Big cruise ships are the standard for the cruise industry, and Independence of the Seas remains one of the best choices for families looking to get the most out of a mega ship without the price tag.

Royal Caribbean introduced Independence of the Seas in 2008 as part of its Freedom Class.  At the time, these were the biggest ships in the world. While it may have been eclipsed by the Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships, these remain favorites of cruisers for good reason.

What I find when I sail on Independence of the Seas is a cruise ship that doesn't compromise on things to do, places to eat, and competitive rates.

Royal Caribbean moves Independence around quite a bit.  In summer, she's sailing around Europe, and then around the Caribbean in the fall.

To be fair, you won't find the cruise line's top tier attractions or restaurants onboard, but I don't know that's a bad thing either. Often people choose this ship because of the itinerary it's sailing or the fact you can save a lot of money compared to the bigger ships.

Plus, Royal Caribbean upgraded the ship with new features in 2018.  They added water slides, new restaurants, laser tag, revamped lounges, and added new staterooms too.

Over 4,000 passengers can sail on this ship, but it really doesn't feel that crowded.  I think the open deck space, variety of activities, and proper programming help spread passengers around.  I spent 15 nights onboard recently and it never felt overcrowded.

Easy to get around

You might think a cruise ship that stretches over 1,000 feet would be hard to figure out where you are, but its incredibly easy.

Independence has a few key public areas, and once you walk a little, I think it becomes apparent where everything is located.

• Royal Promenade: Grand concourse with bars and shopping (Deck 5)
• Atrium: Multi-deck space with bars (Decks 3, 4 and 5)
• Pool Deck: Waterslides, pools, and sports activities (Decks 11 and 12)
• Viking Crown Lounge: Indoor viewing lounge, with bar.  Suite Lounge and Crown Lounge also found here (Deck 14)
• Casino: Deck 4
• Youth Zone: Kids club areas, including the teen club (Deck 12)
• Vitality Spa and Fitness Center: Ship spa and gym (Deck 11 and 12)

You'll board the ship on deck 4 and from there it should be easy to get your bearings.  There are two elevator banks to make getting around easy enough. 

Cruise ship elevators are probably where you'll run into the longest waits, but it's rarely problematic.

I find the staircases practical for going up or down a few flights.

Variety of dining choices, included and extra cost

There are a number of restaurants on this ship, some that are included and others that have a cost to dine there.

Included restaurants

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer buffet
• Fish and Ships
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento's

Extra cost restaurants

• Chops Grille
• Giovanni's Table
• Izumi
• Playmakers Sports Grill and Bar
• Johnny Rockets
• Room service

The top question new cruisers have is always should they spend extra to dine at the specialty restaurants.

Specialty restaurants are pricey, but I like adding variety to my dining rotation.  There's certainly nothing wrong with the included dining options, but being on vacation means splurging a bit.

The beautiful three deck Main Dining Room serves breakfast and dinner every day, with lunch on sea days.

I ate in here most nights for dinner and found most of the food to be between "good" and "very good".  A few dishes were "excellent" and one or two were duds.  Luckily, you can order as many entrees, appetizers or desserts as you like, so I never went hungry.

I'm also a big fan of the ship's buffet. I love the variety of food, especially the international cuisine.  Just know that it gets very busy for breakfast on most days, so getting a table is difficult at peak times.

The grab-and-go food on the Royal Promenade are good for quick snacks. The food is nothing amazing, but when you need a late night bite, this is your best choice.

The three primary specialty restaurants have a cover charge to dine there. It's not cheap, but if you buy a dining package before the cruise begins, you can save around 50% off the regular cost.

Chops Grille is a traditional American steakhouse and it's perfect for steak lovers. I have yet to go wrong with the filet mignon, but there's also a few other cuts you can try.

Giovanni's Italian is quaint and has a mix of pastas and featured entrees. It's Italian comfort food, and I doubt you'll be disappointed from it, unless you're expecting something ground breaking.  

At Izumi, it's primarily a hibachi table restaurant with teppanyaki dining. This is where the chef cooks in front of you, and it's one of the best family experiences you can have in a specialty restaurant. 

Izumi also has a small sushi bar and a few tables, if you'd prefer to just eat sushi.

There's also room service aboard Independence of the Seas, where you can order food any time of day for a $7.95 surcharge  plus an 18% gratuity.  Keep in mind there's an overlooked complimentary continental breakfast option.

The bars and lounges are the best spots for evening entertainment

One thing I think Royal Caribbean does really well on Independence of the Seas is offer a robust choice of bars and lounges.

In fact, Royal Caribbean is probably the best cruise line for live entertainment these days, and it shows in the venues.

I found many fantastic choices each evening for drinks and a show

My favorite spot is on the Royal Promenade at the English Pub, where a guitarist plays each evening.  There's something about beers and bar songs that works so well.

If you're more of a wine aficionado, there's Vintages across from the Pub.  Alternatively, the champagne bar in the Atrium is a good choice for drinks with conversation. Both bars do not have entertainment.

Probably the most crowded bar each evening will be the Schooner Bar on deck 4.

There's trivia sessions throughout the day, and a piano player at night. If you want a seat, be sure to arrive early because it's a small venue and the shows get very crowded.

If you want more energy with your entertainment, check out Boleros in the Atrium on Deck 4. It starts out each evening with a classic rock band, but then turns into a Latin-themed party.

