A suite on a cruise is expensive, but it's also one of the most sought-after types of cruise cabins because of how enjoyable the experience is.

The price of a suite will vary considerably, with the Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas costing $80,000 per week. That's at least ten times what a balcony cabin would likely cost, but it's also a microcosm of the demand suites get by cruise ship passengers.

The attraction to a book a suite is all about the service and benefits you get by staying in one.  There many types of cruise ship suites, but you can expect a bigger room than standard cabins on cruise vessels, better location onboard, and plenty of extra perks included for the price.

Free wifi, extra restaurants, added service, and less waiting in lines are just a few of the perks available with some suites.

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

While a suite is likely not a dollar-for-dollar value, it is compelling enough a proposition that some cruisers jump at the chance to move up to a suite.

If you're debating if a suite is worth it, here are the best reasons to book one instead of a standard cabin.

Less waiting

My favorite benefit to staying in a suite is less lines to deal with during the cruise.

Staying in a suite is the closest thing cruise lines offer to an express line to bypass lines, or at least reduce them. By paying extra, you get added service and shortcuts along the way.

On embarkation day, there will be a special line in almost every port for those staying in a suite. This provides a shorter line to wait in to check-in, and when it's time to board the ship, suite guests get to go first.

Onboard the ship, there can be opportunities for suite guests to bypass lines.  There can be reserved seating in shows, and if you have a Royal Genie, you can forget about waiting in just about any line on the ship.

The saying, "time is money" applies to suite guests, and it's nice to have bypasses along the way.

Exclusive areas on the ship

If you're in a suite, there will be special areas of the ship reserved just for you.

Royal Caribbean does not have a "ship within a ship" concept that other lines have, but there's still a few spots reserved just for suite guests and these alone can be worth the price of a suite.

Every ship has a suite lounge, where you can go anytime to socialize and enjoy complimentary drinks and light snacks at certain times.

You'll also find reserved seating on the pool deck for suite guests, which is immensely beneficial on sea days when the pool is the busiest.

On Royal Caribbean's newest ships, there are entire neighborhoods for suite guests.  Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas both have a section of the ship for the exclusive use of suite passengers.

Bigger cabin

If you think having more space in your room doesn't matter, wait until you see how much more space there is in a suite.

Cruise ship cabins are typically smaller than hotel rooms, but suites will make you feel like you're back at home with the square footage found in them.

Some suites have extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or even a dining room.  The really large suites are incredible to see, because it's hard to fathom just how large these cabins are compared to other rooms.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse measures 1,772 square feet and is three decks high.  Compare that to a balcony cabin on Icon of the Seas that comes in at 204 square feet.

More conventional suites are still quite large. A Grand Suite on Icon measures 431 square feet, which is more than double that of a balcony.

Read more: Icon of the Seas cabins and suites guide

Having that extra space is a major reason why a lot of people book a suite. They want to feel like they can spread out, and if they're sharing the room with others, every extra foot makes a difference.

Concierge services

It's amazing how much better your cruise can be with the help of the suite concierge.

The concierge is there to be a dedicated resource for suite guests. Think of them like Guest Service just for suite guests, but with less lines and more service.

They can assist in making reservations, including pre-cruise.  They can escort you off the ship, get you a tender ride without a wait, and be your aid should a problem arise.

Their job is to make your experience on the ship better, and it's a really nice way to solve problems or simply enhance it all.

Freebies

Depending on the ship you pick, staying in a suite can get you a lot of extras included in your cruise fare that you would otherwise have to pay extra for.

All suites across all ships include free alcoholic beverages in the Suite Lounge each evening, which means there's less of a need to purchase an unlimited drink package.

If you cruise on a Quantum, Oasis, or Icon Class cruise ship, the included perks drastically increase. For Sky Class passengers, you'll get complimentary Wi-Fi access, access to a special restaurant, and room service too.

Star Class guests get pretty much everything included, including any specialty restaurant, extra-cost beverage, and gratuities.

Read more: What is Star Class?

Twice a day cabin service

Royal Caribbean cut back housekeeping to once a day on its cruise ships, but suites still get service twice per day.

Having your cabin attendant service your cabin in the morning and evening is a pleasant benefit, and it means towels get replaced quicker, beds are made if you took a nap, and your room just feels tidier. 

I've grown accustomed to this change in standard cabins by now, but having that twice-a-day service is a really nice benefit.

More loyalty points

If you're looking to move up the ladder of Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program faster, staying in a suite is the best strategy.

Royal Caribbean will give you an extra point per night for staying in a suite, so that means two points instead of one (or three, if you're staying solo in a suite).

This is important because the sooner you reach the higher tiers of Crown and Anchor Society, the sooner you'll get to enjoy the best benefits, such as free drinks every day.

Getting to Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club really adds significant value to how you cruise, so booking a suite to get there faster might be a really good idea.

Read more: My top 5 favorite Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club perks

Better cabin location

Want to reduce your walking distance when getting around the ship? Stay somewhere with less movement? A suite is the easy button for that.

You'll typically find suites in the most desirable places on the ship so that you can have the best views, stability, and convenience.

To avoid getting seasick on a cruise, you'll want a cabin mid-ship (definitely not at the front), and it's no coincidence that you'll find suites in these areas.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Is a suite on a cruise worth it?

It won't be cheap, but a suite has a lot of nice perks that come with it, and it might make sense for you to spend extra to stay in one.

When you consider what you get for booking a suite instead of a regular cabin, the higher price might make sense if you can take advantage of the added value.

Experts will tell you the best time to book a cruise is as soon as you pick out the right ship and itinerary, but some people still wonder if they're better off waiting to book a cruise later to try to get a better deal.

It's understandable why you might think there's a special or better time to book a cruise, because in other forms of travel there are inside scoops on when is the best time to book. 

The reality is a cruise ship is priced differently, and waiting to book is usually a mistake because of how the industry works.

