Most pre-teens spend their days attending school, hanging out with friends, or enjoying their favorite hobbies, but one 11-year-old is living out his wildest dreams as a cruise ship performer.

Edward Jones, 11, of Wolverhampton, England, has made history as one of the youngest performers to appear in a Royal Caribbean production, joining the cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory aboard the new Legend of the Seas.

This isn't Jones' first time performing as Charlie, either. According to his Instagram, he took the stage as Charlie Bucket at The Grand in Wolverhampton in March 2025 and had "the best time ever." 

He was also part of the D-Day Juniors, a young troupe of performers inspired by The D-Day Darlings, with whom he gained valuable stage experience. While with the group, Jones performed live on ITV's This Morning and even took part in the No. 10 VE Day Street Party, hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

(Credit: Edward Jones / Instagram)

During an interview aboard Legend, Jones said that performing as Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the ship is his first professional gig. 

He continued, "[It's a] big step up from all the amateur stuff I've been doing," then joked that Sorrento's has been his favorite part of the ship so far. 

Still, just because he is working aboard a cruise ship doesn't mean he can neglect his studies. In the mornings, Jones is expected to pop down to Adventure Ocean to work with a tutor. 

(Credit: Edward Jones / Instagram)

Then, in the afternoons and evenings, he trades the makeshift classroom for the stage, entertaining thousands of passengers aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships. 

According to a recent Instagram story, Jones will be on board Legend from July 15 to August 13, 2026. After that, another young performer will take the Royal Theater stage. 

Jones isn't the only child performer on Legend of the Seas

(Credit: Oliver Dawson / Instagram)

To help young performers balance their careers with their education, Royal Caribbean rotates child cast members every 30 days, allowing them to continue their schooling while another young performer steps into the role.

In this case, Jones shares the role of Charlie with Oliver Dawson, 13, of South London, England. 

Jones isn't new to the professional stage, having performed the role of young Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on the West End, as well as Edwin Cratchit in A Christmas Carol — A Ghost Story at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London.

(Credit: Oliver Dawson / Instagram)

"I’m so grateful to be living a dream I once only imagined. Having the opportunity to play Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory aboard the biggest cruise ship in the world is something I will never take for granted," Dawson wrote on Instagram, captioning a split image showing him today alongside a photo of himself dressed as Willy Wonka when he was just three years old.

"Every performance is a reminder of how lucky I am to do what I love, surrounded by incredible people and sharing such a magical story with audiences from all over the world. This journey has taught me that dreams really can come true with passion, perseverance, and a little bit of faith."

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a musical based on the 1964 children's book by Roald Dahl. It premiered on the West End in June 2013, running for over three years before the final curtain closed on January 7, 2017. 

Afterward, the musical was reworked for Broadway, opening in April 2017 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. The production had a short run, though, closing just nine months later in January 2018. 

In October 2025, it was revealed that Royal Caribbean would bring the beloved tale to the high seas aboard its newest Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas. 

The musical, like the book, focuses on Charlie Bucket, who wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's mysterious candy factory. 

There, he and the other winners explore the factory and learn valuable lessons about kindness, honesty, humility, and most importantly, the true meaning of family. 

About Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas embarked on her maiden voyage on July 4, 2026. The 248,663 gross-ton ship measures 1,196 feet long and can accommodate over 5,600 passengers at double occupancy, according to the cruise line. 

She will be based in Europe through November 2026, offering sailings from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Then, she will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the winter season. 

While in Florida, Legend of the Seas will alternate between six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises before finally making her way back across the Atlantic in April for another seasonal European stint. 

Highlights aboard this Icon Class ship include the Hollywoodland Supper Club, Royal Railway — Legend Station, the Category 6 Waterpark, two-deck Casino Royale, Dueling Pianos bar, family-friendly Surfside neighborhood, and, of course, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the Royal Theater. 

At the time of publication, a six-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Legend starts at $1,033 per person in 2027, while a weeklong Mediterranean voyage increases to over $1,700 per person. 

I've cruised enough to know that Royal Caribbean programs its ships to deliver a lot of fun, but the cabin design is where you might notice differences on an older vessel. 

Generally speaking, accommodations on older vessels are simpler and often lack modern comforts such as bedside outlets and contemporary décor. Comparatively, newer staterooms feature more efficient layouts, smart storage solutions, and more. 

I've sailed on both ends of Royal Caribbean's fleet spectrum, embarking on a five-night cruise aboard Vision of the Seas to Bermuda and a weeklong Caribbean sailing on Icon of the Seas. 

Experiencing these ships highlighted just how much cruise ship design has evolved, particularly in accommodations and passenger comfort. 

After sailing in Royal Caribbean's oldest and newest cabins, it was fascinating to see just how much the cruise line's cabin design has changed from the 1990s to today. 

That contrast is even more apparent when comparing notes with other Royal Caribbean Blog team members, including Matt Hochberg and Jenna DeLaurentis, who have also had the opportunity to sail across a wide range of cruise ships, both old and new. 

Their experiences on older Vision Class ships and newer Icon Class ships further reinforce just how varied cruise cabin design is.

Here's a look at how cabins compare onboard the oldest and newest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

My interior cruise room on Vision of the Seas was outdated but cleverly designed to maximize the available space.

Having sailed on some of the newest and oldest ships at sea, ranging from Disney Magic to Carnival Elation, Brilliant Lady, and Norwegian Aqua, I've become quite good at managing my expectations for cruise cabins. 

As such, I wasn't surprised when I stepped into my interior stateroom on Vision of the Seas. The cabin featured many design elements common in the 1990s, such as darker accents and traditional wood finishes. 

Basic features of the cabin include a Royal King bed, vanity, closet, safe, television, ensuite bathroom, small loveseat, two nightstands, and a full-length mirror. 

