American Queen Voyages, an operator of river and expedition ships based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, shut down on February 20, 2024, after it was unable to overcome the financial challenges of the pandemic era. The company said that guests who have paid deposits for future sailings will receive full refunds.
Cruise Line Unable to Recover From Pandemic’s Impact
American Queen Voyages, a cruise brand with seven ships that include a mix of authentic paddlewheel riverboats, and boutique and expedition vessels, is no longer operating as of February 20, 2024. The company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and all cruises have been cancelled.
“We are saddened to share that American Queen Voyages (AQV) has made the difficult decision to shut down. The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and related changes in travel preferences. Despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, demand has not recovered, and AQV has become financially unsustainable,” the company said in an announcement.
American Queen Voyages owns American Queen, a 417-guest ship built in 1995; American Countess, a 245-guest ship that launched in 1996; American Duchess, with a capacity for 166 guests and built in 1996; and American Empress, a 217-guest ship that entered service in 2003.
Additionally, it owns the expedition ship Ocean Victory, which carries 186 guests and was the company’s newest ship, having debuted in 2021. The company’s river ships operated on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, Cumberland, Tennessee, Columbia, and Snake rivers. Ocean Victory typically sailed Central America itineraries in winter and Alaska cruises in summer.
Photo Courtesy: American Queen Voyages
The company was in the process of decommissioning and preparing to sell two more expedition ships, Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager. Ocean Navigator was in the news in October of 2023, when an explosion onboard the vessel as it was docked in Portland, Maine, caused all guests and crew to be evacuated. One crew member was injured.
However, in recent weeks, several major travel agencies have suspended sales of American Queen Voyages cruises due to slow payment of commissions and service problems, according to trade reports. The agencies included AAA Travel, Pleasant Holidays, Virtuoso, and Signature Travel Network.
Guest Refunds to Come Through Insurance Agency
The American Queen Voyages website provides instructions to booked guests, who will now have to apply for refunds of deposits already paid for future cruises. The cruise line’s deposits are insured by Argo Surety, and all applications for refunds must be made to that outfit.
Guests can print a claim form, or fill it out online, and must provide supporting documentation, including proof of payment. Guests will receive a denial notice from American Queen Voyages, and can then file a refund claim with Argo Surety.
According to the cruise line, guests cannot submit a request for a refund directly to Argo Surety unless American Queen Voyages first denies their claim or 180 days have passed since they submitted a claim to the cruise line.
American Queen Voyages was founded as the Great American Steamboat Co., when John Waggoner bought the 436-guest riverboat American Queen from the United States Maritime Administration in 2011.
In September 2021, the company was rebranded American Queen Voyages. Its parent company is Hornblower Group, based in San Francisco.
Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced a sweeping array of new itineraries to set sail from September 2025 through January 2027. The iconic Cunard fleet, including the flagship Queen Mary 2, will traverse 184 unique destinations worldwide.
Cunard’s Expansion
Cunard Line has revealed plans for an ambitious expansion of its voyage offerings, encompassing more than 300 new journeys across its prestigious fleet of four Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth.
From September 2025 to January 2027, these vessels will explore 184 distinct destinations in 70 countries, including 108 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
“We are incredibly excited to have both Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 offer full World Voyages in 2026. We are so thrilled that our guests will, for the first time ever, have the opportunity to transit the Panama Canal on Queen Mary 2,” said Kate McAlister, president of Cunard.
She added Queen Elizabeth will take on a new itinerary to the Caribbean, stating the ship will sail roundtrip from Miami, “giving guests expanded opportunities to delve into this tropical region while experiencing the unparalleled luxury of sailing aboard a Cunard ship.“
World Voyages and Maiden Calls
Highlights of the new itineraries are the simultaneous World Voyages by Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2, starting in January 2026.
