Royal Caribbean Blog

A local court ruled that cruise ships can still visit Nice, France, despite the mayor's determination to ban them. 

On July 1, Nice and Villefranche enacted new rules banning cruise ships carrying more than 2,500 passengers from disembarking in the area. However, Voyager of the Seas still called at Villefranche-sur-Mer on July 3, arriving around 6:30am local time. 

The Voyager Class ship had 3,114 passengers and roughly 1,200 crew on board. Although port officials said it was a pre-approved stop, Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area, considered the ship's arrival a breach of the recently implemented ban. 

Estrosi boarded a police boat with a television crew, approached Voyager of the Seas, and requested to board with an official letter instructing the captain not to let guests ashore. 

"In accordance with these publicly announced commitments, I formally request that you refrain from disembarking any passengers from your vessel at the Villefranche maritime station or at any other metropolitan facility," the letter read.

"Given your clear non-compliance with our environmental and territorial regulations, I am bringing this matter to the attention of the Minister for Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, as well as the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean. I am asking them to take, without delay, all necessary measures to order the immediate departure of your ship from the waters off Villefranche."

Voyager's crew didn't let Estrosi on and motioned for him to turn around. Frustrated, he was caught on camera shouting, "Where is the captain?" and ordering the crew to "get out of here." Estrosi later accused Royal Caribbean of ignoring local regulations and described the ship's crew as "arrogant." 

In a statement to local reporters, he doubled down on his stance: "I will not give up. I call on all relevant authorities to take the utmost firmness on this issue. I intend to strictly enforce the decision."

Days later, he issued an order to further restrict cruise ship access in the area. The ban would have limited cruise ships to just 450 passengers in Nice and 2,500 in Villefranche-sur-Mer. However, it was suspended on July 13 by the local Administrative Court in Nice, which sided with Laurent Hottiaux, the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes department.

Read more: Angry French Mayor yells at cruise ship

Estrosi wanted to cut down on cruise ship visits to help fight climate change and protect marine life

According to the ruling, only the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes department can regulate ship traffic. In other words, Estrosi doesn't have the legal right to impose maritime restrictions, despite his dual role as the Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area. 

Estrosi is "not competent to issue such measures," the court emphasized. Only the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes can, as it's "within the framework of his powers to police the waterway, [and] organize the entries, exits, and movements of vessels."

The court also stated that "these limitations go against the freedom of movement for cruise ship passengers and the freedom of trade and industry for cruise operators."

Still, Estrosi, who thinks that cruise ships are "three times worse than airplanes," isn't giving up. He has threatened to sue the State if they don't take action against large cruise ships. 

Had the ban gone into effect on July 11 as Estrosi intended, at least 12 cruise ships would have been forced to cancel their planned 2025 visits.  

To build a cruise ship like Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas or Star of the Seas, it's anything but a simple process.

Royal Caribbean's new cruise ships take years of research, design, and testing before actual construction can begin. It's an enormous engineering, research, and imagination feat before the first passengers are able to step onboard.

Royal Caribbean shared an inside look at the process, and it's a fascinating look at one of the most complex endeavors within the travel industry.

Step 1: It All Starts With an Idea

Royal Caribbean starts off designing a new ship with the conceptual stage, posing an important question: "Who are we building this for?".

According to the cruise line, their team begins by identifying which type of guests they want to attract. From there, they determine what those guests want, what they need, and how to exceed those expectations with something entirely new. 

As Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO, put it, "It’s in our DNA to wake up every day dreaming and innovating about what the future experience could look like."

They call it "ideation" and it's a brainstorming of process of what's possible to do on a floating hotel at sea. Many of the venues and attractions we take for granted today on a Royal Caribbean ship were born of this process.

Ideas are tossed around conference rooms filled with designers, architects, engineers, and brand experts to determine what sounds fun, and how practical it actually is.  The good ones make their way to a new ship.

Step 2: From Concept to Blueprint

With the ideas in place, Royal Caribbean moves on to take those ideas and turn them into designs.

According to Royal Caribbean, the design phase for a ship like Utopia of the Seas took over 1.5 million working hours. These hours go into creating detailed blueprints, renderings, and workshop plans. 

This step of the process can take a while, as the cruise line must account for every part of the ship.  Every room, hallway, panel, and accessway must be planned out.

Only after this intensive work is complete can construction begin.

Step 3: Selecting the Shipyard and Starting Construction

With a plan in place, a cruise line has to find someone to actually build it.

There are a handful of shipyards around the world that are capable (and knowledgeable) to build cruise ships.  Surprisingly, none of them are in the United States.

Royal Caribbean works with one of three major shipyards, depending on the size and class of the ship. 

The first construction milestone is the steel-cutting ceremony. This is the symbolic beginning of construction when the first sheet of steel is cut.

From that steel, a ceremonial silhouette of the ship is cut—marking the start of a long and complex building process.

Step 4: Building the Ship Block by Block

Cruise ships are built differently from buildings on land.

On a basic level, cruise ships are assembled by putting together blocks of pre-built units to create the ship's super-structure.

Each block contains portions of the ship’s structure, including framing, electrical systems, and plumbing. These blocks are assembled off-site and then transported to the shipyard, where they are connected piece by piece. 

The first block to go into place is the keel, which forms the backbone of the ship. 

As part of maritime tradition, there is a keel-laying ceremony where a pair of lucky coins are placed under the keel as a symbol of good luck.

