There are three swim-up bars planned for Royal Caribbean's first-ever private beach club, including The Floating Flamingo, which is billed as "the world’s largest swim-up bar."

Royal Caribbean is making significant construction progress on its exclusive beach club in Nassau, Bahamas that it hopes will alleviate a major guest complain about the popular cruise port.

With multiple beaches, swimming pools, restaurants, and bars, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will offer plenty of space for guests to relax, cool off, and avoid the crowds at other beaches in Nassau, which can see upwards of 20,000 to 30,000 cruise passengers per day. 

Once completed, Royal Caribbean guests can enjoy the exclusive amenities and breathtaking ocean views — for an extra charge. 

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in December 2025

Ralph Salsman shared photos of the beach club's construction process on Facebook. Salsman captured the images on September 10, 2025. 

The photos reveal that the lounge over the swim-up bar is taking shape. Floating Flamingo, the world’s biggest swim-up bar, will be the go-to spot for partiers with refreshing drinks, live tunes, and unbeatable ocean views. 

The upstairs portion will be home to the 720-square-foot Party Deck, an exclusive poolside area overlooking the Floating Flamingo swim-up bar with an exclusive beverage menu, charging station, mini-fridge, and more. 

Other photos show various buildings around the 17-acre property coming along, including the private cabanas. The cabanas at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island are an extra-cost add-on that can be purchased to elevate your island beach day. 

The beach and poolside cabanas feature comfortable lounge seating, shade, and personalized service. Those with more money to burn can splurge on the $10,000 two-story Ultimate Family Cabana. 

The price includes admission for up to 12 guests, a cabana attendant, private bathroom, heated whirlpool, reserved beach space, a hammock, frozen drink machine, and more. 

It's in high demand, too. According to Michael Bayley, President & C.E.O. of Royal Caribbean International, the first Ultimate Family Cabana was sold within the first hour of opening beach club sales. 

Basic admission to the beach club is more reasonable, with the cheapest pass starting at $129.99. The price includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks. 

A pass with unlimited alcoholic drinks is available starting at $169.99 per person. Additionally, it includes transportation on the water taxi, Wi-Fi, beach chairs, umbrellas, and access to basic facilities like showers and restrooms. 

Depending on your itinerary, there may also be a few bundled options, such as the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Refreshment Package + Thrill & Chill Combo. 

For a set daily price, you can enjoy admission to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Perfect Day at CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark, and a Royal Refreshment Package. 

Regardless of which pass cruisegoers buy, all dining at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is included. Many dishes have a Bahamian flair, including the fire engine fritters, pinwheel shrimp skewers with guava glaze, Bahama-style baked mac & cheese, and vanilla bundt cake with guava sauce. 

Royal Caribbean has canceled over 35 stops to its private destination in Haiti due to ongoing unrest in Port-au-Prince. 

In an email sent to travel agents on Wednesday, September 10, Royal Caribbean revealed all the changes to ships scheduled to visit Haiti through April 2026. 

The U.S. State Department has Haiti under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory due to escalating gang violence and widespread security concerns.

Although the Labadee resort area is guarded by a private security force, the cruise line said it's canceling stops to Haiti "out of an abundance of caution." Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line that calls in Haiti. 

The impacted ships include Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas. 

According to the email, the most common replacement ports are Nassau, Bahamas; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and George Town, Grand Cayman. However, a handful of other ports like Grand Turk, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bimini, Cozumel, and San Juan have also been added to itineraries in place of Labadee. 

And while most itineraries are substituting Labadee with an alternate port of call, some sailings will feature an additional day at sea instead. 

It's not surprising that Royal Caribbean wants more ships in Nassau, especially with the opening of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island scheduled for December 2025. The exclusive beachfront destination is a short ferry ride from the cruise port and will offer a shallow entry pool, swim-up bars, private beaches, and more. 

However, unlike Labadee's beaches, access to the Royal Beach Club is not included in the cost of the cruise fare and must be purchased separately. Prices start at $169.99 for admission with unlimited food and drinks. 

Here's a look at the upcoming itinerary changes:

Adventure of the Seas

• November 22 and December 6, 2025: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m. The departure time was pushed to 5:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m.
• December 20, 2025 + January 31 and March 28, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a full day in Nassau, Bahamas. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m. The departure time was changed to 5:00 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m.
• January 3, February 14, March 14, and April 11, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to George Town, Grand Cayman. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m. The departure time was changed to 5:00 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m.
• January 17, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to George Town, Grand Cayman. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 7:00 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m. The departure time was changed to 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m.
• April 25, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a full day in Nassau, Bahamas. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m.

Allure of the Seas

• March 8, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also swapped the scheduled port of call in Falmouth, Jamaica, for Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and adjusted the time spent in Nassau, Bahamas, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Explorer of the Seas

• November 10, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. Also adjusted the arrival time in Perfect Day at CocoCay to 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m.
• December 22, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Nassau, Bahamas. Also shifted the sea day from Day 5 to Day 4.
• January 19, February 16, March 16, and April 13, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Nassau, Bahamas. Also adjusted the arrival time in Perfect Day at CocoCay to 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m.
• February 2, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Bimini, Bahamas. Also adjusted the arrival time in Perfect Day at CocoCay to 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. 