As Cunard’s newest ship, the 3,000-passenger, 113,000-ton Queen Anne, will visit 102 unique ports with 23 maiden calls during her roundtrip “Full World Voyage,” including Phuket, Thailand; Cape Town, South Africa; and Marseilles, France.
The 109-night odyssey departs on January 11, 2026, from Southampton, England, providing passengers with overnight calls in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and more before returning to England on April 30, 2026.
Queen Anne Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: Cunard Line)
Additionally, Queen Anne will navigate Norway’s fjords on a 14-night “Norway and North Cape” itinerary. This cruise, slated for June 21 through July 5, 2026, will visit the Arctic with calls in Honningsvaag and Tromso, Norway.
Meanwhile, ocean liner Queen Mary 2, with a capacity to hold 2,620 passengers, will also sail on an epic 109-voyage that includes her signature Transatlantic Crossing, the Caribbean, Canada, and New England itineraries.
Her 7-night “Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing” will depart from New York City on September 13, 2026, arriving in Southampton on September 20, 2026.
From there, Queen Mary will launch a 51-night itinerary from “Southampton to Sydney.” During this voyage, the ship will transit the Panama Canal for the first-time ever, leading to visits to exotic destinations such as Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand.
Exploring the Mediterranean and Caribbean
Also announced, Queen Elizabeth will debut a Caribbean program, offering 33 voyages from Miami and calling on ports like San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Montego Bay, Jamaica. These sailings will take place from September 2025 through April 2026, ranging from 9 to 21 nights.
The ship’s longest voyage, “Caribbean Celebration” at 21 nights, will embark on December 18, 2025, with visits to St. Lucia, Antigua, and Puerto Rico, spending Christmas Eve in Bridgetown, Barbados, before calling on Honduras, Jamaica, and Cozumel, Mexico.
Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe / Shutterstock
Meanwhile, Queen Victoria will take passengers on Mediterranean voyages and Atlantic explorations, including an “Italy, France and Spain” 14-night itinerary sailing from Barcelona to Rome, starting June 15, 2026.
Queen Victoria will also embark on a 35-night “Eastern Caribbean” cruise from Southampton on January 4, 2026. Calling in Madeira, Portugal, before crossing the Atlantic, passengers will visit the Azores and Caribbean beaches of St. Vincent, Aruba, Curacao, and Dominica.
In total, the ship will visit 73 unique destinations with overnight calls in Istanbul, Madeira, Amsterdam, Narvik, Norway, and more. Cunard’s new voyages open for World Club members for bookings on March 5, 2024, with general public access on March 7, 2024.
Celebrity Cruises has made an interesting decision that may not be too popular with some guests, as the cruise line has decided to open the adults-only Solarium venue to guests under the age of 16.
Young cruisers will only be permitted in the space during certain hours on certain itineraries, however, in a way that makes sense given the conditions of each sailing.
Celebrity Cruises Opens Solarium to Kids
Many cruise travelers enjoy adults-only spaces as quieter venues onboard and may look forward to some relaxation away from their own younger cruisers on a family getaway.
Aboard Celebrity Cruises’ ships, there is the Solarium space, which features a pool, hot tubs, and luxurious loungers enclosed under glass panels for use in all weather, perfect for those quiet moments.
The cruise line has now announced, however, that the Solarium will be opened to guests under the age of 16 for certain hours on certain sailings. The announcement was made in a newsletter sent to travel agents on February 20, 2024, and will undoubtedly be posted in the cruise line’s app and with onboard signage.
“To accommodate guests under the age of 16 during colder weather, Celebrity Cruises’ adults-only Solarium will offer Solarium Kid hours on select sailings in Alaska, The Baltics and Antarctica from 5-7 p.m. daily,”the announcement read.
No further details about exactly which sailings will offer Solarium Kid hours have been confirmed, but it should be noted that this offering will not apply to warm-weather destinations such as the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.
Celebrity Cruises Solarium
It is possible, however, that the Solarium Kid hours could be expanded to include either more time or more destinations in the future, or it may depend on individual conditions on each cruise.
