After having to pause its cruise ship upgrade program in 2020, Royal Caribbean hinted they're re-thinking those improvements.

In 2018, the Royal Amplified program was announced to bring new enhancements to the Oasis, Freedom and Voyager Class cruise ships.

Many cruise ships received upgrades, but a number of vessels did not because the cruise industry shutdown in 2020 and the company had to shore up its finances by cutting costs.

The company hasn't announced a resumption of those upgrades, but executives tip-toed around the idea they might spend more on ship upgrades on vessels that missed their upgrades in 2020 and 2021.

During Royal Caribbean Group's second quarter earnings call with investors, Chief Financial Officer Naftali Holtz talked about an increase in spend on dry docks next year as it relates to costs.

"We are now in the planning process obviously for '24 and we're considering all the the dry docks that we we need to do next year. And that could be more elevated than than than this year, which obviously will will impact some of the costs and a little bit on the yield."

That alone wasn't much of a hint, but then Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty jumped in with an additional comment that seemed to point in the direction of more upgrades.

"The elevation on the dry dock is just a reflection of ships that came out of Covid that had missed those windows. And so it will be a little bit more elevated in 2024."

Mr. Liberty did not refer to the Royal Amplified program by name, but he certainly talked about the ships that missed their opportunity to get enhancements. This would likely refer to possibly four ships:

• Explorer of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas 
• Liberty of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas was scheduled to undergo a 58-day, $165 million transformation that would have added new features, including the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, completely redesigned Adventure Ocean kids and teens spaces, the first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, and Music Hall.

Similarly, Explorer of the Seas was planning to get a $110 million amplification that would have added a number of changes from bow to stern.

Specific upgrades were never announced for Liberty or Adventure.

The important takeaway for guests is Royal Caribbean may finally be reconsidering finishing those upgrades.

Why amplified cruise ships matter

In comparing cruise ships that were amplified versus those that were not, there is a noticeable experience difference.

The purpose of upgrading these ships was to add back in features and amenities newer cruise ships already had so that the guest experience was more consistent and enjoyable across the fleet.

Amplified ships drove up revenue as a result of higher guest satisfaction with the changes.

In 2019, former Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain talked about how lucrative the changes were, "Our vessel modernization program is driving strong results. These upgrades are expensive, but our guests love them and reward us accordingly."

What Royal Caribbean changed on other ships

It remains to be seen what changes ships going into drydock in 2024 would get, but other ships that were upgraded ended up with quite a number of features.

Royal Caribbean did not apply the same changes to all the ships that were upgraded between 2018 and 2020. It seemed the cruise line took an opportunity with each ship to look at what features and changes would most benefit that particular vessel.

Read more: What was added to each Royal Caribbean ship during its Royal Amplified refurbishment

The program focused on three key areas:

• Pool deck & attractions
• Bars & nightlife
• Dining

Depending on the ship, there could be new specialty dining added, revamp of the pool deck, new water slides, or completely new retail venues added.

Water slides were one feature every ship received as part of its upgrades. Royal Caribbean adopted water slides as a must-have feature on its ships in recent years. In fact, they managed to add water slides to Explorer of the Seas as part of a regularly scheduled dry dock earlier this year.

Royal Caribbean Group reported its second quarter earnings on Thursday and reported stronger than expected earnings that forced the company to pump up its guidance for the year.

The company had total revenues of a record $3.5 billion, with net income at $458.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA was a record $1.2 billion and Operating Cash Flow was $1.4 billion.

Why the fantastic results? Demand was better all around.

The cruise giant is seeing higher prices for cruise fares for North America and European itineraries, along with a lot of its customers spending on extras, such as drink packages, wifi, shore excursions and more.

Consumer spending onboard, as well as pre-cruise purchases, continue to significantly exceed 2019 levels driven by greater participation at higher prices.

The better-than-expected results compelled the company to make a significant increase in the company's full year outlook for revenue and earnings.

