Royal Caribbean Blog

You've probably heard lots about Icon of the Seas by now, but what makes the ship so highly celebrated?

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship this month on a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing.

I wanted to see exactly why this ship has been so hyped over the past few months, and if all the praise is deserved.

Initially, I expected the ship to feel like a bigger version of an Oasis-Class ship, with tons of amenities and huge crowds.

Other than knowing about the ship's size and focus on providing a fun experience for younger families, I didn't know what to expect.

But by the end of the sailing, I think I was just as impressed as everyone else. Icon of the Seas felt more like a mix between an Oasis-Class and a Quantum-Class ship.

Yes, she's big, but the vessel has more to offer than just size.

From the moment you step on board, it's evident that Royal Caribbean wanted to improve upon previous problems while creating an entirely new class of ship.

Read more: 14 improvements Royal Caribbean developed just for Icon of the Seas

What justifies all the hype around this ship is that the improvements and new ideas are well-designed, well-executed, and extremely celebrated throughout your time onboard.

The size makes you feel like you're not on a cruise ship at all

Of course, Icon's size cannot be overlooked.

Since the vessel debuted, I've seen graphics and photos of how large the ship is. However, it's hard to comprehend once you're onboard.

Especially with the wide-open public spaces, it hardly feels like you're on a cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas feels more like a small city.

Part of her novelty is that you can almost forget you're floating in the ocean (until you glance outside, that is).

I think Royal Caribbean wanted to lean into this aspect because, at the beginning of the cruise, they announced that there wouldn't be any daily event announcements or updates from the captain.

Without a direct connection to the bridge, the ship felt less like a cruise ship and more like a theme park.

I won't say that everyone will enjoy this aspect, but it made for a unique and interesting experience that you can't get anywhere else.

Read more: First look Inside the World's Biggest Cruise Marvel, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

The ship's design is the perfect mix of elegant and fun

When I first walked up the gangway, and onto deck 5, I was immediately struck by the bright colors and cheerful style of decoration.

This is most evident in Surfside neighborhood, an area focused on families with young kids that pops with neon colors and bright pinks and blues.

However, all areas around the cruise ships are filled with these vibrant colors.

I even mentioned it to our stateroom attendant, and she agreed.

"It's so cheerful!"

However, the playful colors were combined with elegant designs onboard.

For example, art pieces were in every corner of the ship.

The Pearl brought a smooth, graceful atmosphere to the Royal Promenade.

The entire design of the ship, from decorations to layout to art pieces, perfectly mixed the vibe of young and old, fun and elegant.

Read more: I took the inaugural cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship. It was a giant party, but not everything was totally ready

Extra space, stairs, and seating helped move crowds along

The biggest difference I noticed from other large Royal Caribbean ships I've sailed on was the lack of crowds.

Of course, you could still tell there were a large amount of people onboard. But the ship's layout ensured that no one would ever be squished into one place, and we never ran into any traffic jams.

I noticed that high-traffic areas, like the Royal Promenade and the Windjammer, were built a little wider than usual, helping to create space for a large amount of people.

There was also a ton of seating everywhere on the ship, so everyone found a place to sit and rest.

I also really liked the large amount of central staircases onboard, such as in the Royal Promenade, going up to Central Park, or down to Surfside neighborhood.

Lastly, the destination elevators helped to alleviate crowds as well.

These all helped to ease foot traffic and calm crowds.

The ship was intentionally celebrated

Excitement is contagious, and I think that's another part of why Icon has been so heavily hyped.

Even though it's been a few months since the ship's inaugural sailing, crew members and cruisers were still extremely excited about being onboard.

Wherever we went, staff welcomed us, saying: "Have an Iconic cruise!"

My cruise embarked the day after Royal Caribbean's partnership with Hard Rock Casinos was announced, so we were greeted at the port with live music, dancers, and free T-shirts!

Throughout the cruise, I saw everyone wearing their "Hard Rock 'n' Royal" T-shirts. A common uniform is a great way to build camaraderie, so this move also added to the energy onboard.

Not only that but on night one, the ship's cruise director, Gemma Hugo, made a speech to everyone gathered on the Royal Promenade for the balloon drop.

She made everyone solemnly swear to have fun and eat tons of food while onboard.

Such intentionality and care lends itself to an infectious air of excitement.

A focus on families with young children creates a playful atmosphere

Even as someone who doesn't have kids, I could tell that Icon of the Seas was the perfect ship for families with young children.

A lot of fun areas focused on families with young kids, like the Surfside neighborhood, water slides, and even a playground on deck 15.

Icon of the Seas provides an awesome family experience, and I could tell when I was onboard.

Kids were included in tons of events onboard, like silent discos or being allowed to compete in trivia games.

One night in the Main Dining Room, I saw a waiter bring two kids a lobster folded out of dinner napkins! They were overjoyed.

I loved how much kids were included in the fun onboard—it lent a vibrant, playful atmosphere to the cruise.

Seeing babies dance at the silent parties and children sing at "finish the lyric" challenges genuinely warmed my heart.

Having wanted to cross Alaska off my bucket list for a while, I booked a 7-night cruise aboard Quantum of the Seas sailing roundtrip from Seattle to the Last Frontier. 

18 of my 21 cruises have been to The Caribbean and Bahamas, so I was looking forward to exploring Alaska's rugged wilderness, even if I would be staying in the cheapest cabin onboard. 

With virtual balcony cabins first debuting on Quantum of the Seas, I was hopeful that I'd be able to experience some of Alaska's beauty from the comfort of my stateroom while allotting more money to add-ons like specialty dining and short excursions. 

