8 Things You Can Only Do on Royal Caribbean

Every cruise line has unique qualities that set it apart from other companies. Royal Caribbean is a line that is almost always ahead of its time, coming up with amenities and thrills that can’t be found anywhere else at sea. Here’s what you can do on Royal Caribbean, that you can’t do on any other cruise line.

1. Ice Skate & Roller Skate

Which Ships: Ice skating: Oasis, Voyager, and Freedom class, Roller skating: Quantum class
Why It’s Unique: Gliding across a rink of ice and rolling across a glossy floor on wheels… these are common activities among land-dwellers. Now just picture that on a floating vessel in the middle of the ocean.
Why You Should Do It: Because you get to say you went skating in the middle of the sea! The good thing is, these ships are so massive that in most cases you aren’t going to lose your balance because of a rocking ship. The one drawback? You have nothing to blame that fall on but yourself.

2. Skydive (Sort Of)

Which Ships: Quantum class
Why It’s Unique: The RipCord by iFly skydiving capsules are on land too, but at sea you’ll only find them on the Quantum class ships. In general, a simulation that feels like skydiving is a pretty unique afternoon activity.
Why You Should Do It: If you’re afraid of heights or just the idea of free-falling out of an airplane, this is an excellent, less anxiety-inducing alternative. You get a similar sensation without the danger or crippling terror.

3. Get a Drink From a Robot

Which Ships: Quantum class, Harmony of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas
Why It’s Unique: At the Bionic Bar, guests enter which drink they want on a tablet, and then watch as the robotic arm prepares it for them. Sadly, you won’t be able to engage in small talk with these determined bartenders. Well, you could, but the conversation would be pretty one-sided. 
Why You Should Do It: Again, it’s a unique experience that you probably won’t be able to participate in elsewhere. Everyone needs a robot to make them a drink at least once in their life. But be warned: even electronic bartenders charge automatic gratuity.

4. Surf

Which Ships: Freedom class, Oasis class, Quantum class, and Voyager class
Why It’s Unique: Royal Caribbean is pretty big on activities that you can’t do on any other cruise line. The FlowRiders, like Ripcord skydiving, can also be found on land but it’s still quite a neat activity to try while at sea. 
Why You Should Do It: If you’d like to try your hand at surfing without the crushing waves and rocky beach, this is a safer alternative in a controlled environment. Plus, if you’re a beginner, a crew member will help you hold your balance until you’re ready to try alone. 

5. Bumper Cars

Which Ships: Quantum class
Why It’s Unique: Bumper cars remind us all of our childhood, where the simple premise of running little vehicles into each other was the point and — of course — great fun. It felt liberating to not get in trouble for hitting someone else, unlike when you rammed into the neighbor’s kid on your battery operated Jeep. 
Why You Should Do It: Who doesn’t love bumper cars? Adults will feel like kids again, and kids will just love that you’re supposed to bump into people.

6. Watch a High-Dive Show

Which Ships: Oasis class
Why It’s Unique: Even seeing this type of performance on land is pretty unique and amazing to watch. The closest we usually get to these types of things is watching the diving portions of the summer Olympics.
Why You Should Do It: Each sailing has several shows in the AquaTheater to choose from, both during daylight hours and at night. There’s no excuse not to catch a show, and trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

7. Take in Views From the North Star

Which Ships: Quantum class
Why It’s Unique: Other cruise ships have expansive viewing areas, especially those built for regions like Alaska that focus on the wildlife. However, none but the Quantum class have a clear, enclosed capsule attached to the ship that extends 300 feet above sea level while sailing on the ocean. Enough said. 
Why You Should Do It: Not only is this an excellent photo opportunity, but it gives you a clear vantage point to see much of the ship from above, too.

8. Meet DreamWorks Characters

Which Ships: Oasis class, Quantum class, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas
Why It’s Unique: The only other place you can officially meet characters from popular DreamWorks movies like Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek is at Universal Studios parks. 
Why You Should Do It: Not only are there meet-and-greets onboard, but there are also character dining experiences, a themed parade, and DreamWorks activities in the kid’s clubs. It’s a great way to meet your kid’s favorite characters on the high seas without braving the crowds at Universal.