Icon of the Seas made waves when she entered service in January of this year as the world’s largest cruise ship – coming in at 248,663-gross tons and 1,196.7 feet long.
But now it’s clear that she also holds the biggest space in the hearts of Cruise Hive readers – as the first of the Icon-class ships has officially been voted the Best New Cruise Ship of 2024.
Out of a competitive group of nine new ships that launched throughout 2024, the 5,610-guest vessel (or up to 7,600 at maximum capacity) topped the list – earning 34.68% of the votes.
This is quite the accomplishment – with this one particular ship standing out to thousands of Cruise Hive readers, who placed their votes from mid-October through December 22, 2024.
Since her maiden voyage on January 27, 2024, thousands of cruisers have already gotten to explore the first-of-its-kind vessel as she alternates between 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean sailings out of Florida’s Port Miami.
The ship is particularly renowned for the new, innovative experiences she offers. One of which is Category 6, which is the largest waterpark at sea with six thrilling water slides for families to enjoy.
Chill Island on Deck 15 is also home to the biggest pool at sea, which contains over 40,000 gallons of water.
Best New Cruise Ship of 2024
The ship also pioneered the use of the the Pearl, which doubles as a tool for structural support and the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture.
The unique orb is located midship on the port side of Icon of the Seas, stretching from Deck 5 to Deck 8, with a staircase through the interior for guests to move from the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 up to the Pearl Cafe on Deck 6.
Of course, these examples only scratch the surface of Royal Caribbean’s innovation that is found across the eight neighborhoods, or zones, onboard the massive ship – which helped make it the winner here at the Cruise Hive Awards.
Royal Caribbean Ships Snag First and Second Place
While Icon of the Seas was the clear winner, another Royal Caribbean ship is in second place for the title of Best New Cruise Ship of 2024.
Indeed, Utopia of the Seas earned the metaphorical silver medal by earning 21.38% of the vote. This speaks to the high quality of Royal Caribbean’s most recent additions – which is particularly significant with Star of the Seas on the way for 2025.
Utopia of the Seas, which is currently the second largest ship at sea, officially entered service on July 19, 2024, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Since her maiden voyage, the 5,668-guest ship has continued to operate 3 to 4-night voyages to the Bahamas from the Orlando-based port.
Utopia of the Seas Arriving at Nassau Cruise Port
Like Icon of the Seas, this Oasis-class vessel has also improved the experience at sea – such as with the expansion of The Ultimate Abyss, which is the tallest dry slide at sea at 10-stories high and 259-feet in length. While this racing slide is found on other Royal Caribbean ships, this version is 43 feet longer.
Moving down the list, the third-place spot for Best New Cruise Ship of 2024 belongs to Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess – which earned 17.81% of the vote.
After a delay that pushed back her original inaugural voyage, the largest ship in the Princess fleet officially set sail on February 28, 2024 – and is currently alternating between Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages based out of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida.
The 4,300-guest ship launched with manynew and improved features, such as the cruise line’s largest casino, the first ever family zone on a Princess Cruise ship, a two-story Lotus Spa, and original productions and performances in the round at the Princess Arena.
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay has officially been crowned the Best Cruise Line Private Island of 2024 – marking the fourth time in a row the private island destination has won the honor.
Voting opened in mid-October and closed on December 22, 2024 – during which time thousands of Cruise Hive readers placed their votes.
Royal Caribbean’s private island ultimately cinched the lead by earning 32.58% of the votes – with second place (Half Moon Cay, Bahamas) more than 10 points behind at 19.21%.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas – which has recently been renamed as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay – is used exclusively by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line.
To reflect its new name, the exclusive destination will be getting some major upgrades in the next couple of years, including an expanded beach area, more dining and beverage options, and a new pier – and might even give CocoCay a run for its money once completed.
Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, which is owned and operated by Carnival Cruise Line, landed in third place with 15.44% of the vote.
Best Cruise Line Private Island/Destination
The private 30-acre retreat is located at Maimón in the province of Puerto Plata. It’s divided into two areas with different types of dining, shopping, relaxation, and water-filled experiences in each: the waterfront Welcome Center Marketplace and the Aqua Zone.
The rest of the private islands earned 7.34% or less of the vote – and none stood out quite as positively as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
What Makes CocoCay the Best?
Perfect Day at CocoCay has won in the Cruise Hive awards year after year against some steep competition – indicating that this island must offer something extra special.
While this was already a massive investment and undertaking, the cruise line has continued to work to improve the experience on the island – such as with the opening of the Coco Beach Club in 2021, which features a clubhouse restaurant, luxury lounging, a bar, and an infinity pool.
The new addition allows guests 18+ to enjoy pristine beaches, pools, cabanas, and more without little ones around – and even features a section called The Hideout, which includes 10 rentable cabanas with an exclusive plunge pool and in-water loungers.