In total, the fare came out to be $1,894.30 for my dad and me, including gratuities. Overall, I thought that was a fantastic deal for an Alaska cruise, despite it being at the beginning of the season. As neither of us had ever sailed on a Quantum Class ship, we were looking forward to this new experience together. 

The 166-square-foot stateroom was located on Deck 13 at the front of the ship. It was a bit difficult to find, as the hallway leading to the interior cabins was on the port side of the ship; however, the signs seemed to indicate that it was on the starboard side. 

Moreover, upon arrival, I was a bit disappointed to learn that we had been assigned a connecting stateroom. If you don't know the party in the adjoining room, it's always a gamble, as they can either be pleasant or obnoxious. 

The cabin was pretty noisy at times, from the creaking of the ship to what I believe was the television in the neighboring stateroom. One morning, I was awoken around 6:00am. In the end, however, it was a blessing in disguise, as I was able to take in some amazing views that I might have otherwise missed. 

Having launched in 2014, Quantum of the Seas is a newer ship, albeit not the newest. When the ship debuted, she was billed as the world's first "smart ship." 

In addition to features like the Bionic Bar and North Star observation capsule, modern technology was integrated into the cabin. You, for instance, have to inset your SeaPass card into a slot near the door to turn on the lights. 

With the bathroom found immediately to the right of the cabin's entrance, the vanity and dresser were located on the left past the connecting door. The desk was large enough, with five different charging options including two American plugs, two USB ports, and a single European outlet. 

I appreciated the small cubbies, too, which helped keep all of our cords organized throughout the week. However, I wish the ring light around the mirror was brighter. 

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the vanity area was the kettle. I've stayed in interior staterooms on ships as new as Symphony of the Seas and have never seen one in my cabin before! 

Though I'm not a huge tea drinker (I prefer a strong cup of coffee!), this is certainly advantageous for those who want to warm up with a cup of tea after spending the day in Alaska's chilly climate. 

Underneath the kettle was a drawer that housed the hairdryer, as well as a single box of tissues. 

It was spacious enough to hold personal belongings, too, and this is where my dad and I kept our medications. 

The mini-fridge worked exceptionally well, keeping our Crown & Anchor welcome waters almost as cold as my refrigerator at home! 

The two adjustable shelves ensure that there's room to store other beverages, whether it's a bottle of wine or a pack of soda. 

The dresser's four drawers proved large enough to store some of our bulkier items and undergarments that we couldn't hang. 

Between the dresser and closet, we have plenty of storage for all our clothing. In fact, I don't think we would have struggled to comfortably organize everything if there was a third passenger in our cabin. 

My opinion, however, would change if it weren't for the two cabinets above the bed. 

These went unused during our cruise because of the other storage options that were a bit more accessible, but they could ease an overpacker's worries, especially if sailing with more than one other guest. 

As someone who prefers vacations to warmer climates, I definitely struggled to pack for my Alaska cruise. While I could say that I just wanted to be prepared, I think my checked suitcase (that came in at 47 pounds) and additional carry-on were a bit overboard. I didn't wear half of the sweaters that I brought! 

My dad, somehow, managed to bring a single carry-on suitcase and small duffle bag. At the airport, however, he did ask to throw a few articles of clothing into my luggage, as he figured I'd have some extra room, albeit not a lot! 

Beside the wardrobe was a single chair. Though I much prefer staterooms with a couch, it's always nice to have another seating option, so you aren't restricted to sitting on your bed during the day after returning from port. 

In reality, the chair became our go-to spot for throwing our coats and sweatshirts when we got back to our stateroom. 

When we arrived, the beds were placed together even though I requested for them to be separated. It was easy to fix, though. I scanned a QR code left in our cabin meant for housekeeping requests, and they were separated by the time we returned to the stateroom after enjoying some of the evening entertainment. 

Having the beds separated made the cabin feel a little more spacious, as it opened up a walkway in the center of the room. Plus, it would have been easier to utilize the overhead cabinets had we needed to. 

I found it a bit strange that there was only one outlet beside the bed. 

While I'm thankful that I was able to plug my phone in at night, there wasn't one on my dad's side, and he did not bring a cable long enough to reach from the vanity. 

There was nothing too surprising about the bathroom. It was a standard Royal Caribbean bathroom that featured the same amenities as other ships, including the body wash/shampoo hybrid. 

It had a darker aesthetic that complemented the deep blue hues present in the stateroom. However, it also felt bright and modern. 

I never struggle with storage in the bathroom because of my hanging toiletries organizer. As someone who uses more products than they probably need to, the bathroom would've felt more cluttered had I not brought it. 

My dad had enough space for his toiletries and cosmetics, and there was still an empty shelf for me to store my make-up bag! 

Whenever I cruise, I'm always hopeful that there'll be two shelves in the shower; however, that's rarely the case. Though minor, I feel it helps keep everything a tad more organized, and passengers aren't left having to swap out their products— from face wash to shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, etc. 

Moreover, I typically chuckle whenever I see a handle in a cruise ship bathroom; however, the first day of our 7-night cruise was extremely rocky. I'm sure someone made use of it when getting ready that morning!

After sailing on Carnival Elation, I appreciate a clean showerhead more than usual. The one onboard Quantum of the Seas passed the test! 

Overall, the shower pressure was pretty average. I've had better and worse on a cruise ship; however, it was stronger than my shower at home, though that isn't too hard to beat. 

The most unique aspect of the cabin, of course, was the 80-inch virtual balcony. The floor-to-ceiling LED screen broadcasted real-time views of the ocean and ports of call into our cabin. And while you're supposed to be able to turn it on and off, we had some issues with the remote. 

