The purchase price for the former Costa Cruises’ Destiny-class ship has not been publicly disclosed. For context, Carnival Corporation is the parent company of Costa Cruises.
Until this point, the 2,718-guest ship had most recently been under the ownership of a Greek ferry company called Seajets.
As of the time of publication, she is currently docked near Astakos, Greece.
Seajets had plans to begin a party cruise line called Neonyx Cruises, and renamed the vessel as Goddess of the Night. However, these plans never came to fruition.
What Comes Next?
Just as Tianjin Orient International Cruises did with Dream, their newest acquisition will likely undergo some significant refurbishments before re-entering service as Ideal.
This ship, which once operated in North America, will likely be adapted and revamped to cater specifically to Chinese clientele.
Maintenance will also almost certainly be required after sitting dormant for more than a year and for a good chunk of time during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Additional work may also need to be done to bring the re-imagined vessel up to current sanitary codes.
Notably, the ship was chartered to house over 2,600 security and police officers for the 50th Summit of the Group of Seven (G7) in June of 2024.
Instead, she was detained by Italian police in the port of Brindisi, Italy, due to poor sanitary conditions.
According to Reuters, investigators found “significant hygienic-sanitary criticalities and serious accommodation deficiencies, which could amount to the crime of fraud in public supply.”
Additional reports showed that many cabins were rendered unusable by water leaks, malfunctioning toilets, and broken air conditioning.
And at the last minute, officers were sent to stay in local hotels instead of onboard the ship – which was a huge inconvenience.
It’s unclear what work may have been done at the time to address these issues, but Tianjin Orient International Cruises will certainly take action if satisfactory repairs haven’t been made already.
It’s also unknown when the inevitable overhaul will commence, but the 22-year-old vessel is expected to begin making her way to Asia very soon.
Carnival Horizon continues to sail slowly and her visit to Grand Cayman has been cancelled to compensate.
Repairs are underway, but it is not possible to maintain the original itinerary for the 6-night cruise.
There is no confirmation about any additional sailings or if more adjustments may still be necessary.
After returning to PortMiami more than eight hours later than anticipated on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Carnival Horizon has set sail on her next sailing, but not without adjustments.
Following the evening embarkation and a very much altered and ad-libbed first day onboard, guests have now been informed that their 6-night Western Caribbean sailing will be skipping the scheduled call to Grand Cayman.
Carnival Horizon will still make it to Cozumel on Tuesday, November 18, but somewhat later than anticipated. At the moment, arrival is anticipated at about noon, rather than 8 a.m. as previously scheduled.
In the meantime, the visit to Grand Cayman originally planned for Wednesday, November 19 will be completely skipped.
Carnival Horizon‘s visit to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on Thursday, November 20 is still on schedule, as is the ship’s return to Miami on Saturday, November 22.
Guests are understandably disappointed in the change. Many are outright angry at the choice of port adjustments, especially since options in Ocho Rios may still be limited less than a month after Hurricane Melissa.
Skipping that visit could remove critical supplies at a time of great need in devastated parts of the island, even though Ocho Rios is welcoming tourists again.
Some guests on social media are noting that despite the challenges, it is still a cruise and there is plenty to enjoy.
“It’s still vacation and still making memories with the families,”one guest noted.
“It’s an awesome cruise if you want to make it that way,”another traveler shared.
Carnival Cruise Line is providing $100 (USD) in onboard credit per stateroom as compensation for the significant changes to the ship’s itinerary.
Is Carnival Horizon Still Sailing Slowly?
With a day at sea between departure and arriving in Cozumel, now having a full day at sea between Cozumel and Ocho Rios, and a third full day at sea between Jamaica and Miami, the ship can follow her route at a slower speed.
Ever since departing the Sunshine State, Carnival Horizon has mainly stayed sailing between 16-17 knots (18-20 miles per hour). Her typical sailing speed would have been closer to 19-20 knots (22-23 mph).
It may not seem like a difference of just 2-3 miles per hour would be significant. Over the course of 30 hours en route to Mexico, however, that can be a difference of 60-90 miles that would take an additional 3-4 hours for the ship to travel.
Carnival Horizon Docked in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Technicians boarded Carnival Horizon in Miami to assist the onboard engineering team with engine repairs.
It is possible, however, that special parts may be required to fully repair the ship or else certain parts of the work may only be able to be completed while the ship is docked and not underway.
