On many Royal Caribbean cruise ships, you’ll have the opportunity to try boogie boarding or surfing right onboard.
Picture yourself standing tall on rushing waves, surfing over a dark blue sea.
Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to offer a surf simulator like this.
The FlowRider is a stand-alone surfing simulator with 30,000 gallons of water gushing over a curved surface.
Whether you’re an experienced surfer, or riding the board is something you’ve always wanted to try, you’ll be able to use the FlowRider for free on your cruise.
Essentially, there are two different activities you could try on the FlowRider.
You can boogie board, which is just riding lying down, with your stomach on the board.
Once you gain more experience, then you can begin to stand up and start surfing the waves with your feet planted on the board. This is the traditional surfing technique.
Royal Caribbean has different requirements for each step of the activity.
What is the FlowRider?
The FlowRider is a surf simulator that quickly pumps rushing water over a curved, thick vinyl material. Guests can get on a board in the middle and attempt to ride the strong waves.
The FlowRider was originally created as a land attraction but has since combined with Royal Caribbean to bring the ride to cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean’s website states that using the FlowRider is an extreme sport with a high risk of injury. Falling in the wrong manner could result in serious injury to the head, neck, back, hips, arms, and legs.
You will be required to stretch, watch safety videos, and sign a waiver before riding.
Royal Caribbean crew members take your safety very seriously when it comes to using the FlowRider.
The FlowRider is located on the following ships:
- Adventure of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Explorer of the Seas
- Freedom of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Icon of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Oasis of the Seas
- Odyssey of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Quantum of the Seas
- Spectrum of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
- Voyager of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
Oasis Class ships (except Utopia and Wonder of the Seas) have two FlowRiders onboard. It is usually located on the aft of the ship on the highest deck.
How much does the FlowRider cost?
The FlowRider comes free of charge with your cruise fare.
However, you will have to wait in line with other guests to be allowed a turn. The lines can stretch on for quite some time, so keep in mind that the earlier you arrive, the shorter the line will be.
For example, lines are shortest on embarkation day and early in the morning. The lines will be longest on sea days and in the afternoon or evening.
Private lessons, however, cost extra.
For a 1-hour lesson, you can expect to pay $69 per person. These are group lessons, with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 8 people.
Read more: First ever FlowRider professional lessons offered on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas
During this group lesson, staff will help you learn to properly stand up on the board and balance while on top of a wave.
You also have the option to rent the FlowRider area for 1 hour, for $345 total. Advanced riders who want more time on the waves can book this option.
Guests wanting a private lesson and access to the area for 1 hour can pay $552 total. This allows you to rent out the wave area and receive coaching with your entire group.
What are the restrictions for using the FlowRider?
Guests need to be at least 6 years old to ride the FlowRiders. Ages 12 and under must also be accompanied by an adult.
Guests must also be at least 52 inches tall to use the bodyboard for Boogie boarding and 58 inches tall to use the flowboard for surfing.
No footwear, jewelry, watches, goggles, or cameras are allowed.
We recommend that guests wear tight clothing or cover-ups over their swimsuits. Remember that this is a high-energy activity in the waves, so swimtops are likely to come loose.
Royal Caribbean provides surfboards for the experience, but you can bring your own board if it is one specifically made for FlowRiders. If you do, you will be required to sign a board waiver and staff will inspect it for any damage.
Additionally, you can perform any surf tricks you like, but the board must remain between you and the water.
How can I surf on the FlowRider?
If you’re new to the FlowRider, you’ll have to start by boogie boarding. You will lie flat on your stomach and try to balance on the waves.
Look for the times on your Cruise Compass labeled “Boogie Boarding” or “Mixed Waves.”
You will need to first complete the safety briefing and sign a waiver. Once signed, staff will give you a blue bracelet that signifies you are ready to ride.
During these open sessions, everyone who completes the waiver will be given a wristband and cleared for their first attempt.
You can, of course, just lay on your stomach and ride the waves. Try to keep your elbows tucked in and your legs in the water.
However, if you want to try traditional surfing, you can advance to the next step of trying to stand up.
You can let staff know that you’re ready to try standing up. On your turn, you will usually receive two attempts to try and stand up, balancing on the powerful waves.
These two attempts are per day! Staff do not allow people to get back in line and keep trying.
For guest safety, Royal Caribbean has careful rules about who is allowed to continue stand-up surfing. (These are adjusted often, and not clearly posted anywhere.)
Read more: I learned how to surf on a weekend cruise. Here is my advice if you want to try it too
If you aren’t able to stand up on the board during your try and want to attempt stand-up surfing, this is where you may benefit from one of those group lessons.
During your dedicated hour, staff will make sure you receive tips and coaching on how to balance on the board.
Usually, you will exit this lesson with a white wristband, denoting that you are a safe, advanced FlowRider.
The most common criteria are that you can start by standing up on the board, pushing yourself away from the wall, and remaining steady on the waves.
The staff use their own discretion to make sure you will be able to surf safely.
Once you are an advanced FlowRider, you can surf during “Mixed Waves” or “Advanced Stand Up Surfing.”
This is a great opportunity because once you have your wristband you can go to the advanced sessions, getting more time on the board away from all the newbies.
For those attempting surfing for the first time, put all of your weight on your back foot. Stand up straight with an open chest, and keep both feet planted on the board.
Frequently asked questions
Are reservations required for the FlowRider?
No, reservations are not required. For complimentary usage, you can wait in line with other guests.
If you are renting a private lesson, you can speak to staff about reserving time on the FlowRider at an extra cost.
Does the FlowRider cost extra?
No, using the FlowEider does not cost extra!
However, if you want to book private lessons, prices start at $69 an hour.
What time is the FlowRider open?
Times offered usually vary by ship. Check the Royal Caribbean app or Cruise Compass to see what times are offered.
Remember that you can boogie board during “Boogie Boarding” and “Mixed Wave.” You can surf during “Mixed Wave” and “Advanced Surfing.”
