News

Royal Caribbean is facing yet another overbooking issue – this time involving a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Adventure of the Seas departing from Port Canaveral on 7th June 2025.

Guests booked on the sailing, which includes stops in Labadee (Haiti), Falmouth (Jamaica), and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas), have been notified that the ship has been oversold.

As a result, the cruise line is offering impacted travellers compensation packages to voluntarily change or cancel their bookings.

According to letters sent to affected guests, Royal Caribbean is offering two primary options.

Rebook and Receive Incentives

The first option allows guests to transfer their reservation to one of four alternative sailings scheduled for later in June or July 2025.

In return, they will receive a 50% refund of their original cruise fare plus a $300 (USD) non-refundable onboard credit.

Three of the available alternatives are longer than the original 6-night cruise, offering added value for those willing to shift dates. Guests can choose between:

• Two 8-night Western Caribbean sailings aboard Adventure of the Seas
• A 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard Wonder of the Seas
• An identical 6-night Western Caribbean cruise on Adventure of the Seas departing 19 July 2025

Cancel for a Full Refund and Credit

For guests unable or unwilling to reschedule, Royal Caribbean is also offering the option to cancel their cruise entirely.

This includes a full refund of the cruise fare along with a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC), provided the new sailing is booked for a departure on or before 7th June 2026.

Guests who wish to keep their current booking do not need to take any action.

Royal Caribbean expects that enough passengers will opt for the compensation packages to resolve the overbooking without affecting those who choose to sail.

If they don’t, then the cruise line will likely have to up its compensation offers, otherwise it faces cancelling some guests with ‘Guarantee’ cabins.

Pattern of Overbookings Continues

This incident is the latest in a string of recent overbookings by Royal Caribbean.

In recent months, Allure of the Seas saw two sailings oversold between April and May, while Navigator of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas experienced similar issues in May and early June.

While many guests are happy to accept the compensation offers, the pattern has raised questions about why the overbookings keep happening – and whether the practice should be permitted at all.

Overbooking is a standard practice in the travel industry, including cruising.

It allows operators to offset expected cancellations and no-shows, thereby maximising revenue and occupancy.

Much of this is driven by “guaranteed cabin” bookings, where passengers reserve a category without selecting a specific stateroom.

These fares are typically offered at a lower rate in exchange for flexibility, but they also enable cruise lines to sell more cabins than the ship technically accommodates – anticipating that some guests will cancel closer to sailing.

However, travellers who book and select a specific cabin from the outset are not at risk of losing their stateroom, even when a cruise is oversold.

Despite the inconvenience, Royal Caribbean’s generous compensation offers continue to help the company navigate these challenges.

Having said that, repeat incidents may test guest goodwill if they persist.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Cunard has officially released its 2027-2028 cruise season, featuring nearly 200 voyages across 115 destinations in 32 countries – many of which will be first-time visits for the cruise line’s…

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Cunard has officially released its 2027-2028 cruise season, featuring nearly 200 voyages across 115 destinations in 32 countries – many of which will be first-time visits for the cruise line’s four Queen-named ships.

Running from April 2027 through January 2028, the new deployment includes calls to 93 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 18 overnight stays, and 33 late-night departures.

The extensive itinerary line-up highlights Cunard’s continued push to blend tradition with modern cruising while offering guests more immersive travel options.

“This new program is all about giving our guests more choice and more unforgettable voyages,

“Whether it’s Queen Anne visiting new destinations, Queen Elizabeth returning to favourite ports in the Med, or Queen Mary 2 sailing iconic routes with her usual style, there’s something to suit every kind of traveller.”

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard

Among the many highlights for the upcoming season are a number of maiden calls, including Queen Anne’s debut in Sorrento, Italy, and La Rochelle, France; Queen Mary 2’s first visit to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Queen Victoria’s arrival in Riga, Latvia; and Queen Elizabeth’s inaugural stops in Calvi, France, and Trieste, Italy.

Fleet Highlights and Itinerary Details

Queen Elizabeth will return to Europe for the first time in years, sailing 65 voyages between May and October 2027.

