Next Royal Caribbean Ship Named Star of the Seas

Posted on 7 October, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

The second Icon-class ship will carry the name Star of the Seas for Royal Caribbean International when it debuts in the summer of 2025.

“The idea of combining the best of every type of vacation into one ultimate adventure has created more excitement than ever anticipated, and Star of the Seas will be the next bold answer to the record-breaking consumer demand we’ve seen for nearly a year and counting with Icon of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

The first look at Icon and Icon Class set the tone in October 2022 when it led to the cruise line’s single largest booking day and highest volume booking week in the brand’s then 53-year history, the company said in a press release.

The demand sparked Royal Caribbean to release 2025-26 cruises on Icon three months ahead of schedule and now Star’s name and debut season. Royal Caribbean said more details on the ship’s features and deployment will follow soon.

Royal Caribbean has unveiled Hideaway Beach, its first adult-only getaway at CocoCay

Posted on 20 September, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

Set to open in January 2024 with the debut of Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas, the getaway will have a private beach and pools as well as two bars and three dining spots.

“Everything from its hideaway location to the exclusive beach and pools to the private cabanas is designed for adults who want a day just for them,” said chief executive and president Michael Bayley.

Located in the north-west of Cococay, Hideaway Beach is an all-day experience reserved for adults aged 18 and above.

The unveiling comes as the cruise line announced earlier this week it was putting on sale the 2025-2026 season onboard Icon of the Seas three months in advance due to skyrocketing demand.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance to Resume Service

Posted on 12 September, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

The Radiance of the Seas is set to return to revenue service on Sept. 15, Royal Caribbean International confirmed.

After seeing two cruises cancelled due to propulsion issues, the 2001-built vessel is set to resume its regular schedule in Alaska.

“Our Marine technical team has given us green light and we’re thrilled to announce that the Radiance of the Seas will be returning to service,” the company said in a statement sent to booked guests.

“With repairs wrapping up and sea trial preparations underway, we’re now able to confirm our ability to sail as intended,” Royal Caribbean added.

The company also explained that the Radiance’s technical issue was contained to the propulsion system, impacting only the ship’s speed and ability to make it to ports on time.

“In response to some comments seen and heard, seaworthiness was never in question,” the statement continued.

“Thank you for your patience and continued understanding as we worked to resolve this issue. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or looking to explore, relax and recharge – we have no doubt your time with us will be nothing short of amazing,” Royal Caribbean concluded.

Concluding its summer program in Alaska, the Radiance of the Seas continues to offer seven-night cruises in the region through late September.

Sailing from Seward and Vancouver, the itineraries feature visits to several destinations, such as Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Haines, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.

The Sep. 15 sailing, for instance, sails from Seward to Vancouver and features six ports of call in Alaska and Canada.

Following a repositioning cruise via the Panama Canal, the Radiance of the Seas is set to launch a winter season in the Caribbean in October.

Based out of Tampa, the 2,000-guest ship is scheduled to offer a series of four- to seven-night cruises to Mexico, Honduras and the Bahamas that extend through early April 2024.