Royal Caribbean Blog

While on Independence of the Seas for a five-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise, I stayed in the cheapest cabin available.

Normally when I cruise, I choose to stay in cheaper cabins. My reasoning is that I only need a place to sleep, store my belongings, and get ready for the day. I don’t feel the need to spend more money to stay in a cabin I don't spend much time in!

For this particular cruise, my mom and I chose an interior guarantee cabin. These types of cabins are “guaranteed” because Royal Caribbean selects the interior cabin's location on the ship. Luckily, shortly after booking, we were assigned a cabin towards the aft of the ship. I much prefer having aft cabins because you tend to feel more movement when situated in a forward cabin.

Booking this cruise about a month before the sail date, we ended up paying $2,075 for the two of us. This included pre-paid gratuities.

We were assigned cabin 6447, on deck 6. Our cabin was just one deck above the Royal Promenade, but we were far enough away that we never heard noise from this busy area of the ship.

Cabin 6447 wasn’t located on one side of the ship (starboard or port) and was considered midship. This meant to get to our cabin, we had to go through a separate hallway.

We quickly discovered there was a door we could use that was three cabins down from us that would lead us near the elevator and stairs. We used this door every time we left or came back to our cabin because it was much more convenient than going down the two hallways.

Also, being in this separate hallway away from most of the other cabins, we found that there was little to no hall noise (except for our neighbors who had a loud baby). We were afraid we would hear people coming in and out of the public door near our cabin, but it was never noisy.

Walking into the cabin for the first time, I was instantly struck by how light everything was. I was expecting the cabin to be similar to the ones on Adventure of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas, but I liked that it felt more modern with lighter colors.

The bed was separated into two per my request before the cruise. Each of us had a large nightstand next to our bed, and we had a small light above our heads. There was a switch in the middle of us that controlled all the lights in the cabin.

After reading a Royal Caribbean Blog article about questions to ask your cabin steward, my mom wanted to request a few things from our cabin steward. She requested:

• A mattress topper
• Printed copies of the Cruise Compass
• Additional hangers
• A new bed configuration
• Extra pillows
• Extra towels

My mom requested a new bed configuration because she wanted her bed (on the right) to be pushed against the wall. That way both of us could sleep against a wall. This made the twin bed feel wider, too. I really liked how this configuration created a larger walkway between our beds!

The extra pillows and mattress topper made a huge difference in the quality of sleep my mom got while on our cruise. She had never requested a mattress topper on previous cruises, so I think she will start doing this on future cruises.

Our cabin had a nicely sized couch and a glass table in front of it. We sparingly used this couch, but it was great to have another place to sit if we wanted the option.

There was a light near the couch, but it didn't work. I guess it is nice for decoration!

Across from the couch was the vanity and closet area. This included the TV, outlets, mini cooler, safe, and many drawers. The three large drawers were great for storing our clothes. There was another small drawer behind the chair, but we didn't use it.

The flat-screen TV was able to extend outward and swivel so my mom could watch TV while lying in bed or sitting on the couch.

The vanity had three outlets: Two three-prong outlets and one European outlet. I packed my adapter and I was super thankful I packed it so we could utilize the European outlet.

Next to the closet were two handles that opened up more storage spaces. The bottom drawer held the hair dryer. This drawer was small and couldn't hold much, so we didn't use it. The top drawer included three shelves - one was for the cabin’s safe. These shelves were perfect for our miscellaneous things, like hats, bags, sunscreen, medicine, etc.

Below these shelves was the mini cooler that we used to keep our water bottles cold throughout the cruise.

The closet was large and had three built-in shelves for clothes. There were only 10 hangers for the two of us (and we packed a lot of clothes), so we requested more hangers from our cabin steward. This was much appreciated!

There was someone who complained on the cruise's Facebook group about their air conditioning not working in their cabin, but ours worked great!

Next up, the bathroom. At first glance, the bathroom was updated nicely and offered lots of storage, but we did run into a few problems.

First, our toilet wouldn’t flush twice during our cruise. We had to call our cabin steward to let him know that we tried flushing numerous times with no success. He even told us other cabins around us were having similar problems. Once we reported the issue, it was fixed within an hour.

Also, the heat in the shower was quite confusing. I would turn the handle towards the heat and it would take at least five minutes to get warm. Sometimes, it would be warm and then get cold and then warm again without touching the handle. My mom and I had difficulties trying to get the knob at just the right spot so we could consistently get warm water. When it was warm, it was a pleasant shower experience.

Lastly, a small thing to point out, every time my mom and I wanted to use some toilet paper, the toilet paper would fall off the holder! We realized that we had to place our thumb on the holder so the toilet paper wouldn't fly off.

On newer Royal Caribbean ships, there is a built-in nightlight in the bathroom so when the cabin is pitch black, you can still navigate to the bathroom. However, our cabin on Independence of the Seas did not have this. We did pack a nightlight to use in our cabin and that helped tremendously.

Overall, my mom and I had a comfortable stay in our cozy cabin. Although we had some bathroom issues, this did not ruin our vacation by any means. We never felt the ship moving, and our cabin’s location proved to be ideal since it was located near the Royal Promenade and other lower-deck activities.

We're five weekends away from the official launch of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. 

The brand-new party ship will focus on short getaways to The Bahamas, namely Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Guests onboard the 5,668-passenger vessel can enjoy an exciting array of amenities, from exhilarating waterslides to mesmerizing high-diving shows and the cruise line's first immersive train car dining experience. 

“With the delivery of Utopia of the Seas, we have the keys to the ultimate weekend,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean takes delivery of new cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas

“This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway. Vacationers want every minute to be a minute well spent, and the unmatched combination of Utopia and Perfect Day at CocoCay will deliver that. We are proud and excited to soon debut Utopia in a big way!”

Here's a first look at the new Utopia of the Seas. 

Resort-style pool deck

The expansive pool deck is designed to be a haven for guests to soak up every moment of the Bahamian sun. With five pools—more than the days to count—, eight hot tubs, three waterslides, and a dedicated aqua park for children, there are plenty of ways to relax and play aboard Utopia of the Seas. 

Plus, with the addition of the new "food truck" dining venue, passengers don't need to travel far for a quick bite to eat. Dishing up "handheld favorites" like pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger flatbreads, daily rotating desserts, and more, the new dining concept is a convenient way to fuel up without straying far from the poolside fun. 

Read more: "There will be nothing better on planet Earth": First look at Royal Caribbean's new weekend party cruise ship

Royal Caribbean designed the pool deck to cater to all ages and preferences, which is why you'll find three thrilling Perfect Storm waterslides, a children's aqua park, and three Lime & Coconut bars. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-filled afternoon or a tropical poolside cocktail, the pool deck aboard Utopia of the Seas won't disappoint. 