The 125-acre destination is also home to several record-breaking experiences for the whole family to enjoy – including but not limited to Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America; Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas; and the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean.
The Miami-based cruise line is also in the process of expanding the Perfect Day experience to elsewhere in the Caribbean – and will certainly be putting everything the brand has learned from operating and enhancing CocoCay to good use.
The first “Perfect Day” experience will be brought to the western end of Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. The new 17-acre destination, which has been named Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, is currently under construction and is expected to open next year (2025).
In 2027, Royal Caribbean is also planning to open “Perfect Day Mexico” on the sunny shores of Costa Maya.
Guests who have set sail aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria for a celebratory New Year’s Eve sailing will not be ringing in the new year where they had anticipated, due to a last-minute itinerary change.
While the ship’s overall cruise has not been changed, the shift in port times changes the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Carnival-owned Queen Victoria departed Southampton, UK on the 5-night “Short Break” sailing on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
The original itinerary called for a day at sea on Sunday, a visit to Zeebrugge, Belgium on Monday, an overnight call to Amsterdam from Tuesday (December 31) into Wednesday (January 1), and returning to Southampton on Thursday, January 2.
Guests were notified onboard, however, of a slight shift to the ship’s itinerary plans – a shift that changes where the vessel will be when the new year officially begins at midnight.
“The calls at Zeebrugge and Amsterdam will happen a day earlier than originally scheduled and the departure time from Amsterdam will now be mid-afternoon on 31 December,”the notification read.“As a result, New Year’s Eve celebrations will take place at sea.”
Now, the ship will be visiting Zeebrugge on Sunday, Amsterdam from Monday into Tuesday (December 31), and will spend Wednesday at sea before returning to Southampton on Thursday as scheduled.
The exact time that Queen Victoria will depart Amsterdam has not yet been confirmed, but is sure to allow ample time for the ship to safely maneuver before holiday celebrations – including fireworks – may begin.
Adverse weather is the cause of these itinerary changes rather than any attempt to keep guests onboard the ship rather than enjoying New Year’s Eve ashore in Amsterdam.
Strong winds and swells can be dangerous for any cruise ship to navigate through Amsterdam’s canals, and it is best to adjust the itinerary to ensure smoother and more comfortable sailing.
It should also be noted that Queen Victoria will be returning to the QEII Terminal in Southampton, rather than the Ocean Cruise Terminal as originally planned. This can impact where guests may find their onward transportation after debarkation, as well as how they may reach parked vehicles.
Further details may be provided toward the end of the cruise if shuttles or other assistance could be available.
Embarkation for the voyage was also delayed by two hours to facilitate deeper cleaning and sanitizing following an increase in gastrointestinal illness symptoms reported aboard the previous sailing, a 12-night cruise to the Canary Islands.
New Year’s Eve on Cruise Ships
Many cruise travelers enjoy spending New Year’s Eve onboard their favorite ship, and there’s nothing quite like ringing in a new year while at sea.
Of course, it is understandable that guests aboard Queen Victoria may be disappointed to miss out on Amsterdam’s celebrations, particularly if they had planned to meet friends in the city or otherwise join in the festivities on land.
Queen Victoria Vessel (Photo Credit: Milos Ruzicka)
Onboard the ship, however, celebrations are sure to include live music and other activities such as a special dinner menu, champagne toast at midnight, a countdown, and blowing the ship’s horn to welcome the new year.
On different cruise lines, fake “snow” in the atrium, a celebratory balloon drop (indoors where debris is safely collected and not an environmental hazard), and other activities are all part of ringing in the new year.
Furthermore, fun activities throughout the day leading up to the new year are often planned, such as themed trivia games or special shows. On New Year’s Day, first-of-the-year fitness classes or other ways to engage with one’s new year’s resolutions may be part of the activity schedule as well.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Royal Caribbean International (RCI) stand out as two of the most popular and well-known cruise lines, each catering to distinct demographics and offering unique advantages and amenities.
While NCL focuses on a more flexible “freestyle cruising” model ideal for laid-back travelers, Royal Caribbean is known for offering innovative and adventurous amenities in a family-friendly environment.
Both lines boast large fleets and extensive itineraries you can choose from, so there are plenty of options available. Read this guide to see which cruise line matches your unique cruising preferences.
To help you understand how these two major cruise lines compare, here’s a quick overview of some of the relevant statistics and figures for NCL and RCI, and how they got to where they are today.
Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean
As mentioned, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are among the world’s leading cruise lines, each with a unique history and influence on the industry.
Norwegian Cruise Line was founded in 1966 by Knut Kloster and Ted Arison. Its headquarters are now in Miami, Florida, and it is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., alongside Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
One of NCL’s most revolutionary contributions to the cruise industry was the introduction of “Freestyle Cruising,” which allows guests to enjoy flexible dining and entertainment options without adhering to a fixed schedule. This more relaxed style of cruising appeals to younger demographics and has played a large role in enhancing NCL’s appeal.