Royal Caribbean Group CEEO Jason Liberty celebrated the results, "Our brands continue to fire on all cylinders, resulting in record yields and second quarter earnings significantly exceeding our expectations."

"Demand for cruising and our brands is exceptionally strong and we have seen another step change in booking volumes and pricing, leading us to now expect double-digit net yield growth for the full year. We also expect to achieve record Adjusted EBITDA per APCD and Return on Invested Capital this year and are well on our way toward achieving our Trifecta goals."

Breaking down the second quarter

Net Income for the second quarter of $458.8 million compared to a Net Loss of $(0.5) billion for the same period last year.

Higher Caribbean and European cruise fare pricing along with higher shipboard revenue drove the higher revenue. The average capacity for the second quarter was 105%.

Booking volumes in the second quarter remained significantly higher than the corresponding period in 2019 and at record pricing levels. 

"Demand for 2023 sailings has significantly exceeded expectations and bookings for 2024 sailings are up significantly versus all prior years at record prices. Demand from the North American consumer has remained incredibly strong throughout the year, and booking volumes from European consumers who are booking European cruises this summer have accelerated."

Cash situation

Between 2020 and 2022, Royal Caribbean Group took out a number of loans to keep the company going during the cruise industry shutdown.  Here's an update on paying them back.

As of June 30, 2023, the Group's customer deposit balance was at a record-high $5.7 billion.  

As of June 30, 2023, the Group's liquidity position was $3.7 billion, which includes cash and cash equivalents and undrawn revolving credit facility availability.

During the second quarter, the company generated $1.4 billion in operating cash flow and repaid $1.6 billion of debt

As of June 30, 2023, the scheduled debt maturities for the remainder of 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 were $1.0 billion, $2.0 billion, $3.3 billion, and $2.8 billion, respectively.

New cruise ships

Royal Caribbean Group has plans to spend $4.2 billion on capital expenditures, which usually are related to new ships or new construction projects.

The Silver Nova cruise ship was delivered to Silver Sea, and Icon of the Seas and Celebrity Ascent will be delivered later this year. All ship orders have committed financing in place.

Non-new ship related capital expenditures are expected to be $0.5 billion.

Royal Caribbean isn't done revealing new features coming to Utopia of the Seas.

Its potentially last Oasis Class cruise ship is about a year away, and we know of a new dining concept coming to the ship.

While aboard the President's Cruise sailing on Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider, gave a presentation about Utopia of the Seas.

According to Mr. Schneider, Utopia of the Seas will feature The Spare Tire, the line’s first food truck-style eatery.

It will be located on the pool deck, and Royal Caribbean previously disclosed it would serve up, "handheld favorites".

Royal Caribbean's plan for the pool deck is to create a resort-style experience that draws guests to a relaxing day. The five pools on Utopia provide both lowkey and upbeat fun.

There will be resort-style and sloping beach-entry pools, including the three pools and three Lime & Coconut bars at the center of the pool deck. 

This is second all-new dining experience revealed coming to Utopia of the Seas.

Previously, Royal Caribbean announced a new immersive dining experience that will create a classic train car motif that serves meals.

Inside the faux train cars, which will be decorated and built to the specifications of actual train cars, diners will encounter a handful of tables placed next to windows with digital displays, where footage of destinations will flash by.

It will be located on deck 4 where Izumi is located on other Oasis Class ships.

More Utopia of the Seas dining

We also know about a number of other restaurants coming to Utopia of the Seas. In fact, Utopia will have more than 20 dining options.

Izumi and Izumi in the Park will be located in Central Park, featuring a convenient, new window that serves up fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired sweets. Next door is a reimagined Izumi restaurant, with double the teppanyaki tables and new al fresco seating.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar spans two stories and has a menu of authentic Italian dishes. There's even a new outside terrace – Gio’s Terrazza – that overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood.

El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca will have Mexican-inspired street food and drinks.