"From the ultimate multigenerational vacation on this year’s earlier debut of Icon of the Seas to now the ultimate weekend getaway on Utopia of the Seas, we are laser-focused on delivering a variety of vacation options and priceless memories for our guests," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

Other onboard activities include the zip line, ice skating rink, FlowRider surf simulator, miniature golf course, rock climbing walls, and Utopia Playscape for kids. 

Revamped Ultimate Abyss 

Utopia of the Seas' Ultimate Abyss is not only the cruise line's longest yet, but also the longest dry slide at sea! Measuring 259 feet long, Royal Caribbean reclaimed the title after it was stolen by MSC World Europa's 250-foot Venom Drop. 

It's 43 feet longer than the Ultimate Abyss slides on other Oasis Class ships and about 10 times longer than a London double-decker bus. 

Those brave enough to plummet down the 10-story slide will begin their adventure on Deck 16, speeding through the new transparent racing windows and zoom booster rollers for a "surprise exit" on the Boardwalk. 

Adults-only Solarium

Found at the front of the ship on Deck 15, the Solarium is a Royal Caribbean staple available to passengers 18 years and older. This adults-only area is a sanctuary of tranquility for those who might not want to be in the middle of all the action on the pool deck. 

Hideaway Beach, the adults-only beach at CocoCay, costs extra. However, it's worth the splurge for those seeking a kid-free day on the island. 

Relocated Izumi 

Though not a new dining concept, Izumi onboard Utopia of the Seas will be relocated to Central Park, a first for an Oasis Class ship. With six teppanyaki tables, Utopia's Izumi will be the largest in the fleet. 

Additionally, there will be three different dining styles: teppanyaki, sushi, and, for the first time, a private multicourse omakase-inspired dining room. There will also be a to-go sushi window to grab delicious rolls, hot gyoza, or soft-serve bubble cones for an extra charge.

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Sushi isn't everyone's favorite, though. With more than 40 ways to dine and drink, there's something for everyone on the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, whether you are craving a juicy steak, fresh piece of pizza, or poolside Mexican fare. 

It will also be the only ship with the new immersive train car dining experience, Royal Railway - Utopia Station. The unique dishes, specialty cocktails, and overall ambiance promise to deliver a memorable meal while "transporting" you through different times and places, including America's Wild West. 

Fans of Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will appreciate the revamp, as the restaurant will span two stories and feature a terrace overlooking the Boardwalk. 

Utopia of the Seas will welcome paying guests onboard for the first time on July 19

With Utopia officially in the hands of Royal Caribbean, the anticipation for the ship's inaugural voyage continues to grow. 

Departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Utopia of the Seas will call at CocoCay on July 20 and Nassau on July 21 before returning to Florida and welcoming a new set of passengers onboard for a 4-night cruise, which includes one sea day. 

The ship introduces a new era of cruising, as it's the line's first ship entering service catering to the short cruising market. Rather than reserving older vessels for 3- and 4-night sailings, those loyal to the brand or curious about cruising can experience cutting-edge amenities and world-class entertainment not found on any other short cruise in the world. 

Cruise ships are engineering marvels, and they can even perform a little-known trick to fit under bridges.

Royal Caribbean recently began offering summer cruises from the New York City area on Symphony of the Seas.  Symphony is an Oasis Class ship, making it one of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Just like sister ship Oasis of the Seas, both have retractable funnels that allow it to pass under shorter bridges.

Symphony of the Seas is indeed massive, coming in at 1,188 feet long, and encompassing 18 decks in height.

Only recently have the giant Oasis Class ships began sailing from the New York area, and a lot of people assumed it wasn't possible because of the Verrazzano Narrows bridge, which blocks access to New York harbor.

The Verrazzano bridge is 228 feet above mean high water at its midpoint, whereas Symphony of the Seas is 238 feet high.

Captain Rob Hempstead spoke to guests on a recently Symphony of the Seas sailing that the ship's funnels do retract and can do so as needed on the Oasis Class ships.

Bridges are common around major ports, and some are just tall enough for cruise ships to fit underneath them.

Captain Rob also confirmed that the funnels are still able to retract, even if a ship has been outfitted with scrubbers on them.  Scrubbers act a lot like a catalytic converter in the sense they filter out a lot of the ship's emissions from making it into the air.

The funnels telescope down to give the ship some the few extra inches it needs to fit under the bridge.

According to Captain Rob, all the Oasis Class ships are equipped with this functionality.

There's a second part to this trick, because the ship can get lower in the water by speeding up. By going faster, they squat lower into the water.

When you increase the speed in relatively confined waters, the ship has a suction effect from the bottom, and that actually makes the ship go a bit deeper into the water.

More ships can retract their funnels

It's not just the Oasis Class ships that can shrink down when necessary.

Royal Caribbean's Icon and Quantum class ships all have retractable funnels.

In fact, the brand new Icon of the Seas had to do the same thing when it departed its shipyard to begin operations.

In late November 2023, the 1,198-foot-long, 250,800 gross-ton vessel had to get from Finland to Spain, but Denmark's 11-mile Great Belt Bridge was in the way.

The cruise ship had to "lower and secure" the Icon of the Seas' funnels, allowing it to clear the Great Belt Bridge with only a few feet to spare. 

Prior to Icon, Allure of the Seas was the last cruise ship to pass underneath the Great Belt Bridge.  The second Oasis Class ship did it in October 2010 and passed with just 20 inches of clearance.

Construction for Celebrity Cruises' fifth Edge Class cruise ship has reached a major milestone.

Celebrity Xcel's keel-laying ceremony took place on June 13 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, signifying the start of the ship's physical construction. At the ceremony, Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises; and Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique lowered the first 739-ton steel block for the new ship. 

“Today, we not only mark the start of construction, but we are laying the foundation on which countless memories will be created,” said Liberty.

“Each new ship also represents an opportunity to advance our journey to net zero, and with Xcel, we are building our first methanol capable ship, which helps advance our transition to the energy platform of the future.”

The new Edge Class ship is scheduled to enter service in November 2025, offering 7-night cruises to The Caribbean and Bahamas.

The 5-night inaugural voyage is slated to depart on November 18, sailing to Bimini, Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico. Interior and ocean-view cabins have already sold out, despite the voyage being well over one year away. 

Prices for veranda cabins start at $1,139 per person, with suites within the luxurious Retreat going for as much as $32,800 per sailor. 