The storage situation was pretty average, especially for an older cruise ship. My friend and I managed to comfortably unpack during our five-night cruise, hanging our dresses in the closet and utilizing the vanity's drawers for undergarments, t-shirts, and bathing suits. 

Moving on, one downside of this older cruise room was the limited number of charging options. Unlike newer ships designed with today's device-addicted travelers in mind, my cabin aboard Vision of the Seas offered just a few power outlets, all located near the vanity. 

With only two American and two European outlets, I was super thankful that I had packed multiple European adapters. Without them, we would have been stuck sharing just two outlets for the entire cruise!

Another con was the bathroom. It served its purpose, but it was definitely lacking in some areas. For example, there wasn't a plexiglass shower door. Instead, there was a clingy shower curtain that did a poor job of actually keeping water in the shower. 

However, the bathroom itself was pretty spacious, and there was a good amount of storage for toiletries and cosmetics thanks to the built-in cubbies. It was also exceptionally clean and well-maintained by the ship's crew. 

On a similar note, I was surprised by how spacious the tiny room felt. In particular, I loved that Royal Caribbean designed the stateroom to include a loveseat. This became our catch-all place for things like souvenir bags and raincoats, and it was nice that the vanity could stay relatively clutter-free. 

Overall, the room prioritized practicality, with a straightforward layout and tired furnishings. Considering the ship's age, she could greatly appreciate some sort of Royal Amplification. However, even if Royal Caribbean were to significantly upgrade its older vessels, the staterooms likely would not receive much TLC.

Inside cabins on Star of the Seas are bright, colorful, and modern. 

Royal Caribbean Blog's video editor, Jenna, stayed in an inside stateroom on Star of the Seas in 2025, and it's easy to notice how much the experience differs from older ships like Vision of the Seas.

For starters, rather than darker tones and traditional furnishings, her cabin had a sleeker, contemporary design with lighter colors and improved lighting. 

She remarked that the color scheme and décor exuded a calm, relaxing atmosphere. This made the cabin a great place to rest aboard the busy Icon Class cruise ship. 

Additionally, the charging situation has much improved on these newer vessels. For instance, cabins now include a mix of USB ports, standard American plugs, and European outlets near the vanity. There's also a bedside USB port, which makes it more convenient to charge your phone overnight. 

On the flip side, Jenna said that one of the biggest downsides of her inside cabin on Star of the Seas was the storage options. In fact, she found it challenging to properly unpack her belongings. The closet, for example, didn't have any built-in shelving, and there weren't any traditional drawers — just wire baskets. 

The vanity area also lacked any useful storage solutions. Rather, there were just two narrow drawers that had an awkward diagonal configuration. As such, they were pretty useless. 

Next time, Jenna would pack items like magnetic hooks and an over-the-door shoe organizer to help better organize her belongings while aboard Star of the Seas. 

That said, the bathroom is unlike any other in the fleet, and it's clear Royal Caribbean put a lot of thought and care into designing Icon Class ensuite bathrooms. 

The layout, for example, features a larger-than-average shower with a plexiglass door and a small, rectangular seat. There's also thoughtfully placed shelving that makes the space feel more functional than normal cruise bathrooms. 

In the end, the most affordable cruise rooms are far from the fanciest cabins on the ship. However, the newer the ship, the more modern the stateroom will feel. In addition to fresh aesthetics, you will typically find that newer cabins have better charging options, upgraded bathroom layouts, and more. 

Older ships were built with fewer balconies and suites.

Regardless of which class of ship you book, you'll find four basic stateroom categories: Interior, Outside View, Balcony, and Suite. However, there are far fewer sub-categories on Vision Class ships, and the options tend to be pretty straightforward. 

Royal Caribbean Blog's Head Honcho, Matt Hochberg, sailed on Enchantment of the Seas in a spacious ocean-view balcony cabin — and he definitely was impressed by its roominess. 

There was ample storage space and a noticeably open layout, which made his stateroom a comfortable place to relax during his low-key four-night Western Caribbean voyage. 

However, similar to the interior cabin aboard Vision of the Seas, the room showed clear signs of aging and felt dated. It had the same dark color scheme and darker finishes. 

The lighting had a yellowish tint to it, too, which made the space feel dimmer. There wasn't a mini-fridge in Matt's balcony stateroom, either.

Moreover, although the cabin had a nice sitting area next to the bed, there weren't any convenient charging options; all of the outlets were located near the vanity. 

To his surprise, the bathroom was bigger than he expected, and he thought it was akin to standard bathrooms you'd find aboard Voyager or Freedom Class ships — minus the shower curtain. 

That said, not all bathrooms on Enchantment of the Seas are created equally. He had a friend on the same cruise and toured his interior room, discovering that their bathroom felt noticeably more compact and basic. 

Of course, the highlight of this specific cabin was the balcony. It was carved out of the ship’s superstructure rather than built extending outward from the hull. As such, its view is slightly obstructed by the surrounding structure. 

Still, Matt enjoyed taking in the ocean breeze from the 39-square-foot balcony.

Icon Class ships have more categories of balcony rooms to choose from. 

Finally, older Royal Caribbean ships don't have many unique stateroom options. Icon Class ships, however, have an extensive selection of balcony types, suites, and other family-focused layouts designed to suit different budgets and needs. 

For example, I stayed in an Infinite Central Park-view balcony cabin. This type of stateroom is exclusive to Icon Class ships since it features the controversial infinite verandah design (more on that in a second). 

Overall, I thought this room had a boutique hotel-style feel, complemented by the funky lamps mounted on either side of the bed. The extra-large couch was another benefit, as we had plenty of space to stretch out and keep our miscellaneous items that somehow were never properly put away. 

There was also a good variety of outlets near the vanity, including USB ports, European plugs, and American outlets. My one quarrel was that there was just one USB port beside the bed, which meant my fiancée and I couldn’t both have a convenient charging spot at night.