Personally, I think calling it a virtual window is more accurate, as part of the appeal of a true balcony is being able to step outside. 

Even though nothing compares to a true balcony, the virtual balcony was a nice feature to have on an Alaska cruise— rather than leaving the stateroom to see what the weather was like, I could simply look at the screen to get an idea of whether it was super rainy or not! 

Overall, I enjoyed my virtual balcony stateroom onboard Quantum of the Seas. It was clean and outfitted with all the amenities I needed for a comfortable 7-night stay. 

Next time, however, I think I'd splurge on an actual balcony for a cruise to Alaska, or at least choose to pay for a stateroom that wasn't at the front of the ship. Honestly, a balcony would likely be a non-negotiable for a one-way sailing with more scenic cruising. 

Though my dad and I enjoyed our morning sailing through Endicott Arm in the Solarium, we would have preferred taking in the sights from a balcony, rather than crowding open windows for photographs. I was surprised at how rude some passengers were to others taking pictures in a public space! 

When it comes to the Caribbean, I don't mind saving money on an inside cabin, as I usually spend a lot of time lounging by the pool. There's not too much to look at either, though there's no denying the beauty of the deep blue sea. 

Moreover, there was more downtime than I had anticipated on my Alaska cruise, and I would have enjoyed sitting on a personal verandah to take in the sights.

If you were put off by the high cost of a signature attraction on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, you might want to check the price again.

It seems like Royal Caribbean runs promotions and sales all the time, and we've noticed prices vary for many extra-cost add-ons.

The Crown's Edge is one of the new features on Icon that was developed specifically for the ship, and prices seem to have plummeted for it.

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean originally priced it at $89.99 per guest, but the cost came down almost immediately once the ship began to sail. 

This week, we're seeing the price at just $23.99 per guest on many upcoming Icon of the Seas sailings, which is a 73% discount from the original price. According to the Cruise Planner website, the normal price is now $49.00 before any additional discounts.

Keep in mind prices can change at any time, and the price can vary from sailing to sailing. Moreover, sales come and go and that leads to price fluctuations.

On Facebook, many felt the new price made a lot more sense.

After the new price was posted, Cyndi Hopper wrote, "Much more reasonable price."

Megan Dowling added, "That’s a great price! You get to go twice and get a video and pictures which is also nice! Worth it."

Michael Iversen noted he didn't try it on the inaugural voyage of Icon because of the price tag, "I didn’t go because of the price when I was on the January 27 sailing."

What is Crown's Edge?

Crown's Edge is a combination of skywalk, ropes course, and thrill attraction.  

Tethered guests walk along an elevated track that goes around the ship's Crown and Anchor logo. Here’s the catch: you’re walking off the side of the ship with nothing but the ocean below you.

The walkway drops for the second part of the ride, and you suddenly find yourself swinging 154 feet above the ocean back to safety.

The cruise line says the ride experience is approximately 90 seconds and may vary by rider. The full experience will be approximately 15 minutes long, which includes time for gearing up.

In order to try the Crown's Edge, you need to be at least 6 years old, weigh at least 44 pounds, and be 49 inches tall.

You cannot be taller than 83 inches and weigh no more than 297 pounds.

A video of the experience is included with the cost.

Pushback on prices

The significantly lower price signals the original price may have been too high.

Right before the inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas, travel agents had the opportunity to ask Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley questions, and the high cost came up.

At $89 for a 90 second ride, the argument was $1 per second seemed excessive.

Mr. Bayley said Royal Caribbean uses price to control demand in some cases, "sometimes pricing is to manage just the sheer volume of expectations."

He went on to say that ultimately, the cruise line would react to feedback from passengers, "as we go through the next several weeks, we'll get a lot of feedback from our revenue customers. They are going to tell us that this works or that doesn't."

How to take advantage of the lower price

You can check the price of the Crown's Edge for any upcoming Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas cruise by visiting Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site.

Log into your account and select the sailing you have booked. 

Once there, the Crown's Edge is listed under Onboard Activities.

If you had booked it already, you can cancel your original purchase and then re-purchase it under the new price.  Look for Order History in your profile to access that.

There's no cancellation penalty for cancelling a Cruise Planner purchase.  If you used onboard credit, it will be refunded immediately.

Cruise ships offer exciting shore excursions to unique areas, but how can you make sure they’re safe?

Royal Caribbean cruises have the appeal of taking you to multiple exciting ports of call, from the gorgeous landscapes of Alaska to the ancient ruins of Greece. 

But when you’re traveling to a new and foreign location, safety is always a top priority.

Ensuring that you have a safe, enjoyable experience during your shore excursions takes some careful preparation.

While most shore excursions come with safety in mind and experience tour guides, being smart and proactive is the best way to stay safe.

Especially if you have special concerns (like pregnancy or a disability), are traveling alone, or haven’t been on a cruise before, some extra research and preparation will help you stay protected throughout your cruise.

Here are our top tips for safely taking a cruise ship shore excursion at any port of call.

1. Book through the cruise line

One of the simplest ways to tour a port of call is by purchasing a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean.

Although more expensive, shore excursions sold through Royal Caribbean have been carefully reviewed.

The tour groups and guides have been vetted.

Not only that, but the cruise ship will also wait for your excursion if it runs late.

You’ll be perfectly safe from being left behind in a foreign place!

Read more: 8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted

2. Research extensively beforehand

Before you even purchase your preferred shore excursions, take your time to research each aspect of the experience.

Investigate each port of call you’ll be visiting. Even if you have multiple stops in the same country, don’t assume that they’re all the same.

Research will tell you about the safety level, available activities, the landscape, weather, and other important information.

You’ll also need the specific details for your shore excursion: the price, duration, activity level, and dress code.