Once completed, the ship will join Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent as one of the most revolutionary cruise ships at sea, with features such as infinite veranda cabins, the Magic Carpet, and innovative entertainment options in state-of-the-art venues. 

“We can’t wait to debut Celebrity Xcel and her unrivaled guest experiences, living up to her name in every way with surprises that confirm ‘Nothing Comes Close’ to a Celebrity vacation,” said Bethge.

“We are grateful for the continued partnership of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team for lending their craftsmanship to further elevate the innovative design and world-class features of our beloved Edge Series ships.”

Celebrity Xcel's coin ceremony

During the keel-laying ceremony, a newly minted coin was placed on the first piece of steel to symbolize good fortune during the ship's construction process and seafaring career. 

"The Olympic Games symbols and the representation of NASA’s Saturn V rocket engraved on the coins pay tribute to the values of team spirit, commitment, and respect promoted by Chantiers de l’Atlantique as well as the innovative characteristics of Celebrity Xcel," wrote the shipyard's Facebook.

Celebrity Xcel will feature the world's first tri-fuel capable engine

Unlike liquefied natural gas (LNG), Celebrity Xcel's engine will be able to use three types of fuel, including methanol. 

This is a first for the company and represents a crucial steppingstone on Royal Caribbean Group's journey to Destination Net Zero, their ambitious aspiration for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, was Royal Caribbean Group's first LNG ship. 

The next major milestone in Celebrity Xcel's construction is the float-out

As more blocks are welded together throughout the coming months, the ship will start to take shape. Eventually, Celebrity Xcel will be ready to move from a dry dock to a wet dock, marking a significant moment in the construction process. 

The float out isn't a quick process. Utopia of the Seas', for example, took 15 hours and more than 46 million gallons of water. 

Once afloat, the ship will undergo further outfitting before embarking on its sea trials to test certain functions that cannot be done when docked, including the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, vibration levels, and more. Even when complete, more work has to be done before the ship can be delivered to the cruise line and welcoming guests onboard. 

Read more: How long does it take to build a cruise ship

I'm a year-round cruiser, and taking a summer cruise involves a different strategy than other times of the year.

Summer in the Caribbean is actually the off-season for the region. Many of Royal Caribbean's ships head to Europe for the summer, leaving less ships sailing in North America.  Moreover, hurricane season encompasses all of the summer and fall, which adds another factor for lower demand.

Nonetheless, I take my family on summer cruises because the time off from school makes it the perfect time to getaway.

While we do sometimes take cruises to cooler climates, such as Alaska or Europe, the bulk of our summer cruises depart somewhere from Florida.

If you're going to cruise in the Caribbean this summer, here are my best tips for not feeling like a melted ice cream puddle all the time.

Prioritize morning or night activities

Want to get a run in on the jogging track? Or want to explore San Juan? Whenever possible, try to do this in the early morning hours or after sunset.

While the pools aren't open all night, there's usually a pool and hot tub open each evening to coincide with movies shown on the big screen.

Bring extra clothes because of the sweat factor

When you're packing for a summer cruise, assume you'll sweat through your first outfit of the day, especially on days you're in port.

The humidity in the tropics is extremely high, so even just standing around will get you sweaty.

It's a good idea to bring extra shirts and underwear that you can change back into when you get on the ship.  

You could send your soiled clothes out for washing via Royal Caribbean's laundry service, but it's costly.

Read more: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

You will still need a sweater for indoor venues

While it will be hot and humid outside, inside the air conditioning will be pumping.

It's common to find the Main Dining Room, restaurants, and theaters chilly. If you're sensitive to the cold, you'll still want to bring a sweater with you.

You'll need shoes for the decks

You may not notice it at first, but the pool decks get very, very hot when in direct sunlight.  

Before you kick off your flip flips at the pool, keep them nearby when you want to talk to get ice cream or head to the bar.

Don't overdo it

It's easy to feel compelled to "go, go, go!" every day of your cruise, but the heat and humidity combination will hit you harder in the summer. Your body will struggle to keep up when the sun is bright and the humidity is above 80.

Schedule breaks during the day in port and on shore.  Taking an afternoon nap in your air conditioned cabin can feel so nice.  Or opt for shore excursions that include a beach break in them over arduous city touring. 

Another idea is to switch between "beach day" and "touring day".  Rather than doing a bunch of exploring every day, try to work in relaxing days at the beach to reset your body.

Look for indoor activities on sea days

While your Royal Caribbean ship will have lots of fun activities around the pool deck, you could opt for indoor activities.

Trivia, bumper cars, demonstrations, and bingo are all held in climate controlled environments, and it can make a big difference not being outside.

Hit the water slides as soon as they open in the morning

Going down water slides is fun, but there are two good reasons to try the slides in the morning as soon as they open.

First, the lines will be shorter when they first open.  Most passengers like to sleep in and take it easy, and then hit the pool deck in the late morning. Going on the slides as soon as they open means you can get a few runs in with less of a line.

Second, the sun isn't as strong in the morning compared to later in the day. That means time spent waiting your turn won't be as hot.

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is a very important step on any summer cruise.

Bring bottled water with you on shore excursions, and drink plenty of water onboard. You can get free water from any restaurant, and there are refill stations around the ship.

Many people will bring their own hydro flask or Yeti bottle with them to ensure they have more water with them at all times.

Read more: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

Before you go on a shore excursion, be sure to fill your water bottle or bring a couple of bottles of water with you from the ship. 

Prepare for shore excursions

Before you head out for any shore excursion, be sure to take a few important steps.

• Wear a hat
• Wear light colored clothes
• Wear dry wicking clothes (bonus if it's SPF clothing)
• Apply sunscreen before you leave the cabin

Some people bring neck fans or cooling towels to wear. I'm not sold on them, but recognize there are people that use them, so it must work for them.

Most shore excursions provide water, but we’ve always appreciated having more with us.

Apply and re-apply sunscreen

Bring waterproof and reef safe sunscreen in a high SPF value to ensure you don't get sunburned (contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra).

Not applying sunscreen often is one of the most common cruise mistakes we see others making.

It's a good idea to apply it before you leave the ship so it's working as soon as you step off the gangway.

There's a new Royal Caribbean cruise ship joining its fleet.

Measuring 1,188 feet, Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas was delivered today at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France and is on schedule for her maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida to The Bahamas on July 19, 2024.

Delivery of the ship signifies transfer of ownership of a new cruise ship.

The 18-deck cruise ship has a maximum capacity for 5,668 guests and 2,290 crew members. That's a total of up to 7,958 people.

Utopia of the Seas delivered

Executives from Royal Caribbean took delivery of the ship at a ceremony at the shipyard.

