Anchors Aweigh 2026
Anchors Aweigh
Robotics Cruise
Set sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas for a one-of-a-kind VEX Robotics competition experience at sea.
Join students, coaches, families, and robotics supporters for a high-energy robotics event combined with the excitement of a Bahamas cruise vacation. Competition meets celebration — and yes, the robots are invited too.
Competition Begins Before We Even Leave the Dock
The cruise departs December 21, 2026. Teams should plan to arrive early, complete check-in, and be ready for inspections and event activities once onboard.
Where Robotics Meets the Open Sea
Anchors Aweigh is designed to give robotics teams a memorable competition environment while allowing families to enjoy a short Royal Caribbean getaway. Students compete, collaborate, learn, and celebrate their hard work in a setting they will never forget.
Robotics Competition
Teams will participate in a structured VEX-style robotics event with inspections, qualification matches, skills opportunities, alliance selection, eliminations, and awards.
Family Cruise Vacation
Families can enjoy the ship’s dining, entertainment, activities, pools, shows, and island stops while supporting their students throughout the event.
Championship Energy
This is built to feel special: lights, excitement, teamwork, school spirit, and a “we made it here” atmosphere that students will remember long after the season ends.
Built for Teams, Coaches, Parents, and Supporters
Great Fit For:
- Middle school robotics teams
- High school robotics teams
- VEX V5 teams and coaches
- STEM programs and engineering classes
- Parents, siblings, and family supporters
- Schools looking for a signature travel-based competition experience
Why Teams Will Love It:
- Students get a real competition environment
- Families can travel together safely and comfortably
- Coaches can turn the event into a team-building milestone
- Robotics becomes more than a club — it becomes a memory
- Students experience STEM, travel, responsibility, and independence in one trip
Wonder of the Seas • December 21–24, 2026
A short, high-impact sailing designed to combine robotics competition time with family-friendly cruise fun.
Monday, December 21, 2026 — Miami, Florida
Board Wonder of the Seas in Miami. Teams check in, settle into cabins, and prepare for robot inspections, practice opportunities, and the opening event experience.
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 — Bahamas / Perfect Day Experience
Students and families enjoy the destination experience while scheduled robotics activities continue onboard based on the final ship-approved event schedule.
Wednesday, December 23, 2026 — Nassau, Bahamas / Competition Finals
A major robotics event day featuring qualification matches, skills opportunities, alliance selection, elimination rounds, and awards programming.
Thursday, December 24, 2026 — Return to Miami
The ship returns to Miami. Teams disembark with trophies, memories, photos, and probably at least one missing Allen wrench. Robotics people know.
Planned Event Flow
Final times are subject to ship approval, venue availability, team count, and official event operations. This sample shows the intended structure.
| Day | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Team Check-In, Robot Inspection, Practice / Skills Window | Get teams onboarded, inspected, and ready to compete. |
| Day 1 | Coaches Meeting | Review event expectations, field procedures, queuing, safety, and schedule flow. |
| Day 2 | Qualification Matches | Teams compete in scheduled matches to determine rankings. |
| Day 2 / Day 3 | Skills Challenge Opportunities | Teams attempt driver and autonomous skills runs during assigned windows. |
| Day 3 | Alliance Selection and Elimination Rounds | Top-ranked teams form alliances and compete for the tournament championship. |
| Day 3 | Awards Ceremony | Celebrate excellence in design, teamwork, competition performance, and sportsmanship. |
A Ship Big Enough for Big Ideas
Wonder of the Seas offers the kind of space, energy, entertainment, and family-friendly atmosphere that makes this more than a tournament. It becomes a full STEM travel experience.
Entertainment
Families can enjoy shows, music, activities, and onboard experiences outside of competition hours.
Dining
Multiple dining options make group travel easier for teams, families, chaperones, and supporters.
Bahamas Getaway
Students get the excitement of competition plus the reward of a short tropical cruise experience.
Reserve Your Team or Family Cabin
Space for this sailing and event experience may be limited. Teams, coaches, families, and supporters should request booking information early so cabins can be coordinated with the Anchors Aweigh Robotics Cruise group.
Pay only deposit to reserve your spot.
Cabin pricing, taxes, fees, deposit requirements, and availability are subject to change until booked and confirmed. Robotics event participation details, venue assignments, and final schedules are subject to cruise line approval and official event planning.
Competition, Community, and Cruise Memories
Robotics Event Experience
- Team check-in and robot inspection
- Qualification match structure
- Skills challenge opportunities
- Alliance selection and elimination rounds
- Awards and recognition
- Coach and volunteer communication
Cruise Experience
- 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise
- Miami departure
- Bahamas itinerary
- Family-friendly onboard entertainment
- Dining and ship activities
- Time for rest, celebration, and connection
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this only for students competing in robotics?
No. The cruise is designed for robotics teams, but parents, siblings, chaperones, coaches, mentors, school leaders, and supporters are welcome to travel with the group.
Do families have to book through the group?
Booking through the group helps keep travelers connected to the Anchors Aweigh Robotics Cruise experience, event communications, and any group-specific coordination.
Will students need adult supervision?
Yes. Schools, teams, and families are responsible for appropriate supervision, travel permissions, behavior expectations, and any school or district travel requirements.
Is the robotics event schedule final?
Not yet. The final event schedule will depend on ship venue availability, safety requirements, team count, field setup, volunteer staffing, and cruise line approval.
Can teams bring robots and equipment onboard?
Teams should follow all final event packing, battery, tool, charger, inspection, and cruise line safety instructions. A detailed team packet will be provided before sailing.
Who do I contact to get started?
Email agent@sunriselovetravel.com or use the booking request button on this page to request more information.
Let’s Take Robotics Somewhere It’s Never Been Before
Anchors Aweigh Robotics Cruise is more than a competition. It is a celebration of students, STEM, teamwork, innovation, family, and unforgettable opportunity.