Boarding a cruise ship has become very easy, and while it might have similarities with an airplane, it's not as complicated.

The first day of a cruise is busy with important things to do during the embarkation process, along with a lot of excitement, anticipation, and plenty of exploring along the way.

Those new to cruising might be concerned about how long it will all take, and what to expect when you're welcomed aboard.

This will serve as a guide for what to expect so you know the important steps along the way.

The basics of checking-in

There three basic components to the cruise check-in process: pre-cruise, checking-in, and boarding.

Prior to the cruise beginning, you can complete the online check-in from the Royal Caribbean app.

Download the app and sign into your Royal Caribbean account. If you don't have one, you can create it very easily and then link your reservation to your account.

At 45 days before sailing, you can check-in.  It's a really good idea to do the online check-in because it will save you a lot of time later at the cruise terminal. If you do all the steps, you'll breeze through it later.  In my opinion, it's better to take time at home rather than when your vacation is beginning.

To do online check-in, you'll need your travel documents, a credit card, and be able to take a selfie photo.

If you skip any of the steps, you're just going to have to do it later anyway.

Equally important is to select a check-in time.

Royal Caribbean requires guests to have a check-in time as the window to arrive at the cruise terminal. The earliest times will go fast, so try to get a time as soon as check-in opens 45 days before your cruise sail date.

There's one more step of the check-in process, the health questionnaire, but you cannot complete it until 24 hours before the cruise.  So make a reminder to do that the night before the cruise.

Read more: Royal Caribbean check-in process

When to arrive

If you're wondering what time to arrive to the cruise terminal, refer to the time window you picked at the check-in process.

This is the time you can check-in, not the time you'll board.  

When you arrive, the port agents may ask you what check-in time you have.  If you arrive too early, you may be directed to wait in an area until it's closer to your time.

The check-in time is an estimate, so don't sweat it if you're late. Royal Caribbean will still admit you, but do your best to pick a time that works for your schedule.

If you arrive on time for your window, it should just be a matter of parking your car and getting in line at the terminal.

What you need to bring to check-in

There's plenty you should bring on a cruise with you, but only a few items that are critical for the check-in process.

You can refer to our packing list for what you should pack overall, but you will need a few things in hand on embarkation day:

• Passport or other travel documentation
• Royal Caribbean app or a printed boarding pass
• Luggage tags printed and attached to your luggage
• A credit card

Be sure to keep these items with you in your carry-on bag, rather than the bags you provide to the porters to be delivered to the ship.

Checking-in

The second step now that it's embarkation day is to actually check-in for the cruise.

As you walk in, a port agent will verify you have what you need and a valid boarding pass.  This isn't when you actually check-in, but a step to ensure if you don't belong there not to waste any more time. It should be less than a minute to verify you're in the right place.

Passing through security is next and this is just like going through airport security.

You'll put your carry-on bags on the screening machine belt, and remove any metal from your pockets.  Don't worry, you can leave your shoes and belt on and it's okay bring liquids. Just make sure not to try to bring any prohibited items, or security will confiscate it.

Read more: What not to bring on a cruise

Going through security could be a few seconds or a few minutes, depending on how long the line is. Security lines rarely exceed a five minute wait.

At this point, you're ready to actually check-in.  Most terminals Royal Caribbean operates from have agents with tablets that will process you, rather than having to walk up to a counter.

The agent will scan your SetSail pass on your app (or paper if you printed it). If you did the pre-cruise check-in earlier, than this is a matter of verifying everything you entered is correct.

Otherwise, the agent will enter the information for you.

If you did everything pre-cruise, this step should take a minute. If you didn't, it could take 5-10 minutes depending on how many people are in your party.

Boarding the Ship

This final phase of boarding a cruise has the widest possible time because of how many factors are in play.

If the ship is ready to board passengers, you could be directed to immediately board. Sometimes they will still send you to be seated so that groups can go up and board as not to overwhelm the gangway.

If the ship has not been cleared to start boarding, then you'll be sent to sit and wait.

A ship might not be ready for boarding to begin for a number of reasons:

• All the passengers from the last sailing have not disembarked yet
• Local authorities have not cleared the ship
• A technical issue preventing boarding

Unfortunately, there's no to know precisely what time a ship will begin boarding. It could vary from sailing to sailing.

If you check-in for your cruise in the late morning or early afternoon, it's probable the ship will have already been boarding passengers prior to your arrival. But a later check-in time means less time onboard on the first day, and likely a more crowded cruise terminal.

Getting to the terminal too early and you might be trading waiting in your hotel for the terminal.

Once it's your turn to board, you'll have to verify your sailing credentials one more time and then you can proceed aboard.

Usually there's an optional photo opportunity to stop at, but you can bypass it if you wish.

The time to get on is very short, and involves walking through a gangway to get there.  Think of it like a longer airport jetway.

Total time could be 10 minutes or up to an hour.

How long will it take to board a cruise ship?

Depending on how much you do pre-cruise and how efficiently the process is running overall, you could go from curb to ship in as little as 10 minutes.  Or it might be closer to an hour.

If you arrive before the ship has started boarding, you can expect at least a half hour. If other travelers aren't prepared or the system is wonky, expect that time window to grow to as much as 45-60 minutes.

In practice, Royal Caribbean has a very efficient boarding process, and it's been our team's collective experience that 10-20 minutes is the norm once you arrive at the terminal.  The key is to complete all the steps in the app pre-cruise to expedite everything.

Royal Caribbean's newest terminals are efficient enough to be able to handle 2,000 passengers an hour at peak times. The cruise line has a goal of getting passengers, 10 minutes from car to bar".

This is largely done thanks to facial recognition software that processes passengers quicker by eliminating paperwork and additional screening time. 

They say imitation is highest form of flattery, so I really hope Celebrity Cruises ends up feeling very flattered in the near future.

I just sailed on a two-night preview sailing on the Celebrity Ascent.

This is the fourth Edge Class cruise ship, and it has a few notable tweaks and additions.  I enjoyed my time exploring Ascent, especially after just sailing on Celebrity Apex and being able to contrast both ships.

Having spent a combined 9 nights across two of Celebrity's best new cruise ships, I couldn't help but swoon over a few things these ships have that you can't find on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

In a combination of jealousy and inspiration, I came up with a list of things from these ships that I think Royal Caribbean should really consider using on their ships. Call it copying, taking inspiration from, or borrowing, I just think they would be a hit on Royal Caribbean.

Disclaimer: Celebrity Cruises invited me to sail on Celebrity Ascent for a quick two-night preview cruise that was open to travel agents and members of the press. I did not pay for this sailing.

Theater stage

Celebrity Ascent has a beautiful protruding stage with a stunning 4K screen behind it, and I think it's such a beautiful way to put on the impressive shows that Royal Caribbean is known for.

The stage comes out into the audience. It's not quite a theater in the round, but it brings the audience so much closer to the singers and dancers.

