An attorney from Miami Lakes is accused of attacking an elderly passenger onboard Norwegian Encore during the ship’s most recent embarkation.
The victim was knocked unconscious and needed CPR, but was successfully revived.
The lawyer was removed from the ship and arrested on felony charges.
A Miami Lakes attorney will be spending a lot of time in court, and likely not for the reasons he is used to.
Phillip Andrew Ortiz has been arrested after allegedly attacking an elderly passenger while onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore at approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
This would have been embarkation day for a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing, which is sailing round-trip voyage out of Miami, Florida.
According to the police report, the 67-year-old victim had informed Ortiz that he shouldn’t enter a hallway that was not yet open to new passengers.
This apparently sent the 38-year-old lawyer into a rage, who said “Who the f— are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?” and pushed the older cruiser.
The victim then pushed Ortiz back, which further enraged the alleged perpetrator.
The two scuffled over trying to open the door to the hallway, before Ortiz then “charged at the victim.” This escalated to the attorney tripping the other man, who hit his head in the fall.
Ortiz then put his “full body weight” on top of the victim, who lost consciousness. Instead of rendering aid, Ortiz fled the scene.
Other passengers performed CPR on the victim, who did not have a pulse, until the ship’s medical team arrived to take over his care.
“Passengers (administered) CPR on the victim, because they did not find a (pulse),”the police report states.
He was successfully revived and taken to the University of Miami Hospital for treatment, which means his cruise vacation also came to an abrupt end before it even really started.
Ortiz’s wife is also accused of shoving the elderly passenger during the confrontation, but it’s unclear if she will face charges for her participation.
Cruiser Remains in Custody
Unsurprisingly, Ortiz was arrested for his behavior onboard the NCL shipnot long after the attack occurred.
Deputies determined that Ortiz “had the (opportunity) to end this confrontation, but chose to force his way back into the area and continue his aggression towards the victim.”
He was initially charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 or older, which has since been downgraded to battery on a person 65 or older.
Norwegian Encore Cruise Ship in Miami (Photo Credit: YES Market Media)
During an initial hearing on Monday, November 24, Ortiz’s attorney, Stephan Lopez, suggested that his client would be taking a defensive approach to his case.
However, video surveillance footage and witness testimony do suggest that Ortiz was indeed the aggressor in the situation.
Piling on the consequences, the Ortiz family can likely expect a lifetime ban from Norwegian Cruise Line, if they haven’t received one already.
The cruise line takes a zero-tolerance approach to violence and other behaviors that threaten the safety of passengers and crew members.
“On Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 while the ship was docked in Miami, Mr. Ortiz was arrested by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office after assaulting a 67-year old male guest who was later transported to a shoreside hospital for further treatment,” the cruise line said in a statement to People.
“We have zero-tolerance for violence of any kind on our ships and are committed to providing a safe cruising experience for all aboard,” NCL continued.
MSC notified guests that the November 30, 2025, Bahamas itinerary aboard MSC Meraviglia has been altered.
The stop at Port Canaveral has been shortened and all excursions cancelled, while the stop at MSC Ocean Cay has been extended.
Guests are being automatically refunded for cancelled excursions and will receive a $100 per person onboard credit.
Propulsion issues are at it again, this time for MSC Meraviglia.
MSC Cruises sent out an alert to guests on Monday, November 24, 2025, informing them of major changes to their upcoming November 30 Bahamas itinerary aboard the 171,598 gross-ton ship, departing from New York City.
“Due to planned maintenance affecting the ship’s cruising speed, we have made some necessary adjustments to your itinerary,”the notice read.
The December 2 stop at Port Canaveral has been pushed back four and a half hours, now arriving at 5:30 p.m. instead of 1:00 p.m., as was originally scheduled.
As a result, time in the Florida port will be limited, and all excursions have been cancelled.
These changes are surely disappointing for guests who were looking forward to spending time in Port Canaveral. It should be just enough time, though, to grab a bite to eat at one of the port’s many popular restaurants, such as those featured at The Cove.
Meanwhile, the December 3 arrival at the cruise line’s private destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, has been pushed back two hours from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Rather than limit the time on the island, however, MSC instead extended the ship’s stay, now departing the private island at 8:30 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m.
The rest of the itinerary remains unchanged, including the December 4 stop in Nassau, Bahamas, as well as the return to New York’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on December 7.
This delay comes just six months after a similar New York to Bahamas itinerary aboard the 5,714-passenger ship was cancelled for repairs in May 2025.
MSC Meraviglia In New York (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz)
The ship, which entered service in 2017, spent several unscheduled days in Portland, Maine, as divers performed a series of underwater repairs, including replacing broken propeller blades.
Hopefully, the scheduled maintenance can iron out any lingering issues and get MSC Meraviglia back in shipshape.
How Will Guests Be Compensated?
Guests can rest assured that MSC will be compensating them for the inconvenience.
All cancelled excursions will be automatically refunded to guests in full. Additionally, guests will receive $100 in onboard credit per person, limited to $200 per stateroom.
Onboard credit can be used almost anywhere onboard the ship, including shopping, specialty dining, the MSC Aurea Spa, and more!
“We are going to have an excessive amount of onboard credit since we have a big group with multiple rooms. Does anyone know of that onboard credit can be used to pay tips?“, one impacted guest asked on social media.
The answer? Absolutely! In fact, it will be automatically applied before the guest’s on-file credit card for every qualifying purchase, including gratuities.
While onboard credit cannot usually be used for purchases made ashore, it can be used anywhere at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. So, if you were looking to grab some souvenirs at the private destination, here is your chance!
Even though the sailing might not be exactly what guests were expecting, it should still be an incredible cruise vacation.