Step 5: Welding, Cabling, and Engineering

Once the keel is laid, the blocks are added in stages over the next 12 to 18 months. This phase is highly technical. It includes:

• Installing engines, propellers, stabilizers
• Running miles of cables for power and data
• Connecting AC ducts, plumbing, and exhaust systems
• Welding together structural steel and sealing seams

All of this work is happening while cabins are being built separately in nearby facilities. 

These staterooms are fully fabricated off-site and then lifted into place using cranes. It takes about one year to complete the cabins and install them on board.

Step 6: Float Out

After all the major structural and mechanical systems are in place, the ship is ready for its float out.

At this point, the ship has a completed exterior with a bow, stern, and hull. The dry dock is slowly filled with water, and the ship floats for the first time. From this point forward, the ship will remain afloat.

Although the vessel now looks finished, there’s still a tremendous amount of work to complete.

Step 7: Sea Trials

Just like a new car, cruise ships must be tested to ensure their systems work and the vessel can handle sailing.

Sea trials are a series of tests that examine how the ship performs under real-world conditions. 

When sea trials take place, hundreds of specialists run tests to help assess different technical areas of the ship, and there were more than 450 specialists who helped to run the four days tests on the ship’s technical areas during this round of sea trials. 

The team evaluates:

• Speed and engine response
• Navigation systems and maneuverability
• Stabilizers and propulsion
• Emergency systems and alarms
• Compliance with performance guarantees

Sea trials allow certain navigation and technical systems to be tested that cannot be completed while the ship is docked. It's the final step of a ship's construction prior to being delivered to the cruise line and ensures that everything's in tip-top shape before officially joining the fleet. 

Step 8: Interior Finish and Final Delivery

The finishing touches will take place right after the sea trials are complete, and this is when things passengers will need are added.

Examples of this includes:

• Installing signage, art, and furniture
• Stocking bars, kitchens, and retail stores
• Programming lights, AV systems, and software
• Deep cleaning and setup of public venues

Royal Caribbean also uses this time for what it calls "owner’s work", which are minor adjustments or enhancements the brand decides to implement before opening the ship to the public. This might involve additional decor, layout tweaks, or testing of new experiences.

Once complete, the ship is officially delivered. 

This is when the ship is transferred to the cruise line, just like the keys to a new car being given to its owner.

Step 9: The First Guests Arrive

After years of planning and building, the ship is ready. Crews have trained, systems are tested, venues are polished, and the ship welcomes its first guests on board.

It's the culmination of all the work that took place to get the ship ready, from concepts to design to construction.

So, how long does it all take to complete?

Building a cruise ship takes five to seven years from initial concept to first sailing.

• Ideation & concept development: 1–2 years
• Engineering and detailed design: 1.5 years or more
• Construction and assembly: 3 years
• Float out: 1-2 days
• Sea trials: 3-11 days
• Final outfitting and pre-opening: Several weeks

That timeline means decisions made today will shape what guests experience half a decade from now. 

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.

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

• Royal Caribbean's new big cruise ship will take its maiden voyage later this year. Here’s what awaits guests
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship stuck in port with propulsion problem
• How Royal Caribbean throws a party for crew members
• I went on a 7-day Royal Caribbean cruise for $4,200. Here's what it was like and why it was worth every penny.
• Inside look at the extraordinary process of building the world's largest cruise ships
• I paid $3,000 to cruise in an inside cabin to Alaska
• Independence of the Seas cruise ship review
• I spent 2 weeks cruising with my boomer parents. I was surprised to find 7 ways we travel differently
• 20 Amazon Prime Day deals for cruisers

Star of the Seas has been delivered to Royal Caribbean

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

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

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

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

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.

Alaska cruises offer some of the world’s most striking scenery, so it’s no surprise that many cruise passengers book balcony cabins for these dreamy itineraries.

On my recent Alaska cruise, however, I opted for a windowless interior cabin instead. Although I loved the idea of cruising in a balcony stateroom, I didn’t want to spend hundreds more for the extra space.

The cruise wasn’t cheap to begin with, so I wanted to save money wherever I could.

At first, I thought I made the right decision. My inside cabin was surprisingly spacious. It also came equipped with a virtual balcony, which provided a live video feed of the outdoors.

As the week progressed, however, I started to regret my decision. The crowded ship had me longing for my own private balcony, and natural light would have been a bonus on Alaska’s long summer days.

Next time I cruise to the Last Frontier, I’ll bite the bullet and spend extra for the balcony instead.

I cruised to Alaska during peak season, and prices were high

Alaska’s short summer cruise season, which runs from May through September, leads to high demand. Cabins book up quickly, especially during the busiest summer months of June, July, and August.

Related: Alaska cruise weather: A Month by Month Guide

Last December, when researching Alaska cruises for this summer, I set my sights on a June 20th departure on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. With summer daylight at its peak and a higher chance of sunny weather, June is arguably the best month to cruise to Alaska.

I knew cruise fares would be high in June, but they were even higher than I anticipated. The cheapest cabin aboard Anthem of the Seas, an interior guarantee stateroom for two adults, was nearly $3,000 for the week.

Just two years prior, also during June, I cruised to Alaska aboard Quantum of the Seas, and I paid $1,850 for a similar itinerary.

With rising prices, I didn’t even bother to consider an oceanview or balcony cabin. Rather, I decided to save money and allocate my savings toward other pre-cruise expenses like airfare and specialty dining.

Once onboard, I was pleasantly surprised with the interior cabin

In the weeks leading up to my cruise, I was so excited to explore more of Alaska that I almost forgot about my tiny inside room.
It wasn’t until embarkation day that I was forced to confront my decision.