The Star Lounge is the ship's multi-purpose lounge, and it is where you'll find karaoke, musical acts, and trivia.

One of my go-to bars is Playmakers on deck 4.  I love the location here, attached to the Atrium and Casino.  

Unlike the Oasis Class ships, it's indoors, meaning it's air conditioned and not as hot and humid. 

Playmakers has a great drink menu of its own, along with food too.  You can order a snack or have an entire meal.

Speaking of drinks, you can pay for each drink you order individually or purchase an unlimited drink package.

Drink packages are very popular with cruisers because they're convenient and make it easy to budget for your drinks. Definitely pre-purchase before the cruise to save money on them.

Mix of family-friendly activities and adult-leaning fun

Royal Caribbean's core cruise experience is about offering more things to do onboard than you can possibly squeeze into a day, from trivia and silent discos to audience participation events.

You'll find dance parties and a balloon drop event on the Royal Promenade.  They're a bit hacky, but many people love them as an excuse to get out and enjoy themselves.

There are two theaters onboard with shows each evening.  You'll find the Broadway musical Grease performed in the Royal Theater on select nights (rumor has it Grease will be removed later this year), along with featured performers and comedians.  There's also an ice rink at Studio B, which has its own show and even lets guests skate on certain days there.

The casino is likely going to be busy each evening, as it's the highlight for many cruiser's evening fun.  Slots, table games, and poker are all available.  The casino is open as long as the ship is not docked or in a country's territorial waters. Good luck!

If you prefer more sun with your fun, there is a main pool on deck 11, with plenty of seating around it on both deck 11 and 12.

You'll find pools and hot tubs, along with a kids aquapark at Splashaway Bay.

Adults will gravitate towards the Solarium, which is reserved for passengers at least 18 years old. There's a pool and hot tub of its own here too.

On the back of Independence is where the thrills are located.

Three's a Flowrider surfing simulator, pair of water slides, and sports court.  

The sports court offers pickle ball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more.  It changes up the activity depending on the time of day.

What I loved to do on Independence of the Seas

Lots of live entertainment each night

The first reason I started cruising with Royal Caribbean was because of how much there is to do on it ships, and Independence won't disappoint in that regard.

There are bands, singers, shows, and more offered each day.  I liked we could jump between different venues and see what was happening at one, and then pop back to the other.

Independence is a big ship, but the venues with performances are conveniently located near each other. 

Great pool deck for families

Another advantage Independence has over smaller ships is how much pool deck space it has.

There's a pair of twin pools on the main pool deck, and it's perfect for cooling off and submerging yourself in them.

Equally compelling are the variety of hot tubs around the ship.  By far, the best are the whirlpools that cantilever out over the side of the ship. They're enormous, have great views, and even have televisions to watch.

Splashaway Bay is a great feature for the younger kids, and it's sure to keep them busy everyday.

Trying specialty restaurants

I bought a three night dining package for my cruise, and it made a big difference in my enjoyment of eating onboard.

Hibachi, steak, and pasta were lovely upgrades from the included food.  I'd be remiss if I didn't recommend a dining package as a good way to augment what you can get for free.

I also really like the food at Playmakers.  Because it's priced a la carte, you can stop in for just wings.  Or after a busy day in port, grab a burger, beer, and some fries.

Who should book a cruise on Independence of the Seas

The best reason to sail on Independence of the Seas is going to be the value it offers.

You'll get a big ship cruise experience that satisfies the needs of most people without the premium prices newer ships command.

Each time I sail on Independence, I'll almost always upgrade to a balcony or suite because the cost is quite reasonable.  

Of course, where Independence sails to is an equally important consideration.

I think the European cruises are its top choice.  If you can visit cities and destinations in Northern Europe, it's a wonderful escape.

The only warning I'd give for skipping this ship is for someone that wants Royal Caribbean's latest and greatest options.

If your standard is a ship like Star of the Seas, Independence will feel like a step down. It has a lot, but not as much as these enormous and newer vessels.

Itineraries and pricing

Independence of the Seas offers a mix of short getaways, classic Caribbean itineraries, and summertime European voyages through 2025, 2026 and into early 2027.

Most of the year, Independence of the Seas sails out of Miami, offering 3- to 7-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean. In the spring and fall, Independence of the Seas sails out of Bayonne, New Jersey, offering cruises to Canada and Bermuda.

An inside cabin will start at $358 per person for a quick Bahamas cruise, but you should expect to pay closer to $650 - $900 per person for most sailings.

Holiday sailings over spring break, Christmas, and summer will see much higher prices. Longer or premium Europe/Baltic voyages rise above $1,000.

I'd recommend booking about 6–12 months before the sail date for the best deals, and 12–18 months for maximum cabin availability.

Plans have been revealed for Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal in Miami.

While Royal Caribbean already has an amazing and new facility at Terminal A, it plans to upgrade Terminal G down the street.

Up until now, Terminal G has been the "other" terminal Royal Caribbean can use at PortMiami and has been traditionally where older or smaller ships have gone.

It was originally built in 1999 to house Voyager of the Seas when she debuted.  However, it is now notably dated compared to the new terminals that have been built over the past few years.

The upgraded terminal should be ready by 2027.

Demolition has already started this week. Once complete, it will be able to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers a day, thanks to a more efficient embarkation and disembarkation process.