Port Tampa Bay has reopened after being closed for hours due to heavy fog on Monday, November 24.
Carnival Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander are both embarking later than planned but will set sail in the evening.
There are no confirmed itinerary changes for either ship, but further adjustments may be necessary.
Following hours of delay for both ships, Carnival Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander are now on the move and heading up Tampa Bay toward their respective cruise terminals.
This comes after the port was closed for several hours on Monday, November 24, due to dense fog that reduced visibility and made navigation too hazardous for the cruise ships.
While transiting Tampa Bay takes 2.5-3 hours, that the ships have gotten underway is a great relief both to those onboard as well as incoming guests waiting to start their sailings.
Carnival Paradise is now finishing a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise that departed Tampa on Thursday, November 20, while Margaritaville at Sea Islander is returning from a 6-night sailing that left on Tuesday, November 18.
Naturally, this significant delay has impacted not only debarkation, but also embarkation for the next sailings, and each cruise line has to take the steps they feel are best for the situation.
Carnival Paradise
The 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy-class Carnival Paradise will begin her 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary late.
At 3 p.m. as Carnival Paradise was making her way toward the cruise terminal, Carnival Cruise Line provided a final update for embarking guests.
“We know you are eager to get on board for the start of your Thanksgiving cruise, and we truly appreciate the patience and understanding you are showing during this weather-related delay,”the email began.
Because of the late arrival, guests are being delayed roughly nine hours for their cruise terminal arrival appointments. Different times are being lumped together to facilitate a smoother, faster embarkation so the ship can get on her way.
Cruise terminal arrival appointments are now as follows:
Originally 10-11 a.m., now 7-7:30 p.m.
Originally 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., now 7:30-8 p.m.
Originally 12-1 p.m., now 8-8:30 p.m.
Originally 1-2 p.m., now 8:30-9 p.m.
Dinner will be open seating in the Main Dining Rooms as well as the Lido Marketplace buffet, with no reservation times this evening. Staterooms are also expected to be open when guests board.
At this time, it is still unclear whether or not the overall itinerary may be impacted.
Carnival Cruise Ship in Fog (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
“Since we are departing much later than we had planned, the itinerary may be affected,”the email explained. “An assessment will be made after departure and an update will be provided tomorrow, November 25.”
Exactly when Carnival Paradise is able to depart and any difficulties she may have as she heads back out of Tampa Bay could necessitate itinerary adjustments, but guests will learn that information on Tuesday, already planned as a day at sea.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander
The 85,620-gross-ton, Spirit-class Margaritaville at Sea Islander, formerly Costa Atlantica, is due to begin a 4-night cruise that will only visit Cozumel. There is a day at sea both before and after the planned port visit, giving plenty of time for the ship to keep that itinerary.
With debarkation now beginning at approximately 4:15 p.m., embarkation for the next sailing will begin at roughly 6:30 p.m.
This is consistent with the announcement the cruise line published at 10 a.m., noting that a delay of six hours was expected. Guests were asked to delay their arrival to the cruise terminal accordingly.
“We thank you for your patience and understanding as we adjust for weather-related conditions and prioritize the safety of all guests and crew,”the announcement noted.
With the fog now clear, there should be no further delays for either ship as they get their holiday sailings underway for eager guests.
Launched in August 2025, Star of the Seas furthered Royal Caribbean’s reputation for building some of the biggest and best ships in the biz. An Icon-class vessel, Star of the Seas ties with its sister ships as the largest in the world.
But how big is she? Here’s everything I think you’d need to know, in order to even start to grasp just how big this ship really is, before an upcoming vacation.
Nearly identical to Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas weighs in at 258,663 gross tons. The vessel can hold 5,610 guests at double occupancy, alongside more than 2,300 crew members.
Star of the Seas Stats
Star of theSeas Length
Star of the Seas is 1,196 feet, or 364 meters, long. While this measurement may not mean much to you just in terms of numbers, it’s pretty impressive. It adds up to about three and a half football fields, or nearly a quarter of a mile long!
Star of the Seas Width
The ship is 219 feet wide, or 66 meters, at its widest point.
Star of the Seas Height
Star of the Seas sits at about 196 feet above the water line (however, keep in mind that there’s a lot of ship below the water line that you can’t see). This all adds up to 20 decks, 18 of which are accessible to cruisers.
A way of measuring cruise ships, gross tonnage refers to a ship’s internal volume. One gross ton is equal to an internal volume of 100 cubic feet.
How Does Star of the Seas Measure Up to Other Major Cruise Ships?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because Star of the Seas ties for the largest cruise ship in the industry, the next-largest cruise ships must not be all that far behind.
You’ll actually see that the other ships currently sitting in the industry’s top 5 aren’t quite as close to Star of the Seas in size as you might expect.
Stats
Star of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
248,663
236,473
236,857
228,081
Length
1,196
1,188
1,188
1,188
Passenger Decks
18
16
16
16
Total Decks
20
18
18
18
Maximum Guest Capacity
7,600
6,988
6,988
6,680
Total Cabins
2,805
2,834
2,874
2,759
Crew Capacity
2,350
2,290
2,300
2,200
And, yes, you probably realized that all of these “largest” ships are Royal Caribbean vessels. The next-largest cruise ship that’s not owned by Royal Caribbean is MSC World America, which just sneaks into the top 10. Its gross tonnage is a mere 215,863.
Is Star of the Seas Really That Much Bigger Than Other Cruise Ships?
It can be hard to fathom just how large Star of the Seas really is, but one good thing to keep in mind is that this ship has two extra passenger decks that the other, next-largest ships do not.
Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
This is equivalent to two more stories of space, nearly a quarter-mile long each — so that’s like half a mile of more space to fill with fun things to do and amazing staterooms and suites!