The 2,000-guest ship recently underwent a multi-week refurbishment in early 2025, and will now revisit 22 ports not seen on her itinerary in more than a decade – including Istanbul and Palermo.

Her Mediterranean voyages will range from one-week escapes to extended 28-night explorations.

Queen Mary 2, the classic flagship of the fleet, will continue her legendary Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton.

The ship is expected to undergo a substantial renovation in early 2027, ahead of a series of North Atlantic, Canada, New England, and Caribbean sailings.

The season includes a notable call in Boston on 4th July for Independence Day and festive Caribbean itineraries for the 2027 holiday period.

Queen Anne, the line’s newest ship launched in 2024, will operate from Southampton and cater largely to UK-based cruisers with roundtrip voyages across Europe.

She will introduce new ports for the brand, such as La Rochelle and Sorrento, while offering extended stays in cities like Copenhagen and Barcelona.

Her New Year’s Eve sailing will feature a late-night call in Madeira to coincide with the island’s celebrated fireworks display.

Queen Victoria, which carries just over 2,000 guests, will sail 25 voyages during the season, visiting Iceland, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean.

The ship is set to return to Grundarfjörður, Iceland, for the first time since 2009.

New Combinations and Booking Details

Guests will also have the chance to book “Queen-to-Queen” voyages – multi-ship itineraries that allow travellers to combine back-to-back sailings across two or even three Cunard vessels under a single booking.

Early access opens to Cunard World Club members on 11th June 2025, with bookings available to the general public beginning 12th June 2025.

With a mix of historic routes, first-time ports, and expanded overnight stays, Cunard’s 2027-2028 season aims to offer a broader, more flexible way to experience the world aboard one of the industry’s most storied cruise lines.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Royal Caribbean is facing yet another overbooking issue – this time involving a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Adventure of the Seas departing from Port Canaveral on 7th June 2025….

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Set to debut in early 2026, Four Seasons Yachts has announced a series of elevated experiences that will distinguish its inaugural vessel from traditional cruise offerings.

Among the highlights are Marina Days, a floating marina platform with direct sea access, and luxury Limo Tenders designed for personalised coastal excursions.

Marina Days – An Onboard Aquatic Playground

When the yacht is at anchor, guests will be able to enjoy Marina Days, offering an immersive oceanfront experience directly from the ship.

The 3,778-square-foot floating platform will include a lounge, bar, sea pool, and extendable deck with sun loungers.

Capable of accommodating up to 105 guests at a time, the marina will provide access to a wide variety of water sports and leisure activities, such as:

• Electric hydrofoils and water bikes
• Traditional kayaks and inflatable waterboards
• Pedalboards for scenic shoreline exploration
• A seawater dipping pool built into the floating platform

The aim is to offer guests an easy and elegant way to enjoy time on the water without leaving the comfort of the yacht.

Four Seasons Yachts won’t be the first cruise line to offer this concept, with some Seabourn and Windstar ships having a platform for watersports.

But this is a much larger platform with unique features, taking the idea to a whole new level.

Luxury Tenders for Private Excursions

Complementing the marina experience, Four Seasons Yachts will also offer Beachlander and Limo Tender services as part of its Grand Touring Experience.

The Beachlander is a 10-metre (32-foot) Ribeye vessel designed for high-speed excursions to secluded beaches, snorkelling spots, and exclusive coastal destinations.

The Limo Tender is a fully serviced, custom-designed vessel offering private, captain-led excursions.

Ideal for couples or small groups, the experience includes bespoke itineraries, onboard amenities, and an upscale, intimate atmosphere.

“Guests will explore remarkable destinations, beautiful bays and hidden coves while enjoying adventures on kayaks, paddleboards, and superyacht water toys that let them glide effortlessly across the water. These marina days will add a new element of discovery and fun, and we look forward to introducing our guests to this one-of-a-kind experience.”

Tim Littley, Vice President of Itinerary and Planning at Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD

These offerings reflect Four Seasons’ commitment to delivering a superyacht-style voyage that merges exploration with luxury.