Knowing all this beforehand helps prepare you for a safe and fun experience.

Read more: Is Royal Caribbean still going to Labadee, Haiti?

3. Don’t be afraid to speak up

I was on a cruise that stopped at Cozumel, Mexico, and was walking through the busy tourist port, when an older man approached me and offered me an already-opened bottle of beer.

When I politely refused, he started to insist that I drink, saying it didn’t matter if I was underage.

I firmly said no, and kept quickly walking.

Can you imagine what might have happened if I had gotten nervous, hadn’t said no, or even agreed to drink the beer?

Being firm, smart, and unafraid to speak up when something seems wrong is a key way to protect yourself.

Of course, you want to be aware of cultural differences, and be careful that you don’t degrade any local customs.

Read more: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

But your safety is what’s important here, so speak up if something feels wrong! 

Trust your intuition, and don’t let anyone make a sucker out of you.

4. Listen to your tour guide

Your shore excursion’s tour guides will be the best source of knowledge about your port of call.

They are extremely trained and experienced in doing exactly what you need: keeping you safe while giving you a fun experience!

Listen to their safety briefings, which will involve important information about safety, meeting points, and any potential hazards.

Take note of any guidelines they give you.

When you’re in any unfamiliar or remote area, listening to experts is the best way to keep yourself safe.

If you do experience any problems or feel unsafe at any time, let your guide know that you need help.

5. How to keep your money safe on excursions

You're probably going to need cash during your shore excursion, whether to pay the tour, tip someone, or purchase souvenirs.  So how do you keep that safe, especially when you're on a beach or snorkeling trip?

As a tourist, try to keep a low profile, and don't wear jewelry or hold large amounts of cash. 

Your best bet is to treat valuables, such as cash, like you would normally at home.  Keep it in a wallet, and ensure it's out of sight in either your pants, purse, or backpack.

If you prefer, there are various types of waterproof wallets you can purchase. A simple dry pack that can fit your cash, identification, SeaPass card, and a credit card is all you need (Note, this link is an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use).

No matter where you store your cash, keep it out of sight. Put valuables in a bag, and then cover it up so a passerby cannot see it easily. 

If you're somewhere where pickpocketing is a concern, you can carry valuables in a hidden pocket worn under your clothing.

6. Stay with your tour group

For additional safety, try to stay with your group. 

Traveling with a larger group—one of whom is an experienced tour guide—ensures that no one can single you out or take advantage of you.

While some tours do have opportunities for you to explore along, try not to wander too far.

There’s safety in numbers. 

Not only that, but a Royal Caribbean shore excursion will consist of other people on the same cruise ship, and who likely speak the same language as you. They’re a great source of help if you run into any problems.

Even when in a big group, make sure you also stay vigilant of your surroundings!

7. Respect local laws and customs

This is where doing research ahead of time really comes in handy.

To keep yourself safe, you need to understand the context of where you are traveling.

What is considered polite and respectful? What should you wear? Who should you speak to—and who should you not?

Familiarizing yourself with the local traditions and laws ensures that you don’t accidentally do anything considered disrespectful or offensive.

You are a visitor to this country, so make sure that you educate yourself and respect all cultural differences.

Read more: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

8. Get an Internet connection

While this isn’t required—and it’s certainly trickier when you’re in a new country—having Internet access can really ease your mind when it comes to personal safety.

You have an easy way to do immediate research. You’ll have access to Google Translate, local maps, and a way to call or text anyone if you’re in an emergency.

There are a few ways you can get an Internet connection when you’re off the cruise ship in a foreign country.

You can try to find a restaurant or cafe that has free WiFi. Many areas understand that tourists may need Internet access, and they’ll be happy to provide it to you if you purchase something.

You could also buy a SIM card to get local data. These are sold everywhere, such as in airports or near currency exchanges.

If you need an e-SIM, there are several ways to buy them online. I like to use the app Airlo, which allows you to buy an e-SIM for any country and choose a specific timeline for it to be activated.

After crew members assisted a passenger who was having a heart attack, the US Air Force rescued a man in the open Pacific Ocean last Tuesday.

No one wants the worst to happen while on a cruise ship, but this week's events show that Royal Caribbean staff is well-prepared.

User ChedderCheeseCheetah posted to the Royal Caribbean sub Reddit page that staff onboard Ovation of the Seas saved her dad's life.

"My dad had a cardiac arrest onboard the Ovation two days ago and RC staff responded immediately with excellent CPR and successfully resuscitated him with an AED, stabilized him, and kept him alive for 36 hours," she wrote.

The user shared on Reddit that her dad made it to the hospital safely. 

"[He is] safe and stable but still critically ill."

She credits the cruise line's crew members for making a difference. Without the quick response from Royal Caribbean crew members, ChedderCheeseCheetah's dad may not be alive today.

She commented that she wanted to sing their praises publicly because of this.

"I am just in awe of Royal."

Ovation of the Seas was hundreds of miles from land when the cardiac arrest occurred

Ovation of the Seas was on a 9-night one-way cruise from Honolulu, Hawaii to Vancouver, Canada when the medical emergency happened.

Built-in 2016, she has a capacity for a total of 4,905 guests and 1,500 crew members.

She became the first Quantum Class ship to offer cruises to Alaska in 2019. Ovation of the Seas is also the newest Royal Caribbean ship to cruise to Alaska.

Read more: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2024

The unnamed man who suffered the cardiac arrest was onboard celebrating his upcoming 40th wedding anniversary with his wife.

At the time, Ovation was located in the middle of the sea, with no time to sail to land.

The patient had to be stabilized by medical staff and then evacuated off the ship via helicopter.

