Surfing at Sea: Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider (Updated 2025 Guide)
FloRider
Only on Royal Caribbean
Images/Video Credits: All media courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Updated July 2025 - Fancy surfing at sea? Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider lets you do exactly that - on 21 of its ships, including the latest Icon-class vessels. Whether you’re up for bodyboarding or brave enough to try stand-up flowboarding, this exhilarating surf simulator blasts out gallons of water at speed to create a never-ending wave. It’s completely free to ride, but private lessons and exclusive sessions are also available. Here’s everything you need to know before taking the plunge - from age and height restrictions to tips for beginners, what to wear, and how to beat the queues.
What Is the FlowRider on Royal Caribbean?
The FlowRider is an attraction found on many Royal Caribbean ships. It is a 12-metre long surf simulator featuring 100,000 litres of rushing water to create a surf wave which moves at 20 mph. Described by participants as a cross between snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing, riders can try either boogie boarding (lying down) or flowboarding (standing up) as water rushes uphill at high speed, mimicking the sensation of surfing. Expect wipeouts, laughs, and plenty of splashes.
This signature attraction has become a must-do for many cruisers — whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a first-timer just looking to try something new.
Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have a FlowRider?
As of 2025, 21 ships across the fleet feature FlowRiders, including:
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Adventure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas (2 FlowRiders)
Anthem of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas (2 FlowRiders)
Icon of the Seas
Independence of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas
Navigator of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas (2 FlowRiders)
Odyssey of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas (2 FlowRiders)
Utopia of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas
Star of the Seas (from Summer 2025)
Each FlowRider setup is supervised by trained instructors and padded for safety. These ships have two FlowRiders:
Allure of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Is FlowRider Free on Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean FlowRider
Yes - access to the FlowRider is completely free and included in your cruise fare.
However, there are optional paid sessions for those who want more personalised instruction or private time.
How Much Does FlowRider Cost for Lessons or Rentals?
Group Lessons: From $69 per person
Private Rentals: From $345 per hour (varies by ship)
These paid sessions often take place in the early morning or after hours when the FlowRider isn’t open to the public.
What to Wear on the FlowRider
Choose swimwear that won’t budge. The water pressure is strong — and wardrobe malfunctions are common! Here’s what to wear:
Rash vest or tight T-shirt
Board shorts or one-piece swimsuit
No bikinis, goggles, hats, or water shoes
You’ll also need to remove watches, earrings, and fitness trackers.
When’s the Best Time to Ride the FlowRider?
FlowRider Queue Beating Tips on Royal Caribbean
Ride early - Before 10am = fewer queues
Go during port days - Less crowded with passengers ashore
Try during early dinner - People head off around 5–6:30pm
Check app or Cruise Compass - Lesson times, closures & events shown
Beginner sessions - Gentler pace, shorter queues
Is the FlowRider Worth Trying?
Absolutely. Even if you wipe out within seconds (you probably will), it’s a memorable part of the Royal Caribbean experience. You’ll either get hooked - or have a hilarious photo to look back on. Either way, it’s a great spectator sport.
If you’re nervous, just try it once. Boogie boarding is easy to pick up, and it’s all about having fun — not being perfect.
How Much Does FlowRider Cost?
(Prices correct July 2025)
FlowRider is included in your cruise fare - you can ride it as much as you want for free. However expect to queue/wait in line as understandably it’s very popular. Lessons are also available at a cost of $69 per person and usually lessons will be shared with 6-8 others. You can book lessons on your Cruise Planner.
Do You Need To Book FlowRider?
You cannot book FlowRider - you have to get in line with other would-be surfers. On your first ride you will have a safety briefing and given a wristband, which you should keep on if you intend to do have more than one attempt you will still need to queue up again but the wristband alerts staff that you have already been briefed so will save you some time.
Can You Rent FlowRider Privately on Royal Catibbean?
FlowRider is open for general admissions for approximately four hours per day. It is also blocked off for private lessons outside these times. However, if you want to book the whole thing for your own group, this is possible and costs $345 for experienced users or $552 if tuition/support is included.
What Restrictions are there on FlowRider?
FlowRider Height & Age Restrictions (2025)
To keep riders safe, Royal Caribbean enforces the following rules:
Boogie Boarding: Minimum height 52” (132 cm)
Stand-up Flowboarding: Minimum height 58” (147 cm)
Minimum Age: 6 years old
Under-13s must be accompanied by a supervising adult
Shoes, goggles, and loose jewellery aren’t allowed — and you’ll need to sign a waiver before riding.
How Long Does your turn on FlowRider last?