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley and General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique Laurent Castaing hosted Utopia’s first party of many to recognize the achievements of the nautical engineers, designers, architects and more.

"Taking delivery of Utopia of the Seas is an incredibly important milestone, as it marks yet another evolution of our game-changing ships and our mission to create the best vacation experiences responsibly," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. 

"From the ultimate multigenerational vacation on this year’s earlier debut of Icon of the Seas to now the ultimate weekend getaway on Utopia of the Seas, we are laser-focused on delivering a variety of vacation options and priceless memories for our guests."

"With the delivery of Utopia of the Seas, we have the keys to the ultimate weekend," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. 

"This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway. Vacationers want every minute to be a minute well spent, and the unmatched combination of Utopia and Perfect Day at CocoCay will deliver that. We are proud and excited to soon debut Utopia in a big way!"

Utopia is the sixth vessel of the venerable Oasis Class, and is now the second largest cruise ship in the world, measuring 211 feet wide and 1,188 feet long. 

She is not as big as Icon of the Seas, which launched earlier this year and is 1,198 feet long, 20 decks high, and weighs 250,800 gross tons. That makes Utopia 10 feet less in height, two decks shorter, and 13,940 gross-tons lighter.

At 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188 feet long, Utopia of the Seas is slightly larger than Wonder of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship at sea that launched in 2022. 

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class debuted in 2009 with the introduction of Oasis of the Seas. Since then, the class has grown to include six ships, including Utopia of the Seas. 

More than two years of construction took place, with construction of the ship beginning in March 2022, and sea trials taking place in May 2024.

The cruise ship is not scheduled to leave Saint-Nazaire until June 23, 2024.

Utopia of the Seas will be based year-round at Port Canaveral beginning July 2024. 

A new market for a new ship

Utopia will be the first new Royal Caribbean ship to enter service with short cruises. Typically, new ships begin with at least 7-night cruises because it tends to be a more lucrative market.

Royal Caribbean's plan is to start with 3- and 4-night sailings designed to attract first-time cruisers who are hesitant to go on a longer sailing as their first cruise.

The idea is offer the very best new cruise ship in the short cruise market to give new cruisers an obvious choice of which ship is best for them to try. Shorter cruises allow passengers to get a taste of the best that Royal Caribbean has to offer without committing to a weeklong cruise. 

Combined with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean thinks it will cement them as a first-time cruiser's dream choice.

Once they fall in love with cruises, Royal Caribbean pushes them to try Icon of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas, which offer 7-night cruises.

What's new and different on Utopia of the Seas

Despite being the sixth in the Oasis Class, you'll find tweaks, additions, and new offerings on Utopia of the Seas.

Utopia will boast five pools, three water slides, 21 dining venues, 23 bars, two casinos, eight hot tubs, and will be the only Oasis-class ship to include two Solarium suites.

The ship will have a brand-new Caribbean-themed bar, Pesky Parrot, in the Royal Promenade. That compliments the expansive Lime & Coconut bar on the pool deck.

Perhaps the most anticipated new feature on Utopia of the Seas is the a new immersive dining experience, Royal Railway - Utopia Station.

You'll feel like you've boarded a classic train car that can transport you to different places around the world and in different eras.

At launch, Royal Railway will offer a trip to the Old West, but more ideas will follow. The restaurant will cost extra, and pricing is not yet known.

Speaking of the pool deck, there will be a new food truck concept added for guests. It will serve up, "handheld favorites"

After enjoying a tropical cocktail, passengers can make their way to one of the many dining options onboard, whether it's Royal Railway - Utopia Station, the classic Main Dining Room, the two-story Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, or casual Windjammer Marketplace. 

There will also be a zipline, laser tag, escape room, and rock wall to climb.

Inaugural sailing is next month

The first sailing of Utopia of the Seas will take place on July 19, 2024, offering a 3-night sailing to The Bahamas.

All of Utopia's sailings include visits to its private island, CocoCay.

Another Oasis Class ship to come

Utopia of the Seas is not the end of the Oasis Class.

Royal Caribbean placed an order for a seventh ship from Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard that is set to launch in 2028. 

Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship will have the longest dry slide at sea. 

First launched on Harmony of the Seas in 2016, the 10-deck high Ultimate Abyss quickly became a guest favorite. Passengers make their way to the aft of the ship on Deck 16, where they navigate twists and turns before ending up on the Boardwalk on Deck 6. 

MSC Cruises' World Europa stole the title for the longest dry slide at sea with the 250-foot Venom Drop. Royal Caribbean didn't take this too kindly, so they upped their game to introduce an even more thrilling attraction on their newest ship.

Measuring 259 feet long, Utopia of the Seas' Ultimate Abyss will be 43 feet longer than those on previous ships. Plus, it will be about 10 times longer than a London double-decker bus. 

The two slides were manufactured in Germany and are composed of 41 sections. Rather than maneuver and place a fully completed slide on the ship, sections were assembled and added individually. 

Inside, guests will find 300 illuminating LED lights and a brand-new feature, the zoom booster rollers, giving riders a "surprise" exit. 

Utopia of the Seas' Ultimate Abyss will have transparent racing windows, too, adding an extra layer of excitement while they fly down the slide in about nineteen seconds. 

The signature anglerfish was manufactured in France and stands 22 feet tall with 36 teeth that greet riders before they descend into the depths of the "abyss." 

Read more: "There will be nothing better on planet Earth": First look at Royal Caribbean's new weekend party cruise ship

The Ultimate Abyss dry slide can be found on all Oasis Class ships, except for one

The free-to-ride dry slide is an Oasis Class exclusive. First launched on Harmony of the Seas, it was later added to the namesake ship of the class. Allure of the Seas, however, never received the thrilling addition due to her canceled Royal Amplification. 

Currently, Allure is sailing out of Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida on 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. In July, her homeport will move to Miami, where she'll remain through February 2025. 

During Royal Caribbean Group's fourth-quarter earnings call, President and CEO Jason Liberty revealed that the second Oasis Class ship is set to undergo a major refurbishment. When the vessel returns to service in April 2025, she'll be based in Europe, offering weeklong sailings around the Mediterranean. 

Though no details have been revealed as to what guests can expect, some have speculated that an Ultimate Abyss will finally be added. 

The enchantments to the Ultimate Abyss aren't the only features unique to Utopia of the Seas

Utopia Station - Royal Railway is a brand-new specialty dining restaurant exclusive to Utopia of the Seas. The immersive dining experience will transport travelers through the Old West and Far East while onboard a cruise ship! 