After his evacuation, the wife remains onboard and will have to wait until the ship disembarks in Vancouver.

The rescue was coordinated by the United States Coast Guard and Air Force

The Reddit user ChedderCheeseCheetah reported that, after her father's cardiac arrest, medical staff onboard Ovation of the Seas resuscitated and stabilized him, then placed him in a medical coma for the helicopter recuse.

Once the US Coast Guard could get within range of the ship, they were able to send a helicopter to lift the father to a hospital in California.

ChedderCheeseCheetah said the United States Coast Guard and Air Force worked together to coordinate and complete the medical evacuation.

Videos show the evacuation involved a military-grade Pave Hawk helicopter and a C130 to refuel it in the air.

That way, the helicopter could fly hundreds of miles out to sea and back.

This rescue involved complex coordination between Royal Caribbean, USCG, and USAF. It is an impression accomplishment that the evacuation could take place to save this man's life.

Reddit user jpchopper added that the evacuation was "no small thing... and it's an even bigger accomplishment that they were able to coordinate all of this in 2 days."

ChedderCheeseCheetah also said she found it "funny but not funny" that her father is an Army combat veteran.

"[He] would be beside himself with pride at the job well done by our military men and women for this rescue. And he would have loved the helicopter ride if he hadn’t been medically sedated for it."

Many users resonated with the heartwarming story 

Many Redditers commented, sending their prayer to the poster's father and applauding Royal Caribbean staff members.

"I got the chills reading this," HurryAdventures8335 said. "It’s so amazing that everything turned out okay."

The Reddit post also served to connect passengers who are currently on the Ovation of the Seas cruise.

Mfhicks wrote to the original poster: "I am so glad you have shared this! My uncle sat with him [in the Main Dining Room] throughout the week and was very concerned when he wasn’t there a couple of days ago. 

"We would love to keep up with his progress and offer any assistance possible."

Users also pointed out that, in addition to the fast medical response, Royal Caribbean is doing its part to reimburse passengers on the current sailing and the next for the cruise ship delays.

"This couldn’t be cheap for Royal because they are reimbursing passengers for missed flights and hotel stays. They are doing the right thing and willing to absorb a loss for it," pharmecist commented.

At the time of this article, Cruise Mapper showed Ovation close to the North American West Coast, making its way to Vancouver.

The cruise ship's arrival at port was delayed by nearly 12 hours.

Guests booked on Ovation's next sailing also commented on Reddit that their cruise had been delayed.

I spent seven nights on Icon of the Seas and noticed cruisers making some avoidable mistakes.

Icon is Royal Caribbean's newest ship and exemplifies the cruise line's effort to go above and beyond and solve problems on previous ships.

Because of that, the ship is full of innovations and designs, and it can be hard to get used to.

On my cruise, I witnessed people making silly mistakes—and I made a few myself!

Read more: 14 improvements Royal Caribbean developed just for Icon of the Seas

Whether you're a veteran cruiser or new to this type of travel, Icon requires some new adjustments.

To make the most of your experience on the largest cruise ship in the world, here are some mistakes you can learn from.

Take this as a guide to what not to do when you get onboard.

Mistakes I saw other people make

Getting into any elevator

Icon of the Seas debuted a new elevator system for Royal Caribbean.

Instead of pressing an up or down arrow, and choosing your floor once you enter the elevator, you select your specific destination on tablets outside the elevators.

The tablet then tells you which elevator to wait at (a letter from A-L) and when the elevator arrives, it takes you directly to your deck.

I witnessed a couple of people still adjusting to this elevator system.

Once, I saw a lady walk right onto an elevator without choosing her destination floor. 

I’m not sure if she knew which direction the elevator was going, but I knew she would be stuck with no way to choose her floor from the inside.

She mostly likely had to get out at the next stop, select her destination on a tablet outside, and then enter the indicated elevator.

Not wearing shoes in public

This seems like common sense, but some guests can get carried away with the air of casual relaxation on a cruise ship.

It’s easy to go in between the pool and lunch, or the hot tub and your afternoon snack.

When you go from the pool deck to a dining area, however, it’s important to wear a cover-up over your swimsuit and make sure that you have shoes on.

I was entering the Windjammer for lunch when I saw the Washy-washy crew member turn away a young boy.

“I can’t let you in without shoes on,” he said.

I turned around and, sure enough, the boy was barefoot.

He had to walk away and find shoes before he was allowed to enter the dining venue.

Leaving children unattended 

Icon of the Seas provides an awesome family experience, and I could tell when I was onboard.

Even though I don’t have children, I noticed a lot of fun areas focused on families with young kids, like the Surfside neighborhood, water slides, and even a playground on deck 15.

However, not every area is intended for children, and parents should still be mindful of where their children are and what they are doing.

I was in the gym when I saw a child wander into and start playing with the free weights. With no parents in sight, he started jumping on the machines and grabbing random weights.

I was worried that he might fall or drop something and hurt himself!

I’m not sure where his guardians were—maybe they had no idea their son had slipped away—but they should have been mindful of where he was.

The gym does not permit any children under 12, and guests under 16 are supposed to be accompanied by an adult.

While the families with young children lent a vibrant and playful atmosphere to the cruise, I didn’t think it was safe to leave kids unattended around the cruise ship.

Not bringing a water bottle

My travel buddy said they most regretted not packing a water bottle on this cruise.

It would have been helpful to carry drinks from the dining venues back to our stateroom, or out of the ship when we left on excursions.

I always pack a large Hydroflask water bottle on my cruises, and it helps me stay hydrated.

If you don't pack a water bottle, you'll have to resort to carrying cups of water around or paying extra for plastic water bottles.