While there are exceptions and times when a promotion seems lucrative, the best time to book a cruise is when you see a price that fits in your budget and and seems like a good price. If you think it's a good deal, go ahead and pull the trigger on booking it. There's no telling if or when the price may go down.

What is the best day to book a cruise?

There are definitely better days of the week to book a flight, but that's not the case with cruises.

Royal Caribbean does offer "Going, Going, Gone" rates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they tend to be very limited offers on close-in sailings. If you're planning your family vacation, waiting for one of these to roll around isn't a great strategy.

Prices of a cruise can change by the minute, and there isn't any kind of pattern that favors one day over another. While the cruise line's internal pricing logic isn't publicly known, anecdotally, there isn't any reason a price would be less on a certain day.  When it's time to raise or lower the price, it happens in real-time.

Just to confirm this theory, I reached out to a travel agent to get a sense of their experience.  Considering how many cruises they book every day, I wanted to know if there was a better day of the week to book a cruise.

"There isn't a best day of the week to book a cruise, as prices change often," said Sharla Manglass, Travel Planner with MEI & Mouse Fan Travel.

"Some people seem to believe that waiting for Black Friday, WOW, or Kids Sail Free sales will be the best option for them."

What is the best month to book a cruise?

There isn't necessarily one month that's better than another, but cruise lines love to tie sales to major holidays.

The month of November stands out because it has two of the most well-known shopping holidays: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While these sales tend to favor retail sales more, the truth is cruise lines trot out special bonus incentives for those that book a cruise during these days.

In fact, cruise lines get into the "spirit" of Black Friday by starting sales a week or more in advance, so you'll have time in the second half of November to take advantage of the sales.

However, it's a mistake to wait to book a cruise until Black Friday. Instead, book the cruise now.

Royal Caribbean allows price adjustments with no penalty until final payment date, so if you do notice a price drop when Black Friday rolls around, call Royal Caribbean or your travel agent to get the cruise fare adjustment.

Plus, you might find that Black Friday cruise deals are not very different from promotions you’ll see throughout the rest of the year. Unlike retail and technology stores, for example, cruise pricing does not drastically change on Black Friday. You might find that the Black Friday promotion is nearly the same as other promotions during the year.

What is the best time of year to book a cruise?

If you had the inspiration to book a cruise, ideally it would be in the beginning of the year during Wave Season.

“Wave Season” is a cruise industry term for the time of year in which cruise lines tend to offer their best promotions. Wave season traditionally occurs between January and March. The name comes from the fact bookings in this period are what carry the cruise industry for the rest of the year.

Wave season promotions vary based on year, but you might see savings like 60% off a second guest and up to $150 onboard credit to use onboard. If you’re browsing Royal Caribbean’s website during wave season, you should take advantage of the offer to hopefully save some money and get onboard perks.

The other really good time of year to book a cruise is when Royal Caribbean releases new itineraries.

Generally speaking, the best prices for a cruise are when a new sailing is put on sale and all the cabins are open to book. Inventory is at its highest, and prices only go up as rooms get booked.

Cruise itineraries are usually released around two years in advance. The first batch of new cruises go on sale around November and December, and the rest come out in February, March or April.

One way to stay informed about new cruise itineraries is by subscribing to Royal Caribbean’s marketing emails or following Royal Caribbean Blog.

Can I book a cruise at the last minute?

Your best bet is to always book as far in advance as possible, you could try for a last-minute booking instead.

Truthfully, booking a cruise at the last minute is a crapshoot.  If there are any good deals, the choices are going to be limited in terms of dates, ships, and cabin choice.

Equally importantly, you'll have to pay the entire fare at once, because cruises booked less than 90 days before sailing require deposit and the full fare to be paid at the same time.

The bigger issue is there may simply not be a last-minute cruise deal to be had.  Cruise ships are sailing full, and people are booking cruises earlier and in more numbers than ever before. 

However, if you're very flexible with when and where you sail, there could be something out there if you keep your eyes out for price drops. If a cruise is past final payment date and not all rooms have been booked, Royal Caribbean may drop prices in order to encourage more passengers to book the cruise.

It helps a lot if you can drive to your cruise so that you don't have to then figure out last-minute airfare or hotels.

Should you book your next cruise on the ship?

Cruise lines offer additional incentives if you book another cruise once on their ship, but it's not always the best strategy.

If you're on a ship and are suddenly struck with the inspiration to book another cruise, yes, booking onboard is a good idea. You will receive up to $600 in onboard credit  and a lower deposit amount simply for booking a cruise on the ship.

That may sound like a great reason to wait to book onboard, but waiting to book a cruise until you get on a ship is a mistake. Even if you have a cruise coming up in a few weeks or months, it’s almost always better to book a future cruise you are interested in while at home now because the price could go up between now and your sailing, negating the advantage of booking on the ship.

How do I know if I'm getting a good deal when I book?

Cruise ship travel has changed significantly over the last century. 

Main Dining Room. Royal Caribbean

From the ocean liners that preceded it, to the dawn of the cruise ship, and then onto the mega ship, leisure travel by sea has come a long way.

The cruise industry has made rapid improvements and innovated through each era, with a boom of activity beginning in the 1990s as ships transformed into floating cities.

Here's a look at what cruise ship travel looked like over the decades.

Pre-1914 B&N steamers. Norwegian Maritime Museum

By the end of the 19th century, Norway's scenic wonders attracted hundreds of tourists. British and German vessels began calling on the Norwegian coast during the summer.

B&N Line (Bergen Line and Nordenfjeldski Steamship Company) welcomed tourists to Norway and the Mediterranean. They called their vessels, "tourist yachts".

Oslofjord, Norwegian America Line's short-lived flagship in 1939 in Havana. Bard Kolltveit & John Maxtone-Graham

Ocean liners were the precursor to modern day cruise ships, but they were quite different in their design and approach to sailing.

Ocean liners were built to offer comfortable accommodations across oceans at the highest speed possible. They weren't leisure craft, as they were more suited for getting their passengers across vast distances as fast as possible.