On the other hand, Royal Caribbean International was founded in 1968 as a joint effort by three Norwegian shipping companies. Today, it is also headquartered in Miami, Florida, and is a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, the second-biggest cruise company in the world behind Carnival Corporation.
Today, Royal Caribbean operates the largest cruise ships in the world, including its Oasis-class and Icon-class vessels. The company focuses on appealing to wider demographics by offering innovative onboard amenities and layouts, making its cruises suitable for families, couples, and younger adventure seekers.
Surf simulators, zip lines, ice rinks, water parks
Cabins
Solo Studios are a standout; Haven is premium
Broad cabin variety; suites tied to Royal Suite Class perks
Private Island
Great Stirrup Cay (laid‑back beach vibe)
Perfect Day at CocoCay (water park, pools, beaches)
Price Positioning
Mid‑range with frequent promos
Mid‑range to premium depending on ship/class
Loyalty Program
Latitudes Rewards
Crown & Anchor Society
Itineraries
Strong in Caribbean, Europe, Alaska
Very strong in Caribbean; expanding globally
Fleet Size
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Ships (Photo Credit: Victor Maschek)
Norwegian Cruise Line has a fleet of 20 cruise ships divided into six different classes, with each ship focused on providing guests with a sophisticated cruising experience. Currently, Norwegian Encore is the largest ship in the fleet, belonging to the cruise line’s Breakaway class. However, there are many newer ships in the fleet, such as the Norwegian Aqua, as part of the Prima Plus class.
Royal Caribbean International has a larger fleet of 29 vessels, with Star of the Seas being the newest, as of February 2026. These 29 vessels include the largest cruise ships currently in operation, such as Icon of the Seas.
Cruise ships in the Royal Caribbean are divided into seven classes, with the record-breaking Icon class being the largest and the relatively small Vision class being the smallest.
Annual Passenger Volume
Passengers on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Stefan Lambauer / Shutterstock)
In recent years, Royal Caribbean has hosted over 7 million passengers across its various cruise ships, which represents nearly 20% of the worldwide cruise market by passengers.
Norwegian Cruise Line accommodates a smaller share of the cruise market, with the cruise line’s various ships hosting approximately 2.7 million passengers in 2023.
Given that Royal Caribbean International has a larger fleet and higher-capacity cruise ships, this disparity in passenger volumes is not overly surprising.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the technical aspects, let’s examine how these cruise lines differ from an aesthetic perspective, starting with the décor and general atmosphere inside their various cruise ships.
While each ship in the fleet has its own unique design, Royal Caribbean tends to design its vessels to convey a family-friendly atmosphere with adventure in mind.
Newer ships, like the record-breaking Icon of the Seas, also have this same family-oriented interior. Aside from outfitting their ships with amenities that appeal to all ages, the ships encourage exploration, thanks to their unique “neighborhood” layout, where the ships are separated into distinct areas with their own themes.
Large open and themed promenades, like the Boardwalk or Central Park area, which blend outdoor greenery with New York City-style restaurants and cafés, mean Royal Caribbean International cruise ships offer an innovative style that is highly appealing to all demographics. Bright, contemporary furnishings are found throughout the shared spaces and private accommodations on Royal Caribbean ships.
Another common theme with Royal Caribbean ships is the focus on expansive, light-filled indoor spaces, which can be more exciting and awe-inspiring for those traveling with small children.
On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships tend to have a more modern and urban vibe, with an emphasis on passenger comfort and a sense of sophistication.
Luxury is always an overriding theme in the style of an NCL ship, which actually dates back to the company’s original vision of providing luxurious passenger experiences between California and Mexico.
Since the focus is on more upscale and refined décor and furnishings, Norwegian ships tend to have an adult look and feel. While families with kids are certainly welcome, and there are plenty of amenities that appeal to all ages, the style is more similar to an upscale resort than a family-oriented theme park, which is often the case with Royal Caribbean vessels.
Target Audience
AquaTheater at the Aft of the Ship
Given these stylistic differences, it is unsurprising that Royal Caribbean cruising tends to appeal more to families, teens, and travelers looking for a more casual but action-packed experience.
In addition to the exciting interiors and adventure-themed activities, including ice skate rinks and performances, zip lines, rock-climbing walls, and waterparks, Royal Caribbean also offers family-friendly live performances, like Grease and Hairspray, which are both regular musical performances on Harmony of the Seas.
In contrast, NCL cruises usually appeal to smaller adult groups, solo travelers, couples looking to relax and indulge, and older cruisers.
The more sophisticated interior style of an NCL ship is often paired with a greater number of adult-only pools, lounge areas, and bars, as well as more options for sophisticated dining venues.
