The Royal Amplification program was designed to give new life to Royal Caribbean's older cruise ships. 

When the Royal Amplification program was initially announced in 2018, 10 ships were scheduled to receive updates over the course of 4 years; however, the initiative came to a halt during the pandemic as a result of the worldwide port and shipyard closures.

Before getting postponed, 6 ships were successfully amplified, including Independence of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas. 

For years, loyal Royal Caribbean fans had been left wondering when the program would be restarted, as ships like Allure of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas fell short compared to their upgraded counterparts. 

Thankfully, Royal Caribbean has officially restarted the Royal Amplification program. The long-anticipated upgrades are in full swing and resumed with Allure of the Seas in early 2025.

Curious about which ships have been amplified and which are on the docket? You're in the right place. 

Independence of the Seas (2018)

Independence of the Seas was the first ship to undergo Royal Amplification, re-entering service with her new upgrades in May 2018. The revitalization cost over $100 million and added a slew of new experiences to the Freedom Class ship, including:

• A SkyPad (a virtual reality trampoline, which has since been closed)
• Perfect Storm water slides
• Re-designed pool deck
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Splashaway Bay
• "Battle for Planet Z" glow-in-the-dark laser tag
• New escape room
• Panoramic Oceanview staterooms
• Sugar Beach candy shop
• Improved ice rink
• Fish & Ships
• New lounges

Mariner of the Seas (2018)

Royal Caribbean invested $120 million into the refurbishment of Mariner of the Seas, and the results made it one of the favorite ships of Royal Caribbean Blog founder Matt Hochberg. Mariner's Royal Amplification finished in June 2018 and added new ways to drink, play, and dine, such as:

• Perfect Storm racer water slides
• A SkyPad (a virtual reality trampoline, which has since been closed)
• "Battle for Planet Z" laser tag
• Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium
• The Bamboo Room (the cruise line's first-ever Polynesian-inspired, tiki-chic bar)
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Jamie’s Italian
• Izumi Hibachi and Sushi
• FlowRider surf simulator

Navigator of the Seas (Feb 2019)

The third ship to be royally amplified was Navigator of the Seas. She sailed into Miami, Florida, in February 2019 with $115 million of next-level features, including:

• The Blaster (Royal Caribbean's first aqua coaster)
• Riptide water slide
• Caribbean resort-style poolscape with a small kids' splash pad
• Johnny Rockets Express
• El Loco Fresh
• The Lime and Coconut
• Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium
• To Dry For stand-alone blow-dry bar
• Hooked Seafood
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• The Bamboo Room
• FlowRider surf simulator
• Rock climbing wall
• Redesigned Adventure Ocean with dedicated teen spaces

Voyager of the Seas (Oct 2019)

Voyager of the Seas wasn't the first Voyager Class ship to undergo a Royal Amplification. However, she was the first to debut in Asia following the upgrades. After a 41-day, $97 million transformation, Voyager arrived in Singapore in October 2019, ready to offer guests new staterooms, attractions, and more.

• Perfect Storm three-story water slides
• "Battle for Planet Z" laser tag
• Reinvigorated Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
• Redesigned kid and teen spaces

Oasis of the Seas (Nov 2019)

Costing $165 million, Oasis of the Seas' amplification was one of the cruise line's most expensive to date. The ship received everything from the Perfect Storm water slides and the Ultimate Abyss dry slide to new dining venues like Portside BBQ.

• The Ultimate Abyss
• Perfect Storm water slides
• Caribbean resort-style pool deck
• Splashaway Bay
• The Lime and Coconut
• Portside BBQ
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Bionic Bar
• El Loco Fresh
• Sugar Beach
• Spotlight Karaoke
• Music Hall
• Aqua80
• One Sky
• All-new Adventure Ocean
• Social298 for teens
• "Clash for the Crystal City" laser tag
• Royal Escape Room – Mission Control: Apollo 18

Freedom of the Seas (2020)

Freedom of the Seas might not be the newest ship in the fleet, but she holds a special place for Royal Caribbean Blog writer Elizabeth, who took her first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Freedom in 2009. 11 years later, Freedom of the Seas received a $116 million transformation in 2020 — and was the last ship to be amplified before the cruise industry came to a screeching halt. 

• Perfect Storm water slides
• Caribbean resort-style pool deck
• Splashaway Bay
• The Lime and Coconut
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
• El Loco Fresh
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• "Clash for the Crystal City" laser tag
• 360-degree transformation of Adventure Ocean
• Social033 for teens

Allure of the Seas (2025)

Allure of the Seas was scheduled to receive major renovations in 2020. However, her Royal Amplification process was indefinitely postponed due to the impacts of the COVID pandemic. She finally received her long-awaited transformation in early 2025 before returning to sail in Europe for the first time in a decade. 

• Perfect Storm water slides
• Caribbean resort-style pool deck
• Splashaway Bay
• The Ultimate Abyss
• Royal Escape Room – Apollo 18: Lunar Landing
• Glow-in-the-dark laser tag
• The Lime and Coconut
• El Loco Fresh
• Pesky Parrot tiki bar
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar
• Adventure Ocean refresh
• Social298 for teens
• Over 100 new cabins, including the Ultimate Panoramic Suites
• Aqua80Too

Ovation of the Seas (Planned 2026)

In June 2025, Royal Caribbean announced plans to continue upgrading older ships, starting with Ovation of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas. Ovation of the Seas is the first on the schedule. She will be out of service from March 15 until May 1. Upon Ovation's return to service, guests can expect the following changes:

• Expanded casino
• Sound Cellar (upper level of the former Music Hall)
• Starbucks
• Pesky Parrot tiki bar
• Izumi Hibachi
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen
• New staterooms, including the Ultimate Family Suite

Harmony of the Seas (Planned 2026)

