Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean is crowdsourcing names for its next new cruise ship.

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean revealed long-rumored plans to build a new class of cruise ship that is slightly smaller than its current megaships.

Known as the Discovery Class, the first of these will debut in 2029 with two ships confirmed, and options for four additional ships.

Select past cruisers received an email survey this week that asks them questions about this new class, including ship name suggestions. 

Here's what the survey included.

Getting feedback about what people want on these new ships

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Stelli from La Floating Adventures, sent us a screenshot of these questions.

"Royal Caribbean Group recently announced a new class of ships called Discovery Class, designed to mark a new era of vacation experiences visiting the most sought after destinations around the world."

"Based on what you just read, what stands out to you most about this new ship class?"

Email surveys are a powerful tool for Royal Caribbean to collect data from its customers, and the latest survey was focused on the Discovery Class ships.

The cruise line research team spends time getting lots of feedback from guests, including in targeted surveys.

The "most sought after destinations around the world" statement seems to reinforce the idea these new ships are going to sail to places beyond simply the Caribbean.

Exotic destinations, such as Alaska, Asia, and Europe, are where executives have said the Discovery Class will head.

"Discovery Class is a class for Royal Caribbean. It is a class by its name that will go to Asia, it will go to Alaska, it will go to European itineraries," he said during a question and answer event last week.

"That ship will be specifically designed for those types of more exotic experiences."

Royal Caribbean wants ideas for ship names

Another question in the survey asked guests to name the ships.

"Imagine you got to name the first ship in Discovery Class! What are some names you would love to see for this very first ship? Tell us up to 5 names in the space below."

Typically, Royal Caribbean will name the first ship in a class after the class name.  Subsequent ships in the class sometimes have a name that relates to the original name, but not always.

Mr. Bayley recently explained they used to pay for a research company to generate a list of ship names based on analytical data, but that's changed recently.

"Some years ago, we just said, why don't we just, you know, make our own list," he recalled.

"We got a huge number of suggestions from, from our guests... We get names sent to us all the time, and we literally keep a list of names."

From those names, cruise line executives pick out the best ones and try to come to a consensus on the best one.

"We go through this process of either deciding which is the best name and/or doing more research to validate it. And then, and then we go through a process of getting everybody to agree."

Royal Caribbean asked what they expect from the name

If the Shakespearean quote, "What's in a name?" rings true, it certainly does for cruise ships.

The next question asked what guests expect from the ship name.

"Thinking about Royal Caribbean ships more generally, what (if anything) do you expect from the name of the first ship in a new class?"

This question speaks to the legacy of ship names and how branding plays into choosing one name over another.

A ship name will be in use for at least 30 years, so it's got to evoke the right feeling.

What's important to a ship name

The final question asked guests to rank in order of importance factors that go into a ship name.

"Which of the following, if any, matter to you when it comes to the name of a Discovery Class ship?"

• Something entirely new/different
• Connection to exploration or discovery
• Sense of adventure
• Sense of scale or grandeur
• Innovation or new experiences
• Continuity with past ship naming styles
• Connection to destinations or travel

Like the previous question, this is about getting a better understanding of what people expect from a Royal Caribbean ship's name.

Ship names are as much about branding as they are about distinguishing one from another.

Strong ship names like "Icon of the Seas" signify something being special and different from the rest. It not only is easy to remember, but it likely stands out.

The first Discovery Class ship arrives in 2029

The first Discovery Class ship will be built in the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France.

It will be ready in the fourth quarter of 2029 for delivery, and be the first new ship class since the Icon Class.

According to Royal Caribbean Group's form 10-Q filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the new ship will have an approximate passenger count (berths) of 4,300.

That's about 1,300 passengers less than the Icon Class ships.

Carnival Cruise Line has officially begun construction on the largest ship in its 54-year history, marking a major milestone for the industry — and introducing new competition for Royal Caribbean. 

On July 10, Carnival held a steel-cutting ceremony at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, for Carnival Destiny, the first vessel in the line's upcoming Ace Class. 

When she enters service in summer 2029, Carnival Destiny will take the title of Carnival's largest cruise ship ever, surpassing the line's existing Excel Class ships by roughly 50,000 gross tons, or 27%. 

Each of the three Ace Class ships is expected to measure approximately 230,000 gross tons and accommodate 8,000 passengers, making them among the largest cruise ships ever built. 

"Carnival Destiny builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before, reimagining what guests can experience at sea. With this ship, we're elevating the guest experience again creating a ship that feels more expansive, while helping guests feel more connected and ultimately have more fun," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. 

"And the name of the first ship in this new class will carry a name that I think will bring meaning for all of us because we are building on our history while we move forward with the new Carnival Destiny. Like her original, she is a big step forward, not only for Carnival, but we believe for the industry.”

Even so, Carnival's new ships won't eclipse Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Icon Class. Icon of the Seas, which debuted in 2024, became the world's largest cruise ship at 248,000 gross tons — a title that she and her two sister ships continue to hold.

Although the cruise line hasn't revealed many details about its Carnival Destiny ship, here's a look at how the upcoming flagship compares with Royal Caribbean's Icon Class. 

