Wonders of the Waves

Four new cruise ships crank up the family fun with a full slate of kid-friendly amenities and features

By Diane Tierney

For many families, a cruise vacation ticks a lot of boxes. There are always plenty of choices to be had, sure to make everyone happy. The newest wave of ships to roam the seas have so much to offer with everything from a go-kart track to Broadway-calibre shows and a roller coaster.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN WONDER OF THE SEAS

© ROYAL CARIBBEAN

When you step aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Wonder of the Seas, which is longer than three football fields and the largest cruise ship in the world, you quickly realize it’s paradise for 6,988 passengers who like to see and do exciting things.

Wonder has Oasis-class fan favourites such as surfing, a nine-storey spiral dry slide, ziplining, rock climbing, sports court and laser tag. The main pool area features an aquapark and fast waterslides. The newest attraction for kids is Playscape. It’s a play area with an underwater theme that features slides, climbing walls, games, an interactive mural and more.

While sister ships have seven neighbourhoods, Wonder has eight. The Royal Promenade has shops; Central Park is lush with plants; the Boardwalk has seaside-inspired attractions such as a merry-go-round; and Entertainment Place features show venues. Plus, there’s a Pool and Sports Zone, Youth Zone and Vitality Spa and Fitness centre.

The eighth area is called the Suite Neighborhood for its private-access staterooms, restaurant, bar, loungers and plunge pool, as well as the 105-square-metre Ultimate Family Suite, which sleeps up to 10.

Outstanding entertainment is a hallmark so don’t miss the inTENse show at the AquaTheater, featuring high divers and trapeze acrobats. The skating show, 365: The Seasons on Ice has skaters who perform daring physical feats at Studio B.

Wonder also has four large pools and more than 30 restaurants, bars and lounges.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE PRIMA

© NORWEGIAN CRUISE

Norwegian’s beautiful new ship kicked off its arrival in style with pop star Katy Perry as its godmother. She had kind things to say: “My most favourite way to vacation with my family is on the water. Every morning that you wake up, you get to experience an incredible new view. I’m so excited for this new, beautiful, high-end, high-tech ship to take to the seas and provide once-in-a-lifetime vacations for so many families.”

The 3,215-passenger Prima gets the checkered flag for having the largest, three-level racetrack at sea for go-karts. One straightaway is 420 metres long, the track goes through the ship’s funnel and there are 14 hairpin turns. The go-karts can reach speeds of more than 50 km/h.

The ship also boasts The Drop, the world’s first freefall dry slide that’s 10 storeys tall and gives you a stronger G-force experience than a Formula 1 race car. The Rush area has two duelling dry slides so you can compete with family and friends.

As well as four pools, the aquapark includes the Tidal Wave waterslide where you can ride an innertube on rushing water.

The Galaxy Pavilion has two escape rooms and four simulation experiences.

To refuel or relax after a fun day, you’ve got choices – 35 restaurants, bars and lounges.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE WISH

© DISNEY

The 4,000-guest Disney Wish delights families with more pools, more deck space and more dining than her sister ships. The main attraction is AquaMouse, a 231-metre ride with videos, special effects and a waterslide suspended above the top deck. Another fast slide is the Slide-a-saurus Rex, which features a double loop.

There are six pools of various depths. The Toy Story Splash Zone is an aquapark inspired by the Disney/Pixar short Partysaurus Rex. This area features two toddler slides, jets and geysers. Trixie’s Falls is a shallow wading pool with a fountain and waterfall, ideal for young passengers.

There’s surprise and delight around every corner of the ship, whether it’s family dining with a Frozen theme, a tour of the Star Wars galaxy, Broadway-style shows and characters galore to greet your kids.

With seven pools, nine restaurants and 12 bars and lounges available, go ahead and let the kids pick their favourite spots.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE CELEBRATION

© CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

The new 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration ship has six special zones: Ultimate Playground, Summer Landing and Lido similar to sister ship Mardi Gras, and three new areas – 820 Biscayne, Celebration Central and The Gateway.

The jewel of the ship is the rollercoaster 56 metres above sea level. The motorcycle-style vehicle can go up to 64 km/h along the 243-metre track for an exhilarating ride.

The WaterWorks aquapark has three spiral slides, plus SportSquare with an elevated ropes course, mini-golf and basketball court.

Celebration Central is the ship’s impressive atrium for fun family shows. The Gateway has bars and eateries inspired by landmarks of the world. Summer Landing has a relaxing backyard vibe with a pool and 820 Biscayne features Miamiinspired venues.

Looking for options? You’ve got five pools as well as 12 restaurants, 11 bars and seven lounges to choose from.

All these ships have superb age-appropriate children’s programs, so you can feel confident knowing your children are well cared for by trained counsellors. That means you’ve got some time to enjoy the many adults-only spaces.