Royal Caribbean plans to amplify its largest ship ever, Harmony of the Seas, between April 1 and May 21, 2025. Following Oasis and Allure of the Seas, she's the third Oasis Class ship to be royally amplified. As one of the largest ships in the fleet, Harmony of the Seas already boasts impressive features; however, there are a lot of exciting changes coming to the 9-year-old vessel, including:

• The largest Casino Royale in Royal Caribbean's fleet
• Pesky Parrot tiki bar
• Caribbean resort-style pool deck
• The Lime & Coconut
• Refreshed adults-only Solarium
• El Loco Fresh
• Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade
• Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
• New staterooms, including the Ultimate Panoramic Suites and Ultimate Family Suite

Liberty of the Seas (Planned 2026)

Liberty of the Seas is also getting her much-needed Royal Amplification next year. Currently, she's the only Freedom Class ship that has yet to undergo the transformation, and fans have been vocal about how dated she feels. Liberty of the Seas will be out of service from April 19 until May 29. Afterwards, she will offer a series of European cruises to showcase her new amenities.

• Expanded casino
• Izumi Hibachi
• Starbucks
• Royal Escape Room
• Caribbean resort-style pool deck
• The Lime and Coconut
• El Loco Fresh
• New staterooms

Explorer of the Seas (indefinitely postponed)

Two ships that were supposed to undergo the Royal Amplification process, Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas, have been indefinitely postponed.

Explorer was on the docket to receive over $100 million in upgrades in 2020, such as The Lime and Coconut, revamped Adventure Ocean, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, and more. 

Royal Caribbean hasn't provided any official updates on when (or if) Explorer's amplification will be rescheduled. It will likely be a while, though, as Explorer of the Seas underwent a dry dock in 2023 that added the Perfect Storm water slides. 

Adventure of the Seas (indefinitely postponed)

Adventure of the Seas' Royal Amplification in 2021 was also canceled. Like with Explorer, Royal Caribbean hasn't publicly announced plans to upgrade the 24-year-old ship. 

She's not totally out-of-date, though. In 2016, the Perfect Storm water slides were added to Adventure's aft. Likewise, Adventure of the Seas also features Izumi Sushi (not Hibachi) in the Royal Promenade. 

Royal Caribbean has big plans to upgrade Harmony of the Seas in 2026 with lots of new upgrades and changes.

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean announced three of its ships will undergo a Royal Amplification to improve the onboard experience. 

Royal Caribbean Blog has already shared the plans for Ovation of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, so in this article, but today we have a look at what changes are coming to Harmony of the Seas. 

Harmony of the Seas' Royal Amplification is scheduled to take place in April and May 2026. Harmony will depart from Galveston, Texas, on March 16, 2026, on a 16-night one-way cruise to Barcelona, Spain. She's not scheduled to re-enter service until May 21.

Although Harmony of the Seas isn't the oldest ship in Royal's fleet, there are a lot of exciting changes coming to the 9-year-old Oasis Class ship. Here's what's in store for Harmony post-Royal Amplification. 

Deck-by-deck changes coming to Harmony of the Seas

Starting on Deck 3, the Conference Center is being removed and replaced with 29 new inside cabins. Moving on up, the Attic comedy club and Crown Lounge are being removed to make way for an expanded casino (the largest Casino Royale in Royal Caribbean’s fleet!).

The move reflects a broader trend across Royal Caribbean's fleet, where less popular venues are being replaced with more casino space to drive extra revenue. 

Deck 5 is only seeing one minor change, which isn't too surprising: the Bionic Bar is being replaced with the Pesky Parrot Bar. The Pesky Parrot made its debut on Utopia of the Seas and has since been added to Allure of the Seas. Royal Caribbean also plans to add the Pesky Parrot Bar to Ovation of the Seas during the ship's Royal Amplification in 2026. 

A few notable changes are coming to Deck 6. First, the Vitality Cafe is being relocated to make way for new staterooms (6454, 6456, 6458, 6460, and 6462). Additionally, the Picture This photography studio will be moved next to the Focus photo gallery.

However, the most substantial change is that Sabor is being replaced with Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade — a move that also took place on Allure of the Seas during her long-awaited Royal Amplification earlier this year. Also new to Harmony of the Seas is the Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, which will likely be in the Solarium Bistro like on other ships. 

Decks 7, 8, 9, and 10 are remaining unchanged, except for one small modification in Central Park: Hublot will be moved next to Cartier and Omega, rather than on the left side of the Park Café. Surprisingly, Royal Caribbean isn't replacing Jamie's with Giovanni's Italian Kitchen. 

Higher up on the ship, Royal Caribbean plans on adding a few more interior cabins on Deck 11 towards the aft of the ship. These include staterooms 11900, 11902, 11904, 11906, 11908, 11910, 11912, 11914, 11916, 11918, 11922, and 11928. 

According to the deck plans, cabins 11920 and 11924 will be new balcony staterooms. Rather than having private verandahs that face across the Boardwalk, these will face straight aft toward the AquaTheater. 

The same is happening on Deck 12, with interior and two special balcony staterooms. However, to make way for the new cabins, Wonderland, the whimsical specialty restaurant inspired by Alice in Wonderland, will be removed. 

Deck 14 will see some of the most substantial changes. 28 new staterooms will replace the lower level of the adults-only Solarium and Adventure Ocean kids' club, particularly the Voyagers, Explorers, and Aquanauts rooms.  

Although the deck plans don't state it specifically, it appears that two of the new staterooms will be the Ultimate Panoramic Suites that were also added to Allure of the Seas. These spacious suites do not have balconies, but they have floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and a king-sized bed with a Duxiana mattress. 

Unfortunately, the new staterooms mean that the Solarium will have fewer seating options, as the lounge chairs near the bridge wings won't exist anymore. 