Once onboard, I headed to the cabin feeling somewhat regretful about booking the cheapest room.

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship

Nonetheless, my worries subsided once I entered my stateroom for the first time.

My brother, who was joining me on the cruise, immediately remarked at how spacious and modern the cabin felt. He had previously cruised in an inside room on Rhapsody of the Seas, one of the oldest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, so the cabin on Anthem was a major upgrade.

The room had a bed (which we later separated into two twin beds), an armchair, desk, dresser, closet, and private bathroom.

I liked the layout of the cabin, which placed the bed at the edge of the room. This configuration provided ample walking space in the main living area, so I never felt cramped.

Additionally, the room had a ton of storage. My brother and I easily unpacked our belongings and still had room to spare.

Overall, I had no complaints with the cabin. It was modern and had all the amenities for a comfortable stay.

At the time, I didn’t mind not having a balcony. I thought my inside room would be the perfect place to unwind during our 7-night cruise.

Outside my cabin, crowds were in full force, and I longed for the privacy of a balcony

One of the downsides of cruising to Alaska in the peak summer season are the high crowds. With over 4,000 guests onboard, our cruise was completely sold out.

Embarkation day is always somewhat chaotic, so I didn’t mind the crowds on day one. Yet on our first sea day, I felt overwhelmed with the crowded ship.

Related: 25 Alaska cruise tips to follow on your upcoming cruise

Whether the busy Windjammer buffet or crowded Solarium, I found myself wishing for a moment of tranquility. A balcony would have been the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle elsewhere onboard.

Luckily, crowds seemed to dwindle as the cruise progressed. After busy days in port, it appeared that most passengers opted to rest and recoup in their stateroom instead of spending time in public areas.

Regardless, over the course of the week, I grew tired of navigating my way around the crowds. While I still enjoyed watching Alaska’s scenery from the ship’s public decks, I longed for a few moments of peace and quiet on my own private balcony.

The cabin’s virtual balcony was a nice perk, but it wasn’t a replacement for the real thing

One of the perks of cruising in an interior cabin on Quantum Class cruise ships like Anthem of the Seas are the virtual balconies.

On these ships, many interior cabins feature floor-to-ceiling television screens that project a live feed from outside the ship. This way, passengers staying in inside rooms can still enjoy the scenery and “natural” light.

Related: Is a virtual balcony worth the money on Royal Caribbean?

Virtual balconies are certainly a nice benefit, but they’re hardly a replacement for a regular balcony. Even the highest-quality screen can’t replicate the feeling of viewing Alaska’s scenery with your own eyes.

“The virtual balcony is just a reminder of what we don’t have,” my brother joked as we left the room for real-life views instead.

I have to admit his statement rang true.

There are some perks to booking an inside room, and I didn’t necessarily regret saving money

Despite longing for a balcony during my cruise, the savings were pretty hard to beat.

Had I spent $1,000 more for a balcony, I would have had a tighter budget during the cruise. With our savings, my brother and I had more money to spend on add-ons like internet packages and specialty dining.

We enjoyed three specialty restaurants during the week, which we may have skipped had we splurged on a balcony. I loved the elevated dining experience at venues like Chops Grille and Jamie’s Italian, and these meals were a highlight of our cruise.

Aside from the savings, a balcony wasn’t always necessary—or even the best choice. During our ship’s visit to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, we enjoyed panoramic views from the pool deck.

One of the advantages to being on an outside deck was the ability to view the scenery and wildlife from both sides of the ship. Balconies only face one direction, so you might miss out with the limited viewpoint.

Had I booked a balcony room, I still would have headed to the pool deck to view the glacier anyway.

Even still, it’s hard to go back to an inside room after cruising with a balcony

Despite saving money, I still regretted not booking a balcony on my Alaska cruise.

I loved my time in port, and I didn’t mind viewing scenery from public decks, but I couldn’t shake off the regret about booking the cheapest cabin.

Initially, I was perplexed by my sudden shift in attitude toward budget cabins. As a cruise writer, I visit Alaska nearly every summer, and I always book inside rooms. I’ve never once regretted my decision.

This time around, however, I felt differently. Ultimately, I realized my expectations were shifted after my cruise to Norway last year.

Last summer, I sailed along the Norwegian fjords in a balcony cabin, and I absolutely loved having my own private space to watch the views. Whether cruising along the stunning Nordfjord or passing dozens of small islands around Molde, it was hard to beat a balcony cabin on such a scenic itinerary.

Related: When is a cruise ship balcony worth it?

Alaska cruises, like those to Norway, offer spectacular views on both sides of the ship. After experiencing a balcony cabin in Norway, I felt like something was missing on my cruise to Alaska.

Saving money has its advantages, but after spending a week in a windowless cabin in Alaska, I don’t think I’ll do it again. Next time, I’ll splurge on a balcony to fully experience all that the state has to offer from the comfort of my own cozy cabin.

Big cruise ships are the standard for the cruise industry, and Independence of the Seas remains one of the best choices for families looking to get the most out of a mega ship without the price tag.

Royal Caribbean introduced Independence of the Seas in 2008 as part of its Freedom Class.  At the time, these were the biggest ships in the world. While it may have been eclipsed by the Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships, these remain favorites of cruisers for good reason.

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

Royal Caribbean moves Independence around quite a bit.  In summer, she's sailing around Europe, and then around the Caribbean in the fall.

