A milestone in the construction of Royal Caribbean's first Icon Class cruise ship was just completed. 

On June 22, the brand-new ship successfully completed her initial round of sea trials and returning to the Meyer Turku shipyard, where she departed from four days ago. This is where the ship has been under construction since April 2022 when the kneel was laid. 

In other words, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class has now sailed through the open ocean! 

Icon of the Seas' first sea trials

During her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested. Everything was done on time as outlined in the schedule, despite her departure being delayed due to wind conditions. 

When sea trials take place, hundreds of specialists run tests to help assess different technical areas of the ship, and there were more than 450 specialists who helped to run the four days tests on the ship’s technical areas during this round of sea trials. 

Between preparing for the trial and the tests themselves, there were over 2,000 specialists who put in more than 350 hours of work in helping Icon of the Seas pass this important milestone. 

A second set of sea trials is planned for later in 2023, where Icon's abilities will be pushed even further. All of this is done to make sure that the ship is in tip-top shape being before delivered to Royal Caribbean. 

Operation food bag donation 

When Icon of the Seas returned from her first set of sea trials, she returned with a truckload of food to donate to the non-profit organization Operaatio Ruokakassi, or Operation Food Bag. 

Operation Food Bag is based out of Turku, Finland that was founded in March 2008. Their goal is to acquire and deliver food to those in need. All food that is distributed is free to those who apply. 

In 2022 alone, the non-profit distributed over four million pounds of food, and every week, they give out roughly 4,100 bags. 

Nearing the maiden voyage

There's roughly seven months to go until this record-breaking ship departs on her first voyage out of Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024. This is where she will be based through at least April 2025, where she will make 7-night cruises to the Caribbean. 

When she is completed, Icon of the Seas will be 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas, which means that she will steal the title for largest cruise ship in the world. 

As if that was not something to look forward to. (as Oasis Class ships have retained this title for over one decade), she will introduce brand firsts, such as Izumi in the Park, the AquaDome, family-focused Surfside neighborhood, Category 6 water park, and more. 

Between now and the second set of sea trials, there is still a lot that needs to be done before she is ready for passengers to board to experience the ultimate family vacation. 

After eight cruises with Royal Caribbean (six of which being on Oasis Class ships), I recently decided to give MSC Cruises a try while in Europe. 

MSC is an Italian based cruise line that is quite controversial in the cruise industry. While it is pretty established in Europe, it has begun to gain popularity in North America, where you can oftentimes find a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean for less than $400 per person onboard one of their newest ships. 

The cruise line, however, has been subject to negativity, with the most common complaints being about the quality of the food, service, and onboard programming. 

Despite all the things I had heard, I decided to take a 7-night cruise to Italy, Spain, and France onboard MSC Seashore, and I had a great experience! I would easily consider another cruise with MSC in the future. 

At 169,400 gross registered tons, MSC Seashore is considerably smaller than Oasis Class ships, which all come in over 225,000 gross registered tons. That being said, she can still accommodate over 5,800 passengers at maximum capacity. 

Before boarding this cruise, I knew this cruise would be unlike any that I had previously been on. Of course, "different" does not equate to bad. In the end, there were things that I enjoyed more about my cruise with MSC than Royal Caribbean!

Lower priced cruise add-ons

Normally, I do not splurge too much on cruise add-ons, such as specialty dining experiences, due to the cost on Royal Caribbean ships. 

While onboard MSC Seashore, however, I was surprised to discover that the extras were far less. I was able to dine at Kaito Teppanyaki and HOLA! Tacos & Cantina for around €50. In comparison, teppanyaki at Izumi can cost upwards of $50 per person alone for dinner. Plus, the prix fixe menu at Kaito included sushi and sashimi! 

Likewise, I found the alcoholic beverages to be cheaper, too. They had an extensive list of cocktails for only €9 each, meaning that I felt like I could splurge a little bit more than normal. 

I will admit that if I do end up cruising with MSC again in the future, I would consider a drink package. One thing I disliked about the cruise line was the lack of complimentary water. The Easy Package, which included beverages up to €9, was only €47 per day! 

With Royal Caribbean, I always find myself debating if the Deluxe Beverage Package is worth the cost. While it does include more than MSC's Easy Package, it is also much more expensive. Even when it on sale, I find that it is normally around $75 per day, before the additional gratuities. 

The elevator system

On Royal Caribbean ships, the elevators are a free-for-all, meaning that as many people as often pack into available cars. For that reason, I find myself taking the stairs quite a bit, as it is usually a faster and more comfortable option than waiting for a full elevator. 

I loved MSC's elevator system. Rather than just selecting if you want to travel up or down, you have to select the specific deck. Afterwards, you are assigned an elevator car to board. The screen would even tell you how long of a wait you were going to have before the elevator arrived. Most of the time, it was under two minutes!

There were a few days that we were told the ship was sailing close to maximum capacity, which meant that nearly 5,880 people were onboard. At double occupancy, MSC Seashore has a capacity of 4,540 passengers.  