On Deck 15, the Pool Bar will be transformed into the Lime & Coconut to complement the new Caribbean-inspired pool deck. Moreover, the Crown Lounge will take over part of the Living Room, one of the dedicated teen spaces. Mini Bites will also become El Loco Fresh, allowing guests to enjoy casual poolside tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. 

Finally, while the new deck plans don't list the Ultimate Family Suite on Deck 17, it was previously announced that Harmony of the Seas would be receiving this popular suite as part of her Royal Amplification. 

First introduced on Symphony of the Seas, the Ultimate Family Suite is a special cabin for families seeking an over-the-top vacation experience. 

According to the deck plans, it seems that two Crown Loft Suites are being transformed into the Ultimate Family Suite on Deck 17. The brand-new suite 1730 will replace the former cabin 1730, as well as 1732.  

Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

Changes coming to two other ships

As mentioned earlier, Liberty and Ovation of the Seas are the other two ships getting major upgrades through Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplification process. 

The enhancements are meant to modernize older vessels and offer a more consistent guest experience across the fleet. 

For example, following Allure of the Seas' renovation, Harmony of the Seas is the only Oasis Class ship that doesn't have a Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade onboard. 

There are three swim-up bars planned for Royal Caribbean's first-ever private beach club, including The Floating Flamingo, which is billed as "the world’s largest swim-up bar."

Royal Caribbean is making significant construction progress on its exclusive beach club in Nassau, Bahamas that it hopes will alleviate a major guest complain about the popular cruise port.

With multiple beaches, swimming pools, restaurants, and bars, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will offer plenty of space for guests to relax, cool off, and avoid the crowds at other beaches in Nassau, which can see upwards of 20,000 to 30,000 cruise passengers per day. 

Once completed, Royal Caribbean guests can enjoy the exclusive amenities and breathtaking ocean views — for an extra charge. 

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in December 2025

Ralph Salsman shared photos of the beach club's construction process on Facebook. Salsman captured the images on September 10, 2025. 

The photos reveal that the lounge over the swim-up bar is taking shape. Floating Flamingo, the world’s biggest swim-up bar, will be the go-to spot for partiers with refreshing drinks, live tunes, and unbeatable ocean views. 

The upstairs portion will be home to the 720-square-foot Party Deck, an exclusive poolside area overlooking the Floating Flamingo swim-up bar with an exclusive beverage menu, charging station, mini-fridge, and more. 

Other photos show various buildings around the 17-acre property coming along, including the private cabanas. The cabanas at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island are an extra-cost add-on that can be purchased to elevate your island beach day. 

The beach and poolside cabanas feature comfortable lounge seating, shade, and personalized service. Those with more money to burn can splurge on the $10,000 two-story Ultimate Family Cabana. 

The price includes admission for up to 12 guests, a cabana attendant, private bathroom, heated whirlpool, reserved beach space, a hammock, frozen drink machine, and more. 

It's in high demand, too. According to Michael Bayley, President & C.E.O. of Royal Caribbean International, the first Ultimate Family Cabana was sold within the first hour of opening beach club sales. 

Basic admission to the beach club is more reasonable, with the cheapest pass starting at $129.99. The price includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks. 

A pass with unlimited alcoholic drinks is available starting at $169.99 per person. Additionally, it includes transportation on the water taxi, Wi-Fi, beach chairs, umbrellas, and access to basic facilities like showers and restrooms. 

Depending on your itinerary, there may also be a few bundled options, such as the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Refreshment Package + Thrill & Chill Combo. 

For a set daily price, you can enjoy admission to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Perfect Day at CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark, and a Royal Refreshment Package. 

Regardless of which pass cruisegoers buy, all dining at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is included. Many dishes have a Bahamian flair, including the fire engine fritters, pinwheel shrimp skewers with guava glaze, Bahama-style baked mac & cheese, and vanilla bundt cake with guava sauce. 

Royal Caribbean has canceled over 35 stops to its private destination in Haiti due to ongoing unrest in Port-au-Prince. 

In an email sent to travel agents on Wednesday, September 10, Royal Caribbean revealed all the changes to ships scheduled to visit Haiti through April 2026. 

The U.S. State Department has Haiti under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory due to escalating gang violence and widespread security concerns.

Although the Labadee resort area is guarded by a private security force, the cruise line said it's canceling stops to Haiti "out of an abundance of caution." Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line that calls in Haiti. 

The impacted ships include Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas. 

According to the email, the most common replacement ports are Nassau, Bahamas; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and George Town, Grand Cayman. However, a handful of other ports like Grand Turk, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bimini, Cozumel, and San Juan have also been added to itineraries in place of Labadee. 

And while most itineraries are substituting Labadee with an alternate port of call, some sailings will feature an additional day at sea instead. 

It's not surprising that Royal Caribbean wants more ships in Nassau, especially with the opening of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island scheduled for December 2025. The exclusive beachfront destination is a short ferry ride from the cruise port and will offer a shallow entry pool, swim-up bars, private beaches, and more. 

However, unlike Labadee's beaches, access to the Royal Beach Club is not included in the cost of the cruise fare and must be purchased separately. Prices start at $169.99 for admission with unlimited food and drinks. 

Here's a look at the upcoming itinerary changes:

Adventure of the Seas

• November 22 and December 6, 2025: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m. The departure time was pushed to 5:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m.
• December 20, 2025 + January 31 and March 28, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a full day in Nassau, Bahamas. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m. The departure time was changed to 5:00 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m.
• January 3, February 14, March 14, and April 11, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to George Town, Grand Cayman. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m. The departure time was changed to 5:00 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m.
• January 17, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to George Town, Grand Cayman. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 7:00 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m. The departure time was changed to 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m.
• April 25, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a full day in Nassau, Bahamas. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m.