To be fair, you won't find the cruise line's top tier attractions or restaurants onboard, but I don't know that's a bad thing either. Often people choose this ship because of the itinerary it's sailing or the fact you can save a lot of money compared to the bigger ships.

Plus, Royal Caribbean upgraded the ship with new features in 2018.  They added water slides, new restaurants, laser tag, revamped lounges, and added new staterooms too.

Over 4,000 passengers can sail on this ship, but it really doesn't feel that crowded.  I think the open deck space, variety of activities, and proper programming help spread passengers around.  I spent 15 nights onboard recently and it never felt overcrowded.

Easy to get around

You might think a cruise ship that stretches over 1,000 feet would be hard to figure out where you are, but its incredibly easy.

Independence has a few key public areas, and once you walk a little, I think it becomes apparent where everything is located.

• Royal Promenade: Grand concourse with bars and shopping (Deck 5)
• Atrium: Multi-deck space with bars (Decks 3, 4 and 5)
• Pool Deck: Waterslides, pools, and sports activities (Decks 11 and 12)
• Viking Crown Lounge: Indoor viewing lounge, with bar.  Suite Lounge and Crown Lounge also found here (Deck 14)
• Casino: Deck 4
• Youth Zone: Kids club areas, including the teen club (Deck 12)
• Vitality Spa and Fitness Center: Ship spa and gym (Deck 11 and 12)

You'll board the ship on deck 4 and from there it should be easy to get your bearings.  There are two elevator banks to make getting around easy enough. 

Cruise ship elevators are probably where you'll run into the longest waits, but it's rarely problematic.

I find the staircases practical for going up or down a few flights.

Variety of dining choices, included and extra cost

There are a number of restaurants on this ship, some that are included and others that have a cost to dine there.

Included restaurants

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer buffet
• Fish and Ships
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento's

Extra cost restaurants

• Chops Grille
• Giovanni's Table
• Izumi
• Playmakers Sports Grill and Bar
• Johnny Rockets
• Room service

The top question new cruisers have is always should they spend extra to dine at the specialty restaurants.

Specialty restaurants are pricey, but I like adding variety to my dining rotation.  There's certainly nothing wrong with the included dining options, but being on vacation means splurging a bit.

The beautiful three deck Main Dining Room serves breakfast and dinner every day, with lunch on sea days.

I ate in here most nights for dinner and found most of the food to be between "good" and "very good".  A few dishes were "excellent" and one or two were duds.  Luckily, you can order as many entrees, appetizers or desserts as you like, so I never went hungry.

I'm also a big fan of the ship's buffet. I love the variety of food, especially the international cuisine.  Just know that it gets very busy for breakfast on most days, so getting a table is difficult at peak times.

The grab-and-go food on the Royal Promenade are good for quick snacks. The food is nothing amazing, but when you need a late night bite, this is your best choice.

The three primary specialty restaurants have a cover charge to dine there. It's not cheap, but if you buy a dining package before the cruise begins, you can save around 50% off the regular cost.

Chops Grille is a traditional American steakhouse and it's perfect for steak lovers. I have yet to go wrong with the filet mignon, but there's also a few other cuts you can try.

Giovanni's Italian is quaint and has a mix of pastas and featured entrees. It's Italian comfort food, and I doubt you'll be disappointed from it, unless you're expecting something ground breaking.  

At Izumi, it's primarily a hibachi table restaurant with teppanyaki dining. This is where the chef cooks in front of you, and it's one of the best family experiences you can have in a specialty restaurant. 

Izumi also has a small sushi bar and a few tables, if you'd prefer to just eat sushi.

There's also room service aboard Independence of the Seas, where you can order food any time of day for a $7.95 surcharge  plus an 18% gratuity.  Keep in mind there's an overlooked complimentary continental breakfast option.

The bars and lounges are the best spots for evening entertainment

One thing I think Royal Caribbean does really well on Independence of the Seas is offer a robust choice of bars and lounges.

In fact, Royal Caribbean is probably the best cruise line for live entertainment these days, and it shows in the venues.

I found many fantastic choices each evening for drinks and a show

My favorite spot is on the Royal Promenade at the English Pub, where a guitarist plays each evening.  There's something about beers and bar songs that works so well.

If you're more of a wine aficionado, there's Vintages across from the Pub.  Alternatively, the champagne bar in the Atrium is a good choice for drinks with conversation. Both bars do not have entertainment.

Probably the most crowded bar each evening will be the Schooner Bar on deck 4.

There's trivia sessions throughout the day, and a piano player at night. If you want a seat, be sure to arrive early because it's a small venue and the shows get very crowded.

If you want more energy with your entertainment, check out Boleros in the Atrium on Deck 4. It starts out each evening with a classic rock band, but then turns into a Latin-themed party.

The Star Lounge is the ship's multi-purpose lounge, and it is where you'll find karaoke, musical acts, and trivia.

One of my go-to bars is Playmakers on deck 4.  I love the location here, attached to the Atrium and Casino.  

Unlike the Oasis Class ships, it's indoors, meaning it's air conditioned and not as hot and humid. 

Playmakers has a great drink menu of its own, along with food too.  You can order a snack or have an entire meal.

Speaking of drinks, you can pay for each drink you order individually or purchase an unlimited drink package.

Drink packages are very popular with cruisers because they're convenient and make it easy to budget for your drinks. Definitely pre-purchase before the cruise to save money on them.

Mix of family-friendly activities and adult-leaning fun

Royal Caribbean's core cruise experience is about offering more things to do onboard than you can possibly squeeze into a day, from trivia and silent discos to audience participation events.