For example, if a sailing experiences extended poor weather that might close outdoor pools for long periods, or if outdoor pools are closed for maintenance, the Solarium might offer an impromptu Solarium Kid opportunity.
The Solarium is a featured space aboard all Celebrity Cruises ships, including the upcoming Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in the innovative Edge class due to join the fleet in November 2025.
Is This a Dangerous Precedent?
While this new policy has not been extensively tested as yet, and there is no strong guest feedback, it is sure to generate both positive and negative reactions.
Families may appreciate the opportunity, as it will give young cruisers on very unique itineraries to still enjoy pool time on the impacted sailings. Because the hours for kids to use the Solarium are limited, the impact on adult usage may be minimal.
Cruisers without children, or even parents who prefer some adults-only spaces, however, may resist the change as it definitely makes the space different if young passengers are playing in the area, and could destroy the quiet, relaxing vibe the Solarium is supposed to offer.
Furthermore, it could be challenging to adequately keep to the stated guidelines. While the Solarium is supposed to be open to kids only from 5-7 p.m., will onboard crew members really prohibit children from entering at 4:45, or staying until 7:15? This might be especially true if they are accompanying their parents already. How strictly the policy will be enforced is something that is yet to be determined.
With one adults-only space opening up to children, even if only in a limited capacity, this may also lead to other venues or activities permitting children in different ways, such as if accompanied by adults or during certain hours.
It is also possible that if this pilot program is successful, it could be expanded to other cruise lines in the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company that owns Celebrity Cruises.
What do you think about opening the Solarium to kids for limited times on some cruises? Share your reactions on the Cruise Hive boards!
One popular Bahamas cruise port is undergoing some “smart” upgrades over the next few months to deliver a better, more connected experience for cruise passengers. Expected to begin during the second quarter of 2024, cruise passengers will get to enjoy free high-speed internet during their port calls.
Nassau to Become “Smart City Pilot” In the Caribbean
Already one of the most popular cruise destinations, Nassau, Bahamas has set its sights on becoming the ‘Center of Innovation for the Caribbean’ in recent years. The next step in its plan is to improve technology on the island, something which tourism officials are eagerly investing in.
As one of many projects stemming from a competition called Innovate242, which is designed to bring entrepreneurs, researchers, and business leaders together to solve tech-related challenges in the Bahamas, Nassau will be outfitted with high-speed WiFi for guests to use throughout the port as a “smart city pilot.”
The installation began on February 14, 2024, with plans to have WiFi available at the cruise port at some point during the second quarter of the year. The service will be free and is expected to extend as far west as Arawak Cay and as far east as the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge.
According to Nassau officials, the WiFi installation will be a win-win. The local tourism sector will be able to collect data from the roughly 12,000 cruise guests that visit each day to better market to them while also improving their experiences in the port – and of course, visitors get to use the WiFi for free.
“The tripartite collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Aliv/Cable Bahamas and the Department of Information and Communications Technology brings about the installation of the most up-to-date internet infrastructure in our city center,”said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
“This technology will facilitate seamless connectivity that will allow us to collect key data on the thousands of cruise guests to our city, so that we can more efficiently enhance their experience of our city,” added Deputy Prime Minister Cooper.
The access to free WiFi in port is also a nice break for passengers, as WiFi on board cruise ships can be expensive and slow. Depending on the cruise line, internet packages can range from $7 (USD) per day to $89. Princess Cruises, for example, recently raised its premium WiFi package prices from $60 per day to $80.
Cruise ship WiFi is also notoriously slow, but is improving as more and more cruise companies switch over to Starlink Maritime, a program from SpaceX that provides faster internet using satellites that orbit Earth in outer space. That said, the faster coverage isn’t available everywhere (Alaska, Sweden, Finland, and Norway are excluded, for example) and not all ships are equipped with Starlink just yet.