Solarium Bistro is a returning restaurant concept open for all meals that serves up Mediterranean food and salads.

More returning favorites on the menu include The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, Windjammer buffet, Hooked Seafood, and Chops Grille.

Launching in July 2024

Utopia of the Seas will debut in July 2024 and enter service offering short cruises to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Royal Caribbean will change its traditional playbook by starting off a new cruise ship with just short cruises, which the line hopes will capitalize on the short cruise market.

The inaugural voyage is scheduled for July 22, 2024.

Two kids were photographed sitting on the balcony of their cruise ship.

The blatant breaking of safety rules for cruise ships demonstrates how passengers doing things they're not supposed to do has the greatest potential for injury.

The unidentified kids are seen sitting on top of the balcony in their cabin, having climbed up on the balcony railing first.

The photo was posted on Facebook in a cruising group, with the photo attributed to Liz Pride.

The Carnival Cruise Line Miami blog posted the caption, "Where are the parents?" inferring a lack of supervision.

It's not clear which cruise ship this photo was taken from, but it certainly resembles Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships.

One reader believes it is from Serenade of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's guest-conduct policy says, "Sitting, standing, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers, or tampering with ship's equipment, facilities or systems designed for guest safety is not permitted." 

Breaking the rules can result in being kicked off the ship at the next port.

In past similar incidents, guests have not only been kicked off the ship but also banned for life from the cruise line.

A woman that stood on her balcony railing in 2019 was banned for life.

Cruise fans incensed

As soon as the photo started making rounds online, cruise fans were outraged at both the behavior of the kids, as well as the lack of supervision by the parents.

Kelly Hatfield-Lampton wrote, "And THAT is how people fall overboard."

Lisa Babcock wrote, "OMG!! Hello!! Where are the parents??"

Many could barely look at the photo because it made their scared just thinking about the possibilities, "I am getting anxious just looking at this picture," said Danielle Benton.

Tanya Walker said, "Perfect example of how you go overboard in a ship!"

Major potential for harm

What the kids did in this photo was incredibly dangerous, and the sort of reckless behavior that gives the cruise industry a bad name.

Cruise ships are designed to have balcony railings at such a height that prevents someone from accidently slipping and falling over. These railings are right around chest height on the average person on open deck areas and cabin balconies. They are placed intentionally to ensure passenger safety.

The risk of fall only occurs when someone is doing something they're not supposed to, such as climbing on furniture to access the top of the railing.

Accidental overboard situations occur when the safety precautions are bypassed. This can occur because someone is inebriated, or simply attempts a stunt.

In other situations, some people choose to jump off a ship purposefully in order to cause themselves intentional physical harm.

Celebrity Cruises revealed the dining experiences for its next new cruise ship, Celebrity Ascent.

Ascent will launch later this year and be the next in the Edge Class of cruise ships.

While this will be the fourth in the class, Celebrity will have some culinary differences from other ships.

Celebrity Ascent will feature redesigned restaurants, immersive dinners, expanded food and drink menus, including a new whiskey tasting, and a plant-based multi-course dinner.

Here's a look at the dining choices you can expect on Celebrity Ascent when she launches.

Le Voyage

The second installment of Le Voyage will be opened on Celebrity Ascent.

Le Voyage is the creation of world-renowned-chef Daniel Boulud, and it provides guests with fine dining from his favorite places around the world. 

There will be an all-new design to the restaurant featuring a new chandelier, captivating neutrals, plush banquet seating, and gold tones throughout.

Guests will experience a global menu crafted by Chef Boulud himself that offers dishes from his personal travels and favorite places around the world.

There is also a Chef's Table option to rent out a private, 6-seat dining room that treats diners to a multi-course tasting dinner complete with exceptional wine pairings. 

Eden

The iconic Eden venue found on all Edge Class ships will have three levels of sensory experiences completely wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows. 