In addition to a theatrical show complete with seat vibrations and special effects, Utopia Station offers a menu inspired by the time and region. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean's immersive train car restaurant brings the Old West and Far East to its next new cruise ship

Royal Caribbean is thinking into the future, too. Rather than utilize the space just for meals, they hope to roll out "short form" stories, such as a wine tasting while flying through Napa Valley or a whiskey tasting in the Tennessee mountains. 

The Pesky Parrot Bar will replace the Bionic Bar in the Royal Promenade, fitting as the ship is slated to make short tropical getaways! The Caribbean-themed bar will serve fruity cocktails made with rum, tequila, and gin and is sure to be a hit thanks to its central location. 

Up on the pool deck, it will be hard to ignore Lime & Coconut, Royal Caribbean's resort-style pool bar, which will have three locations onboard. 

"Lime & Coconut is really going to open up the pool deck, and guests are going to be able to use the whole pool deck for their pool parties and their activations at night," said Julie Ansorge, Product Owner, Product Development for Royal Caribbean International.

Whether you're a devout Royal Caribbean fan or new to cruising, Utopia of the Seas was built to offer the best of the brand. 

With only 3 or 4 days onboard, the goal is to get guests excited about cruising, so they'll want to explore other ships within the fleet, from the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, to smaller vessels that focus on offering port-intensive itineraries. 

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Utopia of the Seas's inaugural voyage is scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida on July 19

Originally, the first sailing was to commence on July 22; however, construction moved quicker than anticipated. Now, the 3-night maiden sailing will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas earlier than expected. 

Inaugural cruises are important milestones in the life of a cruise ship, as they signal that the vessel is ready for regular service with paying guests. 

They come after a series of shakedown voyages. These allow crew members to familiarize themselves with their day-to-day operations and ensure everything is running smoothly before officially welcoming customers onboard. 

Celebrity Cruises just sold two of its cruise ships sailing to the Galapagos.

On December 28, 2024, two ships will set sail for the final time under the Celebrity brand before being transferred to the Lindblad fleet in January. The two ships sold represent less than 1% of the total capacity for Royal Caribbean Group. 

Celebrity Flora, the cruise line's newest, 100-passenger Xpedition ship, will remain in the fleet and continue to offer sailings to this unique archipelago; however, the 48-passenger Celebrity Xpedition and 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration are set to undergo extensive multi-million dollar renovations before joining Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic and doubling the size of their fleet. 

A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson indicated the selling of the ships is about focusing on newer purpose-built vessels, "As we continue to optimize our fleet, we remain committed to the Galapagos Islands, offering sailings on Celebrity Flora and Silver Origin – two ships we’ve purposely built to sail in the archipelago year-round."

Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions celebrated the acquisition, "We recognize and appreciate the immense privilege our Company has to operate and grow our expedition cruise offerings in the Galápagos Islands."

Read more: Celebrity Cruises guide

"By sourcing well-appointed vessels and onboarding the most experienced crew and staff who meet our exacting standards of responsible exploration, we're able to transport guests from around the world to the iconic archipelago and help them understand the importance of protecting and preserving its wonders and wildlife, as a consequence of their personal experience."

Bookings will open later this month when the names of the new ships are revealed. The sale price was not disclosed. 

The two ships will join the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavor II and 48-guest National Geographic Island II

Combined, both ships offer more than 100 Galapagos departures annually on six different itineraries ranging from 7- to 16-day voyages. The company is also known for its global expedition trips to remote destinations, including the Arctic, Antarctica, Australia's Kimberley region, and Alaska's Walker Cove. 

"When my father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, led the first international citizen expedition to the Galápagos nearly 60 years ago, I don't think he ever could have dreamed it would serve as the foundation for ecotourism in the archipelago and would be the catalyst for meaningful, positively impactful connections," Lindblad continued.  

"We look forward to not only bringing more Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic guests to the islands with the growth of our fleet, but also to having a greater positive social impact supporting conservation, education and the creation of livelihoods."

Guests booked on Celebrity Xpedition or Celebrity Xploration in 2025 were given two choices 

First, they can select another sailing aboard the same ship between October 5 and December 14, 2024. They'll receive a complimentary transfer to a price-protected similar or upgraded cabin. 

Should they opt to remain in their original cabin category, guests can rest assured knowing the price will either be protected at the original rate or reduced to the current fare, whichever is lower. 

Those who booked their flights with Flights by Celebrity will have their airfare automatically adjusted. Guests who made their own travel arrangements will be reimbursed up to $400 USD per person for non-refundable, pre-purchased change fees.

The second option allows passengers to move to Celebrity Flora, the cruise line's first-ever ship built specifically for the Galapagos, at no extra cost. 

Guests must choose a sailing departing on a like weekend or one week before or after their original departure date. Holiday sailings are excluded unless originally booked on a Celebrity Xpedition or Xploration holiday cruise. 

Moreover, the original stateroom category price is protected at the original rate or reduced to the current fare, whichever is lower, excluding taxes, fees, and other non-cruise fare items. 

Flights by Celebrity will automatically take care of rebooking flights, while those who made their own arrangements are eligible for reimbursement of up to $400 USD per person for non-refundable, pre-purchased change fees.

Celebrity Flora will remain Celebrity's sole ship in the Galapagos

The departure of Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration will reduce the size of the Celebrity's fleet to 14. The Galapagos isn't the company's main focus, however, with the majority of their fleet encompassing larger ships that fit within the mainstream cruising experience. 

Their vessels, which range in size from 91,000 to 140,600 gross registered tons (GRT), are designed to cater to thousands of passengers, offering a variety of onboard amenities and dining and entertainment options. Coming in at just 5,739 GRT with a maximum capacity of 100, Celebrity Flora is the exception. 

In addition to Celebrity Flora, Silversea, Royal Caribbean Group's luxury cruise line, operates a ship year-round in the Galapagos. Silver Origin, like Celebrity Flora, was purpose-built for the region. Though Celebrity's Galapagos presence is diminishing, the company is still committed to the Galapagos. 

Read more: Celebrity Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest

Sailing onboard Celebrity Flora to the Galapagos differs from traditional Celebrity cruises. There's so much more included in your fare, from pre-cruise hotel stays to flights, beverages, shore excursions, and menus designed by Michelin-star chefs. 

Moreover, every stateroom onboard is a suite that features Celebrity's outward-facing concept. Unlike standard cruises to The Bahamas and Europe, the cheapest cabins include breathtaking views of the Galapagos, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the region's stunning landscapes. 

After you book an Alaska cruise, your next question might be which shore excursions are the best to book.

Alaska is known for its natural wonders, and many people want to maximize their time in Alaska by going on the best tours that allow them to see the major highlights. Whale watching, dog sleds, glacier viewings, historical tours, and many more are the most requested excursions cruisers want.