Despite the large number of passengers, there were only a few times during the entire cruise that the elevators were crowded. During the majority of my sailing, there were no more than five or six people on the same car as me. 

Related: How to beat the crowds on your cruise ship

MSC's embarkation and disembarkation

Since my cruise was an interport sailing, guests were embarking and disembarking in each port. This meant that instead of 4,000 some passengers all trying to get on the ship in a single day, it was spread out throughout the cruise. 

I knew when I was embarking, there would be a mix of people disembarking and getting off to explore Genoa as a scheduled port of call. When I arrived at the terminal in Genoa, I found it to be less crowded than when I have boarded Royal Caribbean ships. 

Related: 30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise

Due to my hotel's check out time, I got the the terminal an hour before my scheduled embarkation time. This was not an issue, though. I was checked in, through security, and onboard in about thirty minutes! I appreciated that they had refreshments available, too, including sparkling water, still water, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

And since thousands of guests were not boarding at the same time, I found the buffet to be relatively pleasant during lunch. On Royal Caribbean ships, I will do whatever I can to avoid the Windjammer on embarkation day! 

When it came to disembarkation, my group was called at 9:15am. In less than thirty minutes, I was at the Genoa train station. The only line I had to wait in was the one to scan my cruise card a final time. 

Diversity of passengers

I was expecting a more international crowd of passengers, and I was right! 

When I was waiting in line to check in at the terminal, I heard tons of different languages being spoken. In fact, other than the port employees, I did not hear anyone else speaking English.

Moreover, all onboard announcements were made in multiple different languages to accommodate the diverse crowd. This did, however, mean that the announcements took longer. The only time it was a bit of an annoyance was prior to the theatre shows, when I felt like the cruise director was speaking for fifteen minutes!

Overall, though, I loved being surrounded by so many people from different backgrounds. It made the trip feel more special and immersive, especially since it was a European itinerary! 

Status match

I am currently an Emerald Crown & Anchor member, which means that I was able to roll my status over to MSC Cruises' Voyagers Club and enjoy some neat perks on my very first cruise with the line. 

While not the highest tier, I achieved Gold status, and I was able to start utilizing the benefits during the booking process with a 5% discount off of my cruise fare.

My three favorite perks, however, were all onboard: the free one hour in the thermal spa, welcome back cocktail reception, and complimentary MSC Voyagers Club drawstring bag. 

The only status matching that Royal Caribbean will honor is through Celebrity Cruises and vice versa, meaning that you cannot try and get them to honor your status on any other cruise line, such as Carnival or Norwegian. 

If you have yet to step foot on any cruise ship at all, MSC will even match your hotel status with well-known brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. 

Overall thoughts

Though I did not board MSC Seashore anticipating all of the negative complaints to be true, I was surprised at how much I genuinely loved my cruise on this beautiful ship!

I found the quality of the food, both complimentary and specialty, and service to be quite high. Food, however, is subjective; my favorite dish might be someone else's least favorite. 

When it came to the entertainment offerings, I was disappointed with the productions in the theatre. Entertainment is something that Royal Caribbean is known for, and I do not believe that MSC lives up to them in this way! 

Overall, I would consider another MSC cruise in the future, as the value for what I got was exceptional! 

Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship is now available for booking. 

The 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral onboard Utopia of the Seas can be booked through Royal Caribbean's website, with the first sailing in July 2024. The current bookings are open through April 2025. 

Utopia of the Seas will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, with every sailing visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's private island destination in The Bahamas. 

The inaugural sailing is listed as July 22, 2024 and is a 4-night cruise that sails to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Pricing starts at $1,112 per person for an interior stateroom, $1,152 for an ocean view stateroom, $1,217 for a balcony stateroom, and $2,686 for a suite. 

The next sailing is July 26, 2024 and is a 3-night cruise to The Bahamas, with an interior cabin starting at $802 per person. 

The ship, which is larger than older Oasis Class vessels, will measure 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188 ft. in length. This means that she will be slightly larger than the current largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas. 

Additionally, Utopia of the Seas will have a capacity of 5,668 passengers at double occupancy. 

Here's what to look forward to on Utopia of the Seas

Brand-new dining venues and bars

There are some Royal Caribbean staples found onboard every ship in the fleet, such as Chops Grille and Schooner Bar. At the same time, Royal Caribbean strives to provide passengers with new experiences to keep them wanting to come back time and time again.

Utopia of the Seas is no exception.

Onboard, you will find some bars and restaurants that, when launched, will not be available on any other Royal Caribbean ship, including the brand-new Pesky Parrot bar in the Royal Promenade.  

This venue is a new-to-brand Caribbean tiki bar that will serve tropical beverages, both frozen and on the rocks, and take the place of the Bionic Bar. 

Likewise, Utopia of the Seas will be the first ship to have the immersive train car dining experience. While little is known about this specialty dining venue, it further the brand's goal to move towards new food and beverage concepts to differentiate restaurants from being just another place for dinner.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas will also be the only Oasis Class ship to have Izumi located in Central Park, meaning that you will be able to indulge in fresh sushi al fresco while listening to live music under the stars.