Commodore Cruise Line Boheme ship in Miami in 1982. Bard Kolltveit & John Maxtone-Graham

The first cruise lines emerged in the 1960s, with Commodore Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line founded in 1966.

Cruise lines in these days primarily relied on ferries or old ocean liners. Commodore took over building a half-complete ferry under construction that had been cancelled.

Commodore Cruise Line became the first company to operate week-long cruises out of Florida year-round.

Arne Wilhelmsen and family. Arne Wilhelmsen

Royal Caribbean was founded in 1968, with Song of Norway as her first ship. She was one of the first large ships to be built specifically for Caribbean cruising instead of a converted ferry or ocean liner.

The Song of Norway originally weighed 18,000 gross tons and had a capacity for only 724 passengers. 

Song of Norway's embarkation lobby in 1970. Bard Kolltveit & John Maxtone-Graham

Cruising in the 1970s was quite different from cruising today. Song of Norway had its own radio station, guests received a passenger list of everyone onboard, there was a midnight buffet, and skeet shooting was available on sea days.

Main Dining Room. Royal Caribbean

Cruise ships had evolved to offer more creature comforts than ocean liners ever did. Ships in the '70s were small, and the industry was starting to grow.

Meeting the Captain. Royal Caribbean

On a cruise ship in the 1970s, you could dance..

Man shooting skeet. Royal Caribbean

... shoot skeet off the back of the ship...

Marketing photos in brochure. Royal Caribbean

... and  many other activities.

Viking Crown Lounge. Royal Caribbean

In the 1980s, the cruise industry had to deal with the growing pains of a recession and strong competition from many lines.

Nordic Prince. Royal Caribbean

Cuise ships in the 1980s were smaller than today. As an example, Nordic Prince was 18,346 GT and 552 feet long, whereas Icon of the Seas is 250,800 GT and 1,198 feet long.

Party crowd. Royal Caribbean

Just like the decade was known for, a cruise in the 1980s was about a way to celebrate and relax.

Once your ship made it to port, it was time for a shore excursion. There were 7-night cruises from Miami that went to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Workout class. Royal Caribbean

The core cruise experience is largely the same then as it is today. The primary difference is what's offered onboard ships now, as well as the immense size difference.

The mandatory boat drill is completed. Royal Caribbean

Sovereign of the Seas in Miami passing Song of America. Royal Caribbean

The cruise industry evolved once again in the late 1980s into the 1990s with the introduction of the mega ship.

Windjammer on Sovereign of the Seas. Royal Caribbean

Sovereign of the Seas, the world's largest purpose-built cruise ship at the time, was designed as a way to offer certain onboard amenities that Royal Caribbean executives dreamed up.

The launch of Sovereign of the Seas in 1988 introduced the era of the mega ship, and vessels became larger and larger. 

Royal Caribbean promotional video

While the ships got bigger, the core experience remained the same, as guests were told they would be "wined and dined virtually around the clock," with the Main Dining Room featuring a different international flavor each night. 

Centrum on Legend of the Seas. Royal Caribbean

In the 1990s, ships got bigger and they could experience more than ever thought possible on cruise ships. Rock climbing walls, mini-golf courses, and the first specialty restaurants were added.

Pool on ship top deck. m. van hintum

Voyager of the Seas ushered in a new era of cruising with another leap in ship size.

The addition of an indoor promenade was revolutionary with the Voyager Class. There were onboard activities that was previously not available on a cruise ship.  

More importantly, it introduced the concept of guests being able to do physically activities onboard that were never considered previously.

Oasis of the Seas Youth Zone. Royal Caribbean

In the 2000s, cruising had reached new heights of popularity and Royal Caribbean capitalized on that with the biggest ships yet.

Oasis of the Seas became the world's largest cruise ship by a factor previously unseen.

Oasis was more than 40 percent larger than the previous largest ships in the world (Freedom Class), coming in at 225,282-tons and accommodating 5,400 passengers.

Icon of the Seas leaving shipyard in Turku. Royal Caribbean

Cruise ships have continued their trend to grow and add more for passengers to do.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will set the new bar for biggest cruise ship in the world with 20 decks and a length of 1,198 feet.

Royal Caribbean is adding a new souvenir photo benefit to most of its loyalty program tiers.

Members of the Crown and Anchor Society received an email on Thursday notifying them of the program change.

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program has many benefits for repeat cruisers and the photo benefits have been updated.

Read more: Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

Beginning on sailings departing on or after December 9, 2023, guests will have updated photo benefits.

Here's a breakdown of what each tier will receive:

Platinum

20% off a single photo, photo package, or a photobook

Emerald

25% off a single photo, photo package, or a photobook

Diamond, Diamond Plus, Pinnacle Club

• Free digital or printed photo of your choice
• 30% off a single photo, photo package, or a photobook

It should be noted Jewel, Radiance, Grandeur and Vision of the Seas do not offer digital downloads, and only prints.

A single photo or digital download sold onboard the ship usually costs $19.99 for a single print or download. 

In the announcement, Royal Caribbean said they were making this change to reward guests, "Your loyalty deserves to be celebrated, and what better way than capturing and preserving those unforgettable moments?"

What's different about this change?

If you're curious, this new benefit replaces a photo benefit that previously existed.

According to our notes, this change replaces the buy one, get one discount that was previously offered:

Platinum

Buy one, get one 50% off - Photo

Emerald

Buy one, get one 50% off - Photo

Diamond, Diamond Plus, Pinnacle Club

10% off a Photo Package or Photobook

Changing benefits

The addition of these new benefits is part of an ever evolving benefit structure by Royal Caribbean.

Earlier this year, the cruise line announced a change to the name of its loyalty lounge.

Also in 2023, Royal Caribbean introduced a new design to its crystal blocks for top tier members. They also made other changes, including Emerald members no longer have the option to pre-select your welcome beverages, because all guests will now receive complimentary water in their stateroom when they arrive.

Additionally, the cruise line removed the welcome snack as a loyalty benefit.