Our team has been on various Alaska cruises over the years, and we've experienced many different tours. Plus, our readers have shared their own recommendations for the best options.

Note: We make no guarantees about any of these tours. It's a list to consider based on feedback and our experiences. Book these tours at your own risk.

Here's our list of recommended cruise ship excursions to help make your search easier.

Juneau shore excursions & tours

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching Combo Tour: You'll get to see the two best things in Juneau: whales and glaciers. Website

Mt. Roberts Tramway: If the weather is clear, you can easily take the Mt. Roberts Tramway to the summit and enjoy spectacular views below. This is not a full-day tour, so you could combine this with another tour.  Website

Whale watching with Jayleen's Alaska: Many cruisers recommended this tour company, and it has received high accolades, including being named the #1 Water Tour in Juneau, Alaska. Website

What watching with Alaska Tales Juneau: Another highly rated whale watching tour, where you can not only view whales, but they offer a money-back guarantee if you don't see any. Website

Whale watching with Harv & Marv: Another often recommended whale watching tour. They also offer lighthouse tours. Website

Jeep tour: Take a self-guided tour of Juneau in your own Jeep Wrangler. There's a GPS and narration provided to allow you to move as fast or slow as you want. Website

Sled Dog Discovery: Dog sledding is a great family-friendly tour that combines history and the opportunity to meet the dogs. Website

Glacier and Guided Walk: If you're feeling adventurous, try a helicopter tour that brings you to Mendenhall Glacier. Website

Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter & Dog Sledding: Take a helicopter flightseeing tour with dogsledding and land on the lower level of the Herbert Glacier. Website

Read more: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan shore excursions & tours

Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour: See this glacier-carved wilderness from the air. It's everything Alaska is known for in one. Website

Ketchikan All In One: Small group tours that offer wildlife viewing, salmon fishing, and learning about the indigenous heritage of the area. Website

Kayak Eco-Tour: Kayaking is a fun way to get close up to many of the natural wonders, and it's easy to pick up (even if you've never done it before). Website

Combo helicopter tour: See the best views of the mountains and valleys surrounding Ketchikan Lakes and Mahoney Falls. Website

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: An entertaining spectacle of lumberjacks showing off their skills of carving wood using chainsaws, tree-climbing gaffs, and six-foot saws. Website

Totem Bight and Rain Forest Tour: Learn about the native history of Ketchikan while exploring a rainforest. Website

Fishing expedition: If you want to try to catch halibut, salmon, and more, a deep sea fishing expedition might be what you want. Website

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour: Educational & interactive Alaskan fishing tour meant to evoke the same style of fishing as seen in Deadliest Catch. Website

Skagway shore excursions & tours

White Pass Scenic Railway: By far the most popular excursion in Skagway, see beautiful views from the comfort of the train. Website

Skagway Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Adventure: Go on wheeled dogsleds that are pulled by a team of sled dogs, and then meet puppies after. Website

Ghosts and Goodtime Girls walking tour: Storytellers take you around town to share what it was like for the women of the Klondike Gold Rush. Website

E-Bike rental: Get around Skagway on your own with an e-bike. Website

Jeep tour: Explore Skagway and the nearby Yukon Territory in a Jeep rental, which includes, maps, mile-by-mile guide as well as an interactive tour guide. Website

White Pass Train & Bike Tour: Take the White Pass train up, and then bike back down. Website

Sitka shore excursions & tours

Whale watching with Captain Gary: Many people swear by Gary, who is from Sitka and knows the area well. Website

Fortress of the Bear: Animal rescue center, that includes bears. Many tours include a stop here, but you can do it yourself if you prefer. Website

Alaska Raptor Center: A medical treatment center for eagles and any injured wild birds. Website

Small group wildlife and scenic boat tours: Offers the chance of viewing seals, sea lions, sea otters, whales, porpoises, and Sitka black tail deer. Website

Wildlife Quest & Fin Island Lodge: Boat tour to see wildlife, including sea otters, whales, and coastal brown bears. Lunch at Fin Island. Website

Totem Trail & Sitka Historic Park: The Totem pole park offers a hike through the rainforest. Website

Haines shore excursions & tours

Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to see a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights. Website

Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve: Run by the State of Alaska, has around 100 bald eagles you can see at once. Website

Kroschel Films Wildlife Center: Photo opportunities and close encounters with lynx, wolves, wolverines, caribou, foxes, and much more. Website

Icy Strait Point shore excursions & tours

Icy Strait Point ZipRider: Go across six 5,330’ ziplines that will let you soar 300 feet above the rainforest below. Website

Whale watching with Glacier Wind Charters: See humpback whales, along with other wildlife. Website

Whale watching with Icy Strait Whale Adventures has a custom-built whale-watching vessel that has large windows that allow unrestricted viewing while getting up close and personal to whales. Website

Whale watching with Hoonah Travel Adventures offers an intimate small boat experience to their customers that have large viewing decks and oversized sliding windows. Website

Fishing charter: Offers group and private fishing trips. Website

Tree Top Adventure Park & Ropes Course: Self-guided courses with varying difficulty levels that allows you to advance through the obstacles at your own pace. Website

Why aren't there Royal Caribbean shore excursions on the list of recommended tours?

There are two reasons we did not include shore excursions sold by Royal Caribbean on this list.

First, it's difficult to ascertain if a specific tour sold by one ship on a particular sailing is the exact same tour as another sold on a different sailing and/or ship. Truthfully, it just wasn't practical to come up with a list given the generic names Royal Caribbean gives to their tour names and verify it's the same tour for anyone else booking it.

To be clear, there's nothing wrong with Royal Caribbean's shore excursions and I've often booked them myself. It was just easier to come up with a list of third-party vendors.

In addition, Royal Caribbean's tours are operated by third parties that the cruise line vets. The cruise line acts as a "middle man" in organizing it, so one way or another, you're going to end up with a third-party tour.  

In many cases, if you do a Google search for the Royal Caribbean Alaska shore excursion the exact tour appears from the vendor.

Granted, booking with Royal Caribbean does include certain benefits, such as ensuring the ship will wait for you if your tour is late getting back. 

How to book Alaska cruise excursions

When it comes to booking an excursion for an Alaska cruise, you have two main options: book through Royal Caribbean directly or with an outside provider.

Booking through Royal Caribbean

Booking directly through Royal Caribbean tends to be more expensive, but is a safe option in terms of reliability and cancellation policies. Royal Caribbean vets tour operators thoroughly before offering an excursion to guarantee you’ll have the safest, most authentic experience possible.