Moving on, between the two closets, four wire basket drawers, numerous shelves, and dresser, we had lots of space to unpack. In fact, I'd argue that there was enough room to unpack for a two-week cruise with room to spare!

The bathroom was identical to the one in the inside cabin aboard Star of the Seas with the same spacious shower, plentiful shelving, and functional layout. 

The highlight (or drawback) of the balcony on Icon of the Seas was the interior-facing infinite verandah. Instead of having a private outdoor space, this particular stateroom had a floor-to-ceiling window, with the top half sliding open to create a seamless transition between the indoor living space and the outdoors. 

Because this wasn't an ocean-view cabin, we had less privacy than anticipated, so we had to be careful whenever leaving the curtains open. This led to a feeling of disconnect and exposure, especially when napping in the afternoons, as it almost felt like we were in an extra-large inside cabin.

On the flip side, the additional living space was nice, and the "balcony" furniture was of a higher quality than standard outdoor furniture since it did not have to withstand rain, wind, and the salty sea air. 

Overall, I wasn't upset with my infinite verandah on Icon of the Seas. However, nothing compares to waking up and seeing the open ocean stretched out, with front-row views of the sunrise peeking over the horizon.

Royal Caribbean's new credit cards offer better cruise perks and rewards, and you can maximize their value by earning points strategically and making the most of key cardholder benefits.

For some people, the words "credit card" bring up concerns about overspending, debt, and managing timely payments. However, when used responsibly, credit cards can be a valuable tool for earning rewards. 

Truthfully, I can't remember the last time I used my debit card. Instead, I'm always calculating which of my five credit cards will help me earn the most rewards on any given purchase and get me closer to my next travel goal.

That said, the key to being a responsible credit cardholder isn't to spend more; it's to make the most of everyday purchases you're already going to make, such as groceries, gas, and restaurants. 

Not to toot my own horn, but I've gotten good at maximizing credit cards without changing my spending habits, redeeming rewards to help offset the cost of pricey vacations I likely wouldn't pay for out of pocket. 

In this article, I'll provide a detailed breakdown of how to maximize cruise-related perks and annual credits for Royal Caribbean's new Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® and Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® credit cards. 

Earn the welcome bonus

First, you should strive to meet the requirements for the welcome bonus of whichever card you apply for. It's important to stay in the loop about current offers since they're subject to change. 

At the time of writing, the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature®, which has no annual fee, offered a welcome bonus of 45,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. According to the company, those points can be redeemed for $450 in cruise rewards!

For the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature®, which has a $99 annual fee, new cardholders can earn a bonus of 70,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. This comes out to around $700 in cruise rewards that can be redeemed for onboard credit, discounts, and more. 

Pro tip: I'd recommend waiting to apply for a new rewards card until you have larger purchases or planned expenses in the foreseeable future. This generally makes it easier to reach the minimum spending requirement for sign-up bonuses without changing your spending habits or buying things you don't really need. 

Use your card for Royal Caribbean Group purchases

Regardless of whether you're eyeing the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® or Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® credit card, you'll want to use it on cruise spending, as you will earn extra points per dollar on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. 

With the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® card, you will earn three points per dollar spent on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. So, if you buy a drink package for $500, you'll automatically earn a whopping 1,500 points! 

Additionally, Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® cardholders will earn four points per dollar spent on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, turning that same $500 drink package into 2,000 credit card points. 

One important caveat to keep in mind is that third-party bookings may not qualify. In other words, if you book a Royal Caribbean cruise through a travel website like Expedia, you shouldn't expect that purchase to count toward the bonus spending.

Book cruises for family and friends

On that note, if you are planning group travel, consider using your Royal ONE™ card to pay for eligible cruise expenses for family and friends and ask to be reimbursed. 

For example, if you are organizing a big family cruise and cover everyone's initial deposit, you could easily rack up thousands of points without spending more than you normally would.

The same strategy also applies to final payments and pre-cruise purchases. Of course, you want to trust the people you're booking for, so you aren't stuck chasing down payments or covering other people's vacations.

However, as long as everyone is prompt with their reimbursements, this can be a simple way to quickly build your rewards balance! 

Earn additional points on everyday spending and non-cruise purchases

While Royal Caribbean Group purchases are the best way to rack up points with the new credit cards, cardholders can also earn bonus points on other purchases in select categories.

For instance, with either card, you'll earn two points per dollar spent on gas, groceries, and electric vehicle charging purchases. This means that certain everyday spending will help you build your rewards balance — even when you aren't planning your next cruise.

All other eligible purchases earn one point per dollar, allowing you to continue accumulating points on everyday spending. Over time, those random shopping trips, movie tickets, and oil changes add up! 

Additionally, those with the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® will earn two points per dollar on eligible purchases with airlines, hotels, and restaurants.

Make the card your default option with Apple Pay

With tap-to-pay becoming increasingly common, adding your Royal ONE™ card to Apple Pay is an easy way to make sure you're earning points on purchases you already make — even if you forget your physical card at home. 

By setting the card as your default payment option, you can quickly pull the card up on your mobile device without fumbling through your wallet. 

This small convenience makes it easier to use your card consistently, rather than handing the cashier the first card you stumble upon. 

Take advantage of cruise-related benefits and perks

As a branded credit card, you'll also enjoy a slew of onboard benefits aboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea cruises. 

All cardholders, regardless of whether you have the Royal ONE™ or Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® card, can take advantage of priority boarding at the terminal. This means you can get on the ship faster and start enjoying your hard-earned vacation sooner.

Those with the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® card will also benefit from expedited luggage delivery, so you won't be stuck waiting hours for your suitcase to finally make its way on board. 

Finally, all cardholders should keep an eye out for special events during their sailings. 

Use the card's travel credits and benefits

Aside from cruise-related benefits, both credit cards offer perks that are useful for land-based travel. As a Visa Signature® cardholder, you'll have access to the Visa Signature® Luxury Hotel Collection and receive special rates and VIP status at select hotels worldwide. 