The Haven area on several NCL ships features a private pool, restaurant, and sun deck, which can be an excellent option for guests looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more luxurious and quieter atmosphere.
Their ships also offer plenty of adult-oriented entertainment options, like live bands, comedy performances, and Broadway-style shows.
Pools and Swim Spas
Allure of the Seas Caribbean Pool Deck
Royal Caribbean pool options on its newest ships, like its Icon-class and Oasis-class ships, offer some of the best pool facilities of any cruise ship in the entire industry.
The ships are even characterized by their vast pool decks, where distinct themed areas cater to different ages and preferences. The main pool areas offer giant open pools, family-friendly splash pads, adult-only infinity pools, hot tubs, and more, and they tend to be a major attraction.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas even includes record-breaking water park features, like theCategory 6 water park and its six full-sized water slides.
Beyond the family-friendly pools and water features, most Royal Caribbean vessels feature a Vitality Spa & Fitness Area, a luxury area with a separate area for kids and teens, so nobody feels left out.
Norwegian cruise ships also offer guests an array of pool types to enjoy, especially when traveling on the cruise line’s Prima-class ships, which offer a mix of traditional swimming pools with more unique water attractions.
This includes the brand-new Infinity Beach concept and Ocean Boulevard Zone, where infinity pools and hot tubs hang off the edge of the deck, providing users with stunning views. These areas are also outfitted with luxury loungers, a range of bars, and glass bridges that are ideal for photographs.
All Norwegian Cruise Line ships are also outfitted with a Mandara Spa, a full-service spa offering massages and other treatments, thermal suites with saunas and vitality pools, a hair styling salon, and various exclusive areas for relaxation.
Again, NCL’s focus on more adult-oriented spaces becomes evident when looking at these pool areas. With that said, their ships also feature splash areas, interactive water features, and water slides that appeal to children, but even the ships with the most options, like Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Prima, still have fewer than the largest Royal Caribbean ships.
Entertainment and Activities
Ship Slides and FlowRider
Beyond the pools and water parks, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line outfit their cruise ships with various entertainment amenities.
As mentioned, Royal Caribbean’s focus tends to be on more family-oriented and adventure amenities. From Broadway-level shows to indoor skydiving simulators, like RipCord by iFly, the FlowRider Surf Simulator, elevated rock climbing walls, the 150-foot Ultimate Abyss slide, and the unique North Star Observation Capsule that offers 360° views from 300 feet above the water, Royal Caribbean is constantly innovating and adding new and exciting features to their ships.
As you would expect, they also offer a wide range of onboard activities that are specifically designed for families with young children, like mini putt courses, themed jungle gyms, arcades, youth dance studios, and live performances for kids, like Once Upon a Time King or the various ice shows held at the skating rink.
In addition, Royal Caribbean ships host an award-winningkids program called Adventure Ocean, which offers several age groups. Every Royal Caribbean ship also has a dedicated teen venue where teenagers can enjoy themed parties and group socials.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s entertainment options are also impressive, with several venues on each ship hosting live music, comedy shows, and several well-known exclusive performances, like Kinky Boots.
Norwegian cruise ships also tend to focus on creating a lively nightlife, which they achieve by offering numerous venues for dancing and socializing, like Bliss Lounge and Glow Party, where passengers enjoy dancing and listening to live music and DJ performances. The Freestyle Experience onboard NCL ships allows guests to enjoy more casual access to these venues and events.
Most Norwegian ships also include a casino, ropes course, and the NCL ThrillPlex Activity Zone, a unique area with laser tag, ropes courses, a multi-sport court, and even a go-karting course on certain ships, including Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Viva.
While there is no shortage of things to do on the ships of either cruise line, there tends to be a wider range of activities available onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
So, if you are looking for an action-packed cruise above all else, you might want to consider traveling on one of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships rather than booking with NCL.
Dining
While both cruise lines offer a mix of included dining areas and specialty dining establishments, they have a slightly different take on dining. To make it easier, here’s a basic overview of typical dining options on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean Dining
Spectrum of the Seas Dining Room (Photo Credit: I Love Drones)
All Royal Caribbean ships feature a venue called the Main Dining Room, which is a central dining area that offers multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner, as well as lunch on sea days. With a rotating menu, this included dining venue tends to be where guests will enjoy the majority of their meals.
Unlike other cruise lines, including NCL, this main dining room tends to be a more formal experience than a typical included area. It has assigned seating and enforced dining times unless passengers choose to use My Time Dining, which allows them to book meals at their preferred times.
Beyond this main room, every Royal Caribbean ship features a casual, buffet-style establishment called Windjammer Café and a casual pizza and pasta restaurant called Sorrento’s Pizza.
Non-included specialty dining options can also be found throughout Royal Caribbean ships, with popular establishments including Chops Grille Steakhouse, Izumi Sushi, Jamie’s Italian, and casual spots like the Ice Cream Parlor and Johnny Rockets.