Freedom of the Seas

• November 1, November 6, November 20, and December 4, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
• November 15 and 19, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
• November 29, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to George Town, Grand Cayman. Also arriving in Nassau, Bahamas, at 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. The departure time was changed to 3:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m.
• December 13 and 22, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Falmouth, Jamaica.
• January 10, March 7, March 21, and April 18, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
• January 15, February 26, March 12, March 26, April 9, and April 23, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Nassau, Bahamas.
• January 24, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to George Town, Grand Cayman. Also arriving in Nassau, Bahamas, at 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. The departure time was changed to 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.
• February 7 and February 21, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Falmouth, Jamaica. Also arriving in Nassau, Bahamas, at 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. The departure time was changed to 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.
• April 4, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Independence of the Seas

• December 7, 2025: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m. The departure time was pushed to 5:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m.

Liberty of the Seas

• February 9 and March 30, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Nassau, Bahamas, on Day 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Jewel of the Seas

• October 31, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.

Oasis of the Seas

• November 9, November 23, and December 7, 2025: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also adjusted the time in Falmouth, Jamaica.
• December 21, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Cozumel, Mexico.
• January 4, February 1, and April 12, 2026: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also adjusted the port times in Falmouth, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas.
• January 18, February 15, March 1, March 15, and March 29, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Also swapped the scheduled port of call in Falmouth, Jamaica, with San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Symphony of the Seas

• November 16, November 30, December 14, and December 28, 2025: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also adjusted the port times in Falmouth, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas.
• January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22, and March 8, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Also swapped the scheduled port of call in Falmouth, Jamaica, with San Juan, Puerto Rico, and adjusted the time spent in Nassau, Bahamas, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• March 22, April 5, and April 19, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Also swapped the scheduled port of call in Falmouth, Jamaica, with San Juan, Puerto Rico on Day 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The email also states that Royal Caribbean's Shore Excursions team will automatically refund all prepaid tours for canceled ports of call and reschedule other excursions whenever possible. 

Any tours that cannot be reaccommodated will be canceled and refunded to guests' original form of payment within 14 business days. 

"We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause," Royal Caribbean said, "While we know it's not the original itinerary we planned, we appreciate your understanding and can't wait to explore these new destinations with your clients!"

There's nothing like a new cruise ship, so I wanted to see compare one of Royal Caribbean's new ships to MSC Cruises' newest ship.

After sailing aboard Icon of the Seas in April, I was convinced that no other mega-ship would wow me the same way. However, moments after I stepped on MSC World America, I realized that the World Class ship stands out in her own way. 

Both vessels are massive, measuring over 210,000 gross registered tons and carrying over 6,800 guests at maximum capacity — but that's where the similarities stop. 

I discovered things that I liked and disliked about both ships after sailing aboard MSC World America and Icon of the Seas. For example, I loved the price point of MSC World America's suite-only enclave, while Icon's entertainment blew me away. 

In the end, if you're a dedicated Royal Caribbean cruiser, embarking on a sailing aboard MSC World America will feel different, but that doesn't mean it's a step down. 

Here's how Icon of the Seas and MSC World America compare, and why I wouldn't hesitate to sail aboard the latter again — despite having been on over 15 Royal Caribbean cruises. 

MSC World America is a lot more affordable than Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas isn't the least expensive cruise ship on the market. In fact, I'd argue she is one of the most expensive mainstream ships. 

For some, cruising on one of the world's largest ships is worth the hefty price tag. However, Icon remains out of reach for a lot of families. Enter MSC World America. 

Thanks to MSC's budget-friendly pricing, it's easy to cruise on one of the newest and largest ships at sea for a fraction of what Icon of the Seas costs.

Plus, if you're interested in premium experiences, MSC's Yacht Club is an affordable way to experience luxury at sea without shelling out money for Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class. 

Earlier this year, my partner and I spent around $7,000 on our vacation aboard Icon of the Seas, including the cruise fare and add-ons like shore excursions, specialty dining packages, and the Deluxe Beverage Package. The kicker? We didn't even have an ocean-view balcony. 

Comparatively, we spent $7,010.32 on our Yacht Club Deluxe Suite. Although the prices were similar, the experiences couldn’t have been more different. 

Read more: I paid $3,800 for a controversial balcony on the world's largest cruise ship

For example, MSC's Yacht Club fare includes everything from a premium drink package to Wi-Fi, priority embarkation, thermal spa access, butler service, three private restaurants, a lounge and pool deck, exclusive cocktail hours, and more. 

We were treated like royalty from the moment we arrived at MSC's new terminal in Miami, Florida, which set the tone for a one-of-a-kind voyage. 

To be blunt, I've never stayed within Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class because of the higher price tag, so being able to stay within MSC's Yacht Club at a more accessible rate was a real treat. 