Plus, for those in a hurry, you can take advantage of Izumi in the Park, which is a grab-and-go window that will also serve fun sweet treats. Note that Icon of the Seas will also have the same concept when she launches in January 2024. 

Up on the pool deck, guests will find three complimentary dining options, including the brand-new poolside food truck, to grab a bite to eat at after enjoying one of the five pools, eight hot tubs, or three water slides. Plus, there will be a three-story Lime and Coconut bar. 

New staterooms

There will be 2,834 staterooms onboard Utopia of the Seas to choose from, including the standard interior, ocean view, and balcony cabins. Some interior cabins, however, will be designed a little bit differently. In addition to the traditional rectangular shape, select inside staterooms on Utopia of the Seas will be in a square layout, meaning that they will have more floor space. 

There will also be new suites. The Solarium Suites will be located on Deck 14 above each bridge wing, and according to Royal Caribbean, they will be similar to the Ultimate Panoramic Suites that are found on Oasis of the Seas and offer guests 280 degree views of the ocean from the large living space. While they will not include a private balcony, they will incorporate the infinite balcony concept that will be new to the brand on Icon of the Seas. 

Moreover, the cruise line is introducing the Sky Junior Suite. Unlike traditional Junior Suites, these staterooms will be located within the suite neighborhood and receive Sky Class benefits. On other Oasis Class ships, standard Junior Suites are in the Sea Class.

This means that you will receive an even more enhanced cruising experience, with perks such as complimentary wi-fi, all-day dining in Coastal Kitchen, and access to the exclusive suites-only deck. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

And while not new, you will be able to book the impressive Ultimate Family Suite, which will have three bedrooms, expansive corner balcony, an in-suite cinema, table tennis, and two-story slide. The Royal Loft Suite will be receiving some upgrades, too, such as the brand-new outdoor shower and spa tub in the primary bathroom. 

Return of the neighborhood concept

Fans of Oasis Class ships know that Royal Caribbean invented the neighborhood concept when Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009. Essentially, they divided the ship into distinct areas that offer guests different atmospheres. What you will find, for instance, in the Royal Promenade will differ from the Boardwalk, Central Park, and Pool and Sports Zone. 

The same neighborhoods will be found onboard Utopia of the Seas, including the Suite neighborhood that debuted on Wonder of the Seas:

• The Royal Promenade 
• Pool and Sports Zone
• The Boardwalk, which will be the ending point of the longest dry slide at sea
• Central Park

• Vitality Spa & Fitness
• Youth Zone
• Suite Neighborhood 
• Entertainment Place

Utopia of the Seas construction 

Utopia of the Seas is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. It has been a little over a year since construction began in April 2022. 

Unless Royal Caribbean decides to order another Oasis Class ship, this will be the last ship constructed for this class. It appears as though the cruise line is pivoting towards focusing on the upcoming Icon Class, which is their first new class of ship since Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014. 

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Royal Caribbean ships are known for having some of the most thrilling activities at sea, including zip lines, surfing and skydiving simulators, ice skating rinks, bumper cars, and more. 

However, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean's sister cruise line, is more upscale and offers guests a more refined cruising experience than you would find onboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

Plus, they now offer the ability to bundle your initial cruise fare to make it more inclusive, meaning that you will not have to worry about adding each cruise-add on after booking. Currently, the All Included rate only includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, and Classic Drinks Package. They advertise that this saves you anywhere from $200 to $800. 

Celebrity Cruises was originally founded by the Chandris Group in Greece in 1988 and was acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 1997, meaning that the two brands have shared the same holding company for over twenty years!

And while the two brands may have the same parent company, there are some things that you will not find onboard any Celebrity cruise ship in the fleet. 

Smoking in the casino

Regardless of which ship you sail on, smoking is not permitted in the casino onboard any Celebrity ship. 

As a reminder, smoking is not allowed in the cabins either, even if you have a balcony. If you are caught violating their smoking policy, a $250 cleaning fee will be charged to your onboard account. 

It is, of course, permitted in designated outdoor areas. There are identifiable by signage. Plus, ashtrays will be available for smoking use. 

A teppanyaki restaurant

Izumi Hibachi is available onboard select Royal Caribbean ships. Here, passengers may elect to pay extra for this teppanyaki specialty dining experience. The price is usually somewhere around $50 if purchased in advance via the Cruise Planner for dinner. 

There is not a teppanyaki restaurant onboard Celebrity ships. They do, however, have sushi restaurants. Like Izumi, dining here is not included in the cost of your cruise fare. The a la carte pricing ranges anywhere from $4 for edamame to around $10 per roll. 

Plus, they have other specialty restaurants to choose from, so you will not go hungry or be without options!

Onboard thrills

One of the biggest differences between and Celebrity cruise and a Royal Caribbean cruise is that you will not find any WOW factor thrills onboard Celebrity ships. They lack water slides, rock walls, any kind of ice or roller skating rink, etc. This contributes to the more upscale environment. 

If you have children who like staying active and bouncing from activity to activity, this is something you should consider. They may not enjoy spending a week onboard a ship without those kinds of things to keep them occupied. 