Hopefully, the repairs will go smoothly, and Carnival Horizon will quickly be back up to speed and sailing smoothly.
Is the Next Cruise Impacted?
At this time, there is no confirmation about whether or not there will be any adjustment to the next sailing, leaving Miami on November 22.
That 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary may be in danger, however, as the greater distance to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao would be much more challenging to maintain without being able to reach top cruising speeds.
Booked guests should stay in close communication with Carnival Cruise Line to be updated right away if there are any adjustments to upcoming Carnival Horizon voyages.
Royal Caribbean is introducing a Duckie-Go-Round carousel onboard Legend of the Seas.
The whimsical duck-themed ride is a nod to the popular cruising ducks phenomenon that guests love.
Each duck has a quirky, different theme and personality linked to the onboard fun the ship offers.
The cruising ducks phenomenon continues to fly far and wide on all types of cruise ships and different cruise lines. Royal Caribbean is bringing ducks onboard in a truly legendary way for the third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, when she debuts in July 2026.
The cruise line has announced a rubber duck-inspired carousel for the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood, complete with colorful ducks guests can ride for a bit of whimsical, nostalgic fun.
While the new “Duckie-Go-Round” carousel has not yet been built, concept renderings show several brightly colored ducks wearing quirky vacation gear, from a floral Hawaiian shirt to a snorkel mask and swim trunks to a captain’s uniform.
The structure of the carousel includes bright yellow, blue, and teal colors and fun patterns reminiscent of waves and splashes, which fits in well with the boldly colored neighborhood.
While Surfside is geared toward families with young children, there is no indication whether or not guests of all ages will be welcome to ride the carousel. Onboard the cruise line’s Oasis-class ships, everyone is welcome to enjoy a spin on the classic carousel in the Boardwalk neighborhood.
Similarly, everyone can ride the whimsical carousels onboard Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, so it is likely that everyone can enjoy a duck-themed ride as well.
There is no cost to enjoy a carousel ride, but hours of operation may vary depending on other onboard events, staffing needs, and maintenance.
Legend of the Seas Surfside Duck Carousel
Naming the Legend of the Seas Ducks
In recent days, Royal Caribbean has given eager guests the opportunity to begin naming the carousel’s ducks through social media fun.
For example, one special quacker of a gal was recently up for naming with emoji-based votes.
The pink rubber duckie, sporting a broad-brimmed hat and pink bandana with the signature Crown and Anchor logo was introduced on Facebook, with guests able to vote on her name: Dolly, Sally, Polly, or Lulu.
With just over 50% of the votes, Dolly is now the official name of the fun-lovin’ gal, who Royal Caribbean describes as “a rootin’-tootin’ cowgirl who loves to wrangle up the fun and turns every adventure into a wild ride.”
Several other ducks have also been named over the past few weeks, including:
Captain Quack with his great putting golf game at the Lost Dunes mini golf course
Bella, the unicorn-themed duck with a sweet tooth for over-the-top milkshakes at Desserted
The costumed Roo, who thinks he’s a chicken and is always up for a thrill at Thrill Island
Puddle,s who wants to make a splash at the Royal Bay pool and loves the FlowRider surf simulator
Rosi,e with her flamingo attire who loves to play all day in the Surfside neighborhood
Coco, who loves sunshine and sea days to chill out poolside at Chill Island
Marco and his pineapple hat and snorkel gear to get drenched at Splashaway Bay
At least one more duck may yet be named, and guests should stay tuned to discover that feathered friend’s unique personality and onboard faves.
Of course, Dolly is sure to be a fan favorite when Legend of the Seas sails into Fort Lauderdale in November 2027, following her debut season in the Mediterranean.
Legend of the Seas is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Turku, Finland. The ship was floated out at the end of August and progress on her construction has been so smooth that three additional early sailings have been added to her debut season.
Queen Mary 2 has docked in Bremerhaven instead of Hamburg to facilitate propulsion repairs.
The next sailing, a 2-night cruise returning to Southampton, has been cancelled.
There is no word yet on whether her upcoming transatlantic cruise will be adjusted or cancelled.
While enjoying a Northern Lights itinerary, Queen Mary 2 has now made an unexpected stop in Bremerhaven, Germany. While the ship was always planned to go to Germany, she was supposed to call at Hamburg instead for hundreds of guests to debark.