Of course, not everyone wants to spend $7,000 on a cruise vacation. Still, MSC World America's base fares are lower than comparable sailings on Icon of the Seas. Here are a few examples: 

June 20, 2026 — Interior cabin for two adults, with taxes and fees:

• Icon of the Seas: $4,516
• MSC World America: $2,450

September 19, 2026 — Ocean-view balcony cabin for two adults, with taxes and fees: 

• Icon of the Seas: $3,852
• MSC World America: $2,361

The food on MSC World America left little to be desired

Maybe it's because I cruise too frequently, but Royal Caribbean's food hasn't been as impressive as it used to be. Although I wouldn't go as far as saying it's bad, the quality is pretty inconsistent, especially in the complimentary restaurants. 

That said, MSC doesn't have the best dining reputation, either. However, in my opinion, the food was better on MSC World America than on Icon of the Seas. There were definitely still a few misses, but overall, the meals were flavorful, well-presented, and diverse.

To be fair, I'm neither a food critic nor classically trained in anything cuisine-related (I did take one food reporting class while obtaining my master's in journalism, but I digress). Others may come to their own conclusions, as everyone has different taste buds and preferences.

Read more: I spent 7 days eating on MSC's newest ship

On MSC World America, I loved grabbing fresh chicken tenders from Pizza & Burger in the World Galleria. Were they the best I've ever had? Not by a long shot, but they were consistently hot and crispy.

Speaking of pizza, MSC's fresh slices beat Sorrento's by a long shot. Whether grabbing pizza as an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night snack, I was never disappointed. As a European cruise line, it's evident that MSC takes great pride in its pizza. 

I also really enjoyed my meals in the Yacht Club Restaurant, more so than some of my specialty meals aboard Icon of the Seas. 

For example, the cabernet-braised short ribs were some of the best I've ever had on a cruise ship. Not only was the meat perfectly tender, but the creamy gorgonzola polenta was unique and bold without overpowering the dish. 

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention MSC's fresh pasta, too. There's a wide variety of freshly made pasta options available throughout the ship, from the main dining rooms to the Yacht Club Restaurant and the buffet. 

I was also impressed with the food temperature. Although it may seem like a small detail, I've sailed on cruise ships where I've been lucky to be served one or two lukewarm meals — that was never the case on MSC World America. 

Icon of the Seas has better entertainment

If you want to be wowed by the onboard entertainment lineup, I wouldn't get your hopes up for MSC World America. 

Royal Caribbean has dominated the mainstream cruise industry for years when it comes to Broadway-style shows and cutting-edge entertainment technology. 

From The Wizard of Oz to the high-diving AquaTheater spectacular, Royal Caribbean consistently delivers productions that you won't believe are on a cruise ship (and better yet, are included in your fare!). 

Comparatively, MSC's entertainment is far more modest. Although I enjoyed Dirty Dancing Live in Concert, the other performances weren't great. 

In fact, my partner and I straight-up walked out of the Hall of Fame show in the main theater. The singers were pitchy, and the choreography wasn't anything special. 

The poor entertainment quality wasn't a dealbreaker, but if you're used to Royal Caribbean-quality shows, you will be disappointed. 

Icon has more activities, but you won't be bored on MSC World America

Between the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, Crown's Edge ropes course/zipline, and the Royal Escape Room, Icon of the Seas offers guests more to do than nearly any other ship at sea, making it nearly impossible to run out of activities during your cruise.

Still, MSC World America holds its own with a wide variety of attractions. The Cliffhanger, for example, is an over-the-water swing that lets thrill-seekers soar above the ocean (just don't look down if you're afraid of heights like me!). 

There's also a virtual reality water slide, kids' aqua park, F1 racing simulator, bumper cars, a ropes course, Lego family zone, two arcades, and an 11-deck dry slide.

That said, some of the more interesting attractions on MSC World America aren't included. For example, bumper cars run at $7 per car, while the Formula 1 racing simulator is $12 per person. The Cliffhanger also costs $9 per person, per ride. 

The ships have similar itineraries

Sailing from Miami, Florida, you can visit the Eastern or Western Caribbean aboard MSC World America or Icon of the Seas. 

As such, the biggest difference between the ships' itineraries is which private island they visit. On Icon, you'll call at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, while MSC World America visits Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay has more to offer, from the massive Thrill Waterpark to the adults-only Hideaway Beach, large Oasis Lagoon pool, and the upscale Coco Beach Club. 

In comparison, Ocean Cay is more laid back. MSC redeveloped the former industrial site into a serene paradise for its cruise passengers. Rather than focusing on amenities like CocoCay, the island has a greater emphasis on conservation and sustainability. 

That said, some similarities are important to think about when planning your day ashore. There are complimentary island buffets for lunch, and both cruise lines' drink packages work on the island. Moreover, Royal Caribbean and MSC offer free trams to make navigating the islands easier. 

Is MSC World America or Icon of the Seas better?

I don't think you can go wrong with either ship; however, I'm not here to tell you how to spend your hard-earned money. 