Moreover, the cards include 24-hour travel and emergency assistance, car rental coverage, access to emergency roadside assistance, trip delay and lost luggage expense reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, and extended warranty protection. 

Those with the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® card can also take advantage of the $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment or renewal. The benefit is available once every four years.

This is a huge benefit for frequent flyers since it makes it easier to breeze through airport security and re-enter the U.S. after an international flight. Since many travelers already plan to pay for one of these programs, the statement credit also helps offset the annual fee by covering a purchase you likely will make anyway.

Take advantage of the anniversary credit

Personally, I don't like to keep all my eggs in one basket when it comes to credit card spending. In other words, I strategically spread my spending across several rewards cards to maximize the value I earn from different loyalty programs.

However, that isn't everyone's jam — and that's okay! If you're someone who loves Royal Caribbean cruises, you may find yourself drawn to these credit cards more than others. 

Enter the anniversary credit. Those with the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® card who spend at least $10,000 in one year will receive a $100 cruise discount. Meanwhile, Royal ONE Plus™ cardholders who spend at least $20,000 in one year will earn a $200 discount. 

There are a few caveats to keep in mind when redeeming this credit. First, it can only be applied to future cruise bookings purchased directly with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or Silversea. As such, travel agent bookings or those made with third parties, like Expedia or Vacations To Go, won't count. Additionally, you must use the discount before your next card anniversary. 

Bottom line: Is the Royal Caribbean credit card worth it?

Royal Caribbean's new credit card options are a huge upgrade from the existing offering, as they let cruisers earn rewards across the entire Royal Caribbean Group portfolio.

Before Royal ONE™ launched, the program wasn't as flexible, and all rewards were tied to a single brand. Now, cruisers can earn and redeem rewards seamlessly across all three brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

In my opinion, the no-annual-fee Royal ONE™ card is a solid option for occasional cruisers. On the flip side, the Royal ONE Plus™ card has better earning rates, priority suite boarding, a higher anniversary reward, and a generous TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit.

As such, it's easy to justify the premium card's $99 annual fee if you cruise with Royal Caribbean Group regularly and can take advantage of its added perks. 

Over the weekend, a Royal Caribbean passenger fell off the pier into the ocean at the cruise line's private island. 

Witnesses captured the terrifying moment when a guest plunged from the pier into the water, as well as the harrowing rescue that followed, on Saturday, July 11, at Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Two cruise ships visited CocoCay on Saturday: Adventure of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. Although it's unclear what ship the passenger was sailing on, he fell from the pier into the water between the dock and Adventure of the Seas.

(Credit: Don Goldstein)

According to passenger reports, the secret code word "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar" was broadcast around 1:25 p.m., indicating a man-overboard incident. 

Supposedly, the guest was on a mobility scooter that suddenly malfunctioned, causing him to veer off the designated path and into the water. However, that has not been confirmed by the cruise line. 

(Credit: @dogsfamily_love / TikTok)

Moments after the guest fell into the water, a security guard immediately jumped in after him, and other crew members rushed into action, gathering life rings and other rescue equipment. 

Another crew member climbed onto one of the fenders to get a closer look at the scary situation and help coordinate the rescue with those on the dock.

(Credit: @dogsfamily_love / TikTok)

In the end, over two dozen cruise line employees took part in the rescue effort, ranging from senior officers to maintenance workers and medical staff. 

One video shows that the elderly passenger was eventually pulled from the water on a spine board stretcher before being moved to another stretcher for easier transport. He was then covered with blankets and urgently rushed on Wonder of the Seas to receive further medical treatment. 

(Credit: @dogsfamily_love / TikTok)

As he was rescued, cheers erupted from witnesses, both ashore and on the ships, who had watched the dramatic overboard incident unfold. 

Wonder of the Seas was on a three-night cruise to The Bahamas from Miami, returning to Florida on Monday, July 13, according to CruiseMapper. CocoCay was the first port of call on the short itinerary, followed by Nassau on Sunday, July 12. 

(Credit: @dogsfamily_love / TikTok)

Adventure of the Seas, on the other hand, had just kicked off an eight-night Caribbean cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Curaçao. The Voyager Class ship is scheduled to return to Port Canaveral, Florida, on July 18. 

At the time of publication, Royal Caribbean International had not provided a comment regarding the incident at its private island. 

Social media response

The videos quickly went viral on social media, with many viewers expressing concern for the passenger's well-being and wishing him a speedy recovery. 

"Thanks for sharing WOW hope he is ok," said Lisa Fazio Frelier on TikTok. 

user3168693269714 added, "I hope he is ok saw this yesterday we're on the adventure of the seas."

"I pray he is okay truly my family and I watched and we're really concerned ♥️♥️♥️," Brittany added. 

Not the first time someone fell off the cruise pier at CocoCay

(Credit: Henry Yeany / Facebook)

Last year, a child fell off the pier into the ocean at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The incident occurred near the area where the cruise ships are tied up to the moorings, with the fenders leaving a small gap between the vessel and the dock, as Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported.

Thankfully, passenger reports indicate that the young child was quickly rescued and brought back on Symphony of the Seas for medical treatment. 

A few months later, another Royal Caribbean passenger fell into the ocean while visiting the island. The incident happened after the guest reportedly walked too close to the edge of the dock while filming Star of the Seas, triggering "man overboard" protocols around 8:00 a.m. 

Crew members quickly responded, throwing a life ring to the passenger, who then grabbed and clung to it while awaiting rescue from the water. A rescue team on a jet ski quickly approached and safely returned him to shore.

One cruise ship is stuck at sea due to a major storm — but it has nothing to do with the Atlantic hurricane season. 

Spectrum of the Seas was scheduled to return to Shanghai, China, on July 11, but her arrival has been delayed due to Super Typhoon Bavi.