Guests onboard were informed two days ago of the need for a repair stop and advised of the change in plans.
According to Cunard Line, a “technical defect in a propulsion pod” caused the diversion. This could have a significant impact on the ship’s overall cruising speed as well as maneuverability for intricate navigation.
That maneuverability is critical for the ship’s original plan to dock in Hamburg, which lies 50 miles up the Elbe River, with some tight passages and tricky turns for the 150,000-gross-ton ocean liner.
Bremerhaven, on the other hand, is a deeper and far more easily accessible port with a shipyard capable of essential repairs to Queen Mary 2 if necessary.
According to etwas MEERzeit, the ship may very well need that shipyard, considering she has docked at a container terminal rather than a passenger terminal.
This means Queen Mary 2 does not currently have convenient access to passenger gangways, a cruise terminal for guest processing, or baggage handling assistance.
A total of 420 guests were to have debarked Queen Mary 2 in Hamburg for the end of their sailing. Now, they will have bus transfers to take them to Hamburg, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from Bremerhaven. Cunard Line is arranging those transfers.
Cruise Hive has reached out to Cunard Line for more details but has not heard back as of this writing.
Short Cruise Cancelled
To accommodate Queen Mary 2‘s need for repairs, the short leg of the ship’s sailing between Hamburg and Southampton is now cancelled. This 2-night itinerary was to have departed Germany on Monday, November 17, but the ship does not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.
This is especially concerning because Queen Mary 2 is due to depart Southampton on Wednesday, November 19 for a transatlantic crossing. If the ship is unable to be repaired in time, that entire voyage may be in jeopardy.
The crossing has no port visits, and therefore, not a lot of time can be trimmed from the planned itinerary for the ship to make up for a delay in setting sail.
Queen Mary 2 (Photo Credit: Stephan Backensfeld)
This could likewise have a knock-on effect for additional cruises, as Queen Mary 2 is due to enjoy several sailings from New York in December and January.
The iconic ship is scheduled to begin her Full World Voyage on January 19, 2026. That complete circumnavigation of the globe has port visits on every continent except Antarctica, and scheduling will be critical to ensure that voyage is preserved.
Propulsion Problems Not Uncommon
Queen Mary 2‘s difficulties come at the same time that another related ship, Carnival Horizon, is also suffering from propulsion difficulties.
While the two ships are not closely related in overall design, both are owned by the parent company Carnival Corporation & plc.
Furthermore, both ships – the Vista-class Carnival Horizon and Queen Mary 2 – are no strangers to propulsion problems.
On the ocean liner, the Mermaid pod designs that house the ship’s propulsors have long been considered a flawed design. In fact, in 2009 Cunard Line sued the company who manufactured the pods and was awarded a $24 million (USD) verdict after the protracted litigation.
Hopefully, this delay will be minimal, and Queen Mary 2 can quickly resume service and welcome guests with her classic and inimitable presence once again.
An unidentified man fell off the pier in Nassau on Sunday, November 16, next to Norwegian Encore.
Nearby crew members quickly lowered a ladder and the man was helped safely out of the water.
The man has not been identified, but he did not appear to be injured in the brief but unexpected incident.
Swimming can be a great activity on any cruise, whether it is spending time in the pool onboard or enjoying a beach day at a fabulous port of call. One man, however, went for an unexpected dip while in Nassau when he fell off the pier between the gangways for Norwegian Encore.
The incident happened on Sunday, November 16, 2025, while Norwegian Encore made an unexpected stop in the capital of the Bahamas. The ship had departed Miami for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary on Saturday, November 15.
Initially, Norwegian Encore had planned to visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, on Sunday. Rough waves made tendering impossible, however, and the ship visited Nassau instead, where it could safely dock.
A number of videos circulating on social media captured the incident, showing the man in the water between the ship and the pier, clinging to a life ring.
It took just a couple of minutes for crew members to grab a nearby ladder and help the man out of the water. There are no reports that he was injured in any way – other than possibly his pride!
No further information on the man’s identity, age, or even whether he was a guest or passenger has been confirmed.
Bystanders who witnessed the incident described that the man either fell from the dock or had just stepped onto the gangway when he slipped and fell into the water.
Cruise Hive has reached out to NCL regarding the incident and will update this post as more details become available.