The value of daily drink vouchers for Diamond members and above went up to $14.

Lastly, the free bag of laundry on sailings five nights or longer is restricted to be redeemable only on the day of the ship's Wash & Fold laundry promotion.

Related: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise

How to use this offer

You can redeem the photo benefits that Crown and Anchor provides you once onboard your ship. It's not available to use pre-cruise.

If your ship has an interactive kiosk you can use to order prints, then this is very simple.

Just scan your SeaPass card to view any photos you have taken with the ship's photographers.  Select which prints you would like to buy, and then look for a promotions icon in the top right corner.  

Once you click on it, you'll see whichever photo offers you have.  The photo benefit tied to your Crown and Anchor Society level should automatically appear.

Every person in your family that has the same tier status is entitled to the benefit, so you could redeem this offer for each person.  For example, a married couple that is Diamond status, could get 2 free prints by logging in as each person via the kiosk and ordering a print.

Alternatively, you can ask one of the crew members working in the photo gallery to assist.

A winter cruise sounds like the perfect escape from cold weather at home, but is January a good month for a vacation?

Picking the right month for a cruise depends on various factors, but January has its own considerations. It's also not as popular a month to take a vacation because nearly everyone just had time off with the December holidays just a few weeks earlier.

Among the cruise industry, January is actually one of the best months to go on a cruise because it has a few advantages that draw many back year after year.

You might be surprised how good of a time it is to go on a cruise in January.

Lowest prices of the year

Assuming you skip a cruise that goes over the New Year holiday, cruises in January tend to be quite inexpensive and that's because of the lack of demand.

Cruise prices tend to reflect demand, and when there's less demand, prices are usually lower.  In January, kids are back in school and adults are back at work.  It's not very common to take vacation time in January considering the built in time off that comes with Christmas and New Years.

Due to less demand, you will probably have a higher chance at finding a last-minute deal in January than in many other months. Keep an eye out for January cruise deals starting in November each year and check frequently to make sure you’re aware of the best deals being offered.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to last-minute cruise deals

Just like the cruises, flights tend to be cheaper too for a January cruise.  With less people in general interested in a vacation, you may find that getting a flight to your embarkation port isn't as expensive as a month or two later.

A winter escape

Nostalgia for a winter wonderland usually runs out by the time bitter cold temperatures arrive in January, so a January cruise is a great idea to get out of town.

By taking a January cruise, you get to head south and to warmer temperatures.  There’s something extra wonderful about suntanning on a beach when everyone else is freezing back home!

Less kids

If you prefer going on cruises with less kids onboard, then January is the perfect month for you.

With the exception of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, most kids will be in school and unable to cruise. Therefore, far fewer families and children will be onboard your cruise ship.

With school back in session, school aged kids will be far less likely to be on your sailing for the longer sailings.  Three night weekend cruises can still get their fair share of families from driving distance towns, but a seven night cruise should have less.

Of course, toddlers and other young children not yet in the day school system may be there, so don't expect an adults-only sailing.

Perfect outdoor weather

It's warm in the Caribbean year round, but January is one of the most comfortable months to be outside in this region.

January is the start of the dry season in the Caribbean, so you can expect less humidity and more comfortable temperatures than what you’ll find during the summer months. Plus, hurricane season is not a concern during January.

January can also be a great time to book shore excursions you wouldn’t otherwise book during the warmest months of the year. Visiting Mayan ruins in Mexico, hiking in St. Kitts, and exploring downtown Cozumel can be much more enjoyable in January compared to July or August.

The only downside to the lower temperature and humidity is the possibility of a cold front sliding through, especially in The Bahamas.

It’s not uncommon to see January averages in the Bahamas in the low 70s, which can surprisingly feel quite chilly on cloudy and windy days. Ocean temperatures can be colder, too, making swimming less comfortable.

If your cruise is headed further south, east, or west, it should be plenty warm to swim. Remember, ocean temperatures take longer to cool or heat up than air temperatures, so one cold front will not dramatically affect how warm the water is.

All things considered, weather is unpredictable and, more often than not, you’ll encounter warm, sunny skies on a cruise in January. Regardless of whether the forecast shows 70°F or 85°F, it will almost certainly be warmer than the weather back home!

Best places to cruise in January

If you're sold on a January cruise, there's plenty of great choices to consider.

In the winter, most Royal Caribbean ships offer cruises from North America. The abundance of ships in North America means there are more opportunities to find last-minute cruise deals and more flexibility over which ship to book.

Here are some ideas for which cruise to pick for a January sailing.

Cruises to Mexico

What's better than a cruise that gets you warm temperatures, tacos, beaches, and lots to explore?

Royal Caribbean offers a lot of itineraries that visit the Yucatan Peninsula, which means going to places like Cozumel and Costa Maya.

Not only are these ports sufficiently south to almost guarantee warm temperatures, but a visit in January is idyllic because of how less humid it is outside.

Mayan ruins are a favorite shore excursion, but since these ruins are located in the jungle, it can be downright sweaty most times of the year.  By going in January, you could check them out for yourself with far less perspiration involved.

In fact, being outdoors in general is lovely in Mexico, so don't overlook a beach day visit either.

Cruises to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao

If your goal is to find the absolutely hottest temperatures, you will want a Southern Caribbean cruise.

Cruises that go to the "ABC Islands" of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are as far south as you can get in the Caribbean, and temperatures in this region rarely change much throughout the year.

The average high temperature in Aruba in the month of January is 86°F and the average low is 76°F. You won't have to worry about being chilly here.

Since these islands are known for their beaches, a Southern Caribbean cruise is perfect for this month.

West Coast cruises

Have you cruised from Los Angeles yet?

If you take a seven night cruise down the Baja Peninsula, you will get to visit the Mexican Riviera with the best possible weather.

Ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta are very popular in winter because of how wonderful the weather can be.  By taking a January cruise, you could combine not only a January escape, but also an excuse to try this itinerary.