Star of the Seas Capacity – Passengers and Crew
Star of the Seas can fit 7,600 guests at maximum occupancy and 5,610 guests at double occupancy. What exactly is the difference, though, and should you expect the ship to be closer to maximum or double occupancy on any given sailing?
The double occupancy of a cruise ship is the number of staterooms multiplied by two. This is because the cruise line assumes that, on average, each stateroom will have two passengers.
However, a lot of cabins can fit more than just two people. So, the maximum capacity is the total number of cruisers that the ship can sleep, if every single bed is filled.
Generally, you’ll find that, on most sailings, the actual number of people on the ship is closer to the maximum capacity than the double occupancy.
Star of the Seas Departing Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)
Worried that sailing on a ship at full capacity is going to be too crowded? Don’t be! I’ve found that even the biggest ships in the world don’t feel super-crowded, if they’re designed and managed correctly.
When discussing the topic over on Reddit, frequent cruisers agreed, saying that it’s really not all that bad, especially on ships like those in the Icon class that were created to handle such crowds. Sure, you may notice lines or crowds at peak times of day or at widely popular events or venues, but otherwise, you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed.
As for the crew on Star of the Seas, there are 2,350 crew members on board. When you add those individuals to the maximum number of passengers that can fit on the ship, you have nearly 10,000 people all in one floating city!
What About Accommodations on the Star of the Seas?
Star of the Seas offers 2,805 passenger cabins, but they’re hardly all the same. Cruisers enjoy a wealth of options on this ship. The cabins are spread out across nearly 30 room categories (though four main categories), and some of these cabin types are exclusive to the Icon class.
Panoramic Ocean View Suite
Just like everything about this ship is big, big, big, you’ll also find some extra-large, super-sized cabins on this ship, too. The largest of them all is three stories and 1,772 square feet: the Ultimate Family Townhouse.
Breakdown of the Accommodations on Star of the Seas
At the highest level, accommodations on Star of the Seas, just like the accommodations on Icon of the Seas, can be broken down into four main categories: interior, ocean-view, balcony and suite staterooms. Each category breaks down further.
There are five different types of interior cabins, with the largest being the Surfside family view interior cabins and the Central Park view interior cabins, at 187 square feet each.
Star of the Seas Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
There are two types of ocean view cabins, a standard and a panoramic, with the panoramic ocean view cabins measuring in at 258 square feet.
There are quite a few balcony cabins on this ship, with seven types of balcony cabins total, and the largest is the family infinite ocean view balcony cabin, at 285 square feet.
As for suites, there are 179 total suites on the ship, spread across 12 categories, from Surfside family suites to accessible junior suites.
Star of the Seas Family Townhouse
As mentioned, the largest of them all is the Ultimate Family Townhouse. The Ultimate Family Townhouse is nearly 1,800 square feet. It offers an in-suite slide, theater, multiple balconies and space for eight people.
Don’t need quite that much room? Don’t worry, the Royal Loft, with its wet bar, piano and balcony hot tub is also an option, measuring at 1,482 square feet.
How is the Interior of the Ship Divided?
Royal Caribbean ships have long been broken down into neighborhoods — areas themed or centered around a certain activity.
However, the Icon class revamped the neighborhood concept, offering eight neighborhoods in total, five of which were completely brand new for Royal Caribbean.
Star of the Seas Neighborhood Breakdown
The Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade is a staple space throughout the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.
On Star of the Seas, The Royal Promenade is, just as it is on all ships that feature it, the heart of so much activity. However, on this vessel, it’s really bigger and grander than all the rest.
Royal Promenade on Star of the Seas
The space features one of the most unique elements of the Icon class: The Pearl. This is a walk-through art installation that features 3,600 kinetic tiles that change throughout the day. Structurally, The Pearl supports three decks, and it’s the largest kinetic art sculpture in the world.
The Royal Promenade spans across two decks and encompasses all sorts of dining, bars and entertainment, as well as shops. You’ll also find the theater and live music here.
Surfside Neighborhood
The Surfside Neighborhood debuted on Icon of the Seas and is a family-focused space with its own splash area and pool. It’s bright, bold and tons of fun.
Surfside Neighborhood on Star of the Seas
It’s also where you’ll find staterooms and suites with amenities geared toward families’ needs (like the Ultimate Family Townhouse).
There’s additionally a secondary, family-friendly buffet here, as well as a handful of other eateries.
Central Park
Like The Royal Promenade, Central Park is no stranger to Royal Caribbean ships. This open-air, park-reminiscent space offers lots of greenery and sunlight.
Star of the Seas Central Park
The neighborhood stretches five decks high and features a handful of bars and restaurants. Inward-facing cabins overlook the park.
The AquaDome Neighborhood
The AquaDome centers around a giant glass dome that is literally the largest glass and steel structure that you’ll find on any cruise ship to date. From there, you can enjoy 220-degree ocean views.
The AquaDome neighborhood is also home to the AquaTheater amphitheater and multiple bars and restaurants, my favorite of which is the AquaDome Market.
Star of the Seas AquaDome Neighborhood
For Star of the Seas, the market includes new options beyond those originally featured on Icon of the Seas: stalls offering barbecue, Thai and South American food. There’s also a 55-foot waterfall.
Chill Island
Chill Island offers 62% more water space than is on any other cruise ship, save for other Icon-class vessels.
Chill Island features four pools, the first swim-up bar on a Royal Caribbean ship (it’s also the largest swim-up bar at sea) and hot tubs. The largest pool in the neighborhood is an impressive 5,813 square feet. There’s an infinity edge pool, too.
Don’t want to get your hair wet, but craving cocktails? Don’t worry. Beyond that massive swim-up bar, there are other places to grab a drink in this neighborhood.