Editor's note: This article was last updated on July 10, 2026. We will continue to update it as Carnival Cruise Line releases additional details about Carnival Destiny, including her accommodations, onboard attractions, dining venues, entertainment, and more, ahead of her 2029 debut.

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class vs Carnival's Ace Class

Size 

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships measure 248,663 gross tons and 1,196 feet long, according to the cruise line. Additionally, the ships feature 20 decks, including 18 passenger-accessible decks, and measure approximately 219 feet wide. 

Comparatively, Carnival Cruise Line has stated that its upcoming Ace Class ships, including Carnival Destiny, will come in at around 230,000 gross tons. Based on conceptual mockups, it appears that Carnival Destiny will have around 17 passenger-accessible decks, though the exact number hasn't been confirmed. 

Capacity 

Although Icon Class ships are larger in terms of gross tonnage, Carnival's Ace Class ships are expected to have a larger passenger capacity. According to the cruise line, these massive vessels will have over 3,000 cabins and carry around 8,000 guests at full capacity. 

On the flip side, ships like Legend of the Seas have 2,805 cabins and can accommodate 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, increasing to approximately 7,600 guests when every available berth is filled.

Design 

In terms of design, we know that Carnival's Ace Class ships will be the most outward-facing ships at sea, with the largest number of ocean-facing balcony staterooms, a new promenade deck, and over 4.5 acres of glass. Additionally, 70% of the ships' venues and attractions will be brand-new to the cruise line.

This isn't necessarily surprising for a new ship class. When Icon of the Seas launched, the vessel introduced several firsts for the cruise line, including Category 6, the largest water park at sea; the Empire Supper Club; the enclosed AquaDome entertainment venue; Absolute Zero, the largest ice rink at sea with a unique circular design; and other new onboard concepts.

Fuel and sustainability

Finally, both Carnival's Ace Class and Royal Caribbean's Icon Class represent a shift toward more sustainable ship design, with both classes powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

LNG is one of the cleanest fossil fuels used by cruise ships, helping reduce carbon emissions by around 30%. LNG is a natural gas that has been cooled to approximately -260°F. This shrinks its volume by about 600 times, making it easier to store and transport.

No matter how often I cruise, the last morning is the worst feeling because it's an abrupt end of vacation.

You would think after over 100 cruises, I would be used to winding down my trip and disembarking the ship. But it's always an early start that seems leave me tired and disappointed the fun has to come to an end.

Royal Caribbean ships usually arrive into port and begin allowing passengers to leave the ship around 7am or so.  Some of the big ships will get in earlier and start the disembarkation sooner.  Regardless, everyone is usually off the ship by about 9 or 9:30am.

While the cruise line gives you options of what time to disembark, I always opt for the earliest time to leave.

From avoiding lines later to getting home sooner, here are 7 reasons to get off your ship as early as possible.

There's less traffic to deal with earlier in the morning

With thousands of guests disembarking the ship, there's bound to be lots of cars trying to get them all on their way.

I've found most of the car traffic coming in and out of the terminal tends to be worse as the morning goes on.  By being one of the first people off the ship, I can usually get in my car or taxi and be on my way quicker.

This is especially true of ports like Cape Liberty and Miami, which are notorious for bad traffic issues.

Not only are you dealing with traffic from people on your ship, but there will be more cars on the road from other ships as well.

Staying onboard is boring

While Royal Caribbean will let you stay on their ship as late as 9am, the truth is there's nothing to do.

Restaurants are open for breakfast, and the cafe will serve coffee. But there aren't any bars or entertainment open.  Even the pools are closed down for cleaning.

Moreover, you have to be out of your cabin by 8am.  

This leaves little to do other than have somewhere to sit and wait.

When you add in the other issues outlined in this article, it seems to me waiting onboard the ship doesn't add much value while the other problems get worse.

There can be long lines to disembark older ships

I've found older ships have longer lines to disembark the ship than newer ones.

This is partly because older ships tend to start the disembarkation process later than the newest ships. It's also because older ships may be docked at older cruise terminals that aren't as adept at processing more passengers.

As an example, anytime I cruise from Tampa, the earliest it seems disembarkation begins isn't until almost 7:30am.  But on Utopia or Star of the Seas, the gangway is open around 6:30am or earlier.

Truly, I think what time a ship begins allowing guests off the ship plays a major role. The sooner Royal Caribbean can get the line moving, the shorter the line gets.

Ride share costs are lower

If you're taking Uber or Lyft from the cruise port, surge pricing can quickly add to the price.

Surge pricing is a function that occurs when demand for a rideshare starts to outpace demand. This happens at concerts, airports, and cruise terminals.

The first people off the ship typically pay less than those disembarking later when many more passengers are trying to get a ride.

Even if it's just a few dollars cheaper, I'll take it.

Avoid lines in parking garage

If you have your own car, the parking garage can get backed up with other cars trying to leave at the same time.

Luckily, most cruise terminal parking garages require payment upon entry (instead of exit), because that reduces backups to exit the building.  However, too many cars trying to exit at the same time can add to traffic trying to back out of parking spots and down the narrow ramps.

I can make an earlier flight so I can get home sooner

If there's an earlier flight that not only gets me home sooner, but avoids waiting around for hours at the airport, I'll opt for that every single time.

