Royal Caribbean Group’s Icon of the Seas will make history next week when it connects to PortMiami’s new shore power system.

“Icon will start utilizing shore power at Port of Miami next week,” announced Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

PortMiami has recently introduced an ambitious shore power program, allowing ships to plug into the grid while docked. This move, starting with the world’s largest cruise ship in early November, represents a key environmental initiative by Royal Caribbean.

In addition to this milestone, Liberty highlighted other eco-friendly advancements. The Celebrity Xcel, launching late next year, will be the company’s first methanol-capable ship, marking a significant step in its energy transition.

He also noted the recent trans-Atlantic voyage of the Utopia of the Seas, which successfully operated using bio-LNG, further underscoring Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainable cruising.

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Royal Caribbean Group has locked in its new ship orders through 2027, with potential plans extending into 2028. Jason Liberty, president and CEO, shared this update during the company’s third-quarter earnings call in late October.

“You’ve seen all of our orders through 2027, and maybe even into 2028,” Liberty remarked.

The upcoming fleet includes three more Icon-class ships, a newbuild for Celebrity Cruises, and another Oasis-class vessel. Additionally, there are two ships on order for TUI Cruises, a joint venture between Royal Caribbean and TUI Group.

Liberty emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable growth: “We’ve secured lots of options but are focused on moderate yield and capacity growth, along with maintaining strong cost control.”

This approach reflects a strategy of expanding the fleet steadily across various brands and regions. “We operate on a global scale, so our new ships aren’t limited to one brand or market. We’re confident that our growth will continue to drive solid returns over time,” Liberty added.

As Royal Caribbean looks ahead, its focus remains on delivering a balanced expansion that enhances both capacity and profitability across its diverse cruise offerings.

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After completing a drydock in Cádiz, Spain, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is making its way back to the U.S., offering a 14-night trans-Atlantic repositioning cruise that departed from Barcelona on October 24, 2024. The ship will arrive in Fort Lauderdale on November 7, following stops in Spain and the Bahamas.

Once in the U.S., the Oasis of the Seas will begin sailing a variety of six- to eight-night cruises from Port Everglades. These itineraries will explore the Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean, with stops at popular destinations such as Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. All cruises will also feature a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Other scheduled destinations include the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, Curaçao, and several ports in Mexico, including Cozumel and Costa Maya. The Oasis of the Seas will operate these itineraries year-round through at least April 2026.

During its recent 20-day drydock, the ship underwent routine maintenance, class inspections, and technical upgrades. Public areas and staterooms received fresh updates, including new carpeting and upholstery. The ship previously underwent a major $165 million overhaul in 2019 as part of Royal Caribbean’s Amplification program, adding new features like the Ultimate Abyss dry slide and additional cabins and suites.

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Royal Caribbean International is set to send four of its ships to Alaska for the summer of 2026, including Voyager of the Seas making its debut in the region.

The Voyager will be joined by Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas for a season of exciting cruises, now available for booking on the company’s website. Departures will be available from Seattle, Seward, and Vancouver.

Here’s a closer look at the summer 2026 lineup:

• Anthem of the Seas: After repositioning from Australia, this Quantum-class ship will begin its second season in Alaska with roundtrip cruises from Seattle starting on May 11, 2026. The ship will offer a series of seven-night itineraries featuring stops in Sitka, Skagway, and Victoria, along with scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm Fjord. Some itineraries will also include a visit to Juneau.

• Voyager of the Seas: In its Alaska debut, the Voyager will offer seven-night cruises departing from Seattle. These itineraries include visits to key Alaskan destinations such as Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point.

• Ovation of the Seas: For the first time, Ovation of the Seas will offer open-jaw cruises between Seattle and Vancouver. Guests will have the opportunity to visit iconic Alaskan locations like Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, and the Hubbard Glacier.

• Serenade of the Seas: Rounding out Royal Caribbean’s 2026 Alaska deployment, Serenade of the Seas will operate roundtrip cruises from Vancouver’s Canada Place Cruise Terminal. These itineraries will include stops at Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Sitka, and scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord.

In addition to the Alaska season, Royal Caribbean is offering special “one-off wander” cruises in 2026. These include eight- to 15-night repositioning cruises on Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, shorter West Coast sailings on Serenade of the Seas, and an eight-night South Pacific cruise aboard Voyager of the Seas.

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As Alaska continues to see rising cruise traffic, Royal Caribbean Group is taking steps to alleviate the congestion. The cruise line has partnered with Goldbelt Incorporated, an Alaska Native for-profit corporation, to co-develop a new port on Douglas Island, just west of downtown Juneau. The port is intended to ease crowding, improve traffic flow, and enhance the visitor experience, while benefiting local businesses.