Cruise fans will note a terminal that can accommodate up to 7,000 passengers means it could handle an Icon or Oasis Class ship. As of now, only Terminal A can accommodate ships that large.

Once fully operational, ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea will be able to use it.

The multi-level terminal will strategically separate passenger flow by floor to help reduce congestion for cruises departing from the ship and those arriving for their cruise.

A multi-story parking garage will also be built with ground-level bus parking and designated passenger drop-off areas.

Just like Royal Caribbean's other new terminals, Terminal G will seek to achieve a LEED Silver certification. 

Sustainability is a critical aspect of this new terminal, as it has for LEED certification focusing on water and energy efficiency, renewable energy production, recycling and waste management, and sustainable sourcing of materials.

The upgraded Terminal G will be a benefit to cruisers, as it removes an outdated terminal and replaces it with an efficient one.

This means being able to board and disembark your ship quicker and easier. That's been one of Royal Caribbean's hallmarks for making it faster and easier to get from "curb to bar" in just a few minutes.

Thanks to upgrades and refinement of its mobile app, Royal Caribbean has one of the easiest processes for check-in of any cruise line.

Royal Caribbean’s app provides easy access to check-in, upload security photos, complete the health questionnaire, scan your passport photo and generate a mobile boarding pass. You can also select your arrival times for embarkation.

Once you’re at the terminal for cruising, you can continue accessing your boarding pass within the app or download the pass to your phone’s wallet.

Unlike Carnival Cruise Line, which still requires guests to print their boarding passes for embarkation day, Royal Caribbean’s app is much more convenient in this way.

Redeveloping PortMiami

The plans for Terminal G are part of a greater $2.8 billion deal that Royal Caribbean Group signed in 2022.

Terminal G was one part of this agreement, which includes a 36 year lease on the facility.

In addition to Terminal G, Royal Caribbean will be able to share another terminal with MSC Cruises. That terminal will be complete in October 2028.

Another big piece of this revamp of PortMiami is to build Royal Caribbean's new headquarters.

Under the deal, Royal Caribbean extends its lease of its headquarters on the southwest corner of Dodge Island through at least 2072.

Cruising to the Norwegian fjords is one of the best cruises I ever took, but there are a few things I wish I had done differently or changed.

Regardless of where you sail, every cruise has its own approach. Even if I avoid the common cruise mistakes that would create major problems, there are still things that I wish I had done otherwise.

Across my 7-night sailing on Independence of the Seas to Norway, I walked off the ship with a lessons learned and new tips I'd share with someone trying it for the first time.

Hopefully these experiences will benefit you before you head to Norway for an equally amazing cruise.

How impactful the midnight sun is on sleep

You can read all you want about how there's so much daylight in Norway, but it's jarring every time you get ready for sleep and it looks like 4pm.

Balcony and oceanview cabins have curtains, but they are not blackout curtains.

It's an adjustment for sure, but I dealt with it better than others in our group. Our brains are conditioned to expect certain conditions for sleep, and it can be difficult to fall asleep swiftly if it's not met.

I don't regret booking a balcony cabin for my Norway cruise, but if someone were a light sleeper when it comes to light, I'd recommend an inside cabin.

While it's a shame for missing out on the views, I'd argue there are plenty of viewing opportunities from around the ship's public decks.  And a good night's sleep is worth something.

Weather forecasts are almost useless

After the first or second day, I started ignoring the weather forecasts.

The first sign they weren't very useful was when we'd all look up the forecast for the next day and get high temperature and precipitation predictions that never agreed.

But when we went into port and the sun shined most of the day and never rained, I started seriously doubting them.

My advice for anyone cruising the Norwegian fjords is to plan for all weather.

I wore a t-shirt, and brought a fleece jacket with me. If the weather forecast called for more than 50% chance of rain, I might bring my rain jacket but I often took a gamble with not bringing it.

I found it could be chilly in the morning, especially in the shade. But being able to take off or put back on my fleece kept things comfortable.  Plus, we did a lot of walking so as soon as we walked for a bit, I'd warm up naturally.

Just like Alaska, the weather is unpredictable so don't write off a day or assume any weather.  Have a backup plan, but go ahead with your excursions or walking, and make the best of it.

You're going to need a small backpack

After one port, I knew we needed a backpack.

I didn't pack a backpack or day bag, but it came in so handy to have somewhere to put a bottle of water, rain jackets, and perhaps a snack.

I just mentioned how important being able to put on or remove a jacket is, and it's a lot easier if you have somewhere to store them.

You should bring a packable backpack that can be stuffed in your luggage, but used during the sailing.

Water and drinks are very expensive

I knew Norway was an expensive country, but what really surprised me is how expensive soft drinks are.

Maybe I'm used to prices in the USA, but I thought 3.5 Euros or more for a bottle of water or soda was quite excessive. That was the price at a convenience store or take-out restaurant.  Sit down restaurants would easily charge more.

Plus, there aren't really free refills at restaurants.

I'm guessing the higher prices are the result of taxes, tariffs, import fees or something else, but it changed how I otherwise go out.

Almost immediately we started bringing bottles of water with us off the ship, which were essentially free thanks to one of my favorite Crown and Anchor Society perks.

Booking independent shore excursions was so much better than in the Caribbean

There are pros and cons of booking shore excursions through the cruise line or on your own, but it seems to heavily favor independent tours in Norway.

I booked excursions through both Royal Caribbean and on my own, and overall, was happier with the independent tours.