Ideally you want a flight that allows you to disembark the ship, get to the airport, and have just enough time to get through security and get sometime to eat without feeling like you live at the airport.

I've found disembarking the ship earlier often opens up a flight option that would minimize my time spent in the airport.

When I was flying home from my Alaska cruise in Vancouver, there was a morning flight we could make if we hustled off the ship. The alternative was to spend all day in the airport waiting around for the next flight.

Make sure you have enough time to make it to the airport and through security before booking an early flight. Part of this equation is knowing what time you can disembark the ship.

Give me more time for security at airport

In general, the airport gets busier as the day goes on, and that's another good reason to get there early.

As the morning goes on, so do the amount of flights departing and that bring is many more passengers.

I've found the line for airport security is much shorter in the 7am hour, than the 8am hour, and so on.

I would much rather get through security and into a chair somewhere to relax, than have to wait in a long security line and worry about how much longer the experience would be.

One of the questions I get asked most often is, "How are you taking so many Royal Caribbean cruises?"

Over one casino year, we took six Royal Caribbean cruises, stayed in suites we'd never normally book, and brought family and friends along. In total, we spent $9,634 out of pocket. 

How did I do it? The answer is simple: Royal Caribbean's Club Royale. Gambling, while dangerous and addictive, ended up saving my family money because of how we strategically used the casino loyalty program. 

I want to start by saying that everyone's experience will be different. What worked for my husband and me may not work for someone else. Some people lose more money, some lose less, and some walk away ahead. This is simply a look at our experience over the past casino year.

Disclaimer: The casino is not for everyone. This is simply my personal experience with Royal Caribbean's Club Royale program. Gambling is always risky, and the casino is designed to make money. If you have a gambling problem or think you may be developing one, please call The National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537).

Understanding the Club Royale Year

The Club Royale casino year runs from April 1st through March 31st of the following year. To reach Prime status, you need to earn 2,500 casino points.

My husband and I primarily play slot machines, where you earn approximately 1 point for every $5 cycled through the machine. That means reaching Prime requires roughly $12,500 in coin-in (money run through the machine).

A common misconception is that you need to spend $12,500 to earn Prime. In reality, the same money can be played over and over again throughout a cruise. Wins are frequently recycled back into the machines, which helps generate points without necessarily spending the full amount out of pocket.

Our 2025-2026 Cruise Year

During one casino year, we sailed on:

• 9 Nights on Liberty of the Seas
• 7 Nights on Star of the Seas
• 7 Nights on Harmony of the Seas (2 cabins)
• 6 Nights on Oasis of the Seas
• 7 Nights on Independence of the Seas (2 cabins)
• 7 Nights on Icon of the Seas (2 cabins)

The extra cabins allowed us to bring family and friends along. For example, on Harmony of the Seas, we brought friends who only paid taxes and fees. On Independence of the Seas, we brought my stepson and mother-in-law, and on Icon of the Seas, we brought another set of friends.

Plus, something many cruisers don't realize is that Club Royale players can sometimes combine offers (subject to availability and terms and conditions).

For example, on our Oasis of the Seas sailing, I had an oceanview offer while my husband had a balcony offer. By working with Club Royale, we were able to upgrade to a Crown Loft Suite and pay only the taxes and fees. That single suite would have cost thousands of dollars if booked outright!

What We Actually Spent 

Casino Losses: $6,329.48

• My total casino loss for the year: $4,698.96
• My husband's total casino loss for the year: $1,630.52

Taxes and Fees: $3,305.34

• Liberty of the Seas: $486.68
• Star of the Seas: $268.34
• Harmony of the Seas (Cabin #1): $279.12
• Harmony of the Seas (Cabin #2): $279.12
• Oasis of the Seas: $305.04
• Independence of the Seas (Cabin #1): $451.36
• Independence of the Seas (Cabin #2): $451.36 
• Icon of the Seas (Cabin #1): $392.16
• Icon of the Seas (Cabin #2): $392.16

Grand Total: $9,634.82

• Total casino losses: $6,329.48
• Total taxes and fees: $3,305.34

Putting the Numbers Into Perspective

To better understand the value of my Club Royale offers, I looked up the retail pricing of just a few of the cruises we sailed:

• Oasis of the Seas Crown Loft Suite: Over $7,500 for two people
• Icon of the Seas: Over $4,000 for two people
• Star of the Seas: Over $5,000 for two people

Those three cruises alone would have cost more than our entire annual out-of-pocket spending through Club Royale. And that's before considering the additional cruises, extra cabins for family and friends, complimentary offers, and other casino benefits.

Is Club Royale Worth It?

For us, the answer is yes. We enjoy spending time in the casino while cruising, and the offers we've received have dramatically reduced the cost of our vacations. 

Not only that, but we've been able to stay in cabins we would never normally book and bring family and friends along for experiences they otherwise might not have had.

That said, gambling is entertainment, not an investment strategy. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose, and never chase losses. The casino can be a fun part of a cruise vacation, but it should never become a financial burden.

My experience is only one example, and your results may be completely different. Some players receive better offers, some receive worse offers, and everyone's gambling habits and luck vary. 

For our family, Club Royale has helped us create incredible memories while spending far less than we would have paid booking the same cruises at retail prices.

