Norwegian Cruise Line has begun the rollout of its brand-new cruise app, which is aimed to make life much easier for guests onboard and those interested in booking.
The new app, simply called Norwegian Cruise Line, is already available to download on the Google Play and Apple stores, but it will only be rolled out on cruises over the next few months.
Norwegian Sky was the first cruise ship to use the new app, for its sailing that departed on 30th August 2024.
Encore, Viva, Breakaway, Jewel and Dawn will all start using the app on sailings through September, with it then rolling out to Jade, Bliss, Epic, Prima, Joy and Pride of America through October.
Escape, Spirit, Sun and Pearl will work with the app starting from November, and then finally the app will be rolled out to Norwegian Star, Norwegian Gem, and Norwegian Getaway in December.
The new app will offer a range of features, including the option to browse and book cruises just as you can through the NCL website.
Once guests have a booking, they can use the app to view their cabin and reservation details, and check-in when they are due to embark, including uploading travel documents.
It’s also where guests can browse and book shore excursions once they become available for their sailing, and the app lets Latitudes Rewards members view their points.
The app also has a live chat function, so guests who need real-time help can access it easily.
The Cruise Norwegian app will remain available to use until the rollout is complete across the fleet.
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Royal Caribbean has revealed that its new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be built and maintained with sustainable practices in order to protect the area and its native wildlife.
The cruise line has partnered with the environmental firm SEV Consulting Group, who will oversee the new development and continue to visit and inspect it.
It will ensure that the original construction of the 17-acre property, and its ongoing operation, aligns with environmental standards set both locally and internationally.
Examples of the work to be carried out will be protecting marine turtle nesting sites, and removing any invasive species that threaten the ecosystem.
Protecting and preserving the natural resources of Paradise Island is a key part of how the beauty and spirit of the Bahamas will shine at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
Nature painted a perfect canvas on the island. That canvas was changed with time after it was abandoned over many years by previous homeowners. While there is some work to be done and process to go through, that beauty will be restored.
Philip Simon Jr., president and general manager of Royal Beach Club and Royal Caribbean International Bahamas
Work has already begun, including the demolition and removal of over 1,600 non-native plants and trees to help restore the destination’s native ecosytem – a move mandated by local environmental authorities.
The cruise line is investing in several ‘environmental pillars’ to protect the area, including a commitment to zero waste-to-landfill (including no single-use plastics), 100% renewable energy by 2030, no overwater cabanas and a best-in-class wastewater treatment process.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is due to open in summer 2025.
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Royal Caribbean has added a brand new cruise port to several itineraries for ships in the Caribbean.
The port in question is Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic, which has only been open to cruise passengers since January 2024.
The port is in Pedernales on the southwestern coast of the island, close to the Jaragua National Park, which is home to the largest protected area of marine habitats in all of the Caribbean.
At the moment, the port has been added to several sailings on Adventure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, with the potential that it may also be introduced to other ships soon.
The port visit is typically replacing sea days rather than other ports, although it is sometimes having a minor impact on the amount of time spent in other ports of call, as the ship needs to leave earlier to make it to Cabo Rojo in time.
While this is the first time Royal Caribbean is including the itinerary in sailings, it isn’t the first cruise line to visit – that was Norwegian Cruise Line.
Other cruises to Cabo Rojo are also now planned for Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Azamara Cruises.
Cabo Rojo offers a number of experiences for guests to enjoy, including excellent beaches for sunbathing, excursions for snorkelling, hiking opportunities and more. It’s not as developed as many other ports, so there are lots of natural options to enjoy.
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Disney Cruise Line has several ships currently under construction, and the cruise line has now revealed some exciting details of Disney Destiny, which is due to join the fleet in 2025.
The ship’s inaugural sailing has been revealed for 20th November 2025, which will be a four-night cruise sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
The cruise will include stops at both of Disney’s private island destinations, Castaway Cay, and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
The other ports being visited on the first cruise will be Nassau in the Bahamas, and Cozumel in Mexico.
Following this inaugural sailing, the ship will then offer a series of 4- and 5-night cruises from Port Everglades to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.