Read more: Mexican Riviera cruise guide

Cruise ships are giant pieces of modern engineering marvels, and they also take years before they're built

No matter which cruise ship you're talking about, the time from start to finish is lengthy and involves many steps.

As an example, it took Royal Caribbean a total of 7 years to build Icon of the Seas, including design and construction.

How long it takes to build a cruise ship depends on when you start measuring. It usually takes about 12 to 18 months for a cruise ship to be built, depending on a few factors.

The process of building a cruise ship goes back much further, and in many cases, the start of a cruise ship's life is not known to the public.

Cruise lines will often wait months or years before announcing a new ship to the public.  In the case of cruise lines that are publicly traded companies, they have to divulge the existence of the project because significant money is required to be financed to pay for them.

Icon of the Seas was first announced as a new ship back in October 2016, and the initial concept and early planning occurred well before then.

The ship finally began service in January 2024.

Step 1: Placing an order

Before any steel can be cut to build a new cruise ship, an order has to be placed.

New cruise ships are expensive, and shipyards don't work on promises.  So what typically happens is a cruise line will get funding for a new ship to coincide with a new ship order.

Most, if not the entire amount of the ship is borrowed from one or many financial institutions.  It's a lot like getting a mortgage for a house. Banks lend the money because they feel the cruise line is capable of paying back the loan due to the lucrative nature of the cruise industry.

Cruise ships aren't cheap either.  New Royal Caribbean cruise ships now easily cost one billion dollars. Icon of the Seas has an estimated construction cost of $2 billion, which makes Icon one of the most expensive cruise ships ever built. 

Of course, paying back that money isn't something to languish. In the case of Oasis of the Seas, the loan amortized over 12 years.

In some cases, the public is told basic information about the ship and in other cases, very little.  In almost every case, many more details come out later in the process.

There's two reasons to hold back information: competitive advantage and marketing.

By taking months to announce ship details, it gives less time for other cruise lines to match.  Plus, taking longer to announce information generates more interest among the public over time.

Step 2. Steel cutting

Actual construction of the cruise ship doesn't begin until months after the contract is signed.

When the first piece of steel is cut, it marks a pivotal point in the ship building process, setting off an array of crucial landmarks to follow. This major milestone indicates that the groundwork has been set and the foundations have been laid for any further adjustments.

Icon of the Seas had its steel cutting ceremony on June 16, 2021. That's almost five years after the original announcement!

This is as much a ceremonial event as it is a step in the process, with executives from the cruise line meeting at the shipyard for plenty of photos.

By this point, the ship name and basic details will be announced to the public.

With the first piece of steel being cut, building a cruise ship doesn't begin at the bottom and you work your way up. Rather, smaller pieces of the ship are assembled so that they can be put together later.

Each of these blocks is pre-assembled elsewhere, and there can be as many as 80 blocks per ship. 

Cruise ships are built in a module process, where engineers break down the ship into smaller pieces that they later assemble. The reason ships are built in this manner is so that different engineers and specialists can work simultaneously, which cuts down on overall construction time.

Tug boats brought these giant pieces of what will become the hull of the ship to the shipyard so that they can be joined together.

Step 3: Keel laying

As those blocks get assembled, eventually there's enough of them in the shipyard to start putting things together.

The ship's keel is the first block, and it is maritime tradition to commemorate this phase of a new ship construction.  Think of the keel as the "base" to build the rest of the ship on top of it.

Just like steel cutting, this is another big to do, and there's a ceremony involved. Executives from the shipyard and the cruise line meet to celebrate.

Royal Caribbean held the keel laying ceremony for Icon of the Seas in April 2022, which means it took about 10 months.  Keep in mind that Icon of the Seas' construction was delayed due to the global health crisis of 2020, so the ship might have been completed a year earlier under normal circumstances.

With the keel laid, now the ship will begin to look like a sea going vessel.  Blocks are welded together and you get a bigger and bigger vessel.

Step 4: Float out

As the blocks are are joined and the ship becomes more than a bunch of blocks, the ship will reach a point where it's time to put her in water.

This process is referred to as a float out, and it's when the dry dock is filled with water and it becomes a wet dock. It's also the first time the ship floats.

Icon of the Seas had her float out in December 2022 and it culminated the work of more than 10,000 people.

At this point in construction, a new ship could move to a new location in the shipyard to the outfitting dock for the rest of the construction to be completed.  This is when all parts of the ship get assembled, and more features get added.

The float out can take many hours.  In the case of Utopia of the Seas, it took 15 hours to complete and more than 46 million gallons of water added overnight.

Step 5: Sea trials

Once the ship starts coming along and it has its primary systems installed, it will be ready for sea trials.

The ship isn't ready yet, but it's important to ensure it can sail and operate nominally before it's ready to be handed over to the cruise line. Think of it like a test drive that takes a few days.

If it's a new ship in a class, then more is done in sea trials than a subsequent ship in a class.   That's because a new class is an unknown, and more testing is needed to determine the ship's limits.

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

Icon of the Seas had her first sea trials in June 2023, where the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested.

Between preparing for the trial and the tests themselves, there were over 2,000 specialists who put in more than 350 hours of work in helping Icon of the Seas pass this important milestone. 

Then in November 2023, Icon took her second set of sea trials. During this test, the ship's noise, vibration, speed, fin stabilizers, automation, and main engine adjustments were tested.

When sea trials are complete, the ship isn't quite ready yet. There's still more work and some final work to be done before it's handover.

Step 6: Delivery

The final stage of cruise ship construction at the shipyard is the delivery when the cruise takes ownership of the ship.

During the construction process, the shipyard is responsible for the vessel, but at delivery, that onus falls to the cruise line. 

As you might imagine, delivery is a big deal and a celebration. It's the culmination of years of construction, and so executives from the cruise line and shipyard are present to celebrate.

Icon of the Seas was delivered on November 6, 2023, exactly 873 days after the first piece of steel was cut. That's 2 years, 4 months, 21 days.

