royal caribbean cruise profile

Brand Profile

Founded:  1969 Fleet:  24 ships Fleet Capacity (Double Occupancy):  77,061 Destinations:  Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Dubai, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal and South America In 2017, Royal Caribbean will visit 256 ports, in 64 countries, on 6 continents

Our Management

Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Adam Goldstein, President and COO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Jason Liberty, Senior Vice President and CFO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President — Maritime, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President — Sales, Trade Support & Service, Royal Caribbean International Mark Tamis, Senior Vice President — Operations, Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International appeals to adventure-seeking families as well as couples and singles in their 30s to 50s.  The median age is low-40s, slightly lower on three- and four-night cruises and slightly higher on longer cruises of 10 or more nights. Our guests have an appetite for new experiences and an interest in activities that take them out of the ordinary, connect them with other people and enable them to explore new places and learn about other cultures. They are keen travelers seeking a quality vacation at the best value, one that caters to an array of travel needs and preferences. About three-fourths of Royal Caribbean's guests have cruised before and more than a quarter have sailed with us previously — we enjoy one of the highest repeat passenger percentages in our market segment. Guests are almost evenly divided between men and women and about 60 percent are North American and the rest from international markets extending from Asia to Latin America.

Our Financial Status

In fiscal 2016, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. reported net income of $1.31 billion.  The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:RCL).

* double occupancy

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Royal Caribbean International

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Royal Caribbean Productions

Broadway shows. world-class performers., upcoming auditions.

Royal Caribbean Productions holds auditions year round in 66 cities throughout the world. We encourage you to attend one of our live auditions, but if you are not able to attend, we invite you to submit your information online by creating a profile. Registration will take place at the audition location so no pre-registration is required. Please note that you must be 18 years of age or older to be hired. Upcoming audition information and dates are always subject to change. The website will always have the most up to date information.

• All Shows Cats CATS and Touch the Sky Featured Singer and Lead Vocalists General Audition General Musical Audition Grease (Harmony of the Seas) Grease (Independence of the Seas) Hairspray Mamma Mia! Oasis of the Seas: CATS Production Shows Royal Caribbean Broadway and West End Musicals Saturday Night Fever Signature Production Shows The Effectors THE WIZARD OF OZ We Will Rock You
• All Talents Artistic Swimmers Ballroom Couples Dancer/Vocalist Dancers Dancers Who Sing Divers Ensemble Featured Singer/Vocalists Featured Singers Featured Singers & Lead Vocalists Featured Singers and Lead Vocalists Featured Singers/Vocalists Female Dancers Hip Hop Dancers Male Commercial Dancers Male Dancers Musicians Pop Vocalists Principal Singer/Actor Principals Principals and Ensemble Showgirls Singers Vocal Directors Vocalists who Dance

Who owns Royal Caribbean cruises, and which cruise lines does Royal Caribbean own?

Editor's Note

Royal Caribbean International is one of the most recognized brands in the cruise industry. With nearly 30 ships in its fleet, it's also the largest. For several years running, it has operated vessels that, one after the other, held the title of world's largest cruise ship .

If you've ever wondered who owns Royal Caribbean International, you've come to the right place. The line is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group (formerly Royal Caribbean Cruise, Ltd.), which also includes Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Here's a rundown with more specifics for each of the Royal Caribbean Group brands.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises began in 1988 as a Greek cruise line offering an experience that was slightly more elevated than the likes of other cruise lines that were operating at the time. In 1997, Celebrity was acquired by what was then Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., making it Royal Caribbean's sister cruise line (currently the only sisterhood in the industry that offers reciprocity for loyalty status ) and ushering in a new era of ships for the fleet.

Now, Celebrity sails more than a dozen vessels and still offers the same upmarket experience for which it was founded. It features a high-end vibe that's not all-inclusive, which allows fares to remain affordable when compared to luxury lines.

The ships' cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, the entertainment is high-energy, and the nightlife is lively. Sailings tend to attract young professionals and couples, as well as families with adult children, thanks to an ambience that's trendy without being tacky.

Related: All you need to know about Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean was born in 1968, sailing voyages from Miami to the Caribbean on the line's first ship, Song of Norway. Since then, the fleet has grown considerably and now sails to many parts of the world.

Offering award-winning kids clubs, excellent dining options and creative entertainment — as well as a variety of wow-factor amenities like onboard surfing , skydiving and zip lining — Royal Caribbean attracts lots of active travelers and families with children.

Since the line has so many ships, it's easy to find one that meets your needs, whether you're seeking a smaller, older vessel with affordable cabins or the newest, largest and flashiest ships with exclusive (read: pricey) suite areas .