If you're a die-hard Royal Caribbean fan, sailing on MSC World America might be a hard sell because it's a completely different experience. There are definitely things that Icon does better, too. For example, the Category 6 Waterpark is a lot of fun, and the entertainment lineup is hard to beat. 

Still, as someone who grew up sailing with Royal Caribbean and didn't think they could come to appreciate other lines, MSC World America really surprised me — and left a lasting impression on me. 

Celebrity thinks its river cruises will be a disruptor, and it's definitely gotten a lot of people's attention because you're too late to book it.

Booking for Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker opened at 9:00am EDT on Wednesday, September 3. However, due to unprecedented demand, the priority booking access closed less than ten minutes after launching.

Those who successfully placed a deposit can select a voyage beginning on Sept. 10. Sailings will open to the public later this fall, although the exact date has yet to be revealed. 

Prices start at $2,999 per person for a 7-night river cruise in a river-view cabin, $4,199 for an infinite veranda, $5,099 for a balcony, $5,899 for a Skylight Infinite Veranda Suite, and $6,899 for a Vista Balcony Suite. However, prices can go as high as $8,999 per person for a Vista Suite during the ship's limited Christmas market voyages. 

"Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. 

"With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to take a river cruise, we know guests are going to love sailing Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers The Celebrity Way on our fleet of elevated, cutting-edge ships."

Read more: River Cruises and How They Compare to Ocean Cruising

2027 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries

The Danube — Vienna and Budapest

• Day 1: Vilshofen
• Day 2: Linz (Salzburg)
• Day 3: Grein, Wachau Valley, and Dürnstein
• Day 4: Tullen and Vienna
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Gönyü
• Day 7 & 8: Budapest

The Danube — Budapest and Vienna 

• Day 1: Budapest
• Day 2: Budapest
• Day 3: Bratislava
• Day 4: Hainburg and Vienna
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Wachau Valley and Melk
• Day 7: Engelhartszell and Vilsohfen
• Day 8: Vilshofen

The Danube — Vilshofen to Budapest Christmas Markets

• Day 1: Vilshofen and Passau
• Day 2: Passau (Salzburg)
• Day 3: Linz
• Day 4: Melk, Wachau Valley, and Vienna
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Bratislava
• Day 7 & 8: Budapest

The Danube — Budapest to Nuremberg Christmas Markets

• Day 1: Budapest
• Day 2: Bratislava
• Day 3: Vienna
• Day 4: Wachau Valley and Melk
• Day 5: Passau (Salzburg)
• Day 6: Regensburg
• Day 7 & 8: Nuremberg

The Danube — Nuremberg to Budapest Christmas Markets

• Day 1 & 2: Nuremberg
• Day 3: Regensburg
• Day 4: Linz (Salzburg)
• Day 5: Melk, Wachau Valley, and Vienna
• Day 6: Vienna
• Day 7 & 7: Budapest

The Rhine — Nuremberg to Amsterdam New Year's

• Day 1: Nuremberg
• Day 2: Bamberg
• Day 3: Würzburg
• Day 4: Miltenberg
• Day 5: Scenic Rhine and Koblenz
• Day 6: Cologne
• Day 7 & 8: Amsterdam

The Rhine — Nuremberg to Basel Holiday

• Day 1: Nuremberg
• Day 2: Bamberg
• Day 3: Würzburg
• Day 4: Miltenberg
• Day 5: Mainz
• Day 6: Strasbourg (Alsace)
• Day 7: Breisach (Black Forest)
• Day 8: Basel

The Rhine — Basel to Amsterdam New Year's

• Day 1: Basel
• Day 2: Breisach (Black Forest)
• Day 3: Strasbourg (Alsace)
• Day 4: Speyer (Heidelberg)
• Day 5: Mainz and Scenic Rhine
• Day 6: Düsseldorf
• Day 7 & 8: Amsterdam

Celebrity's river ships combine Edge Class comforts with European charm

According to Celebrity, the revolutionary open decks will offer the most usable outdoor space of any river ship. Plus, they will remain accessible throughout the entire journey, so guests can be immersed in uninterrupted, 360-degree views.

One feature that was heavily inspired by the award-winning Edge Class ships is the Magic Edge, the first-ever cantilevered dining pods that will allow guests to enjoy regional, destination-driven culinary offerings while floating above the river. 

Other outdoor amenities include transformative shade structures, lounge furniture, a top-deck bar and grille, and an infinity-edge plunge pool. 

Each of Celebrity's river ships will also have eight restaurants and bars, including fan-favorites like the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café Al Bacio, the only 24/7 dining venue available on a river cruise. 

The five stateroom categories are designed with the same modern, upscale aesthetic that Celebrity is known for on its larger ocean ships. Guests can expect intuitive storage, enhanced configurations, complimentary stocked mini bars, destination-inspired amenities, and king-sized beds in every river cabin. 

Note that all staterooms are designed for just two passengers, meaning the ships can't accommodate parties of three or four in a single stateroom. 

The most affordable, entry-level accommodation aboard a Celebrity river ship is the standard river-view cabin. In other staterooms, Celebrity's Edge Class Infinite Veranda technology will transform floor-to-ceiling windows into open-air balconies with the touch of a button.