The Hideaway Neighborhood
Hideaway Neighborhood
The Hideaway is an adults-only space. Its most impressive feature is the first suspended infinity pool in the cruise industry. The pool juts out over the open water, eight stories into the air.
Thrill Island
Thrill Island boasts the largest waterpark at sea, with multiple groundbreaking, record-setting waterslides.
Star of the Seas Slides (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
In addition to the multiple waterslides, the neighborhood is also home to the ship’s sports courts, surf simulator, rock climbing wall and mini golf.
The Suite Neighborhood
Lastly, there’s a separate neighborhood just for suite guests. In addition to the suites themselves, this neighborhood features a sun deck with its own pool and bar, and a restaurant.
Final Words
As you can see, there’s a lot packed onto this ship. So is a cruise on Star of the Seas right for you?
If you want plenty of options, near-endless ways to play no matter your mood, and an experience that really feels like you’re on a massive resort on the water, then yes. Pick an itinerary and book that cruise.
However, keep your eyes peeled for more to come, especially from Royal Caribbean. For years, the cruise line has pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to cruise, and I’d expect that they’ll just continue doing so in the future.
Heavy fog has closed Port Tampa Bay on Monday morning, November 24, causing delays for two cruise ships.
Carnival Paradise and Margaritaville Islander have both reached out to guests to alert them to the delay.
No opening time for the port has been confirmed yet and the delay is expected to be at least six hours.
‘Tis the season for fog at Port Tampa Bay, as warm water collides with cold northern air and creates dense fog that makes navigation up Tampa Bay very challenging. This has caused the port to be closed on Monday morning, November 24, causing delays for two cruise ships.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea’s Margaritaville Islander have both been delayed for several hours. This will now have a knock-on effect for the embarkation of new guests.
Both Carnival Cruise Line and Margaritaville at Sea reached out to incoming guests as soon as possible to alert them to the delay in order to minimize confusion at the cruise terminal.
“As of right now, we are expecting a delay of more than 4 hours,”Margaritaville at Sea posted in the early morning hours.“We thank you for your patience and understanding as we adjust for weather-related conditions and prioritize the safety of all guests and crew.”
As of the US Coast Guard’s assessment at 10 a.m., the fog was beginning to lift and the 85,619-gross-ton ship’s plans were confirmed with a slightly longer delay than originally anticipated.
“Arrival time to Port Tampa Bay has been delayed by 6 hours,”the cruise line confirmed.“For example, if your arrival window was scheduled for 10:30 a.m., please arrive at 4:30 p.m.”
The cruise line does note that further changes may occur as the situation continues to be assessed throughout the day and guests should stay alert for further updates or changes.
Fog is getting worse late morning with many spots along and west of I-75 getting below a half a mile of visibility.
Dense fog also out on our coastal waters delaying cruise ships out of the Port of Tampa pic.twitter.com/sSsdChaJvm
Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line sent alerts to guests who will be impacted by the delay.
“Port of Tampa is currently closed due to fog, which will impact embarkation,”the cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, confirmed.
As of 10 a.m., there is not yet any arrival time confirmed for the 71,925-gross-ton Carnival Paradise.
“Port of Tampa remains closed due to fog. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide another update by 12:00 PM (ET),”the update explained.“Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you have received our final update.”
Carnival Paradise is returning from a 4-night sailing that visited Cozumel, while Margaritaville Islander is returning from a 6-night cruise that visited Key West, Progreso, and Cozumel.
How Will the Next Sailings Be Impacted?
This significant delay may have an impact on both ships’ next itineraries.
Carnival Paradise is scheduled to begin a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise with calls to Grand Cayman on Wednesday, November 26 and Cozumel on Thursday, November 27.
Carnival Paradise Sailing in Fog (Photo Credit: SeregaSibTrave)
Because the itinerary also includes a full day at sea at the beginning and end, however, it is likely that Carnival Paradise may still be able to enjoy both port visits without change.
Margaritaville Islander will be starting a 4-night “Cozumel Express” sailing, only visiting that Mexican port on Wednesday, November 26. Like Carnival Paradise, there are days at sea on both ends of the cruise, so it will be easy to make up some time.
If any itinerary changes are necessary, each cruise line will make the adjustments needed and alert guests as soon as such changes are confirmed.
Why Is a Port Closure Necessary?
It is essential that Tampa Bay be closed when dense fog causes visibility concerns.
Because all vessels approaching the port must pass underneath the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, it is critical that navigation be very precise to avoid any potentially disastrous scenarios.
It is not uncommon for Port Tampa Bay to be closed on winter mornings. Similar situations can also impact other ports, including Galveston, Mobile, and even Jacksonville.
Exactly when different ports are able to reopen depends on the exact weather conditions, as well as how difficult their navigational concerns may be, and what other port traffic must be considered.
The safety of the ships, guests, and port facilities is always the first consideration, and ports will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
Royal Caribbean has new and old cruise ships, with a total of 29 in the fleet. At the moment, Star of the Seas is the newest that is current sailing, as she debuted in August 2025. However, even newer ships are on the way, including Legend and Hero of the Seas, increasing the fleet to 31 ships.
The oldest ship in the fleet is Grandeur of the Seas, which entered service in 1996, a 29-year gap from the newest. There are also many newer vessels on the horizon, including Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon-class ship.
You can now take a look at the ships with confirmed information and names, starting from Hero of the Seas, which will arrive in 2027, all the way to the oldest, Grandeur of the Seas.
Hero of the Seas (Coming August 2027)
Royal Caribbean is now slowing down with its mega-ships! Hero of the Seas will become the fourth in the Icon class and will be constructed at the ever-popular Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Since the original Icon of the Seas, this vessel will expand the most with a fleet-first Ultimate Family Suite Treehouse, Coconut Cove, and a new Hideaway Swim-up Bar.