On the chance a Royal Caribbean excursion runs late, the cruise ship will wait for the tour group before leaving port. If for some reason the ship is unable to wait, Royal Caribbean will make arrangements and cover the cost of the tour group's return to the ship.

Read more: Is it better to book excursions through the cruise ship?

Booking through Royal Caribbean directly also tends to be convenient, as all excursions are listed directly on the Cruise Planner site. You won’t have to browse the internet and read reviews from independent companies prior to booking an excursion. Plus, if you have onboard credit, you can put that toward an amazing excursion!

Booking through an independent provider

While there are several pros to booking an Alaska cruise excursion through Royal Caribbean directly, booking through an independent tour operator can provide a wider range of excursion options, lower prices, and smaller groups.

Read more: Top ways to avoid crowds on an Alaska cruise

Simply put, there are many more shore excursions available in Alaska than the limited supply offered by Royal Caribbean. A quick search on Tripadvisor or Viator for Alaska cruise excursions will result in far more choices than what may be offered on your cruise.

Royal Caribbean excursions tend to be priced higher than independent excursions because the cruise line receives a cut of the excursion cost from the tour operator. Booking on your own eliminates the middleman, often leading to more affordable prices.

While the cruise ship will not wait for you if you’re running late on an excursion through an independent provider, this is a rare scenario as reputable tour providers have years of experience getting tour groups back to the ship on time. In addition, tour operators may offer similar cancellation policies to Royal Caribbean on the chance your cruise itinerary changes.

Read more: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

How much do shore excursions cost in Alaska?

While it’s possible to find great deals on cruise fares to Alaska, shore excursions can often be more expensive than what you are used to on a Caribbean cruise. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend on Alaska cruise excursions can better help you budget your vacation while still having an incredible cruise experience.

Shore excursions can run anywhere from $50 to well over $500. To give an example of how varied prices can be, here are a few sample prices you may see for Royal Caribbean excursions:

Juneau

• Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest ($158.99/adult, $110.99/child)
• Helicopter Glacier Walkabout ($406.99)
• Mendenhall Glacier River Rafting ($141.99)
• Mount Roberts Tramway ($59.99)

Skagway

• Klondike Bicycle Tour ($115.75)
• Ghost and Goodtime Girls Walking Tour ($45.99)
• White Pass Scenic Railway ($140.99/adult, $74.99/child)
• Glacier Discovery by Helicopter ($379.00)

Sitka

• Taste of Sitka ($78.99/adult, $62.99/child)
• Siginaka Islands Cruise & Kayak Adventure ($163.99/adult, $125.99/child)
• Tongass Forest Nature Hike ($84.99/adult, $60.99/child)
• Native Cultural and Historical Tour ($55.99/adult, $42.99/child)

Prices of shore excursions through independent providers are often cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s pricing, so be sure to look outside of Royal Caribbean for better deals.

Do I need a shore excursion on an Alaska cruise?

It’s not necessary to book a shore excursion on an Alaska cruise. In fact, some passengers prefer to explore on their own to have maximum freedom over activities, dining, and travel pace. While excursions are an “easy” option due to the fact that all logistics are handled by the tour operator instead of yourself, they can be a bit too limiting for some travelers.

Read more: Top 50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise

Luckily, Alaska cruise ports are small and walkable, allowing visitors to experience the town’s history, culture, and nearby nature on foot. Even Juneau, the largest Alaska cruise port, still has plenty of walkable areas and ways to get around without booking an excursion, such as the Goldbelt Tramway and Mendenhall Glacier shuttle bus.

Some activities, like kayaking, whale watching, and ziplining, tend to be easier with a shore excursion than without, as all equipment, lifejackets, transportation, etc. is provided for you. Others, like hiking, visiting museums, and trying Alaska’s cuisine can easily be done without a pre-booked excursion.

What to bring on an Alaska cruise excursion

Packing for an Alaska cruise excursion is a bit more complicated than bringing a beach towel and flip flops. You’ll want to make sure you are prepared for any weather conditions you may face so you remain comfortable and warm throughout the day.

Read more: What to bring on a cruise to Alaska?

Clothing

Packing layers is key on an Alaska cruise. Depending on the month you’re cruising to Alaska, packing a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt as a base layer is essential. Even though you’ll be surrounded by glaciers, it can get relatively warm in southeast Alaska, especially in the summer months.

A waterproof jacket is another necessity, as rain is extremely common to encounter on an Alaska cruise. Instead of an umbrella, wear a waterproof jacket with a hood that you can take on and off throughout the day.

Read more: What should I pack for a cruise to Alaska?

Packing a warm layer is also important in case of chilly temperatures. Sweatshirts, sweaters, and down jackets will keep you warm on the coldest of days!

Choose your footwear carefully before an Alaska cruise excursion. If your excursion involves hiking through the rainforest, tennis shoes with non-slip soles or hiking boots will be helpful. If you’re just planning to walk around town, regular sneakers will be fine. It’s a good idea to make sure the shoes you pack for an Alaska cruise are water-resistant. Having water seep through your shoes is very uncomfortable!

Accessories

Bringing a waterproof or water-resistant daypack on an Alaska cruise is essential to ensure your electronics, identification, and any other valuables remain protected throughout the excursion.

Packing a warm hat and gloves is also recommended, particularly if you’re cruising to Alaska in the shoulder season months of May and September.

Read more: What it’s like to go on an Alaska cruise at the end of the season

Binoculars can be another great item to pack for an Alaska cruise excursion, as they give you the chance to view Alaska’s wildlife and scenery up close. Bringing binoculars will definitely come in handy if you book a wildlife excursion.

Sunscreen and sunglasses are also important to pack. While you may not associate an Alaska cruise with needing protection from the sun, it can be strong on sunny days, as sunlight shines not only from the sky but also from glaciers and snow. A travel-sized sunscreen container should be adequate for an Alaska cruise.

You may also want to consider packing snacks to bring with you on your excursion, especially if traveling with kids. Alaska shore excursions can be more active than what you’re used to, so having a bag of trail mix or granola bars on hand is helpful.

More Alaska cruise resources:

• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?
• When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?

The answer to which Royal Caribbean cruise ship is the biggest depends on when you check.

At the moment, the largest Royal Caribbean vessel (and largest cruise ship in the world) is the Icon of the Seas.

In 2024, Icon of the Seas beat out Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship, ushering in Royal Caribbean's New Icon Class.

She overtakes Wonder of the Seas in gross tonnage, passenger capacity, and length.

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by size

As of right now, it's unlikely that any other cruise ship will surpass her until 2025.

In August 2025, Star of the Seas, the next Icon Class ship, will take her maiden voyage.