How Easy Is It to Fall Off a Pier?
It’s easier than many cruise guests might realize to fall off a dock or pier, even when a huge cruise ship is docked.
Ships do not rub directly on the pier structure, which would cause damage to a vessel’s hull and could also damage the pier itself. Thick rubber bumpers are floated next to the pier to serve as a cushion between the ship and the dock.
In between these large bumpers, there is often a gap of several feet where an adult could easily slip through if they weren’t cautious. It is over this gap that the ship’s gangway ramps are positioned. While gangways do have railings to prevent falls, it could be possible to slip off the very end of the gangway.
Just a short stumble or even a misstep if one is checking a phone or otherwise not paying attention to their footing could lead to an unexpected shipside dip.
Fortunately, the bumpers that keep the ship from rubbing the dock also ensure that it is unlikely someone in the water would be crushed, so long as they can stay calm and tread water.
The most dangerous situation would be if someone was unable to swim or float, as they might sink down below the ship and be unable to find their way to the surface.
In June 2025, an individual performed a shocking stunt on the pier in Juneau, Alaska and deliberately leapt off into the water, most likely as part of attempting to create a viral video. Due to security in the area, that person was likely a cruise guest.
Slippery docks, poor weather, or unstable gangways have all contributed to accidental dunkings from cruise ship piers, though thankfully, these incidents are rare and generally are resolved quickly and without injuries.
Guests should always be careful when walking on a dock or pier, keeping well away from the edge and watching their footing to avoid such mishaps.
Carnival is expanding the new Bagels @ Sea breakfast offering, which is now available on seven ships.
The entire Fun Ship fleet should be serving the new breakfast bagel sandwiches by the end of the year.
Guest feedback has been positive, but there is a call for a gluten-free bagel, which is missing from the menu.
Carnival guests who enjoy a morning bagel will be excited as the new Bagels @ Sea bar is expanding to more ships. Already on seven Carnival cruise ships, the breakfast sandwiches should be onboard the entire Fun Ship fleet in the next six weeks.
Now, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has confirmed to spread of the bagels (see what I did there?) to other ships. He is currently aboard Carnival Magic for a SEA sailing and shared a video of the Bagels @ Sea offerings served from the ship’s pizzeria during breakfast hours.
Bagels @ Sea is now offered onboard:
Carnival Conquest
Carnival Dream
Carnival Firenze
Carnival Horizon
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Magic
Carnival Panorama
“I will share the rollout schedule for the rest of the fleet in the coming days and we hope to have this available on every ship by the end of the year,”Heald explained.“Thank you and enjoy your bagel.”
Guest reactions to the new breakfast options have been very positive, and recent cruisers have confirmed that some of the selections can be customized.
“I loved the rainbow bagel with strawberry cream cheese and diced strawberries. I left off the sprinkles,”one guest noted.
“Great change of pace for a quick light breakfast,”another added.
Bagels @ Sea are found in different locations on different ships, depending on available breakfast venues and space. The pizzeria is a common spot for the fast breakfast sandwiches, and just like with the pizza available at other times, there is no extra charge to enjoy these breakfast bagels.
What Bagels Are Offered?
So, what bagels can you get from Bagels @ Sea? The menu offers a selection of options, from customizable bagel-and-spread choices to more elaborate sandwich creations.
Plain, whole wheat, seeded, asiago, and blueberry bagels can be paired with plain cream cheese, scallion and bacon spread, salmon and lox (nova) spread, or sweet vanilla (wedding cake) spread.
Bagels at Sea Menu
There are also four heartier sandwiches guests can choose from. The Breakfast Club features a western omelet, sausage, bacon, cheddar, and chive cream cheese. For a more classic flavor, guests might enjoy the Carnival Lox with smoked salmon, capers, onion, avocado and cream cheese.
Guests focused on protein won’t want to miss the Powerhouse Protein with pesto chicken, egg whites, fresh spinach, avocado, tomato, and a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
For me, the Rainbow is intriguing with a colorful bagel filled with strawberry cream cheese, diced strawberries, funfetti sprinkles (the same as in the iconic embarkation day funfetti cheesecake!), and maple caramel.
The One Missing Bagel
One type of bagel that is not available with the Bagels @ Sea offerings is a gluten-free bagel. Multiple guests have commented on the omission, and hopefully, Carnival Cruise Line will adapt the menu to offer a gluten-free option either with the available spreads or to be substituted on the sandwiches.
