Introducing Royal Caribbean’s “Find My Kid” Feature
Royal Caribbean has unveiled an innovative “Find My Kid” feature on its latest mega-ship, Star of the Seas. This new service allows parents to track their children’s whereabouts in real-time using the Royal Caribbean app. Designed for young cruisers aged three to twelve, it offers peace of mind for families on holiday.
How the Adventure Ocean WOW Band Works
The Adventure Ocean WOW Band is a colourful, waterproof wristband that acts as a tracker. Parents can monitor their child’s location directly from their smartphones. To get started, families can enrol their children in the system at the Adventure Ocean Kid’s Club on Deck 6. The WOW Bands are priced at $14.99 on the ship but can be reused on future cruises at no extra cost.
Additional Features of the WOW Band
Beyond location tracking, the WOW Band offers several other functionalities. It can unlock stateroom doors, make pre-approved purchases, and display the child’s muster station in emergencies. To use the tracker, parents simply connect to the ship’s WiFi, open the Royal Caribbean app, and select the “Find My Kid” option to view their child’s live location on the ship’s deck maps.
Exclusive to Star of the Seas
Currently, the live-tracking feature is exclusive to Star of the Seas. However, a similar system, “Kidfinder,” was tested on Icon of the Seas in summer 2024. This suggests that a broader rollout across the fleet could be on the horizon.
When Should Children Explore Cruise Ships Alone?
The introduction of live location tracking has sparked discussions about the appropriate age for children to explore cruise ships unsupervised. Opinions vary widely among parents. Some are comfortable granting freedom to children as young as eight or ten, while others prefer to wait until late teens or adulthood.
Cruise Line Policies and Parental Attitudes
Cruise lines do not enforce a specific minimum age for solo roaming. However, their kids’ club policies can serve as a guide. On most family-friendly lines, children can sign themselves out from around age 12 or 13. Some lines allow it as early as seven with parental consent. These age thresholds often reflect the transition from supervised activities to more independent teen lounges.
Parental Concerns and Confidence
Parental attitudes towards children roaming freely on cruise ships vary. Some parents are hesitant to allow even 17-year-olds to explore alone, citing safety concerns. Others feel more comfortable granting independence earlier, especially if their child is mature and familiar with the ship’s layout. Built-in tracking systems, like Royal Caribbean’s WOW Bands, can boost parental confidence in giving children more freedom.
Starting Small with Independence
Many parents prefer to start small, allowing limited solo trips to fetch food or attend short activities. This gradual approach helps build trust and confidence before permitting full freedom. With the new “Find My Kid” feature, Royal Caribbean is making it easier for families to enjoy their cruise holidays with peace of mind.
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