Planning memorable days ashore on a European cruise is just as important as picking the right ship. From historic walking tours to Mediterranean sailing adventures and authentic cooking classes, there's no shortage of activities for all ages and interests. 

However, as you begin your research, you may be curious as to whether it's better to book directly through your cruise line or through a third party. 

On my recent European cruise aboard Harmony of the Seas, I wasn't sure how to spend my day in Palma de Mallorca. It was my first time visiting the Spanish island, and I was a bit overwhelmed by all the available options. 

Initially, my sister and I thought about taking the shuttle into town and exploring on foot. However, we came across the "Exclusive Soller and Valldemossa" tour through Shore Excursions Group, which immediately caught our eye. 

I had booked with Shore Excursions Group before in Alaska. However, the tour was a round-trip transfer to the Mendenhall Glacier during a stop in Juneau.

This time, I was excited to book with them again for a more immersive and guided shore excursion, especially since I didn't know what to expect from Palma de Mallorca. 

The five-hour tour — which costs around $169 when purchased in advance through Shore Excursions Group's website — included round-trip transportation from the port to Valldemossa and Sóller in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, along with insightful commentary from our private guide. 

Overall, the small-group tour to Valldemossa and Sóller was perfect for my sister and me, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone visiting Palma de Mallorca on a cruise ship who can't decide which must-see highlights are worth checking off their bucket list. 

Editor's note: Shore Excursions Group generously gifted Royal Caribbean Blog this tour in Palma de Mallorca. However, all opinions are still our own. Additionally, we included secure booking links in this article. While it costs nothing to book through the links, we receive a commission for each reservation. Thank you for your support!

One day in Palma de Mallorca: Shore Excursions Group review

The day started off bright and early at 9:30 a.m., when we were picked up directly outside the cruise terminal's doors. The confirmation email provided very clear instructions, along with day-of contact information, so we weren't left guessing where to meet or who to look for once we disembarked.

We were then introduced to our driver, Oscar, and our tour guide, Camy. Although the van had room for up to six passengers, it ended up being just the two of us! This was a nice surprise, though even if more passengers had joined, it would have felt far more comfortable and personable than some of the larger tours I've experienced in other ports of call. 

Camy gave us a quick rundown of our day's itinerary. First, we were going to make a quick stop at the Lafiore glass factory before continuing on to Valldemossa, where we'd be given a short walking tour before being allotted a little free time. 

Inside the glass workshop, we were able to watch real-time demonstrations as artisans transformed molten glass into beautifully crafted pieces right before our eyes.

There was also a large shopping area attached to the workshop, which was filled with finished pieces ranging from delicate oil decanters to decorative vases and more. 

We hopped back in the van and headed to Valldemossa, a postcard-worthy village that's tucked into the Tramuntana mountains. 

En route to the village, Camy shared a bit of its history, explaining that the name dates back to a 13th-century origin meaning "valley of the woman." 

She also pointed out that Valldemossa later became especially popular in the 18th century as a retreat for European artists, writers, painters, and composers, most famously the composer Frédéric Chopin. 

Upon arrival, we took a quick walk through King Juan Carlos Gardens before popping into the Carthusian monastery at the request of my sister. 

Then, Camy guided us on a short walk to a breathtaking overlook that opened up over the valley and surrounding mountains. It was easy to tell why so many artisans and musicians had been inspired by the area! 

Another request we had was to stop in the Majorica pearls store on one of the main roads. My sister's birthstone is a pearl, so she couldn't resist adding a few pieces to her ever-growing collection. 

After that, Camy gave us a little free time to explore the streets on our own. However, she did recommend a pastry shop, even coming inside to point out her favorite treats!

We grabbed two pastries from Ca'n Molinas, along with two much-needed cappuccinos, and found a spot on the quaint back patio to sit, rest, and enjoy our sweet treats. 

Camy highly recommended the almond cake since almond trees grow all over the island (fun fact: there are over 200 different variations of almonds found on Palma de Mallorca!). 

The cake was a little dry, but what it lacked in moisture, it more than made up for in flavor. The nuttiness paired really well with our coffees, too. 

Before we knew it, it was time to make our way back to Oscar and begin the drive to Sóller. After spending time in the direct sun, it was nice to have some built-in time to cool down in the van!  

Our first stop was the lighthouse. I saw so many people making the treacherous hike up the mountain, but both Oscar and Camy said that this wasn't super common. 

I'd understand if it was, though. The views at the top were absolutely unreal, with sweeping stretches of the rugged Spanish coastline and boats dotted throughout the harbor below. 

Like in Valldemossa, we were given a little bit of free time to enjoy the Port of Sóller before finally heading back to our cruise ship. 

The vibe was completely different than Valldemossa. The waterfront promenade had tons of cute cafés and easy beach access. 

In fact, we found time to enjoy some gelato and take off our shoes to dip our toes in the Mediterranean Sea. Visiting in late May, the water was much chillier than we expected, and we didn't understand how so many people were braving it. 

Oscar and Camy were waiting for us right where they dropped us off, and we began our 40-minute drive back to the cruise port. We arrived with over an hour to spare before the all-aboard time! 