Some Juneau residents have expressed frustration with the large crowds cruise ships bring, leading to a recent ballot initiative proposing to ban cruise ships on Saturdays. However, 60% of voters rejected the measure, with 3,873 votes against it and 2,586 in favor.

Royal Caribbean’s planned project, called “The Port of Tomorrow,” is expected to be operational by the 2027 Alaska cruise season. The port will include two floating berths overlooking the scenic Chilkat Range and aims to strengthen Juneau’s infrastructure while relieving downtown traffic.

The new port will also offer a cultural experience, with passengers entering a recreated 1800s Alaska Native Tlingit village. There, they will learn about the heritage of Goldbelt Incorporated shareholders through stories, art, dance, and traditional foods.

One major benefit of the new port is its location. Set on Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act land on Douglas Island, the site will allow direct access to popular whale-watching tours and shuttles to Mendenhall Glacier, diverting some traffic away from Juneau’s busiest roads. The project is estimated to reduce bus traffic in downtown Juneau by nearly one-third.

The port’s location along major shipping routes also offers environmental advantages, shortening travel distances and reducing fuel consumption for ships heading to Skagway or Sitka.

Juneau, which hosts over 1.6 million cruise passengers annually, is a key stop for major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, and Viking. The new port aims to accommodate the growing number of visitors while maintaining the city’s infrastructure and honoring its Alaska Native heritage.

This new development is set to support Juneau’s booming tourism industry, which generated $30 million in direct spending and $3.7 million in municipal revenue on Saturdays alone in 2023. The new port will help manage this growth, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy a better experience in the capital of Alaska cruising.

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Royal Caribbean has paid a $473,685 fine to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating waste disposal regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The violations involved eight vessels operating from the Port of Galveston, Texas, which inaccurately reported the type and amount of waste, including incinerator ash, offloaded to local landfills.

From July 2019 to July 2024, Royal Caribbean reportedly failed to properly document and report solid and hazardous waste disposal as required by the EPA. The cruise line did not update notifications, file required biennial reports, or maintain accurate records of the types and amounts of waste generated. Court documents indicated that a Royal Caribbean ship disposed of over a ton of hazardous waste in a month, less than initially reported.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson clarified that the violations were related to documentation, not environmental harm. “The alleged claims resolved with the EPA involved documentation errors and not environmental impact,” a representative told Houston Public Media. The cruise line emphasized its commitment to exceeding environmental standards and maintaining best-in-class waste management practices.

As part of the settlement, Royal Caribbean agreed to improve its waste documentation processes and follow RCRA guidelines for categorizing and reporting waste. The cruise line has 180 days to implement new waste management initiatives.

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has pioneered eco-friendly technologies, including converting solid waste into energy. Other cruise lines are also advancing sustainability efforts with LNG-powered ships, shore power usage, and greener ship designs.

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Starting November 1, 2024, Royal Caribbean International will implement an increase in its daily gratuity charges, as confirmed in a statement to travel advisors.

For passengers staying in standard staterooms, including Junior Suites, the daily gratuity will rise from $18.00 to $18.50 per guest, per day. Suite guests will see a change from $20.50 to $21.00 per guest, per day.

The daily gratuity is distributed among key service teams, including dining, bar, culinary staff, stateroom attendants, and other hotel service personnel. Passengers have the option to pre-pay gratuities at the current rate until October 31, 2024. After that date, those opting to pay onboard will have the new rates automatically applied to their accounts.

Royal Caribbean clarified that while the daily gratuity rate is increasing, other gratuity policies will remain the same. An 18% gratuity will continue to be added to purchases like bar service, room service, mini-bar items, and specialty dining. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is automatically charged for spa and beauty salon services, with all charges itemized on receipts at the time of purchase.

This is Royal Caribbean’s first adjustment to gratuity rates since November 2013, when gratuities for regular cabins were raised from $16.00 to $18.00 per guest, per day, and suite charges increased from $18.50 to $20.50.

Royal Caribbean’s change follows Carnival Cruise Line’s April 2023 gratuity hike, where rates for U.S. and European departures were increased by $1.50 per guest per day, with standard cabin guests now paying $16 and suite guests paying $18 per day.

Passengers planning upcoming voyages may want to consider pre-paying their gratuities to lock in the current rates before the November 2024 increase.