Related: All you need to know about Royal Caribbean

Silversea Cruises

The cruise industry's first all-inclusive luxury brand, Silversea Cruises, debuted in 1994. In 2018, Royal Caribbean Group acquired two-thirds of the line and purchased the remaining bit in 2020.

Silversea's fares include high-end perks, such as all-suite accommodations with butler service, as well as flights and transfers. This allows passengers to have a truly seamless door-to-gangway (and back again) cruise experience.

The Silversea fleet comprises 11 ships — seven classic oceangoing vessels and four expedition ships — that carry between 100 and 728 passengers each. In addition to their smaller size and more intimate onboard experience, the vessels provide understated elegance with elements like marble bathrooms and Bulgari bath products.

Related: All you need to know about Silversea Cruises

Royal Caribbean Group FAQ

Is carnival owned by royal caribbean.

No. Carnival Cruise Line is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation & PLC.

Is Celebrity owned by Royal Caribbean?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group, the same parent company that owns and operates Royal Caribbean International.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line owned by Royal Caribbean?

No. Norwegian Cruise Line is owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Who is the sister company of Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean has two sister brands, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. All three brands fall under the Royal Caribbean Group umbrella.

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Allure of the Seas - Cruise Ship Profile and Tour

Royal Caribbean

The Allure of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's largest ships, along with her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas , Although the two ships have much in common, including the seven-neighborhood concept, this new ship has its own distinctive entertainment, dining, and retail options. The Harmony of the Seas, which was launched in 2016, is slightly larger than her two older sister ships and now is considered the "world's largest cruise ship".

Although much has been said about the size of the Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, the ships are only about 65 feet longer than other Royal Caribbean ships. The increase in size is in the height (18 decks) and width. Therefore, most ports are able to dock these two huge ships. However, the infrastructure of many ports and the surrounding areas cannot support the large influx of visitors. The Allure of the Seas currently sails round-trip seven-day cruises to the eastern or western Caribbean year-round from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. However, some far afield ports like Hong Kong and Singapore are planning to expand their ports to accommodate this mega-ship.

Royal Caribbean executives are calling the Allure of the Seas the "entertainment ship", and it certainly has lots of family and adult activities and amenities. The most noticeable addition is the result of Royal Caribbean's partnership with DreamWorks Animation. Celebrity characters from DreamWorks movies such as Shrek , Madagascar , Kung Fun Panda , and How to Train Your Dragon are incorporated into parades, character breakfasts, skating shows, and photo opportunities on the Allure of the Seas. On a two-day preview cruise of the ship, the characters seemed to be everywhere--the sail away party show at the AquaTheater, the Move It! Move It! Parade on the Royal Promenade, the DreamWorks character breakfast in the Adagio Dining Room, and in an ice show in Studio B.

Other New Features on the Allure of the Seas

• The Allure of the Seas has added specially equipped 3-D movie screens in the Amber Theater , and this main theater is home to two shows-- Chicago: The Musical , which is an adaptation of the famous Broadway play, and Blue Planet , which is a spectacle of acrobatics, music, and dance. The AquaTheater has a new aquatic production called OceanAria , and Studio B has two new ice shows.
• The Allure of the Seas has most of the same dining venues as its sister ship the Oasis of the Seas, but Royal Caribbean has added a Brazilian steakhouse called the Samba Grill; Rita's Cantina, a Mexican restaurant; The Boardwalk Dog House, a hot dog specialty counter; and a distinct dining experience at upscale 150 Central Park.
• Shopping is entertainment for many of us, and the Allure of the Seas has several shopping areas on the ship. In addition to upscale and familiar stores from other ships, contemporary artist Romero Britto has opened his first Britto Concept Store in the Central Park neighborhood, and the Royal Promenade has a GUESS store.
• Computer users appreciate the guest service kiosks in the Royal Promenade where they can print their SeaPass folio or airline boarding passes. Apple iPod docking stations are found in all staterooms.

Now that we've seen what's new on the Allure of the Seas, let's take a tour of the ship's seven neighborhoods.

• Allure of the Seas Boardwalk
• Allure of the Seas Central Park
• Allure of the Seas Entertainment Place
• Allure of the Seas Pool and Sports Zone
• Allure of the Seas Royal Promenade
• Allure of the Seas Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
• Allure of the Seas Youth Zone
• Summary and Wrap-UP

Allure of the Seas - Boardwalk

The Allure of the Seas Boardwalk neighborhood is aft on deck 6. When you enter the Boardwalk, the beautiful carousel greeting you certainly brings back memories of classic seaside piers like Coney Island or Atlantic City. Like the carousel on the Oasis of the Seas, the figures on this one were specially made for Royal Caribbean from poplar wood. The full-sized carousel features a menagerie of 18 moving figures for the riders, and there's a stationary seat for those who don't want to sit astride. Several carved horse figures next to the carousel show the evolution of the final product from ​a large block of wood to painted show horse.

