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

Royal Caribbean has had six cruise ships, including the Liberty of the Seas, impacted by Hurricane Erin as she continues to barrel across the Atlantic Ocean. 

Passengers aboard the August 21 sailing on Liberty of the Seas were originally scheduled to visit Bermuda. However, because of the storm's projected path, the ship's call at the Royal Naval Dockyard has been cancelled and replaced with another sea day. 

"Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we've been closely monitoring Hurricane Erin as she continues moving north. While the storm is not expected to directly impact our location, its projected path will pass near our itinerary, generating significantly larger waves ahead of its track," reads an email sent to guests.

"To ensure safe navigation and to provide a more comfortable experience for everyone on board, we'll now enjoy a Sea Day instead of visiting Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda. To help make up for this unexpected change, we'll now arrive in Philipsburg, St. Maarten at 10:00 AM instead of 2:00 PM, and depart at 7:00 PM instead of 8:00 PM."

All pre-paid shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean will be automatically refunded as onboard credit to guests' SeaPass accounts. Any remaining amounts at the end of the cruise will be reimbursed to the card on file within 14 business days.

Liberty of the Seas' August 16 cruise was impacted, too. Like the latter sailing, Liberty's scheduled call to Bermuda was cancelled to avoid cruising through the rough Atlantic waters. Instead, the ship headed north to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Read more: Cruising in hurricane season: What you need to know

Other Royal Caribbean cruisers have also faced disappointment from cancelled ports

Vision of the Seas was the first cruise ship to have its itinerary changed because of the massive storm. At the time, it wasn't clear where then-Tropical Storm Erin would go, but it was fairly certain that it would head north. 

As such, guests on the August 14 sailing from Baltimore, Maryland, were informed that instead of calling at the Royal Naval Dockyard, they'd visit Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship was also able to arrive in Nassau, Bahamas, 6 hours earlier than planned.  

Moving on, Symphony of the Seas' August 17 cruise from Cape Bayonne, New Jersey, had its scheduled stop in Nassau on August 20 cancelled. According to Cruise Mapper, the ship is spending another day at sea and closely hugging the Florida coastline. 

(Credit: Cruise Mapper)

Utopia of the Seas faced a similar fate. Utopia was unable to visit Nassau on August 19. And, like Symphony of the Seas, she had an extra day at sea. 

Likewise, Harmony of the Seas could not call at Royal Caribbean's private island on her current 8-night cruise from Texas. Rather than visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay on August 19, the ship spent an extra day at sea. Her next scheduled port is Costa Maya, Mexico, on August 21. 

Finally, Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas returned to Miami, Florida, roughly 12 hours earlier than planned on Friday, August 17. The following cruise that departed on the 18th set sail directly for Nassau, rather than spending the day at sea. 

Read more: Here's What Happens If There's A Hurricane During Your Cruise

Hurricane Erin is the first major cruise disruption of the season

Up until mid-August, the Atlantic hurricane season had been pretty slow. One day, out of curiosity, I asked my boss if he thought the quiet streak would last, to which he replied that August 15 is like a "magic switch." 

As Hurricane Erin continued to gain strength, the storm forced cruise lines to make last-minute adjustments, starting with Vision of the Seas. 

Although Hurricane Erin has moved out of the Caribbean (after days of 130mph winds, torrential rainfall, and tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans without power), her impacts on the East Coast are still being felt.

Read more: With an ‘above normal’ hurricane season forecast, check these 5 things in your travel insurance policy

North Carolina, for example, is bracing for up to 4 feet of life-threatening storm surge along parts of the Outer Banks. 

Moreover, New York City's beaches are closed to swimming on Wednesday and Thursday due to powerful rip currents.

As of 2:00pm EDT on Wednesday, August 20, Hurricane Erin was moving north at 13mph with maximum sustained winds of 110mph, making it a Category 2 storm. 

Celebrity Cruises announced that its highly anticipated European river cruises will open for deposits on September 3, 2025. Sailings start in 2027 on the Danube and Rhine Rivers. 

Guests who place a $500 deposit will get early access to Celebrity's river cruises ahead of the general public. The deposits can be booked starting at 9:00am EDT on September 3, 2025. They're fully refundable. 

The reason that those with deposits will earn special access is due to the demand for the new cruise product. It's the first time a mainstream cruise line will launch river cruises. 