You'll find dance parties and a balloon drop event on the Royal Promenade.  They're a bit hacky, but many people love them as an excuse to get out and enjoy themselves.

There are two theaters onboard with shows each evening.  You'll find the Broadway musical Grease performed in the Royal Theater on select nights (rumor has it Grease will be removed later this year), along with featured performers and comedians.  There's also an ice rink at Studio B, which has its own show and even lets guests skate on certain days there.

The casino is likely going to be busy each evening, as it's the highlight for many cruiser's evening fun.  Slots, table games, and poker are all available.  The casino is open as long as the ship is not docked or in a country's territorial waters. Good luck!

If you prefer more sun with your fun, there is a main pool on deck 11, with plenty of seating around it on both deck 11 and 12.

You'll find pools and hot tubs, along with a kids aquapark at Splashaway Bay.

Adults will gravitate towards the Solarium, which is reserved for passengers at least 18 years old. There's a pool and hot tub of its own here too.

On the back of Independence is where the thrills are located.

Three's a Flowrider surfing simulator, pair of water slides, and sports court.  

The sports court offers pickle ball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more.  It changes up the activity depending on the time of day.

What I loved to do on Independence of the Seas

Lots of live entertainment each night

The first reason I started cruising with Royal Caribbean was because of how much there is to do on it ships, and Independence won't disappoint in that regard.

There are bands, singers, shows, and more offered each day.  I liked we could jump between different venues and see what was happening at one, and then pop back to the other.

Independence is a big ship, but the venues with performances are conveniently located near each other. 

Great pool deck for families

Another advantage Independence has over smaller ships is how much pool deck space it has.

There's a pair of twin pools on the main pool deck, and it's perfect for cooling off and submerging yourself in them.

Equally compelling are the variety of hot tubs around the ship.  By far, the best are the whirlpools that cantilever out over the side of the ship. They're enormous, have great views, and even have televisions to watch.

Splashaway Bay is a great feature for the younger kids, and it's sure to keep them busy everyday.

Trying specialty restaurants

I bought a three night dining package for my cruise, and it made a big difference in my enjoyment of eating onboard.

Hibachi, steak, and pasta were lovely upgrades from the included food.  I'd be remiss if I didn't recommend a dining package as a good way to augment what you can get for free.

I also really like the food at Playmakers.  Because it's priced a la carte, you can stop in for just wings.  Or after a busy day in port, grab a burger, beer, and some fries.

Who should book a cruise on Independence of the Seas

The best reason to sail on Independence of the Seas is going to be the value it offers.

You'll get a big ship cruise experience that satisfies the needs of most people without the premium prices newer ships command.

Each time I sail on Independence, I'll almost always upgrade to a balcony or suite because the cost is quite reasonable.  

Of course, where Independence sails to is an equally important consideration.

I think the European cruises are its top choice.  If you can visit cities and destinations in Northern Europe, it's a wonderful escape.

The only warning I'd give for skipping this ship is for someone that wants Royal Caribbean's latest and greatest options.

If your standard is a ship like Star of the Seas, Independence will feel like a step down. It has a lot, but not as much as these enormous and newer vessels.

Itineraries and pricing

Independence of the Seas offers a mix of short getaways, classic Caribbean itineraries, and summertime European voyages through 2025, 2026 and into early 2027.

Most of the year, Independence of the Seas sails out of Miami, offering 3- to 7-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean. In the spring and fall, Independence of the Seas sails out of Bayonne, New Jersey, offering cruises to Canada and Bermuda.

An inside cabin will start at $358 per person for a quick Bahamas cruise, but you should expect to pay closer to $650 - $900 per person for most sailings.

Holiday sailings over spring break, Christmas, and summer will see much higher prices. Longer or premium Europe/Baltic voyages rise above $1,000.

I'd recommend booking about 6–12 months before the sail date for the best deals, and 12–18 months for maximum cabin availability.

You'll want to steer clear of Central Park the next time you plan on hiding ducks aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Although the duck hunting phenomenon has taken the cruise community by storm, Royal Caribbean is drawing the line at disturbing the ships' live plants. 

A guest sailing aboard a Royal Caribbean vessel shared a photo of a new sign posted in the outdoor neighborhood in the Cruising Ducks Facebook group. The sign is politely asking passengers not to hide ducks in the plants. 

"Please help us protect our plants," the sign reads, "This is a duck free zone. Please don't hide ducks in Central Park." 

Found exclusively on Oasis and Icon Class ships, the lush Central Park neighborhood features thousands of real plants and trees that require daily maintenance. On Icon of the Seas, for example, there are over 33,000 plants. 

An intricate system of irrigation, fertilization, lighting, and drainage is in place to keep the plants alive and healthy. However, duck hiding makes the onboard horticulturalist's job even harder, as passengers purposely reach into the plant beds to retrieve them. 

In some cases, children may push, shove, and stomp through the plants in search of ducks, damaging the fragile landscaping. 

Read more: The flourishing garden on Symphony of the Seas has over 20,000 plants, and it's my favorite spot onboard

Positive reaction from cruisers

Many users in the Cruising Ducks Facebook group expressed their support for this restriction, agreeing that the Central Park neighborhood should be off-limits to duck hunters. 

"I am glad they put them out. I have seen people rip plants out getting ducks," commented one user. 

Another added, "Thank goodness. These people tear up these plants. I had a balcony [overlooking] central park and just watched them annihilate the foliage."