They do have youth programming called Camp at Sea, though! They offer complimentary activities for children  ranging from three-years-old to seventeen -- think of things like games, arts and crafts, video game and sports tournaments, and even slumber parties!

If you drop your children off outside of the complimentary hours (i.e.,  9:00am to 12:00pm, 2:00 to 5:00pm, and 7:00 to 10:00pm), you will be subject to paying an additional $6 per hour per child. 

Private islands

Visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay is a must for many cruisers sailing to the Caribbean or Bahamas. It certainly lives up to the WOW factors that their ships deliver, as you will find a water park, zip line, exclusive beach club, and even hot air balloon on the island. 

In other words, you can make your day whatever you want it to be. Of course, not all activities are included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise, which is something to be mindful of when planning your cruise budget. The water park, for instance, usually costs over $100 per person, as does the Coco Beach Club.

It is important to note that Celebrity ships do not visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. In fact, they do not have a private island of their own! 

While Labadee, Haiti is also a private destination owned by Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity ships are going to stop sailing here in 2024. Per their website, "Please Note: While we don't currently sail to Labadee Haiti you can still discover the beauty of the Caribbean on a Southern Caribbean Cruise."

Are you a fan of short cruises? You're about to get that option on a new Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean announced that its newest Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, will sail short cruises year-round from Port Canaveral in summer 2024.

This is a significant change in Royal Caribbean's launch of a new ship. Typically, new Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer 7-night cruises, with older ships offering short weekend cruises.

Utopia will break away from that model and begin sailing with short cruises, which could be a pivot aimed at attracting new cruisers who want a shorter first sailing.

This means every sailing will visit Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay, which the cruise line thinks will add a great deal of value for guests by including one of the most popular Caribbean ports of call that Royal Caribbean has at the moment.

The trips will also bring stops in Nassau in the Bahamas. 

Allure of the Seas will begin the trend of offering short cruises on on Oasis Class ship when she starts up those offerings in November 2023.

Utopia opens for bookings on Royal Caribbean’s website as soon as Friday, June 23. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members can book on Thursday, June 22. In practice, it has been our experience there is no difference between these dates as to when you can book if you use a travel agent.

What's different about Utopia of the Seas

Being the sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas will have a few notable differences from her sister Oasis Class ships.

Utopia will have 5 pools, 3 water slides, 21 dining venues, 23 bars, 2 casinos, and 8 hot tubs.

Utopia of the Seas will be different from any other Oasis Class ship, including Wonder of the Seas, in that she will feature the brand-new Pesky Parrot bar. This will be located in the Royal Promenade on Deck 5, effectively replacing Bionic Bar. 

The Pesky Parrot is a new bar with a Caribbean flair. You'll find fruit-based beverages made with rum, tequila and gin.

The Mason Jar will return on Utopia of the Seas.  Mason Jar was a new Southern American restaurant concept that first debuted on Wonder of the Seas.

In fact, Utopia has much more in common with Wonder than other Oasis Class ships.

Utopia will have the Vue Bar, Playscape for kids, one FlowRider, El Loco Fresh, and an expansive suite deck.

Likewise, guests will not find Izumi on Deck 4. Rather, this is where the Immersive Train Dining Experience will be located. 

Drawing inspiration from the allure of classic trains and their iconic dining cars, this new specialty restaurant will allow guests to dine in a restaurant that looks like a classic train car, complete with sights and sounds that are meant to immerse you in this fantasy.

Royal Caribbean is calling it an "immersive experience" because it combines visuals and food together.

Related: Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

Do not worry, sushi lovers! Fan-favorite Izumi will still be available on Utopia of the Seas.

The dining venue will be located on Deck 8 and will replace where Wonder of the Seas has Giovanni's Wine Bar and Kitchen. Moreover, the brand-new Izumi in the Park concept will be here, too. 

Izumi will have double the teppanyaki tables and new al fresco seating.

Izumi in the Park is a new option that Royal Caribbean initially developed for Icon of the Seas, and it will continue with Utopia.

Wonderland, however, is being removed from the ship. Royal Caribbean is moving Giovanni's Wine Bar and Kitchen to Deck 11 and 12, replacing the imaginative restaurant. 

Now spanning two stories, this restaurant has been reworked and has a new outside terrace – Gio’s Terrazza – that overlooks the signature Boardwalk.

Related: I spent $60 to eat at Royal Caribbean’s most bizarre restaurant. I thought I would hate it, but it was one of the best meals of my cruise

Other dining favorites will return on Utopia, such as Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood and 150 Central Park.

Utopia of the Seas will also be the only Oasis Class ship to feature two Solarium Suites, which will be found on Deck 14 above each bridge wing (i.e., one suite on the port side of the ship and one on the starboard side).

According to Royal Caribbean, these staterooms will be similar to the Ultimate Panoramic Suites that are found on Oasis of the Seas.

The Royal Loft Suite has a master loft and a downstairs bedroom that can accommodate up to 6 guests.

