Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: July 13, 2025

In:
13 Jul 2025
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Royal Caribbean has banned hiding ducks in one spot on its cruise ships.

Duck-Central-Park-Icon

Photos have emerged of new signs placed in the Central Park neighborhood asking passengers not to hide rubber decks in the plants.

It appears this is to reduce the damage guests make to the plants when they inadvertently brush them aside to search for hidden ducks.

Royal Caribbean News

Star of the Seas has been delivered to Royal Caribbean

Star of the Seas at sea

At a ceremony this week, Royal Caribbean took ownership of its second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas.

Star will be one of the largest in the world, and it's now officially built and delivered.

The new ship will enter service in August 2025, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

First look at new cruise terminal Royal Caribbean is building in Miami

Terminal G render

New renderings have appeared for the upgraded cruise terminal coming to Miami.

Royal Caribbean is going to replace Terminal G with a new terminal that can handle the biggest ships in the world, as well as catch up to modern standards for getting passengers through the building.

The upgraded terminal should be ready by 2027.

What I wish I knew before I took my cruise this summer

Olden, Norway

Matt spent a week on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Norway, but there are a few things he wish he knew before it began.

Every sailing has its own approach, and certain nuances of this itinerary stood out.

In retrospect, there were good lessons for anyone else sailing there.

New RCB Video: First Class on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — First Class on a Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Independence of the Seas ship review

Independence of the Seas departing Miami

Looking for a cruise ship that has lots to do, some of the best features, and doesn't come with a large price tag?

Our full review of Independence of the Seas shares what you can expect onboard, what stands out about the ship, and what areas need improvement.

Independence of the Seas is a cruise ship that doesn't compromise on things to do, places to eat, and competitive rates.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Episode 570

The 570th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available.

Can Star of the Seas match the high standard Royal Caribbean has set with Icon? Matt debates if it's possible to exceed the very lofty expectations the new ship has.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.


Matt started Royal Caribbean Blog in 2010 as a place to share his passion for all things Royal Caribbean with readers. He oversees all the writers at Royal Caribbean Blog, and writes a great deal of content on a daily basis.  He has become one of the foremost experts on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Over the years, he has reached Pinnacle Club status with Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program.

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