Cruising with kids just got a major tech upgrade.
Starting August 31, 2025, Royal Caribbean will launch its brand-new Find My Kid feature exclusively on its newest ship, Star of the Seas—and for parents, this could mean a more relaxing vacation from day one.
Here’s everything you need to know: how it works, what it costs, and whether it’s worth adding to your family cruise plan.
What Is Find My Kid?
Find My Kid is a location-tracking feature built into the Royal Caribbean app. It allows parents and guardians to see where their child is onboard in real time through the ship’s deck maps.
The system works through a waterproof Adventure Ocean WOW Band, a reusable bracelet designed for kids ages 3–12.
How It Works
- Register Your Child at Adventure Ocean – Once onboard, visit the kids’ club (Deck 6, Aft) to register.
- Purchase the Band – The Adventure Ocean WOW Band costs $14.99 per child.
- Enable Find My Kid – Open the Royal Caribbean app, connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi (no VOOM internet package required), and activate the feature.
- Track Their Location – See your child’s location in public areas and your stateroom on the app’s deck maps. You can also grant access to other trusted guardians.
Extra Perks of the WOW Band
- Cabin Access – Unlocks your stateroom door with a tap.
- Onboard Purchases – With your authorization, kids can use it for snacks, arcade games, or other small purchases.
- Reusable – Keep it for free and use it on future Royal Caribbean cruises.
Important Details
- Ship Availability – At launch, Find My Kid will only be available on Star of the Seas.
- Wi-Fi Connection Needed – Your phone must be connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi network (free for this feature).
- Not Active in Port – Tracking only works while the ship is at sea or docked, not when your child is ashore.
- Ages 3–12 Only – For younger kids and teens, other Royal Caribbean safety protocols still apply.
Why Parents Might Love It
- Peace of Mind – Know your child is safe without constant check-ins.
- Freedom for Kids – Allows older children to explore kid-friendly areas with independence.
- Emergency Info – The band’s snap closure includes the child’s muster location in case of an emergency.
Possible Downsides to Consider
- Privacy Concerns – Location tracking isn’t for everyone; some parents may prefer more traditional supervision.
- Ship-Only Use – The feature doesn’t extend to port days or off-ship excursions.
- Cost for Large Families – At $14.99 per child, costs can add up for families with multiple kids.
How It Compares to Other Cruise Lines
- Disney Cruise Line – Uses Oceaneer Bands for secure kids’ club check-in, but no parent-accessible live tracking.
- MSC Cruises – Offers MSC for Me wristbands with location tracking on certain ships, but typically included for children.
- Carnival Cruise Line – No real-time tracking feature at this time.
My Take
For parents cruising with younger kids, especially on a big ship like Star of the Seas, Find My Kid could be worth every penny. The ability to check your child’s location without interrupting their fun (or your own) can make for a much smoother vacation.
If Royal Caribbean sees strong adoption, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this tech roll out fleetwide in the future.
💡 Cruise Parenting Tip: Even with location tracking, it’s smart to set ground rules for where your child can and can’t go on the ship, and to check in with them regularly. Technology is a great tool—but nothing replaces good communication and boundaries.
Charity Bradley 
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