And Utopia will also have its own Ultimate Family Suite, which has three bedrooms, an in-suite cinema, corner balcony, table tennis, and two-story slide.

Deck 15 will feature a Poolside Food Truck, giving guests lounging by the pool another quick-service dining option.  

Finally, Sprinkles ice cream station will be bigger than ever, with three flavors to choose from and a new sprinkles bar.

Coming in 2024

Utopia of the Seas is finalizing the construction process before she can begin sailing in 2024.

The new ship is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. 

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, and will be the second new cruise ship Royal Caribbean launches in 2024.  Icon of the Seas will debut in January 2024.

Royal Caribbean's upcoming Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island has a new president.

On June 15, the company announced that Philip Simon will begin his role as the president of the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island and general manager of Royal Caribbean International Bahamas effective July 1. 

Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer for Royal Caribbean International, said, "Welcoming a leader who is as well-respected and accomplished in The Bahamas as Philip Simon is the start of an exciting chapter."

“With a project as significant as the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island that will introduce a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership, we are committed to maximizing Bahamian participation and building a development that will set new standards in environmental design and operation in The Bahamas. Philip, a resident and native of The Bahamas, has the experience and reputation to ensure that.”

Who is Philip Simon?

Simon is a longtime Bahamian business and land development executive who has a 20-year track record of responsible development and management.

Most recently, he was a managing partner at PMR Bahamas Realty Ltd. (Torch Cay), where he oversaw the company's business in the Bahamas. Prior to that, he was the president of The New Providence Development Company Ltd, and from 2002 to 2010, he served as CEO of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and managed the company's daily affairs. 

Simon received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Texas Tech University, graduating cum lade. He holds an additional degree in physics and mathematics from The College of The Bahamas, as well as a master's degree n business administration with concentrations in entrepreneurship and finance from the University of Maryland.

Throughout his lifetime, he has served on numerous boards: Bahamas Ferries, the Bahamas Venture Capital Fund, The Regional Management Consultancy Task Force, Civil Society Advisory Group, The Bahamas National Pride Association and The Bahamas Trade Commission. 

Moreover, he is the former chairman of the Self-Starter Youth Entrepreneurial Grant Program, an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Old Fort Bay, and and a former membership officer of YPO Bahamas. 

Currently, he serves as chairman of Junior Achievement Bahamas, as well as deputy chair of The Bahamas Primary School Student of The Year Foundation.

Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island

Scheduled to open in 2025, the Royal Beach Club will be an option for cruise passengers in Nassau. 

Originally announced in in March 2020, the cruise industry halted the development of the project. 

While not a private island like Perfect Day at CocoCay the 17-acre property will be available exclusively to Royal Caribbean cruise passengers. 

Guests who purchase a day pass will be able to relax on one of four beaches: Tranquility Beach, Hideaway Beach, Harbor Beach, and Sapphire Beach. And for those who want an upgraded experience, cabanas will be available to rent. 

The Royal Beach Club will also be home to a swimming pool. Current concept art depicts it as a long and narrow infinity pool with in-water loungers. 

Guests seeking a little bit more action and activity can head over to the water sports center, where they can rent snorkel or scuba gear, kayaks, jet skis, and floating mats for an additional fee. Likewise, inflatable water slides and parasail excursions will be available, too.  

Related: Royal Caribbean beach club in Nassau will open in 2025

First-of-its-kind venture in the Bahamas

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said, "The Bahamas has been a phenomenal partner since the very start, when they became our first port of call more than 50 years ago."

“As we continue to bring millions of visitors to experience attractions throughout Nassau each year, The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is the next bold adventure in Royal Caribbean’s commitment to both increasing tourism in The Bahamas and delivering memorable vacations to our guests.”

Once completed, the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will have a public-private partnership, meaning that Bahamians will be able to own up to 49% equity and local businesses can take part in managing the majority of the experience.

Both the construction phase and operation of the Royal Beach Club will create hundreds of jobs. The economic impact is estimated to be around $1 billion over the course of ten years.

Moreover, the 17-acre property is divided between the cruise line and Crown Land, with Royal Caribbean owning 13 and the remaining four being Crown Land.

The Crown Land will be contributed as equity to help make sure that a share of all profits are returned to the Bahamian government and people. 

According to Simon, “I am excited to represent both Royal Caribbean International and the country in what will be a very unique opportunity for all sides, with the new beach club and the tremendous potential for extended growth and partnership for years to come."

Environmental pillars

Royal Caribbean is committed to delivering unforgettable vacations responsibly. Not only do they have a responsibility to take care of the oceans in which they sail, they want to look after their destinations, too. 

The company outlined six key environmental pillars for the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island:

• Zero waste to landfill
• 100% renewable energy by 2030
• No dredging and no overwater cabanas 
• Best-in-class wastewater treatment
• Protecting the island's natural habitat
• Local environmental monitoring 

A milestone in the construction of Royal Caribbean's first Icon Class cruise ship will begin this weekend.

"Icon will depart from the Turku shipyard for the first time ever during the weekend, when Icon's week-long sea trials begin," confirmed Meyer Turku's Facebook page. 