Only a few details have been released about Star of the Seas, and her size hasn't been confirmed.

However, Royal Caribbean has said that subsequent Icon Class ships will not be a foot bigger than Icon of the Seas.

In the meantime, Icon of the Seas takes the crown as the largest Royal Caribbean ship.

Icon of the Seas officially began passenger cruises in 2024.

At maximum occupancy, she carries 7,600 guest passengers and 2,350 crew members, equalling a total occupancy of nearly 10,00 people.

Read more: I took the inaugural cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship. It was a giant party, but not everything was totally ready

That's the population of a small town, all gathered on one cruise ship.

She is 20 decks high, 250,800 gross tons, and 1,198 feet long. 

If Icon of the Seas were stood up on one end, it would be taller than the Chrysler Building in New York City and the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas!

Read more: Icon of the Seas size comparison

The 20-deck ship has seven pools, eight distinct neighborhoods, and six waterslides that make up an entire water park.

Despite surpassing Wonder's size, Icon of the Seas actually has fewer cabins than the Oasis Class ship.

Icon only has 2,805 cabins compared to Wonder's 2,867.

Royal Caribbean intentionally built its new ship this way to accommodate more families onboard in larger cabins that fit three or four passengers.

Here's some more data pitting Icon of the Seas vs. Wonder of the Seas:

Gross tonnage

• Icon of the Seas: 250,800
• Wonder of the Seas: 236,857

Length

• Icon of the Seas: 1,198
• Wonder of the Seas: 1,188

Total decks

• Icon of the Seas: 20
• Wonder of the Seas: 18

Maximum passengers

• Icon of the Seas: 7,600
• Wonder of the Seas: 6,988

Crew capacity

• Icon of the Seas: 2,350
• Wonder of the Seas: 1,551

Big or small ship?

There are pros and cons to going on a big cruise ship.

In general, the bigger the ship, the more space the cruise line has to add things to do while you are onboard.

Space is always at a premium on a cruise ship, so if a ship is bigger, it has more room to offer more activities.

Smaller cruise ships don't have nearly as many whiz-bang amenities, and for some people, this matters more than for others.

Read more: What’s the difference between a large and small cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean has a reputation for building innovative and large ships, and many of the smallest ships in the fleet would still be considered large if they suddenly became part of another cruise line.

Why cruise ships are getting bigger

The trend in the cruise industry is to build bigger ships, so typically the smaller ships are also the older ships.

There are a lot of great things about older ships. They come at a better value, with more unique itineraries, and a more intimate, close-knit atmosphere onboard.

Newer ships, which are typically larger, offer the latest and greatest, the most hyped activities and innovative amenities.

Every cruiser is different, so everyone feels differently about the importance of the age of your ship.  

Read more: 12 differences between the big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships

So why are cruise lines building bigger ships?

Economy of Scale

The other aspect of making money is cost control and economies of scale make these bigger ships more profitable. 

Whether 1,000 or 5,000 passengers are onboard, there are common expenses such as wages for the captain, cruise director, chief engineer, and other staff that must be paid. 

Spreading these costs out over more passengers enhances profitability for the cruise line.  

What does this mean to the bottom line? 

According to Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO, “newer, larger ships can break even on cash flow at around 35% capacity while older, smaller ships are closer to 50%." This makes a significant difference.

Despite these new ships having a price tag of over $1 billion, they have proven to be more cost-effective as building one large ship is more feasible than building two smaller ones.

Once a cruise ship covers its costs, it can focus on additional revenue sources, the icing on the cake.

Read more: I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why the surging hype is real

Marketing

A key aspect of a successful marketing strategy is a great product, and bigger cruise ships are just that. 

These floating cities have tons of amazing amenities, especially for those guests who want to try the latest and greatest things.

With kids' areas, lounges, adult-only only sun decks, and world-class dining options, larger ships appeal to a broad target market. Whether it be families, solo travelers, honeymooners, or retirees, there is something for everyone.

New cruise ships create lots of buzz. 

With each new ship being bigger than the last, anticipation is heightened.  Facebook groups monitor the construction progress posting pictures and providing updates on sea trials.

Travel agents and media provide reviews and YouTube videos with all the new details, to excite would-be passengers and drive sales with good publicity.

Great amenities and activities

New ships like the Icon of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas have all the newest bells and whistles, with the flexibility to operate in different regions such as the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.

Odyssey of the Seas with its 17 different restaurants and a variety of bars and lounges means that cruisers will not be short on great food and drink options. New onboard activities like a skydiving simulator, virtual reality bungee experience, and the SeaPlex activity interior all keep kids and parents busy.

Guests can also rent casitas for an additional fee, so no worries about getting a great spot on the sundeck on busy sea days.

Wonder of the Seas features some brand-new design elements such as a designated suite neighborhood with more suite-only amenities.

In addition, the ship has a redesigned pool deck experience and a new kids' playscape. These new features on the fleet’s biggest ship will no doubt be a big draw for consumers.

Revenue

The purpose of these bigger ships is to make more money. A big part of this equation is to increase revenues, especially as it relates to the amount of onboard spending.

Gambling at the casino, specialty dining restaurants, spas, and drink packages among other additional fee-based activities are all geared toward this. 

With the exception of Utopia of the Seas, which begins sailing in July 2024 and will offer 3 and 4 day cruises, cruise lines are putting their newest ships on 7-day sailings, giving cruisers more to do and more time to spend.

 Older ships are more frequently sailing on 3-4 day cruises.

For a 7-day cruise, Royal Caribbean makes an average of $300 per person after deducting expenses. 

Passengers spending an extra couple hundred dollars on a drink or photo package, a massage, or playing blackjack, all help to improve margins, a significant impact on the cruise line's bottom line.

Suites

Larger ships mean more space. The development of a suite-only exclusive area is another revenue management strategy. 

Icon of the Seas has an innovative layout with a dedicated suites-only neighborhood.

The exclusive neighborhood has upscale amenities for guests who are willing to pay for them, such as a private two-story sundeck, and an exclusive restaurant, the Grove.

Suite guests also have access to the Coastal Kitchen dining room, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Suites are a huge source of revenue for the cruise line as they can cost tens of thousands of dollars more than a standard balcony or interior stateroom.

For example, a 7-day 2025 Eastern Caribbean cruise on Icon of the Seas costs $2,185 per person in an interior cabin.

Read more: I spent $2800 for 7 nights in a 157-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my tiny cabin

However, a one-bedroom Owner's Suite with Sky Class amenities is priced at $12,504 per person.

That's over 5 times the prices for just about double the space!

Even at this growing premium pricing, the demand for suites continues to grow.