Back to Blog

What water slides are on Royal Caribbean ships?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 1/10/2025
  • 6 min read

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Water Slide Categories

Royal Caribbean ships feature several types of slides—from mild family fun to extreme adrenaline. Knowing the categories helps you choose the perfect ship for your thrill level.

1. High-Thrill Adult & Teen Slides

These slides are designed for maximum speed, twists and drops.

2. Kids & Family Slides

Gentler slides with splash zones ideal for families with younger children.

3. Signature Mega-Slides

Unique attractions available only on specific ships, such as the Ultimate Abyss.

4. Private Island Slide Experiences

Slides located at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Major Water Slides on Royal Caribbean Ships

Royal Caribbean offers some of the most iconic slides at sea. Here is a breakdown of each major water slide and where you can find them.

The Perfect Storm Water Slide Trio

The Perfect Storm is Royal Caribbean’s well-known system of three major water slides: Typhoon, Cyclone, and Supercell. Available on many ships, these slides are famous for being visually dramatic and incredibly fun.

Typhoon

Typhoon is a twisty, fast-paced water slide featuring translucent tubes and tight turns. Riders zoom through a maze-like series of curves before splashing out at the bottom.

Ships With Typhoon

  • Oasis of the Seas

  • Harmony of the Seas

  • Symphony of the Seas

  • Wonder of the Seas

  • Navigator of the Seas

  • Mariner of the Seas

  • Independence of the Seas

Height Requirement

Typically around 48 inches (122 cm).

Cyclone

Almost identical to Typhoon but with different curves and lighting features. Cyclone is all about high-speed twists.

Ships Featuring Cyclone

Most ships with Typhoon also include Cyclone, making them a racing pair.

Ride Experience

Fast curves, multi-color tunnel effects, and racing lanes for you to challenge friends or family.

Supercell

Supercell is the giant “toilet bowl” slide—round, wide and packed with motion-swirling fun. Riders drop into a large bowl, spin around the edges and get flushed through the exit.

Ships Featuring Supercell

  • Harmony of the Seas

  • Symphony of the Seas

  • Wonder of the Seas

  • Navigator of the Seas

Why It’s Popular

The circular motion gives riders a unique mix of thrill and laughter—ideal for teens and adults.

The Ultimate Abyss (Dry Slide) – Not a Water Slide, But a Must-Know

Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Abyss is often misunderstood as a water slide. It is actually a dry slide, meaning it uses mats, not water. However, it deserves mention because it remains one of the biggest attractions at sea.

The Experience

A 10-deck plunge from the top of the ship to the Boardwalk neighborhood. Riders rush through glowing tunnels and LED lights.

Ships Featuring Ultimate Abyss

  • Symphony of the Seas

  • Harmony of the Seas

  • Wonder of the Seas

  • Utopia of the Seas

  • Oasis of the Seas (after amplification)

Height Requirement

Minimum 44 inches (112 cm).

Tidal Wave – The Boomerang Style Water Slide

Tidal Wave is Royal Caribbean’s boomerang-shaped waterslide that delivers a dramatic drop followed by an upward climb. It creates a zero-gravity moment that riders never forget.

Ships Featuring Tidal Wave

  • Liberty of the Seas

Why Riders Love It

The sharp angle and free-fall feeling give thrill seekers something truly unique on board.

Height Requirement

Minimum 52 inches (132 cm).

The Blaster – Aqua Coaster Water Slide

The Blaster is a water coaster—one of the longest at sea. Instead of simply sliding down, riders experience water jet propulsion pushing them uphill and around curves.

Ships Featuring The Blaster

  • Navigator of the Seas

Ride Highlights

  • High-powered water jets

  • Multiple drops

  • Two-person raft

  • Scenic views from elevated sections

Family-Friendly Rating

Great for families with older kids who enjoy fast but non-scary attractions.

Riptide – The Head-First Mat Racer

Riptide is Royal Caribbean’s first and only head-first mat racer slide on a ship. Riders get a surfing-like experience through clear tunnels with ocean views.

Ships With Riptide

  • Navigator of the Seas

Height Requirement

Minimum 48 inches (122 cm).