The newer ships, like Icon of the Seas, feature even more innovative dining options, such as the AquaDome Market, the cruise line’s first food hall.
Norwegian Dining Options
The Manhattan Room, Main Dining Room
Norwegian also pioneered “freestyle dining,” which allows guests to dine wherever and whenever they want without worrying about a set schedule. Most ships feature Le Bistro, a French restaurant with an a la carte menu, and La Cucina, a family-style Tuscan-themed Italian restaurant.
Like Royal Caribbean, NCL also offers specialty restaurants, including Cagney’s Steakhouse, Los Lobos Mexican, Food Republic Teppanyaki, and other great dining options that can be booked at the guest’s convenience thanks to the freestyle dining model.
While NCL ships avoid fixed dining times and pre-assigned seating, you will typically find far more dining options on a Royal Caribbean ship than on one of Norwegian’s.
Accommodations
Wonder of the Seas Boardwalk Cabin (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Accommodations aboard either cruise line can also fit just about any budget and preference, but Royal Caribbean tends to offer a wider variety, especially for young families.
For its standard cabins, Royal Caribbean even offers interior rooms with virtual balconies, which provide realistic ocean views on a digital screen.
Some of its themed neighborhoods on larger ships also mean its rooms can offer interior-facing balconies and views, like its Boardwalk View Staterooms found on Icon-class and Oasis-class vessels.
However, Royal Caribbean truly stands out for its themed luxury suites, like the Ultimate Family Suite found on Icon-class and Oasis-class ships. These multi-level staterooms feature slides, dedicated kid spaces, multiple bedrooms, and more.
Plus, Sky Loft Suites and Owner’s Suites feature large private balconies, more premium furniture, and a luxury bathroom complete with a whirlpool and rain shower.
When booking, it is also worth noting that different types of rooms come with different perks. For example, all suites include complimentary Wi-Fi and bathrobes, while the premium options also provide guests access to private lounges and include drinks packages.
Norwegian Cruise Line Solo Cabin
As for Norwegian Cruise Line accommodations, standard cabins tend to be relatively minimal but still feature the modern and functional amenities that make NCL a popular option for travelers concerned with luxury and relaxation.
For those with a bigger budget, the luxury suites found in The Haven, NCL’s private area, feature exclusive amenities for suite guests, like pools, sun decks, and even private restaurants.
Another unique feature of the NCL cruising experience is the option to book Studio Staterooms for Solo Travelers, which are small but private cabins designed for a single passenger.
Norwegian Cruise Line Ship (Photo Credit: ernestos vitouladitis)
Both cruise lines offer extensive itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, Alaska, and even Australia.
In fact, Royal Caribbean even offered a world cruise on Serenade of the Seas called The Ultimate World Cruise. It lasted 274 days and visited over 60 countries and 11 world wonders!
For Royal Caribbean, most of the cruise line’s most popular destinations can be found in the Caribbean, which is unsurprising given their name. The Bahamas, Cozumel, Curacao, Bermuda, and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard are the most popular destinations and routes.
They even offer stops at exclusive destinations, with Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas being the cruise line’s most well-known. This privately owned island features a two-sided cruise ship dock, pristine beaches, and Thrill Water Park, which can only be accessed by Royal Caribbean guests.
Like Royal Caribbean, NCL also has an exclusive destination in the Bahamas called Great Stirrup Cay. This privately owned island can only be accessed by Norwegian guests. It provides white sand beaches, snorkeling, restaurants, and a massive zipline course that covers the entire island.
Pricing and Loyalty Programs
Crown and Anchor Society Loyalty Passenger Event (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
As you would expect, pricing tends to vary depending on the voyage duration, the itinerary, the specific cruise ship you are traveling on, and the type of accommodations you have booked.
With that said, Royal Caribbean fares for a 3-day Caribbean cruise with a basic cabin start at just $400 to $600 per person. For NCL, similar cruises tend to be slightly more expensive, with most guests finding prices ranging from $450 to $700.
For more high-end suites and longer itineraries, NCL’s Haven suites can be as much as $8,000 for a 7-night voyage. This may sound like a lot, but Royal Caribbean offers more expensive options, with stays in their Ultimate Family Suites costing over $20,000 for a full week.
Both Norwegian and Royal Caribbean offer their own loyalty programs to reward repeat bookings. For Royal Caribbean, the Crown & Anchor Society allows repeat guests to earn points that can be used to make purchases on the ship and on land. The more points earned, the higher the member’s rank, opening up new perks like complimentary drinks and room upgrades.
Norwegian offers a similar program called Latitudes Rewards, which provides participants with various loyalty perks, like onboard credit for specialty restaurants, discounts on future bookings, and lower-cost room upgrades.
Will it be NCL or Royal Caribbean For You?