Mistakes I made

Purchasing a shore excursion without looking for a better price

Before my cruise, I went onto Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. 

I decided to buy the cheaper shore excursions that I saw offered there on the website.

Since I love birds, I was excited to see an aviary tour on Costa Maya, Mexico, offered for $59 per person. I bought it without a second thought.

When we arrived at the tour, the guide walked us just a few steps into the port and guided us into the aviary.

At the aviary itself, I saw that tickets were being sold for only $14 per person.

My heart dropped with regret.

If I had just waited until we got to the port and walked up to the aviary myself, I could have saved $45!

Read more: 8 things I love about Icon of the Seas (and 3 I didn't)

Forgetting to pack sunglasses

It's not easy to remember to pack everything you need—especially for longer cruises—but I wish I'd made more of an effort.

I forgot to pack sunglasses on my cruise and realized my mistake as soon as I got onboard.

Whether I was sitting at the pool, walking around the deck, or even sitting inside a sunny area, I found myself squeezing my eyes shut to protect myself from the sun.

Even though I knew the cost would be high, I gave in and started to peruse the shops onboard, looking for any pair of sunglasses at all.

A saleslady asked my budget and I told her I would pay up to $50 for them, thinking that already it was a steep price to pay for the $10 pairs I had left behind.

However, she let me know they didn't have anything in my price range and proceeded to show me sunglasses ranging from $119-$150.

I was so frustrated that I walked out of the store, and had to wait until we stopped at a port to buy some new, cost-effective sunglasses.

Packing isn't always easy, but this mistake was a further reminder of what I already knew: if you leave anything behind, it won't be worth it to buy onboard.

Royal Caribbean Group's business is so hot right now that the cruise line wants to hire as many as 10,000 new crew members to work on its cruise ships and private destinations.

Booming demand for cruises in 2024 has broken the company's sales records and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon.

That surging demand means more people are needed, and a hiring blitz is about to take place.

According to a report by Reuters, Royal Caribbean Group will hire 10,000 workers this year.

Royal Caribbean Group owns Royal Caribbean, the largest cruise line in the world, along with Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. They also partly own two German cruise lines, TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

In the report, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean confirmed plans to hire more than 10,000 workers to help staff the three new cruise ships joining their fleet.  This includes Utopia of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Celebrity Xcel.

That's in addition to the addition of Icon of the Seas, which started sailing in January 2024.

"The recruiting strategy follows the business strategy of moderate capacity growth," an unnamed spokesperson said.

At the end of 2023, Royal Caribbean had around 88,700 people working on their ships, which is 6% fewer than the year before. They also had about 9,500 full-time employees working on land and at their private destinations, which is 17% more than the previous year.

Where will they hire from?

While Royal Caribbean Group did not share where they will hire the new workers from, it appears Caribbean countries will help supply many of the new hires.

In the report, recruiters from a variety of countries said Royal Caribbean has approached them about hiring needs.

The Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands, and the Gambia Tourism Board all reported being contacted about hiring new workers.

More crew to meet higher demand

2024 is off to a fantastic start for the company, with total revenue for the first quarter of $3.7 billion thanks to strong demand for bookings that actually put them ahead of their own financial projections.

In the first quarter, over 2 million people took cruises on a Royal Caribbean Group brand ship.

As a result, Royal Caribbean Group raised its earnings forecast by 50% compared to what it forecast in February.

"The first quarter was tremendous, sending us well on our path to a year that is significantly better than we expected just a few months back," Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said at the company's call with investors.

"What transpired over the past three months was even better than our already elevated expectations."

88% of cabins for all of 2024 are booked up, according to Mr. Liberty.

New ships coming soon

Not only is business good, but more ships are being built and that means new opportunities for growth.

Royal Caribbean Group has reiterated its mantra of moderate capacity growth for a while, with new ships coming online periodically, rather than a building spree.

"We remain focused on executing our proven targets formula for success, moderate capacity growth, moderate yield growth, and strong cost controls that lead to enhanced margins, profitability, and superior financial performance," Mr. Liberty told investors.

Icon of the Seas started sailing in January and Utopia of the Seas will start cruising in July.  Two new ships in one year is a rarity for Royal Caribbean, and that's a lot of crew members needed to make them function.

Typically, a new cruise ship sources its crew members from elsewhere in the fleet.  Preparing a new ship to enter service requires a great deal of expertise, as there are unique challenges for crew to get a new ship running smoothly. As a result, the norm is to cherry pick the best crew members from around the fleet to staff up the new ship, with new hires replacing them.

Icon of the Seas has a crew member total of 2,350, while Utopia of the Seas carries 2,290 crew members.

Two more cruise ships enter service in 2025, with Star of the Seas in August 2025 and Celebrity Xcel in November 2025.

That's on top of a new beach club that will open in 2025 in The Bahamas.

Royal Beach Club Nassau is a new concept to offer a paid option exclusively to Royal Caribbean guests to enjoy a private beach enclave in the heart of Nassau, Bahamas.

The 13 acre site will feature swim-up bars, live music, two beaches, four restaurants serving local food.

Read more: Royal Caribbean has a plan to dominate short cruises

The beach club will add hundreds of new jobs, both during the construction and operation of the new club.

On top of all of this, you have the regular turnover of employees.

The powerful blow of a cruise ship's horn is an unmistakable sound on any cruise vacation, but what is it like to blow the horn yourself? I got to try it on my recent cruise, and here's how.

Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean announced a partnership with The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish—a nonprofit organization founded in 1980—grants wishes to children who have been diagnosed with critical illnesses. The wishes can be anything from a trip to Disney World to meeting their favorite celebrity, being a firefighter for a day, or, in Royal Caribbean’s case, taking a cruise.