The screen behind it is my favorite part, because it's so dynamic and helps convey the story being told.

The problem with this type of stage is if you want to put on a traditional musical or play, but Royal Caribbean has not bought the rights to a musical for the last three new cruise ships.  So if they're moving away from that model, why not go for a stage that allows them more creative license?

Bluetooth in sports bar

I wasn't aware of this feature until Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge mentioned it in a townhall event onboard.

In the Craft Social bar, there are many television screens to watch a few different sporting events. It's the de facto sports bar on Celebrity Ascent, and it draws plenty of guests who want to watch their favorite team.

The problem with any sports bar is you can only have one audio feed playing at a time, which means if your team isn't in that game, you can't hear it.

With Ascent, Celebrity has added a new piece of tech to get around the problem.

"We can only have sound in the bar with one game happening, but that might not be the game you want to watch," Ms.Hodges Bethge explained.

"So on the other TVs, we can have the other games going on. And then if you have your own smartphone, your own headphones, you can hook it up to that TV. And so you can listen to the game that you want to listen to."

After hearing this, I immediately thought of Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade because that space is such a home run with guests, but has the same sound problem.

While it might not prevent Philly fans from chanting "Fly, Eagles Fly" after a touchdown, it would mean I could focus on the games I care about.

Late night eats at Oceanview Cafe

Sometimes I want more than pizza as a late night snack.

On Celebrity, they keep the Oceanview Cafe buffet open past the time when dinner service is over.  It has pizza, but it also has a few items to select from too.

You can find salads, pasta, cheeses, and some bread to peruse in addition to pizza.

It was so refreshing having something else to pick from at night, so I wish the Windjammer would adopt this model. Keep one or two stations open so guests have a bit more variety.

Non-smoking casino

Royal Caribbean has experimented with a non-smoking casino in the past, but I really would love for them to go the same route as Celebrity.

The casino Celebrity Ascent is 100% non-smoking, and it makes it so much more enjoyable in and outside of the casino.

Without the residual smell of smoke, I enjoyed my time in the casino much more (even if I pretty much lost any money I gambled in there).  Plus, no smoking in the casino means the smell doesn't creep to surrounding areas, as it inevitably does on Royal Caribbean ships.

The primary reason Royal Caribbean has not made the change is because of revenue concerns.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said in 2022, "Every, I would say every couple of years, we do test this and we take one or two or three ships we ban smoking in the casino. And the result is less people go in the casino and that that's the reality of it."

I don't have access to the numbers, but if Celebrity's bottom line can support a non-smoking casino, I'd love for Royal Caribbean to do the same.

Annex

Celebrity Ascent is the first ship to have a new venue where you can rent it out to watch the big game, sing karaoke, or play virtual sport games with just you and your friends.

The Annex is a private room that you get for two and a half hours at a time.  It's stocked with food and drink, and you have the choice of using it for any sort of activity:

• Golf, baseball, football, and soccer simulator
• Personal karaoke party
• Game day streaming
• Movie night

It's big enough to accommodate up to 15 people and costs $200 - $350 depending if you're in port or not and which activity you want.

Royal Caribbean has private karaoke rooms you can rent on a few of its ships in On Air Karaoke, but the dynamic nature of the Annex is a step above.

I think this will be a popular space on Ascent, and would be a hit on Royal Caribbean as well. I know I would love to use it with my family and friends!

Don't copy: All Included

It's not all roses and rainbows with things different between the two cruise lines, and I hope Royal Caribbean doesn't follow Celebrity's lead with their All Included program.

All Included bundles a base drink package and base WiFi package into the cruise fare. It used to include gratuities too, but Celebrity dropped it because, "it wasn't what they [customers] perceived as the highest value for them in actually selecting Celebrity."

Nonetheless, I was disappointed with the program because of the reality it created.

Because everyone on the ship had a drink package, it seemed the price of individual drinks went up so ensure only those with an extra cost Premium Package could get the higher shelf selections.  

The result was I found drink prices cost more on Celebrity than on Royal Caribbean.  An $11 Michelob Ultra price tag is a great example of this.

With the WiFi, you get a very limited and slow connection included.  That's fine if all you're going to do is text, but I think the reality is people end up wanting to do more. So the result is you're probably going to spend extra to get the higher tier internet package too.

I loved the concept of All Included, but it's implementation left me less impressed and I don't think it's a good fit for Royal Caribbean.

If your cruise ship is visiting Cozumel, Mexico than there's a good chance you're interested in visiting Paradise Beach.

For over a decade, Paradise Beach was one of my top spots to visit while in Cozumel because it offered a white sand beach and pool, at a good price. 

I think most people that are looking for a beach day in any port want somewhere that has good amenities, conveniently located, and is priced reasonably.

There are dozens of beach resorts you can visit in Cozumel, and each has their pros and cons.  It can be overwhelming to find the right one for your family.

When Paradise Beach approached me to partner with this site, I jumped at the chance to go back to a favorite spot and re-visit it to see how it stacks up today and what the all-inclusive access program is all about.

Paradise Beach is a private beach resort that you book on your own (it's not available through Royal Caribbean).

Disclaimer: Paradise Beach invited me to visit on their behalf and provided complimentary access to their beach.  I've been to Paradise Beach around 10 times or more on my own, and my opinions remain my own.

Admission types

Paradise Beach has two ways to enjoy your day there: a la carte or all-inclusive.

The all-inclusive is their most popular option where you pay one price for unlimited food, drink, and pool and beach access.  

The cost of a Paradise Beach all-inclusive pass are:

• Adults: $67 per person
• Teens (12-17): $47 per person
• Kids (5-11): $41 per person
• Infants (0-4): Free

Alternatively, there's an a la carte day pass that costs $10 per person with a minimum consumption of $10 US per person to use our facilities.

Prior to this visit, I had always done the a la carte option because of the flexibility it provided in that my kids rarely "break even" on any all-inclusive pass I've been to in the Caribbean.  Moreover, I like the idea of exploring Cozumel and then when it gets too hot, taking a taxi to Paradise Beach for a beach day to cool off in the afternoon.

However, the all-inclusive option makes it simple and it's clearly what a lot of cruisers are looking for in their visit to Cozumel. 

In addition to both fare types, there are extra add-ons you can purchase: beach bed cabanas, hair braiding, spa massages, and a $18 fun pass that includes all the water inflatables, trampolines, beach floats, and more.

Paradise Beach has offered a special rate just for Royal Caribbean Blog readers!

If you use the promo code RCBLOG, you can save 10% off new bookings made through May 31, 2024 on any trip through December 31, 2024.

What you can do in Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is comprised of three major areas.

When you check-in, you'll be guided to your chairs for the day.  You'll have the choice of whichever chairs are available on a first-come, first-claimed basis. You'll have two waiters assigned to you, who can take any food or drink orders you like.