Nassau Makes Big Improvements To Cruise Port
Installing free WiFi is only one step in Nassau’s plan to boost cruise tourism on the island. In fact, the Bahamas destination has already spent four years and $300 million renovating the cruise port.
The rejuvenated port, which had its grand opening on May 26, 2023, boasted expanded cruise facilities – featuring a brand new berth and newly refurbished piers, allowing the port to accommodate up to six cruise ships at a time – including extra large vessels like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
Cruise Ships in Nassau, Bahamas
Looking more closely at the numbers, the increased capacity at the cruise port means the island can welcome 10,000 additional cruise passengers per day, going from a maximum capacity of around 20,000 guests to 30,000.
Additional enhancements, aside from the WiFi, are also in the works for 2024. While phase 1 of Nassau’s improvement plan focused on accommodating more and larger cruise ships, phase 2 is more focused on improving the experience on land. For example, a new signature restaurant and several other family-friendly attractions are also scheduled to be completed in 2024.
So far, Nassau’s efforts have been paying off – with more growth expected in 2024. The Bahamian island welcomed nearly 4.5 million cruisers in 2023, a new annual record. It also set the highest one-day visitor record on December 27, 2023 with 29,316 passengers in port – surpassing the previous high of 28,554 passengers on February 27, 2023.
Carnival Cruise Line is changing how guests sailing back-to-back are handled with respect to perks offered for these very special, very loyal passengers.
The updates are being implemented fleetwide during the week of February 19, 2024, and will give travelers more flexibility for enjoying their benefits.
Benefits Changing for Back-to-Back Cruises
Frequent cruise travelers delight in back-to-back (B2B) cruises, the type of extended vacation that involves two consecutive sailings on the same ship.
These unique cruise arrangements often come with a variety of benefits for guests, including priority boarding for their second sailing, gifts in their stateroom, and other special acknowledgments.
“That feeling of the cruise, not being over, is a very special one, and I hope all of you get a chance to experience that one day,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador.
Carnival Cruise Line is adjusting the benefits given to back-to-back cruisers beginning February 19, 2024, with greater flexibility for how guests enjoy their exclusive perks.
Previously, all B2B guests would debark the vessel at the end of the first sailing together, process quickly through US Immigration as required, and then return onboard to receive their new ship ID cards and stateroom keys.
Depending on the homeport and the number of passengers, it may be possible that customs and immigration agents come onboard for the processing and guests do not need to debark.
After reboarding the ship, there would be a group photo taken as a commemorative gift, and the travelers would raise a glass of champagne or orange juice to their unique adventure.
“We have found it easier and I think it will be better for you as well that we change this,”said Heald.
Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship in Long Beach (Photo Credit: mikeledray)
Now, back-to-back passengers will all still need to debark the ship or otherwise present themselves for immigration processing, and will receive their new shipboard cards upon reboarding. But instead of group photos and drinks, individual travelers will receive a coupon for a complimentary beverage and another for a complimentary photo on the first evening of the cruise.
“You can have your photo taken at any of the backdrops along the promenade, and then enjoy a complimentary beverage from any other bars,”Heald explained.
This will give travelers greater flexibility to enjoy their benefits as they wish, rather than a group photo they may not enjoy or a drink they may not prefer.
Recent B2B passengers have reported this process already in place on some Carnival ships, likely as the new process was tested and refined. Now, the new B2B procedure is being rolled out fleet-wide.
Guest Reaction
Both travelers who have already enjoyed back-to-back cruises, as well as those who are planning such amazing vacations, are responding positively to the change.
For example, because the process of debarking, immigration processing, and reboarding the ship all happen earlier in the morning, some guests have expressed that it’s better to not have to prepare for a photo first thing, and not everyone either enjoys champagne or wants to drink alcohol first thing in the morning.
Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock
Now, guests can choose the photo they want and can enjoy their favorite beverage whenever they would like it, rather than being restricted to a single type of photo and type of drink at one time.