All cruises will include a call to at least one of the two private island destinations, with some itineraries sailing to both.
Bookings for the inaugural season will open on 6th September 2024 for any members of the cruise line’s Castaway Club loyalty programme. They will then open to the general public on 12th September 2024.
The cruise line also revealed more details of the Cask and Cannon pub onboard, which will be themed around Pirates of the Caribbean.
Guests will be able to enjoy an extensive range of rums (including some rare options), meaning you’ll never have to ask “Why has the rum gone?” like Captain Jack did.
There’ll also be a range of custom-brewed beers served direct from the barrel, and themed treats such as drinks served from treasure chests.
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The Norwegian government has announced new regulations that will force cruise ships to run on net-zero emissions in order to visit the country.
The country plans on introducing the laws by 2026 for smaller vessels under 10,000 gross tons, which will include many ferries and tourist ships that visit the area.
But it will extend the rules so that, by 2032, large cruise ships must also be compliant.
In order to be compliant, ships will need to implement several technologies, including using alternative fuels such as bio-gas, and making sure they can connect to shore power to prevent emissions while docked.
The goal is to preserve the spectacular fjords and create sustainable tourism. The zero-emission requirement will drive technology development, reduce emissions, and ensure the World Heritage fjords remain attractive tourist destinations.
Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s climate and environment minister
Norway has several fjords that are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which the country is obviously keen to protect.
To support the move, the government is helping to fund new shore power facilities in Flam, one of the more popular ports for ships in the region to dock.
Crucially, the Norwegian government recognises that this is a major undertaking, hence the longer-term planning and the emphasis on a gradual roll-out of regulations and technology. It understands that cruise lines can’t make instant changes, and that much of the tech needed is still being developed.
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Four passengers have been arrested at the end of their MSC cruise, accused of a major credit card fraud scheme.
Michael F. Emmanuel, Tyrisha Delgado (both from Boston), Devin Jones, and Quentin Marcellus Tuck (both from Beaumont, Texas) were all arrested when disembarking MSC Magnifica in Miami.
They were accused of trying to make large cash withdrawals at the onboard casino using fraudulent credit cards.
The onboard security team on the ship detected suspicious activity from the passengers, and alerted US Customs and Border Protection, who then ran a deeper investigation into the transactions.
This revealed that the three credit cards registered by the guests for the cruise were all flagged for being fraudulent. Later searches of the guests’ belongings, after their arrest, revealed evidence of an organised fraud scheme.
The four were arrested with a $2,500 bond. They have all pleaded not guilty and requested a trial by jury.
Cruise fraud cases such as this are not unheard of. In November 2023 four guests onboard Carnival Celebration were arrested for using stolen credit card information.
And on another cruise earlier in 2023, a woman was arrested after a cruise on Oasis of the Seas where she used eight stolen cards to spend over $22,000 onboard.
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Disney Cruise Line has made the proactive decision to skip Amsterdam on an upcoming cruise itinerary, due to the ongoing protests in the city.
Disney Dream has a 7-night sailing departing 1st September 2024 that would’ve included a call at the capital of the Netherlands, but now instead she will have an extended overnight stay at Zeebrugge in Belgium.
The cause is the protests by Extinction Rebellion that have impacted several cruise ships in recent weeks, causing long delays for passengers.
“Due to issues outside of our control at the port in Amsterdam, there is a significant possibility that the ship will not be able to dock, resulting in a missed port day.
“Because of this, we have made the decision to modify your sailing and spend the additional day in Zeebrugge.”
Disney Cruise Line letter to guests
Royal Caribbean and Ambassador Cruise Line have recently tried to avoid issues with the protestors by cancelling other ports or cutting short cruises to return to Amsterdam early, but both still suffered delays.
The protests are being led by Extinction Rebellion, who claim that cruise ships are damaging the port city and the wider world.
Disney Cruise Line has probably acted wisely in avoiding the port altogether, and it remains to be seen whether other visits to the Dutch capital from other cruise lines will also be cancelled in the short term.