Allure of the Seas

• March 8, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also swapped the scheduled port of call in Falmouth, Jamaica, for Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and adjusted the time spent in Nassau, Bahamas, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Explorer of the Seas

• November 10, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. Also adjusted the arrival time in Perfect Day at CocoCay to 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m.
• December 22, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Nassau, Bahamas. Also shifted the sea day from Day 5 to Day 4.
• January 19, February 16, March 16, and April 13, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Nassau, Bahamas. Also adjusted the arrival time in Perfect Day at CocoCay to 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m.
• February 2, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Bimini, Bahamas. Also adjusted the arrival time in Perfect Day at CocoCay to 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. 

Freedom of the Seas

• November 1, November 6, November 20, and December 4, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
• November 15 and 19, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
• November 29, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to George Town, Grand Cayman. Also arriving in Nassau, Bahamas, at 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. The departure time was changed to 3:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m.
• December 13 and 22, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Falmouth, Jamaica.
• January 10, March 7, March 21, and April 18, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
• January 15, February 26, March 12, March 26, April 9, and April 23, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Nassau, Bahamas.
• January 24, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to George Town, Grand Cayman. Also arriving in Nassau, Bahamas, at 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. The departure time was changed to 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.
• February 7 and February 21, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Falmouth, Jamaica. Also arriving in Nassau, Bahamas, at 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. The departure time was changed to 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.
• April 4, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Independence of the Seas

• December 7, 2025: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m. The departure time was pushed to 5:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m.

Liberty of the Seas

• February 9 and March 30, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Nassau, Bahamas, on Day 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Jewel of the Seas

• October 31, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.

Oasis of the Seas

• November 9, November 23, and December 7, 2025: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also adjusted the time in Falmouth, Jamaica.
• December 21, 2025: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Cozumel, Mexico.
• January 4, February 1, and April 12, 2026: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also adjusted the port times in Falmouth, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas.
• January 18, February 15, March 1, March 15, and March 29, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Also swapped the scheduled port of call in Falmouth, Jamaica, with San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Symphony of the Seas

• November 16, November 30, December 14, and December 28, 2025: Replacing Labadee with an extra sea day. Also adjusted the port times in Falmouth, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas.
• January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22, and March 8, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Also swapped the scheduled port of call in Falmouth, Jamaica, with San Juan, Puerto Rico, and adjusted the time spent in Nassau, Bahamas, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• March 22, April 5, and April 19, 2026: Replacing Labadee with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Also swapped the scheduled port of call in Falmouth, Jamaica, with San Juan, Puerto Rico on Day 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The email also states that Royal Caribbean's Shore Excursions team will automatically refund all prepaid tours for canceled ports of call and reschedule other excursions whenever possible. 

Any tours that cannot be reaccommodated will be canceled and refunded to guests' original form of payment within 14 business days. 

"We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause," Royal Caribbean said, "While we know it's not the original itinerary we planned, we appreciate your understanding and can't wait to explore these new destinations with your clients!"

There's nothing like a new cruise ship, so I wanted to see compare one of Royal Caribbean's new ships to MSC Cruises' newest ship.

After sailing aboard Icon of the Seas in April, I was convinced that no other mega-ship would wow me the same way. However, moments after I stepped on MSC World America, I realized that the World Class ship stands out in her own way. 

Both vessels are massive, measuring over 210,000 gross registered tons and carrying over 6,800 guests at maximum capacity — but that's where the similarities stop. 

I discovered things that I liked and disliked about both ships after sailing aboard MSC World America and Icon of the Seas. For example, I loved the price point of MSC World America's suite-only enclave, while Icon's entertainment blew me away. 

In the end, if you're a dedicated Royal Caribbean cruiser, embarking on a sailing aboard MSC World America will feel different, but that doesn't mean it's a step down. 

Here's how Icon of the Seas and MSC World America compare, and why I wouldn't hesitate to sail aboard the latter again — despite having been on over 15 Royal Caribbean cruises. 

MSC World America is a lot more affordable than Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas isn't the least expensive cruise ship on the market. In fact, I'd argue she is one of the most expensive mainstream ships. 

For some, cruising on one of the world's largest ships is worth the hefty price tag. However, Icon remains out of reach for a lot of families. Enter MSC World America. 

Thanks to MSC's budget-friendly pricing, it's easy to cruise on one of the newest and largest ships at sea for a fraction of what Icon of the Seas costs.

Plus, if you're interested in premium experiences, MSC's Yacht Club is an affordable way to experience luxury at sea without shelling out money for Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class. 

Earlier this year, my partner and I spent around $7,000 on our vacation aboard Icon of the Seas, including the cruise fare and add-ons like shore excursions, specialty dining packages, and the Deluxe Beverage Package. The kicker? We didn't even have an ocean-view balcony. 

Comparatively, we spent $7,010.32 on our Yacht Club Deluxe Suite. Although the prices were similar, the experiences couldn’t have been more different. 

Read more: I paid $3,800 for a controversial balcony on the world's largest cruise ship

For example, MSC's Yacht Club fare includes everything from a premium drink package to Wi-Fi, priority embarkation, thermal spa access, butler service, three private restaurants, a lounge and pool deck, exclusive cocktail hours, and more. 

We were treated like royalty from the moment we arrived at MSC's new terminal in Miami, Florida, which set the tone for a one-of-a-kind voyage. 

To be blunt, I've never stayed within Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class because of the higher price tag, so being able to stay within MSC's Yacht Club at a more accessible rate was a real treat. 