Booking a tour through Shore Excursions Group comes with benefits like competitive pricing and smaller groups

After over three dozen cruises, it's safe to say that I've definitely had a lot of luck with third-party tours and often prefer them to cruise line-sponsored excursions. 

For example, I booked a great snorkeling tour in Aruba once that cost less than similar excursions offered through Royal Caribbean. Another time, I found a small-group trip from Civitavecchia to Rome after being unimpressed with MSC's options. 

I've learned that independent operators, like Shore Excursions Group, offer more personalized experiences than what cruise lines offer. Even if they are a little pricier, you get more bang for your buck than when booking tours through the cruise line.

Plus, Shore Excursions Group has the industry's strongest guaranteed return-to-ship policy, so we weren't worried about getting left behind. 

However, if a tour booked through Shore Excursions Group delays your arrival and you miss the ship, they will arrange and pay for your accommodations, meals, and transportation to the next port of call. Plus, they'll shell out an additional $1,000 USD payout per customer for the inconvenience. 

So, is booking a tour through Shore Excursions Group worth it? Absolutely. 

Based on my experience in Palma de Mallorca, the entire day was well-organized, personalized, and stress-free from start to finish. My sister and I loved that the tour ended up being just the two of us, as it allowed for a more flexible itinerary and a more relaxed pace compared to other cruise line excursions I've taken in the past. 

That said, what stood out most was that we benefited from both a guided tour and independent exploration. For example, we got to see hidden gems in Valldemossa while also getting to wander souvenir shops and enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up by ourselves. 

If you're ready to book your upcoming tours, fill out this registration form to receive personalized excursion recommendations for your cruise from Shore Excursions Group.

I recently dined at the Hollywoodland Supper Club on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, which is about as fancy a dinner you're going to find at sea.

I've eaten at plenty of the cruise line's specialty restaurants, but its supper clubs are a new breed of ultra refined dining.  There's just one serving per night, formal dress code is required, and it costs $200 per person.  

Over the course of my three-hour, six course meal at Hollywoodland Supper Club, several things surprised and impressed me that truly stand out from other restaurants onboard Legend of the Seas. Some were things I had never experienced, and others were changes made for this version of the restaurant.

Here are the seven things you'd likely find surprising if you're eating at this restaurant for the first time.

Check-in was surprisingly personal.

We received a phone call to our stateroom earlier in the day telling us to be outside the restaurant about 20-30 minutes before our dining time.

When we arrived, there were other couples and groups ready for dinner as well. Everyone is dressed elegantly, and you can tell quickly this is something different.

As soon as we arrived, a waiter approached us and greeted us by name.  Each waiter is assigned a few tables, and using the ship's photo manifest, is able to figure out who you are before you can introduce yourself.

When the doors opened, instead of walking into the restaurant on our own, our waiter escorted us in. 

It was a small but striking detail that made the experience feel intimate and thoughtful from the start.

The menu had six courses, but there were a few surprises.

Once seated, you're presented an ornate menu that is heavier than a coffee table book.

It lists four appetizers, a main course, and a dessert.  However, there's more than that to be served.

We were served an amuse-bouche to start, which is a single-bite hors d'oeuvre that's designed to surprise you and start the meal.

There was also a palate cleanser, served over dry ice.

For dessert, not only did they bring out both desserts for us to enjoy, but there was a third surprise dessert that was served at the very end.

The food and cocktails matched the evolution of film.

Our waiter explained each course as it was served, as well as the narrative behind the meal.

Hollywoodland celebrates the golden age of movie cinema, beginning with the black and white era of film and moving into color. The food reflects that.

The amuse-bouche was purely black and white, just like the early movies.  Then the bread course is mostly still black, but introduces subdued color.

One of the appetizers is green, because early film technology lacked the full color spectrum and could only do basic colors, such as green.

As the meal progresses, more color is introduced, so by the time you get into the later appetizers and entrees, it's full color.

I thought this was a clever way to include storytelling in the meal experience.

The entire meal took about three hours to complete.

This was my wife's first time trying a supper club, and she was surprised by the fact dinner was three hours long and how it didn't feel like it was that long.

Usually any dinner on a cruise ship that's more than 90 minutes starts to feel like it drags on, but the combination of live entertainment, a seemingly never ending supply of cocktails, and the creative food displays helped hold our attention.

Supper clubs, in general, are a multi-hour event. Royal Caribbean wanted to be true to form with the format with their version.

The new take on salad surprisingly turned out to be both of our favorites.

Of all the food served, I loved Brown Derby Cobb Salad because of how much it surprised me.

Royal Caribbean actually sent a team to Walt Disney World's Hollywood Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios to sample the best example of the original Cobb Salad that was invented in 1937. The original Brown Derby restaurant burned down in 1987, but Disney's restaurant is a replica and licensed copy.

The version served on Legend of the Seas is a modern interpretation, and I loved how different it was while remaining true to a Cobb salad.

It was the kind of dish I would have liked a few extra to eat another day.

The entertainers took turns for breaks, but it was smartly done.

There are up to four entertainers on the stage at any time during your meal, but they're not up there for all three hours.

Instead, each member of the quartet is brought on stage as the meal begins.  Eventually all four are on stage together, but then one by one, they step away for breaks.