Step 7: Finalization

The ship might look complete when you photograph it from the outside, but there's still more work to do. The construction process is complete, but the ship isn't ready. 

Soft furnishings need to be added, crew members recruited and brought onboard to staff up the vessel, artwork brought onboard and more.

Royal Caribbean typically moves its ships to a different site to complete this work. Icon of the Seas moved to Cadiz, whereas Wonder of the Seas went to Marseilles, France.

It's possible some work could continue during this process.  Shows, restaurants, or entertainment might need to wait for deliveries or be refined still. 

Step 8: Shakedown cruises

At this point, the ship is mostly ready, but the cruise line will want to test everything.  Think of it like a dress rehearsal before a show opens on Broadway.

The ship could take a series of very short cruises with guests onboard as a way to test everything out.  It allows the crew members real-world experience to do their job, and identify any issues before the public gets onboard.

Usually, shakedown cruises have cruise line employees and their families as the passengers.  You can't pay to get on one of these cruises.

Shakedown cruises can also double as a preview sailing for travel agents and members of the media.  There will be more passengers, but the ship likely won't be totally full yet.

The point of these short sailings is to run through everything, promote the ship from a marketing perspective, and celebrate reaching the finish line.

Step 9: Christening

The maritime industry is very traditional, and no ocean going vessel is seaworthy until it's christened.

The christening involves members of the clergy, music, media, and the ship's Godmother.

Every cruise ship has a godmother, which serves as a ceremonial position. 

Women have traditionally held the role, including renowned athletes, celebrities and royalty.

The godmother's job is to give the ship a blessing for the safety of the crew members and passengers who will sail onboard it. This is done by smashing a bottle of Champagne against the bow.

Step 10: Maiden voyage

The inaugural voyage is the first official cruise with paying passengers.

It might be a short sailing again, a transatlantic, or a 7-night cruise.  It all depends on the timing.

Maiden voyages are a big deal and it means the ship is ready for regular service with passengers and it's a giant party. Cruise fans know how important the first sailing is, just as much as the cruise line. It's like a birthday, homecoming, and New Years Eve rolled into one.

More information

• How cruise ships got so big
• How much does it cost to build a cruise ship?
• Why aren’t cruise ships built in the United States?
• Is it a boat vs ship? What's the difference?

The first sailings of the second Icon Class cruise ship are now available for booking.

Royal Caribbean on Tuesday began taking reservations for Star of the Seas, which will be the second in a new type of vessels that are aimed at dominating the family vacation market.

Bookings for the new ship are only open to members of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program on Tuesday and the general public gets access on Wednesday, but in practice, anyone can book it on Tuesday as well as anyone can sign up to be a Crown and Anchor member.

Royal Caribbean has not posted any details yet of what will make Star of the Seas different from Icon of the Seas, but typically Royal Caribbean changes certain venues and introduces new concepts on subsequent ships that it's likely the ship will not be a direct copy of Icon.

As previously announced, Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida. The new ship will offer seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, starting in August 2025.

The very first sailing of Star of the Seas available for booking is scheduled for  August 17, 2025. As of early Tuesday, the least-expensive cabin price was starting at $2398 per person for an inside cabin guarantee, or $5,081.58 total. Balcony cabins started at $3298 per person, or $6,881.58 total.

The inaugural sailing will visit three ports of call: Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts.

Based in the family vacation capital

The fact Star of the Seas is sailing just an hour away from Orlando, Florida is likely no coincidence.

Both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are ships that were designed to cater to families, and placing Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral is another move to provide a compelling alternative to a theme park trip.

Cruise line executives have talked about how an Icon Class cruise ship has experiences onboard that they think can rival anything you can find in Orlando.

An entire area of the ship is for just young families, known as Surfside.

There's pools for adults, pools for kids, restaurants and bars for kids and adults. The idea is there's enough to keep you entertained throughout the day.

There are three water experiences to choose from, with the idea that families can hang out together:

• Splashaway Bay: Kids water slides and water features
• Baby Bay: Water splash area for very young children
• Water's Edge: The pool pressed up against the glass on the very back of the ship 

Then there's the beach-themed carousel, arcade with over 30 different games, and a Playscape area.

"Icon will be the best family vacation in the world," is what Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider said about the plans for this ship.

Star of the Seas features

Under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, Star of the Seas will follow-up on her sister ship's already impressive legacy.

It will be the second in the Icon Class, so she should be right around the same dimensions as Icon of the Seas, so it should be about 250,800 gross tons and carry approximately 5,610 passengers at double occupancy or up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy.

When you add crew members, that brings the theoretical total amount of people up to 10,000.

Royal Caribbean has deliberately built this class of cruise ship to appeal to the family vacation market, including as many attractions as they've ever thought of in one ship. You'll find a water park, thrill attractions, multiple shows, more pools than ever, and plenty more.

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley's commented on this direction when the ship name was announced, "The idea of combining the best of every type of vacation into one ultimate adventure has created more excitement than ever anticipated, and Star of the Seas will be the next bold answer to the record-breaking consumer demand we’ve seen for nearly a year and counting with Icon of the Seas."

The demand that Mr. Bayley referenced has been nothing short of incredible for the cruise line thus far. Royal Caribbean has reported Icon of the Seas has more cabins booked and at higher prices than the company has seen with any other ship.

"Icon is literally the best performing new product launch we've ever had in the history of our business," is what Mr. Bayley said in May 2023 to Wall Street investors.

Star of the Seas has a good chance to follow that trend, especially when Icon launches in January and the excitement for this new type of cruise ship accelerates.

Royal Caribbean has not yet announced what will be different about Star of the Seas, but we know she'll be bigger than any Oasis Class cruise ship, which are currently the largest ships in the world.

The maximum capacity for Star is about 7% higher than Wonder of the Seas' maximum capacity of 7,084 passengers.

Star of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's third ship powered by liquefied natural gas. 

There's still one more Icon Class cruise ship on order, due in 2026. No details have been revealed yet about Icon 3.