Further details, including itineraries and onboard features, are expected as the ship approaches its 2026 launch.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

As the busy summer cruise season gets underway in North America, Carnival Cruise Line is reminding guests of its shipboard policies through a renewed emphasis on its “Have Fun. Be…

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As the busy summer cruise season gets underway in North America, Carnival Cruise Line is reminding guests of its shipboard policies through a renewed emphasis on its “Have Fun. Be Safe” guidelines.

The cruise line began distributing updated letters to passengers embarking from 1st June 2025, detailing several behavioural expectations aimed at ensuring safety and enjoyment for all aboard.

Key Policies Reinforced

The letter outlines the following shipboard rules:

• Curfew for Under-18s: Guests aged 17 and under must leave public areas by 1 am, unless accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over from their travel group. The curfew will be “strictly enforced.”
• Noise and Conduct: Passengers are asked to avoid running or shouting in hallways, and to maintain a quiet environment in guest corridors.
• Restrictions in Nightlife Areas: For safety reasons, handheld fans and beverages are not permitted on dance floors or in nightclubs.
• Personal Devices and Speakers: Guests using personal devices in public spaces must use earphones. All Bluetooth, wireless, and portable speakers are banned and will be confiscated if found – a policy in place since November 2024.
• Smoking Policy: Smoking and vaping are restricted to designated areas only. Smoking in cabins or on balconies is strictly prohibited and may result in a $500 fine or removal from the ship.
• Zero Tolerance on Drugs: Carnival reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs, including marijuana, regardless of its legality in certain states. Passengers found in possession of illegal substances may face arrest, be denied reboarding, and permanently banned from the cruise line.

Guest Accountability and Enforcement

The letter concludes with a clear warning:

“Any guest who violates these policies or whose conduct affects the comfort, enjoyment, safety, or well-being of others will be disembarked at their own expense and banned from sailing on Carnival in the future.”

Guests are also reminded that any damage to ship property will be charged directly to their Sail & Sign account.

Ongoing Safety Measures and Public Feedback

The renewed communication follows increased interest and questions directed to John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, who regularly fields passenger concerns on social media.

Recent issues have included balcony smoking, which poses a serious fire risk, as highlighted by a balcony fire aboard Carnival Glory in February 2025.

Additionally, several guests have faced legal consequences for violating rules.

In one instance, a passenger was arrested in Galveston after attempting to board with multiple illegal substances.

Another guest, caught smuggling alcohol and posting about it online, received a lifetime ban from Carnival.

Carnival has confirmed that drug-sniffing dogs are in use at embarkation points and that it adheres to federal laws, regardless of local state legislation.

While some may see the enforcement as strict, many guests have expressed support for the policies online, applauding the cruise line’s efforts to maintain a safe, comfortable atmosphere for all aboard.

But then you also have to ask, does Carnival feel it’s necessary to send the letter because of the poor behaviour from past guests? And could that put some people off sailing with Carnival?

Or is it even a little patronising, having to tell people how to behave?

Only time will tell.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Cruise line Cunard will begin charging guests in Britannia-grade staterooms for room service orders placed after 10 am, starting from June 2025. The change applies across the fleet and marks…

Cruise line Cunard will begin charging guests in Britannia-grade staterooms for room service orders placed after 10 am, starting from June 2025.

The change applies across the fleet and marks a shift in the cruise line’s traditionally inclusive approach to in-cabin dining.

Breakfast room service will remain complimentary if ordered before 10am, regardless of stateroom category.

Guests sailing in Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites will continue to enjoy full room service at no additional charge.

Cunard is informing affected guests via email, stating:

“We are writing to inform you of a change in our room service on board. Across the fleet, we are introducing new charges that will apply to room service dishes served after 10.00am in Britannia grade staterooms.

“Our breakfast items, available before 10.00am, will remain complimentary. And of course, you’re welcome to dine at the buffet where you’ll find a selection of dishes through the day and into the night, all included in your fare.”