You can go between the pool and beach as you like, but your assigned waiters are who can assist you.

As you walk in, you'll see the pool first.  The pool at Paradise Beach is massive, and it's also heated.  These are two things you won't find at other Cozumel beach resorts.

The size of the pool is a welcome perk, as there's more than enough space even on the busiest of days. 

There's shallow seating, deeper water, and in-water loungers.

Beyond the pool is the sprawling beach. Lots of sand, loungers, and sea water to enjoy.

Paradise Beach has a reputation for offering many amenities beyond just the beach, and I think the beach inflatables are the most well-known.

These inflatables are a challenge and thrill for guests of all ages, but I think kids tend to gravitate towards them the most.  

It costs $18 per person extra to access the inflatables. When I took my kids one on visit it's when I quickly realized I'm not as limber as I used to be.  Nonetheless, the kids loved climbing, jumping, splashing, and then doing it all over again.

You'll also find a couple of bars around the resort.  While there is not a swim-up bar, there's a bar near the pool, as well as bars with swings at the beach.

There's also bathrooms that the resort prides itself on being clean, as well as changing rooms, and lockers you can rent ($4 each).

Paradise Beach amenities

• Beach access
• Pool access
• Lounge chairs and umbrellas
• All you can eat and drink
• Free high-speed WiFi
• Restrooms
• Changing rooms

Food and drinks at Paradise Beach

I have a pet peeve about going to Mexico and not getting better Mexican food than I can get at home.  So I expect any beach resort in Mexico to have great good choices.

Paradise Beach has a large menu, which means you're going to find a wide selection of Mexican fare.

Tacos, burritos, fajitas, and quesadillas, there's plenty and it was all cooked freshly.

The guacamole was clearly made that day (and not out of a jar), along with salsa that had a good amount of spice to it.

We tried burritos, tacos, fajitas and more.  By far, I think their tacos are the best food item they have.  In fact, there's a taco truck between the pool and beach that cook up fantastic tacos you can order from your waiter or right from the truck.

Paradise Beach also prides itself on its top shelf liquor. You'll find name brand liquors, as well as Mexican beers and more. 

I've been to a number of beach pass resorts in Cozumel where well alcohol is served, and it can best be described as "gasoline" in terms of its smoothness.  No such problem at Paradise Beach!

Comments

I've tried a lot of beach resorts in Cozumel, but Paradise Beach remains at the top of my recommended list because of the variety of options and value offered.

First and foremost, I love their giant pool because of how nice it is and the fact it's heated.  Nearly every other beach resort in Cozumel has a small pool that can be downright frigid in the winter months. 

The pool at Paradise Beach is heated, and I can always find a spot to hang.  The staff will bring you drinks right to the pool's edge, and it's my favorite spot.  Admittedly, I prefer the pool over the beach.

The beach is large enough that you can find a spot for your family, and the sand is quite soft.

I've also recommended Paradise Beach because of their a la carte option, where you can drop in for just a few hours. It's also really nice if you're not a big drinker and can't "break even" on the all-inclusive price.

The downside to the a la carte option is you can't make a reservation, so you have to hope there's room for you.

If there's a downside to visiting here, it's that it's no secret that Paradise Beach exists and it can be busy.  Paradise Beach has a maximum capacity of around 800, and while it may not get close to that number on the day you visit, it certainly won't be a private retreat for your family.

Nonetheless, I think the variety of activities and reasonable price for its all-inclusive option make it a great choice for couples, families, and groups looking for a fun day with great service.

In fact, the waiter service is very good with some waiters having been working at Paradise Beach for many years. The owner has been there since the beginning, and it's clear they want their customers to return over and over again.

Ultimately, I like the variety of ways to spend your day at a reasonable price. Their food quality and drink menu stand out, and the beach's close proximity to where Royal Caribbean's cruise ships dock is convenient.

How does Paradise Beach compare to other popular Cozumel beach passes

Inevitably, everyone wants to know how Paradise Beach compares to the beach days you can find elsewhere on Cozumel.

It's a subjective question, but having been to the top ones, here's how I would rank each versus Paradise Beach.

Nachi Cocom

Nachi Cocom has a far lower limited capacity, which is it's best feature.

However, Nachi's pool is tiny and cold, and their liquor selection limited compared to Paradise.

There's also no floats or other kid-friendly amenities in the ocean that may leave families with less to do.

Mr. Sanchos

Mr. Sanchos has ocean floats and multiple pools with swim-up bars.

On my last visit, their WiFi did not work at all, and I found their food to be subpar. 

How to get to Paradise Beach

It is a short drive from where Royal Caribbean cruise ships dock in Cozumel, perhaps 10 minutes by taxi.

When you exit the Cozumel port, look for the taxi stand and ask to go to Paradise Beach. 

There will be plenty of taxis waiting at Paradise Beach to take you back, and the staff are happy to call you a taxi should there not be on that meets your needs.

Royal Caribbean's second Icon Class cruise ship will call Port Canaveral home.

Star of the Seas will begin sailing in 2025 and offer cruises from the popular Central Florida port, located just an hour from Orlando.

The new bookings will go on sale on December 6, 2023.

Star of the Seas is schedule to debut in summer 2025, although its not clear yet exactly when. Royal Caribbean did not divulge when her first sailings will be.

Star of the Seas will be built around the same design as Icon of the Seas, so it will be approximately 250,800 gross tons and carry roughly 5,610 passengers at double occupancy (two passengers per cabin). With crew, the ship could sail with nearly 10,000 people on board.

Read more: Icon of the Seas guide and features

Following up on the already incredibly successful Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas will be the second ship to launch and her position near Orlando is at the heart of Royal Caribbean's strategy to dominate the family vacation market.

Orlando is one of the top family vacation destinations in the world, and Royal Caribbean executives have said they intend to go after this lucrative market.

"The Icon product, along with Perfect Day, with the kind of experiences that we're offering, with the kind of new accommodations that we have on Icon and the experiences that we have for young families, older families and of course couples and singles and what have you, is really squarely standing shoulder to shoulder with Orlando and those kind of destinations," said Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley in 2022 call with investors.

Mr. Bayley sees the Royal Caribbean International brand being more "aggressive" with how it competes with the Orlando attractions, "And what we're beginning to see is us moving certainly the Royal brand into that space far more aggressively."

"We're really focusing on this target market, which is family and of course has many new neighborhoods, including a neighborhood called Surfside, which is absolutely focused on young families and those young families with children six and under travel all year round, because obviously parents can pull their kids out of pre-K."

A game changing ship

Icon of the Seas hasn't started sailing yet, but the market has met it with eager anticipation.

Sales for Icon have blown past the cruise line's expectations, and it's selling faster than any new ship has in the past.

It's about 6% larger than the Oasis Class ships and has two more decks than them too.