Over the course of the week, certain systems and features will be tested that cannot when she the ship is docked. 

"Thank you to everyone involved in the Icon project! Icon's seaworthiness is the result of the combined expertise of Meyer's top professionals from many different fields."

"Let's wish a good voyage to Icon of the Seas, and prepare to welcome Icon back to the shipyard after her trials!"

The Meyer Turku Facebook page stated that they will post more pictures of Icon of the Seas once she official departs. 

Related: 9 new things about Icon of the Seas I learned during my shipyard tour

What are sea trials?

Sea trials test a cruise ship's navigational and technical systems. This is the final part of a cruise ship construction prior to delivery.

During these tests, everything from the ship's propulsion to navigation and engines are tested. It is imperative that everything be in tip-top shape when the ship officially joins the fleet. 

Sea trials range in duration. Wonder of the Seas', for instance, was only four days. Moreover, sometimes it is common for there to be two different sessions. 

The sea trials are conducted with a combination of shipyard employees, as well as Royal Caribbean crew members.

First ship of her kind

Royal Caribbean has not launched a new class of ship since 2014, making Icon of the Seas that much more exciting.

Not only will she be the largest cruise ship in the world, but she will also feature many firsts for both the cruise line and industry, including the record-breaking Category 6 water park.  

Upon completion, she will be 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas, who currently holds the title for largest cruise ship in the world.

The 250,800 gross ton ship will be nothing short of thrilling, offering something to appeal to everyone!

From relaxing on the revamped pool decks, to catching an exciting show at the AquaDome, spending quality time together in the family-centered Surfside neighborhood, and indulging in brand-new culinary experiences, Icon of the Seas is set to offer the ultimate family vacation. 

"We think it's going to be the best family vacation in the world," said Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.

"And all of the energy and time that's gone into creating this ship is just mind blowing."

Related: Why are new cruise ships still being built?

The wait for details on what Royal Caribbean has planned for Utopia of the Seas looks like it will be over soon.

Not much has been said about Utopia of the Seas, which makes Royal Caribbean's tease all that more exciting. 

"This is the one — for everyone.  Stay tuned for #UtopiaoftheSeas revealed — it all happens Tuesday, June 20," the company wrote on Facebook. 

The website has been updated to include a timer counting down to June 20, too. Here, guests are able to sign up for an email update to get more information when it becomes available. 

Following Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, and Wonder of the Seas, this will be the final Oasis Class ship. That is, unless, Royal Caribbean decides to order more in the future. 

The company has not said much about Utopia, which has added to the intrigue of what we can expect.

Measuring 1,188 feet long and over 230,000 gross tons, she will be smaller than the record-breaking Icon of the Seas. At maximum capacity, she will be able to accommodate around 7,000 guests, which is similar to other Oasis Class vessels. 

There has been no official word on where the ship will sail from or specific itineraries. Royal Caribbean has said, though, that she will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Guests interested in sailing on Utopia of the Seas should keep their summer schedule open for next year, as she is scheduled to hit the high seas in summer 2024. 

Here is what we know about the ship so far. 

First LNG-powered Oasis Class ship

Utopia of the Seas will stand out from her sister ships in that she will be the first Oasis Class vessel to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), which is the cleanest fossil fuel that is able to power ships today. 

LNG fuel has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 30%, sulfur emissions by close to 10)%, and nitrogen oxide emissions by around 85%.

Related: Which Royal Caribbean ships are powered by LNG?

Brand-new dining concept

According to Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider, Utopia of the Seas will feature "...a mixed reality immersive dining experience with a train motif...that's going to blow people away."

Immersive dining has become a trend around the world, and cruise ships are no exception to wanting in on this fad! 

Onboard Princess Cruises' Discovery and Enchanted Princess, for instance, guests will find 360, an immersive and destination-inspired restaurant that features a 7-course menu. The dining venue is enclosed with LED walls that project visuals that carry a storyline and align with each course. 

The unnamed dining experience is still a work in progress. One concept that the company is playing around with is serving each course in a different "destination." 

The first, for instance, might be Grand Central Station in New York, with the second in Oslo, Norway or Lombardy, Italy. 

Related: Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

Importance of booking as soon as possible

If you are hoping to snag a good rate, you will want to book your cruise onboard Utopia of the Seas as soon as possible once itineraries open, as you can often find the cheapest cruise fares when new itineraries are released. 

As sailings fill up and there is less availability, rates often increase. Booking early is one way to ensure that you are getting the best price. Plus, you are able to reprice if you find that the fare does drop.  

You are not able to reverse this practice and lock in a rate you saw earlier if you find that the price of your cruise of interest has increased. 

Note, though, that price adjustments do not happen automatically. You will be responsible for checking the website to see if the rate has dropped. Likewise, if you booked with a travel agent, you can contact them. 

If you have your eye on holiday sailing onboard Utopia of the Seas, booking early will ensure that you have the most flexibility regarding stateroom choice. Holiday sailings tend to book up quickly, meaning that you should not wait to book your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's cruise!