Suites will elevate the experience further, with an on-demand butler through "Butler Chat," complimentary exclusive dining, room service, happy hour experiences, laundry, and priority booking for shore excursions.

Celebrity's first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite will include a separate living area and a ceiling window for even more natural light.

Suites are more inclusive, too. Whereas standard cabins include a Classic Drinks Package, suite guests will receive a Premium Drinks Package, ensuring they have access to a wider variety of wines, cocktails, and more. 

Liberty of the Seas is finally getting its much-needed Royal Amplification. 

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean announced plans to upgrade three of its older cruise ships with new features as part of its next phase of ship updates. 

Royal Caribbean Blog has already shared the plans for Ovation of the Seas, so in this article, we'll take a deeper look at what changes are coming to Liberty of the Seas. 

Liberty of the Seas' Royal Amplification is scheduled to take place in late April and May 2026. Liberty will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 3, 2026, on a 16-night one-way cruise to Southampton. She's not scheduled to re-enter service until May 29. 

There's a lot of exciting stuff on the horizon — though Sabor fans might be a little heartbroken. 

Deck-by-deck changes coming to Liberty of the Seas

Starting on Deck 2, the Conference Center is being removed and replaced with 24 new inside cabins. The Loyalty Desk is also being moved to near the aft elevators. 

Moving on up, the Shore Excursions desk is being relocated to Deck 3, taking the place of the On Air Club. On Deck 4, the former Shore Excursions area will be replaced with an expanded casino. 

Royal Caribbean has been expanding its casino footprint on a few of its ships. Freedom of the Seas, for example, had its wine bar replaced with a non-smoking casino directly off the Royal Promenade. 

More casino space means more revenue, and it's the most likely reason that Royal Caribbean decided to replace the On Air Club with the Shore Excursions desk.

Aside from the bigger casino, Deck 4 has a lot of other changes coming its way. Starting at the forward section of the deck, Sabor is being replaced with Izumi Teppanyaki. This shouldn't come as a surprise, though. 

Recently, Linken D'Souza, Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Food & Beverage, said that Chops Grille is no longer the most popular specialty restaurant by sheer number of guests served. Instead, Izumi is the most popular restaurant by volume in the fleet. 

The Teppanyaki experience is even more appealing than standard sushi fare. D'Souza calls it "eatertainment," since it combines a multi-course meal with a show, where the chef cooks right at your table. 

Further back, the Boleros Bar is being replaced with a full-service Starbucks. 

There's not much being changed on Deck 5. However, the Connoisseur Club will become the Royal Escape Room. This will give guests a new, interactive activity, as the escape rooms have become popular on other ships in the fleet. 

Decks 6 and 7 will also remain the same. However, Deck 8 will receive a few new inside staterooms. These include cabins 8127, 8129, 8131, and 8133 in the front of the ship.

Moreover, since the Loyalty Desk is being moved to Deck 2, there will be room for more interior cabins towards the aft elevator bank: 8441, 8443, 8445, and 8447. 

Likewise, the Card Room on Deck 10 is being removed to make way for new staterooms, highlighting Royal Caribbean's focus on increasing occupancy by repurposing underused public spaces. These new cabins include 1343, 1345, 1347, and 1349. 

Things become more interesting on Deck 11. First, new ocean-view and balcony staterooms are being added near the Vitality Fitness Center: 1150, 1152, 1154, 1155, 1100, 1102, 1104, and 1106. 

The Solarium is staying the same, but the pool deck is going to receive a major upgrade. For starters, the standard Pool Bar will be transformed into the popular Lime and Coconut Bar. Moreover, Squeeze will become El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca. 

Don't worry, though. Although the pool deck will be completely reimagined with a fresh look and new casitas, the Splashaway Bay aqua park for kids isn't going anywhere. 

The Lime and Coconut will extend onto Deck 12, replacing the Sky Bar. 

Finally, Royal Caribbean plans on adding 10 new cabins near the Adventure Ocean youth club: 1892, 1894, 1896, 1898, 1900, 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, and 1910. 

Changes coming to two other ships

As mentioned earlier, Ovation of the Seas is one of three Royal Caribbean ships getting major upgrades through the cruise line's Royal Amplification process. 

Like with Liberty of the Seas, Ovation's casino will be expanded, effectively eliminating the Music Hall. Moreover, the ship will get a Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and an Izumi Teppanyaki, as well as a Pesky Parrot tiki bar — a Quantum Class first. 

The ship will also get a brand-new Sound Cellar, Ultimate Family Suite, and Panoramic Suite. 

Harmony of the Seas is the other ship getting an overhaul in 2026. 

During her drydock, Harmony's pool deck, including the Solarium, will be revitalized. Likewise, the pool deck will receive The Lime & Coconut. Other updates include the addition of Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, the largest Casino Royale in the fleet, and the Ultimate Family Suite. 

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship has reached an important construction milestone. 

Legend of the Seas, which is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, has touched water for the first time.