Splashaway Bay Kids Slides

Splashaway Bay is designed for younger children and includes mini water slides, drench buckets, water toys and shallow pools. These areas are perfect for families.

Where You Can Find Splashaway Bay

  • Oasis Class ships

  • Freedom Class ships

  • Voyager Class ships

  • Quantum Class ships (some variations)

Typical Slide Features

  • Toddler-friendly slides

  • Multi-color tubes

  • Small open-top slides

  • Gentle splash pools

Age Limit

Primarily for ages 3–12, depending on the specific slide and height rules.

Typhoon and Cyclone vs. Supercell – What’s the Difference?

Thrill Level

  • Typhoon & Cyclone: Fast, twisty but smooth

  • Supercell: More thrilling due to spinning bowl motion

Ride Length

  • Typhoon: Medium

  • Cyclone: Medium

  • Supercell: Longer circular rotation

Best For

  • Typhoon & Cyclone: Families, teens, first-timers

  • Supercell: Thrill seekers who love intense spins

Water Slides on Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s Private Island)

Though not on the ships themselves, CocoCay features some of the world’s tallest and most exciting water slides—and most guests count these as part of their cruise water slide experience.

Key Slides at Thrill Waterpark

  • Daredevil’s Peak – Tallest slide in North America (135 feet)

  • Dueling Demons – Drop-floor plunge slides

  • Sling Shot – Family raft slide

  • The Twister – Tube slide

  • Splash Speedway – Multi-lane mat racer

  • Adventure Pool – Obstacle-based water fun

Why It Matters

Many cruisers choose Royal Caribbean specifically to experience Daredevil’s Peak.

Height Requirements

Most slides require 48 inches.

Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have the Most Water Slides?

If you want maximum water slide variety, choose one of these ships:

Wonder of the Seas

  • Perfect Storm trio

  • Splashaway Bay

  • Ultimate Abyss

Utopia of the Seas

  • Perfect Storm

  • Kids slides

  • Dry mega-slide Ultimate Abyss

Navigator of the Seas

  • The Blaster (water coaster)

  • Riptide

  • Typhoon & Cyclone

Liberty of the Seas

  • Tidal Wave

  • Family slides

Symphony of the Seas

  • Perfect Storm + Ultimate Abyss

These ships offer the most exciting slide options for all ages.

Tips to Enjoy Water Slides Without Long Lines

Arrive Early

Early morning or late afternoon typically have the shortest lines.

Port Days = Best Days

When the ship is docked, stay onboard and enjoy nearly walk-on slide access.

Avoid Peak Times

Between 11 AM and 3 PM crowds increase significantly.

Wear Proper Swim Gear

Zippers, buckles, and metal accessories may not be allowed.

Check Height Rules

Kids who don’t meet height requirements won’t be able to ride.

Why Water Slides Make Royal Caribbean the Best Cruise Line for Families

Royal Caribbean stands out because:

Innovation

Slides like The Blaster and Riptide are not found on any other cruise line.

Family-Focused Design

Every major ship offers both thrill and gentle slides.

Island + Ship Combo

Perfect Day at CocoCay adds a full waterpark to your vacation.

Safety

Strong lifeguard presence, clear rules, and safe slide designs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean Water Slides

1. Do all Royal Caribbean ships have water slides?

No. Older ships like Grandeur of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas do not feature water slides.

2. Are water slides free?

Yes—except slides inside Thrill Waterpark at CocoCay, which require a ticket.

3. Are there weight limits?

Some raft slides may have weight rules; check onboard signage.

4. Are slides open all day?

They operate during daylight hours and close during bad weather.

5. Can adults ride children’s slides?

Most kids’ areas have strict age or height limits.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean offers an incredible range of water slides, from thrilling drop slides like Tidal Wave and high-speed racers like Typhoon and Cyclone to gentle slides in Splashaway Bay for little ones. Whether you choose a mega-ship like Wonder of the Seas or an adventure-packed vessel like Navigator of the Seas, you’re guaranteed a fun-filled water slide experience at sea.

Understanding the variety of slides will help you choose the best ship for your family or thrill preference. And if you combine your cruise with Perfect Day at CocoCay, you’ll enjoy even more jaw-dropping slides, including the tallest in North America.

this is logo

Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.

© 2025 Cruisefinderpro.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service