The Royal Caribbean ship will depart on its maiden voyage on August 11, 2027, and sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of Miami, Florida.
Entered Service: August 2025
Passenger capacity: 5,654 (double occupancy)
Gross Tonnage: 248,663
Legend of the Seas (Coming July 2026)
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas at the Shipyard (Photo Credit: Meyer Turku)
Legend of the Seas continues the record-breaking Icon class of ships and will be a similar design to the ships before. Guests will get to enjoy eight neighborhoods, spanning 18 guest decks. The massive cruise ships feature 2,805 staterooms and include the new Royal Railway Legend Station and the new Hollywoodland Supper Club dining venues.
Entering Service: July 2026
Passenger capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy)
Gross Tonnage: 248,663
Star of the Seas (2025)
Star of the Seas Float Out
This ship is a true giant of the seas, following in the footsteps of its sister ship, Icon of the Seas. Star of the Seas was constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and features eight neighborhoods spanning across 18 passenger decks.
The ship arrived in Port Canaveral on August 9, 2025, for its inaugural season. The naming ceremony took place with godmother Kellie Gerardi on August 20, 2025.
Entered Service: August 2025
Passenger capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy)
Gross Tonnage: 248,663
Utopia of the Seas (2024)
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is the sixth ship in the Oasis-class and was constructed at the popular Chantiers De L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France. The giant vessel features eight neighborhoods and debuted in July 2024 out of Port Canaveral, Florida.
Entered Service: July 2024
Passenger Capacity: 5,668 (double occupancy)
Gross Tonnage: 236,473
Icon of the Seas (2023)
Icon of the Seas in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world until sister ship Star of the Seas arrives in 2025. The first Icon class vessel debuted in January 2024 and arrived in Miami, Florida with a lot of attention. She was built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and features eight neighborhoods.
Entered service: January 27, 2024
Passenger capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy)
Gross Tonnage: 248,663
Wonder of the Seas (2022)
Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock
Debuting as the world’s largest cruise ship (at least until Royal Caribbean unveiled the next world’s largest cruise ship in 2024), Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class ship, to be followed by the sixth Oasis-class ship in 2024 (Utopia of the Seas).
Built by Chantiers De L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France, Wonder of the Seas boasts a suite neighborhood, the cruise line’s Ultimate Family Suite, and a range of beloved and new dining venues.
Entered service: March 4, 2022
Maximum passenger capacity: 7,084
Gross Tonnage: 235,600
Odyssey of the Seas (2021)
Odyssey of the Seas (Photo Credit: Aerial-motion / Shutterstock)
Built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, Odyssey of the Seas is still relatively new and, as such, features some of the newer amenities and venues that the cruise line has started adding to its ships. You’ll find indoor skydiving, an indoor sports area called the SeaPlex and a revamped pool deck experience.
Entered service: April 2021
Maximum passenger capacity: 5,498
Gross Tonnage: 167,704
Spectrum of the Seas (2019)
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Sister ship to Odyssey of the Seas and the first Quantum Ultra-class ship, Spectrum of the Seas features many of the same venues, amenities and entertainment options, like the iFly skydiving simulator, North Star observation capsule and Seaplex entertainment complex. This ship primarily caters to the Asian cruising market.
Entered service: April 18, 2019
Maximum passenger capacity: 5,622
Gross Tonnage: 169,379
Symphony of the Seas (2018)
Photo Credit: Mia2you / Shutterstock
The last Oasis-class ship to debut before Wonder of the Seas earlier in 2023, Symphony of the Seas is like a fairly downgraded version of Wonder. This ship has a lot to love … just not quite as much as her younger sister.
There are seven on-board neighborhoods; the Ultimate Family Suite; a 10-story slide known as The Ultimate Abyss; and a laser tag arena.
Entered service: April 7, 2018
Maximum passenger capacity: 6,680
Gross Tonnage: 238,081
Harmony of the Seas (2016)
Photo Credit: Vintagepix / Shutterstock
Built at STX France in St. Nazaire, France, Harmony of the Seas offers much of the same special features as sister ship Symphony of the Seas. There’s the same trio of waterslides known as The Perfect Storm, the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide and seven on-board neighborhoods.
Entered service: May 29, 2016
Maximum passenger capacity: 6,687
Gross Tonnage: 226,963
Ovation of the Seas (2016)
Photo Credit: Jon Ingall / Shutterstock
The year 2016 was a big one for Royal Caribbean, as the cruise line debuted two cruise ships in just as many months. Of course, Ovation of the Seas is definitely smaller than Harmony of the Seas, but Ovation still offers plenty for cruisers to enjoy across its 16 decks.
Entered service: April 17, 2016
Maximum passenger capacity: 4,905
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Anthem of the Seas (2015)
Photo Credit: LD Media UK / Shutterstock
At the same size and passenger capacity of sister ships Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, launched into service in Southampton, England. After sailing Europe for the ship’s maiden voyage, Anthem of the Seas has gone on to serve cruise itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Entered service: April 2, 2015
Maximum passenger capacity: 4,905
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Quantum of the Seas (2014)
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Quantum of the Seas kicked off the Quantum class in high style. Built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, the ship is notable for being the first Royal Caribbean ship to offer first-at-sea activities, including the iFly skydiving activity, the North Star observation pod and the Bionic Bar. These amenities would go on to be added to future Quantum-class ships as well.
Entered service: November 2, 2014
Maximum passenger capacity: 4,905
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Allure of the Seas (2010)
Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock
This Oasis-class ship is bigger than all of the Quantum-class ships that directly followed it, and offers a large selection of highlight features, including the aquatheater Royal Caribbean has featured on a range of its ships, the Central Park zone and a zip line.