Wishes At Sea is the name of Royal Caribbean's partnership program with Make-A-Wish, and guests can help make this partnership possible by giving donations and making select purchases onboard.

Each ship is selling branded t-shirts for $25, along with hosting a “Walk for Wishes” sometime during the sailing. You can also opt to fill out a card in your stateroom specifying a donation amount, which will then be added to your onboard account.

The most unique way to contribute to the cause is by auctioning off items or experiences

While onboard Odyssey of the Seas for an 8-night sailing earlier this month, my husband and I decided to participate in the Make-A-Wish auction on the pool deck. Jamie, our cruise director, was great about advertising the auction and previewing some of the amazing experiences up for bid.

On the third day of our cruise, we headed to the pool deck for the auction. This turned out to be quite the event, as all the senior officers were in attendance, including Captain Marek.

Royal Caribbean's ships are all in competition with each other to raise the most money. Currently, Odyssey of the Seas is leading the way. Jamie is so determined to win the fleet-wide contest that he has committed to shaving his head if they raise over $30,000 before the end of April!

The auction items up for bid included:

• Bingo cards
• Surf and Stream Internet package for the entire voyage for one device
• Dinner for two in a specialty restaurant (excluding Chef's Table and Izumi Teppanyaki)
• Pickleball lesson with the sports staff
• $100 credit for the arcade
• Digital photo package of every picture your family took during the voyage
• Private FlowRider lesson
• A behind-the-scenes tour of the theater with the cast of the Effectors including backstage access
• A tour of the galley with the Executive Chef
• A tour of the engine room with the Chief Engineer
• An All Access ship tour

In addition to all of these items, there were two additional auction items that offered the most exclusive experiences. First was the dinner at Chops Grille with the ship's captain (and up to eight guests). The other big ticket item was being invited to the bridge during sailaway from Perfect Day at CocoCay, which included a champagne toast with the captain and officers, and the opportunity to blow the ship's horn.

It was wonderful to see so many guests participating in the auction. There was something for everyone with a variety of price points for every budget. Of course, many items went for more than what you could buy them for in the Cruise Planner, but it is for charity, after all!

The competition was tough for the last two big ticket items. The dinner at Chops Grille ended up going for $1,000, and we won the auction for the CocoCay bridge experience with our $2,000 bid.

I got completely caught up in the bidding war. My husband said he was about ready to restrain me, but I really wanted this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After Jamie pointed to me and yelled, “SOLD,” he asked the family I was bidding against if they would match my bid. They said they would and he gave them the experience too!

Following our winning bid, it was time to blow the ship's horn

On the last day of our cruise, we met in Schooner Bar at 4:15PM, just before Odyssey of the Seas was to sail away from Perfect Day at CocoCay. There, we were met by a crew member that escorted us to deck 12, where the security team cleared us to go to the bridge.

Captain Marek was the most gracious host. He gave us a tour of the bridge, introduced us to all of his officers, and personally stayed with us the entire time answering questions and pointing out every instrument. We were even invited into the communications room to watch him make the announcement welcoming everyone back to the ship.

We have been to the bridge on other ships before, but we have never had the captain give us such individualized attention. I cannot say enough wonderful things about him or his team.

Terrence, the Playmakers manager, offered us champagne to celebrate the sailaway. As a former sommelier for Royal, he talked to us about the differences between champagne and sparkling wine along with explaining how white and red wines are made.

As soon as we departed the pier, we were each offered to blow the horn a total of three times.  We were docked with Freedom of the Seas and they would signal back to us. Because Freedom was our first Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as the ship where we renewed our vows, that was extra special for us.

We were then moved to the wings where we could watch the sailaway. It was so smooth and seamless. It was even more of a treat to have a clear, sunny day. The photos from the wings could never do it justice. It must be a view that never gets old.

We spent an hour on the bridge, and it went by so quickly. Everyone was so gracious and generous with their time, and it was a unique experience that I will always treasure.

Overall, the ship raised $13,400 in a combination of shirt sales and auction items. Odyssey of the Seas is now a mere $4000 short of their April goal. I sure hope someone gets a picture of Jamie after he shaves his head!

InterContinental Miami is one of the top pre-cruise hotels in Miami, so I decided to try staying there.

We always recommend you fly into the city your cruise leaves from the night before embarkation day. This ensures that any delays won't impact your cruise, since the ship won't wait for you.

A quick Google search will show you that many cruisers recommend InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel located in downtown Miami just 0.7 miles (a 7-minute drive) from the cruise port. 

InterContinental Miami is listed on TripAdvisor as the second-best hotel close to the port of Miami, with a total of 4.5 stars.

In preparation for my Royal Caribbean cruise out of Miami, I decided to give the hotel a try.

I booked a classic room with one king bed and an ocean view. 

The total cost (for two guests staying for one night) was $349.17, plus a $37.29 resort fee due upon arrival.

I had a late flight and arrived to the hotel's bright glass doors at11:00 P.M.

While I didn't expect anyone to help me with my bags, a valet stopped me and told me that someone would come to help.

I stood there and waited for about 15 minutes, watching valets continue to pass me by, before giving up and lugging my bags into the hotel myself.

I was disappointed with the speed of service, but understood that it was late and they probably didn't have many staff on duty at the time.

Check-in was quick and smooth, and the staff at the counter informed me that check-out time was noon, but I could call them if I needed to get that extended.

The hotel felt huge, as my room was located on the 24th floor.

When I arrived at my door, it was already open a crack, which put me on high alert. Had someone already walked in? Had staff left it open for the next guest? 