The open air Boardwalk is flanked on one end by the 3-deck Dazzles Bar and on the other by the AquaTheater . The Boardwalk has 6 AquaTheater suites, 221 balcony cabins, and 8 Boardwalk-view cabins overlooking the bustling area.

Families love Boardwalk dining at Rita's Cantina taqueria or Johnny Rockets diner, having a hot dog at the Boardwalk Dog House, or homemade ice cream or sweets at the ice cream parlor and donut shop. Adults also like the Boardwalk Bar and the margaritas at Rita's.

Before they eat, some might want to try one of the two 43-foot tall rock climbing walls. Each has multiple climbing routes. Those who don't want to try their hands and feet at rock climbing can explore one of the shops on the Boardwalk, including a novelty photo shop, stuffed animal shop, candy store, teen and children's retail shops, or the Carousel cart.

The AquaTheater is used both day and night for aquatic acrobatic, synchronized swimming, dancing fountains, and light shows. It has amphitheater-type seating and a 17-foot deep pool that accommodates high divers. Billed as the most technologically-advanced area of the ship, it has to be seen to be believed. The stage goes up and down, fountains dance, lights change, and the large screens flanking the stage show it all. The OceanAria water show is shown six times per week, with two performances on each of the first three nights of the cruise. If the weather cancels one of these nights, the shows are rescheduled for later in the week.

Let's move to a quieter, more peaceful and romantic neighborhood--Central Park.

Allure of the Seas - Central Park

City dwellers feel right at home at Central Park midship on deck 8 of the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise ship. It's like a cosmopolitan open-air park with no views of the ocean. You really feel like you are experiencing summer in the city in this unique area. The area is lush and green, with many places to sit and have a quiet drink or just snuggle with your best friend. Central Park is open to the sky, but this central piazza of the ship is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. Like in a city, these retail areas are topped with staterooms .

Central Park has four restaurants and two bars. The most exclusive restaurant on the Allure of the Seas, 150 Central Park, has a young executive chef with a signature elegant dining experience. The Park Cafe , Chops Grille, and Giovanni's Table are popular venues also found on the Oasis of the Seas.

The Vintages wine bar has both indoor and outdoor seating, and I love the quiet atmosphere at the Trellis Bar . It's a perfect spot for a late evening drink.

Central Park also has three retail shops: the Britto Store and art gallery, a Coach store, and a portrait studio.

While Central Park is one of the quietest places on the Allure of the Seas, Entertainment Place is one of the most vibrant.

Allure of the Seas - Entertainment Place

Entertainment Place is on deck 4, just a short walk down the stairs from the Royal Promenade . This neighborhood on the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise ship is filled with the large casino, show lounges, and theaters.

The Amber Theater is the main large theater and it has a huge stage and "fly space", which allows for a lot of creativity in designing productions. Blue Planet , with its aerial acrobatics, dance, and music, has the largest set Royal Caribbean has ever used for a show. It includes a tree that is 22 feet wide on a stage that is 50 feet wide (about 10 feet wider than most Broadway stages). For the first three minutes of the show, guests see the tree, but they don't see the 17 of the 25 Blue Planet performers hidden in the tree. These performers finally come to life and use trampolines and other gymnastic apparatus in their aerial and acrobatic show. Blue Planet plays twice a week.

The other main show in the Amber Theater is Chicago: The Musical , a 90-minute version of the Broadway play, which is shown three times a week. The cast of 19 has to be able to sing, dance and act. The styling of Chicago is a nice contrast to the athleticism of Blue Planet , and I was surprised to learn that the two shows have some of the same cast members. These artists must love the variety of their jobs!

In addition to these two main shows, the Amber Theater is used to show 3-D movies, and the Allure of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's first ship to have 3-D movie screens.

The Studio B ice rink is the other large theater at Allure's Entertainment Place. Two ice shows, one called Ice Games , and the other How to Train Your Dragon , are bound to entertain guests. Ice Games brings the classic board game Monopoly to life, with spinning dice and elaborate costumes. How to Train Your Dragon is a shortened ice version of the popular DreamWorks movie.

Other venues at Entertainment Place include Jazz on 4, a jazz and blues club; Comedy Live, a comedy club; and the Blaze nightclub.

