Updated July 2018
Royal Caribbean: the cruise line we know to push all industry boundaries and showcase the most innovative facilities at sea. From ice-rinks, rock climbing walls, and Flowriders to Central Parks, carousels, and Broadway Shows, they truly make the impossible, possible. Creating ‘Wow’ moments at every turn, a Royal Caribbean cruise changes every perception of cruising.
With all of these incredible facilities on offer, the first thing many of us think about is cost. 'How much are all of these activities going to set me back?' The price of any holiday can be daunting, but for first time cruisers the confusion of onboard prices can be a worry.
With food, accommodation, entertainment, and activities included in the price, it is clear the value for money on a cruise is exceptional. Delving into a like for like comparison of land activities v cruise activities, this value becomes even more apparent.
With this in mind we wanted to look further into this price comparison, and find out how some of the activites onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise compare to land prices.
Broadway Show
Royal Caribbean Cruise: Complimentary
Royal Caribbean are knowing for showcasing Broadway musicals. Full productions of Hairspray, Chicago, Cats, and more are performed by world-class singers and dancers in state-of-the-art multi-tired theatres.
Average land price: £80
The price of a ticket for one person to go to a show in London's West End ranges between £30-£130.
Flowrider
Royal Caribbean Cruise: Complimentary
The only cruise line in the industry to boast Flowrider surf-simulators on their ships, they have taken the world by storm. First introduced on the Freedom of the Seas, these incredible wave machines pump 30,000 gallons of water per minute as fast as 20mph.
Average land price: £35
There are a few places in the UK to ride the Flowrider. Bodyflight in Bedford offer Flowrider lessons for around £35 per person (peak times), and family surf sessions cost around £100.
iFly
Royal Caribbean Cruise: Complimentary
This is another ground-breaking revolution at sea found on a number of Royal Caribbean ships. Ripcord by iFly is an indoor skydive simulator that will have you feeling like you are soaring 10,000 feet in the air, without having to jump out of a plane!
Average land price: £50 per person
There are a few indoor skydive simulators in the UK, and average prices range between £30 - £75 per person.
Mini Golf
Royal Caribbean Cruise: Complimentary
A round of golf at sea? Of course say Royal Caribbean! Many of the line's fleet boast nine-hole mini golf courses that will allow you to work on your swing, perfect your putt or have fun with the family. Clubs and balls are provided onboard.
Average land price: £6 per person
England is home to an array of mini golf courses and enjoyed as a day our for many of us. With prices varying, the average rate for one round of nine holes is £6 per person.
Kids Clubs
Royal Caribbean Cruise: Complimentary
Royal Caribbean's kids clubs have won many awards and are known for offering some of the most state-of-the-art fun at sea. There kids club are home to science labs, children's theatres and craft lessons, all staffed by highly-trained youth staff. Segmented into different age groups, children of all ages as well as teens can take part in the activities for no extra charge.
Average land price: £40 a week
If you were to pay for a children's camp in the UK during the school holidays it would cost an average £40 a week per child. Even some land-based holidays charge extra for children to use the kids club facilities.
Aqua-Show
Royal Caribbean cruise: Complimentary
Boasting a spectacular Aqua-theatre, this innovation was first brought to life on Oasis of the Seas. Positioned at the aft of the ship, these open aired aqua theatres feature out of this world shows from championship high divers and synchronised swimmers.
Average land price: £115
We do not have a similar kind of show in the UK, however it would cost between £75 and £160 per person to watch one of the water shows in Las Vegas.
Ice Skating
Royal Caribbean Cruise: Complimentary
Another innovation from Royal Caribbean brings ice to the Mediterranean and beyond. Ice skating rinks feature on every Royal Caribbean ship offering skate hire and skating for all ages. In the evening the ice comes alive with spectacular ice skating shows.
Average land price: £10
There are a few indoor ice skating rinks in the UK with several more cropping up in the winter months. Average price is around £10 plus hire of around £2.
Rock Climbing
Royal Caribbean Cruise: Complimentary
The only cruise line to boast mega rock climbing walls on every one of their ships, these walls are a signature feature of the Royal Caribbean brand. If you are brave enough to rise to the challenge, brace yourself to climb 200 feet over the ocean.
Average land price: £15 per person
There are lots of indoor rock climbing walls around the country, especially within fitness centres and activity gyms. The average price for a one hour session climbing is £15.
When travelling with children (or children at heart) it is almost certain they will want to experience all of the exciting activities available. The fact there is no extra charge for most of them is a huge bonus and makes a hassle-free holiday with guaranteed fun.
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