As we have explored, both Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line have areas where they excel, which helps explain why they are two of the most popular cruise companies in the industry.
Where Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to appeal to families and thrill-seeking groups looking to enjoy numerous onboard attractions, NCL ships usually have a vibe that blends luxury with flexibility. Their ships appeal to those who prefer a flexible and casual environment that still makes it easy to indulge.
It is with heavy hearts that Celebrity Cruises has lost of one of its most beloved crew members – Bug Naked, the feline companion of Captain Kate McCue, has passed away.
The much-adored female elf-eared sphynx cat has been the ever-present companion of the Celebrity Cruises captain for over 8 years. Unfortunately, she passed from health complications following a routine dental cleaning and tooth extraction on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
“She was surrounded at home by our family and enough love to fill this universe. 8 years and 6 months that we were blessed to spend together. The greatest of sidekicks, the sweetest of angels, the saltiest of seafaring cats, Bug was one in billion. We are devastated.”
Bug was well known to Celebrity Cruises’ guests, having sailed with McCue since she was a 3-month-old kitten. Onboard, “Bug Trivia” was a highlight of many sailings, with winning guests having the opportunity to enjoy a special cat cuddle and earning a limited edition collector Bug pin.
Crew members and guests alike loved the fearless feline, and messages of sympathy and condolences have been streaming in from the cat’s more than 81,000 Instagram followers as well as fans on other social media platforms.
The saucy cat had wonderful adventures aboard Celebrity Beyond, sailing with Captain Kate and visiting countries all over the world. Bug Naked celebrated birthdays aboard the ship, showed off more than 100 outfits and costumes, and had her own EU passport.
Born March 20, 2016, Bug Naked was named for Kate McCue’s own childhood nickname, “Love Bug.” Onboard ships, Bug has had free access to the bridge and enjoyed finding every available sunbeam for luxurious lounging.
The cat quickly rose to fame with the rise of social media, frequently being featured in posts and videos showing shipboard life from a unique feline perspective.
Bug also had her own “official” title onboard as the ship’s “Maneuvering Support Mammal” for docking navigation, often supervising such activities as she patrolled on the bridge.
The cat was also often spotted out and about onboard, even attending onboard weddings, visiting shows, or strolling down corridors for daily walks. Bug would also go for walks in her own stroller.
Bug Naked (Credit: Kate McCue)
It should be noted that pets are not typically permitted onboard cruise ships, but Bug Naked received special exemptions due to Captain Kate’s rank within the cruise line.
Royal Caribbean – a sister line to Celebrity Cruises within the Royal Caribbean Group – also has official animals onboard two ships. Rover is the official “Chief Dog Officer” of Icon of the Seas, and the upcoming second Icon class ship, Star of the Seas, will have Sailor as its Chief Dog Officer.
While Bug’s life as a seagoing celebrity was just 8.5 years, the sphynx cat breed does have one of the shortest life expectancies of all domestic cat breeds. According to a study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, the average lifespan of these cats is just 6.68 years.
Of course, as with any pet, individual care, overall health, and other factors all contribute to lifespan. Undoubtedly, Captain Kate gave Bug Naked the very best of care and was well attuned to her cat’s health needs.
Cruise Hive sends condolences and comforting wishes to Captain Kate McCue, Celebrity Cruises, crew members, and every guest who knew and loved Bug Naked over the years.
The votes are in and cruisers love thrill-seeking options on every cruise line, but it is Carnival Cruise Line’s high speed, twisty, first-of-its-kind BOLT that has taken the top honors as the Best Cruise Ship Feature in the 2024 Cruise Hive Awards.
The dynamic, thrilling coaster received 34% of the votes in the category, well above the second place attraction and securing its spot as a top choice for a unique and exciting cruise experience.
BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster is featured on all three of Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships, having made significant waves in the cruise thrill industry when Mardi Gras launched in 2021.
Likewise, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee also showcase the top deck rollercoaster with motorcycle-style seats and phenomenal 360-degree views.
No one believed a rollercoaster could be put on a cruise ship until Carnival announced the addition of BOLT in 2018, as Mardi Gras was under construction. At that time, all interest was on just how the coaster would be engineered and what thrills it would offer adrenaline-seeking guests.
The all-electric coaster, designed and built by German manufacturer Maurer Rides, sends two riders at a time on a thrilling, 800-foot track above Deck 19 and around the ship’s iconic whale-tale funnel.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
Guests taking on BOLT have some control over the ride’s speed, making each loop unique and just as thrilling as riders dare. The top speed is 35-40 miles per hour, and the coaster rises to a height of 187 feet above sea level.
All riders must be at least 52 inches (4 feet, 4 inches) tall to enjoy BOLT, and no more than 77 inches (6 feet, 5 inches) tall. A weight limit of 300 pounds per rider (a total of 440 pounds for two riders together) is strictly enforced to ensure safety.
