, climbing, ziplines—no extra cost.
Free pools, hot tubs, and adults-only Solarium offer total peace.
Broadway and ice shows are included—a huge value.
Not all, but a large majority are. Specialty dining, spa, drink packages, and certain premium attractions cost extra.
Most start operating shortly after boarding.
Some shows and activities do require reservations, depending on the ship.
Yes—FlowRider, zip lines, and slides have safety rules.
Royal Caribbean delivers an experience that blends thrill, relaxation, entertainment, dining, and family fun, all with a huge amount of completely free activities. Whether you’re cruising on Oasis of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, or a smaller Vision-class vessel, you’ll find endless complimentary fun everywhere you go.
In short:You can enjoy a full Royal Caribbean vacation without paying extra for activities—and still have an unforgettable trip.
Recent Guide