"We have been monitoring the progression of Typhoon Bavi as it slowly moves toward Shanghai. Due to the development of the storm and its impact, and the government closure of the Port of Shanghai (Baoshan), the previous Spectrum of the Seas sailing has been delayed returning to port," reads an email sent to guests. 

The email continued, "[A]s a result, our 4-Night, 11 July 2026, sailing has unfortunately been cancelled. We're truly sorry for the impact that this has on your vacation plans."

(Credit: Deena Patel / Facebook)

Those on the cancelled voyage will receive a full refund of the paid portion of the cruise fare, including non-refundable deposits. The cruise line will also automatically refund guests who booked airfare through Royal Caribbean.

"You'll also be reimbursed for non-refundable, pre-purchased transportation change fees incurred," the letter states. However, guests must be able to provide documentation by September 10, 2026. 

In addition to the refund, Royal Caribbean is also handing out Future Cruise Credits (FCC) that can be used on any Royal Caribbean sailing through July 11, 2027. 

Credit amounts vary depending on stateroom category. Passengers booked in suites, for example, will receive RMB 3,400 (~$500 USD) per stateroom. Balcony cabins will receive RMB 1,700 (~$250 USD), while those in ocean view staterooms will get RMB 1,300 (~$190 USD). 

Finally, passengers in inside cabins will receive RMB 1,000 (~$147 USD), and third and fourth guests in each stateroom will get an additional RMB 340 (~$50 USD).

According to passenger reports, Spectrum of the Seas cannot return to Shanghai until July 13, around 6:00 p.m., due to the port closure. Additionally, the ship is being rerouted to Jeju, South Korea, to avoid being impacted by the storm. 

The July 7 cruise's only scheduled port of call was Busan, South Korea, so this extended delay means passengers will get to visit another destination, as well as spend more time aboard the 169,379 gross-ton ship. 

Typhoon Bavi takes aim at China

Typhoon Bavi, which extends 620 miles at its widest point (roughly the width of France), is heading across the Pacific toward China. The storm is expected to make landfall in southeastern China on Saturday, after dumping rain on Taiwan and a chain of remote Japanese islands, the BBC reported. 

Reuters added that Typhoon Bavi has the potential to be the most powerful storm the country has seen in years, with authorities in Beijing issuing the highest-level heavy rain alerts for six districts, forecasting the possibility of around six inches of rain within six hours in some areas.

Beijing's municipal government has also shut down parks, public events, some construction projects, and train services, and residents living in high-risk areas in the suburbs were evacuated on Thursday.

According to a live Typhoon Bavi tracker, the storm had sustained winds of around 178mph as of July 10 at 4:10 p.m. EST. Additionally, the storm was moving northwest at 13mph.

Spectrum of the Seas fast facts

Spectrum of the Seas, which launched in 2019, is a Quantum-Ultra Class ship that was designed specifically for the Asian market. As such, she's different from other ships in the fleet, with unique dining options, entertainment, and design features. 

According to the cruise line, she measures 169,379 gross tons, has a passenger capacity of 4,246 at double occupancy, and comes in at 1,139 feet long. 

Spectrum will offer three- to eight-night cruises from Shanghai through November 2026. Then, she will relocate to Hong Kong, China, for three months before returning to Shanghai in late January. 

Carnival Cruise Line has officially begun construction on the largest ship in its 54-year history, marking a major milestone for the industry — and introducing new competition for Royal Caribbean. 

On July 10, Carnival held a steel-cutting ceremony at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, for Carnival Destiny, the first vessel in the line's upcoming Ace Class. 

When she enters service in summer 2029, Carnival Destiny will take the title of Carnival's largest cruise ship ever, surpassing the line's existing Excel Class ships by roughly 50,000 gross tons, or 27%. 

Each of the three Ace Class ships is expected to measure approximately 230,000 gross tons and accommodate 8,000 passengers, making them among the largest cruise ships ever built. 

"Carnival Destiny builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before, reimagining what guests can experience at sea. With this ship, we're elevating the guest experience again creating a ship that feels more expansive, while helping guests feel more connected and ultimately have more fun," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. 

"And the name of the first ship in this new class will carry a name that I think will bring meaning for all of us because we are building on our history while we move forward with the new Carnival Destiny. Like her original, she is a big step forward, not only for Carnival, but we believe for the industry.”

Even so, Carnival's new ships won't eclipse Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Icon Class. Icon of the Seas, which debuted in 2024, became the world's largest cruise ship at 248,000 gross tons — a title that she and her two sister ships continue to hold.

Although the cruise line hasn't revealed many details about its Carnival Destiny ship, here's a look at how the upcoming flagship compares with Royal Caribbean's Icon Class. 

Editor's note: This article was last updated on July 10, 2026. We will continue to update it as Carnival Cruise Line releases additional details about Carnival Destiny, including her accommodations, onboard attractions, dining venues, entertainment, and more, ahead of her 2029 debut.

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class vs Carnival's Ace Class

Size 

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships measure 248,663 gross tons and 1,196 feet long, according to the cruise line. Additionally, the ships feature 20 decks, including 18 passenger-accessible decks, and measure approximately 219 feet wide. 

Comparatively, Carnival Cruise Line has stated that its upcoming Ace Class ships, including Carnival Destiny, will come in at around 230,000 gross tons. Based on conceptual mockups, it appears that Carnival Destiny will have around 17 passenger-accessible decks, though the exact number hasn't been confirmed. 

Capacity 

Although Icon Class ships are larger in terms of gross tonnage, Carnival's Ace Class ships are expected to have a larger passenger capacity. According to the cruise line, these massive vessels will have over 3,000 cabins and carry around 8,000 guests at full capacity. 

On the flip side, ships like Legend of the Seas have 2,805 cabins and can accommodate 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, increasing to approximately 7,600 guests when every available berth is filled.

