April 2023
Embarking on our first family cruise was such an adventure for all of us.
The kids were super excited, their eyes lighting up as we boarded the massive ship that would be our home for the next few days. It was the Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas. We chose the 4D3N Cruise to Port Klang & Penang.
One of the biggest perks of cruising with young children is the convenience it offers. Having our cabin just a short walk away made activities like diaper changes or impromptu naps incredibly easy. It really eliminated the usual stress of family travel, allowing us to focus on enjoying our time together. And with so many amenities and activities tailored for families, cruising proved to be an ideal choice for our multi-generational vacation!
Rather than a day-by-day itinerary, this post focuses on the various activities, experiences and dining sessions we enjoyed during our trip.
A floating wonderland
Embarking on a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas is like stepping into a floating world of adventure and relaxation.
The ship boasts some thrilling attractions like the FlowRider surf simulator, Ripcord by iFly simulator and the North Star observation capsule, offering unique experiences at sea. However, with our kids being under 7, we focused on activities suited to their age group.
For a start, they thoroughly enjoyed just exploring the ship!
Splashaway Bay
The moment we stepped on board, the kids were eager to dive into the water play, so we got changed and immediately headed to Splashaway Bay.
Our ship featured the Splashaway Bay℠, a water park designed especially for children. Complete with colourful water slides, water cannons, fountains, and even a drench bucket, it quickly became the kids’ favourite spot.
The water play section wasn’t big, but it was sufficient and always bustling. We put YB in swim diapers, and he was mostly content to let the water splash on him. J went up and down the water slides countless times, making the most out of our experience!
We had a great time trying out the ship’s main pool and jacuzzi. J was all smiles, thoroughly enjoying every splash and moment in the water.
We also introduced YB to the jacuzzi, and he seemed to love the warm, bubbling water. However, our time there was cut short when we were informed that children in swim diapers aren’t permitted in the jacuzzi. This left us a bit puzzled, especially since we later noticed other young children, who appeared to be in diapers, continuing to play in the same area. It seems there might be some inconsistency in enforcing this rule, which was a tad frustrating. :(
The main pool was always bustling with activity, but we still managed to have a great time. We realised that staying on board during port days might offer a quieter experience, as many passengers disembark for excursions, leaving the ship’s amenities less crowded. This could be an ideal opportunity to enjoy popular activities with shorter queues and fewer crowds.
Onboard dining
With young kids in tow, our family decided to only stick to complimentary dining options on the ship. So we alternate between Windjammer, the ship’s main buffet venue on Deck 14 and the Main Dining Room on Deck 3 and 4.
At Windjammer, the spread was impressive! From classic breakfast staples like scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancakes to international dishes and fresh fruits, there was plenty to choose from. But while the variety was commendable, we found the overall quality of the food to be average. I was disappointed by the coffee, daily.
Nonetheless, the kids were always fed and happy with simple stuff like toast and pastries, fried noodles and porridge. Windjammer also serves lunches, so we would usually pop back in for a quick mid-day meal, or just to grab some fruit and pastries to snack on.
We all much preferred the Main Dining Room, and even had breakfasts there on some days. We opted for My Time Dining, and using the Royal Caribbean app, we easily made reservations that fit our daily plans.
The food was great, with a menu that changed nightly, so we never got bored. Our friendly servers were amazing—not only did they were they quick to attend to needs, but they also entertained the kids with magic tricks. J became a big fan of the mac and cheese, and having ice cream after every meal was a must! She also enjoyed reading the menu and picking her own dishes, which made her feel very grown-up!
Beyond the main dining venues, we frequently enjoyed the complimentary options available on Spectrum of the Seas. The SeaPlex Dog House on Deck 15 became a favorite spot for quick bites after a swim, offering a variety of hot dogs and sausages. Additionally, Sorrento’s Pizza, open from 11:30am to 3am, was our go-to for late-night cravings, serving up delicious pizza slices. These convenient eateries ensured we were never hungry during our cruise.
