Royal Caribbean International is known for its incredible fleet, stunning destinations, and unforgettable experiences. But beyond the ships the heart of the company lies in its crew members, the dedicated individuals who create lifelong memories for guests. When Royal Caribbean’s President, Michael Bayley, recently invited guests to share their experiences with the crew, the response was overwhelming. Passengers shared stories of kindness, dedication, and connections that highlight just how much the crew means to them.

Above and Beyond: A Lifesaving Gesture

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is finally getting that jaw-dropping, multimillion-dollar facelift we’ve all been waiting for—four years late, but hey, better late than never! Because of the pandemic, the revamp got pushed back, leaving the ship with just routine maintenance. But now, it's game on for a $100 million upgrade as part of Royal Caribbean’s “Royal Amplified” program.

After more than two decades at the helm of some of the world’s most iconic Royal Caribbean ships, Captain Gus Andersson is embarking on a new adventure—this time, on land. The seasoned mariner has announced his transition from sea to shore, stepping down as a cruise ship captain to join Royal Caribbean’s Port Development team.

Royal Caribbean is celebratieng a major milestone this week—Icon of the Seas is officially one year old. And what a year it’s been! Since setting sail, the world’s largest cruise ship has welcomed 192,000 families on board, redefining what it means to take a family vacation at sea.

Mario Salcedo, aka "Super Mario," the ultimate cruise legend who’s been living on Royal Caribbean ships for the past 25 years, just hit an incredible milestone — his 1,000th cruise aboard the Explorer of the Seas! 

After an extraordinary five-decade career with Royal Caribbean International, Captain Johnny Faevelen has announced his retirement. Known for his unparalleled dedication to his crew and passengers, Captain Johnny is embarking on a new chapter in life, leaving behind a legacy that few can match.

In a heartfelt post on social media, Captain Johnny shared his emotions and reflections on the decision to step away from his storied career:

It is with great sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Antonio Russo, the Food and Beverage Director on Adventure of the Seas. This tragic information was shared with us by a crew member who wished to remain anonymous. Antonio passed away during the ship’s recent six-day Caribbean cruise after suffering a heart attack. He was only 53 years old.

Royal Caribbean International has informed guests sailing aboard Symphony of the Seas, of two confirmed cases of Legionella reported by previous passengers. According to the cruise line, the cases involved guests who sailed on separate voyages—one in October and another in December. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet confirmed where the individuals were exposed to the bacteria.

A crew member went overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas on December 17, 2024, in the final days of a 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise. The ship, sailing toward Baltimore, Maryland, activated a "Code OSCAR" emergency response, initiating a U-turn and deploying rescue boats to search the Atlantic Ocean.

Passengers onboard shared updates and photos of the unfolding situation as the crew initiated search and rescue operation. 

A Royal Caribbean passenger, identified as Michael Virgil, died shortly after being detained following a chaotic incident aboard the Navigator of the Seas. Witnesses claim Virgil, reportedly intoxicated, displayed violent and disruptive behavior shortly after boarding the ship.

Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, but reports indicate that Virgil experienced a medical emergency after being restrained by ship security. Despite efforts to assist him, he did not survive.