You'll find a casual lunch café, a cocktail bar, an entertainment space, an outdoor terrace and a signature restaurant in just one venue.

The signature restaurant will have a new seven-course plant-based tasting menu. Each dish features ingredients that have been sourced from their original place of origin and presented in the most natural state.

Menu highlights include dishes like the Golden Beet-Tomato Ceviche, Ajoblanco Panna Cotta, Roasted and Glazed Celeriac Steak, and Dry Rose Petals Masala Curry. Enjoyed as a tasting menu, or a la carte, diners can also opt for organic and vegan wine pairings. 

Main Dining Rooms

All Edge Class ships have four main dining restaurants instead of one main dining room, with each offering a different style of cuisine and signature dishes.

Ascent will have these dining rooms:

• New American cuisine at Cosmopolitan restaurant
• Mediterranean at Cyprus
• French contemporary at Normandie
• Italian at Tuscan

The Cosmopolitan will have a new design inspired by the culture of champagne, featuring a new layout and seating throughout. 

Combined, the four main dining restaurants offer travelers more than 84 different dishes to choose from. 

More specialty dining

You'll still find other great dining choices at Le Petit Chef, Fine Cut and Blu.

At Le Petit Chef, each dinner features a multi-course menu that is brought to life by colorful and fun animations of a tiny chef who tells the story behind each dish. Each course’s animation ends with a digital version of the dish, followed by the real-life dish placed seamlessly in front of the diner for a wow-worthy experience.

Some new to Ascent will be an all-new four-course dining show told in the style of a fairytale as the tiny chef comes across a mysterious magical cookbook with whimsical recipes full of surprises. 

At Fine Cut Steakhouse, there will be a new dish – the Lemon Poached Lobster Tail with melted leeks, shiitake mushrooms, lobster ravioli and a house made beurre Blanc sauce.

Guest staying in Aqua Class can dine al fresco for breakfast or dinner in Blu’s new outdoor terrace space.

New Drink Offerings

Ascent will have a new exclusive partnership with WhistlePig Whiskey. Ascent will feature two hand-selected barrels made exclusively for Celebrity Cruises. A

vailable at Craft Social, guests can enjoy a Special Bespoke Barrel Aged 12 Years and Special Single Barrel Aged 10 Years, either as a la carte options or as part of a tasting flight that also features WhistlePig PiggyBack 100 Proof Bourbon (Aged 6 Years), WhistlePig 10, and WhistlePig 12. 

Wine aficionados will be happy to know three of Celebrity Ascent’s venues were recognized at the 2023 Wine Spectator Awards, with Le Voyage and Tuscan being recipients of the “Best Of” Award of Excellence, and Fine Cut becoming an Award of Excellence winner.

The Grand Plaza Martini Bar is situated under The Chandelier, a breathtaking light fixture-meets-art installation that comes alive each night during the iconic Flair Bartender Shows.

The Martini Bar on Ascent will feature an expanded new menu, offering classic martinis, fruit-infused creations, and tantalizing desert martinis. 

Sailing in November 2023

Celebrity Ascent will hold 3,260 passengers at double occupancy. 

Celebrity Ascent will begin cruises at the end of November 2023 from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades for its inaugural Caribbean season. 

There will be a 4- and 3-night preview sailing on November 22, 2023 and then November 26, 2023.  Ascent will then begin with her maiden 7-night Caribbean sailing on December 3, 2023.

One of the most intriguing questions out there is if Royal Caribbean will ever build a smaller cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean is known for its big ships, and the line has steadily been building bigger and bigger cruise ships over the last two decades.

While the new massive ships certainly garner a lot of attention because of how big they are, there is still a role that smaller cruise ships can play.

Speaking at the the President's Cruise event on Allure of the Seas on Monday, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley answered a question from the audience regarding a smaller ship.

Haley Evans from Living Adventures Travel Agency, shared a video clip of Mr. Bayley being asked about a smaller ship.

