Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will connect to PortMiami’s new shore power system in early November, marking a significant environmental milestone. This initiative is part of Royal Caribbean’s broader sustainability efforts, which also include the methanol-capable Celebrity Xcel launching next year and the Utopia of the Seas using bio-LNG on its trans-Atlantic crossing.
Royal Caribbean has confirmed new cruise ship orders through 2027, with potential plans extending into 2028. The fleet expansion includes three Icon-class ships, a new Celebrity vessel, and another Oasis-class ship, plus two for TUI Cruises. CEO Jason Liberty emphasized a strategy of moderate growth, cost control, and a global approach to fleet deployment.
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is returning to the U.S. after completing a drydock in Spain. The ship is sailing a 14-night trans-Atlantic cruise from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, arriving on November 7, 2024. It will then offer Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades, with updated public areas and staterooms following its recent refurbishment.
Royal Caribbean International is sending four ships to Alaska for the summer of 2026, including Voyager of the Seas on its first visit. Joining Voyager are Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas. Guests can explore iconic destinations like Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, with departures from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward.
Royal Caribbean is partnering with Goldbelt Incorporated to build a new cruise port in Juneau, Alaska, aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow. Set to open in 2027, the “Port of Tomorrow” will feature two berths and a recreated Alaska Native village, while diverting a third of downtown bus traffic, enhancing both visitor and resident experiences.
Royal Caribbean has been fined $473,685 by the EPA for violations related to improper waste disposal documentation at the Port of Galveston. The violations, spanning from 2019 to 2024, involved inaccurate reporting of waste amounts. The cruise line emphasized that the issues were documentation-related and not environmental, reaffirming its commitment to industry-leading waste management practices.
Royal Caribbean International is raising its daily gratuity charges starting November 1, 2024. Standard stateroom gratuities will increase from $18.00 to $18.50 per guest, per day, while suite guests will pay $21.00. Passengers can pre-pay gratuities at the current rate until the end of October 2024, after which the new rates will apply onboard.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas has floated for the first time, reaching a key milestone before its August 2025 debut. The ship will offer eight distinct neighborhoods, thrilling waterslides, and over 40 dining options. Sailing from Port Canaveral, Star will take guests on seven-night Caribbean cruises, including visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Royal Caribbean is sending two of its largest ships, Symphony of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, to dry dock for simultaneous refurbishments. Both mega-ships will undergo significant updates to enhance guest experiences and maintain their status as industry leaders. These changes promise fresh amenities, new technology, and upgrades for future sailings.
Royal Caribbean has updated its prohibited items list to include multi-plug outlets, classifying them as "flammable items." The change aims to prevent overloading outlets, which can lead to fire hazards. With limited power outlets onboard, passengers should plan ahead for charging devices and review the cruise line’s restrictions to avoid having items confiscated.