The tours I did on my own or with a third party had far less waiting. 

My bus tour with Royal Caribbean had a report time of 12:10pm, but between waiting in the theater for the tour to start and the bus taking forever to load everyone, we didn't actually depart until 1pm.

On the other hand, the Loen Skylift in Olden that I booked through an independent company had ticket pickup at the pier and buses running every 10 minutes.  

Speaking of the Skylift, do it.  It's the best excursion we did during our cruise.

We not only wasted far less time getting going, but we beat the cruise line excursions that came later. That meant less time waiting for the cable car.

There are good reasons to book a tour with Royal Caribbean, but I think the third-party tours worked better.

Fjords are best seen from a tour

Your ship will sail in and out of fjords, but I think you're best off seeing them on a tour rather than trying to enjoy them from the ship.

With the exception of perhaps Geiranger, the best views of the fjords aren't where the ship docks for the day.  

In fact, most times our sail into the fjord occurred in the middle of the night. And if you thought, "I'll see it on the sail out", usually dinner or a show conflicted.

I'd recommend booking excursions that take you to scenic vantage points, such as by boat, bus, or hike.

The North Sea can be rough

I've been on enough cruises to know sea conditions are unpredictable, but the North Sea has a well-deserved reputation for being rough.

The likely worst part will be when your ship crosses the sea between the English Channel and closer to the coast of Norway.

Winds, waves, and rain move in and out quickly.  I never got seasick, but the crew distributed seasickness bags around the ship. That's usually a sign others weren't so lucky.

I wouldn't skip booking a fjords cruise because you have to sail through the North Sea, but I would be prepared for the worst, just in case.

Plan to shop and walk cities in the afternoon

Other than the tourist shops filled with souvenirs, most shops in any of the towns and cities we visited did not open until later in the morning.

As we walked through Molde and Haugesund, it became clear shops, restaurants, and stores opened mid-morning or later.

In fact, many bars and restaurants did not open until 2pm or later.

My advice is spend your morning seeing a historic site, going for a hike, or some other excursion and save the walking the streets for the afternoon when most things are open.

Royal Caribbean is now putting the finishing touches on its new gargantuan ship, and the company has just released new details on what awaits guests on its maiden voyage later this year.

With a gross tonnage of 250,800 and capacity for around 6,000 passengers, the 1,197-foot Star of the Seas is poised to follow-up Royal Caribbean's hit Icon of the Seas.

The launch of Icon was so successful given all the positive reviews and innovations it introduced.  The result is a very high bar for Star.

Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, and offer 7-night cruises around the Caribbean. It's going to add a one-two punch with arguably the best ships in the world sailing from the two most popular cruise ports.

So what can guests expect to do with a week onboard?

The ship is filled with just about everything to create memories for families while on vacation.

There are eight distinct areas of the ship (called neighborhoods) that include The Hideaway, Chill Island, Thrill Island, Central Park, Aquadome, Royal Promenade, Suite Neighborhood, and Surfside.

There's a giant waterpark that has six slides, alongside various pools.  Each pool has its own theme, including an adults-only pool, swim-up bar pool, and a really deep pool.

Meanwhile, families with young children will find Surfside an entire area dedicated just for them. There's an enormous aquapark, pool, and different restaurants that cater to kid-friendly tastes. 

The idea behind Surfside is to make it as easy as possible for families with young ones to have everything they need without venturing too far.  The kids club is just steps away from the carousel, which is next to Splashaway Bay and the kids buffet restaurant.

My favorite area on Star of the Seas is Central Park, which a sprawling green space in the middle of the ship.  All of the plants, trees, and shrubs are real, and it's a beautiful space to enjoy.  Plus, there are bars, restaurants, and shopping here too.

When you board Star of the Seas, you'll walk right onto the Royal Promenade.  

One of the smart changes Royal Caribbean made with the Icon Class was opening up the Promenade to be wider, fully circular, and many more windows to provide views of the ocean.

Plus, it's where you'll find an improved version of The Pearl.

Royal Caribbean will make the the Pearl more spectacular visually. Instead of a single color light ring in the back of each of those 3500 plus tiles, this version will have full multicolor rings.

By far the biggest get on Star of the Seas is the addition of Back to the Future: The Musical.

Based on the '80s film, it's the kind of musical that even the least interested theater going fan can truly enjoy. A well-known plot along with great choreography and catchy songs.

It's a multi-generational show with wide appeal, and it's still being performed in the UK and around the U.S. on tour.

The fact Royal Caribbean includes admission to this musical in your cruise fare is incredible because of how much it costs to see this show in a theater on land.

Up in the Aquadome, there's a new show and a refresh to another hit Icon Class innovation.

Pirates & Mermaids is the new show that will be featured in the indoor Aquatheater.

It's a family-friendly show that features high dives, acrobatics, and incredible choreography.

Another change is the menu to the Aquadome Marketplace, the ship's food hall included with your cruise fare.

Three of the stalls are being changed on Star:

• Pig Out BBQ – A casual barbecue joint serving up smoky pulled pork, tender brisket, and other comfort food classics.
• Mai Thai – A Southeast Asian-inspired stall with dishes like pad thai and beef panang.
• La Cocinita – A Latin American offering focused on handheld favorites like hot empanadas and griddled arepas.

Aquadome Market was the surprise hit on Icon, and the new choices sound like an even better upgrade.