"We are excited about Icon, but we were wondering the other ports where you can't have these large ships at, are you going to make other smaller ships."

Mr. Bayley was quick to admit that the smaller vessels in the fleet are starting to show their age.

"We recognize that we have classes of ships now that are, you know, getting a little up there in the years," he responded.

While he didn't mention them, the Vision Class and Radiance Class cruise ships are the smallest of Royal Caribbean's ships and usually get sent to ports that can't handle big ships.

The first Vision Class ship was launched in 1995 and can accommodate around 2400 - 2700 passengers. Depending on the ship, they range between 73,817 GT and 82,910 GT.

The Radiance Class can also handle around 2400 - 2700 passengers and are 90,090 GT.

As for if Royal Caribbean had plans to replace these ships, or simply build new smaller ships, he was non-committal. 

"It is something that's certainly deeply in our consideration and our planning at the moment that we have a lot of conceptual work going on."

"I think when we're ready we can we can announce steps that will take to to do just that."

He went on to talk about the fact Royal Caribbean is always looking to the future, and new ideas are constantly being considered.

"The brand has always been in kind of growth mode and we've always been building and engineering and designing new classes of ships," Mr. Bayley explained.

He then was sure to say nothing is confirmed at this time, "It's very much in the forefront of our minds. We understand that we need to think and act on this."

"But we're in no position to make any statements or comments about it for obvious reasons."

Royal Caribbean's official order sheet only has the three Icon Class cruise ships and Utopia of the Seas ordered.  There are no other orders placed for Royal Caribbean International ships according to Royal Caribbean Group filings with the  U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Discovery Class rumor

Mr. Bayley's comments seem to indicate they are at the very least thinking about what the future may hold, but he certainly did not comment or allude to a long-running rumor for a new smaller ship.

For years, cruise ship passengers have heard from crew members on Royal Caribbean vessels refer to a new class of smaller ships, known as the Discovery Class or Project Discovery.

It's been a rumor circulating among cruise fans for years. As late as May 2023, the Captain of Radiance of the Seas said a new ship and class similar in size to the Radiance was being planned to be named Discovery of the Seas.

Whether or not these rumors come to fruition of not, the idea of a smaller ship coming in the near future is of great interest to cruise fans.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

When Icon of the Seas debuts in January, she's going to change the cruise industry.

Not only will Icon be larger than any other cruise ship, but she's going to introduce a variety of innovations and shifts in what to expect from a Royal Caribbean cruise.

We're still six months away, but here's 11 ways Icon of the Seas will change the industry when she launches.

Royal Caribbean News

• You can experience Comic Con at sea on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in 2025
• Celebrity Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest
• I took two cruises on the same Royal Caribbean ship - and they were totally different
• I paid $1500 for an inside cabin on the Freedom of the Seas: take a look inside my tiny windowless room
• 5 things I would never do on land but would do on a cruise ship
• The clever reason to bring a European power adapter on your cruise ship
• Lionel Messi debut for Inter Miami CF celebrated by Royal Caribbean
• 5 ways to upgrade your cruise for $250 or less

New RCB Video: Things you'll notice when cruising on a new cruise ship

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Things you'll notice when cruising on a new cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions

Don't be ashamed, we all have some really basic questions sometimes, so it's only fitting to answer them.

We hear many of the same questions over and over again here at Royal Caribbean Blog—we wanted to answer them in one place. While not "dumb" questions, knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions should better help you plan your day on the island.

Check out our answers to your really "dumb" Perfect Day at CocoCay questions.

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival

What are the differences between Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Cruise Line?

Both cruise lines are the largest in the world, and they represent the lion share of cruise bookings.  So what makes one a better choice over the other?

Having sailed both lines extensively, Allie shares what you should know about each line, and how the ships compare to each other.

The reasons you should book a new cruise ship (and 4 reasons not to)

With two new Royal Caribbean cruise ships coming in 2024, you should know the warnings about a brand new cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas will begin sailing next year, and they both will be loaded with the latest incredible things to do on a cruise ship.