Our next venue is mostly outdoors on decks 15 and 16--the Pool and Sports Zone.

Allure of the Seas - Pool and Sports Zone

The Allure of the Seas Pool and Sports Zone covers all of deck 14 and most of deck 15. It offers great views down onto Central Park. As expected, the primary focus for this deck is outdoor relaxation in one of the pools or on one of the lounges. The Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas has four pools on deck 15--the main pool with hundreds of lounge chairs; the beach pool with a gently sloping entry facilitating easy entry; H2O Zone, which is a kids splash area and wading pool; and the Sports Pool, which is used for lap swimming in the morning and water team sports in the afternoon. Pool Deck 15 also has 10 whirlpools .

Those who want to do more than just relax by the pool can try out one of the two large FlowRider surf simulators, the zip line across Central Park, miniature golf , or basketball, volleyball, or soccer on the Sports Court .

Adults love the gorgeous Solarium , which has numerous small seating areas. In addition to its two whirlpools , the adults-only Solarium has a small pool and four cantilevered infinity whirlpools suspended 136 feet over the ocean.

Although much of the focus on the pool decks is ​a fun activity, the area has two retail shops, four restaurants , and six casual bars. The Samba Grill is a new Brazilian steakhouse restaurant open in the evening with a large salad bar and delicious, never-ending slabs of meat and fish. In the daytime, the Samba Grill serves as the Solarium Bistro and offers health-conscious breakfast and lunch. Other restaurants include the casual Wipe Out Cafe, the Windjammer Buffet, and the a la carte Izumi Asian Cuisine and sushi bar.

Let's move back indoors to walk down the Royal Promenade.

Allure of the Seas - Royal Promenade

The first Royal Caribbean Royal Promenades were located on the Voyager- and Freedom-class ships. The Royal Promenade on the Allure of the Seas is a marvelous indoor mall area, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. Serving as the entry area for embarking passengers, it's the first thing an Allure of the Seas passenger sees. It's also the hub of the ship featuring parades and parties and is a good place to people-watch.

The Royal Promenade has three restaurants similar to those on the Oasis of the Seas--the Bow and Stern English pub, the Cafe Promenade, and Sorrento's Pizzeria. Those with a sweet tooth love the Cupcake Cupboard, and the area even has the first Starbuck's at sea.

The bars on the Royal Promenade are diverse, fun, and are identical to those on the Oasis of the Seas. They include the Schooner Bar , On Air Club , Boleros , Rising Tide , and the Champagne Bar . The most innovative ​bar is the Rising Tide , which doubles as an elevator connecting the Royal Promenade with Central Park three decks above. It's a wonderful concept and a real conversation piece.

Adding to the mall-like atmosphere on the Royal Promenade are the eight retail outlets, including GUESS, a photo store, Regalia fine jewelry and gifts, Solera perfume and cosmetics, a logo and souvenir shop, boutique fashion store, and a liquor store.

The next area is guaranteed to help you relax and rejuvenate--the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center.

Allure of the Seas - Vitality Spa and Fitness Center

The goal of the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Vitality Spa and Fitness program is the total wellness of the mind, body, and spirit. Guests can continue the treatments and workout program they have at home or start a new one. The entire Vitality neighborhood has 47 staff and 29 treatment rooms in the spa. In addition, there is a thermal suite with heated benches, enrichment lounge with wellness lectures, separate fitness center , beauty salon, ​medi-spa with acupuncture and other cosmetic treatments, and a teen and kid spa. Three massage rooms are large and dedicated to couples.

One interesting feature of the spa is the "man cave", which provides treatments for the urban man including collagen, deep cleansing, and even shaving lessons! Men want to escape from the stressful daily lives just like the women in their lives.

Workout enthusiasts appreciate the 158 exercise machines, including a Kinesis tri-dimensional pulley system, spinning machines, gravity reformer, and dozens of the latest cardio and resistance equipment items. Classes are held in spinning, kickboxing, Pilates, and yoga.

The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center also has a small cafe and retail shop.

The last neighborhood on the Allure of the Seas is the Youth Zone.

Allure of the Seas - Youth Zone

The Allure of the Seas is certainly large enough to have something for all age groups and interests, and Royal Caribbean has several age-appropriate groups for kids in its Adventure Ocean program. Each group has their own dedicated space in the huge Youth Zone (28,700 square feet). The Allure needs this much space during the busy summer and holiday times when up to about 1900 kids are onboard.