Adventure Ocean youth program
On our first day aboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas, we headed straight to the Adventure Ocean on Deck 11 and 12 to register J. The process was straightforward: we filled out a form, and from there, J could join activities that interested her. She had a absolute blast with arts and crafts, made new friends and enjoyed movie time. There was also a small playground where kids could play.
Unfortunately, YB, being 2 years old and still in diapers, couldn’t participate, as the program requires children to be at least 3 years old and fully toilet trained. There was babysitting services at a cost, but we figured YB would be happier being with us so we didn’t go for it. With only one kid to handle at times, we could focus on his needs and wants solely.
And it turned out that his favourite was the mini arcade (only a few games!) at Seaplex so we spent a lot of time there! Again, my kids were too young for bumper cars so we didn’t join the super duper long queue.
Pretty Penang
We didn’t disembark at Port Klang (there was nothing much except buying keropok, we feel), but we couldn’t resist the allure of Penang and decided to disembark at Swettenham Pier to head into George Town. The tropical heat was intense, so instead of venturing far for hawker delights, we opted for a unique cultural experience close to the jetty.
I booked a session for J to dress up as a Little Nyonya at Nyonya Palazzo, a charming café located at 29 Church Street. Although it was right next to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, we decided not to pay admission to tour the museum as the kids were too young to appreciate it.
So we went straight to the cafe for the kebaya rental. J was allowed to choose her preferred colours, as long as the size fits her. She looked so adorable in the vibrant kebaya, and we took countless photos to cherish the memories. Again, of course we also asked if there was batik shirts for the boy. But they don’t have sizes for two-year-olds sadly. You can contact @nyonyapalazzo to book with them directly before your cruise.
After J’s delightful transformation into a Little Nyonya, we settled down to enjoy authentic Nyonya kuehs and some colourful mochi. Love how beautifully they were presented in bamboo baskets! And I could finally have some good coffee!
We were amazed by how smooth the disembarkation process was. We only queued for a while, and was able to push the pram easily all the way till we reach Swettenham Pier.
Our family cruise was filled with endless activities and entertainment. We enjoyed various shows on select nights, like the Silk Road. It was also J’s first time at a magic show, and she was amazed. As the journey concluded, we really cherished the memories made and eagerly anticipated future adventures together.
Little Notes
Pack what your kids need: Cruise ship shops may not stock specific items tailored for young children. Besides diapers and wet wipes, I packed all the necessary medications and each child’s preferred snacks in daily ziplock bags just in case.
Download and set up the Royal Caribbean app before your trip. This app allows you to check in, make dining reservations, book shore excursions and view daily activities. Once onboard, connect to the ship’s Guest Wi-Fi to access all features without an internet package.
Plan and book activities in advance: Popular onboard activities and dining venues can fill up quickly. Use the cruise line’s app or website to make reservations ahead of time, ensuring your family doesn’t miss out on desired experiences!
Bring reusable water bottles: On our cruise, bottled water was provided in our room only on the first day. We were advised to refill our bottles at the ship’s restaurants and beverage stations, where filtered water is readily available. Bringing a reusable water bottle is highly recommended to stay hydrated throughout the trip. (Additionally, Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring up to 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages per stateroom on boarding day, which can include bottled water. This policy enables you to have your preferred beverages on hand during the cruise.) This brings us to the next point!
Buy packages in advance: If you’re thinking about getting dining, drink, or Wi-Fi packages for your Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s a good idea to buy them ahead of time. Booking these packages before your trip often comes with discounts, so keep an eye out for promotions and sales leading up to your cruise to snag the best deals. We really didn’t need the drinks package, but we wanted wi-fi to stream movies for the kids in the room.
Sign up for Adventure Ocean: Royal Caribbean offers the Adventure Ocean program, providing age-appropriate activities for children. Enrolling your kids can give them a fun experience while allowing parents some relaxation time!
This Little Season 