"The workers told me they have to do so much extra upkeep to keep the plants alive and looking good from kids (and adults) walking through the bushes and trees and moving branches and plants back and forth to hide or look for ducks. [I'm] so glad [they're] finally doing this. Tons of places on the ship to hide ducks," wrote someone else. 

Other places to hide ducks

Choosing safe and respectful locations that don't interfere with safety protocols or the ship's delicate flora is important for duck hunting to remain the popular tradition that it is. 

Outside of Central Park, there are tons of other places to leave rubber ducks that are less destructive. For example, cruisers often hide them in stairwells and elevators, behind lounge chairs, or tucked into fake plants. 

Your best chances of finding ducks are early in the morning or late at night, when other passengers also aren't on the hunt! 

And if you don't see a duck in a particular location one day, it pays to revisit. You never know when one might appear. 

Read more: Why some people hate hiding ducks on a cruise ship fad

Plans have been revealed for Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal in Miami.

While Royal Caribbean already has an amazing and new facility at Terminal A, it plans to upgrade Terminal G down the street.

Up until now, Terminal G has been the "other" terminal Royal Caribbean can use at PortMiami and has been traditionally where older or smaller ships have gone.

It was originally built in 1999 to house Voyager of the Seas when she debuted.  However, it is now notably dated compared to the new terminals that have been built over the past few years.

The upgraded terminal should be ready by 2027.

Demolition has already started this week. Once complete, it will be able to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers a day, thanks to a more efficient embarkation and disembarkation process.

Cruise fans will note a terminal that can accommodate up to 7,000 passengers means it could handle an Icon or Oasis Class ship. As of now, only Terminal A can accommodate ships that large.

Once fully operational, ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea will be able to use it.

The multi-level terminal will strategically separate passenger flow by floor to help reduce congestion for cruises departing from the ship and those arriving for their cruise.

A multi-story parking garage will also be built with ground-level bus parking and designated passenger drop-off areas.

Just like Royal Caribbean's other new terminals, Terminal G will seek to achieve a LEED Silver certification. 

Sustainability is a critical aspect of this new terminal, as it has for LEED certification focusing on water and energy efficiency, renewable energy production, recycling and waste management, and sustainable sourcing of materials.

The upgraded Terminal G will be a benefit to cruisers, as it removes an outdated terminal and replaces it with an efficient one.

This means being able to board and disembark your ship quicker and easier. That's been one of Royal Caribbean's hallmarks for making it faster and easier to get from "curb to bar" in just a few minutes.

Thanks to upgrades and refinement of its mobile app, Royal Caribbean has one of the easiest processes for check-in of any cruise line.

Royal Caribbean’s app provides easy access to check-in, upload security photos, complete the health questionnaire, scan your passport photo and generate a mobile boarding pass. You can also select your arrival times for embarkation.

Once you’re at the terminal for cruising, you can continue accessing your boarding pass within the app or download the pass to your phone’s wallet.

Unlike Carnival Cruise Line, which still requires guests to print their boarding passes for embarkation day, Royal Caribbean’s app is much more convenient in this way.

Redeveloping PortMiami

The plans for Terminal G are part of a greater $2.8 billion deal that Royal Caribbean Group signed in 2022.

Terminal G was one part of this agreement, which includes a 36 year lease on the facility.

In addition to Terminal G, Royal Caribbean will be able to share another terminal with MSC Cruises. That terminal will be complete in October 2028.

Another big piece of this revamp of PortMiami is to build Royal Caribbean's new headquarters.

Under the deal, Royal Caribbean extends its lease of its headquarters on the southwest corner of Dodge Island through at least 2072.

Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship has officially joined the fleet. 

Star of the Seas, the second-ever Icon Class vessel, was delivered to Royal Caribbean today at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. 

Measuring over 1,190 feet long with a passenger capacity of 7,600 at maximum occupancy, Star of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Royal Caribbean executives, including Michael Bayley and Jason Liberty, took delivery of the ship at a special ceremony at the shipyard.

"The completion of Star of the Seas is another significant step in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey toward a completely new type of vacation experience," said Jason Liberty, C.E.O. of Royal Caribbean Group. "We are proud to bring this new generation vacation experience to life at Meyer Turku shipyard together with our esteemed partners."

Star of the Seas will leave the shipyard in mid-July en route to her new home: Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean's new big cruise ship will take its maiden voyage later this year. Here’s what awaits guests

Royal Caribbean's 29th ship joins the fleet

The delivery marks a major milestone for Royal Caribbean, as it continues to expand its fleet with record-breaking vessels. 

Star of the Seas' sister ship, Icon of the Seas, debuted in January 2024. The long-awaited Icon Class ship redefined the cruise experience with a record-breaking waterpark, new onboard restaurants, an enclosed AquaTheater, over-water ropes course/zipline, and more. 

Although Icon and Star of the Seas are more similar than not, there are a few key differences that help give Star a defining personality of her own. 

First, Royal Caribbean is raising the entertainment bar even higher with its new theater production, Back to the Future: The Musical, which will have the largest orchestra at sea. Not only that, but there are also new shows in the ice skating rink and AquaTheater. 

The AquaDome Marketplace is getting a refresh, too. Instead of GNGR, Mac's, and Toast & Garden, guests will find Pig Out BBQ, Mai Thai, and La Cocinita. The new venues will focus on dishing up fresh barbecue, tasty Southeast Asian favorites, and Latin American street food.