The vessel has a groundbreaking indoor AquaTheater beneath an expansive glass dome, a designated area specifically designed for young families, an increased selection of family-centric accommodations (including a unique three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse), a cantilevered infinity pool, and an onboard water park featuring six slides.

Additionally, passengers can enjoy a swim-up bar, an extended suite enclave, and a novel supper club, enhancing the overall experience on board.

It's likely Star of the Seas will have differences, given that Royal Caribbean usually enhances each new cruise ship with changes.  It could be new restaurants, different activities, and almost certainly different shows onboard.

Construction of the new ship began in February 2023 when the keel was laid at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

Royal Caribbean has an order for a third Icon Class ship as well, which has a delivery date in 2026. All three of these ships were ordered and financed prior to 2020.

Does it matter if you pick a cabin on a cruise ship towards the front or back of the ship?

Every ship has many choices of where to pick a cabin, and as you get closer to the sail date, it's likely the rooms mid-ship will sell out first.  Mid-ship cabins tend to be more popular because they're more centrally located and tend to be a better choice for someone who is worried about getting seasick.

Read more: How to beat seasickness on a cruise ship

If given the choice, you might be wondering better off with a cabin more forward or more aft.

What part of ship is best for cruises?

It's a matter of opinion, but there are advantages to picking a cabin in certain parts of the ship.

Cruise ship cabins usually fall into one of three categories: forward, mid, and aft. 

All things being equal, conventional advice is to pick a cruise ship cabin mid-ship so you're equidistant from everything onboard so the distance to get around is minimal.

In addition, mid-ship cabins are ideal for new cruisers because it's the best location to be to minimize the sensation of movement that could make you feel seasick. In addition, having a low cabin helps so you don't feel as much sway.

You may also find a price difference if your cabin is forward, aft, or mid-ship.  Depending on the ship, sometimes the more desirable rooms mid-ship or aft can cost more.

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

Is the back of a cruise ship a good location?

The primary advantage of picking a cabin at the back of a cruise ship is the view you can get.

If you pick a cabin at the very back of the ship, you can enjoy a view of the ship's wake, and these tend to be quite popular with cruise fans.  Not only is it a pretty view, but the balcony can be bigger on the back.

Some special cabins at the very rear corners of a ship might even feature a balcony that wrap around the vessel in an L-shape, giving you views on two sides.

Enjoying a view from the ship's aft can be almost hypnotic because of how alluring the ocean looks when you have nothing in front of you blocking it.

Speaking of views, when your ship is leaving port, having an aft view gives you the best perspective.

Royal Caribbean has caught onto this this trend and announced pricing changes related to aft rooms. Aft facing balconies and Junior Suites are now going to be separated out as new categories.

However, if your room doesn't face backwards and is just a standard room towards the back, you may just end up with the same room as a mid-ship cabin, but with a longer walk.

Movement at the aft is a bit less drastic than a room forward, but still isn’t the most stable place for those who are prone to seasickness.

What are the benefits of being in the front of the cruise ship?

Rooms towards the front tend to be cheaper than other rooms largely because there's less demand for a cabin at the front.

Just like rooms towards the back, it's a longer walk towards the front and most of the signature activities and public areas are further away. 

Plus, the front of the ship gets the most movement of any area. The higher the deck, the more noticeable that rolling and swaying motion tends to feel. That makes it less desirable if someone is worried about motion sickness.

The reason why you might feel more movement at the front is because the front of the ship faces the most wind and direct hits from rolling waves, translating to lots of motion and sea spray. 

Besides a cheaper price, rooms at the very front have a unique perspective.  On many Royal Caribbean ships, you'll find family oceanview cabins at the front that offer significantly more living space without the price of a suite.

Another nice benefit of a front room is it can feel more secluded because there's far less foot traffic.

Celebrity Ascent is the newest cruise ship to debut in the Edge class of ships, and it's name implies it's in a position to move up the ranks of the ships the preceded it.

The fourth in a series of five ships, Ascent is a bit bigger than the first two Edge Class ships (Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex).  She's 20 meters longer and a deck taller.

There are 179 more cabins on Ascent than on Edge or Apex.  At double occupancy, Celebrity Ascent has a capacity of 3,260 passengers. The original Edge Class ships had a capacity of 2,918 passengers.

That extra space means the ship has more room to expand certain venues, such as The Retreat suites-only section of the ship and a larger Sunset Bar at the back of the vessel.

There's other touches as well, and, I was curious to know what makes this ship stand out from the rest.  Having just sailed on Celebrity Apex last week, comparing the two ships so closely together was an intriguing opportunity.

Celebrity Ascent will sail to the Caribbean out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

Disclaimer: Celebrity Cruises invited me to sail on Celebrity Ascent for a quick two-night preview cruise that was open to travel agents and members of the press. I did not pay for this sailing.

Grand Plaza

As soon as you board Celebrity Ascent, you're going to notice the central hub of activity looks totally different.

The Grand Plaza is the epicenter of everything happening on the ship.  Since the first Edge Class ship, the Grand Plaza has been a focal point for the ship, and with Celebrity Beyond and Ascent, you get a different layout.

The LED chandelier is is more central, which really opens up the space and surrounds the deck with a beautiful glow.

If you loved the martini bar before, the new one is expanded is fully circular too.

Celebrity says it's "loftier" and "airier" and I think I was struck by how much different the layout makes in the feel of the venue compared to Apex.

Another nice change is the addition of World Class Bar to the atrium.

This bar is a fan favorite on other Celebrity ships, and has been included on both Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent. It serves up "bespoke cocktails" with great views of the Grand Plaza.

The Annex

When I boarded Ascent, the Annex wasn't even on my radar, but I think this is the sleeper hit of this new ship.

Brand new to Celebrity, the Annex is a private room you can rent for your family to enjoy.  It's multi-purpose, and allows you to customize the entertainment to your needs.

It has the choice of:

• Golf simulator
• Celebration Lounge
• Personal karaoke party
• Game day streaming
• Movie night deluxe

Essentially, it's a place you can rent to have a special enclave for a party, celebration, or retreat.

The cost depends if you're renting it on a sea day or port day, and which private event theme you pick.  Celebrity says it will cost around $200 - $350 for the private event.

When I cruise with family or friends, I love any opportunity to have a special area for just us, and this seems like a great addition.

Sunset Bar

When I went on Celebrity Apex, everyone told me to check out the Sunset Bar. Clearly that message got back to the cruise line, because the Sunset Bar is larger and beautiful.

Views of the ship's wake have always been a favorite of cruisers, and this Sunset Bar doubles down on those views. This is the bar to go to on a sea day to enjoy a view of the ship's wake, the sun rising and setting, and the ocean breeze inbetween.

The theme is labeled as "international beach club ambiance", but I was getting some Spanish Mediterranean vibes sitting here. 

The extra space really makes it feel like a destination, rather than another bar. I love how much more seating there is, and how the bar doesn't dominate the entire space.