The new process will also be much easier to implement on sailings with a large number of B2B passengers, such as often happens on longer Carnival Journeys cruises, in conjunction with inaugural cruises, when a ship repositions to a new region, or even just combining alternating itineraries into one longer sailing.
On some cruises aboard larger vessels, hundreds of guests could potentially be on back-to-back itineraries, which could be nearly impossible to coordinate for a group photo or any individual attention.
While some guests will miss the opportunity to socialize with other B2B passengers during the changeover between sailings, overall, the new procedure seems as though it will better streamline the process and ensure everyone gets the most enjoyment out of both their cruises.
P&O Cruises has reported the best every January in the cruise line’s booking history, with record-breaking sales volume through the month across a variety of destinations. This continues to demonstrate confidence in cruise travel and demand for getaways, along with the value present in a cruise vacation.
Fantastic Sales for P&O Cruises
Many cruise travelers take advantage of wave season to book the best deals on future oceangoing getaways, and P&O Cruises, part of the Carnival Corporation & plc family, has seen that demand create its strongest-ever booking volume for the month of January.
“The beginning of this year’s Wave has once again surpassed all expectations with record-breaking sales indicating a renewed confidence in the holiday market and the excellent value for money that you get with a P&O Cruises holiday,”said Paul Ludlow, President of P&O Cruises.
Part of that value is due to the amazing offers P&O Cruises is extending to travelers. For example, the cruise line is currently offering a 20% off the Classic drinks package with any new Select Price or Early Saver deal accompanied by a 10% deposit, letting cruisers raise a glass to their vacation at a reduced rate.
Other types of deals that are often released throughout the year include savings such as reduced deposits, lowered fares, special deals on particular itineraries, and other types of options.
While P&O Cruises has not released specific numbers for recent reservations, the cruise line has noted that the most popular destinations for new bookings include sailings to the Caribbean, explorations of the Norwegian fjords, and getaways to the Atlantic islands, such as the Canary Islands.
P&O Iona Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: E.R. Images)
One of the cruise line’s newest ships, Iona, has seen the greatest interest from travelers. The 184,089-gross-ton, Excel-class ship is conveniently homeported year-round from Southampton, offering a mix of the most popular itineraries, including 14-night Spain, Portugal, and Canary Islands sailings, 7-night trips to the Norwegian fjords, and 7-night “Northern European City Escape” cruises.
Guests Booking Cruises Earlier Than Ever
Because demand has been high for months, however, the cruise line is also seeing bookings with longer lead times – further ahead of departure dates – which gives guests the opportunity to have a greater selection of itineraries, ships, staterooms, and other booking options.
“We entered 2024 better booked so we have less reliance on the lates market which is better for us and better for agents in terms of earnings potential,”Ludlow said.
This means travelers are booking for vacations further away, rather than last-minute escapes. Many ships from all cruise lines are sailing well above full capacity and there is not much availability for close bookings, particularly if travelers also need to make pre- or post-cruise arrangements for flights or hotels.
Last-minute bookings still remain popular for cruise travelers who are fortunate enough to live within driving distance of a cruise homeport, though options for stateroom selection, itinerary options, and other choices are often limited.
Many Cruise Lines Seeing Record Bookings
Many other cruise lines have also reported outstanding booking numbers in recent weeks. Holland America Line, for example, saw its biggest single-day booking record in history, thanks to wave season and tremendous interest in the line’s iconic Alaska itineraries.
Other new ships – Carnival Jubilee and Icon of the Seas, in particular – are also generating great interest for cruise travelers and are selling quickly. Have you booked a cruise already in 2024? Now is a great time to take advantage of cruise deals!
One of the biggest problems that leads to guest complaints on cruise ships is the infamous chair hog situation, when inconsiderate guests attempt to claim prime poolside lounge chairs for hours without actually using them.
