If you’re an avid cruiser, you may know that some cruise ships have better water amenities than others. And I’m not talking about the overly crowded pools that always seem to be standing room only. I’m talking massive water parks, thrilling water slides and raft rides, and even exciting splash pads for the littlest cruisers. And that’s just on the ship. If your cruise heads to a private island, there’s likely plenty of water fun on land, too. For families traveling with teens, tweens, and younger kids, these water parks mean endless hours of fun, whether it’s a Caribbean sea day or a day docked at a private oasis in the Bahamas.
If you’ve already booked your cruise and you want to know more about the water parks onboard, or you’re still trying to pick the right cruise ship for your family, you’re going to want to keep reading. I’m sharing the best cruise ship and private island water parks, plus tips to make the most of your time with the water attractions on the ship and ashore.
Best cruise ship water parks
Looking for a cruise ship with a water feature that will please everyone in the family? Then look no further than these four cruise lines. Even better, all of these water parks and slides are included in the cost of your cruise.
Royal Caribbean’s Category 6 Water Park
Royal Caribbean cruises are known for being over-the-top with nearly everything onboard, even the water parks. On the Icon-class ships (Icon, Star, and Legend of the Seas), the water park is dubbed Category 6. It’s the largest water park at sea. You can find it in the Thrill Island neighborhood, and it features six top-notch slides. The first is Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea with a 46-foot drop. Other slides not to miss are Hurricane Hunter, a family raft ride, and Pressure Drop, the first open free-fall slide with a near-vertical drop.
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Pro-tip: To get the most out of Category 6, head to the water park right when it opens or on a port day if you’re not planning to get off the ship. You’ll find fewer crowds, so you can ride everything multiple times without waiting too long.
Carnival Cruise Line’s WaterWorks
Nearly all of the Carnival Cruise Line ships feature the onboard water play area, WaterWorks. While the experience may vary based on what ship you’re sailing on, the premise is all still the same: fun water slides and splash pads that are ideal for kids of all ages. Some slides that may be available are Twister Waterslide, which is a classic water slide, plus side-by-side racing slides. Of course, if you or your kids aren’t brave enough for the water slides, there’s a nearby splash zone. Some ships even have a water jungle gym with cannon blasters and dump buckets.
MSC Cruises’ water park
MSC Cruises is really upgrading the onboard experience with its newer ships, like MSC World America. On the latest ship from MSC, the Harbor Aquapark features four exciting water slides and some splash pools. On MSC’s older ships, like MSC Grandiosa and MSC Seaside, the onboard water park features a twisting single-person raft ride that’s sure to please teens and tweens. Even more exciting for thrill-seekers, some slides go out over the ship. You’ll get great ocean views thanks to the clear sections of the slides.
Disney Cruise Line’s water slides
No matter what Disney Cruise Line ship you’re sailing on, there’s a host of water features for kids and kids at heart. On Disney’s latest ships, the Wish, Treasure, and Destiny, the top decks feature the AquaMouse, a two-seater family-friendly raft ride. The ride starts with a few splashes and misting sprays as you watch cute Mickey Mouse shorts. Then the real fun begins as you glide across the top of the ship in clear tubes that offer impeccable views of the ocean. For younger kids, the Toy Story Splash Zone is an adorable splash pad. The nearby Slide-a-saurus Rex is a great first water slide, too.
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Pro-tip: Even though the Wish, Treasure, and Destiny all have an AquaMouse, the Mickey Mouse short that’s shown on each of the ships is different. On the Destiny, you’ll see Mickey bantering with Disney villains, the Treasure has an Ancient Egypt-themed show, and the Wish showcases classic Mickey adventures.
On the Disney Wonder, an 1,800 square foot water play area, dubbed the AquaLab, where dump buckets, “leaky pipes” and splash pads are all ready for kids to enjoy. Within the water complex is Twist ‘n’ Spout, a fun double-looping water slide. Toddlers can enjoy Dory’s Reef, which is a calmer space with fountains and bubblers.
The Disney Magic features the AquaDunk, a 212-foot, three-story drop slide that goes out over the side of the ship. If that’s too scary, there’s also an AquaLab and Twist ‘n’ Spout to enjoy.
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The Disney Dream and Fantasy feature the AquaDuck, a two-person raft ride that goes 20 feet out over the side of the ship. Tiny tots sailing on either of these ships can enjoy Nemo’s Reef, which is just for cruisers under three years old with water fountains in a contained space. The Fantasy also features an AquaLab.
Best cruise line private island water parks
If your cruise stops at a private island, you’re in luck, because some of the best cruise ship private islands have great water parks. Just know that not all water parks are included in the cost of your cruise, even if entry to the private island is.
Norwegian Cruise Line Great Tides Water Park
Later this summer, Norwegian Cruise Line will open Great Tides Water Park at Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island in the Bahamas. The nearly six-acre park will have 19 water slides, eight of which are located within the 170-foot-tall Tidal Tower. As you climb up the stairs of Tidal Tower, you’ll have the chance to try out body slides, mat slides, and tube slides. Even better, some slides will utilize conveyor belts to bring rafts to the top instead of guests lugging them up stairs. If you’ve ever wanted to try cliff diving, you can do so at Cliffside Cove. Here, jumps are 10 and 15 feet tall. Other amenities at Great Tides Water Park include an 800-foot fast-paced river and a 9,000 square-foot splash zone for the entire family.
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As of publication, an opening date has not been announced for Great Tides Water Park. We are looking forward to checking it out when it does open. The water park will also be an added charge, but prices are also not available yet.
Perfect Day at CocoCay Thrill Water Park
If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea, your cruise may stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. As your ship pulls up to the dock, one of the most iconic parts of the island, Thrill Water Park, is visible. Inside Thrill Water Park, there are 14 water slides, an over-water obstacle course, and a wave pool. For parents who want to chill, there are plenty of beach chairs nestled around the park.
Thrill Water Park is an additional cost, and prices vary based on date. You can sometimes get deals on entry to the water park. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the price as your cruise gets closer.
