Meyer Turku has floated the world's next largest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, out of her building dock at its yard in Turku, Finland. Following a traditional ceremony to mark the construction milestone on Wednesday, the ship was transferred to Meyer Turku’s outfitting pier with the help of tug boats, where she will remain until her delivery in 2025.
Royal Caribbean has canceled the upcoming Icon of the Seas sailing, originally scheduled for September 28, 2024, due to unplanned maintenance.
In a statement to travel agents, Royal Caribbean explained, "We are currently conducting unplanned maintenance onboard Icon of the Seas." Although specific details about the issue have not been disclosed, the ship will remain docked to complete the necessary repairs.
A Filipino crew member employed as a stateroom attendant was sentenced to 30 years in prison by Florida court for producing child pornography.
Arvin Joseph Mirasol, a stateroom attendant who serviced passenger staterooms, was sentenced by US District Court Judge Melissa Damian after previously pleading guilty to producing child pornography.
Royal Caribbean International has announced it will resume trips to Labadee, Haiti, in October 2024, following a temporary suspension earlier this year due to rising violence and instability, Cruise Radio reported. The cruise line removed Labadee from its itineraries in March 2024, after concerns over safety were heightened by incidents.
The United States Coast Guard evacuated a female crew member in need of urgent medical attention from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Navigator of the Seas.
The crew member, who was experiencing lower abdominal pain, was medically evacuated on Thursday at around 2:53 am while the ship was sailing in the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Southern California this week.
Royal Caribbean Group has signed a deal with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku for a fourth Icon Class ship, which will be delivered in 2027. The agreement also includes options for two more ships in this class. Jason Liberty, the CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, highlighted the success of Icon of the Seas, which launched in January 2024, and expressed excitement about expanding the fleet. The new ships are expected to build on the innovative experiences offered by the Icon Class, with the next ship, Star of the Seas, debuting in 2025.
When it comes to mind-blowing entertainment at sea, Royal Caribbean International is in a league of its own! Their cruise ships aren’t just floating hotels; they’re stages for the world’s top performers and athletes. We’re talking about Red Bull Cliff Diving legend like Michal Navratil, who’ve wowed crowds with jaw-dropping high dives.
The cruise ship Odyssey of the Seas rescued 77 migrants after their boat was adrift in the Mediterranean Sea. The rescue operation took place on August 5, while the ship was sailing on a 7-day Greek Isles voyage. Under the leadership of Captain Marek, the crew saved all the migrants, providing them with medical care, food, and shelter.
Royal Caribbean International has appointed Stacy Lubin as the director of environment and sustainability for its Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, a 17-acre beachfront project in Nassau, The Bahamas, set to open in 2025. Lubin, a 20-year conservation expert, will manage environmental initiatives and collaborate with The Bahamas’ Department of Environmental Planning and Protection to ensure compliance with both Royal Caribbean and local environmental standards.
Each year, Royal Caribbean selects an Employee of the Year from more than 40,000 crew members working aboard its ships. This year, 26 ships in the fleet submitted their nominations for this prestigious award, breaking the record for the highest number of nominees ever. The winner bags a cool $5,000!