Speaking of dining, Star of the Seas will have more than 40 venues to dine and drink onboard.

Now nearly complete, Star of the Seas will set sail on a series of preview cruises before it's official maiden voyage on August 31, 2025.

The preview cruises were added after the inaugural was announced, and are shorter sailings that only visit The Bahamas.  The cruise line says these are more of a lead-up to the official first sailing.

Bookings are now available to be made on Star of the Seas through April 2027.

Royal Caribbean's decision to place Star of the Seas in the Orlando/Central Florida vacation market is designed to grab a bigger slice of the family vacation market.

Executives have talked about how they see a ship like Star as being the perfect alternative to pricier land vacations, such as the ones at the Orlando theme parks.

If two Icon ships aren't enough, a third and fourth ship are due to join the fleet in the next few years. And, the company has options in place to order even more.

Cruise ships today feel like floating cities, and their design is an incredible feat of creativity, engineering, and problem solving.

Royal Caribbean employs an army of people to bring a ship to life, and you might be surprised to know one of of their best partners in this process is an architectural firm based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Wilson Butler Architects (WBA) has worked for almost three decades to help Royal Caribbean push the boundaries of what is possible aboard a ship.

With the launch of the second Icon Class ship on the horizon, it's a good reminder how much work goes into these ships.

The scale and complexity of building ships like Icon of the Seas or Oasis of the Seas is incredible. New ships can take almost a decade to go from concept to launch and involve the coordination of thousands of professionals across continents. WBA's involvement begins often with a blank page and a single question: What could this ship become?

"We don’t come in after the design is underway," said A. Scott Butler, co-founder of the firm. "We’re at the table at the start, working with Royal Caribbean's Newbuilding & Innovation, along with their product development team, asking what this ship needs to be five years from now."

Helping design over 50 ships

WBA has designed fifteen prototype ships and contributed to 54 vessels across multiple Royal Caribbean Group brands, with seven more in progress. 

Their reach spans Voyager Class through Quantum and Icon Class, and the team of Wilson Butler Architects has been involved in many firsts. Among them:

• The first full-scale theater with orchestra pit and fly tower at sea (Voyager of the Seas, 1999)
• The first real-ice skating rink on a cruise ship (Voyager of the Seas, 1999)
• The first live plant park aboard a ship (Central Park, Oasis of the Seas, 2009)
• The tallest slide at sea (The Ultimate Abyss, Harmony of the Seas, 2016)
• The largest glass dome at sea (AquaDome, Icon of the Seas, 2024)
• The largest kinetic sculpture at sea (The Pearl, Icon of the Seas, 2024) 

Designing ships is a lot like urban planning, "You’re designing for density, for movement, for delight," said Principal Ben Marcionek. "We think in terms of districts, transit, intersections, light, and rhythm."

One of their most influential breakthroughs came in 2009 with Oasis of the Seas, which redefined ship architecture by splitting the central structure to allow open-air courtyards and “neighborhoods.” This innovation resulted in now-iconic spaces like Central Park and the Boardwalk.

"That split-hull design gave us the ability to bring daylight deep into the ship," said Butler. "It wasn’t just a stylistic choice—it changed how people interact with the space. Suddenly you could have a real park on Deck 8."

From steel to storytelling

The process of building the world's largest ships begins years before any physical construction begins. Working in concert with engineers, naval architects, acousticians, and outfitters, WBA helps define the experience, not just the structure.

Ship design includes physical models, virtual simulations, and, increasingly, immersive design tools. "Sometimes we’ll build scale models out of basswood to illustrate structural proposals, or we’ll create foam core tray models to show the vertical relationship of venues," said Butler.

Each space is developed with a dual mandate: create something novel, and ensure it functions under extreme conditions—movement, salt air, vibration, and code compliance.

"We’ve had to ask, how do you create an ice rink at sea? How do you build a three-story theater with aerial flying on a moving platform? There’s no textbook for this," Butler explained.

Building ships offers unique opportunities that set it apart from land-based architecture

Unlike land-based construction, cruise ship building is modular and sequence-dependent. Hull blocks are prefabricated offsite and welded together like a block puzzle. Every component of each block must be coordinated before the module is craned into position.

This is a challenging approach given how little room there in the building schedule to make changes later, "There’s no field adjustment,” Butler noted. "You can’t just move a beam or a sprinkler without impacting an entire assembly process of every small part."

"Our drawings are not just conceptual. They guide fabrication," said Marcionek. "We often produce 1:1 mockups of seating, lighting, or entry transitions to see how they work in real life."

WBA can be followed on both Instagram and Facebook.

The opportunity to take my family on a Norwegian fjords cruise was too good to pass up, even if it's not the cheapest cruise fare.

I booked a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise through Norway that cost $2,103.22 per person.

We were already coming to Europe for a Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise, but that sailing was going to cities in northern Europe.  Norway seemed like the perfect way to top the trip.

Not only would we get to see marvelous cities, but we could check off another must-see list item by going to the fjords too.

The seven-day cruise departed from Southampton, England.  It was particularly easy because I was doing a back-to-back cruise and was already on the ship.

It cost $4,206.44 for two people in connecting oceanview balcony rooms, including taxes, fees, and gratuities.

Here's what my cruise experience was like, and why I would do it again in a heartbeat.