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Cruise lines have confirmed they currently have no plans to remove the port of Ketchikan from cruise itineraries, despite the tragic landslide at the port which killed a local resident.
The landslide occurred on 25th August 2024 and damaged several homes in the community as well as taking the life of one resident, and injuring three others.
The town is a popular cruise port for guests on Alaskan cruises, and social media saw several debates around whether cruise ships should continue to visit as the community mourned and struggled with the damage of the landslide.
Several argued that ships should skip the port, and allow the residents time to recover. Others argued that the town relies on tourism and that several local business owners would be hit hard if ships didn’t visit the port.
So far, Norwegian Cruise Line and the Carnival Group (Carnival, Holland America and Princess for Alaska cruises) have confirmed that, following discussions with the local authorities in Ketchikan, the ships will continue to sail to the port.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Ketchikan impacted by the tragic landslide. Ketchikan is a valued partner for our Alaska vacations, and our cruise lines are working directly with the borough government on how we can best help as well as any changes we should make in our planned visits.
“Based on that consultation, there is no change in our scheduled calls. However, it is likely that some planned shore excursions will change or be cancelled, and we are communicating directly with our guests on any changes. All decisions will prioritize the safety of our guests and team members as well assuring we are not impeding any ongoing recovery or repair efforts in Ketchikan.“
Carnival Group statement
It’s not clear what caused the latest landslide and the Ketchikan mayor has confirmed they’re working with specialists to identify the causes of increased landslides in recent times.
In November 2023, a landslide in nearby Wrangell tragically took four lives. Landslides in Alaska that result in loss of life or injury are extremely rare, but they often cause problems for businesses and can block major roads too.
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Royal Caribbean has confirmed that it has ordered a fourth of its record-breaking Icon-class ships, with potential for a fifth and sixth.
The fourth Icon-class ship is due for delivery sometime in 2027, and will follow Star of the Seas in 2025 and a third, as-yet-unnamed ship in 2026.
The cruise line also confirmed that it has booked options for a fifth and sixth Icon-class ship – meaning the space is booked into the shipyard in advance, should the cruise line decide to go ahead.
Just as with the previous Icon-class ships, the fourth will be built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
“Building on the incredible momentum and market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas and the excitement for its sister ship, Star of the Seas, coming in 2025, we’re thrilled to join with Meyer Turku once again to expand our roster of Icon Class ships and continue our future growth plans.
“Since its debut, Icon has changed the game in vacation experiences and exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance.”
Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty
Any new cruise ship will generate a buzz but the fact that Royal Caribbean is expanding the fleet with more ships that are the biggest in the world – just as it did with the prior Oasis-class – will excite loyal fans even more.
And of course, the fact that bigger ships continue to be built demonstrates the growing demand for cruises, with more capacity needed to keep up.
There are also rumours that Royal Caribbean may soon announce new smaller ships – currently with the rumoured name of the Discovery Class – to also cater for those who aren’t a fan of the giant super-ships such as Icon of the Seas and her sisters.
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Royal Caribbean has seven ship classes in service as of November 2026: Icon, Oasis, Quantum (including the Quantum Ultra sub-class), Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision. Together they make up a fleet of 30 ships, from the 1990s Vision-class ships at roughly 74,000 to 83,000 gross tons up to the Icon class at nearly 249,000 gross tons. An eighth class, called Discovery, has been ordered and the first ship is due in 2029. The chart below shows how the classes compare, followed by a short guide to what each one is like on board.
Royal Caribbean ship class chart (2027)
Figures are approximate and come from published ship specifications. Guest numbers are at double occupancy (two people per cabin). When every bunk and sofa bed is filled, ships can carry noticeably more. Years show when each class first and most recently entered service.
Class
Ships in service
Years
Gross tonnage (approx.)
