Should You Bring Your Own Life Jackets for Kids on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

If you’re cruising with kids, it’s natural to wonder whether you should bring your own life jackets. Between time at the pool, splash zones, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, water is a big part of the vacation , and safety always comes first.

Here’s what parents should know before deciding whether to pack a life jacket or rely on what’s available onboard.

✅ The Short Answer

You don’t have to bring your own life jackets on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but you can if you want to.

Royal Caribbean provides complimentary life jackets for children at every pool area and at all designated swim zones on their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. These are Coast Guard–approved flotation devices designed specifically for kids.

👶 Life Jackets Onboard

Life jackets are available at all main and family pools.
They’re designed for children under a certain weight (typically 50 pounds and under).
Crew members can help you find the right size, and you can borrow one for use in the pool area.
You don’t need to check them out or reserve them in advance. They’re available to grab and return as needed.

For older kids or stronger swimmers, float vests and pool noodles are available for sale onboard and sometimes at port shops.

🌴 Life Jackets at Perfect Day at CocoCay

At CocoCay, Royal Caribbean provides free life jackets in multiple sizes for kids and adults. You’ll find racks of them near the lagoon, the beach, and the water play areas.

Crew members are always nearby to help guests select the right fit and ensure everyone is safely equipped.

You don’t need to pack or carry a life jacket for shore days at CocoCay. They’re readily available right where you need them.

🧳 When It Might Make Sense to Bring Your Own

You can bring your own U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket if:

Your child has sensory sensitivities and prefers a specific fit or familiar texture.
You’ll be spending time off-ship at non–Royal Caribbean beaches or excursions.
You have two children close in size and prefer to guarantee availability.

If you bring one, choose a compact, Type III or Type V life jacket that fits easily in a suitcase. Avoid bulky foam vests or inflatables that take up too much space.

✈️ Packing Tip

If you decide to bring your own, pack it flat at the bottom of your suitcase or strap it onto your carry-on backpack. You can also use it to pad fragile items like goggles, snorkel gear, or a small fan.

⚠️ What Not to Bring

🚫 Inflatable arm floaties or water wings — These are not Coast Guard–approved and don’t count as safety devices.

🚫 Inflatable life vests that require CO₂ cartridges — Compressed gas cartridges are prohibited on cruise ships.

🚫 Full inflatable rafts or tubes — These are often banned at pools and beaches for crowd and safety reasons.

🌞 Parent Pro Tips

Always supervise kids around pools. Lifeguards are not guaranteed at every pool area.
Use sunscreen to protect your child’s skin.
Mark your family’s life jackets or swim gear with your cabin number or initials in case it gets left behind.
If you’re cruising with toddlers, check out the Splashaway Bay areas. They’re designed for smaller kids with shallow water and extra supervision.

🍼 Bonus Tip for Families

If you’re bringing babies or toddlers, Royal Caribbean can provide Pack and Plays, high chairs, and diaper disposal bags upon request. You don’t have to bring bulky gear. Just request it when you book or talk to your stateroom attendant once onboard.

📋 FAQs About Kids’ Life Jackets on Royal Caribbean

Q: Are life jackets available for free on the ship?
Yes! Every pool deck and splash area has complimentary child-size life jackets.

Q: Are there life jackets at CocoCay?
Yes, life jackets are provided for free in all beach and water zones at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Q: Can I bring my own life jacket?
Yes, as long as it’s U.S. Coast Guard–approved and doesn’t use CO₂ cartridges.

Q: What kind of life jacket is best for a cruise?
A compact Type III vest-style life jacket works best: easy to pack, lightweight, and safe for pool and beach use.

Q: What about puddle jumpers?
Coast Guard–approved puddle jumpers are allowed and many parents prefer them for comfort and familiarity. Just check the tag before packing.

Q: Are there lifeguards on Royal Caribbean ships?
Yes, most Royal Caribbean ships now have certified lifeguards at family pools and Splashaway Bay, but adult supervision is always recommended.

🚢 The Bottom Line

✅ You don’t need to bring life jackets. Royal Caribbean provides them free on the ship and at CocoCay.
🧳 You can bring your own if your kids prefer a specific fit or you’ll visit beaches outside Royal property.
⚠️ Avoid inflatable floaties or vests with CO₂ cartridges.

Whether you bring your own or use the cruise line’s, you’ll have peace of mind knowing Royal Caribbean takes water safety seriously, so your family can splash, swim, and relax together.

Charity Bradley