Each year, The Allure entertains about 400,000 kids under 18, with about half of those under 12. Kids from over 70 countries are using Adventure Ocean, so the Youth Zone has an international staff. The ship has 39 youth staff, and according to the Adventure Ocean manager, their goal is to create energetic, safe, and fun activities for their young charges ages 6 months to 17 years. Most of the Adventure Ocean activities are free except for those under three.

Royal Caribbean uses Fisher-Price toys in Adventure Ocean, and each age group has different types of toys and special play sessions. The kids get a daily schedule just like the adults do, with all the planned activities listed. Most play sessions have a theme.

The Allure of the Seas Youth Zone has six age groups:

• Royal Babies and Tots - 6 months to 3 years
• Aquanauts - ages 3 to 5
• Explorers - ages 6 to 8
• Voyagers - ages 9 to 11
• Tweens - ages 11 to 12
• Teens - ages 13 to 17

Parents are encouraged to put their children in the matching age group. According to the Adventure Ocean manager, this works about 90 percent of the time. If it doesn't, then the child can be moved. One rule is strict--babies must be fully toilet-trained before they can move from the Royal Babies group to the Aquanauts. No pull-ups or diapers are allowed at Adventure Ocean activities. The Youth Zone can accommodate special needs children, but can't provide 1-on-1 care. The parents are welcome to stay with their children if they wish.

The Royal Babies and Tots is a drop off nursery with one dedicated nursery staff for each four babies. The number is adjusted based on demand. The charge is $8 per hour and is open from 9 am until about midnight. The nursery is open on both sea and port days. Parents can book in advance, but drop-ins are welcome. The Allure of the Seas provides a deck phone for parents to use while they are on the ship.

The Aquanauts use many of the Fisher-Price toys in their activity room. The Explorers have Nintendos and Wiis and use the art room, science lab, and Adventure Ocean theater in their activities. The Voyagers also use all of the same facilities as the Explorers but are more independent. They also use the FlowRiders and sports courts. The Adventure Ocean staff do not have any activities for those 3-11 at the pools, but all three age groups are involved with the DreamWorks experience. The characters are in Adventure Ocean about once or twice a day, and often there is a DreamWorks theme day.

The tweens and teens have their own schedule and six dedicated staff to work with the 200-800 youth who participate each week. Their space is on deck 15, while the rest of Adventure Ocean is on deck 14. The kids don't sign in and out like they do for those under 12. They have a Living Room area, which is a lounge with TVs, games, computers, and music studio. They also have a teen night club, and outside back deck. The tweens/teens area is near the table tennis, sports court, and Wipe Out cafe, but they use the entire ship for their fun, having scavenger hunts, dancing, swimming, and hanging out with their new friends.

Allure of the Seas - Summary and Wrap Up

Like her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas, the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas is designed for fun for all ages. The entertainment, activity, and dining options are vast and fun. This is one ship you could sail on for a week and never disembark in the ports of call. It's also a ship you could sail on for a week and forget you were on a ship, especially if your cabin was inside or overlooking Central Park.

Similar to the Oasis, I was amazed at the technology and innovation on this ship. Anyone who loves a large ship cruise experience or all-inclusive Caribbean resort will love sailing on the Allure of the Seas. I'd even recommend this class of ship to those who have said they don't like cruising because they feel confined or complain about not enough space. I'm just sorry that in my two nights on the ship, I didn't have time to try all the restaurants, shows, and activities!

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary cruise accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.

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Royal Caribbean Bets on a Giant Candy-Colored Cruise Ship

The ship, by some measures the world’s largest, will depart from Miami in January on its maiden voyage. Some can’t wait to board. Others call it a “monstrosity” that is bad for the environment.

By Jesus Jiménez

When the Icon of the Seas sets sail early next year, it will take some time to disappear from the horizon. At 1,198 feet long and a gross tonnage of 250,800, it is hard to miss.

The Royal Caribbean cruise ship will have 20 decks packed with more than 20 bars and restaurants, seven pools, nine whirlpools, and six water slides, as well as mini golf, rock climbing and an arcade. It will carry up to 7,960 people — up to 5,610 guests and a crew of 2,350 to pour drinks, turn back covers, swab the decks and keep the vessel on course.

Since Royal Caribbean announced this newest ship last year, it has helped to boost the company’s sales with high demand for advanced bookings.

It has also become an object of fascination (and scorn) on social media.

Some can’t wait to climb aboard, with rooms already selling out for the ship’s first voyage. But others have criticized its size and bright colors, calling it a “ monstrosity .” One critic called an artist’s rendering a “ Candy Crush version of the dystopian underground world” from science-fiction series “Silo” on Apple TV+.

Some critics even drew comparisons to an ill-fated ocean liner of yesteryear, noting it is five times “ larger and heavier than the Titanic ,” and about 300 feet longer.