Constructed in Turku, Finland, at STX Europe, the ship is getting up there in age and was due for some refurbishments just a few years ago, but the Covid-19 pandemic put a pause on those plans.
Entered service: December 4, 2010
Maximum passenger capacity: 5,496
Gross Tonnage: 225,282
Oasis of the Seas (2009)
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
The lead ship for the Oasis class, Oasis of the Seas was met with much fanfare. While, sure, it didn’t have as many amazing new features as the later Quantum of the Seas and the overall Quantum class, Oasis of the Seas still brought new offerings and was, for a time, the largest and the longest cruise ship in the world.
This ship underwent renovations in 2019 to include the tallest slide at sea, the first barbecue restaurant for Royal Caribbean, and some of the line’s Ultimate Panoramic suites.
Entered service: December 5, 2009
Maximum passenger capacity: 6,771
Gross Tonnage: 226,838
Independence of the Seas (2008)
Photo Credit: Roberto Sorin / Shutterstock
Debuted in 2008 after being built in Turku, Finland, and most recently refurbished in 2013 and then 2018, Independence of the Seas was the last of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom class.
Sailing short cruises around the Caribbean, the ship offers classic cruising experiences in a smaller, lower-key setting. Its 2018 refurbishments brought waterslides and other features.
Entered service: May 2, 2008
Maximum passenger capacity: 4,375
Gross Tonnage: 154,407
Liberty of the Seas (2007)
Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell / Shutterstock
One of three Freedom-class ships, Liberty of the Seas is technically the same size as sister ship Independence of the Seas, but can accommodate more guests.
In 2016, the ship was majorly overhauled to receive new dining and entertainment options, water slides, a water park, and more.
Entered service: May 19, 2007
Maximum passenger capacity: 4,960 guests
Gross Tonnage: 154,407
Freedom of the Seas (2006)
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The very first Freedom-class ship, Freedom of the Seas is slightly larger than its two following sister ships.
Unlike some ships that had their renovations pushed back or delayed indefinitely in 2020, Freedom of the Seas managed to squeeze hers in, with amplifications that year bringing new life to the pool decks, adding waterslides, and revamping the restaurant and bar options. The ship was built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards, Turku, Finland.
Entered service: May 11, 2006
Maximum passenger capacity: 4,635 guests
Gross Tonnage: 156, 271
Jewel of the Seas (2004)
Jewel of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
At less than half the size of some of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, Jewel of the Seas feels positively intimate. A cruise on this ship, built at Meyer Werft Yard in Papenberg, Germany, means only sharing your space at sea with a few thousand other cruisers.
The ship was the last Royal Caribbean vessel to include a multi-story atrium (as opposed to a promenade) and she received renovations in 2016. Since launch, the ship has served cruise routes throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Persian Gulf.
Entered service: May 8, 2004
Maximum passenger capacity: 2,702
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Mariner of the Seas (2003)
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
One of five Royal Caribbean Voyager-class vessels, Mariner of the Seas isn’t as small as the Radiance-class ships, but still manages to stay on the small side.
The ship, which was built in Turku, Finland, for a cost of $650 million, was renovated last in 2018 to add new entertainment and dining features.
Entered service: November 14, 2003
Maximum passenger capacity: 3,807
Gross Tonnage: 139,863
Serenade of the Seas (2003)
Photo Courtesy: Port of Tampa
With a slightly smaller guest capacity than later sister ship Jewel of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas still offers much of the same experiences.
The ship, built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, received notice as the first Royal Caribbean ship to sail to Alaska, as well as to offer the longest cruising itinerary ever, at 274 days spent traveling the entire globe during a single itinerary.
Entered service: August 25, 2003
Maximum passenger capacity: 2,476
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Navigator of the Seas (2002)
Photo Credit: ATGImages / Shutterstock
Built in Turku, Finland, Navigator of the Seas has been updated multiple times since 2002. In 2014, Royal Caribbean added extra cabins to the ship, as well as its trademark surfing simulator and outdoor movie screen.
In 2019, further changes were made to add waterslides and new dining options, among other new features.
Entered service: December 14, 2002
Maximum passenger capacity: 3,968
Gross Tonnage:139,999
Brilliance of the Seas (2002)
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
Another smaller Radiance-class ship, Brilliance of the Seas, was last renovated in 2013, so it still features some of the classic Royal Caribbean amenities and entertainment options, even if it might not have all of the latest and greatest, newest features.
There’s still a rock-climbing wall, solarium, mini golf course and a handful of dining and drinking options.
Entered service: July 15, 2002
Maximum passenger capacity: 2,543
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Adventure of the Seas (2001)
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Built in Turku, Finland, Adventure of the Seas may not be as updated as some of the ships that were originally launched around the same time, but the ship does still feature some of cruisers’ favorite Royal Caribbean amenities.
The very first Radiance-class ship, Radiance of the Seas was built at Meyer Werft Yard in Papenburg, Germany. The ship made waves when it debuted, as the ship containing the most glass in its construction out of any other Royal Caribbean ships, as well as the very first ship in the industry to feature gyroscopically-stabilized pool tables.
Entered service: April 7, 2001
Maximum passenger capacity: 2,466
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Explorer of the Seas (2000)
Explorer of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Merrillie Redden / Shutterstock)
Built in Turku, Finland, this ship received updates fairly recently, in 2023, when Royal Caribbean added some waterslides. When Explorer of the Seas first debuted, it contained a notable oceanographic laboratory used by university researchers, though that lab has since been retired.