Design 

In terms of design, we know that Carnival's Ace Class ships will be the most outward-facing ships at sea, with the largest number of ocean-facing balcony staterooms, a new promenade deck, and over 4.5 acres of glass. Additionally, 70% of the ships' venues and attractions will be brand-new to the cruise line.

This isn't necessarily surprising for a new ship class. When Icon of the Seas launched, the vessel introduced several firsts for the cruise line, including Category 6, the largest water park at sea; the Empire Supper Club; the enclosed AquaDome entertainment venue; Absolute Zero, the largest ice rink at sea with a unique circular design; and other new onboard concepts.

Fuel and sustainability

Finally, both Carnival's Ace Class and Royal Caribbean's Icon Class represent a shift toward more sustainable ship design, with both classes powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

LNG is one of the cleanest fossil fuels used by cruise ships, helping reduce carbon emissions by around 30%. LNG is a natural gas that has been cooled to approximately -260°F. This shrinks its volume by about 600 times, making it easier to store and transport.

Planning memorable days ashore on a European cruise is just as important as picking the right ship. From historic walking tours to Mediterranean sailing adventures and authentic cooking classes, there's no shortage of activities for all ages and interests. 

However, as you begin your research, you may be curious as to whether it's better to book directly through your cruise line or through a third party. 

On my recent European cruise aboard Harmony of the Seas, I wasn't sure how to spend my day in Palma de Mallorca. It was my first time visiting the Spanish island, and I was a bit overwhelmed by all the available options. 

Initially, my sister and I thought about taking the shuttle into town and exploring on foot. However, we came across the "Exclusive Soller and Valldemossa" tour through Shore Excursions Group, which immediately caught our eye. 

I had booked with Shore Excursions Group before in Alaska. However, the tour was a round-trip transfer to the Mendenhall Glacier during a stop in Juneau.

This time, I was excited to book with them again for a more immersive and guided shore excursion, especially since I didn't know what to expect from Palma de Mallorca. 

The five-hour tour — which costs around $169 when purchased in advance through Shore Excursions Group's website — included round-trip transportation from the port to Valldemossa and Sóller in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, along with insightful commentary from our private guide. 

Overall, the small-group tour to Valldemossa and Sóller was perfect for my sister and me, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone visiting Palma de Mallorca on a cruise ship who can't decide which must-see highlights are worth checking off their bucket list. 

Editor's note: Shore Excursions Group generously gifted Royal Caribbean Blog this tour in Palma de Mallorca. However, all opinions are still our own. Additionally, we included secure booking links in this article. While it costs nothing to book through the links, we receive a commission for each reservation. Thank you for your support!

One day in Palma de Mallorca: Shore Excursions Group review

The day started off bright and early at 9:30 a.m., when we were picked up directly outside the cruise terminal's doors. The confirmation email provided very clear instructions, along with day-of contact information, so we weren't left guessing where to meet or who to look for once we disembarked.

We were then introduced to our driver, Oscar, and our tour guide, Camy. Although the van had room for up to six passengers, it ended up being just the two of us! This was a nice surprise, though even if more passengers had joined, it would have felt far more comfortable and personable than some of the larger tours I've experienced in other ports of call. 

Camy gave us a quick rundown of our day's itinerary. First, we were going to make a quick stop at the Lafiore glass factory before continuing on to Valldemossa, where we'd be given a short walking tour before being allotted a little free time. 

Inside the glass workshop, we were able to watch real-time demonstrations as artisans transformed molten glass into beautifully crafted pieces right before our eyes.

There was also a large shopping area attached to the workshop, which was filled with finished pieces ranging from delicate oil decanters to decorative vases and more. 

We hopped back in the van and headed to Valldemossa, a postcard-worthy village that's tucked into the Tramuntana mountains. 

En route to the village, Camy shared a bit of its history, explaining that the name dates back to a 13th-century origin meaning "valley of the woman." 

She also pointed out that Valldemossa later became especially popular in the 18th century as a retreat for European artists, writers, painters, and composers, most famously the composer Frédéric Chopin. 

Upon arrival, we took a quick walk through King Juan Carlos Gardens before popping into the Carthusian monastery at the request of my sister. 

Then, Camy guided us on a short walk to a breathtaking overlook that opened up over the valley and surrounding mountains. It was easy to tell why so many artisans and musicians had been inspired by the area! 

Another request we had was to stop in the Majorica pearls store on one of the main roads. My sister's birthstone is a pearl, so she couldn't resist adding a few pieces to her ever-growing collection. 

After that, Camy gave us a little free time to explore the streets on our own. However, she did recommend a pastry shop, even coming inside to point out her favorite treats!

We grabbed two pastries from Ca'n Molinas, along with two much-needed cappuccinos, and found a spot on the quaint back patio to sit, rest, and enjoy our sweet treats. 

Camy highly recommended the almond cake since almond trees grow all over the island (fun fact: there are over 200 different variations of almonds found on Palma de Mallorca!). 

The cake was a little dry, but what it lacked in moisture, it more than made up for in flavor. The nuttiness paired really well with our coffees, too. 

Before we knew it, it was time to make our way back to Oscar and begin the drive to Sóller. After spending time in the direct sun, it was nice to have some built-in time to cool down in the van!  

Our first stop was the lighthouse. I saw so many people making the treacherous hike up the mountain, but both Oscar and Camy said that this wasn't super common. 

I'd understand if it was, though. The views at the top were absolutely unreal, with sweeping stretches of the rugged Spanish coastline and boats dotted throughout the harbor below. 

Like in Valldemossa, we were given a little bit of free time to enjoy the Port of Sóller before finally heading back to our cruise ship. 

The vibe was completely different than Valldemossa. The waterfront promenade had tons of cute cafés and easy beach access. 

