Royal Caribbean News Round-up February 4, 2024

Happy weekend! We hope you are in the midst of a wonderful weekend full of things to do to pass the time between cruises.  We have a summary of all of this week’s Royal Caribbean news in case you missed any of it!

Royal Caribbean has outdone itself with the innovations on the world’s largest cruise ship. 

After sailing on the new biggest cruise ship, Matt shared what he likes and doesn’t like about Icon of the Seas.

Subtle changes, such as the pool deck being broken up so it doesn’t feel like just another cruise ship pool deck, or adding stairs, escalators, and shortcuts, have improved the enjoyment factor. 

Matt felt impressed by how much Royal Caribbean got right with the first ship in the Icon Class. 

The result has been fantastic—but nothing is ever perfect. 

Royal Caribbean News

Video: Boarding day cruise ship tips for 2024 

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 — Boarding Day Tips You Need in 2024 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Mastering your Icon of the Seas cruise with the best tips 

Getting overwhelmed at the thought of planning a cruise on the huge Icon of the Seas? 

Icon is a “white-paper ship,” meaning that she was designed from a completely blank slate, and might have innovative features that confuse new cruisers. 

But don’t let the size intimidate you. After spending a week on the ship, Matt has developed a few tips to help you maximize your time and have the best experience possible. 

From pre-booking shows to tasting the first complimentary food hall, here are our top Icon of the Seas tips to save time, money, and your sanity to have an amazing vacation. 

It could be harder than ever in 2024 to book a cruise

Demand for cruises is higher than ever. 

According to a fourth-quarter earnings call held on February 1st, the highest volume of bookings in the company’s history occurred between the third and fourth quarters. 

Because of this, staterooms are filling up in advance, and cruisers might struggle to find their desired cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship. 

“We have less inventory available to book in 2024 than we did a year ago for 2023 and half as many staterooms left in [the first quarter],” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Royal Caribbean Group has had a record-breaking wave season, meaning that both rates and volume are booking significantly ahead of time compared to 2023. 

Within the cruise industry, “wave season,” which is often January through March, is when cruise lines tend to run their biggest sales and promotions of the year.  

The 10 Essential Dishes to Eat on Icon of the Seas 

Icon of the Seas has dozens of restaurants and bars to try, so how can you choose the most essential venues and dishes? 

We asked thirteen chefs and food-obsessed executives to share the most memorable plates on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship. 

When chefs, senior staff, and executives spent weeks on Icon and time preparing the dining venues, they had time to try many dishes. 

With their expertise, we compiled a list of the top 10 dishes and drinks you need to try on Icon of the Seas. 

I tried the $350 in-pool daybed rental on Icon of the Seas. It was pricey, but you get a prime spot 

Are Icon’s Hideaway Pool daybeds worth $350 for one day?

Located in the very back of the ship on deck 15, The Hideaway is the adults-only area onboard, much like the Solarium on other Royal Caribbean ships. 

Access to this area is complimentary, but guests have the opportunity to rent one of the three daybeds in the Hideaway Pool. 

Angie went ahead and rented a daybed, paying a total of $350 when she purchased it before the cruise. 

The daybed holds a maximum of four guests and includes amenities for four people. These come with a chilled bottle of champagne, four towels, and four water bottles.