"There's an avalanche of demand," Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told Seatrade Cruise News. 

The cruise fares will be all-inclusive, so guests won't have to worry about paying extra for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and other onboard experiences. This differs from their traditional ocean cruises but is similar to their sailings aboard Celebrity Flora in the Galapagos. 

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

"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."

There are a few ways to place a deposit, such as by visiting celebritycruises.com/river or calling Celebrity River Cruises at 1-833-474-8803. You can also visit Future Cruise on board or contact a trusted travel advisor. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Group had such a good year that Celebrity Cruises will start offering river cruises in 2027

Celebrity ordered 10 river ships

According to Celebrity, each ship will hold about 180 passengers and will be designed to look like the cruise line's award-winning Edge Class vessels. 

Celebrity Edge was revolutionary for the cruise industry when she launched in 2019. Since then, each of the Edge Class ships has continued to focus on connecting guests to the ocean with their outward-facing designs and innovative features like the cantilevered Magic Carpet.

Celebrity's newest Edge Class ship, Celebrity Xcel, is launching this November. 

Read more: 10 New river cruise ships ordered for Celebrity Cruises – what we know so far

Half of Celebrity's guests have already sailed or plan on sailing on a river cruise

Although Celebrity already focuses on offering world cruises to places like the South Pacific, Asia, and Europe, there are only so many ports of call that can accommodate Celebrity's smallest Millennium Class ships. 

As such, Celebrity's smaller river ships will invite guests to experience some of Europe's culturally and historically significant cities that can't be accessed by ocean vessels. 

River cruises also tend to be more immersive than traditional cruises, which means that guests can look forward to more cultural enrichment, trying local cuisine, and venturing on unique excursions. 

The world's second Icon Class ship is ready to make her grand debut in Florida.

Following in the footsteps of Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas joins Royal Caribbean's fleet as one of the largest cruise ships in the world. 

Onboard, guests will find everything from a record-breaking water park to one-of-a-kind entertainment options, unique dining options, and well-appointed staterooms. 

Whether you're counting down the days until your Caribbean cruise on Star of the Seas or are in awe at how cruise ships continue to push the boundaries of innovation at sea, there's no denying that Star's debut is a major milestone. 

Star of the Seas size

Star of the Seas is a massive cruise ship, measuring 1,196 feet long and 219 feet wide. At 248,663 gross registered tons with a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600, she's about 5% larger than Utopia of the Seas. 

It will be a long time until the Icon Class sisters are dethroned as the world's largest cruise ships. To put that into perspective, Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class debuted in 2008, and Oasis vessels held the record for over 15 years until 2024. 

Royal Caribbean loved making each Oasis Class ship slightly larger than the last. However, they've stepped back from that practice with Icon and Star of the Seas. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest

Now, they're more focused on creating the best family vacations. "[The size has] never been a focus for us. The world's best family vacation was never about size for us. It still isn't," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, in 2024. 

As such, there are some noticeable differences between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. After Icon's launch, Royal Caribbean took guest feedback and made a few tweaks to Star. 

What's new and different onboard Star of the Seas

Generally speaking, the structural bones of Star of the Seas are nearly identical to Icon. The layout and separate neighborhoods remain, but there are new dining and entertainment options, as well as refreshed public spaces to better appeal to the line's target audience. 

Starting with entertainment, you can expect at least 3 new shows, including the highly anticipated Back to the Future: The Musical. There will also be a new high-diving spectacle in the Aquatheater (Torque) and an ice skating show in Absolute Zero (Sol). 

Like with all theater shows aboard Royal Caribbean ships, Back to the Future: The Musical, Torque, and Sol are included in the cost of the cruise fare for all guests.

Read more: What's new and different on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas

Moving on to one of the most important aspects of a great cruise vacation (the food), Royal Caribbean has redesigned the specialty supper club, as well as changed a few of the food stalls in the AquaDome Market. 

Instead of the Empire Supper Club (themed after none other than The Big Apple!), the Lincoln Park Supper Club will feature a Chicago-inspired theme. As such, the cocktails, menu, and music at the $200-per-person specialty restaurant reflect the spirit of Chicago. 

There are new complimentary options in the AquaDome food hall, too. Three stalls were swapped to bring new flavors and dishes to the high seas — Pig Out BBQ, Mai Thai, and La Cocinita replaced GNGR, Mac's, and Toast & Garden.