In fact, we found time to enjoy some gelato and take off our shoes to dip our toes in the Mediterranean Sea. Visiting in late May, the water was much chillier than we expected, and we didn't understand how so many people were braving it. 

Oscar and Camy were waiting for us right where they dropped us off, and we began our 40-minute drive back to the cruise port. We arrived with over an hour to spare before the all-aboard time! 

Booking a tour through Shore Excursions Group comes with benefits like competitive pricing and smaller groups

After over three dozen cruises, it's safe to say that I've definitely had a lot of luck with third-party tours and often prefer them to cruise line-sponsored excursions. 

For example, I booked a great snorkeling tour in Aruba once that cost less than similar excursions offered through Royal Caribbean. Another time, I found a small-group trip from Civitavecchia to Rome after being unimpressed with MSC's options. 

I've learned that independent operators, like Shore Excursions Group, offer more personalized experiences than what cruise lines offer. Even if they are a little pricier, you get more bang for your buck than when booking tours through the cruise line.

Plus, Shore Excursions Group has the industry's strongest guaranteed return-to-ship policy, so we weren't worried about getting left behind. 

However, if a tour booked through Shore Excursions Group delays your arrival and you miss the ship, they will arrange and pay for your accommodations, meals, and transportation to the next port of call. Plus, they'll shell out an additional $1,000 USD payout per customer for the inconvenience. 

So, is booking a tour through Shore Excursions Group worth it? Absolutely. 

Based on my experience in Palma de Mallorca, the entire day was well-organized, personalized, and stress-free from start to finish. My sister and I loved that the tour ended up being just the two of us, as it allowed for a more flexible itinerary and a more relaxed pace compared to other cruise line excursions I've taken in the past. 

That said, what stood out most was that we benefited from both a guided tour and independent exploration. For example, we got to see hidden gems in Valldemossa while also getting to wander souvenir shops and enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up by ourselves. 

If you're ready to book your upcoming tours, fill out this registration form to receive personalized excursion recommendations for your cruise from Shore Excursions Group.

Royal Caribbean is buoying up its operations, with plans to launch seven new cruise ships over the next six years.

Now that Legend of the Seas has launched, Royal Caribbean has even bigger plans on the horizon. The family-friendly cruise line — known for its record-breaking ships — will welcome seven new ships to its fleet by 2032, including the first-ever Discovery Class vessels. 

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean has grown into one of the world's largest cruise operators. And over the years, they have developed a cult-like following of cruisers who are "Loyal to Royal," welcoming over seven million passengers aboard their fleet in 2025. 

Today, the cruise line operates 30 ships globally, sailing to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Asia, and beyond. 

In July, Royal Caribbean officially welcomed its newest ship, Legend of the Seas, to the family. Legend's debut marks the first time that an Icon Class ship has offered regular voyages in the Mediterranean. 

"With Legend of the Seas, we are bringing to life our most legendary vacation yet as we continue to push the boundaries with more of what guests know and love," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

"Those looking to get the most out of their vacation can have it all with Legend's combination of adventure-packed experiences and incredible destinations in Europe and the Caribbean."

Looking ahead, the company doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, they've announced plans for a major fleet expansion, with seven Oasis, Icon, and Discovery Class ships set to join the fleet over the next six years. 

The upcoming additions will continue Royal Caribbean's push to redefine the cruise experience, introducing new innovations, attractions, dining venues, cabins, and more.

New Royal Caribbean ships on order (2027-2032)

Royal Caribbean has confirmed orders for seven new ships through 2032, though some details about the upcoming vessels remain limited. 

For example, the cruise line has only announced the name of its next Icon Class ship — Hero of the Seas — while additional details about other ships and their features have yet to be revealed.

That said, here's a rundown of the New Royal Caribbean ships on order over the next six years:

• Hero of the Seas, Icon Class (2027)
• Unnamed Oasis 7, Oasis Class (2028)
• Unnamed Icon 5, Icon Class (2028)
• Unnamed Discovery 1, Discovery Class (2029)
• Unnamed Icon 6, Icon Class (2029)
• Unnamed Icon 7, Icon Class (2030)
• Unnamed Discovery 2, Discovery Class (2032)

Royal Caribbean's aggressive expansion plans

What's particularly interesting about the proposed timeline is how the company has doubled down on ship launches in 2028 and 2029. 

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce multiple new vessels during those years, with two ships scheduled to debut each year (Oasis 7 and Icon 5 in 2028, followed by Discovery 1 and Icon 6 in 2029).

This expansion would mark one of the company's most ambitious periods of growth, allowing Royal Caribbean to add to its record-breaking ship classes and introduce its highly anticipated Discovery Class product. 

Not only that, but this strategy is slightly unusual in the cruise industry, with most lines spacing out new ship launches to balance financial commitments and manage construction timelines with the shipyards. 

Carnival Cruise Line, for example, has five ships on order through 2033. Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival's launches are spread out over several years, starting with Carnival Festivale in 2027. 

After that, Carnival Tropicale will join the fleet, followed by three Project Ace class ships in 2029, 2031, and 2033. 

Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Line is tied with Royal Caribbean on future ship orders, with seven new vessels expected to join the fleet between 2027 and 2037.

However, unlike Royal Caribbean's more concentrated expansion strategy, Norwegian's new ships are spread out across a decade. Norwegian Aura is scheduled to debut in 2027, followed by additional vessels arriving throughout the 2030s, including the line's biggest vessels yet. 

Moreover, most of Norwegian's upcoming launches are spaced roughly every other year. For instance, after the debut of a new Prima Class ship in 2028, Norwegian will launch a new ship class in 2030. Additional ships from that class will then join the fleet in 2032, 2034, and 2036.

Having delivered unforgettable vacations for nearly 60 years, Royal Caribbean is ready to usher in a new era of cruising, one that sees a rapid fleet expansion, introduces new ship classes, and continues to redefine what's possible at sea. 