Royal Caribbean bills the older Wonder of the Seas as the “biggest ship in the world.” When the new one is ready, it will be 10 feet longer, heavier and will carry more people, perhaps giving it bragging rights as the world’s largest.

Royal Caribbean said in a statement last month that the Icon of Seas had passed its first round of sea trials, traveling in the open ocean for the first time near Turku, Finland. The ship will have another round of trials later this year ahead of its debut in January, the company said.

Interest in the ship comes as the cruise industry tries to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic, when multiple outbreaks onboard ships led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to chastise the industry and ban cruises .

But now the voyages have resumed and vacationers have returned to the sea, even as the industry still faces health and environmental concerns.

This year, for example, the C.D.C. has recorded 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships , four of them on Royal Caribbean International cruises.

And environmentalists like Marcie Keever, program director of oceans and vessels at Friends of the Earth in Washington, contend that cruise lines “continue to build bigger ships that rely on fossil fuels, dump toxic wastewater into our oceans and burden coastal communities with air, water and garbage pollution.”

Royal Caribbean referred a request for comment on Tuesday seeking more details about the ship to its website . The company said it could not comment about environmental concerns, citing a quiet period required ahead of its next earnings report.

However, the company has touted the effect that the Icon of the Seas is already showing on its bottom line, saying in a statement that advance bookings during the first quarter were “significantly higher” than the first quarter of 2019.

Jason Liberty, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group, said during an earnings call in May that the Icon of the Seas has been “significantly more booked” for its inaugural season “than any other Royal Caribbean ship launch.”

Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, said during the call that the ship was “the best performing new product launch we’ve ever had in the history of our business.”

“It’s really driving a huge amount of demand,” Mr. Bayley said.

Jesus Jiménez is a general assignment reporter. More about Jesus Jiménez

Come Sail Away

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Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

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The beginning

In 1968, hospitality entrepreneur Ed Stephan and three Norwegian ship owners, Sigurd Skaugen, Anders Wilhemsen and Gotaas Larsen, created a cruise line to sail the Caribbean. The partners chose the name “Royal Caribbean” – with the connection to royalty signifying the high standards of service guests could expect from the new company. The first ship,  Song of Norway , set sail on her maiden voyage from Miami on November 7, 1970, followed by two more ships in the next two years.

Influenced by the state-of-the-art Norwegian marine industry, the team built those first three ships for speed and fuel efficiency, with shallow drafts that could allow the ships to berth at small island quays. Impressed also by the Norwegian culture of ship safety, they made sure the vessels were designed for quick, efficient evacuation. Those early ships pioneered the wide, open-air decks and the round-cantilevered Viking Crown Lounges that made Royal ships stand apart from the crowd. 

In the decades that followed, Royal Caribbean Group has continued as an industry innovator – from hotel and dining to entertainment, safety, technology and destination development. 

All those years ago, when Royal Caribbean was a start-up company, it looked the part. The trailer on Biscayne Boulevard that housed the business would fit in a single conference room in the Group’s current Miami headquarters, which has a clear view of that spot on the Boulevard.  

Getting bigger has a lot of positives. But there are certain traits that helped us get where we are today and we will never lose. Chief among them is our entrepreneurial spirit. That is the force that drives us to innovate, to constantly strive to do better. Richard D. Fain, Chair of the Board, Royal Caribbean Group

Getting bigger carries the temptation to move slowly, take fewer chances. Royal Caribbean Group has always resisted that temptation. At the Group, growth fuels the penchant for trying new things and provides a larger landscape for conducting experiments. It means more opportunities for innovation — because great entrepreneurs know that breakout ideas are often the fast lane to success.

Entrepreneurial spirit is the state of mind that helps the Group see opportunity where others see only risk. It’s the state of mind that never thinks “good enough” is remotely good enough. It’s the state of mind that greets every new idea with the words “What if?” instead of “It won’t work.”

In 2020, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. adopted a new moniker, Royal Caribbean Group, to reflect its status as a parent company of a diverse set of cruise lines as well as other business. The Group also sharpened its iconic crown and anchor logo, reflecting the company’s growth and evolution since its last refresh more than 20 years earlier.

Guests have come to expect the biggest, best and boldest from Royal Caribbean Group. And we aren’t going to let them down — ever.

I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why bookings are surging to record highs

• Royal Caribbean has been increasingly targeting multigenerational families.
• The cruise line's president and CEO said its new Icon of the Seas megaship is a "great example."
• I went on the world's largest cruise ship and saw how it could appeal to younger and older guests.