My 199-square-foot balcony cabin had more than enough space for two people

My wife and I stayed in a balcony cabin on deck 8, and it served as our home base throughout this cruise and the one before it.

Cruise ship rooms get knocked for being tiny, but our 199-square-foot cabin with a 65-square-foot balcony felt spacious and suitable for two people.

It had a king size bed, plenty of storage space for everything we packed, a small safe, a seating area with a sofa, a hairdryer, a small refrigerator, and complimentary toiletries. 

It helped we booked connecting cabins so my kids had their own space, and we had ours.  It's a must-do family booking strategy, in my opinion.

There were 4 ports of call built into our nine-day itinerary, but one was cancelled

Before our cruise began, the plans had to change.

Due to an issue with one of the ship's generators, Independence of the Seas had to sail at a reduced speed and our itinerary was altered to drop a visit to Alesund.

We were disappointed with the change, but Royal Caribbean gave us $200 per cabin for the last-minute change.  Plus, we were scheduled to be there from 4pm-11pm, so it was a difficult day to plan around anyway.

I've cruised long enough to know that any itinerary is subject to change, and you have to roll with the punches. Being flexible when cruising is so important, and I wasn't going to let a port cancellation ruin my trip.

All of the ports — Hagesund, Molde, and Olden — were very different and offered one-of-a-kind experiences

Our cruise would take us to three very different Norwegian ports.

Our first port of call was Molde, a town near the Fannefjord and Moldefjord. Its picturesque harbor, public art, colorful streets, and surrounding hills made it a postcard-perfect introduction to the country. 

We attempted to hike up to Varden Molde Panorama, a picturesque vantage point overlooking the city.  The grade of the hike was too difficult for us, but we shared in a good laugh after how difficult it was.

Stop two brought us to Olden, a village so beautiful that it ended up being my favorite of all the stops.

I actually booked two different shore excursions, because I wanted to maximize our time.

We got off the ship early and took the LOEN Skylift up to the top of Mount Hoven, where we enjoyed amazing views 1,011 meters above the Nordfjord.

After lunch, we booked a panoramic bus tour of Nordfjord.  It wasn't exciting, but it did stop at a number of beautiful spots to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

And Haugesund rounded out our visit. This is a proper city, and it was far more bustling than any of the other stops. We shopped, had lunch in the city, and even took a short walk to a Viking memorial.

It's worth noting we also visited the capital of the country, Oslo, on the previous sailing. The biggest city in Norway, it offered more history and culture than we could fit into our visit.

Because we cruised in summer, I didn't see the Northern Lights. But, I did experience Norway's midnight sun

A few people on my cruise ship asked if we'd be able to see the Northern Lights, but it's practically impossible in June or July (November through March are the months travelers are most likely to see them in Norway).

I did get to experience midnight sun, though. This is when the sun barely sets during the summer months, and it's still very much light out at midnight.

This is because of the earth's tilt, and how far north Norway is located.

During our cruise, the sun would start to set around 11pm, but it wouldn't get truly dark until closer to 1am.  And then the sun would rise again around 4am.

It made sleeping a challenge, as I'm used to relying on any natural light seeping into my room as a sign it's close to the time to wake up.

But it was very strange to have dinner or see a show on Independence and walk out of the venue to see sunshine at 10pm.

The weather was unpredictable, but we got very lucky overall

It seemed like everyday was a guessing game as to whether it would be sunny, cloudy, rainy, or windy.

In general, the weather forecasts were pretty useless.  When comparing forecasts across different sites, each had its own view, and there was never any consistency.

Luckily, we encountered very little rain and comfortable conditions overall.

It rained a little in Olden and Oslo, but in both cases it was short lived. Most of the time we were dry, and the sun was present much more than I expected.

Just like an Alaska cruise, you have to be flexible in your planning and employ the layering strategy for packing.

Most importantly, don't take the weather forecasts as the gospel truth.

Independence had lots of onboard activities to keep us entertained during days at sea

When we weren't in port, I kept myself busy on sea days with the various things to do onboard.

Royal Caribbean is well-known for offering lots of fun things to do on any of its ships.

My daughters loved going to the free skate sessions in the ice skating rink, where Royal Caribbean provided all the equipment to try ice skating.

I gravitated towards the live entertainment onboard, particularly the Pub and band in Star Lounge.  "Rock-aroke" was a really fun take on karaoke, where the guests singing had a band performing instead of a recorded track.

Many of our friends were competitive in the different trivia events onboard too.

The ship's dining options were impressive as well

We mostly ate at the Main Dining Room on Independence of the Seas, but sprinkled in specialty dining too.

There are four specialty restaurants I ate at during my sailing:

• Chops Grille
• Izumi
• Giovanni's Italian
• Playmakers Sports Bar

I took advantage of a a 3-night dining package that I purchased before the cruise began to help augment our dining plans.

This allowed us to enjoy the fantastic service in the Main Dining Room, but change things up with specialty restaurants later without paying full price.

The Nordic voyage was the perfect trip for a family group seeking adventure

We ended our cruise in Southampton, making it convenient to get back to London and catch a flight home.

In retrospect, I'm grateful I had the opportunity to bring my wife and kids to Norway and explore it together. As my girls grow up, family vacations seemingly become more and more important.  Plus, I think even the jaded teenager found it a fun trip.

My kids were able to have time for themselves onboard and meet other teens their age, while my wife and I enjoyed the casino, entertainment, and chatting with friends.

