What water slides are on Royal Caribbean ships?

Royal Caribbean International is widely regarded as the industry leader in cruise ship water attractions, offering some of the most advanced, thrilling, and family-friendly water slides at sea. From near-vertical drop slides to multi-person racing slides and kid-focused splash zones, Royal Caribbean’s fleet features distinctive water slide complexes unmatched by most cruise lines.

This in-depth guide answers the question:What water slides are on Royal Caribbean ships?

You’ll find:

• A ship-by-ship breakdown of water slides

• Detailed explanations of each slide type

• Comparison tables by ship class

• Safety rules and height requirements

• Expert tips for families, thrill-seekers, and first-time cruisers

• A data-backed FAQ section

All information is based on official Royal Caribbean sources, maritime safety standards, and public health guidance (CDC, WHO). Where information is unavailable, it is clearly stated.

Why Royal Caribbean Is Known for the Best Water Slides at Sea

Royal Caribbean invests heavily in onboard innovation, particularly in family entertainment and adventure experiences. According to Royal Caribbean Group’s annual reports and fleet announcements, water attractions are a core differentiator for the brand.

Key Reasons Royal Caribbean Leads in Cruise Water Slides

• Purpose-built AquaParks, not single slides

• Slides engineered by WhiteWater West and similar global leaders

• Distinct designs for thrill-seekers, families, and kids

• Advanced safety engineering aligned with SOLAS maritime safety standards

• Slides integrated into ship architecture, not retrofitted

Consumer travel research published by Harvard Business Review highlights that experiential amenities—especially family attractions—significantly influence cruise brand loyalty.

Overview: Royal Caribbean Water Slide Categories

Royal Caribbean water slides generally fall into four categories:

1. High-Thrill Drop Slides

• Near-vertical drops

• Trapdoor or free-fall experiences

• Designed for adrenaline seekers

2. Racing Slides

• Multiple lanes

• Head-to-head racing

• Popular with teens and families

3. Family Raft Slides

• Multi-person rafts

• Moderate thrill

• Suitable for a wide age range

4. Kids’ Splash Zones

• Shallow pools

• Mini slides

• Interactive water features

Major Royal Caribbean Water Slide Attractions Explained

The Perfect Storm℠ (Signature Racing Slides)

Available on: Oasis Class, Quantum Class, Freedom Class, Icon Class

The Perfect Storm℠ is Royal Caribbean’s flagship racing slide complex.

Features

• Two or three high-speed slides

• AquaTubes and body slides

• Timed racing lanes on newer ships

Popular Variants

• Typhoon℠

• Cyclone℠

• Supercell℠ (longest, fastest)

Experience Insight:On Oasis-class ships, slides reach over 100 feet in length, with sharp turns engineered to maximize speed while staying within maritime safety limits.

Ultimate Abyss℠ (Tallest Slide at Sea)

Available on: Select Oasis Class ships

Ultimate Abyss℠ is the tallest water slide at sea, standing nearly 10 stories high.

What Makes It Unique

• Starts near the ship’s funnel

• Near-vertical drop

• Transparent sections

• Dark tunnel with light effects

Important Note:Although sometimes mistaken for a dry slide, Ultimate Abyss℠ uses water lubrication, classifying it as a hybrid water slide.

Height Requirement: Approx. 44 inches (varies by ship)

The Blaster℠ (First Aqua Coaster at Sea)

Available on: Icon Class (Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas)

The Blaster℠ is the world’s first aqua coaster on a cruise ship.

How It Works

• Uses powerful water jets

• Propels riders uphill and downhill

• Two-person rafts

This technology mirrors land-based aqua coasters used in major water parks worldwide.

The Storm Chasers℠ (Family Raft Slide)

Available on: Icon Class

Key Features

• Four-person raft

• Open-air sections

• Banked turns

• Ideal for families

This slide balances excitement with accessibility, making it popular with multi-generation groups.

Splashaway Bay℠ (Kids’ Water Park)

Available on: Most Royal Caribbean ships

Splashaway Bay℠ is designed specifically for children.