Royal Caribbean has a secret to its smashing success.

No, it's not its cruise ships' water parks or Broadway-style shows.

It's you, your parents, and your young children. Or, as the industry calls it, "multi-generational families."

In 2023, Royal Caribbean's bookings hit an all-time high ahead of the launch of its newest ship, the Icon of the Seas.

Interest has yet to wane: The three strongest booking weeks in the company's history were at the start of 2024 and "wave season," when cruise lines typically roll out flashy discounts to incentivize reservations .

Sure, its achievement is in line with the rest of the mass-market cruise industry.

Companies such as Carnival and Norwegian have also seen wild success over the last year, with some now running low on cabins and others charging fares surpassing pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

But Royal Caribbean's success, in particular, could be due to its shifting attempt to win over families .

Great timing: More people want to cruise with their kin now.

The trade group Cruise Line International Association called multigenerational cruising one of the top 15 trends in a September 2023 report, noting that 73% of responding cruisers said they're traveling with at least two generations of family members .

Royal Caribbean says these travelers are its bread and butter.

Like other cruise lines, the company now aims to poach families considering land-based vacations. Think of the US theme-park capital, Orlando.

"We've started this transition from being a traditional cruise vacation to being a multi-generational family option that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Orlando and Las Vegas," Jason Liberty, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told investors in February.

To do this, Royal Caribbean has been "acutely focused" on this family segment, Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told investors on the same call. "And I think Icon of the Seas is a great example of that," Bayley said.

On paper, it’s easy to see how the world’s largest cruise ship appeals to young children.

I joined the ship's complimentary, three-night preview sailing on January 20.

Its flashy, kid-friendly amenities — a short list of which includes a six-slide waterpark, a theme-park-like thrill ride, and a mini-golf course — consumed most of my time .

But if you pay close attention, you might notice the little designs and amenities that make it a great option for parents and grandparents too.

The water park is a good example.

Not every adult would love the 46-foot-tall drop slide. But children and their parents could gleefully go a few rounds on the multi-person raft slides .

Activities such as the rock-climbing wall, the mini-golf course, and the Crown's Edge thrill 'ride' are all near the water park.

Grandparents could spend an hour playing mini-golf with their grandchildren.

But if they prefer to sit out, they can watch their little ones from the adjacent covered lounge, where they can sip on a drink and pick at finger foods instead .

Or they can head to the adult-only infinity pool and bar behind the mini-golf course and water park.

A "family vacation" doesn't mean the family has to stick together for the entire trip.

Instead, on Icon of the Seas, adults can lounge around the ship's de-facto pool club, mai tai in hand, while their children spend their afternoon running around the activity-filled deck .

Like most cruise ships, bars are littered throughout the 1,198-foot-long, 20-deck vessel.

There's even a watering hole in the one neighborhood designed for toddlers, Surfside.

Large candy-shaped decals line Surfside's walls while a giant flamingo grounds the outdoor space. In between, there's a carousel, small dry and water playgrounds, and a pay-to-play arcade .

But just because your toddler can't drink doesn't mean you can't, either.

For supervising adults, Surfside has a watering hole: Lemon Post, which flexes lemonade-stand-inspired alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

The bar has great views of the water playground, so parents can sip while their kids play.

Across the way, there's also an all-day brunch restaurant where children eat for free, creating several spaces for multigenerational families to spend time together .

One of the ship’s seven pools has a swim-up bar.

Children can splash around while their grandparents unwind with a cocktail. Are you sensing a theme yet?

Or, like most other cruise ships, parents can head to the spa after sending the young ones to the children's and teen's clubs .

To my surprise, the cruise ship’s shows could also delight travelers of all ages.

I have vague childhood memories of hating cruises — and cruise shows. I remember them being tacky, boring, and plotless.

I wanted an exciting performance. Where are the dramatics?! Where are the plot twists?!

I didn't ask to be fidgety or sleepy during these shows, but the singers doing boring and campy covers of oldies hits surely helped me do both. (Can you tell I was later diagnosed with ADHD?)

Fortunately, the shows on the Icon of the Seas were good.

Two decades later, I still don't love most song-and-dance performances.

But I'll admit, the Icon of the Seas' shows were spectacular enough to win me over. The rendition of the Broadway hit "Wizard of Oz," which featured a flying bed and "monkeys," would've delighted kid me .

And I have no doubt even the most bored kid would also love 'Aqua Action!'

At times, I found the striking display of divers, nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and synchronized swimmers a bit cringey — especially the segment where the swimmers danced with flashlights.

But it was still an impressive show of acrobatic talent — enough to delight attendees of all ages.