The change brings Cunard into line with several other mainstream cruise operators, most of which charge for room service outside breakfast hours unless guests are staying in premium accommodation categories.

Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line typically offer complimentary continental breakfast, but charge for other room service meals, often through à la carte pricing or service fees.

By contrast, ultra-luxury cruise lines such as Viking, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises continue to offer complimentary room service at all hours, regardless of stateroom category.

Cunard’s decision follows other recent service changes onboard, including new venues and dining options introduced aboard Queen Anne, the latest ship in the fleet.

The company has not disclosed the exact pricing structure for post-breakfast room service orders, but more details are expected to be available onboard or via the Cunard website in the lead-up to the change.

This update is part of a broader industry trend toward modifying inclusive amenities, as cruise lines continue to balance operational costs with guest expectations.

Many guests are likely to be disappointed by the news, as they consider Cunard to be the last bastion of traditional style cruising, which included touches such as free room service to make the experience feel more special.

Several feel that the latest ship, Queen Anne, has moved slightly too far away from the traditional Cunard feel, and that these new changes across the fleet are a sign that the cruise line is shifting to be more like other, more mainstream options.

Loyal fans may now feel that they are being pushed towards booking a more expensive Queens Grill or Princess Grill accommodation rather than a Britannia cabin, if they wish to preserve their ideal Cunard experience.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Cruise passengers in the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy faced a dramatic turn of events on 30th May 2025, when Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic broke free from its moorings…

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Royal Caribbean cruise passengers received a surprising barrage of test notifications on 29th May 2025, when the cruise line’s mobile app began sending out repeated, unexplained alerts – none of which were tied to cruise updates or itinerary changes.

The push notifications, which simply read variations of “test segment,” began early in the day and continued at frequent intervals, leaving app users both confused and amused.

Reports quickly surfaced on Reddit and other forums, with users tracking how many notifications they had received.

“I’m up to 26 so far,” wrote one user. “Let’s take a bet – how high will the numbers go?” another chimed in.

Some passengers reported receiving between 15 and 40 notifications by midday, with no clarity at first whether the barrage was an internal error or some kind of cryptic app test.

One poster summed it up: “Someone’s getting fired.”

Royal Caribbean Responds

By late afternoon, Royal Caribbean acknowledged the mishap via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:

“Our IT teams are aware of a series of test notifications inadvertently sent out through the RCI mobile app, and they are working to resolve the issue. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.”

The cruise line’s iOS app update version 1.66.3, launched the same morning, was quickly suspected to be the cause. The update ironically promised “bug fixes and performance improvements”, making the glitch all the more awkward.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, later shared an update on social media:

While some passengers expressed mild annoyance, the vast majority responded with tongue-in-cheek humour.

“Royal Caribbean just sent more push notifications in one hour than my spouse has texts in a week,” joked another.

“Introducing Royal Caribbean’s Push Club – get 50 notifications and earn free WiFi.”

A few even demanded compensation – half seriously, half playfully – suggesting drink package discounts or branded merchandise.

No System Outages, Just an Embarrassing Glitch

Despite the flood of alerts, no functionality issues were reported with the Royal App. Platforms like Downdetector did not show an increase in service disruptions, indicating the app remained operational throughout.

Despite the mishap, the Royal App remains a critical tool for cruise travellers. It enables passengers to:

• Check in pre-cruise
• View itineraries and port information
• Reserve dining, excursions, and onboard activities
• Monitor expenses during their sailing

With nearly 2 million downloads and ratings of 4.6 (Google Play) and 4.8 (App Store), the app continues to be one of the most highly-rated in the cruise industry.

While a series of rogue notifications is hardly ideal, the incident was relatively harmless – and judging by the online response, Royal Caribbean’s guests were more amused than angry.

Still, it serves as a reminder that even the smoothest digital platforms can have the occasional hiccup.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Cruise passengers in the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy faced a dramatic turn of events on 30th May 2025, when Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic broke free from its moorings…

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Celebrity Cruises has announced a $250 million refurbishment plan for its five Solstice-class ships, marking a major upgrade more than a decade after the final vessel in the series entered service.