Throughout the ship, guests may also notice new bar menus. Aside from the fleetwide menu going to all vessels, the pub has a new menu, along with new non-alcoholic frozen drink machines at The Lime and Coconut and a new Painchiller dispenser. 

Outside, not much has changed. Unless, that is, you venture down to Surfside, the play-all-day neighborhood designed for families. 

Compared to Icon, the Splashaway Bay aqua park and Playscape received new features and more interactive play elements. The Water's Edge pool is more kid-friendly, too. 

There's also one extra hot tub near the entrance to the AquaDome Market. The hot tub was initally supposed to be on Icon of the Seas, but it was removed over weight concerns. 

When Royal Caribbean reevaluated the design, they discovered it wasn't necessary to remove it. As such, it was added to Star of the Seas' design plans early on. 

Finally, while there are no new innovations (such as an extra water slide), Star of the Seas is the only ship in the fleet to feature robotic vacuum cleaners. 

28 different stateroom categories 

Royal Caribbean built Star of the Seas to cater to families. As such, over 80% of the cabins onboard can accommodate three or more guests. Not only that, but 70% of all rooms will feature a private balcony. 

Cabins exclusive to Icon Class ships include:

• Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
• Infinite Ocean View Balcony
• Infinite Central Park View Balcony
• Surfside Family View Balcony
• Surfside Family View Interior
• Interior Plus
• Sunset Junior Suite
• Surfside Family Suite
• Infinite Grand Suite
• Sunset Suite
• Sunset Corner Suite
• Icon Loft
• Ultimate Family Townhouse

Countless dining options

It's impossible to go hungry on Star of the Seas. Between the complimentary and specialty venues, there's something to satisfy all cravings. 

That said, you must be aware of which restaurants will cost you extra while on the ship. You can go the entire week without splurging on a specialty meal, but it's easy to be tempted by the restaurants' unique menus and atmosphere. 

Complimentary restaurants

You'll find 14 complimentary dining venues on Star of the Seas, including Sprinkles and the two suite-only restaurants: 

• Surfside Bites
• Surfside Eatery
• AquaDome Market
• Main Dining Room
• Coastal Kitchen (for those staying in suites)
• The Grove (for those staying in suites)
• Basecamp
• Sorrento's
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe (with a few exceptions)
• Sprinkles
• Pearl Café (with a few exceptions)
• Park Cafe
• Windjammer Marketplace

Specialty restaurants

14 venues onboard Star of the Seas come with an additional charge:

• Hooked Seafood
• Lincoln Park Supper Club
• Celebration Table
• Chops Grille
• Chef's Table
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Sugar Beach
• Desserted
• Playmaker's
• Pier 7
• Starbucks
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
• Trellis Bar (bar bites)

Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, through at least April 2027

Star of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Nearly every sailing will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. The one (current) exception is the May 3, 2026, cruise, which lists St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Haiti as its three ports of call. 

Before arriving in Port Canaveral on Aug. 9, Royal Caribbean invited media and influencers on board for a quick 3-night preview sailing from Ponce, Puerto Rico. 

Star of the Seas' official inaugural cruise will depart on Aug. 31 and sail to CocoCay, Roatán, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. 

However, the ship will embark on a series of short preview cruises beforehand, as the vessel's construction finished ahead of schedule. The first will depart on Aug. 16, 2025. 

The newest Icon Class ship was delivered to Royal Caribbean in July 2025

Construction of the brand-new vessel took over 730 days. The delivery was met with a celebration attended by cruise line executives, crew members, and shipyard employees in Finland.

Even though Meyer Turku's time with Star has come to an end, they're hard at work building Legend of the Seas. Legend of the Seas will sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following her inaugural debut in Europe in 2026. 

The passenger who was injured riding one of the water slides on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas plans to sue the cruise line for compensation. 

(Credit: @nowimtraveling [right])

The unidentified guest hired Alex Perez of Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., according to Local 10. Perez confirmed that his client suffered injuries after the acrylic glass on the Frightening Bolt slide broke on Aug. 7, 2025. 

The Frightening Bolt is the largest drop slide at sea. Its height of 46 feet and trapdoor launch make it one of the more extreme attractions on a cruise ship. 

