As a mom of two and a travel agent who plans tons of cruises for families, I can tell you this: if you’re cruising with young kids, a splash pad is a must-have.

 In fact, it’s one of the first things I look for when choosing a ship, both for my own family and for my clients. 

Why? Splash pads offer the perfect, low-stress water play option for little ones not quite ready for the big pools.

The Navigator of the Seas splash pad is one of my favorites. 

It’s bright, fun, and gives younger kids a chance to cool off, burn some energy, and have a blast without needing to be strong swimmers.

Where to Find the Spash Pad on Navigator of the Seas

The splash pad on Navigator of the Seas is located on Deck 11, right on the main pool deck, making it easy to access and close to a bunch of helpful amenities.

Nearby, you’ll find:

• Two large pools – perfect if your older kids or other family members also want to swim.
  
• Two hot tubs – great for relaxing when the kids are happily splashing.
  
• In-pool loungers. You can sit back in the shallow water while keeping an eye on your little ones.
  
• Food and drink options:
  
  •  El Loco Fresh: Quick grab and go tacos, quesadillas, nachos
    
  •  The Lime and Coconut Bar:  Fully stocked bar serving frozen drinks and tropical cocktails.  You can sip while your kids play
    
  • Soft serve ice cream station: Who doesn’t like ice cream between splash sessions?
    

It’s easy to spend a full afternoon right here without ever needing to move far from the action.

Safety First: What Parents Should Know

Cruising with kids means always keeping safety top of mind.  Luckily, Royal Caribbean makes it easy.  Here are a few important things to know:

•  Lifeguards: While Royal Caribbean has lifeguards at their main pools, the splash pad does not have a lifeguard on duty. Adult supervision is a must.
  
• Towels: Towels are available free of charge right there on the pool deck.  All you need is your Sea Pass card. No need to bring your own.  Just make sure you return them or you will get charged.
  
• Life jackets: Complimentary life jackets in multiple sizes are available near the splash pad and pools.

Pros and Cons of the Splash Pad

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide if the splash pad is a good fit for your family:

 Pros

• Perfect for toddlers and little kids
  
• Easy for parents to supervise from nearby loungers
  
• Located near food, drinks, and restrooms
  
• No deep water = less stress for non-swimmers
  

Cons

• No shade.  During the midday heat, you might get hot.
  
• Your older kids might get bored.
  

More Water Fun on Navigator of the Seas

If your kids (or you!) are looking for a bit more thrill, Navigator of the Seas has many more water activities than just the splash pad. 

•  The Blaster: Royal Caribbean’s first-ever aqua coaster!  You get to ride down on a two-person raft. The coaster is complete with drops, turns, and even uphill sections.
  
•  Riptide: Zoom down this headfirst mat slide.  It’s a blast.
  
•  FlowRider: Try your hand at surfing or boogie boarding.  It’s available for beginners or experts.  Not into riding?  There is seating to watch and cheer.
  
• Adult Solarium:  Sometimes we need some quiet adult time.  You can find this in the solarium.  The grown-up exclusive pool has one pool and two hot tubs.

Final Thoughts

The splash pad on Navigator of the Seas is a simple feature that makes a huge difference when cruising with little ones. 

It’s fun, convenient, and gives parents a little peace of mind. If you’re not sure which ship is the best fit for your family or have questions about cruising with kids, I’m always here to help! 

Feel free to reach out anytime, and let’s find the perfect vacation for your crew.

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