Although there isn’t officially really a time limit, your session ends once you fall off your board. The reality is that few riders manage to stay on very long, with an average maximum duration of 3-4 minutes. You may be the exception of course.
Is FlowRider Difficult?
For me it would be impossible, but anyone with a modicum of balance could master it fairly quickly. Generally boogie/body boarding is easier than the surf option, which I understand even experienced surfers initially find challenging. Most riders seem to need a few attempts to get in the groove.
FlowRider Tips for Beginners
First time? You’re not alone. Most cruisers have never tried a surf simulator before, and I must admit that I have only ever been an observer, so I have asked others for their advice.
Here are a few tips:
Start with boogie boarding - it’s easier to get the hang of
Go early or during port days to avoid queues
Watch a few people ride first to learn from their moves (and mistakes)
Don’t lean too far back - that’s a recipe for a quick wipeout
Ask the staff - instructors are helpful and give live guidance
“Listen to the safety briefing - especially the advice on falling off.”
“Don’t be disheartened if you fall off the first few times - practice makes perfect”.
“Elbows in, legs out” (if boogieboadimg)
Surfing? Keep both feet on board at all times with weight over back leg.
“Keep straight, stay low”.
“Don’t overthink it - zone out”
“If you’re a beginner, start on your tummy, then knees, and eventually to a standing surf”.
“Ladies, wear a one-piece swimsuit - the force of the water can cause your bikini top or bottom to dislodge.” In fact any loose clothing can be swept up/off so worth checking for wardrobe fails at the end of your session.
“For shorter lines try Embarkation or port days.”
Above all, ENJOY THE RIDE!
Where to Find FlowRider on Royal Caribbean Ships
Here’s a detailed breakdown of FlowRider locations, best times to ride, and tips for several key Royal Caribbean ships across different classes:
Oasis-Class Ships (Two FlowRiders Each)
Symphony of the Seas
FlowRider location: Deck 16, aft (either side of the Ultimate Abyss slide)
Best time to ride: Port days, early mornings, or during dinner hours
Tip: Try both sides — one is often designated for boogie boarding and the other for stand-up. Staff sometimes rotate depending on demand.
Harmony of the Seas
Similar layout and tips as Symphony. Check the Cruise Compass for scheduled lessons or FlowRider shows at the AquaTheater.
Oasis of the Seas
Recently amplified ship. FlowRiders are on Deck 16, port and starboard.
Tip: Consider booking a balcony cabin with a rear-facing view of the sports deck for spectator access from your room!
Allure of the Seas
Like the above, two FlowRiders are aft on Deck 16.
Tip: Some sessions are split into “beginners” and “mixed ability” — beginner ones are calmer and less intimidating.
Icon-Class Ships (One FlowRider Each)
Icon of the Seas
FlowRider location: Thrill Island, starboard side
Best time to ride: After 5pm when families head to dinner
Tip: Icon is activity-packed, so FlowRider is less crowded on CocoCay days. Look for photo ops with the nearby Crown’s Edge ropes course.
Utopia of the Seas (debuted July 2024)
Identical FlowRider setup to Icon
Tip: Book early in the sailing — queues build fast on short 3- and 4-night itineraries.
Star of the Seas (August 2025)
FlowRider confirmed, location likely identical to Icon/Utopia
Pro tip: Monitor social content post-launch to track crowd patterns and boarding-day quiet times.
Quantum-Class Ships
Odyssey of the Seas
Location: Deck 16, aft
Unique aspect: FlowRider shares space with RipCord by iFLY
Tip: During sea days, book iFLY for early morning and ride FlowRider right after for a double adrenaline hit.
Anthem, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum of the Seas
FlowRider is tucked aft but can get windier due to ship shape
Best times: Just before sunset or during port calls
Tip: These ships are more likely to restrict stand-up use on rougher sea days.
Freedom & Voyager-Class Ships
These ships usually have one FlowRider at the back, above or beside the sports court.
Freedom of the Seas: FlowRider is mid-sports deck and visible from the mini-golf area.
Liberty, Independence, Adventure, Voyager, Explorer, Navigator, Mariner: All have FlowRider on Deck 13 or 14, aft.
Tip: Look out for free FlowRider competitions hosted by the sports staff — sometimes with prizes!
Final Thoughts: Ride the Wave!
Whether you’re a confident surfer or a complete beginner, the FlowRider offers a thrilling, splash-filled escape at sea. It’s free, fun, and part of what makes Royal Caribbean ships such floating adventure parks. Pack your rash vest, sign the waiver — and give it a go.