Although the cruiser didn't fall through the gaping hole, other passengers reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands."

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

Videos and pictures began circulating on social media after the incident, showing the gushing water soaking the lounge chairs on Deck 15. 

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the guest received medical assistance and that the slide will remain closed until the company completes its investigation and makes repairs.

"Our firm has decades of experience handling cruise passenger injury cases, and unfortunately, incidents involving material or design failures aboard cruise ships are something we see far too often," stated Perez. 

(Credit: @maddietspmo [left] / @natalya.ash [right])

"Cruise ships have a responsibility to ensure that the attractions they open and encourage passengers to use are safe. We are thankful for the trust this family has placed in us to represent them."

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is a leading maritime and cruise passenger injury law firm. They have a proven success record, according to their website. They have recovered over $500 million for their clients and won more than 3,000 cases. Combined, their team has over 200 years of experience. 

Read more: Cruise ship water slide breaks on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, passenger injured

Royal Caribbean isn't sure when the Frightening Bolt slide will reopen

"The company has not provided a timeline for reopening and is investigating whether the failure was due to a manufacturing defect, installation issue, or an unexpected impact," Royal Caribbean told UNILAD. 

However, the other slides at the Category 6 Waterpark remain operational, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge.

That said, Royal Caribbean shut down the Frightening Bolt on Star of the Seas following the accident on Icon out of an abundance of caution. One of the crew members said that it will remain closed until they can conduct a thorough inspection. 

Star of the Seas is set to embark on a series of short preview cruises beginning on Aug. 16. Her official maiden voyage is scheduled for Aug. 31. The 7-night cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Costa Maya, Roatán, and Cozumel. 

Read more: Spotted: Water slide closed on new Royal Caribbean ship after accident involving passenger on Icon of the Seas

It's hard to believe that a beloved film that was once rejected by Disney has made its way to the high seas. 

Royal Caribbean is bringing the musical version of the 1985 Back to the Future film to its cruise ship. Today, it's a cultural phenomenon, but it almost never happened.

Speaking onboard Star of the Seas, co-writer Bob Gale shared the story of the movie was pitched to movie executives.

The pitch was turned down over 40 times, with studios claiming that the story was too lighthearted for such a serious sci-fi premise. 

Even after the seemingly constant rejection, Oscar-winning director Robert Zemeckis and co-writer Bob Gale decided to take the pitch to Disney, where they received perhaps the harshest criticism of all. 

"Think they would make a movie about incest? You've got the kid and his mom in a car. Get out of here!" Gale recalled during a panel aboard Star of the Seas, the first-ever cruise ship to bring Back to the Future: The Musical to life at sea. 

It wasn't until Zemeckis worked on the 1984 hit movie Romancing the Stone that revisiting Back to the Future became possible. 

"Everybody in town did want to be in business with [Zemeckis]," Gale said, "And they said, 'Bob, what movie do you want to make?'... And all this time, there was one guy who always liked the script. His name was Steven Spielberg." 

Spielberg was already a powerhouse in Hollywood and had previously worked with Gale three times on the films I Want to Hold Your Hand (1978), 1941 (1979), and Used Cars (1980).  

Initially, Gale was worried that if Back to the Future tanked, he'd never be able to work with Spielberg again. But with the success of Zemeckis's Romancing the Stone, everything changed.

"Steven had just set up Amblin Entertainment on the Universal lot, and we became the first movie to be produced out of Amblin Entertainment. We got set up in 1984. And the rest, as they say, is history," Gale explained. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add Back to the Future musical to its next new cruise ship

That history wasn’t made without a few bumps along the road

Even after the film was greenlit, Gale and Zemeckis faced a series of challenges, starting with casting for the lead role of Marty McFly. 

"The president of the studio insisted that we cast Eric Stoltz to play Marty McFly. We could not get Michael J. Fox out of his TV series Family Ties. And so you know, when the president of the corporation tells you [that] you got to do something, you do it."

Still, they realized Stoltz wasn’t the right fit for the role, and they eventually let him go to cast Fox. 

Origins of Back to the Future: The Musical

According to Gale, Zemeckis and his wife saw The Producers on Broadway, which inspired his wife to suggest creating a stage adaptation of Back to the Future.

They had already finished Back to the Future II and Back to the Future III and were adamant about not creating a prequel or spinoffs. As such, Zemeckis and Gale leaned into the idea of a musical adaptation. 