I took some time to walk around and examine the room to make sure it was completely safe.

It was a huge, spacious area, with a counter in the entryway. The counter held bottles of water, an ice bucket, and a coffee machine.

Below this counter, two mini fridges held a stunning variety of snacks and drinks.

In the entryway, I also found the door to the bathroom.

It was huge, nearly the size of the Royal Caribbean stateroom I would later stay in!

The sink was wide enough for three people to stand at together, with a bright light around the mirror.

The bathroom also came with one matching bathrobe for guests to wear during their stay.

The marble floor matched the walls of the shower.

Opposite the shower, there was also a large closet that held the safe, an iron, and storage space for clothing.

I thought the bathroom was almost unnecessarily large and luxurious.

However, I kept hearing strange gurgling noises throughout the night.

At first, I couldn't pinpoint what was making such loud noises, until I realized it was the hotel's toilet. 

There must have been something wrong with its mechanics, but I'm not sure why they wouldn't get that fixed before putting new guests in the room.

I saw that we had a large, comfortable king bed. It was decorated with half a dozen fluffy pillows and a tall blue headboard.

I shared the bed with my friend who was traveling with me, and when we woke up, I told them the bed was so large I could barely tell they were in it!

Each side of the bed had a bedside table and lamp beside it.

A large flat-screen TV also faced the bed.

Beside the bed, there was a comfortable L-shaped couch with a series of artful pictures and a lamp above it.

Opposite the couch, there was also a round table where we could sit and eat.

Between the two sat the long window, decorated with two automatic shades: a blackout curtain and a lighter-toned shade.

Both were controlled by buttons on the right side of the bed, so you just had to push one button to bring them down, or another to pull them up.

My friend said that the blackout curtains helped them sleep so well that they decided to get some at home.

That night, we headed out to the city to grab some dinner. When we returned, a man was getting arrested and pulled into a cop car directly in front of the hotel lobby.

While I'm sure this wasn't the hotel's fault, it added to the general anxiety for my safety that I'd already been feeling.

When we got back into the room, I noticed that we could hear our neighbors on the other side of the wall.

However, we slept comfortably and all was well. 

In the morning, I woke up excited to see the view from the hotel window.

Since our room was designated as an "oceanview" I had expected a direct ocean view.

However, directly in front of our window faced another side of the hotel.

I had to lean to the right to see a sliver of the ocean on the side. 

As we prepared to pack and check out of the hotel, we started our search for food.

To receive complimentary breakfast, you have to book the hotel's InterContinental's Breakfast for 2 offer.

Otherwise, the hotel has room service nearly 24/7 and several restaurants onsite where you can pay to dine.

These include Ole!, Starbucks, Bluewater, and Toro Toro.

It was quick and easy to checkout; despite everyone having the same checkout time there weren't many lines to the elevator or in front of the counter.

While we waited in the lobby for the Uber, I noticed the abundance of comfortable seating and the fun, jazzy house music playing.

As we exited the hotel, a staff member immediately took our bags from us and helped us into the Uber.

Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship has set sail for the first time. 

On May 7, Utopia of the Seas departed from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France for a 5-day sea trial during which the ship will sail more than 1,000 miles. 

The ship isn't quite ready yet, as there's still a few more weeks before she is ready to take on passengers.

There are more than 900 experts onboard who specialize in areas such as naval architecture, navigation, engineering, and design. They'll help push the ship to her limits to ensure that she's ready to welcome guests aboard in just 10 weeks. 

Over the course of the next five days, Utopia of the Seas will undergo hundreds of tests and inspections, ranging from how the vessel moves through the open ocean to the operation of her navigation system, engine performance, back-of-house technical checks, and more. 

Once the sea trials have concluded, Utopia will return to the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France to undergo the final phase of construction before being delivered to Royal Caribbean. 

"There will be nothing better on planet Earth than having a phenomenal experience and party vibe onboard Utopia of the Seas," said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

Read more: Photos show Utopia of the Seas is nearing completion

Utopia of the Seas' inaugural voyage is slated for July 19

When Utopia's itineraries opened for booking, the maiden voyage was supposed to depart on July 22; however, construction moved faster than anticipated, so the cruise line bumped up the date of the inaugural sailing.

Instead of welcoming guests on a 4-night sailing, the maiden cruise will be a 3-night getaway to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. She'll then continue with her previously scheduled voyages, all of which target the short cruise market. 

Typically, new builds begin their careers with longer sailings. Utopia of the Seas, however, marks the first time that Royal Caribbean has built a brand-new ship with the weekend market in mind to attract first-time cruisers. 

Shorter cruises allow passengers to get a taste of the best that Royal Caribbean has to offer without committing to a weeklong cruise. 

Plus, all sailings are scheduled to visit their award-winning private island in The Bahamas, giving guests more ways to dine and play. 

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Though part of Royal Caribbean's beloved Oasis Class, Utopia of the Seas features amenities that aren't available on any other ship

From the first-ever immersive train car dining experience to the brand-new Pesky Parrot bar in the Royal Promenade, those who are devout fans of Oasis Class ships can look forward to new experiences. 

Instead of the Bionic Bar, passengers can stop in for a lively pre-dinner drink at the Pesky Parrot, which will be home to tropical beverages made with rum, tequila, and gin, as well as some other "surprises" that have yet to be revealed. 

Afterward, head over to the one-of-a-kind Royal Railway - Utopia Station to enjoy a multi-course meal that combines adventure, food, and technology. 

Throughout your dining experience, you'll be transported to different times and places, such as America's Wild West and other remote destinations across the globe. 

Read more: First look at Royal Caribbean's new weekend party cruise ship