Entered service: October 28, 2000
Maximum passenger capacity: 4,290
Gross Tonnage: 137,308
Voyager of the Seas (1999)
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
The first Voyager-class vessel for Royal Caribbean, Voyager of the Seas launched in — believe it or not — the last century. This ship was ground-breaking when it debuted, with the first Royal Caribbean promenade, the first ice skating rink and the first rock climbing wall.
Like so many Royal Caribbean cruise ships have been, the ship was the largest in the world when it first set sail.
Entered service: November 21, 1999
Maximum passenger capacity: 4,000
Gross Tonnage: 137,276
Vision of the Seas (1998)
Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas (Photo Credit: Stefan Lambauer / Shutterstock)
Vision of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean’s oldest class of cruise ships still in operation. It was built in St. Nazaire, France. The ship has been refitted as recently as 2013 to feature certain Royal Caribbean features that came standard on later ships, such as a rock-climbing wall.
Entered service: May 2, 1998
Maximum passenger capacity: 2,514
Gross Tonnage: 78,340
Enchantment of the Seas (1997)
Photo Credit: Tiffany Marie Green / Shutterstock
This ship, built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, has the unique distinction of having been stretched — Enchantment of the Seas was literally lengthened by 73 feet in 2005, with a new midsection inserted at a shipyard in the Netherlands.
Most recently, the ship was refitted in 2013, and now includes features such as a rock-climbing wall, splash deck, outdoor theater screen, and more.
Entered service: July 13, 1997
Maximum passenger capacity: 2,730
Gross Tonnage: 82,910
Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: ATGImages / Shutterstock)
Debuting just a few months before sister ship Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France.
The ship was refurbished in 2012 to add more cabins, a new outdoor movie screen and new dining options; other refurbishments occurred in 2016 and 2019, though the included changes were relatively minor.
Entered service: May 19, 1997
Maximum passenger capacity: 2,416
Gross Tonnage: 78,878
Grandeur of the Seas (1996)
Photo Credit: NAN728 / Shutterstock
The oldest of Royal Caribbean’s ships still in operation, Grandeur of the Seas was originally going to be transferred to Pullmantur Cruises in 2021, though these plans were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ship received refurbishments in 2012 and features many of the same venues, amenities and restaurants that you’ll spot on other Royal Caribbean ships built throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Entered service: December 14, 1996
Maximum passenger capacity: 2,440
Gross Tonnage: 73,817
What’s the Difference Between Newer and Older Royal Caribbean Ships?
Photo Copyright: Melissa Mayntz
When deciding between cruising on a newer or older Royal Caribbean ship, there are a few big differences that you’ll want to consider.
Newer ships are significantly larger than older ships. This is both good and bad. You’ll enjoy far more entertainment, dining and stateroom options, but you’ll also deal with more crowds and just have to navigate your way around a much larger ship, which could prove annoying for some.
Older ships, though, are less updated and less tech-savvy. While new ships feature laser tag arenas and VR experiences, older ships rely on entertainment like pools and rock-climbing walls.
Likewise, staterooms are far less luxurious on older ships than they are on the newer ships, and you get more stateroom and suite options overall on newer ships than you do on the older ships. These are all considerations to take into account before you book your Royal Caribbean cruise.
Mardi Gras paused during a sea day to investigate drifting wreckage in case a rescue was necessary.
The incident happened on Sunday, November 23 in the eastern Bahamas.
Fortunately, no rescue was necessary and Mardi Gras continued on her way.
Even on what should be a routine day at sea, cruise ship officers and crew members remain alert to possible emergency situations. Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras demonstrated exactly that type of alertness and commitment to the safety of all at sea on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Mardi Gras left Port Canaveral on Saturday, November 22 for her 7-night Thanksgiving sailing, an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Sunday was to have been a smooth and calm day at sea, giving the up to 6,500 passengers onboard a chance to explore the Excel-class ship.
At approximately 11 a.m., however, the crew and officers were exploring something else: an abandoned and partially sunken boat in the eastern Bahamas.
Mardi Gras came across the wrecked craft approximately 85 miles north-northeast of Princess Cays. Different guests spotted the debris and alerted crew members, initiating the start of potential rescue operations.
The craft (hardly more than a broken-down raft) was low in the water with debris floating nearby, and the deck was obviously swamped and unseaworthy.
Guests onboard Mardi Grasshared on Facebook that there did not appear to be any possessions or materials onboard the craft, and no one was located in the immediate vicinity.
Satellite tracking data confirms that Mardi Gras paused in her route and slowly circled the wreckage, ensuring there was no one to rescue.
Even if there appears to be no one onboard what may obviously be wreckage, it is essential for a ship to investigate. The loss of some time on a sea day is a very small consequence when a life may be at stake.
Fortunately, in this case, there was no one around the wreckage and no need for further rescue efforts. Mardi Gras was able to continue on her route shortly thereafter, and there should be no delay to her arrival in Grand Turk on Monday, November 24.
What Happens When a Cruise Ship Finds Wreckage?
In addition to circling the craft to check for survivors, it is possible that Mardi Gras also contacted Bahamian authorities (as the nearest governing body) about the wreckage, alerting them to its position.
Authorities may be able to determine if the wreckage had been previously reported, or if there might be any missing persons reports in the vicinity that could connect to the craft.
Typically, when cruise ships rescue refugees, they report the position of the incident along with a description of the watercraft left behind. This information is provided to other vessels in the area so they are aware that the drifting boat, raft, or wreckage has already been investigated.
On occasion, however, wreckage may be spotted for the first time without anyone having been rescued. Exactly what happened to the craft and any occupants may never be known.
It is also possible that this wreckage was previously reported, but it may have become storm-tossed or drifted far enough from the original position that a new report is necessary.
Cruise ships take every such alert of refugees and drifting craft seriously, and stand ready to offer assistance if necessary.