If your children enjoy Cirque du Soleil-like acts, they will surely like "Aqua Action!"

In terms of dining, parents and their parents could be charmed by the ship’s plushest offering, the Empire Supper Club.

A meal at the Empire Supper Club — meant more for adults than children — includes several courses, cocktail pairings, and live music. At $200 a person, it's the most upscale restaurant on the ship.

Yes, there's a dress code. And yes, kids are allowed, as well .

The ship’s seemingly never-ending access to alcohol and the opportunity for fine dining could appeal to most parents and grandparents.

The family-oriented waterslides could be a big hit with all demographics as well.

But in my opinion, the most subtly successful way the ship targeted multigenerational groups of guests was through the proximity of relaxing lounges to children-oriented amenities such as the water park .

So far, targeting these diverse age groups has been paying off: The new ship has been a massive success.

The Icon of the Seas' fares have been "double or triple" Royal Caribbean's previous new ship launches, Liberty told investors in February .

These high rates don’t seem to impact reservations. Bookings for the new vessel have also been 'phenomenally strong,' Liberty said.

The company saw a record-setting booking day when it opened reservations for Icon of the Seas in October 2022 — over a year before the ship's launch.

A few months later, Bayley called the ship the "best-selling product in the history of our business."

• Main content

2 crew members die on Holland America ship; fire breaks out on Carnival cruise

MIAMI — Two crew members died on board a Holland America cruise ship, and a fire broke out on a Carnival ship while both of the ships were in the Bahamas this weekend, officials said.

The two crew on the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam died Friday during an "accidental steam release" while it was calling at the private resort island Half Moon Cay, Holland America said in a statement on Sunday.

"There was an accidental steam release in an engineering space on board Nieuw Amsterdam, which sadly resulted in the death of two crew members," the cruise line said.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority and the Dutch Safety Board were investigating the exact cause of the release, Holland America said.

A representative of the Bahama’s Coroner’s Court did not immediately respond to a request for information, such as the crew members’ identities and the cause and manner of death.

The cruise line said the conclusions of any investigation would be taken seriously. "Safety is always our top priority, and we are working to understand what, if anything, can be learned from this tragic accident," it said.

Passenger Laine Doss said she was on board when the captain announced the deaths on the vessel's P.A. system.

"We were celebrating the last day of the cruise," she said, when the mood changed "to something extremely somber."

The captain's voice broke, she said.

"He broke down crying," Doss said. "There was a moment of silence that the captain requested. And that entire scenario did affect the entire cruise. Things were canceled, joyous events were canceled, and we really just thought about mortality — the people who perished on the ship."

Crew members were being offered counseling, Holland America said.

Dutch government inspectors determined the vessel to be "fully operable," and this was "confirmed" by the U.S. Coast Guard, the cruise line said.

A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson said she was looking into the statement and was unable to immediately confirm it.

The Nieuw Amsterdam returned Saturday to its home port of Fort Lauderdale, guests disembarked, and the vessel has embarked on a cruise with a stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Monday, Holland America said.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this event," the cruise line said. "We’ve been in contact with the families of both team members and are offering our support to them and to all of our crew at this difficult time."  

The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip.

Fire on the port-side exhaust funnel of another Florida-based cruise ship in the Bahamas, the Carnival Freedom, rocked some passengers Saturday and took the ship out of commission for repairs, the cruise line said.

No injuries were reported.

In a statement Sunday, Carnival Cruises acknowledged witness reports of a lightning strike or the sound of thunder before the fire erupted.

Passenger Heath Barnes said the ship was on a detoured path, destined for an unscheduled stop in Freeport, as a result of stormy weather and high winds when fire started.

"I was shocked," he said. "I mean, I looked out there and you're not supposed to see black smoke and fire shooting out of the tail end of the cruise."

The blaze was preceded by "the loudest thunder-lightning clap that I've ever heard in my life," Barnes said.

Ship personnel extinguished the fire, Carnival Cruises said.

The cruise line said a technical team determined the ship sustained enough damage that it will need repairs before it can be returned to scheduled cruises. The funnel was stabilized, passengers were expected to be returned to Port Canaveral, and the ship will set off to Freeport for repairs, it said.

"The damage is more than we first thought and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel, resulting in the cancellation of the March 25 and March 29 cruises from Port Canaveral," Carnival Cruises said.

Passengers scheduled for those late-March cruises are being offered full refunds and credit that can be used for a future cruise, it said.

It was the second funnel fire on the Carnival Freedom since 2022.

Marissa Parra is a national correspondent for NBC News based in Miami, Florida.

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

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