Rather than ending the music temporarily for a break, they strategically will let one or two of them quietly depart while the others keep playing.

This keeps the mood and music going, without abruptly halting the vibe. Moreover, it allows whoever is left on stage time to shine on their own and display more of their talents.

When all four of them are on stage, you recognize the collective talent and it really shines.

I asked for the fish cocktail because it looked too fun.

Each course is paired with a specific cocktail, including the entrees that have their own assigned cocktails.

I ordered the Wagyu beef, but I saw my waiter walking around with a glass fish.  It was meant for the Black Cod dish, but I had to try it because it looked so fun.

My waiter was more than happy to oblige, and he brought one out.  It was a refreshing cucumber based drink, reminding me a lot of the cucumber martini from 150 Central Park.

Never hesitate to ask the crew members if there's something you'd like to try.

Royal Caribbean is buoying up its operations, with plans to launch seven new cruise ships over the next six years.

Now that Legend of the Seas has launched, Royal Caribbean has even bigger plans on the horizon. The family-friendly cruise line — known for its record-breaking ships — will welcome seven new ships to its fleet by 2032, including the first-ever Discovery Class vessels. 

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean has grown into one of the world's largest cruise operators. And over the years, they have developed a cult-like following of cruisers who are "Loyal to Royal," welcoming over seven million passengers aboard their fleet in 2025. 

Today, the cruise line operates 30 ships globally, sailing to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Asia, and beyond. 

In July, Royal Caribbean officially welcomed its newest ship, Legend of the Seas, to the family. Legend's debut marks the first time that an Icon Class ship has offered regular voyages in the Mediterranean. 

"With Legend of the Seas, we are bringing to life our most legendary vacation yet as we continue to push the boundaries with more of what guests know and love," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

"Those looking to get the most out of their vacation can have it all with Legend's combination of adventure-packed experiences and incredible destinations in Europe and the Caribbean."

Looking ahead, the company doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, they've announced plans for a major fleet expansion, with seven Oasis, Icon, and Discovery Class ships set to join the fleet over the next six years. 

The upcoming additions will continue Royal Caribbean's push to redefine the cruise experience, introducing new innovations, attractions, dining venues, cabins, and more.

New Royal Caribbean ships on order (2027-2032)

Royal Caribbean has confirmed orders for seven new ships through 2032, though some details about the upcoming vessels remain limited. 

For example, the cruise line has only announced the name of its next Icon Class ship — Hero of the Seas — while additional details about other ships and their features have yet to be revealed.

That said, here's a rundown of the New Royal Caribbean ships on order over the next six years:

• Hero of the Seas, Icon Class (2027)
• Unnamed Oasis 7, Oasis Class (2028)
• Unnamed Icon 5, Icon Class (2028)
• Unnamed Discovery 1, Discovery Class (2029)
• Unnamed Icon 6, Icon Class (2029)
• Unnamed Icon 7, Icon Class (2030)
• Unnamed Discovery 2, Discovery Class (2032)

Royal Caribbean's aggressive expansion plans

What's particularly interesting about the proposed timeline is how the company has doubled down on ship launches in 2028 and 2029. 

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce multiple new vessels during those years, with two ships scheduled to debut each year (Oasis 7 and Icon 5 in 2028, followed by Discovery 1 and Icon 6 in 2029).

This expansion would mark one of the company's most ambitious periods of growth, allowing Royal Caribbean to add to its record-breaking ship classes and introduce its highly anticipated Discovery Class product. 

Not only that, but this strategy is slightly unusual in the cruise industry, with most lines spacing out new ship launches to balance financial commitments and manage construction timelines with the shipyards. 

Carnival Cruise Line, for example, has five ships on order through 2033. Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival's launches are spread out over several years, starting with Carnival Festivale in 2027. 

After that, Carnival Tropicale will join the fleet, followed by three Project Ace class ships in 2029, 2031, and 2033. 

Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Line is tied with Royal Caribbean on future ship orders, with seven new vessels expected to join the fleet between 2027 and 2037.

However, unlike Royal Caribbean's more concentrated expansion strategy, Norwegian's new ships are spread out across a decade. Norwegian Aura is scheduled to debut in 2027, followed by additional vessels arriving throughout the 2030s, including the line's biggest vessels yet. 

Moreover, most of Norwegian's upcoming launches are spaced roughly every other year. For instance, after the debut of a new Prima Class ship in 2028, Norwegian will launch a new ship class in 2030. Additional ships from that class will then join the fleet in 2032, 2034, and 2036.

Having delivered unforgettable vacations for nearly 60 years, Royal Caribbean is ready to usher in a new era of cruising, one that sees a rapid fleet expansion, introduces new ship classes, and continues to redefine what's possible at sea. 

A court overturned the environmental approval required for Royal Caribbean to begin construction on its newest cruise port. 

According to local news outlets, a regional administrative court in Lazio, Italy, on July 3 repealed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the €600 million project in Fiumicino. 

Judges ruled that the development had been incorrectly classified as a tourist marina when it should have been classified as a commercial port, even though the Royal Caribbean Group-backed project also includes plans for commercial space, restaurants, a hotel, shops, public waterfront parks, and more. 