Similarly, the Lincoln Park Supper Club is replacing the Empire Supper Club. The $200-per-person specialty restaurant will feature a Chicago-inspired theme with the cocktails, menu, and music reimagined to reflect the spirit of the Windy City. 

Read more: 9 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean's new mega-ship

One of the more exciting features is Royal Caribbean's pilot program for facial recognition cabins. While they won't be available throughout the entire ship, these innovative cabins use advanced technology to allow guests to unlock their stateroom doors with their face — no SeaPass or WOW Band needed. 

They're also making the Surfside neighborhood better by appealing to older and younger children. As such, guests can expect new features added to the Playscape and Splashaway Bay aqua park. The Water's Edge pool will also be enhanced to better suit kids. 

Speaking of water, one of the earliest changes announced for Star of the Seas was the addition of an extra hot tub. Initally planned for Icon, it was removed over weight concerns. 

Star of the Seas size

Gross tonnage: 248,663

Length: 1,196 feet

Passenger capacity (full occupancy): 7,600

Crew: 2,350

Staterooms: 2,806

Flag state: Bahamas

Godmother: Diana Ross

Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean

Star of the Seas' inaugural voyage is scheduled for next month. The first sailing for paying guests is August 16, 2025. Following a few shorter cruises, Star will begin offering weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral beginning on August 31. 

According to Meyer Turku, construction on the next Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, is going well. Later this summer, the vessel will be moved from the construction dock to the outfitting dock. Legend will join Royal Caribbean's fleet in 2026. 

Cruising to the Norwegian fjords is one of the best cruises I ever took, but there are a few things I wish I had done differently or changed.

Regardless of where you sail, every cruise has its own approach. Even if I avoid the common cruise mistakes that would create major problems, there are still things that I wish I had done otherwise.

Across my 7-night sailing on Independence of the Seas to Norway, I walked off the ship with a lessons learned and new tips I'd share with someone trying it for the first time.

Hopefully these experiences will benefit you before you head to Norway for an equally amazing cruise.

How impactful the midnight sun is on sleep

You can read all you want about how there's so much daylight in Norway, but it's jarring every time you get ready for sleep and it looks like 4pm.

Balcony and oceanview cabins have curtains, but they are not blackout curtains.

It's an adjustment for sure, but I dealt with it better than others in our group. Our brains are conditioned to expect certain conditions for sleep, and it can be difficult to fall asleep swiftly if it's not met.

I don't regret booking a balcony cabin for my Norway cruise, but if someone were a light sleeper when it comes to light, I'd recommend an inside cabin.

While it's a shame for missing out on the views, I'd argue there are plenty of viewing opportunities from around the ship's public decks.  And a good night's sleep is worth something.

Weather forecasts are almost useless

After the first or second day, I started ignoring the weather forecasts.

The first sign they weren't very useful was when we'd all look up the forecast for the next day and get high temperature and precipitation predictions that never agreed.

But when we went into port and the sun shined most of the day and never rained, I started seriously doubting them.

My advice for anyone cruising the Norwegian fjords is to plan for all weather.

I wore a t-shirt, and brought a fleece jacket with me. If the weather forecast called for more than 50% chance of rain, I might bring my rain jacket but I often took a gamble with not bringing it.

I found it could be chilly in the morning, especially in the shade. But being able to take off or put back on my fleece kept things comfortable.  Plus, we did a lot of walking so as soon as we walked for a bit, I'd warm up naturally.

Just like Alaska, the weather is unpredictable so don't write off a day or assume any weather.  Have a backup plan, but go ahead with your excursions or walking, and make the best of it.

You're going to need a small backpack

After one port, I knew we needed a backpack.

I didn't pack a backpack or day bag, but it came in so handy to have somewhere to put a bottle of water, rain jackets, and perhaps a snack.

I just mentioned how important being able to put on or remove a jacket is, and it's a lot easier if you have somewhere to store them.

You should bring a packable backpack that can be stuffed in your luggage, but used during the sailing.

Water and drinks are very expensive

I knew Norway was an expensive country, but what really surprised me is how expensive soft drinks are.

Maybe I'm used to prices in the USA, but I thought 3.5 Euros or more for a bottle of water or soda was quite excessive. That was the price at a convenience store or take-out restaurant.  Sit down restaurants would easily charge more.

Plus, there aren't really free refills at restaurants.

I'm guessing the higher prices are the result of taxes, tariffs, import fees or something else, but it changed how I otherwise go out.

Almost immediately we started bringing bottles of water with us off the ship, which were essentially free thanks to one of my favorite Crown and Anchor Society perks.

Booking independent shore excursions was so much better than in the Caribbean

There are pros and cons of booking shore excursions through the cruise line or on your own, but it seems to heavily favor independent tours in Norway.

I booked excursions through both Royal Caribbean and on my own, and overall, was happier with the independent tours.

The tours I did on my own or with a third party had far less waiting. 

My bus tour with Royal Caribbean had a report time of 12:10pm, but between waiting in the theater for the tour to start and the bus taking forever to load everyone, we didn't actually depart until 1pm.

On the other hand, the Loen Skylift in Olden that I booked through an independent company had ticket pickup at the pier and buses running every 10 minutes.  

Speaking of the Skylift, do it.  It's the best excursion we did during our cruise.

We not only wasted far less time getting going, but we beat the cruise line excursions that came later. That meant less time waiting for the cable car.

There are good reasons to book a tour with Royal Caribbean, but I think the third-party tours worked better.