Because of possible jerky motion, acceleration, and sudden stops, the ride is not recommended for those who may be pregnant, have back or neck problems, heart problems, or other conditions. These are standard restrictions for most land-based rollercoasters as well, and all riders should heed warnings appropriately.
Similarly, no loose articles are permitted on the ride, and no cameras, GoPros, or other recording equipment is permitted to be used during the ride.
BOLT’s hours of operation vary on each cruise, and the ride may be closed if high wind or rain may affect its operation.
BOLT is an extra charge attraction, costing $15 per rider for two full laps around the track in a single ride. Charges are processed to guests’ shipboard Sail & Sign cards.
This is not the first year BOLT has taken the top honors in the Cruise Hive Awards; the feature was also voted the best in 2023, 2022, and 2021 – every year it has been eligible for the reader-driven recognition.
Best Cruise Ship Feature
Other Top Thrilling Attractions
While BOLT won the 2024 top honors for Best Cruise Ship Feature, cruise travelers certainly love exciting and heart-pounding attractions.
Royal Caribbean’s classic favorite FlowRider Surf Simulator came in second, with 20% of the votes. These powerful simulators are found across the Royal Caribbean fleet and guests can enjoy not only open surfing sessions of different degrees of difficulty, but also private lessons (for an extra charge).
Coming in third with 15% of the votes was Norwegian Cruise Line’s Speedway Go-Kart Track, found on five of the line’s 20 ships: Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima, and Norwegian Viva. Each track is different and offers a high-speed race experience for drivers to enjoy.
Voting in the 2024 Cruise Hive Awards opened in mid-October, and the final votes were cast on Sunday, December 22.
According to the Police Force of Sint Maarten, the incident unfolded at around 5 p.m. local time at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities – after authorities received a distressing call about a tourist falling into the water from her electric wheelchair.
“The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) announces with deep regret a tragic incident that took place at approximately 5:00 PM at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities,“The Police Force of Sint Maarten shared.
“At the stated time, Police Central Dispatch received a report concerning a visitor from one of the cruise ships in port who had fallen into the sea from her electric wheelchair,”the police force added.
Initial reports suggest that the unidentified woman’s electric wheelchair malfunctioned, which led to her unfortunate fall. It’s unclear if she was using her personal device or if she had rented the wheelchair for the duration of her sailing.
First responders arrived quickly to rescue the victim and perform life saving measures, but she could not be revived. It’s unclear what injuries she may have sustained in the fall or while she was in the water – or if she already had health conditions that also negatively impacted the accident’s outcome.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that a malfunction in the victim’s electric wheelchair, an 82-year-old female, may have contributed to her fall into the water. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel to administer emergency resuscitation, the victim sadly succumbed at the scene,”continued the statement from the authorities.
While we have received a tip from a visitor in port that day that the deceased passenger was sailing onboard AIDA Cruises’ AIDAmar, this has not been confirmed.
AIDA Cruise Ship Docked in St. Maarten (Photo Credit: fitzcrittle)
Five other ships were also in the port that day – meaning the maximum number of ships were visiting – including Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Azzurra, P&O Cruises’ Arvia, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent.
Just the day before this elderly passenger’s untimely death, on December 26, a 51-year-old man went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic. At the time of the incident, the ship was sailing northbound from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, en route to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
The appropriate authorities were immediately notified and a search and rescue mission quickly began – which was also assisted by Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, as she was already sailing nearby.
But despite the best efforts of all the crew and first responders, the search effort concluded without success.
Despite the onboard medical team’s best efforts, the 48-year-old guest succumbed to her injuries.
Even earlier in December, both Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seasand another Princess Cruises ship – Ruby Princess – experienced man-overboard situations that ended in tragedy.
Even novice cruisers quickly learn about the cruising ducks trend, a wildly popular guest-led scavenger hunt of hiding (and finding!) small toy ducks all over a cruise ship. While cruise lines don’t have official policies regarding the activity, Royal Caribbean has now offered their own endorsement of the fun, quacktastic game.
On Christmas Day, Royal Caribbean posted a brief video on their X (formerly Twitter) account titled “Hiding Holiday Cruise Ducks Onboard” that showcased a number of festive ducks and their tricky and not-so-tricky hiding places.
The 22-second video showed nine different holiday-themed rubber ducks being hidden in various public areas around an undisclosed ship or ships. Hiding places include tucked into planters, balanced on signs, and even nestled on seasonal decorations.
Some of the ducks are tucked well out of sight and would be more challenging to find. Others are placed more out in the open and easier for everyone to spot, no matter how familiar they may be with the game.
While festive music accompanies the video, there is no voiceover and no further hints about whether or not the cruise line is “officially” hiding ducks, how many ships may join in the festivities, or how long the game will go on.