An elderly passenger has died after jumping overboard from Disney Wonder during a one-way sailing from Australia to New Zealand.
Despite launching an hours-long search, the passenger was not found.
The cruise ship’s arrival in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 25 will now be pushed back to November 26.
One of Disney Wonder’s final cruises in Australia has experienced a tragedy.
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, November 22, 2025, a 73-year-old cruise passenger made the unfortunate decision to jump overboard.
“It is understood the man died after he jumped from a cruise liner into the waters in the Tasman Sea on Saturday, about 4.30 am,” a police spokeswoman confirmed.
Despite the best efforts of the captain and the approximately 950-person crew, the Australian guest was never found and is presumed deceased.
The 1999-launched cruise ship, which is in the middle of a 5-night sailing from Melbourne, Australia, to Auckland, New Zealand, turned around to search for the missing guest.
Cruise tracking data shows that the 1,750-guest ship spent approximately five hours searching the Tasman Sea in the vicinity of where the man fell.
In addition to searching the water, crew members were walking the decks and scanning the water with thermal imaging cameras.
These devices can often pick up the heat signature of a person in the water, even if they are not visible from the surface, though efforts were not successful in this case.
Sadly, the guest was not found, and the search was called off.
Disney Wonder Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: cpaulfell)
“The captain came on and updated the boat and basically stated that there was someone, a passenger had fallen overboard … (but) that they were unable to find them,”a guest named Mitch Talbot told 7 News Australia.
Cruise Hive reached out to Disney Cruise Line for a statement, but did not hear back in time for publication. We will update this article as more details become known.
Cruise Hive sends our heartfelt condolences to the guest and their loved ones.
The Impact on Passengers
Guests and crew members onboard were saddened by the tragedy and noted the solemn atmosphere onboard.
“It was quite sombre and it was just a bit eerie for the rest of the day. A lot of the staff kind of took some time,” Talbot added.
“We are currently on Wonder and heard the captain announce the search and rescue has been “suspended”. I understand why, but it’s just crazy to me that life goes back to normal for the rest of us amidst such a tragedy,” another current guest shared on Reddit.
This is not only an awful way to kick off the holiday season, but it’s a tragic way to bring Disney Wonder’s time in Australia to an end.
It’s unclear at this time how the late start will impact the planned port calls to Wellington, New Zealand, on November 27, and to Lyttelton-Christchurch, New Zealand, on November 28.
Guests who are booked on this sailing should keep an eye out for updates from Disney Cruise Line.
Carnival Cruise Line has doubled the time required between drink purchases for the Cheers! alcoholic package.
Guests must now wait 10 minutes instead of just 5 between drink orders, including for soft drinks.
No official statement has been made about the reason for the change, but it could help reduce both overindulgence and illicit sharing.
Raising a toast, imbibing in a refreshment, or sharing a drink with newfound friends are all iconic activities on a cruise vacation, but Carnival Cruise Line is putting the brakes on some drinking indulgences.
Guests with the Cheers! all-inclusive drink package have noticed a change in recent days, confirmed by the published restrictions on how drinks may be ordered.
While Cheers! still includes all the same drinks and still has the 15-per-day limit, a key difference is now that there must be a 10-minute wait between orders from the same guest. Previously, the time delay was just five minutes.
“Only one drink at a time may be ordered, there is a 10-minute wait time between orders and sharing is not permitted. No double shots as that will be considered ordering two drinks at once.”
Comparison to archived versions of the same FAQ confirms the change from a 5-minute wait time as recently as early October 2025. Guests onboard Carnival ships, however, have only noticed the change in the past few days.
Does the Time Delay Really Impact the Vacation Vibes?
Given that no other terms of the Cheers! package have changed, some guests are wondering what it matters if it’s a 5-minute or 10-minute wait between orders.
Exactly how one indulges in beverages, however, is a matter of personal preference.
“I like to get a shot and a beer. It sucks having to order one and then sit around for 10 mins before I can order the other. The waiting period really puts a damper on my vacation mood,”said one poster on Reddit.
Several guests also note that ordering double shots, particularly in tropical cocktails with plenty of fruit juices, is common, but the restriction eliminates that option.
Drinks at Bar on Carnival Cruise Line Ship (Photo Credit: gary yim)
Furthermore, the restriction also applies to non-alcoholic drinks, such as if a guest wants to order a beer and a soda at the same time. In that case, the same prohibition would apply.
“I was on the Horizon two months ago and you could order a whiskey & coke for a drink, but if you tried to get a can of coke and a shot of whiskey, they made us wait 5 mins between orders. And now it’ll be 10 mins,”another poster noted.
The policy does seem to be inconsistently applied, however, as some recent guests note that they didn’t have any trouble ordering a cocktail and a soda simultaneously.
Why Restrict Times Between Drinks at All?
Speculation is high about why Carnival has increased the wait time between drinks, but there has been no official statement about the policy change.
Some guests believe the change may be an effort to curb excessive drinking and hopefully mitigate the risk of alcohol-fueled altercations. Others, however, note that even a 10-minute delay isn’t likely to impact major drinkers determined to hit their 15-drink maximum on the Cheers! package.
Another possibility – and far more likely – is an attempt to further curtail and sharing on the packages, with one person ordering drinks for multiple people.
Carnival Cruise Line does require all guests over the age of 21 to purchase the Cheers! package if they share a stateroom. That wouldn’t necessarily stop someone from sharing one of their package allotment with a family member or new friend in another stateroom, however.
Sharing drinks from the package has always been expressly forbidden, but to be fair, there is no patrol on the promenade asking who bought what drink for whom and where or when.
By extending the time between when drinks from Cheers! may be purchased, such sharing is far less likely and more guests will be firmly abiding by the terms of the package.