The transformation will begin with Celebrity Solstice in early 2026, delivering a range of enhancements including new stateroom categories, upgraded luxury spaces, and new dining and entertainment venues.

Celebrity Solstice, the namesake of the class and the first to launch back in 2008, will undergo a comprehensive dry dock before returning to service in March 2026.

Her first sailing post-refit is scheduled to depart Singapore on 26th March 2026, bound for Sydney on a 14-night voyage.

“Our Solstice Series ships represent the best of classic cruising, and now we’re elevating this vacation experience even further,”

Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises.

New Staterooms and Luxury Retreat Upgrades

Once renovated, Celebrity Solstice will offer four brand-new stateroom categories:

• Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite
• Deluxe Panoramic Oceanview Suite
• Panoramic Ocean View Suite
• Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View

Bookings for these new accommodation types are expected to open in mid-June 2025.

Guests staying in The Retreat, the line’s luxury suite enclave, will benefit from a redesigned Retreat Lounge, a new sundeck with a hot tub, and refreshed suite interiors.

Several new entertainment venues will be introduced, including the Boulevard Lounge, a cabaret-style performance space offering concerts, daytime trivia and more. The accompanying Boulevard Bar will serve as a lively cocktail destination.

A new sports bar concept, Celebrity Barcade, will feature multiple screens for live sporting events and interactive games such as darts and billiards.

The ship’s culinary line-up will also expand with:

• Fine Cut Steakhouse, already a favourite on Celebrity’s Edge-class ships, offering dry-aged steaks and premium seafood
• Trattoria Rossa, an Italian venue with table-side service and freshly prepared pasta dishes

Enhanced Outdoor Spaces and Family Fun

Up on the top deck, the ship will debut Sunset Park, a half-acre outdoor space with food and drinks, live music, lawn games, and family-friendly entertainment.

A larger Sunset Bar and private cabanas will also be introduced.

Although the cruise line has not publicly confirmed dry dock dates, Celebrity Solstice has no cruises scheduled from 15th January to 25th March 2026, suggesting the renovation will take place during this window.

After her refit, the ship will operate a Transpacific cruise from Sydney to Hawaii, followed by a repositioning to Vancouver for her Alaska summer season, beginning 3rd May 2026.

A full timeline for the other Solstice-class vessels – Celebrity Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette, and Reflection – has not yet been released.

The Solstice-class ships remain among the most admired in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, blending modern design with sophisticated touches.

This multi-ship refit signals the brand’s continued investment in enhancing guest experience across both classic and next-generation vessels.

As well as the more modern Edge Series, the cruise line also operates the older Millennium Class, with those ships recently undergoing their own renovations.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Cruise passengers in the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy faced a dramatic turn of events on 30th May 2025, when Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic broke free from its moorings…

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Cruise passengers in the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy faced a dramatic turn of events on 30th May 2025, when Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic broke free from its moorings amid strong winds, sending parts of the dock flying and causing two guests to fall into the water.

The incident unfolded shortly after 1pm local time, as guests were returning to the ship during a scheduled port call.

Eyewitnesses described loud cracks as the ship’s mooring lines gave way one by one, reportedly pulling concrete fixtures out of the pier and launching them towards the ship’s hull.

“All of a sudden, we heard this loud bang,

“One by one, the concrete nubs in the ground that hold the ropes were pulling out of the ground and went flying into the ship.”

Guest comments to local reporters

As the lines snapped, at least one female passenger fell from the gangway into the harbour. Her husband, in an effort to help, jumped in after her.

Emergency responders quickly retrieved both individuals from the water.

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that both guests sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

“On-duty crew members were able to immediately assist the guest from the water and see that they were evaluated by the medical team,” a spokesperson stated.

The Italian Meteorological Service had issued a moderate wind warning earlier in the day, with gusts reportedly reaching 57mph (92km/h).

While the full cause of the incident remains under investigation, early indications point to a combination of dock infrastructure failure and mechanical strain from the shifting ship.