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

Celebrity Ascent will be Celebrity Cruises' fourth Edge Class ship, and it is only a few short months away from hitting the high seas. 

“I am so excited to introduce the world to Celebrity Ascent and continue the legacy of Celebrity’s Edge Series,” remarked Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Cruises’ President.

“First launched in 2018, the Edge Series transformed what cruising could be and its ships like Edge, Apex and Beyond quickly became consumer favorites. Continuously striving to offer travelers a better way to enjoy travel and reach the world around them, we are so proud of what we have built and look forward to welcoming both seasoned and new cruisers alike.” 

Here is what guests can look forward to on the newest Edge Class ship, Celebrity Ascent. 

Edge Class favorites

If you have previously sailed on an Edge Class ship, there are numerous venues that you can look forward to seeing onboard. 

First, there will be the Theatre that will be home to imaginative performances that utilize state-of-the-art technology. 

If you would rather enjoy the outdoors, head up to the Rooftop Garden. Dubbed the "ultimate outdoor haven," this is a space to enjoy live music, movies, and infinity float pools. Do not worry-- if you get hungry, it is easy to grab something to eat al fresco at the Rooftop Garden Grill. 

There will also be a return of the spa, luxurious Resort Deck with a large main pool and two-story martini glass shaped hot tubs, adults-only Solarium, Sunset Bar, Magic Carpet, and the Grand Plaza and Martini Bar. 

When it comes to dining, you can expect to find venues like the three-story Eden Bar and Restaurant, as well as Le Petit Chef, which offers a fully immersive dining experience for an extra cost and will feature a never-before-seen show. 

And when you return to your cabin at night, you can rest easy in Celebrity's luxurious and modern accommodations. When booking your cruise, you will have your pick of the Edge Class first Infinite Veranda, as well as other standard cabins. The ship even welcomes the return of AquaClass staterooms for wellbeing-seekers who want to enjoy exclusive amenities.

Brand-new and refreshed dining experiences

When Celebrity Beyond made her debut in 2022, she introduced new dining venues that set her apart from the previous two ships in the class. Likewise, Celebrity Ascent is taking on a similar tactic. Cruising onboard this ship will be different from any other ship in the class!

Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud was first introduced on Celebrity Beyond; however, it will be completely redesigned onboard Celebrity Ascent. Headed by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, Daniel Boulud's second restaurant at sea will offer an intimate fine dining experience that is based upon the Chef's travels. 

The world-class cuisine offered at Eden Restaurant is going to be expanded with a plant-based tasting menu, which will bring guests closer to the earth through seven courses that are crafted with untouched, fresh, and seasonal ingredients.

Fans of high-end bourbons will appreciate the tasting and seminars at Craft Social, while martini fans can rejoice in the expanded martini menu at the Martini Bar.

Here, you can find low-sugar cocktails, as well as some brand-new creations, such as the lychee and passion fruit martini. 

Even the complimentary dining experience is getting a refresh. As with the other Edge Class ships, there will be four main dining options, each with a signature menu and rotating nightly dishes.

On Celebrity Ascent, however, the Cosmopolitan restaurant will be redesigned, with the inspiration coming from the culture of champagne. 

Finally, Blu, the exclusive restaurant dedicated to AquaClass guests, will have an outdoor terrance with the ability to seat 24 guests.

Enhanced entertainment, art and retail offerings​​​

While food is a major aspect of the cruising experience, entertainment is another selling point for many passengers, and there is no lack of things to do onboard Celebrity Ascent. 

First, there will be three brand-new production shows in the Theater, as well as interactive digital experiences in the Club and immersive shows in Eden Bar and Restaurant. Each show will feature world-class dancers, vocalists, musicians, and even specialty artists. 

Plus, the Resort Deck is going to be the center of all your nightlife needs. There will be live performances, music, and even a DJ.

For those who want to try their luck at the casino, you will find that the casino floor has been redesigned and will feature brand-new games. You will find a new layout, design, and slot machines with the latest technology. 

The Art Gallery has also been reimagined, making it so that guests are able to better experience the displayed places, as well as enjoy various auctions and events. 

Last but not least, Celebrity Ascent will be home to the Sunset Collection by Nate Berkus. This is a collection of travel and home accessories that can only be found onboard Celebrity Ascent!

Celebrity Ascent itineraries 

Celebrity Ascent is scheduled to begin her maiden season in Caribbean before making her way across the Atlantic Ocean for a summer European season. This means that you can relax on the beautiful white sands of the Caribbean or enjoy a culturally rich trip, crossing multiple bucket-list destinations off of your list. 

If you would like to be one of the first to sail onboard, you can book a preview sailing. The first departs on November 22, 2023 and is a 4-night cruise to Cozumel. The second is a 3-night Bahamas getaway to Nassau, departing from Fort Lauderdale on November 26, 2023. 

The official maiden voyage is slated to begin on December 3, 2023. This is a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata.

Between mid-December 2023 and early April 2024, you can elect to cruise on one of two 7-night Caribbean itineraries: Bahamas, Mexico, and Grand Cayman or San Juan, Tortola, and St. Kitts.