It is not uncommon for these types of specialized menus to be tweaked and adjusted as guests’ feedback is taken into consideration.
Different options might be added or some selections removed if they prove to be less popular overall. Time will tell, but first, the rollout to the rest of the Carnival fleet must be finished.
Then, as a few weeks’ or months’ of feedback is collected, different menu changes might be implemented.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class includes five cruise ships that have become renowned for being bigger and more innovative than any other cruise ships sailing the seas today.
Here’s everything you need to know about this ground-breaking group of ships, so you can decide if an Icon-class cruise is in your future.
The five vessels in the Icon-class include Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, and two that are yet to be named.
Ship
Entered Service
Gross Tonnage
Guest Capacity (Double Occupancy)
Icon of the Seas
Jan. 27, 2024
248,663
5,610
Star of the Seas
Aug. 31, 2025
248,663
5,610
Legend of the Seas
July 11, 2026
248,663
5,610
TBA
Estimated 2027
Estimated 248,663
Estimated 5,610
TBA
Estimated 2028
Estimated 248,663
Estimated 5,610
What Makes the Icon Class So Special?
When the new Icon of the Seas launched in 2024, it was a big deal — a big deal. Both literally and figuratively. The cruise community couldn’t wait to get its hands on this ship that was reportedly bigger and better than anything that had ever come before it.
And it’s true — this ship has proven to be pretty special, as have those that have come after it.
The Icon class features the largest ships in the world, by a long shot, both in terms of gross tonnage and guest capacity. While the vessels carry 5,610 guests at double capacity, they can handle approximately 7,600 guests, plus more than 2,000 crew, when they’re stuffed to their max.
Three Icon-Class Cruise Ships
The ships also introduced a brand-new layout to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, with redesigned spaces that fit the needs of the modern cruiser.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean really went all out with offering the ultimate in options (whether you’re looking for things to do, places to eat and drink, or just choosing your stateroom or suite). Ships are also filled with high-end tech and everything new-new-new.
Basically, even if you’ve been cruising all your life, like me, the Icon-class is still going to be a brand-new experience like none you’ve ever had before.
How the Icon Class Ships are Laid Out
Most Royal Caribbean ships feature “neighborhoods,” or distinct areas themed around a certain activity or function, like the Royal Promenade or Central Park. However, the Icon-class vessels expanded on this idea, with new, more deliberate neighborhoods.
The Icon ships feature eight neighborhoods in total:
The Suite Neighborhood
Royal Promenade
Central Park
Surfside
The Hideaway
Chill Island
Thrill Island
AquaDome
Central Park, the Royal Promenade and the Suite Neighborhood are not new to the class, but the remaining five neighborhoods are.
The AquaDome is where one of the class’s most creative and unique (in my opinion) features lives. The giant, glass dome on the ship’s bow offers amazing views, a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, two bars, a few dining options and the AquaTheater.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Docked in Miami (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
Thrill Island is home to the largest waterpark at sea, with record-breaking slides as well as opportunities for other thrills and adventure, at the zip line and sports courts.
Chill Island offers multiple pools, multiple bars and restaurants and a swim-up bar (a feature that was completely new for Royal Caribbean when it was introduced on Icon of the Seas).
The Hideaway is an adults-only area with a bar and an infinity pool.
Surfside, lastly, is the impressive family-geared neighborhood, with staterooms designed with families’ needs in mind, a carousel, splash pool, games and kid-friendly eateries.
Top Innovative and Unique Features in the Icon Class
The Pearl
It’s hard to explain The Pearl if you haven’t seen it for yourself, but I’ll give it a shot!
Part of the reimagined Royal Promenade, The Pearl — created by the Brooklyn-based art studio BREAKFAST — is a three-deck sphere that features an art installation made up of more than 3,000 high-tech tiles. The tiles change based on music, as well as data related to actual, real-time wind and tide info.
Icon of the Seas Pearl Feature
A staircase leads cruisers up through and inside The Pearl to view this art installation up close. It’s also one of the first things you see as soon as you board the ship, so it really gets your cruise off on the right foot. When you ascend the staircase, you’ll find spectacular views and The Pearl Café.
Technically, The Pearl is the largest kinetic art sculpture in the world.