Rooftop Garden area

If I think of Celebrity cruise ship, I usually think of their lawn and garden top decks, and Ascent has an expanded area to enjoy.

You'll find more seating, new private nooks, and two new floating pools that are cantilevered over the side of the ship.

When there's not an event happening here, it's a great spot for "I want to be outside without being at the pool". It's serene, pretty, and I like how the area is arranged.

Rooftop Garden Grill has also been re-arranged, thanks to Ascent being a bit longer. It's less protruding into the garden area, and is the perfect sea day dinner.

The Retreat

If you're lucky enough to stay in a suite, Celebrity has greatly expanded its private suite area.

Known as The Retreat, the indoor space is 25% bigger than on Celebrity Edge or Apex.

Think of The Retreat as a suite neighborhood on an Oasis Class ship multiplied to threefold. 

The indoor space features au d'oeuvres, drinks, and plenty of seating. And it's open 24/7!

The personal concierge team is there to assist those in suites that don't have butler service.  The concierge team is split among four hosts.

Outside is more reserved seating for suite guests than I've ever seen on any Royal Caribbean ship.

The Retreat seating encompasses multiple decks, and has plenty of quiet nooks and crannies. Plus, there's a hot tub too.

You don't need to book a suite to have a great cruise, but it sure is nice to have this space if you do!

The Club

I spent less time in The Club than I would have liked on Celebrity Apex, but I think this space is vastly underrated.

As a Royal Caribbean fan, it reminds me a lot of Music Hall on the Oasis Class ships, but on Celebrity it feels much more open.

New for Ascent is "Smoke and Ivories", which is a musical event that is themed to a 1950s cabaret. It features a piano, hand-to-hand fights, tap solos, passionate duets, and aerial performances.

There was also a really neat augmented reality retro video game where people act as the player in the game in the center of the space to play arcade games like Breakout.

The space may not have a snazzy name, but I like the layout a lot.

Cosmopolitan restaurant

It's a small change, but the Cosmopolitan Main Dining Room restaurant has been re-themed.

Celebrity's Edge Class ships have four different Main Dining Rooms, with each having a unique theme. The core menu is the same across all four, but each restaurant has a few appetizers and entrees that are special to that venue.

On Apex, I enjoyed my dinners in Normandie, and this new space looks equally beautiful.

There's a lot of great specialty dining on Celebrity Ascent that gets a lot of attention, but don't overlook the Main Dining Rooms either.

Other notable changes to Celebrity Ascent

I noticed a few other changes Celebrity made with its fourth Edge Class ship.

The intimate and upscale restaurant Le Voyage has been redesigned, and it features a menu created by Chef Daniel Boulud. 

Fine Cut Steakhouse has an expanded seating space, which is larger than on previous Edge Class ships.

This means the restaurant has been expanded to the edge of the ship so that the restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows on one side.

It's been seven years in the making, but the world’s biggest cruise ship is making its debut.

Measuring a staggering 1,198 feet, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas was delivered today at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland and is on schedule for her maiden voyage from Miami, Florida to the Caribbean on January 27, 2024.

Delivery of the ship signifies transfer of ownership of a new cruise ship.

The 20-deck cruise ship has a maximum capacity for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.

Icon of the Seas is delivered

Executives from Royal Caribbean took delivery of the ship at a ceremony at the shipyard.

Construction took over 900 days, and the momentous occasion was met with celebration by both the shipyard and the cruise line.

In attendance at the celebration were more than 1,200 crew members and workers, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer.

Mr. Liberty shared his thoughts on the significance of the delivery, "Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience."

"Delivering Icon of the Seas represents all that can be accomplished with strong partnerships and a commitment to delivering memorable vacations responsibly, and we thank Meyer Turku and an incredible village of skilled partners for joining us on this journey. The memories millions of families and vacationers will make on Icon will be our greatest accomplishment yet."

Mr. Bayley also shared why Icon of the Seas will be a big deal for the cruise line for many years to come, "Welcoming Icon of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family is a remarkable accomplishment years in the making for thousands of innovators, engineers, architects and designers

"Seven years ago, we had an ambitious idea to create the first vacation truly made for every type of family and adventurer; now, it’s in our hands, and in this final stretch, we’ll bring it all to life for the biggest debut in our history in January 2024."

Icon of the Seas is now on her way to Cadiz, Spain, where it will receive its finishing touches before heading to its year-round home in Miami.

A long journey

Royal Caribbean placed the order for Icon of the Seas in October 2016, but conceptual work for it likely went even further back.

The cruise line has referred to Icon as a "white paper" ship, meaning they started with a blank slate in terms of ideas for this ship.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider described the design process for a new ship as, "never ending."

"You go through a great design process. We've got in our new build organization excellent architects and designers, with partners in the yard who really are focused on the kind of nautical marine side of some of the innovation that we're trying to do."

The ship was originally scheduled for delivery in early 2022, but that was pushed back due to delays brought about by the global health crisis.

Royal Caribbean wasn't alone in facing disruptions in those years, as the entire cruise industry was shutdown for almost two years. Nonetheless, work on Icon of the Seas continued and while the original delivery date may have been pushed back, the revised date held firm and there were no other issues.

While the global health crisis may have been a hindrance, it didn't stop the process according to Mr. Schneider, "The pandemic didn't stop the work. It slowed it a bit and created certain challenges."

Innovations aplenty

Icon of the Seas is two months away from beginning her first cruise, and the ship is primed with lots for families to enjoy.

The ship will begin operating 7-night cruises from Miami, Florida to the Caribbean in late January.

Icon of the Seas comprises eight neighborhoods, one of which is specifically designed for families with young children.  Royal Caribbean is doubling down on the family vacation market, not only trying to attract families that cruise other lines, but land vacationers who never considered a cruise vacation.

Cruise line executives have spoken on how they believe Icon of the Seas will go after the land vacation market that typically goes to a theme park or resort in Orlando, Florida.

The ship will have new types of cabins, a water park, new neighborhoods, and plenty of activities inbetween. It will also offer a bigger array of dining venues, bars and deck-top attractions than any cruise vessel ever built.

You'll find more than 40 restaurants and bars, industry-leading entertainment across the cruise line’s four signature stages and more.

There's 28 different kinds of cabins, including the new three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse. The townhouse comes at a hefty price, with families paying $80,000 for a week to stay in it.

A floating city

Not only is she big, but Royal Caribbean is loading her up with all sorts of new offerings.

There are 8 neighborhoods (one more than the Oasis Class ships), with three of the neighborhoods being an all new concept.