Since she will be in the Caribbean over the holidays, perhaps you will enjoy ringing in the New Year onboard this brand-new ship. The Christmas cruise departs on December 24 and sails to the Bahamas, Mexico, and Grand Cayman, while the New Year's cruise is to San Juan, Tortola, and St. Kitts and leaves on December 31. 

While in Europe, you can take the ultimate Mediterranean getaway during the 9-night Italian Riviera and France cruise. If that does not interest you, there is also a 12-night Best of Italy and Greece itinerary, sailing to places like Rome, Naples, Mykonos, and Santorini!

MrBeast, YouTube's most acclaimed entertainment star, boarded Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for an afternoon of fun.

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has amassed 159 million subscribers and over 27,131,438,600 total views. In terms of popularity, only two YouTube channels have more subscribers, and both are brand channels: T-Series and Cocomelon. 

In fact, he is the second YouTube creator in the site's history to surpass 100 million followers. Even his Instagram account is popular, with over 38 million followers. 

In a recent video, he boarded Harmony of the Seas to see what the $1 billion ship has to offer and how it compares to other ships, including a boat that he paid a single dollar for.  

Since published on June 10, the video has gotten over 71 million views! 

Just how popular is MrBeast? 

MrBeast is not just a content creator. He is also a philanthropist who has founded and co-founded numerous different organizations, included the Arbor Day Foundation, which has raised over $23 million dollars. 

In terms of his viewership, about 112 million people watched the Super Bowl LVII. During the average month, MrBeast harbors roughly 41 million views. 

Tim Kasser, a psychologist who studies materialism, conducted a study to prove that if MrBeast were to advertise for any given company or brand, it could cost about half as much as a traditional commercial while reaching a larger audience. 

As of June 2023, his most watched video is titled "$456,000 Squid Game in Real Life!" Since it was posted on November 24, 2021, the video has gained over 438 million views. 

That, of course, is nowhere close to the most watched YouTube video of all time, Baby Shark Dance, which has been watched over 12 billion times in the six years since being posted to the social media site. 

Harmony of the Seas

While not the largest cruise ship in the world, Harmony of the Seas currently ranks number third, following Symphony and Wonder of the Seas. 

When Icon of the Seas launches in January 2024, her position will be bumped down to fourth. 

The ship, which measures an astonishing 226,963 gross registered tons, was launched in 2016. Currently, she is sailing from Miami, Florida. In November, she will be repositioned to Galveston, Texas, where she will make 4, 6, 7, and 8-night Western Caribbean cruises through at least April 2025. 

Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis Class ship, meaning that she is part of one of the most unique classes of ships in the world and is divided into seven different neighborhoods for guests to explore: 

• Royal Promenade 
• Central Park
• Boardwalk 
• Pool and Sports Zone
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
• Youth Zone
• Entertainment Place

Likewise, she offers passengers numerous different dining -- both complimentary and specialty -- and entertainment options, such as the infamous AquaTheater performances, Wonderland, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, and headliner acts in the Royal Theater. 

Additionally, there are countless activities for guests to enjoy -- think water slides, FlowRider surf simulators, multi-story dry slide, mini-golf, a zip line, and more. It is easy to see why MrBeast wanted to check out this impressive ship. 

In short, there is something for everyone onboard, and there is no possible way that you could be bored while on a Harmony of the Seas cruise. 

MrBeast's maritime adventure 

MrBeast's YouTube video begins by showcasing yachts of various price points, including one that he paid $1 for. 

According to the yacht's previous owner, the storage costs were racking up, and he was spending $18,000 per year to storage it. Shortly after the purchase was made, the ship began to sink! They jumped off the vessel moments before it was submerged under the water. 

After the $1 yacht, he goes on to explore ships worth $1 million, $10 million, $25 million, $50 million, and $300 million dollars. The final ship on the agenda was Harmony of the Seas, which cost a little over $1 billion dollars to build!

"You cannot fathom how massive this ship is," said MrBeast, speaking about the size of Harmony. 

"It is literally a floating city...This boat has waterslides, an indoor mall, a basketball court, and tons of other stuff I can't even name!" 

He and his friends break up to explore different neighborhoods, with Chandler and Nolan heading to the Pool and Sports Zone first. 

After being amazed by the water slides and live music on the pool deck, the duo headed over to play a round of mini-golf.

Next, Chris appears on the Boardwalk: "So I went down a slide [referring to the Ultimate Abyss], and now I'm teleported into like a different world. And you have a carousel?!" 

Not only did he charter the ship for himself and his friends, but he ended the video by bringing 400 of his subscribers onboard to partake in the fun, whether that be hanging out on the pool deck, exploring the Boardwalk, playing games in the arcade, climbing the rock wall, eating at Wonderland, and more. 

Plus, every single subscriber onboard at the time was gifted with a free three-night cruise on Icon of the Seas. 

If they all thought Harmony was impressive, they will be blown away by everything that the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas will offer, including the record-breaking Category 6 Water Park, AquaDome, brand-new dining concepts, and much, much more.