Construction began in January 2024 with the celebratory steel-cutting ceremony, meaning it's taken around 18 months to get to this point. 

During her float out, over 90 million gallons of water filled the dock. It's a major step forward in the mega ship's construction process, bringing her closer to sea trials and her anticipated debut. 

Now, the construction will focus more closely on the interior, as most of the exterior work has been completed. For example, the ship's 2,805 cabins will be installed and decorated soon. 

Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship and will join her sisters, Icon and Star of the Seas, in August 2026. 

During her inaugural season, Legend of the Seas will sail from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, marking the first time an Icon Class ship will offer cruises around the Mediterranean. 

European itineraries range from 3 to 13 nights and call at ports like Naples, Italy; Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence (Marseille), France; and more. 

She'll then move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a 13-night transatlantic cruise at the end of October. Her first sailing from Florida is scheduled for November 11, 2026. 

"Legend of the Seas continues the state-of-the-art Icon Class, which allows the Finnish maritime industry to showcase its unique expertise at its best," said Casimir Lindholm, C.E.O. of Meyer Turku. 

"The shipyard, Royal Caribbean, and an extensive network of partners work together to develop the processes and concepts from ship to ship. Alongside its sister ships, Legend of the Seas will also mark an important milestone in increasingly responsible shipbuilding."

As the third Icon Class ship, guests can expect a similar framework to Icon and Star of the Seas. However, there will be a few changes. 

For starters, the supper club will have a Hollywood theme, compared to New York on Icon and Chicago on Star. 

Moreover, it's likely that the entertainment line-up will differ from her sister ships. Onboard Icon of the Seas, for example, the Broadway-style musical is The Wizard of Oz. It was replaced by Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean plans on building a fourth Icon Class ship

According to Meyer Turku's Facebook post, the shipyard is already preparing the dry dock for the fourth Icon Class ship. 

"As Legend starts her outfitting phase, the dry dock awaits the keel laying of the fourth Icon Class ship," the post reads. 

Little is known about the next-gen Icon Class ship. However, it’s expected to build on the innovations introduced with Icon, Star, and Legend of the Seas. 

Celebrity Cruises is getting ready to put its first ever river cruises on sale, but a lot of questions remain.

The company held a webinar for travel agents and revealed that the deposit is $500 per reservation, however, they haven't shared many other details yet. Key information, such as itineraries, ship deck plans, and departure dates, is still under wraps. 

Guests can place a $500 deposit starting at 9:00am EDT on September 3, 2025, for early access to bookings once they officially open. This means that those who take advantage of the refundable deposit option will be among the first to secure a spot on Celebrity’s debut river sailings.

Celebrity said that the reason they're requiring deposits is because of the demand for the new cruise product; it's the first time a mainstream cruise line will offer river cruises. 

"We are excited to offer guests the chance to experience the first-ever Celebrity River Cruises vacations in 2027 with Priority Booking Access," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. 

"Guests will enjoy the warm hospitality Celebrity is known for, on innovative ships, with land experiences unlike any other, as we set sail on Europe’s iconic Danube and Rhine rivers."

However, placing a deposit does not guarantee anyone an actual booking. Starting on September 9, 2025, Celebrity Cruises will be converting the priority deposits into actual ship and sail dates. Conversions will be done based on Captain's Club loyalty status.  

To place a deposit on September 3, you can visit celebritycruises.com/river, call Celebrity River Cruises at 1-833-474-8803, contact a trusted travel advisor, or visit Future Cruise on board.

General sale for Celebrity's river cruises will open to the public "later this summer."

Read more: Celebrity confirms when they will open bookings for river cruises

Here's what we know about Celebrity River Cruises

Celebrity River Cruises will have a fleet of 10 ships. However, when the line debuts in 2027, it will start with just two vessels sailing the Danube and Rhine Rivers.

According to executives, each river ship will accommodate around 180 guests and be designed after the cruise line's award-winning Edge Class series, which launched in 2018. 

Edge Class ships, including Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Xcel (in Nov. 2025), focus on connecting guests to the ocean with their outward-facing designs and innovative features like the cantilevered Magic Carpet.

All cabins on Celebrity's river ships will be based on double occupancy, meaning the vessels won't be outfitted with staterooms for three or four guests. 

Additionally, the fares will be more inclusive than when sailing on their mainstream ocean cruise ships. All Celebrity River Cruises will include:

• Dining (including a 24-hour option)
• Drinks (select wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks, with the opportunity to upgrade)
• Wi-Fi
• Onboard experiences
• One complimentary shore excursion every day

Cruisers also have the option to add a pre- or post-cruise stay in Prague and Budapest when Celebrity's river cruises open for booking.

What Celebrity hasn't revealed about its river cruises yet

Although it's nice to know that the cruises will be more inclusive, one of the biggest questions remains unanswered — the price.

Because of the inclusivity and exclusivity of the river cruises, they'll likely be more expensive than their standard ocean sailings, but we don't know how the fares will compare to other river cruise lines. 

Celebrity also hasn't shared the dates of the first river cruises in 2027, as well as the ships' deck plans or cabin layouts. 