"We thought if we did a theatrical musical that would be a way of giving the public more Back to the Future, but in a way that didn't disturb...the canon of the trilogy," he said. 

First, they called Alan Silvestri, who composed the music for the movies. Then, they reached out to Glen Ballard, a Grammy-winning songwriter who had previously worked with Silvestri on songs for The Polar Express. 

After a few weeks, Silvestri and Ballard came back with some songs, and the team knew they had something great in the works. 

"Now, it took us...four years from when we thought of the idea of doing Back to the Future to when we finally got it made, and ten years after that, all three movies were made," stated Gale. 

Read more: 8 changes coming to Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship (and 1 returning favorite)

Comparatively, ten years after thinking about the musical adaptation, they still didn't have a director. Colin Ingram was the only producer they had met who thought it was a smart idea. 

However, once they got John Rando onboard, everything fell into place, including figuring out how to bring the DeLorean to the stage. 

"So here we are, now on a cruise ship. If the Me of today could travel back in time to August, September 1980, when Bob Zemeckis and I were struggling to write this script and said, 'Do you know guys know where this story is going to go? Do you know where you're going to be in the year 2025? You're going to be on a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.' Bob and I would have called security and said, 'We've got a lunatic in our office. Get him the heck out of here,'" he joked. 

An unidentified male passenger was injured on a water slide aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships.

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

The Frightening Bolt is one of six water slides at Category 6, a record-breaking waterpark on Icon of the Seas. At 46 feet tall, it's famous for being the biggest drop slide at sea, as well as its trapdoor launch, which makes it one of the more extreme attractions on a cruise ship.

Typically, the Category 6 Waterpark is a major draw for guests. However, on Thursday, August 7, one adult male was injured while riding the Frightening Bolt after an acrylic glass panel broke off.

Thankfully, he didn't fall through the hole. Instead, passengers reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands." 

(Credit: @maddietspmo [left] / @natalya.ash [right])

That said, videos and photos shared on social media show water forcefully gushing through the opening where the panel broke, spraying the chairs overlooking the Hideaway and wake. Consequently, Deck 15 was closed following the accident to prevent further injuries and allow crew members to assess the damage. 

"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," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Cruise Hive. 

With the Frightening Bolt closed, guests aboard Icon can still ride 5 other slides, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge. 

Are water slides on cruise ships safe?

Generally speaking, the number of water slide-related accidents on cruise ships is rare. Cruise lines heavily invest in regular maintenance and safety inspections to make sure that they're operating smoothly. 

In fact, when I sailed aboard Icon of the Seas in April 2025, the Frightening Bolt was frequently closed for maintenance, and there were no issues when it was operational.

Still, as with any thrill ride, there's always a level of inherent risk. Whether it's a water slide, zip line, rock climbing wall, or ice skating rink, passengers should follow the posted safety instructions, including height and weight restrictions. It's also important to listen to crew members. 

Although the recent accident on the Frightening Bolt on Icon of the Seas was unfortunate, it's an isolated case. Thousands of guests enjoy these water slides safely every year. 

Royal Caribbean won't reopen the Frightening Bolt until it has been repaired and undergone rigorous testing to ensure it is ready to safely operate again. As such, it could be closed for an extra sailing or two. The next cruise departs on Aug. 9. 

The incident is causing some to rethink cruise ship water slides

"You know what doesn't cause me to plummet to my death? The adult pool. That's where I live," wrote one Reddit user.

Another added, "Went on [the Frightening Bolt] last summer and am also a grown man. Going on Star later this year, guess I won't be going on it...then."

"[W]hats most concerning to me is that the icon isn't even 2-3 years old and coupled in with the engine fire it had last year alongside the constant propulsion issues and other problems [it's] seriously making me reconsider sailing with royal," someone else chimed in. 

Icon of the Seas is currently on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

The 248,663 gross registered ton vessel departed Miami, Florida, on Aug. 2 and is scheduled to return on Aug. 9. 

The incident didn't cause any changes to the itinerary. According to Cruise Mapper, Icon of the Seas is docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay (as of 7:40AM EST), alongside Oasis of the Seas. 

Other ports of call on the itinerary included St. Maarten and St. Thomas. 