Guests (double occupancy)
Signature features
Icon
Icon, Star, Legend of the Seas
2024-2026
about 249,000
about 5,610
Category 6 waterpark, Crown’s Edge, AquaDome, family-focused Surfside area
Oasis
Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, Utopia of the Seas
2009-2024
225,000-236,500
5,400-5,730
Central Park, Boardwalk, AquaTheater, zip line, Ultimate Abyss slide
Quantum / Quantum Ultra
Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum, Odyssey of the Seas
2014-2021
about 168,000-169,500
4,180-4,250
North Star viewing pod, RipCord by iFLY skydiving, SeaPlex, Two70 lounge
Freedom
Freedom, Liberty, Independence of the Seas
2006-2008
about 156,000
3,630-3,800
Royal Promenade, ice rink, FlowRider surf simulator
Voyager
Voyager, Explorer, Adventure, Navigator, Mariner of the Seas
1999-2003
138,000-140,000
3,110-3,380
The original Royal Promenade, ice rink, rock-climbing wall
Radiance
Radiance, Brilliance, Serenade, Jewel of the Seas
2001-2004
about 90,000
2,110-2,150
Floor-to-ceiling glass, many balcony cabins, quieter atmosphere
Vision
Grandeur, Enchantment, Rhapsody, Vision of the Seas
1996-1998
74,000-83,000
1,990-2,250
Glass-walled Centrum atrium, Viking Crown Lounge, smaller-ship feel
If you want individual ships rather than classes, our guide to Royal Caribbean ships by size lists every ship from largest to smallest.
Royal Caribbean ship classes list: which ships are sisters?
Ships in the same class are called sister ships. They share a hull design, layout and most venues, so a sister is the best stand-in if your first-choice ship is full or sails on the wrong dates.
Star of the Seas sister ships: Icon of the Seas and Legend of the Seas (Icon class), with Hero of the Seas joining in 2027.
Quantum of the Seas sister ships: Anthem and Ovation of the Seas. Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas are close cousins in the Quantum Ultra sub-class.
Liberty of the Seas sister ships: Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas (Freedom class).
Wonder of the Seas sister ships: Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony and Utopia of the Seas (Oasis class).
Navigator of the Seas sister ships: Voyager, Explorer, Adventure and Mariner of the Seas (Voyager class).
Jewel of the Seas sister ships: Radiance, Brilliance and Serenade of the Seas (Radiance class).
Grandeur of the Seas sister ships: Enchantment, Rhapsody and Vision of the Seas (Vision class).
How the classes differ in practice
Within a class, ships share the same basic layout, cabin types and many of the same venues. Ships do differ, though. Newer sisters often get extra attractions, and older ships may have gained new features during an “amplification” refit, so check the deck plan for the specific ship you are booking.
As a rough rule, the bigger and newer the class, the more there is to do on board, with more dining venues and more for children and teens. Those ships also carry more people and spend more time in the Caribbean and at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The smaller, older classes cost less, feel calmer, and are more often used on longer or more unusual itineraries.
Photo: Emilio Sánchez Hernández on Pexels
Icon class
The Icon class is Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest class. Icon of the Seas arrived in January 2024, Star of the Seas followed in August 2025, and Legend of the Seas, delivered by Meyer Turku in Finland in June 2026, made its official debut in July 2026. Legend is spending summer and early autumn 2026 in the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona and Rome, then moves to Fort Lauderdale for Caribbean sailings. The ships run on LNG (liquefied natural gas).
Each ship has eight “neighbourhoods”, including Thrill Island, with its Category 6 waterpark and the Crown’s Edge ropes course, and Surfside, an area built for families with young children. The ships also have a large number of pools and more than 20 places to eat and drink. The fourth ship, Hero of the Seas, was floated out in September 2026 and is expected to debut in 2027. Royal Caribbean has ordered three more Icon-class ships, due around 2028, 2029 and 2030. They have not been named yet.
Oasis class
Oasis of the Seas changed the scale of cruising when it launched in 2009, and the class now has six ships, the newest being Utopia of the Seas (2024), which mainly sails short getaways from Florida. The ships are split into seven neighbourhoods. The best known are Central Park, a real garden open to the sky, and the Boardwalk, with its carousel and the AquaTheater, where high-diving shows are staged.
A seventh Oasis-class ship is under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France. Its keel was laid in June 2026 and it is expected in 2028. At the time of writing it has not been named.