When you pick a Caribbean cruise, the islands you visit are probably just as important a consideration as the ship or cabin you choose.

Caribbean cruises have been a popular choice for decades, due to in large part the beautiful ports you can visit.

Royal Caribbean's internal research shows the top two reasons people go on a cruise are for the food and destination, and that may lead you to wonder where are the best cruise ports in the Caribbean.

It can be difficult to choose a cruise because of how many different ports are available to visit.

In considering all the Caribbean ports our team has been to, I wanted to help narrow down the choices if you are looking for the top cruise ports on a Caribbean cruise.

1. Cozumel, Mexico

Of all the cruise ports in Eastern Mexico, Cozumel is the top choice given the breadth of choices available and beautiful beaches.

Cozumel is an island just off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, and it has just about everything someone might want to do in a Caribbean cruise port.

There are beaches, historical sights, a city to explore, and plenty of great food too. It became famous thanks to a documentary by Jacques Cousteau, and it's only become more popular ever since.

Given the natural beauty of Cozumel, it's one of the most authentic ports of call you'll find in the Caribbean.  Sure, it has plenty of touristy spots, but you can easily find untouched areas of the island too.

What I really enjoy about Cozumel is how much variety of activities there are along with excellent food.  Mexican food is so popular to begin with, and when you get the real thing while visiting, it makes just about any tour that much better.

2. San Juan, Puerto Rico

When you combine hundreds of years of history along with a vibrant culture, you get San Juan.

Cruise ships come right into the heart of Old San Juan, making exploring the city super easy. And there's quite a lot to explore.

Puerto Rico's history goes back to the earliest European settlements in North America, and between the history, culture, and natural beauty the island possesses, you get lots to do on a visit here.

You can visit Spanish fortifications, sample local cuisine, or head to one of the many lovely beaches.

The other thing that makes exploring Puerto Rico easier is that it's part of the United States, so there's a certain familiarity that comes with it.

You don't find many large cities in the Caribbean like you do in Europe, but San Juan is the exception.

3. Philipsburg, St. Maarten

St. Maarten is split in two: a Dutch side and French side, and the result is a dichotomy of choice.

Both sides of the island offer a beautiful beach day, along with a touch of Europe.

The Dutch side is within walking distance of your cruise ship, and it has a lovely boardwalk along the water and lots of shopping. Front Street in Philipsburg is a great place to stroll.

If you venture to the French side, you'll find the capital of Marigot and Grand Case, and it's similar to traveling in Europe on a smaller scale.

The beaches are really lovely as well, with Mullet Bay, Orient Beach, and Friar's Bay Beach well known for their stunning beauty.

Read more: Top things to do in St. Maarten on your Royal Caribbean cruise

4. Oranjestad, Aruba

The Southern Caribbean is truly remarkable when contrasted against other islands in the region.  Aruba wasn't worthy of becoming a lyric in a Beach Boys song for no reason, when you see it, you'll understand why.

A desert island, Aruba is just 20 miles large, but you'll find beach after beach that you'll not want to leave. Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are the idyllic places that draw tourists back time and and time again.

The beach is likely the top draw in Aruba, and its bright blue waters are exactly what you'd look for in a day here.

In Oranjestad, you'll find lots of cultures intermingled together. Aruba’s traditions are influenced by the cultures of other countries, such as Holland, Venezuela, America, and other Caribbean islands.

Sasakiweg Street has many shops to explore on your way back to the ship.

5. St. John's, Antigua

At one time, Royal Caribbean had plans to open a beach club in Antigua, and it's not hard to see why.

Antigua boasts it has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, and while that might be a good marketing slogan, it's indicative of how beautiful this island is.

When you measure Caribbean island beaches, you're essentially talking about how much more beautiful one is from the other.  Antigua has the white sand and clear ocean water that you imagine with a Caribbean cruise.

There's hidden coves, and coral reefs bustling with tropical fish to see as well.

If you'd like to do something beyond the beach, Antigua has historical attractions you can see. Shirley Heights Lookout the Nelson's Dockyard (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or the Betty’s Hope sugar plantation are a must see.

6. Willemstad, Curacao

Curacao may be another Southern Caribbean island to make this list, but it differs from Aruba in a few notable ways.

Of course, Curacao has beautiful beaches to visit, but it's more than just beaches. You'll find cliffs, the desert, and a vibrant city scene.

Walking around Willemstad is easy, and a short walk from the cruise ship. Similar to San Juan, your ship docks nearby to the downtown area that are filled with shops, markets, and restaurants.  When you add in the Dutch architecture, you find a very intriguing city to explore.

Curacao has 38 beaches, many of which are secluded.

Shete Boka Park is known for being a rocky inlet where waves crash into underground caverns to create a profound natural effect.

If nature is your thing, be sure to walk, hike, or bike into Christoffel Park National Curacao.

7. St. John (via St. Thomas)

Of all the islands I've visited in the Caribbean, St. John is my favorite and it's not even an island your ship docks at.

St. John is a short ferry ride away from St. Thomas.  Both islands are part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it's perfect for cruise ships to come into St. Thomas for the day and hop over to St. John.

St. John is almost entirely a national park, and it has the prettiest beaches I've ever seen. 

Between the white sand and clear turquoise blue water, it's the perfect beach every time I visit. Cruz Bay, Trunk Bay, and Cinnamon Beach are just a few of the stunning white sand beaches to explore.

Because it's so uncrowded and underdeveloped, St. John feels like you've discovered an untouched oasis.

Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach expansion at its private island is still under construction, but a new video from inside the park has our first look at how it's progressing.

Hideaway Beach is the adults-only beach Royal Caribbean is adding to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas that is still being finished.

The new area will be open to guests 18-years-old or older and feature an infinity pool with swim-up bar and DJ music.  There will also be a sports bar, cabanas to rent, and dining venues.

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets

The new area will open in January 2024 in time for Icon of the Seas to start sailing.

Royal Caribbean Director of Design Marissa Abreu posted a video update showing off how much has been done already.