Depending on your flexibility and preferences, being on a new ship when it first starts sailing could be a really good or bad idea.

What's the difference between big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships?

Does it really matter if you book a big cruise ship or a small cruise ship?

There are advantages and drawbacks to each size of ship, and it's important to know the differences between each one.

Before booking a cruise, you should know if you should choose a big ship or a small ship.

Messi fever has reached Royal Caribbean.

The Argentinian football star, Lionel Messi, has made big headlines with his arrival as the newest member of Inter Miami for the first game of the season in 2023.

Tickets for the first game with Messi playing skyrocketed on secondary markets, with the average price well over $250.  There was even one ticket that cost $110,000!

Royal Caribbean celebrated the occasion with a light display honoring the team on Friday morning.

At the cruise line's terminal at PortMiami, Royal Caribbean changed its lights to the same pink color of the team with Freedom of the Seas displaying the iconic #10 across more than five decks as it arrived at PortMiami. 

Messi is as big a soccer star as there is in the world, and he signed with the team last week in preparation for the first game against Mexico’s Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. 

The soccer star's arrival will provide a welcome boost on the field for Miami, who have struggled in the MLS in recent weeks, having failed to register a win in their last 11 games.

Earlier in the week, Lionel Messi visited a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to meet cruise line President and CEO, Michael Bayley.

Also joining Mr. Bayley was soccer legend David Beckham, who is a co-owner of the team.

Royal Caribbean is Inter Miami’s Official Vacation Partner. 

Royal Caribbean will launch two new cruise ships in 2024, and that might tempt you to book one of the first sailings.

Icon of the Seas will launch in January 2024 and offer 7-night Caribbean cruises. Icon is the first in the Icon Class of ships, and she's being set up as a game changer within the cruise industry.

At 250,800 tons, Icon will be the biggest cruise ship ever built, and will offer more activities on its pool deck than any other ship in history. A water park, sun decks, adults-only pool, sunset view pools and more are coming to Icon.

Not to be overshadowed, Utopia of the Seas will start sailing in July 2024 and while she is the sixth in the Oasis Class, she has a few innovations and new additions coming as well.

Utopia will be the first new Royal Caribbean cruise ship to start off with short 3- and 4-night cruises. 

Utopia will have a new tiki bar experience, new dining experiences, immersive dining, and an open deck filled with plenty of activities.

If these new ships sound incredible, you're not alone.  Lots of people are taking notice of what Royal Caribbean has in store and there is a sense of FOMO ("fear of missing out") circulating to experience these ships.

Should you book a cruise on a brand new Royal Caribbean ship, such as Icon or Utopia?

Depending on your flexibility and preferences, being on a new ship when it first starts sailing could be a really good or bad idea.

Why you should book a brand-new cruise ship

Being first is important to you

Among the cruise fan community, there's definitely a badge of honor to be first.

After years of hype and teases, cruise fans not only want to sail on new cruise ships, but want to beat their friends to seeing it first.

There's definite bragging rights to saying you were on a maiden voyage of a particular ship.  In the same way someone might wax poetically about having been to a concert of famous band, cruisers love to point out they were there when a new ship launched.

Certainly the first public sailing is more enticing for anyone that feels strongly about getting on a ship first.  Similar to how someone might want to see a movie on opening night, getting on a ship first means you can see everything before anyone else.  Less spoilers to contend with later, and a way to feel like "you were there".

After all, how great is it to be able to say, "I was on the maiden voyage"?

You love latest and greatest

Every new Royal Caribbean cruise ship introduces something new or different, and if you love innovation, a new ship might be for you.

Even though Utopia of the Seas is the last in the Oasis Class, she will still have new entertainment, and even a brand new innovative and immersive dining experience never before seen.