Royal Caribbean has revamped its fleet-wide drink menu. 

The base menu for cocktails, low-alcohol, and zero-proof drinks has been updated across all 29 of its ships, placing a greater emphasis on non-alcoholic beverages. It was introduced on Star of the Seas during a special media preview on August 7, 2025. 

Your favorite vacation cocktails, such as piña coladas, daiquiris, and mojitos, are still available. However, this menu refresh introduces a wider variety of craft cocktails and mocktails for those who might be interested in trying something different. 

This new menu will be available at all bars and lounges that don't have a specialized menu of their own, including the Schooner Bar, Boleros, and the Viking Crown Lounge. 

The biggest change is a greater emphasis on non-alcoholic drinks. This isn't necessarily a new trend. When Icon of the Seas launched in 2024, the cruise line crafted a dedicated menu for zero-proof drinks. And no, they are not just virgin versions of cocktails.

"We really took the time to curate them as standalone drinks without alcohol and really look at blending flavors that work together versus a stock virgin daiquiri that is just an alcoholic drink we’ve taken the alcohol out of. We didn’t even consider putting alcohol in these as we put them together," said Ed Eiswirth, Royal Caribbean's Director of Beverage Operations.

You'll still find the basics like soda, energy drinks, juice, and water, but the refreshed menu also features more handcrafted zero-proof beverages:

• Mule Kickback
• Espresso No-Tini
• Peach Perfect
• Lush Life
• Mai Spice

Whether you're sober or simply want to limit your alcohol intake, these new drinks can be great alternatives without feeling like you're restricting yourself:

• Yuzu Sunrise
• All Aboard Spritz
• Watermelon Mint Lemonade
• Passionista
• Crave the Wave

• Coconut Lime Refresher
• Tropical Crush
• Passion Starlight
• Tiger's Tale
• Berry Press
• Berry Necessary 

Additionally, there's more than one non-alcoholic beer and wine. There are also four Blind Tiger spirit-free sparkling mocktails: Lavender French 75, Side Car Mimosa, and Southside Mogito. 

The same "Taste of the Caribbean" drinks are available, including the Painkiller, Dark 'N Stormy, Goombay Smash, Planter's Punch, Papa Jac, and Rum Punch. 

Although the drinks remain the same, the menu features a refreshed design; the map-inspired layout wasn't completely replaced. 

The "Light & Lively" drinks include:

• Pineapple Guava Sangria
• Scarlett's Tropical Sangria
• Tropic Like It's Hot
• Make Me Blush
• Demure Paloma
• Botanical Breeze

The list of "Crisp & Refreshing" drinks is as follows:

• Love Story
• Berried Treasure
• Handcrafted Margarita
• Yuzu the One
• Curaçao Cosmo
• Cozumel Sunrise
• Cool as a Cucumber
• Strawberry Blonde

"Strong & Sprited" drinks are crafted for those who prefer a bold cocktail:

• Passion Spritz
• Blackberry Lemon Drop
• 'Rol and Rye
• Teqkil-Ya Zombie
• Kentucky Summer

Beer lovers, don't worry — there are still plenty to choose from. Still, some may find the selection lacking compared to bars on land:

• Blue Moon Belgian White
• Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic Belgian White
• Bud Light
• Budweiser
• Coors Light
• Corona Extra
• Dos Equis
• Foster's Oil Can
• Heineken
• Heineken 0.0 (Non-Alcoholic)
• Michelob Ultra
• Miller Lite
• New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA
• Paulaner Weissbier
• Red Stripe
• Sam Adams Non-Alcoholic Just the Haze IPA
• Stella Artois
• Stone Delicious IPA (Gluten-Reduced)
• Angry Orchard Hard Cider
• Strongbow Hard Cider
• Truly Hard Seltzer (Wild Berry or Strawberry Lemonade)
• Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea
• White Claw Hard Seltzer (Mango)
• Blind Tiger Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Mocktail

You will also find a selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle. Not all wines are available by the glass, but there are various brands from regions around the world. They also have red, white, and sparkling options.

There are several non-alcoholic wines, too:

• Natuero Sparkling (Spain)
• Cero Coma Blanco (Spain)
• Ariel Chardonnay (California)
• Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
• Naturero Syrah (Spain)

If you purchase a bottle of wine, you can bring it to any bar, restaurant, or even back to your cabin to enjoy; you don't have to finish it in one sitting. 