• AquaDome is at the front of the ship, offering 220-degree views and a 55-foot waterfall
• Suite Neighborhood has a Mediterranean restaurant and two-floor sundeck
• Central Park is a five deck open-air park that has living plant walls
• Chill Island has four pools and a swim-up bar
• Thrill Island is where you'll find the Category 6 waterpark, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, mini-golf course and more.
• Surfside neighborhood designed for young families
• Royal Promenade shopping and entertainment district
• The Hideaway at he back of the ship offering 180-degree views and an infinity pool

Icon is also the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel. The dual-fuel engines will work alongside a lineup of energy efficiency initiatives and industry-leading environmental programs on board, like the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. Twenty-four percent more energy efficient than the standards required for ships being designed today, the cruise line’s most sustainable ship yet will mark the next step in parent company Royal Caribbean Group's journey to introduce a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

When will Icon of the Seas sail?

Now that Icon of the Seas is part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, preparations are underway to make sure she is ready to welcome the first guests.

The inaugural sailing will take place on January 27, 2024 from Miami, Florida when Icon of the Seas will sail to the Eastern Caribbean and Royal Caribbean’s private islands of Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

She'll be based in South Florida though at least April 2026. By then, however, they'll be another Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in service, although it's currently unknown where she will sail from. 

The ship isn't quite ready to welcome passengers onboard.  While construction is complete, the ship needs to be supplied, staffed up, and filled with various amenities to finish the ship.

After taking more than 70 Royal Caribbean cruises, I thought it was time to try a cruise on sister-brand Celebrity Cruises.

Over the last few years, I think Celebrity has raised its notoriety among the cruise industry and its eye-catching Edge Class cruise ships have gotten a lot of people to reconsider booking a Celebrity cruise, myself included.

As someone who loves to cruise on Royal Caribbean, trying a different cruise line seemed a bit strange. I enjoy Royal Caribbean, and there's a reason why I love to cruise over and over with this line. But at the same time, I was curious what the experience would be like to cruise on Celebrity. 

Unlike other cruise lines out there, Celebrity is within the same corporate umbrella as Royal Caribbean International, so it felt less strange to go on another cruise line.

After talking about it for a long time, I booked my family on Celebrity Apex for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise over the Thanksgiving holiday.

I picked Celebrity Apex because I wanted a new ship, and the Edge Class has gotten so much attention that I felt it would be a great first step forward to try Celebrity.

I was never concerned about having a bad time onboard, but I was curious just how much I would enjoy the experience. Would it feel exactly like Royal Caribbean? Would I fall in love and never want to go back? What would my kids think of it all?

Pre-cruise and embarkation

Everything leading up to the cruise and the check-in process for a Celebrity Cruise felt pretty much the same as Royal Caribbean.

Both lines use the same backend for its app. While there are two different apps, they look and work exactly the same but with a different color scheme.

I did a status match in the months leading up to the cruise with my Crown and Anchor Society status. Both lines will honor your status on either line, with Diamond, Diamond Plus or Pinnacle Club members getting Elite status in the Captain's Club. This is one tier below their upper most loyalty level.

Having Elite status in Captain's Club didn't really get me much value on my cruise, but it was nice to have it, just in case.

Celebrity Apex sails from Port Everglades and the cruise line has its own cruise terminal. It's a beautiful building, and set up efficiently. Certainly in-step with any of Royal Caribbean's newer terminals.

Read more: Who owns Royal Caribbean?

Infinite balcony cabin

In looking at which cabin to book, we went with a cabin category I never would have booked if not for a great deal on it.

Thanks to my friends at MEI Travel, they had a special agency rate on Concierge Class infinite veranda cabins that made it just as cheap to book those rooms as a standard veranda.

It can be a little confusing to understand what Concierge Class gets you, as the name seems to imply you get a higher level of service. Celebrity has sub-classes of cabins that get special benefits, including the Concierge Class and Aqua Class.

In short, Concierge Class gets you an infinite veranda cabin with some additional benefits. The actual cabin is very similar to a normal veranda, but there are some extra perks included.

The main perks of Concierge Class are:

• Priority embarkation and debarkation
• Embarkation day lunch
• Priority dining time in the main dining room
• Canapes and sparkling wine on request
• Upgraded pillow menu
• Concierge service
• Destination seminar
• Umbrella and binoculars during the cruise in your cabin
• Complimentary shoe-shining service
• Extra hairdryer in the stateroom
• Upgraded Hansgrohe rainfall showerhead
• Embossed keyholder and tote bag

That sounds impressive, but most of these perks will likely go unused. The best benefits are the embarkation day lunch, concierge service, canapes and champagne, and priority embarkation.

Because everyone cruises differently, how useful all of this is can vary and we barely used any of the benefits. The canapes were not the sort of food I liked, and I don't drink champagne.

The concierge team was very friendly and welcoming, and did assist with any issues we had, but we didn't have many problems for them. We booked a standard dining time every night pre-cruise, so priority times in the dining room didn't help. And the rest of the benefits either went unused or didn't factor much into the experience. 

I think next time I wouldn't book Concierge Class if it costs more than a regular cabin. 

When I told others I was cruising on Celebrity, so many complained about the infinite veranda concept, because they said it ends up just being a big window that sucks all of your air conditioning out instead of being a balcony experience.

As for our cabin itself, I really wanted to love the infinite balcony design. Unfortunately, they were right.

The infinite veranda is a great cabin, with plenty of space for two people. The balcony sitting area means you get more space to use inside the room when the balcony isn't "open."

The problem is you have to weigh whether would you rather have the veranda open and be able to look out and enjoy the breeze, or air conditioning in your cabin for the next hour. On a Caribbean itinerary where the humidity is quite high, this is a much more difficult conundrum.

As soon as you open the verandah, the air conditioning turns off, the cold air escapes outside and everything in your room fogs up almost immediately.

If it's not hot or humid out, then this works quite well. But in Puerto Rico, it was disappointing.

So we just kept our infinite veranda closed for the cruise and we managed to have a good time nonetheless. It was nice having views of the ocean, and the extra space provided by the balcony sitting area was nice to have.

I loved how big the cabin felt, especially the bathroom. The shower was extra large, and there was lots of vanity space.

Read more: Celebrity Cruises guide: Ships, itineraries, tips & more

Plus and enhanced feel

Celebrity's tagline is they embody "modern luxury" and it manifested itself in Apex's look and feel.

Coming from Royal Caribbean, you'll quickly notice drinks served in glasses and buffet plates that aren't made out of plastic. Chairs everywhere have extra padding, drinks are poured freely instead of using jiggers, and the entire experience feels more premium.

It's subtle, but I enjoyed having a more plush feel to it all, in the same way a luxury sedan feels compared to a contemporary sedan.

There are a few areas this really stands out, such as the Oceanview Cafe buffet, the Cafe al Bacio, and the pool deck.

Oceanview Cafe is your standard cruise ship buffet, but the variety of food was quite impressive. There were panini stations, a freshly grilled meat station, more made-to-order cooking stations than I've ever seen, and overall more choices.

Cafe al Bacio is the coffee shop that not only has a variety of coffees you can order by waiting your turn, but there's tables and chairs you can sit at and get waiter service to take your order.