Carnival Cruise Line has renewed its efforts to crack down on this problem and encourage “chairing is caring” with strict enforcement of its no-saving-chairs policy through sticker notifications and time limits.
Carnival Enforcing No-Saving-Pool-Chairs Policy
Chairs and loungers on the pool deck are in high demand on cruise ships, particularly during days at sea when many passengers want to enjoy time in the sun and splashes in the pool.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald, who is currently onboard Carnival Horizon for his sixth “FFS Cruise,” has addressed the problem in one of his “morning walkies” videos around the ship, noting that the cruise line is doing its best to regulate the problem.
Crew members monitoring the pool deck – the “ChairShare Team” – are placing stickers on empty chairs that have towels clipped to them or are otherwise supposedly saved with a book, pair of flip flops, or other item.
The stickers that crew members put on so-called “reserved” chairs say note the time the sticker was placed and when personal items will be removed.
Carnival Cruise Line Lido Deck (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
“We stopped by at _____ and found this chair empty,”the stickers read.“Hope you’re having a great time… but for the benefit of all we limit how long chairs can be left unattended. At _____ we’ll move your stuff to the towel hut for safekeeping.”
Crew members fill in the blanks with the appropriate times. The first blank is when the sticker was placed on an empty “reserved” chair, and the second blank is when the items will be removed – 40 minutes later.
“If they are not back by that time, we will remove it,”confirmed Heald.“It’s the only way we can make it fair.”
Always an Ongoing Problem
All cruise travelers, whether on their first sailing or if they have enjoyed dozens of cruises over the years, are familiar with this type of seat-saving, which can generate bad feelings when someone wants to enjoy the pool but finds all the best seats taken with no other passengers nearby.
Heald also notes that this is not an uncommon problem or a new occurrence, as it is found on all cruise ships.
“Ever since I’ve worked on ships there’ve been people desperate to get the chairs,”he said.
Of course, there is flexibility, and it is perfectly understandable for a guest to find a chair they want and put their items on it, only to leave briefly for breakfast, a restroom break, or to dip in the pool themselves. The problem arises when chairs remain empty for hours, unavailable for other guests to use.
Putting the timed stickers on the chairs is a way Carnival Cruise Line is attempting to mitigate the problem.
“We are doing our very very best,”Heald said.“It’s not a perfect system, it would be silly of me to suggest otherwise. But it is something that we need to do. People who say we don’t do anything, that’s absolutely not true.”
Carnival Cruise Line Deck (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
The timed stickers also give other guests a point of reference for when more chairs might become available, permitting them to return and check for newly opened chairs at a later time.
Carnival first began the timed sticker program in October 2022, and also updated signage around the pool area alerting guests to the no-reserving-chairs policy. Announcements are often made over the ship’s PA system to remind guests of the policy, and the policy is noted in the Carnival Hub app as well as posted on the poolside theater screens where available.
The cruise line’s website also discusses reserving sun loungers and the prohibition on saving seats in outdoor deck areas.
“Shipboard team members monitor sun lounge usage and if they observe a seat that contains a towel or personal belongings but appears to be unoccupied, a notification is placed on the chair indicating the current time,”the policy reads.“If the chair remains unoccupied for 40 minutes, the contents are removed and held for the guest’s safekeeping.”
Have you seen these stickers on Carnival lounge chairs? Have you tried to reserve a chair? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
The long-awaited Icon of the Seas made a big splash when it was announced, and for many, many reasons. It surpassed an array of milestones in the cruising industry.
However, when it comes to foodie travelers and their reactions, they focused in on one key detail: The ship offers more than 20 dining options, including several brand-new restaurants appearing on a Royal Caribbean ship for the very first time.
Now, Royal Caribbean International was certainly never shabby in the dining department (especially not when compared to other cruise lines), so when the brand said it was going bigger and better than ever before, cruisers got excited.