The AquaDome
The AquaDome is the largest glass and steel structure to be featured on any cruise ship.
AquaDome Neighborhood
Literally a dome, it offers 220-degree ocean views and, as already mentioned, many public spaces, including bars, restaurants and the cruise line’s staple AquaTheater amphitheater. There’s also a 55-foot waterfall — no big deal.
The Category 6 Waterpark
The 17,000-square-foot Category 6 waterpark is seriously jaw-dropping. It also made waves by racking up a huge number of “firsts” at sea.
Star of the Seas Slides (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
Not only is it the largest waterpark at sea overall, but it also boasts the biggest raft slide at sea, the tallest waterslide at sea, the first open free-fall slide at sea and more. From the Frightening Bolt to Pressure Drop, there’s a different slide for every day of the week.
Then, while not technically part of the waterpark, the Royal Bay Pool in the Chill Island neighborhood is also the largest pool at sea.
The Expansive Dining
While it might not be all that exciting to some, for foodie travelers like myself, more and better dining on a cruise ship is always a plus.
The Icon-class blew me away with the ships’ more than 20 restaurant options (and when you add on the places to grab a drink, too, the number climbs to above 40).
As much as you try, it’s hard to fit in all of those eateries in a single sailing!
Hollywoodland Supper Club
Some of the highlights, though, include the AquaDome Market, which is a food hall-style eatery.
Next, each ship has its own high-end supper club, with different themes depending on the ship. Icon of the Seas’ supper club has a Jazz Age NYC vibe. Star of the Seas taps into 1930s Chicago. Legend of the Seas channels the golden age of Hollywood.
Then, while it’s not on Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas, the Royal Railway dining experience is on Legend of the Seas. Previously, it was just on Utopia of the Seas. It’s an immersive experience wherein you dine in what feels like a real rail car, with scenery projected out your windows.
The Elevators
The elevators? Really?
Yep, if you ask just about anyone who’s sailed on an Icon-class ship about the elevators, they’ll probably have something complimentary to say.
There are 22 total elevators on the ship, but these aren’t just any elevators. They’ve been outfitted with impressive tech that helps to minimize wait times.
Icon of the Seas in Miami (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
For example, rather than everyone waiting for an elevator, picking their individual decks and then all of those people crowding into whatever empty elevator opens next, which then has to stop at every single chosen deck… these are destination-based elevators.
So, you pick your deck and then you’re assigned a specific elevator to get on. That way, the elevator takes everyone who’s going to the same destination, usually directly there. There’s no huge amount of stopping and starting.
Plus, the elevators harness AI capabilities to track cruisers’ usage across the day and adjust their availability accordingly. They’re even more sustainable, with elevators moving up using the energy generated by elevators going down.
Cool, huh?
Should You Be Worried About Crowds When Sailing on an Icon Class Ship?
Of course, when you unveil that your new cruise ship can hold more than 7,000 people, that’s going to lead to one big question: How are the crowds?
Even if you love sailing on a mega ship with all its options, most cruisers do not enjoy crowds.
However, there’s good news: Icon-class ships don’t feel crowded, and it’s not just me saying it. This has been a continual point of discussion among the cruise community on Reddit.
Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas
In one thread from 2024, a cruiser said that there was really only two times that they felt Icon of the Seas was crowded, during the first-night promenade balloon drop at midnight, and then at the breakfast buffet on a sea day. Otherwise, they noted, the ship was so well laid out that it never felt overwhelmingly crowded.
In another thread from summer of 2025, one poster said that Icon of the Seas was the least-crowded-feeling Royal Caribbean ship that they’d ever been on.
They credited the ship’s well-defined neighborhoods for this fact, as they help spread the crowds out, and also mentioned those high-tech elevators.
Who is the Icon Class Best for?
There are a few types of cruisers who are really going to enjoy sailing on an Icon class ship the most.
Families
Royal Caribbean really knocked it out of the park when it came to making these ships as family-friendly as possible.
Surfside Neighborhood
Not only is the Surfside neighborhood entirely geared at making family cruises more enjoyable, but the ship offers family-specific suites and staterooms, family-friendly restaurants and entertainment galore.
For the best family vacation, with bolder bonding across the board, pick an Icon ship.
