A relaxing cruise vacation might be perfect for tired parents and children still small enough to be enthralled by even the simplest entertainment. But what about energetic teenagers who need a bit more excitement to stave off boredom? Not all cruises offer amenities with adolescents in mind, but Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is one notable exception.
Symphony of the Seas is among the largest cruise ships in the world, and much of its space is devoted to amenities fun and flashy enough to keep any teen occupied. There’s the thrilling zip-line ride, where young adrenaline junkies can fly nine decks above the Boardwalk. Then there’s the FlowRider, a wave pool where sailors can try their hand at surfing and bodyboarding. After making a splash in the surf simulator, thrill-seeking teens can head to the ship’s massive waterslides and speed down their twisty tracks.
There are plenty of other activities and attractions suitable for teens who never stop, like the forty-foot-tall rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink, and a laser tag facility. Simply put, there’s more than enough fun to fill an entire journey at sea.
Other teen-friendly amenities
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Symphony of the Seas’ biggest draw is its adventure-packed activities, but everyone — even active teenagers — needs a break from the excitement sometimes. Thankfully, the cruise is loaded with a variety of onboard entertainment and amenities ideal for bringing down a racing heart rate. Symphony of the Seas provides multiple shows and performances, such as the Broadway hit “Hairspray,” which can be a great way to gather the whole family after a day of zip-lining and cruising down waterslides.
For teens who prefer to break away and do their own thing, there’s a teen lounge, run by a team of teenaged staff. Royal Caribbean also offers teen-oriented events to help young adults mix and mingle with others around their age.
If that wasn’t enough, there are engaging classes (such as a sushi-making workshop), a karaoke club, onboard shopping (perfect for spending that hard-earned allowance), and an arcade. And, when it’s time to sit down for a meal, hungry teens have a lot to choose from, from Mexican to sushi to Starbucks.
What to know when booking your trip
A getaway on the Symphony of the Seas is a thrill for teenagers — and passengers of any age — regardless of where it sails. However, to help you plan your trip, it’s good to note that the cruise typically sails from ports in Florida and New Jersey and travels to attractive destinations throughout the Caribbean, with most journeys lasting about a week.
The Symphony of the Seas’ 18 decks holds over 5,500 passengers, with a variety of rooms to choose from. For families on a budget, the ship’s inside cabins are the best choice and can sleep up to six guests. For a better view, the Ocean View and Balcony staterooms are worth the higher cost. The biggest splurge on the cruise — and perhaps the most impressive for young travelers — is the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-story accommodation with a slide, video games, table tennis tables, a jacuzzi, board games, and VIP service. The brightly decorated room is equal parts zany and luxurious, but teens (and their parents) hoping to book the deluxe suite should be prepared to dip into their savings. As of 2023, it’s priced from $52,699 for a week-long getaway, as a Royal Caribbean spokesperson revealed to Business Insider.
