Baby(s), Children, Kids and Teenagers !

What could be more enticing to little kids than Crayolas and Fisher-Price toys? Royal Caribbean has teamed with both brands to bring an exciting and enriching environment onboard its ships; with the renovated space on Sovereign of the Seas, this will please not only the kids but their parents as well.

The entire aft end of Deck 9 has been turned into Adventure Ocean, the multi-roomed children's area with age appropriate activities for each group. But this isn't just a "drop and leave 'em" environment for youngsters, because parents can stay and play too. And, when it comes to the youngest kids, there aren't that many places where you can take your 6- to 36-month-old and have a music and movement class with the parents of other kids the same age. It's a bonding experience that adds new meaning to "family vacation."

The other aspect of the new children's center, is, of course, its "day camp" experience for kids older than 3. Aquanauts (3 - 5), Explorers (6 - 8) and Voyagers (9 - 11) all have their own areas in which to play and learn. The program is free with the exception of Internet time, which ranges from sending an e-postcard for about 25 cents to using the Internet at 25 cents per minute.

Note: All children must be completely potty-trained; "pull-ups" and swim diapers are not allowed at all.

Pre-teens from age 12 and teenagers through 17 have their own spot on Deck 11, away from most of the crowds. Parents are not allowed. In fact, no adults are allowed except for the counselors that work with the kids. The Living Room is a colorful, cozy spot with seating areas for chatting and sipping sodas. Right behind it is Fuel, the new disco for the teens, complete with a "mocktail" bar and dance floor. And beyond that is the open back deck, once the sports court of the ship but now given over completely to the teens for ping-pong, sunning and deck parties all their own.

In-room babysitting is available at a charge of about $8 per hour, but requires a request 24 hours in advance at the purser's desk on a first-come first-served basis.