New ships are a look at what Royal Caribbean has been working on for years, and many of these offerings were secretive for months or years leading up to the ship's launch.

It's impressive to see new concepts that Royal Caribbean has, and in many cases, they re-define our expectations.  Some cruisers will go on a new ship and then look at older ships with contempt because they don't stack up to the new level of cruising set forth by a new ship.

You like a party

Without a doubt, a new cruise ship is a reason to celebrate and the first sailing of a new ship is a giant party.

When Royal Caribbean launches a new cruise ship, it's sort of like an iPhone launch or opening day of a baseball game.  There's a lot of excitement and pomp and circumstance surrounding the ship's launch.

You'll find nearly all of Royal Caribbean's top executives onboard to oversee and celebrate the launch.

Likewise, cruise fans that cruise the most flock to new ship launches because it's an opportunity to see friends.  Think high school reunion meets birthday party.

Royal Caribbean usually includes extra events on the first sailing of a new ship, along with swag.

The best crew members

When Royal Caribbean launches a new cruise ship, they look to bring in the top rated crew members to help get the ship going.

Any new cruise ship is a challenge to get up and running, because routines need to be set up and systems will need tweaking.

Some crew members relish this challenge, and it gets competitive among crew to get a transfer to a new ship.

Just like how guests like to point out they were there first, many crew members wear it as a badge of honor to help launch a ship.

Because these crew members are the best the cruise line has to offer, you get superior service onboard.

Port stops are a local event

When a brand new cruise ship pulls into a port of call, it's a celebration in and of itself.

Each port is a new stop for a ship on an inaugural cruise so often its arrival becomes a local event.  Sometimes it's a small ceremony, and other times there is a big party on the pier and guests are invited too.

It's kind of neat to see the party atmosphere surrounding a new ship spill over to the places you visit. 

There's no wear and tear

One of the most common concerns I hear from readers is if a particular ship feels old or dated, and there's no such concern with a new ship.

A new cruise ship has no wear and tear. Every aspect of the ship is still in never-been-used, pristine condition. 

Beds are new, decorations are contemporary, and menus reflect trends we are still seeing today.

Why you shouldn't book a brand-new cruise ship

You want everything ready and working for your cruise

New cruise ships aren't always totally complete when they launch.

The ship is functional and perfectly safe to sail on, but not every feature or offering may be ready for the first sailing.

There's a lot of pressure to get a new ship out and sailing on time, and sometimes there could be a venue or show not quite ready for the first sailing.  This is especially true today, as supply chain issues are still difficult to manage.

Most commonly, the full lineup of shows may not be ready for the first sailing.  In some cases, the shows may be performed, but only partially while the cast learns the full lineup.

As an example, Effectors wasn't ready for many months after Wonder of the Seas launched.

Oh, and the price for early sailings is the same whether or not everything is 100% or not.

If you'd be disappointed not to be able to experience every single feature promoted with a new ship because it's not ready yet, a new ship might be worth skipping.

You don't want to pay top dollar

Without a doubt, a cruise on a brand new ship will cost more than other ships.

You'll pay a premium for sailing on a new ship compared to older ships, and sometimes the price gap can be substantial.

Even prices for add-ons, like a drink package or cabana at Perfect Day at CocoCay, will cost more on a new ship.

In speaking with Wall Street analysts, Royal Caribbean has talked about how well Icon of the Seas is selling and at higher prices.

In short, you'll pay more for a cruise if you want to get on a new ship. Especially, if it's the first sailing.

You don't like big ships

New or not, if you are not a fan of big cruise ships, then you can probably skip Icon or Utopia too.

Royal Caribbean has steadily been building bigger ships, and some people prefer smaller ships.

There could be a delay

Something else to keep in mind with any new cruise ship is plans can change.

Cruise ship construction is well-thought out, but there's plenty of examples of new ship launches being pushed back.

While there's no reason to believe Icon or Utopia of the Seas will be delayed, we've seen ship launches delayed over the years.