Foodie Cruisers
I already mentioned it, but it’s worth repeating again. If you travel to eat, you’re going to really appreciate all of the restaurant options aboard Icon of the Seas and its sister ships.
AquaDome Market
Not only do you get tons of options, but these are actually interesting and creative options that go beyond the typical main dining room, buffet, steakhouse, Italian eatery and sushi joint that you’d find on just about any cruise ship.
You’ve got a food hall. You’ve got the supper clubs. You have the 24/7 Pearl Café. You have the Royal Railway experience.
Cruisers Who Don’t Mind Skipping Port Days
Some cruisers cruise for the ports. They’re all about seeing as many destinations as possible over the course of their itineraries.
Star of the Seas in St. Kitts (Photo Credit: St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority)
Other cruisers cruise for the ship. If you fall into this camp, you’ll likely love an Icon-class cruise. With so much to do right on the vessel, there’s no need to disembark to find ways to fill your days.
Plus, it’s worth noting that these popular ships stop at some of the most popular ports — the Bahamas, Cozumel, CocoCay, etc. So, chances are likely you may’ve already seen these destinations in the past.
Pros of Sailing on an Icon Class Ship
So what are the pros of sailing on an Icon-class ship?
Lots to do and plenty of options at every turn, no matter what you’re in the mood for
Family-specific amenities, venues and staterooms
Unique attractions that you won’t find on any other ships
New tech and innovative offerings for the best of 21st century cruising
Cons of Sailing on an Icon Class Ship
You won’t find a very intimate atmosphere here (some cruisers on Reddit have mentioned the inability to make friends with fellow cruisers on Icon class ships, the way you can on smaller ships)
High prices — you can expect that Royal Caribbean is going to charge a premium for its best, biggest ship, unless you find some special offers or last-minute cruise deals
So is an Icon Cruise Right for You?
An Icon cruise isn’t going to be for everyone, but it’s definitely for a lot of people.
If you love lots of options, want a family-friendly cruise and really value getting the newest and best in the industry, then sailing on an Icon-class ship will be right up your alley.
If, though, you value the more low-key, less-busy cruising experience, and the opportunity to see the same fellow cruisers on a regular basis, you might want to opt for a smaller ship.
Carnival Horizon will not arrive in Miami until Sunday afternoon on November 16, instead of early morning.
All cruise terminal arrival appointments for embarkations are now delayed by eight hours.
The ship’s itinerary has not yet been changed, but adjustments to the 6-night sailing may be necessary.
Guests setting sail on Carnival Horizon have been waiting anxiously to learn if their cruise will be delayed or cancelled following the development of propulsion difficulties.
Carnival Cruise Line did alert guests to the embarkation delay for their November 16 departure on Friday, November 14. It wasn’t until Saturday evening, however, that the extent of the delay has been confirmed and new embarkation plans announced.
Now, Carnival Horizon will be docking in Miami in the mid-afternoon on Sunday rather than the early morning. This means embarkation must be delayed and it is imperative that guests onboard be permitted to debark before incoming guests can be welcomed aboard.
Guests have been provided with an updated schedule for their terminal arrival appointments, showing an 8-hour delay.
This means that guests who selected the original 10:30-11 a.m. terminal arrival appointment will now be arriving at the cruise terminal from 6:30-7 p.m. The latest arrival appointment was originally 1:30-2 p.m. but will now be 9:30-10 p.m.
“All guests must be on board by 10:30 PM,”the email states.“We plan to depart shortly after embarkation and loading supplies are completed.”
Because of the late embarkation, dinner will be served as open seating in the main dining rooms rather than at assigned times. The Lido Marketplace buffet will also be available.
At this time, there is no change to the ship’s 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary. The schedule calls for visits to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios, but changes may be necessary as the ship’s speed is further assessed.
“Repairs are still underway, and technicians will be boarding to work with our teams to deliver the scheduled itinerary,”the email noted.“If our plans change, we will let you know.”
Depending on the nature of the repair, the ship may be able to resume top speed soon, or the entire itinerary could be changed to accommodate slower speeds.
Compensation Provided for the Delay
With the significant disruption to the start of the cruise, Carnival Cruise Line is offering compensation to guests on the somewhat shorter sailing.
All guests will receive a one-day, pro-rated refund of the cruise fare that will be credited back to the original form of payment. Similarly, any pre-purchased packages, such as drink packages or internet service, will also have a pro-rated refund as onboard credit.