If you can imagine a Royal Caribbean pool deck with the Solarium's furniture throughout the pool deck, that's essentially what Apex's pool deck is like.

I never went on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and wished for these sort of changes, but I certainly welcomed them on Celebrity.

Really good food, especially if you're a foodie

One aspect of Celebrity a lot of readers told me about was Celebrity's food game.

In short, you're going to find a wider variety of foods at any of the restaurants that go beyond what I might expect to find on Royal Caribbean.

I found a lot of these extra choices to lean heavily into the adventurous palate. If you aren't a picky eater, I think you'll find a lot more to consider on a cruise beyond a beef dish, a pasta, a chicken, or some vegetables. 

It really shines with Celebrity's specialty restaurants, and even I was surprised to find duck leg confit, a tomahawk steak cut, roasted trout.

Of course, this assumes you actually would order these items, or you'd stick to similar fare that you'd find on Royal Caribbean.

In my opinion, it's better to have too many options than not enough. So I liked that it wasn't "more of the same" with the food choices.

We ate most nights in the Main Dining Room, which was very akin to the Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean before its latest menu changes.

There are four dining rooms on Celebrity Apex and each serves the same menu, along with a subset of special dishes unique to that restaurant.

Our waiters gave us a secondary menu that had a copy of what those special items are in the other restaurants, in case we wanted to order off of them. 

Moreover, the waiters were willing to substitute items and order things off the menu. When I asked about an Indian curry dish option, the head waiter arranged to have it every night I would dine there. When my youngest daughter just wanted pasta while dining at Rooftop Garden, our waiter ran downstairs to the Main Dining Room to get it.

Speaking of the menu, it's worth noting that Celebrity still has a Main Dining Room menu that has a classics section, where a subset of the evening menu never changes. This means you can get escargot, French onion soup, and a grilled chicken of every night of the cruise in addition to the rotating options.

Not as much to do onboard as Royal Caribbean

If there was one area of my first Celebrity cruise that made me wish I was back on Royal Caribbean the most, it was the daily activities.

There were activities, shows, and events offered, but far fewer than on Royal Caribbean. There were maybe one or two trivia sessions per day, and at night the offerings really slowed down. 

I'm not a party animal or someone that goes from activity to activity on my cruises, but Apex skewed heavily towards a "let's sit down and relax" vibe. That's perfectly fine, but it made me realize how much I missed having a pub singer, Schooner Bar player, trivia host, or multiple shows to see.

The ship had a silent disco, DJ music, and other typical entertainment of the sort, but there were far fewer sessions.  Many of the instrumentalists would play "coffee house" versions of the songs, which kept the pace slower.

Every cruise line has a stereotype about it, and Celebrity's has historically been that it caters to an older crowd than on Royal Caribbean. I can see some of the truth in how it's a bit tamer in terms of the ship's energy level.

That isn't to say there isn't anything happening onboard. You'll find events in the Royal Caribbean app, but there just isn't as much as on Royal Caribbean.

I can keep myself entertained in the daytime, but I love things to do after dinner and I was disappointed in the lack of options.  We ended up in bed by 10pm on most nights because there just wasn't a lot happening.

Non-smoking casino was wonderful

Win or lose in the casino, the fact the casino on Celebrity Apex was 100% smoke free was fantastic.

On Royal Caribbean's ships, smoking is allowed in the casino, and it tends to become the indoor smoking lounge just as much as a place to gamble and smoke at the same time.

The fact smoking is allowed in Royal Caribbean's casinos doesn't stop me from going, but it was nice a nice change to have the casino smoke-free.

Considering the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates just 11.5% of Americans smoked in 2021, it's clear Celebrity has moved towards embracing 88% that don't smoke.

I'm not here to start a debate about the virtues of smoking, just point out the casino on Celebrity Apex was non-smoking and I really enjoyed it.

Always Included was disappointing

When Celebrity Cruises announced they would offer a cruise fare that bundled WiFi, drinks, and gratuities, I thought it was a godsend. In reality, not so much.

We booked the Always Included fare, which at the time included basic WiFi, drink package, and gratuities. The line has since removed gratuities from this option.

The wifi that's included is abysmally slow and useful for texting and not much else. For my kids, it's fine because they could use a break from the real internet. But for anyone else, it stinks.

Compounding the problem is how much Celebrity charges for their wifi packages compared to Royal Caribbean. To upgrade my WiFi package, I would have to pay an additional $230.93 for one device or $412.93 for two devices. That's on top of the cost of the Always Included package.

The classic beverage package adults receive with Always Included is fine, assuming you drink pretty basic options. I found it very limiting, and worse were the prices the cruise line charges for drinks if you don't have a drink package.

As a Pinnacle Club member in Crown and Anchor Society, I missed my daily complimentary drink vouchers and how nice it was to have that perk. 

Celebrity has a happy hour for its top-tier members, but it's only two hours and has a very limited drink menu.

Read more: Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club loyalty program info, tips & secrets

More hits and misses

Here's more of what I liked and didn't like about my first Celebrity cruise, in addition to what I mentioned already.

What I liked

Magic Carpet: Essentially a bar that moves up and down the side of the ship, I liked the breeze, views, and seating.

Cafe al Bacio: The coffee house I always wanted on a cruise ship.

Theater with a protruding stage: The theater's stage and digital screen behind it were beautiful and really made the audience feel part of the show. If Royal Caribbean is going to stop paying for musicals that need a traditional stage, this is something new ships should start borrowing.

Ship size & layout: Apex is 1,004 feet long, which makes it slightly longer than a Radiance Class ship but smaller than a Voyager Class ship. It was easy to get around, and nearly all the public venues not at a pool were between decks 3, 4, and 5. It made getting around and between venues very easy and quick.

What I didn't like

Bar service was nearly non-existent: In most bars or lounges, it was very difficult to sit down in a chair and get a drink because no waiters ever came by.

On Royal Caribbean, if you sit at a bar, you'll be inundated by waiters coming to take your order. On Apex, it was the opposite. 

It might have just been our sailing and some bad luck, but other guests I spoke with on the ship reported a similar experience.

Elite Perks: I status matched from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity and being at the second-highest tier didn't really get me much.

In practical terms, there was no reason to really use the benefits provided:

• Access to exclusive daily coffeehouse-style breakfast and Evening Cocktail Hour
• 30% off Wi-Fi package or Wi-Fi upgrade
• 15% off Drink Package or upgrade to Premium pre-cruise
• Complimentary access to Persian Garden (on one port day)
• One complimentary bag of laundry (wash, dry, fold) on every sailing

I did use the WiFi discount, but I did not find as much value as what I might get with Royal Caribbean.

Happy Sunday and Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends! There is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to share this week.

Our team has taken a lot of shore excursions over the years, and we've stumbled across a few in the Caribbean that are definite tourist traps.