Features

• Shallow pools

• Mini slides

• Water cannons

• Dumping buckets

According to CDC recreational water safety guidance, shallow splash zones significantly reduce drowning risk when properly supervised.

Water Slides by Royal Caribbean Ship Class (Comparison Table)

Ship Class	Notable Ships	Water Slides Available
Icon Class	Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas	The Blaster℠, Storm Chasers℠, Crown’s Edge℠ (hybrid), Splashaway Bay℠
Oasis Class	Wonder, Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure	Ultimate Abyss℠, Perfect Storm℠, Splashaway Bay℠
Quantum Class	Odyssey, Spectrum, Anthem	Perfect Storm℠, Splashaway Bay℠
Freedom Class	Freedom, Independence, Liberty	Perfect Storm℠, Splashaway Bay℠
Voyager Class	Select ships	Splashaway Bay℠ only
Radiance / Vision	Select ships	Kids’ splash areas (no major slides)

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on plans to retrofit water slides on older Vision-class ships.

Step-by-Step: How to Access Water Slides on Royal Caribbean

Step 1: Check Your Ship’s Deck Plan

Use the Royal Caribbean app or official website to locate:

• Slide entrances

• Height measurement stations

Step 2: Verify Height & Weight Requirements

Requirements vary by slide and ship.

Step 3: Follow Attendant Instructions

Slides are monitored by trained crew members certified in:

• Water safety

• Emergency response

• Crowd control

Step 4: Ride During Low-Crowd Hours

Best times:

• Early morning (9–10 AM)

• Port days

• Late afternoon

Safety Standards & Health Considerations (Expert-Backed)

Royal Caribbean water slides comply with:

• SOLAS maritime safety standards

• Manufacturer safety specifications

• Internal Royal Caribbean safety audits

Public Health Guidance

• The CDC recommends showering before and after water slide use

• The WHO emphasizes chlorinated water maintenance to reduce pathogen transmission

Royal Caribbean publishes sanitation and water quality standards consistent with CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) guidelines.

Expert Tips for Families & Thrill-Seekers

For Families

• Choose Icon or Oasis Class ships

• Use Splashaway Bay℠ for younger kids

• Ride family raft slides first

For Thrill-Seekers

• Start with Perfect Storm℠

• Progress to Ultimate Abyss℠

• Try The Blaster℠ for a unique coaster experience

For First-Time Cruisers

• Book ships launched after 2018

• Check slide height rules before sailing

• Use the Royal Caribbean app for wait times

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do all Royal Caribbean ships have water slides?

No. Water slides are primarily available on Icon, Oasis, Quantum, and Freedom Class ships.

2. Are Royal Caribbean water slides free?

Yes. All water slides are included in the cruise fare.

3. What is the tallest water slide on a cruise ship?

Ultimate Abyss℠, found on Oasis Class ships.

4. Are water slides safe for children?

Yes, when height and supervision rules are followed. Splashaway Bay℠ is designed specifically for kids.

5. Do water slides close in bad weather?

Yes. Slides may close due to high winds or rough seas for safety reasons.

6. Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Limits vary by slide and are enforced by onboard staff.

7. Which ship has the most water slides?

Icon of the Seas currently offers the largest and most advanced water slide collection.

8. Can adults use Splashaway Bay℠?

Adults may enter only when accompanying children.

9. Are life jackets required?

Life jackets are not required on slides but are available nearby for pools.

10. Can pregnant guests use water slides?

Royal Caribbean advises pregnant guests not to use high-thrill water slides, consistent with CDC recommendations.

Final Thoughts: Are Royal Caribbean Water Slides Worth It?

From an expert cruising perspective, Royal Caribbean offers the most diverse and innovative water slides at sea. Whether you’re traveling with kids, teens, or thrill-seeking adults, the variety, safety standards, and engineering quality set the brand apart.

If water attractions are a top priority, choosing the right ship class matters more than itinerary.

Authoritative Sources & References

• Royal Caribbean International – Official Ship Guides

• CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (cdc.gov)

• World Health Organization – Recreational Water Safety (who.int)

• Harvard Business Review – Experience-Driven Travel Trends

• Consumer Reports – Family Travel & Cruise Safety