Of course, not everyone wants to spend $7,000 on a cruise vacation. Still, MSC World America's base fares are lower than comparable sailings on Icon of the Seas. Here are a few examples: 

June 20, 2026 — Interior cabin for two adults, with taxes and fees:

• Icon of the Seas: $4,516
• MSC World America: $2,450

September 19, 2026 — Ocean-view balcony cabin for two adults, with taxes and fees: 

• Icon of the Seas: $3,852
• MSC World America: $2,361

The food on MSC World America left little to be desired

Maybe it's because I cruise too frequently, but Royal Caribbean's food hasn't been as impressive as it used to be. Although I wouldn't go as far as saying it's bad, the quality is pretty inconsistent, especially in the complimentary restaurants. 

That said, MSC doesn't have the best dining reputation, either. However, in my opinion, the food was better on MSC World America than on Icon of the Seas. There were definitely still a few misses, but overall, the meals were flavorful, well-presented, and diverse.

To be fair, I'm neither a food critic nor classically trained in anything cuisine-related (I did take one food reporting class while obtaining my master's in journalism, but I digress). Others may come to their own conclusions, as everyone has different taste buds and preferences.

Read more: I spent 7 days eating on MSC's newest ship

On MSC World America, I loved grabbing fresh chicken tenders from Pizza & Burger in the World Galleria. Were they the best I've ever had? Not by a long shot, but they were consistently hot and crispy.

Speaking of pizza, MSC's fresh slices beat Sorrento's by a long shot. Whether grabbing pizza as an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night snack, I was never disappointed. As a European cruise line, it's evident that MSC takes great pride in its pizza. 

I also really enjoyed my meals in the Yacht Club Restaurant, more so than some of my specialty meals aboard Icon of the Seas. 

For example, the cabernet-braised short ribs were some of the best I've ever had on a cruise ship. Not only was the meat perfectly tender, but the creamy gorgonzola polenta was unique and bold without overpowering the dish. 

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention MSC's fresh pasta, too. There's a wide variety of freshly made pasta options available throughout the ship, from the main dining rooms to the Yacht Club Restaurant and the buffet. 

I was also impressed with the food temperature. Although it may seem like a small detail, I've sailed on cruise ships where I've been lucky to be served one or two lukewarm meals — that was never the case on MSC World America. 

Icon of the Seas has better entertainment

If you want to be wowed by the onboard entertainment lineup, I wouldn't get your hopes up for MSC World America. 

Royal Caribbean has dominated the mainstream cruise industry for years when it comes to Broadway-style shows and cutting-edge entertainment technology. 

From The Wizard of Oz to the high-diving AquaTheater spectacular, Royal Caribbean consistently delivers productions that you won't believe are on a cruise ship (and better yet, are included in your fare!). 

Comparatively, MSC's entertainment is far more modest. Although I enjoyed Dirty Dancing Live in Concert, the other performances weren't great. 

In fact, my partner and I straight-up walked out of the Hall of Fame show in the main theater. The singers were pitchy, and the choreography wasn't anything special. 

The poor entertainment quality wasn't a dealbreaker, but if you're used to Royal Caribbean-quality shows, you will be disappointed. 

Icon has more activities, but you won't be bored on MSC World America

Between the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, Crown's Edge ropes course/zipline, and the Royal Escape Room, Icon of the Seas offers guests more to do than nearly any other ship at sea, making it nearly impossible to run out of activities during your cruise.

Still, MSC World America holds its own with a wide variety of attractions. The Cliffhanger, for example, is an over-the-water swing that lets thrill-seekers soar above the ocean (just don't look down if you're afraid of heights like me!). 

There's also a virtual reality water slide, kids' aqua park, F1 racing simulator, bumper cars, a ropes course, Lego family zone, two arcades, and an 11-deck dry slide.

That said, some of the more interesting attractions on MSC World America aren't included. For example, bumper cars run at $7 per car, while the Formula 1 racing simulator is $12 per person. The Cliffhanger also costs $9 per person, per ride. 

The ships have similar itineraries

Sailing from Miami, Florida, you can visit the Eastern or Western Caribbean aboard MSC World America or Icon of the Seas. 

As such, the biggest difference between the ships' itineraries is which private island they visit. On Icon, you'll call at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, while MSC World America visits Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay has more to offer, from the massive Thrill Waterpark to the adults-only Hideaway Beach, large Oasis Lagoon pool, and the upscale Coco Beach Club. 

In comparison, Ocean Cay is more laid back. MSC redeveloped the former industrial site into a serene paradise for its cruise passengers. Rather than focusing on amenities like CocoCay, the island has a greater emphasis on conservation and sustainability. 

That said, some similarities are important to think about when planning your day ashore. There are complimentary island buffets for lunch, and both cruise lines' drink packages work on the island. Moreover, Royal Caribbean and MSC offer free trams to make navigating the islands easier. 

Is MSC World America or Icon of the Seas better?

I don't think you can go wrong with either ship; however, I'm not here to tell you how to spend your hard-earned money. 

If you're a die-hard Royal Caribbean fan, sailing on MSC World America might be a hard sell because it's a completely different experience. There are definitely things that Icon does better, too. For example, the Category 6 Waterpark is a lot of fun, and the entertainment lineup is hard to beat. 

Still, as someone who grew up sailing with Royal Caribbean and didn't think they could come to appreciate other lines, MSC World America really surprised me — and left a lasting impression on me. 

Celebrity thinks its river cruises will be a disruptor, and it's definitely gotten a lot of people's attention because you're too late to book it.

Booking for Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker opened at 9:00am EDT on Wednesday, September 3. However, due to unprecedented demand, the priority booking access closed less than ten minutes after launching.

Those who successfully placed a deposit can select a voyage beginning on Sept. 10. Sailings will open to the public later this fall, although the exact date has yet to be revealed. 

Prices start at $2,999 per person for a 7-night river cruise in a river-view cabin, $4,199 for an infinite veranda, $5,099 for a balcony, $5,899 for a Skylight Infinite Veranda Suite, and $6,899 for a Vista Balcony Suite. However, prices can go as high as $8,999 per person for a Vista Suite during the ship's limited Christmas market voyages. 

"Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. 

"With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to take a river cruise, we know guests are going to love sailing Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers The Celebrity Way on our fleet of elevated, cutting-edge ships."

Read more: River Cruises and How They Compare to Ocean Cruising

2027 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries

The Danube — Vienna and Budapest

• Day 1: Vilshofen
• Day 2: Linz (Salzburg)
• Day 3: Grein, Wachau Valley, and Dürnstein
• Day 4: Tullen and Vienna
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Gönyü
• Day 7 & 8: Budapest

The Danube — Budapest and Vienna 

• Day 1: Budapest
• Day 2: Budapest
• Day 3: Bratislava
• Day 4: Hainburg and Vienna
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Wachau Valley and Melk
• Day 7: Engelhartszell and Vilsohfen
• Day 8: Vilshofen

The Danube — Vilshofen to Budapest Christmas Markets

• Day 1: Vilshofen and Passau
• Day 2: Passau (Salzburg)
• Day 3: Linz
• Day 4: Melk, Wachau Valley, and Vienna
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Bratislava
• Day 7 & 8: Budapest

The Danube — Budapest to Nuremberg Christmas Markets

• Day 1: Budapest
• Day 2: Bratislava
• Day 3: Vienna
• Day 4: Wachau Valley and Melk
• Day 5: Passau (Salzburg)
• Day 6: Regensburg
• Day 7 & 8: Nuremberg

The Danube — Nuremberg to Budapest Christmas Markets

• Day 1 & 2: Nuremberg
• Day 3: Regensburg
• Day 4: Linz (Salzburg)
• Day 5: Melk, Wachau Valley, and Vienna
• Day 6: Vienna
• Day 7 & 7: Budapest

The Rhine — Nuremberg to Amsterdam New Year's

• Day 1: Nuremberg
• Day 2: Bamberg
• Day 3: Würzburg
• Day 4: Miltenberg
• Day 5: Scenic Rhine and Koblenz
• Day 6: Cologne
• Day 7 & 8: Amsterdam

The Rhine — Nuremberg to Basel Holiday

• Day 1: Nuremberg
• Day 2: Bamberg
• Day 3: Würzburg
• Day 4: Miltenberg
• Day 5: Mainz
• Day 6: Strasbourg (Alsace)
• Day 7: Breisach (Black Forest)
• Day 8: Basel

The Rhine — Basel to Amsterdam New Year's

• Day 1: Basel
• Day 2: Breisach (Black Forest)
• Day 3: Strasbourg (Alsace)
• Day 4: Speyer (Heidelberg)
• Day 5: Mainz and Scenic Rhine
• Day 6: Düsseldorf
• Day 7 & 8: Amsterdam

Celebrity's river ships combine Edge Class comforts with European charm

According to Celebrity, the revolutionary open decks will offer the most usable outdoor space of any river ship. Plus, they will remain accessible throughout the entire journey, so guests can be immersed in uninterrupted, 360-degree views.

One feature that was heavily inspired by the award-winning Edge Class ships is the Magic Edge, the first-ever cantilevered dining pods that will allow guests to enjoy regional, destination-driven culinary offerings while floating above the river. 

Other outdoor amenities include transformative shade structures, lounge furniture, a top-deck bar and grille, and an infinity-edge plunge pool. 

Each of Celebrity's river ships will also have eight restaurants and bars, including fan-favorites like the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café Al Bacio, the only 24/7 dining venue available on a river cruise. 

The five stateroom categories are designed with the same modern, upscale aesthetic that Celebrity is known for on its larger ocean ships. Guests can expect intuitive storage, enhanced configurations, complimentary stocked mini bars, destination-inspired amenities, and king-sized beds in every river cabin. 

Note that all staterooms are designed for just two passengers, meaning the ships can't accommodate parties of three or four in a single stateroom. 

The most affordable, entry-level accommodation aboard a Celebrity river ship is the standard river-view cabin. In other staterooms, Celebrity's Edge Class Infinite Veranda technology will transform floor-to-ceiling windows into open-air balconies with the touch of a button.

Suites will elevate the experience further, with an on-demand butler through "Butler Chat," complimentary exclusive dining, room service, happy hour experiences, laundry, and priority booking for shore excursions.

Celebrity's first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite will include a separate living area and a ceiling window for even more natural light.

Suites are more inclusive, too. Whereas standard cabins include a Classic Drinks Package, suite guests will receive a Premium Drinks Package, ensuring they have access to a wider variety of wines, cocktails, and more. 

Liberty of the Seas is finally getting its much-needed Royal Amplification. 

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean announced plans to upgrade three of its older cruise ships with new features as part of its next phase of ship updates. 

Royal Caribbean Blog has already shared the plans for Ovation of the Seas, so in this article, we'll take a deeper look at what changes are coming to Liberty of the Seas. 

Liberty of the Seas' Royal Amplification is scheduled to take place in late April and May 2026. Liberty will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 3, 2026, on a 16-night one-way cruise to Southampton. She's not scheduled to re-enter service until May 29. 

There's a lot of exciting stuff on the horizon — though Sabor fans might be a little heartbroken. 

Deck-by-deck changes coming to Liberty of the Seas

Starting on Deck 2, the Conference Center is being removed and replaced with 24 new inside cabins. The Loyalty Desk is also being moved to near the aft elevators. 

Moving on up, the Shore Excursions desk is being relocated to Deck 3, taking the place of the On Air Club. On Deck 4, the former Shore Excursions area will be replaced with an expanded casino. 

Royal Caribbean has been expanding its casino footprint on a few of its ships. Freedom of the Seas, for example, had its wine bar replaced with a non-smoking casino directly off the Royal Promenade. 

More casino space means more revenue, and it's the most likely reason that Royal Caribbean decided to replace the On Air Club with the Shore Excursions desk.