The caption, however, asks “Think you can find these cruise ducks? Drop a comment to accept the challenge.”
The video has been viewed more than 14,500 times and has a variety of enthusiastic comments with both past and upcoming passengers noting their success or eagerness to try to find a duck.
Think you can find these cruise ducks? Drop a comment to accept the challenge 💬 pic.twitter.com/Mq8njXvJcK
Royal Caribbean has responded to a number of the comments with fun follow-ups such as “Happy hunting!”“Here, Duck, Ducky!” and “One of the lucky few. Happy Holidays!”
This post could mean any number of things. This could be just a seasonal joining in by the cruise line, or could represent a broader trend of crew members getting involved in the cruising ducks game across the Royal Caribbean fleet.
The onboard game brings great joy to many travelers who eagerly bring their own flocks onboard to hide or who hope to build a flock during their cruise vacation with every duck they find.
Holiday ducks sporting winter gear, wearing reindeer antlers, or even decked out in Santa hats have been especially popular on Christmas cruises.
How Different Cruise Lines React to Ducks
While the scavenger hunt of hiding ducks in public areas onboard has grown rapidly and is found on most major cruise lines, few lines have joined in with any official stance.
Carnival Cruise Line, on the other hand, has gone all in on the ducks. Several times, Carnival has dispelled rumors about duck prohibitions, and has also noted that crew members are welcome to join in the game.
In early November, Carnival Cruise Line even introduced a fun new “Ducky” character onboard for photo ops, adding a life-size face to the fun phenomenon.
The new holiday video is Royal Caribbean’s first semi-official response to the game, and thus far, seems to be a positive endorsement for the fun guests can have with cruising ducks.
Celebrity Cruises’ 3,260-guest Celebrity Beyond was voted Best Overall Cruise Ship in the 2024 Cruise Hive Awards. Third in the cruise line’s popular Edge class, Celebrity Beyond, which entered service in 2022, received more votes than any other cruise ship!
Celebrity Beyond sails Caribbean voyages year-round, and is known for design distinctions that include an expanded sundeck in The Retreat area and the Magic Carpet dining and lounge space. The venue sits on a cantilevered, floating platform that reaches 13 stories above sea level.
The ship offers six stateroom and 13 suite categories, along with 32 dining and drink venues, including Le Voyage, created by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, Fine Cut Steakhouse, Le Grand Bistro, Rooftop Garden Grill, and Eden Restaurant, to name a few.
While Celebrity Beyond has pools and sports areas, and supervised programs for children, it caters largely to an adult crowd and lacks the thrill rides, race tracks, ice skating rinks and other kid-focused elements found on some other ships.
The 140,600-gross ton Celebrity Beyond sailed her maiden voyage in April 2022 and was christened in Fort Lauderdale by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles in November 2022.
The ship is based in Fort Lauderdale and sails 10- and 11-night Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises through May 2025, when her home port switches to Miami and she begins a series of 7-night Caribbean voyages.
Best Overall Cruise Ship of 2024
At the helm of Celebrity Beyond is Captain Kate McCue, who in 2015 became the first American woman to serve as captain of a major cruise ship. At the time, she was assigned to Celebrity Summit, then transferred to Celebrity Beyond as the new ship’s first captain.
The Cruise Hive Awards were first launched back in 2014 and have been ongoing ever since, with a couple of name changes.
Voting for this year opened in mid-October 2024, with seven award categories. All voting was by Cruise Hive readers and the final day of the awards was Sunday, December 22, 2024. In the Best Overall Cruise Ship category, readers were able to write in the name of their favorite ship.
Icon of the Seas, Rotterdam Also Win Best Ship Awards
Cruise Hive voters chose Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas as the second Best Overall Cruise Ship, and Holland America Line’s Rotterdam as the third.
Notable for its size as the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas is a 248,663-gross ton ship with a capacity for 7,600 guests. Sailing year-round from Miami, the ship features eight themed neighborhoods, Thrill Island, Surfside, Chill Island, The Hideaway, The Royal Promenade, Central Park, The Suite Neighborhood, and AquaDome.
The celebrated AquaDome is considered one of the most impressive spaces on the ship. Its glass dome, the largest ever created for a cruise ship, is a multi-use space for dining and entertainment. It is also home to the AquaTheater, where guests can see dive shows and other aquatics.
Holland America Rotterdam Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Maykova Galina)
In the No. 3 spot, Holland America Line’s Rotterdam is Pinnacle-class ship that launched in 2020. The ship is the newest in the fleet and accommodates 2,668 guests.
Rotterdam had a royal welcome at her christening, which was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands in May 2022, as Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands served as godmother.
The ship is based in Fort Lauderdale through mid-April 2025, sailing 7- to 21-day Caribbean and Panama Canal voyages. In April she repositions to Amsterdam and begins a series of British Isles, Iceland, Baltic, and Scandinavia cruises.