A court overturned the environmental approval required for Royal Caribbean to begin construction on its newest cruise port. 

According to local news outlets, a regional administrative court in Lazio, Italy, on July 3 repealed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the €600 million project in Fiumicino. 

Judges ruled that the development had been incorrectly classified as a tourist marina when it should have been classified as a commercial port, even though the Royal Caribbean Group-backed project also includes plans for commercial space, restaurants, a hotel, shops, public waterfront parks, and more. 

As such, the environmental approval issued by Italy's Ministry of Environment and Energy Security was overturned, and construction cannot move forward. 

That doesn't mean the project is entirely dead, though. In a statement to Italian media, Fiumicino Waterfront CEO Galliano Di Marco claimed they will appeal the decision through the appropriate legal channels within the prescribed timeframe.

Why Royal Caribbean wants to build a new Rome cruise port

The newly proposed cruise port, located in Fiumicino near Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, would allow cruisers to board ships closer to the city center and the airport.

Currently, Rome's cruise port is in Civitavecchia, over 80 kilometers (50 miles) away from the city, or about an hour's drive. 

Its proximity to Rome's major international airport would also make it more convenient for guests to embark and disembark. Those boarding ships in Rome could be at the terminal in minutes, rather than boarding shuttle buses or reserving pricey private transfers for the long drive to Civitavecchia.

According to the developers, the new cruise terminal would have the capacity to serve more than 1 million passengers annually and operate as a homeport for cruise ships for roughly 200 days each year.

Plans further indicate that ships would have access to shore power while docked. As such, they wouldn't have to run the engines in port. 

Moreover, the development would supposedly create thousands of jobs, improve local infrastructure, and help meet the growing demand for cruise and yacht facilities in the Mediterranean. 

Second major setback this year for Royal Caribbean

In May, Mexican Environment Minister Alicia Barcena confirmed that plans for Perfect Day Mexico wouldn't be approved following massive backlash from environmental groups, as previously reported by Royal Caribbean Blog. 

According to a report released by Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), officials felt that there were too many concerns tied to mangroves, coral reefs, groundwater systems, and broader ecosystem impacts in Mahahual, Costa Maya. 

SEMARNAT also claimed that Perfect Day Mexico added risks to the Mesoamerican Reef System involving groundwater and underground hydrological systems.

Another concern was that Royal Caribbean combined all elements of the project (i.e., the water park, beach club, and cruise pier) into one large development, instead of evaluating individual parts. Combined, officials argued that the environmental effects would be too significant to ignore.

That said, the company isn't abandoning its Perfect Day Mexico plans. Instead, they're reworking elements of the project to address the concerns around its coastal impact, with plans to re-engage with stakeholders in the future. 

Royal Caribbean is offering its smart wearable bracelet that can help parents track their kids' location on its newest ship, Legend of the Seas.

The cruise line's "Find My Kid" feature is available on the latest Icon Class ship, according to the company's website. 

It was first tested aboard Icon of the Seas in mid-2024 and was eventually rolled out on Star of the Seas in 2025. 

Now, this innovative feature has been expanded to Legend of the Seas. This gives families an easy way to keep tabs on their younger kids through the mobile app — for an additional cost. 

How does "Find My Kid" work on Royal Caribbean?

"Take peace of mind to the max on Legend of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Using the Find My Kid feature in the Royal Caribbean® App along with the Adventure Ocean® WOW Band, you can keep an eye on your kids aged 3 to 12 from the convenience of your mobile device," Royal Caribbean says. 

"Signing up is easy: once onboard, register your kids in Royal Caribbean's free, award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, purchase the Adventure Ocean WOW Band... and sign up for Find My Kid. You... will then be able to locate your kids in public areas of the ship and your stateroom through the app's deck maps."

Parents can also decide who has access to the feature. At their discretion, they can allow other members of their travel party, such as older siblings or grandparents, to track their children's location through the Royal Caribbean mobile app.

Unfortunately, this feature isn't free since it requires a special WOW Band, which currently costs $14.99. That said, the Adventure Ocean WOW Band can also open your stateroom door and be used to make onboard purchases, eliminating the need to carry a SeaPass card. 

Additionally, it can be used on future cruises, meaning families who plan on sailing aboard Star or Legend of the Seas more than once won't need to purchase a new band on each voyage. 

Why not just use Apple AirTags?

Royal Caribbean's "Find My Kid" is designed specifically for use onboard, allowing it to pinpoint a child's location across multiple decks of the ship more accurately than AirTags. 

Plus, since it is seamlessly integrated into the mobile app, parents can quickly view their child's location on the ship's deck map without relying on a stable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. 

In fact, you don't need an internet package at all to use the feature (just be sure to download the current version of the Royal Caribbean app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before your cruise!).

(Credit: Shannon Sinclair)

That said, "Find My Kid" isn't meant to replace parental supervision on Star or Legend of the Seas. Instead, it's designed to provide an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind on these massive mega ships. 

Should "Find My Kid" be available for teens, too?

In addition to being on limited ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, many passengers argue that the feature should also track teenagers.

"They need to make it available for teens too," commented Courtney on a previous Royal Caribbean Blog post. 

Mike T added, "I'd want this for a teenager at 10pm...not little kids." 

However, teens have the ability to chat through the Royal Caribbean app, whereas guests 13 and under don't. They either have to use a parent's device or communicate through apps like iMessage or WhatsApp with an internet package. 

As such, the "Find My Kid" feature is aimed at younger passengers who may not have a phone of their own and cannot communicate directly with their parents. 

It's not uncommon, for example, to hear announcements over the public address system asking a specific guest to report to Guest Services, often because a family member is trying to locate them and can't get in touch with them.

By making it easier for parents to easily locate their children through the app, the feature can help reduce the need for those ship wide announcements and panic that comes with not knowing where your child is.