Aside from the bigger casino, Deck 4 has a lot of other changes coming its way. Starting at the forward section of the deck, Sabor is being replaced with Izumi Teppanyaki. This shouldn't come as a surprise, though. 

Recently, Linken D'Souza, Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Food & Beverage, said that Chops Grille is no longer the most popular specialty restaurant by sheer number of guests served. Instead, Izumi is the most popular restaurant by volume in the fleet. 

The Teppanyaki experience is even more appealing than standard sushi fare. D'Souza calls it "eatertainment," since it combines a multi-course meal with a show, where the chef cooks right at your table. 

Further back, the Boleros Bar is being replaced with a full-service Starbucks. 

There's not much being changed on Deck 5. However, the Connoisseur Club will become the Royal Escape Room. This will give guests a new, interactive activity, as the escape rooms have become popular on other ships in the fleet. 

Decks 6 and 7 will also remain the same. However, Deck 8 will receive a few new inside staterooms. These include cabins 8127, 8129, 8131, and 8133 in the front of the ship.

Moreover, since the Loyalty Desk is being moved to Deck 2, there will be room for more interior cabins towards the aft elevator bank: 8441, 8443, 8445, and 8447. 

Likewise, the Card Room on Deck 10 is being removed to make way for new staterooms, highlighting Royal Caribbean's focus on increasing occupancy by repurposing underused public spaces. These new cabins include 1343, 1345, 1347, and 1349. 

Things become more interesting on Deck 11. First, new ocean-view and balcony staterooms are being added near the Vitality Fitness Center: 1150, 1152, 1154, 1155, 1100, 1102, 1104, and 1106. 

The Solarium is staying the same, but the pool deck is going to receive a major upgrade. For starters, the standard Pool Bar will be transformed into the popular Lime and Coconut Bar. Moreover, Squeeze will become El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca. 

Don't worry, though. Although the pool deck will be completely reimagined with a fresh look and new casitas, the Splashaway Bay aqua park for kids isn't going anywhere. 

The Lime and Coconut will extend onto Deck 12, replacing the Sky Bar. 

Finally, Royal Caribbean plans on adding 10 new cabins near the Adventure Ocean youth club: 1892, 1894, 1896, 1898, 1900, 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, and 1910. 

Changes coming to two other ships

As mentioned earlier, Ovation of the Seas is one of three Royal Caribbean ships getting major upgrades through the cruise line's Royal Amplification process. 

Like with Liberty of the Seas, Ovation's casino will be expanded, effectively eliminating the Music Hall. Moreover, the ship will get a Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and an Izumi Teppanyaki, as well as a Pesky Parrot tiki bar — a Quantum Class first. 

The ship will also get a brand-new Sound Cellar, Ultimate Family Suite, and Panoramic Suite. 

Harmony of the Seas is the other ship getting an overhaul in 2026. 

During her drydock, Harmony's pool deck, including the Solarium, will be revitalized. Likewise, the pool deck will receive The Lime & Coconut. Other updates include the addition of Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, the largest Casino Royale in the fleet, and the Ultimate Family Suite. 

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship has reached an important construction milestone. 

Legend of the Seas, which is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, has touched water for the first time.

Construction began in January 2024 with the celebratory steel-cutting ceremony, meaning it's taken around 18 months to get to this point. 

During her float out, over 90 million gallons of water filled the dock. It's a major step forward in the mega ship's construction process, bringing her closer to sea trials and her anticipated debut. 

Now, the construction will focus more closely on the interior, as most of the exterior work has been completed. For example, the ship's 2,805 cabins will be installed and decorated soon. 

Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship and will join her sisters, Icon and Star of the Seas, in August 2026. 

During her inaugural season, Legend of the Seas will sail from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, marking the first time an Icon Class ship will offer cruises around the Mediterranean. 

European itineraries range from 3 to 13 nights and call at ports like Naples, Italy; Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence (Marseille), France; and more. 

She'll then move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a 13-night transatlantic cruise at the end of October. Her first sailing from Florida is scheduled for November 11, 2026. 

"Legend of the Seas continues the state-of-the-art Icon Class, which allows the Finnish maritime industry to showcase its unique expertise at its best," said Casimir Lindholm, C.E.O. of Meyer Turku. 

"The shipyard, Royal Caribbean, and an extensive network of partners work together to develop the processes and concepts from ship to ship. Alongside its sister ships, Legend of the Seas will also mark an important milestone in increasingly responsible shipbuilding."

As the third Icon Class ship, guests can expect a similar framework to Icon and Star of the Seas. However, there will be a few changes. 

For starters, the supper club will have a Hollywood theme, compared to New York on Icon and Chicago on Star. 

Moreover, it's likely that the entertainment line-up will differ from her sister ships. Onboard Icon of the Seas, for example, the Broadway-style musical is The Wizard of Oz. It was replaced by Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean plans on building a fourth Icon Class ship

According to Meyer Turku's Facebook post, the shipyard is already preparing the dry dock for the fourth Icon Class ship. 

"As Legend starts her outfitting phase, the dry dock awaits the keel laying of the fourth Icon Class ship," the post reads. 

Little is known about the next-gen Icon Class ship. However, it’s expected to build on the innovations introduced with Icon, Star, and Legend of the Seas. 

Celebrity Cruises is getting ready to put its first ever river cruises on sale, but a lot of questions remain.

The company held a webinar for travel agents and revealed that the deposit is $500 per reservation, however, they haven't shared many other details yet. Key information, such as itineraries, ship deck plans, and departure dates, is still under wraps. 

Guests can place a $500 deposit starting at 9:00am EDT on September 3, 2025, for early access to bookings once they officially open. This means that those who take advantage of the refundable deposit option will be among the first to secure a spot on Celebrity’s debut river sailings.