The 155,873-gross-ton vessel, capable of accommodating over 4,000 passengers, drifted into the harbour before regaining control and returning to port.

Port authorities paused all reboarding activity until the winds calmed, prompting frustration among guests left stranded ashore.

Delayed Return for Frustrated Passengers

Initially told they might be able to reboard by 4 or 5pm, passengers ultimately waited until 7:15pm to begin re-embarking, over six hours after the incident.

Video shared on a Norwegian Epic Facebook group post showed huge crowds waiting to board the ship.

“Everyone is stuck at the port, very little information from NCL,

“Some of us have been waiting here since noon. Very little water, older folks are hot, there is not enough water or seats.”

Norwegian Cruise Line later stated, “During this interruption, our crew were actively attending to our guests until they were able to re-embark the ship. As always, the safety of our guests and crew is our top priority.”

Despite the disruption, Norwegian Epic remains on schedule to visit Naples on 31st May, before continuing to Livorno and Cannes, with the voyage concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome) on 3rd June 2025.

Mooring line failures are not unheard of – earlier this year, Holland America’s Rotterdam also experienced broken lines during high swells, resulting in a missed port call.

The incident with Norwegian Epic, however, stands out due to the guest injuries and scale of disruption.

Authorities in Catania, alongside Norwegian Cruise Line, are continuing to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the near-disaster.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s next Icon-class mega-ship, is so ready to welcome guests that she’s launching even earlier than expected – again!

Fresh off her sea trials with top marks (where she soared through in record time), the cruise line has now announced a fourth showcase cruise ahead of the ship’s official maiden voyage.

The new 4-night sailing will depart Port Canaveral, Florida on 16th August 2025, calling at the line’s private Bahamian destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, on 17th August.

“We simply can’t wait to debut the world’s best family vacation,” Royal Caribbean said in an announcement, adding that this special sailing marks the official kick-off of the inaugural season.

During the port call, Star of the Seas will share CocoCay with her soon-to-be predecessor, Utopia of the Seas.

With both ships at Royal Caribbean’s signature destination, it will be an especially exciting day for cruise fans and an impressive double-ship photo opportunity.

The rest of the itinerary will feature two full sea days, giving guests time to explore the vast array of entertainment, attractions, and dining across the seven unique neighbourhoods on board.

Of course, with the sheer number of things to do onboard the ship, two days will likely only be enough for guests to scratch the surface.

More Sailings Added, Maiden Voyage Still to Come

This new sailing is the latest of four showcase cruises to be slotted in before the ship’s long-awaited 7-night Western Caribbean inaugural sailing on 31th August 2025.

Passengers originally booked on the 20th August sailing – previously the earliest – are now being offered the chance to move their reservation forward and become part of this even earlier debut.

The showcase cruises were made possible thanks to the record-speed completion of sea trials, which confirmed that Star of the Seas is not only seaworthy but ahead of schedule in terms of operational readiness.

Showcase Cruises: A First Look With Some Caveats

While showcase cruises offer early access and exclusive commemorative gifts, guests should note that not every element may be fully operational just yet.

Some entertainment programming, specialty venues, or staffing levels could still be in a ramp-up phase.

That said, the excitement of being one of the first guests aboard a brand new Icon-class ship will more than make up for any minor hiccups.

It’s worth remembering that Star of the Seas had originally been scheduled to launch on 17th August 2025.

That date was cancelled last year due to anticipated construction delays – but with rapid progress, Royal Caribbean has since re-added multiple early cruises.

Star of the Seas will be the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, following Icon of the Seas, which debuted to global fanfare.

She will be one of the largest and most advanced ships in the world, with cutting-edge entertainment, waterparks, family zones, and a dedicated suite neighbourhood.

Following her preview sailings, Star will settle into year-round 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral, calling at ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, and St. Thomas, as well as CocoCay.

In 2026 a third Icon-class ship will launch, named Legend of the Seas. Her sailings – including an inaugural season in the Mediterranean – are already on sale.

For those eager to get on board, time is of the essence – early sailings, especially these special showcase ones, tend to sell out quickly.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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