If you’re among those travelers watering at the mouth for a taste of all that Icon of the Seas offers — or even if you’re not, and you just are planning an Icon of the Seas cruise and want to know what you can expect to eat during your trip — we have you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know about the many Icon of the Seas restaurants.
There’s no need to spend a lavish amount of money in order to secure an enjoyable dining experience aboard Icon of the Seas. Thanks to the ship’s many complimentary restaurants, new venues and menu upgrades, you can dine in high style without spending an extra penny.
In total, Icon of the Seas has 15 complimentary restaurants, including some venues for handy quick bites. That means, technically, you could go on a five-day cruise and eat three meals per day, and still not eat at the same restaurant twice — and, yes, all without spending any extra from your travel budget. Now, that’s a great deal that we can get behind.
AquaDome Market
Brand-new to Royal Caribbean, AquaDome Market is the Royal Caribbean’s first food hall. As such, the new spot combines a range of counter-order eateries into one location, for easy casual dining, no matter what you’re in the mood for. If you and your traveling companions just can’t agree on where to eat, this is where you go.
AquaDome Market
The food hall features five different stalls with walkup windows, serving five distinct types of street food: crepes, Asian fare, macaroni and cheese, Mediterranean dishes, and sandwiches and salads. Each counter offers limited options, though. The Creme de la Crepe counter only offers three savory crepes and three sweet crepes.
At the Asian counter, you build a bowl, essentially, topping rice or noodles with your choice of protein and veggies; the concept is the same at the Feta Mediterranean counter, but with fresh pitas. The macaroni and cheese counter offers five mac n’ cheese bowls, and the sandwich and salad spot offers just four sandwiches and three side salads.
Cost: Free
Location: The AquaDome
Basecamp
Young families will love this option. Basecamp has a very family-friendly vibe to it, with the colorful chairs and tables and nautical theme. The menu is pretty kid-friendly as well.
Icon of the Seas Basecamp
Think options like hot dogs and pretzels. There are a few menu items that come with extra fees, like chicken nuggets and burgers, so keep that in mind before you head over. There is a bar in the restaurant, too.
Cost: Free
Location: Chill and Thrill Island
Coastal Kitchen
The Coastal Kitchen restaurant is located within Royal Caribbean’s Suite Neighborhood, so while it is free, it’s only open to those with access to the Suite Neighborhood, aka cruisers staying in suites. Costal Kitchen serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu near the suite sun deck.
Coastal Kitchen
Cost: Free (with Exceptions)
Location: The Suite Neighborhood
The Crown Lounge
The Crown Lounge is primarily considered a bar, but it does also serve light bites. It’s only open to Royal Caribbean Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members as part of the cruise lines’s Crown and Anchor Society Loyalty program, but for those cruisers, the lounge’s snacks and drinks are free.
Cost: Free (with Exceptions)
Location: Royal Promenade
Cantina Fresca and El Loco Fresh
These quick-bite eateries offer standard Mexican-American eats, such as made-to-order tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. You’ll find both venues right next to each other, and they are a good option for guests taking a break from all the open deck thrills.
Cantina Fresca
Cost: Free
Location: Chill and Thrill Island, Deck 15
The Grove
Like Coastal Kitchen, The Grove is another restaurant that’s complimentary — but only open to suite guests. The Grove is more casual than Coastal Kitchen, and offers al fresco dining, but it still features a Mediterranean menu.
The Grove
Cost: Free (with Exceptions)
Location: The Suite Neighborhood
Main Dining Room
The main dining room is your place to go for the quintessential cruise ship dining experience. Think three-course menus, every single night, and an upscale feel that comes free of charge. (In fact, you’ll find that some specific nights in the main dining room are “formal” nights, wherein guests might dress up a little more than they otherwise would.)
Main Dining Room
Each night in the main dining room is different, but you’ll always get your choice of an appetizer, main course and dessert. Often, the menu options are varied enough that there’s someone for everyone to love on the menu, with premium American cuisine taking center stage.