Giving each person the freedom to fill their days as they desired — and spending quality time together at night — was essential to the trip's success.

Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

You can now book a pass to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island when it opens later this year.

The new club will begin operations for all Nassau stops on or after Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Prices for an all-inclusive day pass begin at $169.99 per person.

Royal Caribbean News

• 5 most surprising things revealed about new beach club in The Bahamas
• Restaurants on Star of the Seas now open to book, including the nostalgic Chicago supper club
• The biggest piece of Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas was just installed
• Angry French Mayor yells at cruise ship
• Harmony of the Seas has power outage and propulsion problem on same day
• I cruised in a virtual balcony for the first time. What it's like and why I think it's worth the money
• Royal Caribbean's July 4th cruise deals are worth celebrating with new discounts
• I hadn’t cruised from the West Coast in 15 years. I had a great time, but I’m not sure I would do it again
• I took my family on their first European cruise, and I'm so glad I didn't make a common mistake

New RCB Video: 8 Days Cruising Europe: Not what I expected

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 — 8 Days Cruising Europe: Not what I expected — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

I spent almost $10,000 for first class perks on a Royal Caribbean ship

Royal Caribbean recently began offering its very best perks on some of its older ships, and Matt wanted to see how it worked.

The Royal Genie Package is an optional, but pricey option to get VIP service during your cruise.

Over 8 nights, it cost my family $9,600 to try it and it was really impressive!

4 small things I did before my cruise to Europe that made a huge difference

Jenna took a cruise to Europe, and found a few tweaks to her plan made a big difference.

From the right bag to bring, to planning extra days, she found minor things can help a lot.

By adopting these in your approach, you might get a much better cruise experience as well!

Cruising with family, I created a rule that keeps everyone happy

It's not easy traveling with family, but Matt made a rule for his a while ago that's been helpful ever since.

As children get older, needs evolve, and "maintaining the peace" among everyone is a challenge.

To help get through the teenage years, Matt now always books his cruise with a simple rule in mind.

I took my 64-year-old mom on a cruise. I learned 5 important lessons

Allie went on a mother-daughter cruise, and it taught her a few important rules about cruising.

There's a different dynamic to a cruise when you're going with a parent and the child is an adult too.

Her cruise to the Mexican Riviera was a good reminder of how to balance both their needs.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 569th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, analyzing what Carnival's loyalty program changes mean for everyone.

Carnival announced major changes on how it will overhaul its loyalty program, and it could have major consequences for Royal Caribbean too.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

An engineering marvel has just been completed on Royal Caribbean's next new mega ship.

At a shipyard in Finland, workers celebrated the successful addition of the Aquadome to Legend of the Seas.

The Aquadome is a single-piece glass and steel structure located at the bow of the ship, offering wide panoramic views for guests onboard.

The dome was first built alongside Legend of the Seas, a process that allowed it to be constructed in tandem with ship construction.

This strategy is commonly used in cruise ship building to complete multiple facets of the process at the same time.

It was installed on Saturday, July 5th and it's quite an achievement given that it is the largest steel and glass structure ever lifted onto a ship in one piece.  

According to a statement by Meyer Turku shipyard, lifting and installing a structure of this size and complexity required extensive planning, seamless collaboration, and precise execution

"A big thank you to everyone involved in making it happen!" is what they added in a post on social media.

The AquaDome is 82 feet (25 meters) tall, 164 feet (50 meters) wide, and weighs 367 tons (332 tonnes). 

The dome has 12 modules that were assembled over 8 months, composed of 673 glass panels and 712 aluminum panels.

With the structure in place, work can now proceed to build out the interior of the venue.

Work will commence to add all the interior pieces, such as lighting, bars, lounges, restaurants, sculptures, seating, the central waterfall, and the AquaTheater.

Once the AquaDome is complete, guests will experience 220-degree ocean views, restaurants, bars, nightlife, stunning entertainment, and a 55-foot-tall waterfall.

Aqaudome fun facts

1. It's the Largest Glass and Steel Structure Ever Built on a Cruise Ship

The AquaDome is an architectural marvel made of nearly 700 glass panels and a steel frame that spans the entire front of the ship, offering 270-degree panoramic ocean views.

2. It Replaces the outdoor AquaTheater

Unlike the open-air AquaTheater found on Oasis Class ships, the AquaDome is fully enclosed, allowing Royal Caribbean to run Aqua Shows regardless of weather.

3. It Has a Shape Inspired by the Pantheon

The dome’s circular, skylight-topped design draws inspiration from Rome’s Pantheon, combining modern engineering with timeless symmetry.

4. It Features the Tallest Waterfall at Sea

At the center of the AquaDome is a 55-foot-tall waterfall called the AquaCascade, which serves as a backdrop for acrobatic stunts and synchronized dives.

5. It Doubles as a Tranquil Lounge During the Day

When no shows are running, the AquaDome transforms into a serene space with lounge seating, a full bar, and unbeatable views—perfect for relaxing with a cocktail.

6. It Houses the AquaTheater’s Evolution: Absolute Zero

The AquaDome is home to “Aqua Action!” and other water-based performances that use diving platforms, trapeze rigs, aerial cables, and high-tech lighting in an immersive new venue.

7. It Includes a Full Bar and a Restaurant

Guests can grab drinks and small bites without leaving the space, making it easy to enjoy a full evening of entertainment without missing a moment.