Gratuities will also be adjusted “accordingly” for the shorter sailing.
Ship Returning to Different Cruise Terminal
Guests currently onboard Carnival Horizon have likewise been alerted to the delay and when they can expect to arrive back in Miami. Announcements have noted that guests should place luggage outside their staterooms by 10 a.m. Sunday morning and vacate their staterooms by 3 p.m.
This will give the stateroom stewards time to begin preparing the rooms for the next cruise’s guests for as smooth of a turnover day as possible, given the circumstances.
Carnival Cruise in Miami (Photo Credit: byvalet)
In addition to the delayed arrival, Carnival Horizon will be docking at a different cruise terminal than at embarkation. They will now be arriving at Terminal D instead of Terminal F.
“While you can walk to Terminal F, it is a little distance away, especially if you will be carrying luggage,”a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms explained.“If you have a vehicle parked at Terminal F, complimentary shuttle service will be available to transport you there.”
Depending on exactly which doors one uses to exit Terminal D and where one parked at Terminal F, the two cruise terminals are just over one-third of a mile apart.
The change in terminal is not necessarily related to Carnival Horizon‘s mechanical difficulties. As Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, terminal adjustments are occasionally necessary to accommodate a wide range of ship schedules and other port operations.
On Sunday, November 16, 10 different cruise ships from seven different cruise lines will be in Miami, which will definitely create scheduling challenges.
Carnival Horizon has developed a propulsion problem and will be delayed returning to Miami on Sunday, November 16.
This will impact embarkation for the next cruise and Carnival Cruise Line will provide an additional update Saturday evening.
This is at least the third time Carnival Horizon has developed propulsion problems since the ship entered service in 2018.
Guests onboard Carnival Horizon are getting a bit longer of a cruise than expected, and not necessarily in a good way. The ship has developed mechanical issues and is sailing slower than anticipated, which will mean a delay in her return to Miami.
The Vista-class ship is currently on an 8-night Southern Caribbean “ABC” itinerary that departed Miami on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the next departure, scheduled to leave on Sunday for a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. That cruise will be impacted by the ship’s delay.
“Regrettably, Carnival Horizon has developed a mechanical issue that is affecting the ship’s cruising speed,”the email explained.“Consequently, the return to Miami will be later than scheduled for Sunday, November 16.”
Both shipboard and shoreside engineers are planning repairs to get Carnival Horizon back up to speed, which seems to indicate that the problem has already been identified and can be repaired. Exactly what repairs may be necessary have not been disclosed.
“Although the ship is sailing a bit slower, all features and venues are fully operating,”the email confirmed.
This means the ship’s safety and navigational systems are not compromised in any way, and all onboard dining, hotel, and entertainment is moving along as planned.
Guests are urged to sign up for text alerts to stay updated as further information becomes available and any embarkation revisions are confirmed.
How Slow Is Carnival Horizon Moving?
Satellite tracking data shows Carnival Horizon moving at just 16 knots (18 miles per hour) on Saturday afternoon as she heads back toward Miami.
At that speed, it would take Carnival Horizon at least 28 hours to cover the 500 miles she has to reach Miami, not counting extra time for slower harbor speeds or docking. The ship is currently sailing along the northern coast of Cuba, 40 miles east-northeast of Antilla.
Carnival Horizon Docked in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
On a day at sea, cruise ships do typically reduce speed to offer a more comfortable sailing experience. For example, on Saturday afternoon, the following Carnival ships are also enjoying days at sea but still sailing at higher speeds than Carnival Horizon:
Carnival Paradise – 18 knots
Carnival Liberty – 20 knots
Carnival Celebration – 17 knots
Carnival Pride – 17 knots
Carnival Panorama – 20 knots
While Carnival Horizon is not moving significantly slower than some other at-sea ships in the fleet, if the vessel cannot increase speed overnight, her return to Miami will be very much impacted.
At the moment, her estimated time of arrival to Miami is 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. This is a satellite tracking estimate only and not an official confirmation of her planned arrival.
Other Vista-class ships have likewise had propulsion difficulties, but mechanical problems are not confined to just one class of ships or one cruise line.
Hopefully, Carnival Horizon‘s current issue will be a minor one with quick repairs that can get the ship sailing smoothly forward for her next cruise.