Quantum and Quantum Ultra class
Quantum, Anthem and Ovation of the Seas (2014-2016) are the original Quantum ships. Spectrum (2019) and Odyssey of the Seas (2021) are slightly modified “Quantum Ultra” versions. These ships replaced the long indoor promenade with features such as the North Star, a glass capsule that lifts guests high above the ship, and Two70, a lounge at the back of the ship with huge windows. Several Quantum ships have spent long periods in Asia, Australia and Alaska, so they are a common choice outside the Caribbean.
Freedom class
When Freedom of the Seas launched in 2006, it was the largest cruise ship in the world. The three Freedom ships are essentially a larger take on the Voyager design. They have a Royal Promenade running through the middle of the ship, an ice rink and a FlowRider. They have all been refurbished since launch, and Freedom and Independence gained new slides and other additions along the way. They are popular with families who want plenty of activities at a lower price than the Icon or Oasis ships.
Photo: CHRISTIAN PFEIFER on Pexels
Voyager class
The five Voyager-class ships (1999-2003) introduced the Royal Promenade, the ice rink and the rock-climbing wall to Royal Caribbean. Several have been amplified with waterslides, new restaurants and updated pool decks, and Navigator of the Seas in particular has been extensively updated. They are mid-sized by today’s standards and are used for a wide mix of short Caribbean trips and longer itineraries.
Radiance class
Radiance, Brilliance, Serenade and Jewel of the Seas (2001-2004) are noticeably smaller and quieter than the big ships. They are known for their glass, including glass elevators, large windows and a high share of balcony cabins. Their size lets them use the Panama Canal and smaller ports, so you will often find them on Alaska, Panama Canal, Europe and longer repositioning cruises.
Vision class
The Vision class contains Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ships. Grandeur of the Seas, the oldest, entered service in 1996. Grandeur was once due to move to sister brand Pullmantur in 2021, but that plan was dropped in 2020 and the ship is still in the fleet. Two former Vision-class ships, Splendour of the Seas and the original Legend of the Seas, were sold years ago and now sail for Marella Cruises. At the time of writing, Royal Caribbean has not announced dates for the remaining four to leave, but they are the most likely candidates when the line does retire ships. Expect fewer attractions, a more traditional cruise and often the lowest fares.
Coming next: Discovery class
In January 2026, Royal Caribbean ordered two ships for a new Discovery class from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with options for four more. The first is due in 2029 and the second in 2032. The line has not confirmed their size, capacity or features yet. Reports suggest they may be smaller than the Oasis and Icon ships, but treat that as unconfirmed until Royal Caribbean publishes details.
There are seven classes in service: Icon, Oasis, Quantum (including Quantum Ultra), Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision. An eighth, the Discovery class, is on order, with the first ship due in 2029.
Which Royal Caribbean class is the biggest?
The Icon class is the largest, at nearly 249,000 gross tons and about 5,610 guests at double occupancy. Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas are the three largest cruise ships in service.
Which class is best for families?
The Icon and Oasis classes have the most for children, including waterparks, kids’ areas and large family cabins, with Freedom and Quantum close behind. For a ship-by-ship view, see the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids of each age.
Which Royal Caribbean ships are the oldest?
The four Vision-class ships, built between 1996 and 1998, are the oldest. Grandeur of the Seas (1996) is the oldest ship still sailing for Royal Caribbean.
Which Royal Caribbean ships have a FlowRider?
The FlowRider surf simulator is found on the bigger classes: Icon, Oasis, Quantum and Freedom, and on Voyager-class ships that have been refitted. The smaller Radiance and Vision classes do not have one.
Does Jewel of the Seas have a FlowRider?
No. Jewel of the Seas is a Radiance-class ship, and none of the Radiance ships has a FlowRider. Instead they offer a rock-climbing wall, mini-golf and a quieter pool deck. If surfing on board matters to you, choose a Freedom, Quantum, Oasis or Icon-class ship.
What are Star of the Seas’ sister ships?
Icon of the Seas and Legend of the Seas. All three are Icon-class ships of about 248,663 gross tons, and Hero of the Seas will become the fourth sister in 2027.