There's nothing wrong with a tourist-friendly spot, but some places are just a waste of time because they go so far over the line of being overpriced and underwhelming.

The problem with these sorts of places is you're likely to feel like you wasted your time and could have gone somewhere else better.

Royal Caribbean News

• Crown's Edge on Icon of the Seas costs $89 and is now bookable
• Icon of the Seas size comparison
• The best way to book a cruise, explained
• Adventure of the Seas vs. Voyager of the Seas
• I tried a small ship and here's what I liked about it
• Bionic Bar: Royal Caribbean's cruise ship robot bartenders

Video: 3 Nights Onboard The World's Biggest Cruise Ships

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 3 Nights Onboard The World's Biggest Cruise Ships — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Review: Florida's Brightline Train For Taking a Cruise

I took the new highspeed train that goes between Orlando and Miami to get to my cruise.

While not cheap, Brightline provides a convenient and fast way to get between Central Florida and South Florida without having to deal with the hassle of flying or boredom of driving.

The new train has a lot of conveniences, and makes the transit a lot easier than driving.

Which deck is best on a cruise ship?

Does it matter which deck you pick for your cabin on a cruise?

When choosing the best deck on a cruise ship, you have to weigh several factors to find the perfect choice for you.

If you are traveling with kids, have mobility issues, like to party at the pool, or are sailing to Alaska, the choice of the best deck could vary considerably.

How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

Before you get on a cruise, how much money should you bring with you?

While Royal Caribbean is a cashless ship for most transactions, there are still quite a few good reasons to have cash with you.

Both onboard and off the ship, having at least some cash will make things easier for you.

Icon of the Seas vs Titanic

How much bigger and different is the newest cruise ship in the world versus the most well-known?

Icon of the Seas is about to become the biggest cruise ship in the world, but a lot of people compare cruise ships to Titanic.

From size, to pricing, to activities onboard, here's how different Icon of the Seas is to Titanic.

Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world, but how much bigger is Icon compared to other ships?

Modern cruise ships are well-known for being giant, but Icon has raised the bar yet again just how large ships can get.

Royal Caribbean already has a fleet of really big ships, but Icon dwarfs them all.

How big is Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas is indeed really big.   The new ship measures 1,198 feet long with 250,800 gross tonnage and is capable of carrying 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. The ship is encompasses 20 decks, has seven pools, and six waterslides that make up an entire waterpark.

If you were to stand Icon of the Seas up on its end, it would be taller than the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas and the Chrysler Building in New York City.

Icon of the Seas is divided into 8 neighborhoods, which are distinct areas of the ship meant to make it easier to navigate.

• AquaDome is at the front of the ship, offering 220-degree views and a 55-foot waterfall
• Suite Neighborhood has a Mediterranean restaurant and two-floor sundeck
• Central Park is a five deck open-air park that has living plant walls
• Chill Island has four pools and a swim-up bar
• Thrill Island is where you'll find the Category 6 waterpark, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, mini-golf course and more.
• Surfside neighborhood designed for young families
• Royal Promenade shopping and entertainment district
• The Hideaway at the back of the ship offering 180-degree views and an infinity pool

There are over 2,800 staterooms on Icon of the Seas, as well as over 40 bars and restaurants onboard (23 of them are completely new to Royal Caribbean).

Is Icon of the Seas the biggest cruise ship in the world?

Icon of the Seas will become the biggest cruise ship in the world, overtaking Wonder of the Seas by gross tonnage, passenger capacity, and length. 

It's unlikely any other cruise ship will overtake Icon of the Seas, until Star of the Seas debuts in 2025. But even then, Star should be the same size as Icon.

How much bigger is Icon of the Seas compared to other ships?

Let's look at Icon of the Seas' specs to see how she measures up to Royal Caribbean's other big ships.

Gross tonnage

1. Icon of the Seas: 250,800
2. Utopia of the Seas: 236,860
3. Wonder of the Seas: 236,857

Length

1. Icon of the Seas: 1,198
2. Utopia of the Seas: 1,188
3. Wonder of the Seas: 1,188

Total decks

1. Icon of the Seas: 20
2. Utopia of the Seas: 18
3. Wonder of the Seas: 18

Maximum passengers

1. Icon of the Seas: 7,600
2. Wonder of the Seas: 6,988
3. Symphony of the Seas: 6,680

Crew capacity

1. Icon of the Seas: 2,350
2. Utopia of the Seas: 2,300
3. Wonder of the Seas: 1,551

How about other cruise lines? Here's how Icon of the Seas compares to the biggest cruise ships of the major cruise lines.

Gross tonnage

1. Icon of the Seas: 250,800
2. MSC World Europa: 215,863
3. Carnival Jubilee: 183,521

Length

1. Icon of the Seas: 1,198
2. Carnival Jubilee: 1,130
3. MSC World Europa: 1,093

Total decks

1. MSC World Europa: 22
2. Icon of the Seas: 20
3. Carnival Jubilee: 18

Maximum passengers

1. Icon of the Seas: 7,600
2. MSC World Europa: 6,762
3. Carnival Jubilee: 6,631

Crew capacity

1. Icon of the Seas: 2,350
2. MSC World Europa: 2,138
3. Carnival Celebration: 1,735

It can be confusing how to measure a cruise ship, because gross tonnage is a nonlinear measure of a ship's overall internal volume.

What this means in layman's terms is that cruise ships are measured by volume and not weight.  This is because their designs can vary greatly, so it makes more sense to measure a ship in this manner.

At 250,800 tons, Icon of the Seas measures 6% bigger than Utopia of the Seas, which amounts to a difference of 13,940 GT. 

As you can see, the difference in size between Icon and the Oasis Class ships isn't enormous, but it's enough to call it the biggest cruise ship in the world.

When Royal Caribbean set out to design Icon of the Seas, they didn't have a particular tonnage in mind.  

According to Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, they had a completely different goal in mind, "We’ve been working on Icon since 2016–2017, if you go back to our original memo that starts off a new class of ship. Typically, that process is about aspiration. It doesn’t detail things like we want a ship that weighs 250,000 tons."

"Instead, it’s aspirational and rooted in what we would say as a headline. This ship’s headline is: this is the best family vacation on the planet."

And in case you're wondering, Icon of the Seas is about 5 times bigger than Titanic.

All the new features are a bigger difference maker

While Icon of the Seas is not substantially larger than Utopia of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas, what Royal Caribbean is adding to Icon is more notable.

Royal Caribbean wants this ship to offer more for families to see and do with additional attractions and amenities that the line hopes will attract customers away from land resorts.

The cruise ship's water park, family neighborhood, and staterooms designed for families with five and six passengers are at the heart of this drive.

So far, the demand for a cruise ship this big and with this much to do for families has been a mega hit for the cruise line. It's broken sales records and forced the company to release more sailings earlier than planned in order to meet demand for new bookings.