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Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, has officially floated for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its construction. The ship is set to debut in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida. Following 19 months of dedicated work at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the vessel was floated out of the dry dock and into the outfitting stage.

The floating ceremony, complete with a cannon shot to honor maritime tradition, filled the dry dock with 92 million gallons of water over nine hours, bringing the ship one step closer to completion. Star of the Seas will now undergo its final touches inside and out before taking the spotlight next year.

When it debuts, Star of the Seas will expand Royal Caribbean’s offerings with eight unique neighborhoods, similar to its sister ship, Icon of the Seas. Guests can expect everything from high-octane thrills like six of the fastest waterslides at sea to 40-plus dining and drinking options. The ship also features the family-centric Surfside neighborhood, specifically designed for young families to make unforgettable memories.

The vessel will sail seven-night Caribbean cruises, including stops at the exclusive Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, offering a mix of island-hopping adventures and onboard excitement.

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Royal Caribbean is making waves with the announcement that two of its largest and most iconic ships, Symphony of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, are heading to dry dock at the same time for essential refurbishments. This marks an exciting moment for fans of these mega-ships, as both will undergo significant updates to keep them at the forefront of the cruise industry.

Which Ships Are Going to Dry Dock?

• Symphony of the Seas: One of the world’s largest cruise ships, Symphony will be receiving enhancements that maintain its status as a leader in onboard entertainment, dining, and innovation.
• Ovation of the Seas: A beloved Quantum-class ship, Ovation will also be heading into dry dock, where it’s expected to receive modern upgrades and technical updates to improve the overall cruise experience.

Why Are These Refurbishments Important?

Royal Caribbean is known for its commitment to delivering the best experiences at sea. By sending these two massive ships to dry dock simultaneously, the cruise line ensures they remain fresh, modern, and competitive in a fast-evolving industry. Passengers can look forward to new amenities, upgraded technology, and a refreshed look, enhancing the ships’ allure for future sailings.

How Long Will They Be in Dry Dock?

The dry dock process for these mega-ships is expected to take a few weeks, with Symphony and Ovation returning to service with enhancements that will wow guests for years to come. While specific dates haven’t been released for all the changes, it’s clear that these updates are part of Royal Caribbean’s long-term strategy to continuously raise the bar.

What Can Guests Expect Post-Drydock?

While full details of the refurbishments have yet to be announced, past dry docks have resulted in the addition of new dining options, onboard entertainment enhancements, and upgraded staterooms. Guests can also expect technical improvements to ensure smoother sailing and a more seamless cruise experience.

For Royal Caribbean enthusiasts, this is a time to get excited about what’s next. Whether you’ve sailed on Symphony or Ovation before or are planning a future cruise, these updates are sure to elevate your next adventure at sea.

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While it’s no surprise that dangerous items like weapons and fireworks are banned from cruise ships, some prohibited items are less obvious. While it’s no surprise that dangerous items like weapons and fireworks are banned from cruise ships. Some prohibited items are less obvious. Some prohibited items are less obvious. Recently, Royal Caribbean updated its list. It now includes multi-plug outlets. These are classified as “flammable items” alongside extension cords and power strips.

These outlets are often brought by travelers to charge multiple devices like phones, tablets, and hair tools. They are now specifically banned due to the risk of overloading outlets. Overuse could cause overheating, potential fire hazards, or power loss.

A multi-plug outlet is a compact device that plugs directly into a single socket, expanding it to accommodate several plugs. Although convenient, Royal Caribbean now strictly forbids them.

Why the Change?

This policy update highlights growing concerns about electrical safety onboard. Overloaded outlets can lead to fire hazards, particularly on older ships where power outlets are scarce. This may frustrate passengers who rely on multiple devices that need charging.

In addition to banning multi-plug outlets, the prohibited items list has expanded. It now includes detailed descriptions of restricted items like sharp objects and tools. There are also surprising additions like cattle prods.

Alternative Solutions for Charging Devices

Without multi-plug outlets, travelers must plan their charging strategy carefully. Here are some helpful tips:

• Limit Devices: Consider which gadgets are truly necessary during the cruise. With so many activities available onboard, some devices might remain unused.
• Stagger Charging: Plan to charge devices at strategic times. For example, do this while enjoying poolside fun or dining. This helps make the most of limited outlets.
• Recharge Overnight: Recharging phones, tablets, or e-readers overnight ensures they are fully powered for the next day.

Ultimately, it’s every cruiser’s responsibility to review the prohibited items list before sailing. Checking Royal Caribbean’s policy ahead of time will help avoid any inconvenience during embarkation.

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