Fjords are best seen from a tour

Your ship will sail in and out of fjords, but I think you're best off seeing them on a tour rather than trying to enjoy them from the ship.

With the exception of perhaps Geiranger, the best views of the fjords aren't where the ship docks for the day.  

In fact, most times our sail into the fjord occurred in the middle of the night. And if you thought, "I'll see it on the sail out", usually dinner or a show conflicted.

I'd recommend booking excursions that take you to scenic vantage points, such as by boat, bus, or hike.

The North Sea can be rough

I've been on enough cruises to know sea conditions are unpredictable, but the North Sea has a well-deserved reputation for being rough.

The likely worst part will be when your ship crosses the sea between the English Channel and closer to the coast of Norway.

Winds, waves, and rain move in and out quickly.  I never got seasick, but the crew distributed seasickness bags around the ship. That's usually a sign others weren't so lucky.

I wouldn't skip booking a fjords cruise because you have to sail through the North Sea, but I would be prepared for the worst, just in case.

Plan to shop and walk cities in the afternoon

Other than the tourist shops filled with souvenirs, most shops in any of the towns and cities we visited did not open until later in the morning.

As we walked through Molde and Haugesund, it became clear shops, restaurants, and stores opened mid-morning or later.

In fact, many bars and restaurants did not open until 2pm or later.

My advice is spend your morning seeing a historic site, going for a hike, or some other excursion and save the walking the streets for the afternoon when most things are open.

Royal Caribbean is now putting the finishing touches on its new gargantuan ship, and the company has just released new details on what awaits guests on its maiden voyage later this year.

With a gross tonnage of 250,800 and capacity for around 6,000 passengers, the 1,197-foot Star of the Seas is poised to follow-up Royal Caribbean's hit Icon of the Seas.

The launch of Icon was so successful given all the positive reviews and innovations it introduced.  The result is a very high bar for Star.

Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, and offer 7-night cruises around the Caribbean. It's going to add a one-two punch with arguably the best ships in the world sailing from the two most popular cruise ports.

So what can guests expect to do with a week onboard?

The ship is filled with just about everything to create memories for families while on vacation.

There are eight distinct areas of the ship (called neighborhoods) that include The Hideaway, Chill Island, Thrill Island, Central Park, Aquadome, Royal Promenade, Suite Neighborhood, and Surfside.

There's a giant waterpark that has six slides, alongside various pools.  Each pool has its own theme, including an adults-only pool, swim-up bar pool, and a really deep pool.

Meanwhile, families with young children will find Surfside an entire area dedicated just for them. There's an enormous aquapark, pool, and different restaurants that cater to kid-friendly tastes. 

The idea behind Surfside is to make it as easy as possible for families with young ones to have everything they need without venturing too far.  The kids club is just steps away from the carousel, which is next to Splashaway Bay and the kids buffet restaurant.

My favorite area on Star of the Seas is Central Park, which a sprawling green space in the middle of the ship.  All of the plants, trees, and shrubs are real, and it's a beautiful space to enjoy.  Plus, there are bars, restaurants, and shopping here too.

When you board Star of the Seas, you'll walk right onto the Royal Promenade.  

One of the smart changes Royal Caribbean made with the Icon Class was opening up the Promenade to be wider, fully circular, and many more windows to provide views of the ocean.

Plus, it's where you'll find an improved version of The Pearl.

Royal Caribbean will make the the Pearl more spectacular visually. Instead of a single color light ring in the back of each of those 3500 plus tiles, this version will have full multicolor rings.

By far the biggest get on Star of the Seas is the addition of Back to the Future: The Musical.

Based on the '80s film, it's the kind of musical that even the least interested theater going fan can truly enjoy. A well-known plot along with great choreography and catchy songs.

It's a multi-generational show with wide appeal, and it's still being performed in the UK and around the U.S. on tour.

The fact Royal Caribbean includes admission to this musical in your cruise fare is incredible because of how much it costs to see this show in a theater on land.

Up in the Aquadome, there's a new show and a refresh to another hit Icon Class innovation.

Pirates & Mermaids is the new show that will be featured in the indoor Aquatheater.

It's a family-friendly show that features high dives, acrobatics, and incredible choreography.

Another change is the menu to the Aquadome Marketplace, the ship's food hall included with your cruise fare.

Three of the stalls are being changed on Star:

• Pig Out BBQ – A casual barbecue joint serving up smoky pulled pork, tender brisket, and other comfort food classics.
• Mai Thai – A Southeast Asian-inspired stall with dishes like pad thai and beef panang.
• La Cocinita – A Latin American offering focused on handheld favorites like hot empanadas and griddled arepas.

Aquadome Market was the surprise hit on Icon, and the new choices sound like an even better upgrade.

Speaking of dining, Star of the Seas will have more than 40 venues to dine and drink onboard.

Now nearly complete, Star of the Seas will set sail on a series of preview cruises before it's official maiden voyage on August 31, 2025.

The preview cruises were added after the inaugural was announced, and are shorter sailings that only visit The Bahamas.  The cruise line says these are more of a lead-up to the official first sailing.

Bookings are now available to be made on Star of the Seas through April 2027.

Royal Caribbean's decision to place Star of the Seas in the Orlando/Central Florida vacation market is designed to grab a bigger slice of the family vacation market.

Executives have talked about how they see a ship like Star as being the perfect alternative to pricier land vacations, such as the ones at the Orlando theme parks.

If two Icon ships aren't enough, a third and fourth ship are due to join the fleet in the next few years. And, the company has options in place to order even more.