Royal Caribbean is actively fixing the water slide that broke on Icon of the Seas a few weeks ago, and if all goes well, it should be up and running before the end of the current voyage. 

An unidentified male passenger was injured on the Frightening Bolt drop slide aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships in early August. 

Moments after the trap door released him, he struck a section of the acrylic glass panel that broke off. Thankfully, he didn't fall through the gaping hole, but other guests reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands."

Royal Caribbean immediately closed the slide, although other slides within the Category 6 Waterpark remained operational, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers mat slides, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge.

(Credit: thugsbunny808/Reddit)

Because the water was forcefully gushing through the opening and spraying the chairs overlooking the adults-only Hideaway pool, Deck 15 was also closed to prevent further injuries and allow crew members to assess the slide's damage. 

They closed the slide on the brand-new Star of the Seas, too, so that the crew could conduct a thorough inspection to ensure guest safety. One user on Reddit confirmed that it has remained closed through at least Aug. 27. 

Since the incident, news broke that the passenger plans to sue Royal Caribbean for compensation. They hired Alex Perez of Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., who confirmed that his client suffered injuries after the acrylic glass on the water slide broke on Aug. 7, 2025.

Read more: Royal Caribbean passenger plans to sue the company after being sliced during water slide accident

(Credit: thugsbunny808/Reddit)

The malfunctioning water slide didn't impact Icon of the Seas' operations. As such, guests on recent sailings have begun sharing images of the repairs, showing crew members working on the orange and yellow slide.

"I did see someone [post] a photo that the drop slide on the Icon was being fixed. We are also on the sailing this week and spoke with one of the officers overseeing the work," shared one cruiser on Reddit.

"They removed the clear sections while we were docked in St. Maarten and plan to install the new pieces tomorrow while docked in St Thomas. They are replacing the clear sections with two solid colored sections and said it should be up and running again this sailing."

(Credit: @aaron.dv02 [left] and @fireal7 [right])

At 46 feet tall, Frightening Bolt is famous for being the largest drop slide at sea, as well as its suspenseful trapdoor launch that sends riders plummeting straight down. 

Following in initial incident, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson provided the following statement:

"Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation."

The most recent photos of the slide shared on Reddit were taken during Icon of the Seas' current 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. Icon departed from Miami, Florida, on Aug. 23, 2025, and called at St. Maarten and St. Thomas on Aug. 26 and 27, respectively. The final port is a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Water slides on cruise ships are safe. You shouldn't become overly worried because of this one isolated incident

The number of water slide-related accidents on cruise ships is low considering the hundreds of guests who use them every day. However, incidents do occur from time to time. 

Cruise lines heavily invest in regular maintenance and safety inspections to ensure that they're operating smoothly and efficiently. 

In fact, it's not uncommon to see slides closed for maintenance, even during full sailings. While annoying, it's better to experience a temporary closure than risk a malfunction that could result in serious injuries. 

That said, like with any thrill ride (on land or at sea), there are always inherent risks. As such, it's important to follow the posted safety instructions for any attraction, whether it's a zip line, rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating rink, or water slide. 

And if you don't feel comfortable, there’s no shame in skipping the activity altogether. Royal Caribbean ships definitely cater to adrenaline junkies, but there are so many other activities onboard to keep everyone happy. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs. Star of the Seas: Which ship should you choose?

Would you pay over $5,000 for a last-minute cruise on an older ship?

After not traveling together for nearly three years, a father and daughter decided to book a spontaneous cruise to Greece, Turkey, and Italy, spending $5,329.10 (including taxes, port fees, and gratuities) on a balcony stateroom.

Donald and Catherine Wright had been trying to plan something special to celebrate Catherine's master's graduation, but kept delaying the planning process. 

At first, they toyed with a land vacation to Scotland. However, they shifted gears and began browsing available cruises to Greece.

They eventually settled on a weeklong sailing on Voyager of the Seas, a Voyager Class ship that debuted in 1999, to Mykonos and Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Messina, Sicily; and Naples, Italy.

Catherine's last cruise was a luxury one, having been fortunate enough to sail with her grandmother aboard Regent's Seven Seas Explorer in 2019. Before that, she sailed on Harmony of the Seas in 2018 and Disney Fantasy in 2016.

Donald had also recently sailed on newer ships, including Quantum of the Seas and Allure of the Seas in 2024. As such, stepping onto Voyager of the Seas was different from what they were accustomed to. 

Still, the cruise was less about the ship itself and more about the ports of call. Catherine and Donald roamed the cobblestone streets of Mykonos, explored ancient ruins in Ephesus, and enjoyed lunch in Sorrento. Plus, with just one sea day, sailing on a new ship with endless activities wasn't important. 

They could have saved money by opting for a windowless interior stateroom, but one of Donald's non-negotiables on vacation is having access to a private verandah. 

Their balcony stateroom, cabin #6518, was a comfortable space to retreat to after spending long days ashore and braving Europe's summer heat. 