As such, the environmental approval issued by Italy's Ministry of Environment and Energy Security was overturned, and construction cannot move forward. 

That doesn't mean the project is entirely dead, though. In a statement to Italian media, Fiumicino Waterfront CEO Galliano Di Marco claimed they will appeal the decision through the appropriate legal channels within the prescribed timeframe.

Why Royal Caribbean wants to build a new Rome cruise port

The newly proposed cruise port, located in Fiumicino near Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, would allow cruisers to board ships closer to the city center and the airport.

Currently, Rome's cruise port is in Civitavecchia, over 80 kilometers (50 miles) away from the city, or about an hour's drive. 

Its proximity to Rome's major international airport would also make it more convenient for guests to embark and disembark. Those boarding ships in Rome could be at the terminal in minutes, rather than boarding shuttle buses or reserving pricey private transfers for the long drive to Civitavecchia.

According to the developers, the new cruise terminal would have the capacity to serve more than 1 million passengers annually and operate as a homeport for cruise ships for roughly 200 days each year.

Plans further indicate that ships would have access to shore power while docked. As such, they wouldn't have to run the engines in port. 

Moreover, the development would supposedly create thousands of jobs, improve local infrastructure, and help meet the growing demand for cruise and yacht facilities in the Mediterranean. 

Second major setback this year for Royal Caribbean

In May, Mexican Environment Minister Alicia Barcena confirmed that plans for Perfect Day Mexico wouldn't be approved following massive backlash from environmental groups, as previously reported by Royal Caribbean Blog. 

According to a report released by Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), officials felt that there were too many concerns tied to mangroves, coral reefs, groundwater systems, and broader ecosystem impacts in Mahahual, Costa Maya. 

SEMARNAT also claimed that Perfect Day Mexico added risks to the Mesoamerican Reef System involving groundwater and underground hydrological systems.

Another concern was that Royal Caribbean combined all elements of the project (i.e., the water park, beach club, and cruise pier) into one large development, instead of evaluating individual parts. Combined, officials argued that the environmental effects would be too significant to ignore.

That said, the company isn't abandoning its Perfect Day Mexico plans. Instead, they're reworking elements of the project to address the concerns around its coastal impact, with plans to re-engage with stakeholders in the future. 

Among all the choices of which stateroom to book on the world's largest ship, a balcony is the most common room you'll find.

Decades ago, a balcony was a luxury. Now, they're the most popular cabin and Royal Caribbean has the most inventory of them on its ships, including the brand new Legend of the Seas.

While there's so much to do around this 5,610-guest ship, it's really nice to come back to your room and have your own private area outside to enjoy.

I've been on over 100 cruises, so I've stayed in every single stateroom category. Balcony rooms are undeniably the Goldilocks choice because of their space, size, and amenities.

Royal Caribbean assigned me a mid-ship balcony cabin for the new vessel's complimentary four-night non-revenue test cruise in late June.

Full disclosure: Royal Caribbean invited me to sail on Legend of the Seas and I did not pay for this cruise.

Balcony cabins can be $600 more expensive (per person) than the cheapest inside cabins.

At the time of writing, the least-expensive inside cabins for Legend of the Seas' 2026 itineraries start at about $1,138 per person for a six night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Falmouth, Jamaica and Labadee, Haiti (the company's private beach destination).

On the same itinerary, a balcony cabin starts at $1,799 per person, or about $300 per person, per day.

Both types of rooms include the same core options. The difference is in the size, layout, and views you get with a balcony.

Having a balcony means having a quiet space on a ship that is known for being busy

Most standard balcony rooms have a square footage of around 40-50 square feet, which is just enough space for two chairs and a small table.

It's not spacious, but there is plenty of room for two people to enjoy being outdoors.

It's great having your own view, anytime you want it, especially for sailaway or when you want to admire the view outside.

It's also calming to have a balcony room because it's your own space that doesn't have party music, other conversations, or people to contend with. It's nice being able to pop outside anytime you like to read, watch the ocean pass by, or just enjoy some solitude.

Some people will leave their balcony door open and lay in their bed to allow the sea breeze and ocean sounds to filter in.

Luckily my bed was near the balcony door, so I had the perfect view each morning.

I was assigned room 7276, and the king size bed was positioned near the balcony door.  

Royal Caribbean alternates its cabin layout with the bed or the couch near the balcony door.  

Since the couch often gets filled up with clutter, I was happy to have the bed near the window instead.

Better yet, there are USB and power outlets on either side of the bed.  I love having my phone charged overnight and then wake up to be able to conveniently check it as I flip between apps and the outside view.

The couch offers more seating, but I'm bad about keeping it clutter-free.

Our room had a rather large couch, which is nice for having somewhere else to sit during the day.

The sofa is firm, and probably could be good for a nap.

My bad cruising habit that I can't stop doing is using my couch as a collection point for clothes, papers, souvenirs, and anything else I bring back to the room.

There is a vanity and sitting area across from the sofa.

I probably spend more time at the vanity than the sofa, which acts as both my office desk and a prep area for my wife.

As a remote worker, I appreciate how many power and USB outlets there are here. In fact, I don't think you need to bring a USB power extender on an Icon Class ship because of how many outlets Royal Caribbean has in these rooms.