Celebrity said that the reason they're requiring deposits is because of the demand for the new cruise product; it's the first time a mainstream cruise line will offer river cruises. 

"We are excited to offer guests the chance to experience the first-ever Celebrity River Cruises vacations in 2027 with Priority Booking Access," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. 

"Guests will enjoy the warm hospitality Celebrity is known for, on innovative ships, with land experiences unlike any other, as we set sail on Europe’s iconic Danube and Rhine rivers."

However, placing a deposit does not guarantee anyone an actual booking. Starting on September 9, 2025, Celebrity Cruises will be converting the priority deposits into actual ship and sail dates. Conversions will be done based on Captain's Club loyalty status.  

To place a deposit on September 3, you can visit celebritycruises.com/river, call Celebrity River Cruises at 1-833-474-8803, contact a trusted travel advisor, or visit Future Cruise on board.

General sale for Celebrity's river cruises will open to the public "later this summer."

Read more: Celebrity confirms when they will open bookings for river cruises

Here's what we know about Celebrity River Cruises

Celebrity River Cruises will have a fleet of 10 ships. However, when the line debuts in 2027, it will start with just two vessels sailing the Danube and Rhine Rivers.

According to executives, each river ship will accommodate around 180 guests and be designed after the cruise line's award-winning Edge Class series, which launched in 2018. 

Edge Class ships, including Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Xcel (in Nov. 2025), focus on connecting guests to the ocean with their outward-facing designs and innovative features like the cantilevered Magic Carpet.

All cabins on Celebrity's river ships will be based on double occupancy, meaning the vessels won't be outfitted with staterooms for three or four guests. 

Additionally, the fares will be more inclusive than when sailing on their mainstream ocean cruise ships. All Celebrity River Cruises will include:

• Dining (including a 24-hour option)
• Drinks (select wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks, with the opportunity to upgrade)
• Wi-Fi
• Onboard experiences
• One complimentary shore excursion every day

Cruisers also have the option to add a pre- or post-cruise stay in Prague and Budapest when Celebrity's river cruises open for booking.

What Celebrity hasn't revealed about its river cruises yet

Although it's nice to know that the cruises will be more inclusive, one of the biggest questions remains unanswered — the price.

Because of the inclusivity and exclusivity of the river cruises, they'll likely be more expensive than their standard ocean sailings, but we don't know how the fares will compare to other river cruise lines. 

Celebrity also hasn't shared the dates of the first river cruises in 2027, as well as the ships' deck plans or cabin layouts. 

Royal Caribbean is actively fixing the water slide that broke on Icon of the Seas a few weeks ago, and if all goes well, it should be up and running before the end of the current voyage. 

An unidentified male passenger was injured on the Frightening Bolt drop slide aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships in early August. 

Moments after the trap door released him, he struck a section of the acrylic glass panel that broke off. Thankfully, he didn't fall through the gaping hole, but other guests reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands."

Royal Caribbean immediately closed the slide, although other slides within the Category 6 Waterpark remained operational, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers mat slides, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge.

(Credit: thugsbunny808/Reddit)

Because the water was forcefully gushing through the opening and spraying the chairs overlooking the adults-only Hideaway pool, Deck 15 was also closed to prevent further injuries and allow crew members to assess the slide's damage. 

They closed the slide on the brand-new Star of the Seas, too, so that the crew could conduct a thorough inspection to ensure guest safety. One user on Reddit confirmed that it has remained closed through at least Aug. 27. 

Since the incident, news broke that the passenger plans to sue Royal Caribbean for compensation. They hired Alex Perez of Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., who confirmed that his client suffered injuries after the acrylic glass on the water slide broke on Aug. 7, 2025.

Read more: Royal Caribbean passenger plans to sue the company after being sliced during water slide accident

(Credit: thugsbunny808/Reddit)

The malfunctioning water slide didn't impact Icon of the Seas' operations. As such, guests on recent sailings have begun sharing images of the repairs, showing crew members working on the orange and yellow slide.

"I did see someone [post] a photo that the drop slide on the Icon was being fixed. We are also on the sailing this week and spoke with one of the officers overseeing the work," shared one cruiser on Reddit.

"They removed the clear sections while we were docked in St. Maarten and plan to install the new pieces tomorrow while docked in St Thomas. They are replacing the clear sections with two solid colored sections and said it should be up and running again this sailing."

(Credit: @aaron.dv02 [left] and @fireal7 [right])

At 46 feet tall, Frightening Bolt is famous for being the largest drop slide at sea, as well as its suspenseful trapdoor launch that sends riders plummeting straight down. 

Following in initial incident, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson provided the following statement:

"Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation."

The most recent photos of the slide shared on Reddit were taken during Icon of the Seas' current 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. Icon departed from Miami, Florida, on Aug. 23, 2025, and called at St. Maarten and St. Thomas on Aug. 26 and 27, respectively. The final port is a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Water slides on cruise ships are safe. You shouldn't become overly worried because of this one isolated incident

The number of water slide-related accidents on cruise ships is low considering the hundreds of guests who use them every day. However, incidents do occur from time to time. 

Cruise lines heavily invest in regular maintenance and safety inspections to ensure that they're operating smoothly and efficiently. 

In fact, it's not uncommon to see slides closed for maintenance, even during full sailings. While annoying, it's better to experience a temporary closure than risk a malfunction that could result in serious injuries. 

That said, like with any thrill ride (on land or at sea), there are always inherent risks. As such, it's important to follow the posted safety instructions for any attraction, whether it's a zip line, rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating rink, or water slide. 

And if you don't feel comfortable, there’s no shame in skipping the activity altogether. Royal Caribbean ships definitely cater to adrenaline junkies, but there are so many other activities onboard to keep everyone happy. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs. Star of the Seas: Which ship should you choose?