In fact, they returned to their stateroom most nights around 8:00PM. They preferred to rest instead of staying out late at a bar or watching a show. 

Not only that, but amenities on a newer, more modern ship would have gone to waste. While on Voyager, they didn't use the rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, or Perfect Storm waterslides. 

"The cabin was completely fine," Catherine recalled, "The shower pressure was a little iffy, but that was the only thing."

Donald added that he wished the mini-fridge's temperature had been cooler. He noted that it barely kept a bottle of water cool, even after they had maintenance take a look at it. 

The bathroom itself was a standard Royal Caribbean bathroom. It was compact yet functional with enough storage for two cruisers and a much-appreciated glass shower door instead of a clingy curtain. 

As with other ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, the shower featured the same 2-in-1 shampoo-body wash hybrid, along with a small shelf for personal products.

Read more: I always pack two things for my cruise bathroom that I'll thank myself for later

Being an older ship, the stateroom didn't have an abundance of charging options, just one European and two American outlets by the vanity. 

Catherine mentioned that the large vanity made getting ready easier, as she could spread her makeup and accessories out while her dad used the bathroom to shower and shave.

They were also impressed with the storage space. They were able to comfortably unpack and even had extra hangers!

Unlike newer Royal Caribbean vessels, Voyager of the Seas has a traditional ship design. As such, the balconies are recessed and cut directly into the superstructure, rather than protruding outward.

Consequently, they are more enclosed than balconies on ships like Oasis of the Seas. However, this means that they don't offer the same panoramic views, something Donald didn't love about the cabin. 

According to Catherine, they didn't use the balcony a lot. She used it more than her father, although she mentioned that she saw him stand outside watching the crew tie up the ship one morning in port. 

Although their last-minute cruise was pricey, they don't regret spending over $5,000 for a balcony on Voyager of the Seas, especially since it was the first time they had traveled together since 2022. 

Donald said that he was impressed with the ship's cleanliness and found the crowd to be a pleasant mix of couples and families. 

The biggest complaint from their time onboard was that the food wasn't as good as they had previously had on Royal Caribbean vessels. However, the cabin itself wasn't as bad as they expected for an older cruise ship. 

Grandeur of the Seas will sail from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama, in 2026 and 2027.

Originally, Jewel of the Seas was set to offer Southern Caribbean cruises from Latin America. However, Royal Caribbean decided to swap the ship. 

Now, Jewel of the Seas will sail from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while Grandeur of the Seas will depart from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama. 

Royal Caribbean let impacted guests know about the deployment change in an email. 

"Our original plan for Grandeur of the Seas was to offer a Summer 2026-2027 season with sailings departing from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, beginning May 2, 2026, through April 17, 2027," it reads.

"Instead, Grandeur of the Seas will offer sailings from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colon, Panama, and Jewel of the Seas will offer the sailings from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. As a result, your cruise has been redeployed. The good news is, your sailing and itinerary will remain intact, just on a different ship."

Those impacted have three options:

• Automatically move to the same sailing onboard Jewel or Grandeur of the Seas
• Re-book any other Royal Caribbean International sailing
• Receive a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare

Photo by Bill Raffel

Guests don't have to take any action if they decide to stick with the same sail date and itinerary. Royal Caribbean will automatically move them to a like-for-like stateroom, and the original stateroom category price will be protected.

If the booking was already paid in full, they'll provide a refund of the difference within 14 business days. 

Moving on, Royal Caribbean will waive non-refundable deposit change fees for those who want to re-book another cruise. However, guests are responsible for the difference in cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items (like drink packages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions). 

Finally, if there's not a suitable replacement, impacted passengers can request a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare, along with non-refundable deposits and pre-paid amenities. Airfare booked through Royal Caribbean's Air2Sea program will also be automatically refunded.  

Although they note that they will issue the refund within 14 business days, some international banking and financial institutions may have a processing time of about 30 business days. 

If the cruise aboard Jewel or Grandeur of the Seas was booked using a Future Cruise Credit, Royal Caribbean will refund any new funds paid above the certificate amount and reinstate the original certificate. 

Guests have until September 10, 2025, to let Royal Caribbean know of their decision. That said, those who wish to remain on the same sailing date and itinerary don’t need to take any action; the switch will automatically happen. 

The deployment swap means that Grandeur of the Seas will offer longer cruises in 2026 and 2027

Originally, Grandeur of the Seas was supposed to sail on shorter voyages to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa in 2026 and 2027. 

Now, she'll offer weeklong cruises to the Southern Caribbean from Latin America, calling at ports like Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curaçao. 

Similarly, Jewel of the Seas will offer a variety of cruises, ranging from short 3-night getaways to longer 8-night holiday sailings. 

Although both ships are older, Grandeur takes the cake. Launching in 1996, she's not only Royal Caribbean's oldest ship, but she's also the smallest in the fleet. Comparatively, Jewel of the Seas set sail in 2004. 

Grandeur measures around 73,817 gross registered tons (GRT), while Jewel of the Seas comes in at around 90,090 GRT. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Ships by Size - Largest to Smallest