Finally, there's an impressive selection of spirits for those looking for a quick shot or liquor served neat:

• Vodka
• Rum
• Gin
• Tequila (over 15 kinds!)
• Mezcal
• Scotch
• Cognac
• Whiskey & Bourbon
• Apértif
• Liqueur 

Utopia of the Seas has cabins for all types of cruisers. Budget-friendly sailors can book affordable interior staterooms, while those with a larger budget can splurge on a luxurious suite within the Royal Suite Class. 

One such suite is the Owner's Suite. Although it isn't the two-story Ultimate Family Suite, it delivers an elevated cruise experience with access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen dining room, a spacious private balcony, exclusive sun deck, upgraded bathroom, and more. 

Charlie Cartwright shared photos of his Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. While onboard, Cartwright stayed in cabin #18218. This particular stateroom is located all the way aft on Deck 18, just steps from the suite-only sun deck. It's also one deck above the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and the Suite Lounge. 

Pricing varies, but you can expect to spend over $2,000 per person on an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. For example, the cost for two people in an Owner's Suite on Utopia's 3-night Feb. 6, 2026 departure costs $6,020. 

Here's a photo tour of a 1-Bedroom Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Spacious living area

Measuring over 860 square feet, the Owner's Suite isn't a cramped stateroom. Instead, it offers ample room to relax and entertain, featuring a separate living room, a large bedroom with a plush bed, a private balcony, and an upgraded bathroom. 

In addition to a sofa and chairs, the living area has a dining table, which is nice for when you want to enjoy meals or snacks in your stateroom. 

The living area also acts as a second bedroom with a convertible double sofa bed, allowing up to four guests to stay in the suite. Thanks to the twice-daily service, it's easy for the bed to be set up at night and neatly tucked away in the morning, so you don't lose the space's functionality.

The cabin also features an impressive wet bar, complete with a coffee machine and mini-fridge (though it does not come fully stocked). This makes it easy to wake up, brew a fresh cup of coffee, and enjoy the sunrise from the balcony. 

Natural light floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows and door that open up to the Owner's Suite private verandah. 

Compared to standard balconies, the suite's verandah offers significantly more space. In fact, it measures over 225 square feet, whereas a standard ocean-view balcony comes in at around 50 square feet. 

Not only does the balcony have comfortable loungers for watching the scenery, but there's another dining table. 

This helps bring the living area outside, making it a great place to gather for a pre-dinner drink or morning breakfast with your family. 

Private bedroom

Although the bedroom is separated from the main living area of the suite, guests don't have to miss out on the spectacular views. The large windows open up to the spacious verandah, rather than hiding passengers away in a dark room. 

The furnishings are a major upgrade compared to standard staterooms, too. The nightstands, for example, have marble tops and plenty of charging ports. The stylish headboard and ambient lighting help further distinguish the Owner's Suite from a standard cruise cabin. 

However, one of the highlights of the suite is the spacious bathroom. Outfitted with a double vanity, soaking tub, shower, bidet, and ample storage, you won't have to worry about fighting for counter space when getting ready in the morning or freshening up before dinner. 

The soaking tub is a nice touch for families with children, too. It's much easier to bathe a younger kid in the tub than to try to use the standing shower. 

Compared to some other suites (like the Royal Loft Suite), the bathroom does not have any natural light. It's the only bathroom in the cabin, too. There isn't an extra half-bathroom.

Still, all the upgraded features (namely the two sinks and luxurious tub) make the Owner's Suite's singular bathroom a step above standard cabins. 

What perks come with an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Owner's Suite falls within the middle Sky tier. As such, it comes with more benefits than regular cabins but not as many as the larger suites onboard (i.e., the Star Class suites). 

Perks for the Sky Class Owner's Suite include:

• Concierge Service
• All-Day Access to Coastal Kitchen
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Access to the Suite Sun Deck
• Plush Bathrobes
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress and Linens
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lazazza Espresso Coffee Machine
• Specialty Bottled Water (Upon Arrival)
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Suite Lounge Access (Complimentary Hors D'oeuvres and Cocktails Each Evening)
• One VOOM Wi-Fi Package Per Person

One notable exclusion is that Sky Class suites do not include a drink package. However, complimentary drinks are available in the Suite Lounge.