8. It Transforms from Day to Night

With intelligent lighting, moving water elements, and dynamic seating, the AquaDome offers different vibes depending on the time of day—chill lounge by day, spectacle arena by night.

9. It’s One of the Quietest Spaces on the Ship

Despite being near the action, the AquaDome is designed to dampen outside noise, creating a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere for relaxing or socializing.

10. It’s Exclusive to Icon Class Ships

You’ll only find the AquaDome on Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, and future Icon Class ships.

An incredible space only on the Icon Class

The AquaDome was first introduced on Icon of the Seas as a completely new neighborhood concept that was built on the AquaTheater in Oasis-Class ships.

Located atop decks 15 and 16, the neighborhood includes innovative features like the brand-new AquaTheater and the cruise line's first AquaDome Market.

The Icon Class has been specifically marketed to draw in the family vacation market, especially appealing to families with younger children.

Royal Caribbean isn't done building these ships.  There's a fourth unnamed Icon Class ship, with options to build a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship.

Icon 4 is due to be delivered in 2027. No further details have been revealed about Icon 4

Sailing in 2026

Construction on Legend of the Seas began in January of 2024 when steel was first cut in the shipyard.

Once construction is complete, Legend of the Seas will sail to Barcelona, Spain. The ship will begin service with a summer season in the Mediterranean.

The inaugural sailing will now take place on August 2, 2026, which is a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise departing Barcelona.

That fall, Legend transitions to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to offer cruises in the winter around the Caribbean.

The Mayor of a city in France really doesn't want Royal Caribbean's ship to visit.

A dramatic scene unfolded in the French Riviera this week as the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, grandstanded abord a police boat to personally confront Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas.

He claims a new ban on large cruise ships means Voyager cannot visit.

The incident was captured on video as Estrosi shouted at the ship’s crew after they refused to accept a letter demanding the ship's immediate departure.

Showdown in France

Voyager of the Seas arrived off the shore of Villefranche-sur-Mer around 6:30 am on July 3.

The Royal Caribbean ship had 3,114 guests and approximately 1,200 crew members on board. According to port officials, the visit was a pre-approved stop.

However, on July 1st, the cities of Nice and Villefranche had enacted new rules banning cruise ships carrying more than 2,500 passengers from disembarking in the area. 

Estrosi, who is both the mayor of Nice and president of the regional government, viewed the ship's arrival as a direct violation of that ban.

Estrosi boarded a police boat with a television crew and approached Voyager of the Seas at anchor. He requested to board the ship to deliver an official letter instructing the captain not to let passengers ashore and to leave the area. 

Here's a copy of the letter:

Dear Captain,

It has been brought to my attention that your ship, owned by Royal Caribbean Group and currently anchored off Villefranche-sur-Mer, is carrying a number of passengers on board that exceeds the limit of 2,500 people. This threshold was set as part of the policy framework of the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, the port authority for the Nice-Villefranche Santé maritime station, aimed at strictly regulating cruise ship traffic.

In accordance with these publicly announced commitments, I formally request that you refrain from disembarking any passengers from your vessel at the Villefranche maritime station or at any other metropolitan facility.

Given your clear non-compliance with our environmental and territorial regulations, I am bringing this matter to the attention of the Minister for Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, as well as the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean. I am asking them to take, without delay, all necessary measures to order the immediate departure of your ship from the waters off Villefranche.

I therefore urge you to arrange, without delay, for your anchor to be lifted and to leave territorial waters within the day.

The Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur intends to strictly enforce decisions aimed at combating maritime pollution, preserving air quality, and protecting the living environment of residents and visitors.

Thank you for your understanding, and please accept, Captain, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Christian Estrosi
President of the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur

The crew refused to grant him access or accept the letter, and the officer on the landing platform motioned for him to leave.

Visibly frustrated, Estrosi was caught on video shouting, "Where is the captain?" and telling the crew to "get out of here" and "you are nobody." He later accused Royal Caribbean of ignoring local regulations and described the crew’s behavior as "arrogant."

Mayor Estrosi introduced the cruise ship restrictions earlier in 2025 as part of an effort to "combat air pollution, reduce maritime emissions, and preserve quality of life for coastal residents". 

The original proposal sought to limit ships to fewer than 900 passengers and under 690 feet in length. He later compromised by setting the cap at 2,500 passengers.

Villefranche has also capped total cruise visits to one ship per day and no more than 65 calls per year. Meanwhile, neighboring Cannes plans to enforce its own cap of 1,000 passengers per ship starting in January 2026.

Estrosi argued that large vessels like Voyager of the Seas should instead dock in cities better equipped to handle them, such as Marseille.

Estrosi isn't done yet.  In a statement to local reporters, he said, "I will not give up. I intend to strictly enforce the decision." He has since contacted national officials and France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, asking for firm support in upholding the regional cruise limits.

Despite the confrontation, Voyager of the Seas left Villefranche as scheduled on the evening of July 3 and continued its cruise to Ajaccio, Corsica. It will then visit Cannes and Marseille later in the voyage.

Cruise industry response

In response to the incident, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) criticized Estrosi’s approach, calling it "apparently illegal" and inconsistent with the industry’s Sustainable Cruise Charter for the Mediterranean, which Royal Caribbean and other lines signed in June.

The organization is urging French national authorities to intervene and provide guidance, citing the importance of legal clarity and consistency for international cruise operations.