The first video shows the pool area at the cabanas, known as The Hideout.

The Hideout is an exclusive area you can get access to if you rent a cabana here. This is where you'll find poolside cabana with in-water loungers, outdoor shower access, Bluetooth speaker, floating beach mats, resort-style seating, a cooler, sink, mini fridge, charging outlets, ceiling fans, and private lockable storage space.

The video then pans to the right and shows more of the Hideout pool, along with a view in the background of the cove that will become the beach.

The beach area is more than acre in size and has loungers and umbrellas, and there will be in-the-water hammocks and swings in the water.

The entire Hideaway Beach area will be over eight acres in size, bringing the total size of Perfect Day at CocoCay to 65 acres.

As the video continues to pan to the right, you can see more of The Hideout and more of the cabanas being worked on.

It appears each cabana will have a heated plunge pool at the front of each cabana, with deeper water that connects all the cabanas running in front.

The cabana attendants will not only bring you food and drinks, but Royal Caribbean is working on bottle service.

A still photo shows some of the work being done in the main pool, showing one of the dining venues in the background.

Hideaway Pool will have a swim-up bar that has an infinity edge facing the beach. 

Another look at the pool shows the infinity edge facing the ocean, and an island in the middle of the pool.

This could be where the DJ will be located, as Royal Caribbean said the DJ will play music from an island in the middle of the pool to keep the party atmosphere going.

The Hideaway pool will be the massive freshwater pool where you'll find the DJ located near a swim-up bar.

The final still photo shows a sunset view of the pool with the pool's lights on.

It's a pretty photo of the pool glowing at dusk, and it also shows the beach area that is still being worked on.

Throughout all the photos you can see plenty of palm trees that have been added.

A new kind of experience

Hideaway Beach will offer an extra-cost add-on to consider for adults who want to enjoy a lively atmosphere and no kids, and it's gotten a lot of interest from cruisers who are looking for something more than CocoCay had in the past.

While the Coco Beach Club is a high end experience and the rest of the island caters to families, Hideaway Beach is meant to be an enclave for adults seeking something else.

Based on guest feedback, Royal Caribbean came up with a place to have a drink in hand, to listen, to live music and to have incredible views. Think Las Vegas pool party vibes, DJ dancing, drinks, grab and go food options, and adults only.

The beach is located on the northwest part of the island, and Royal Caribbean purposefully wanted it away from everything else happening on the island to give it a sense of seclusion.

The new area has a capacity of around 1500 to 2000 guests. The Hideaway pool will be heated to 82 degrees year round for guest comfort.

Travel has its challenges, and a rising anti-tourism sentiment is one of them that is affecting cruise ships just as much as land tourists.

As more people than ever are choosing to travel around the world, some popular destinations are pushing back on encouraging more tourists.

Whether it's limiting the amount of cruise ships that can visit in a day, or banning ships from city centers, anti-tourism is one of the top concerns for Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty.

While speaking aboard Celebrity Ascent, Mr. Liberty was asked what he thought was the biggest threat to the cruise industry.

"There are parts of the world that the volume of passengers going to those locations create a local sentiment of anti tourism movement," is what he responded with first.

He was also quick to point out that it's not necessarily cruise ships that evoke that reaction.  He mentioned Airbnb as an example of something else causing elevated tourist numbers.

European cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona and Venice have recently moved to get rid of cruise ships from their city centers.

Venice banned cruise ships in 2021 and has went as far as to introduce an entrance fee of €3 to €10 to access the city and its islands to reduce the number of visitors.

In Amsterdam, they voted to ban cruise ships from coming into the city after instituting a "discouragement campaign," that did things such as ban outdoor marijuana smoking in the red-light district and put posters around the city that told young British men to "stay away."

Regarding cruise ships, Amsterdam officials argued cruise ships in the city, "do not fit in with the task of combating mass tourism and are not in line with the sustainable ambitions of the city."

A prediction by the World Tourism Organization is by the end of this decade, the flow of international tourists will exceed two billion.

To address it, Mr. Liberty sees a changing gameplan, "we need to be sensitive to make sure that we continue to diversify our destinations. We need to continue to build incredible concepts like the Perfect Days and beach clubs, et cetera across our brands."

He also said the company needs to keep its ear to the ground, "make sure that we're really good listeners in our community, and we build up our communities that support us."

Reducing their carbon footprint

The other threat that Mr. Liberty sees is an environmental one.

"The second thing, which I think is just we all, you know, we're all trying to figure it out, which is how do we decarbonize or how do we get to a net zero emissions basis," he went on to say in his response to the initial question.

Companies around the world are looking for solutions to getting to carbon neutral, and Royal Caribbean Group is no stranger to this task, "we spend hours around the clock trying to figure out how do we solution that. And so we need to make sure that we're set on a path to prepare ourselves to take on alternative fuels as they become available."

The company already has a plan in place to be carbon neutral by 2050, known as "Destination Net Zero".

Announced in 2021, it has two primary goals: get to net zero emissions by 2050 and take delivery of a net zero emissions cruise ship by 2035.

To achieve this, there isn't one thing to do, but a series of steps. As an example, the company has experimented with using biofuels on some of its ships.

Royal Caribbean Group said it plans to continue to use alternative lower carbon fuel as part of its overall plan.

In addition to biofuels, Royal Caribbean Group is building ships that can leverage liquefied natural gas, or LNG, to reduce emissions.

Incredible tailwinds

While those issues that Mr. Liberty brought up are challenges, he sees a very positive outlook for cruising.

He sees a lot of demand for a cruise vacation, "the tailwinds for cruise on the demographic standpoint, secular trend standpoint, population standpoint is really exceptional compared to other forms of travel and other and other forms of where people spend their consumer discretionary dollars."

"The propensity to cruise is at all time highs," he explained.

"As the younger generations come in, as people started having more and more families and multigenerational families, as people have more time, whether that's through retirement, more discretionary funds, and most of all, as we kind of came through Covid, we all really appreciated what we have."