You'll also find additional drawers here, along with a hidden mini-refrigerator.

The wire baskets are still the worst thing about this cabin.

A closet and shelves offer additional storage, including closet doors that open up to have vertical space for hanging clothes.

There are shelves with wire baskets below, but I cannot believe Royal Caribbean continues to use these in the third Icon Class ship.

The wire baskets make an incredibly loud and obnoxious screeching sound when they slide in or out, and it's been my top complaint about staterooms since Icon of the Seas first debuted.

Despite lots of complaints, these baskets are still in use.  Some passengers collect the baskets and toss them to the side, but then I run into the issue of clothes (particularly socks) sliding too far back into the cubby area.

The bathroom has the best standard shower at sea.

If the baskets are the worst feature about the room, the shower is the best innovation Royal Caribbean added to these ships.

Royal Caribbean has showers on Legend of the Seas that are quite large, with a sliding open door and a seat inside the shower.

Most cruise ships have narrow tube shaped showers that feel cramped and awkward to use.  But this shower feels far less cramped, and has an adjustable shower head that can go up or down.

Be sure to bring your own toiletries.

Royal Caribbean provides a basic 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash, but I think most people will prefer something more specialized.

There's no separate conditioner or body wash, so I'd recommend packing your own to bring onboard.

Since I always fly to my cruise ship at least one day early, I'll buy those toiletries once I arrive to avoid having to fly (and potentially explode) with those kinds of liquids.

Overall, a balcony room is enough for most people's needs

Is a balcony worth spending hundreds of dollars more to enjoy? If having easy access to a private, open-air space with ocean views is important, then yes.

The debate of an inside vs balcony room often boils down to cost versus amenity. You can argue how much you'd actually use the balcony, but there's no denying it's lovely to have it. 

Admittedly, I spent very little time on my balcony on this cruise, but that had a lot to do with the fact it was summer and hot.  Plus, I was busy exploring the new ship.

I think this balcony room is comparable in size to other cruise ship balconies, but I appreciated how many outlets there were and the shower configuration.

Royal Caribbean is offering its smart wearable bracelet that can help parents track their kids' location on its newest ship, Legend of the Seas.

The cruise line's "Find My Kid" feature is available on the latest Icon Class ship, according to the company's website. 

It was first tested aboard Icon of the Seas in mid-2024 and was eventually rolled out on Star of the Seas in 2025. 

Now, this innovative feature has been expanded to Legend of the Seas. This gives families an easy way to keep tabs on their younger kids through the mobile app — for an additional cost. 

How does "Find My Kid" work on Royal Caribbean?

"Take peace of mind to the max on Legend of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Using the Find My Kid feature in the Royal Caribbean® App along with the Adventure Ocean® WOW Band, you can keep an eye on your kids aged 3 to 12 from the convenience of your mobile device," Royal Caribbean says. 

"Signing up is easy: once onboard, register your kids in Royal Caribbean's free, award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, purchase the Adventure Ocean WOW Band... and sign up for Find My Kid. You... will then be able to locate your kids in public areas of the ship and your stateroom through the app's deck maps."

Parents can also decide who has access to the feature. At their discretion, they can allow other members of their travel party, such as older siblings or grandparents, to track their children's location through the Royal Caribbean mobile app.

Unfortunately, this feature isn't free since it requires a special WOW Band, which currently costs $14.99. That said, the Adventure Ocean WOW Band can also open your stateroom door and be used to make onboard purchases, eliminating the need to carry a SeaPass card. 

Additionally, it can be used on future cruises, meaning families who plan on sailing aboard Star or Legend of the Seas more than once won't need to purchase a new band on each voyage. 

Why not just use Apple AirTags?

Royal Caribbean's "Find My Kid" is designed specifically for use onboard, allowing it to pinpoint a child's location across multiple decks of the ship more accurately than AirTags. 

Plus, since it is seamlessly integrated into the mobile app, parents can quickly view their child's location on the ship's deck map without relying on a stable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. 

In fact, you don't need an internet package at all to use the feature (just be sure to download the current version of the Royal Caribbean app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before your cruise!).

(Credit: Shannon Sinclair)

That said, "Find My Kid" isn't meant to replace parental supervision on Star or Legend of the Seas. Instead, it's designed to provide an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind on these massive mega ships. 

Should "Find My Kid" be available for teens, too?

In addition to being on limited ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, many passengers argue that the feature should also track teenagers.

"They need to make it available for teens too," commented Courtney on a previous Royal Caribbean Blog post. 

Mike T added, "I'd want this for a teenager at 10pm...not little kids." 

However, teens have the ability to chat through the Royal Caribbean app, whereas guests 13 and under don't. They either have to use a parent's device or communicate through apps like iMessage or WhatsApp with an internet package. 

As such, the "Find My Kid" feature is aimed at younger passengers who may not have a phone of their own and cannot communicate directly with their parents. 

It's not uncommon, for example, to hear announcements over the public address system asking a specific guest to report to Guest Services, often because a family member is trying to locate them and can't get in touch with them.

By making it easier for parents to easily locate their children through the app, the feature can help reduce the need for those ship wide announcements and panic that comes with not knowing where your child is.