Sometimes, however, the menus are themed around a different cuisine; for example, there’s French night, Italian night, etc. Still, even with the themes, there’s enough variety for most picky eaters (you can just about always find a steak and a Caesar salad on the menu).
Cost: Free
Location: Deck 4
Park Cafe
The casual Park Café is your only complimentary option in the Central Park neighborhood, but it’s by no means a lackluster one. Sit down for casual bites like sandwiches and salads.
Park Cafe
Cost: Free
Location: Central Park
Pearl Cafe
This sleek and modern restaurant situated on the Royal Promenade is primarily complimentary, though you can upgrade and purchase a few items (like specialty coffees) that do come with a small fee.
Pearl Cafe
This café isn’t necessarily the place you might go to sit and linger awhile. Instead, it offers light bites and snacks that are packaged for you to take on the go as you explore the ship. Think sandwiches and ready-made salads.
Cost: Free
Location: Royal Promenade
Sorrento’s
A long-time Royal Caribbean favorite, Sorrento’s offers pizza at all hours of the day, making it popular with the kiddos, as well as those looking for something to soak up all those cruise ship libations at a late hour.
Sorrento’s
Cost: Free
Location: Royal Promenade
Sprinkles
What goes better with a day by the pool than an ice cream cone? Not much. That’s why this ice cream spot is situated right next to all of Icon of the Seas’ cool water features.
Cost: Free
Location: Chill Island and Thrill Island
Surfside Bites
Befitting the Surfside neighborhood on the ship, Surfside Bites is bright and friendly, with an order window where you can request a limited number of menu items that are what you’d get at any water park or theme park. Think fries, cheeseburgers, pizzas, popcorn chicken and chicken fingers.
Icon of the Seas Dining
Cost: Free
Location: Surfside
Surfside Eatery
For, well, ever, Royal Caribbean cruisers had one buffet option: Windjammer Marketplace. That can mean, for cruisers who absolutely love the cruise ship buffet experience, the restaurant could get a little crowded and, wherever you were on the ship, you’d have to haul yourself to one central spot for all your meals.
Surfside Eatery on Icon of the Seas
No more is this the case! With Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has introduced a second buffet. Surfside Eatery provides a secondary buffet outpost in the lively Surfside neighborhood of the ship.
Cost: Free
Location: Deck 7 Aft Starboard, Surfside
Vitality Café
As the name suggests, Vitality Café is your place for healthful options. Expect granola and fruit, alongside a few upgraded menu items available for a small fee, like smoothies and fresh juices.
Cost: Free
Location: The AquaDome
Windjammer Buffet
If you’ve ever cruised with Royal Caribbean before, you know Windjammer Marketplace. This is the line’s classic cruise ship buffet. Don’t expect anything fancy, but do expect to pile your plate high with a range of scrumptious options, three times a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Windjammer Buffet
Cost: Free
Location: Chill and Thrill Island
Icon of the Seas Specialty Restaurants
While yes, there are quite a few complimentary restaurants that you can dine at, on Icon of the Seas, without dipping into your wallet, if you’re looking for something special — say a date night experience at sea, or a celebratory meal — or just want to splurge a bit, you have even more options.
Icon of the Seas’ specialty restaurants range from the opulent and over-the-top (see the new Empire Supper Club), to standard and expected (see Chops Grille). They range from high-end to casual, and cover a range of cuisines. From caviar to cheeseburgers, wagyu beef to pretzel bites, you can find it. Here’s what you can expect.
Celebration Table
Celebration Table isn’t really a restaurant per se. Instead, it’s a unique dining space in the AquaDome that offers a high-end environment, great food and a private experience, for groups and special occasions. Expect VIP treatment in this 12-seat space. (This takes the place of the ship’s older Chef’s Table.)
Celebration Table on Icon of the Seas
Cost: $999 per group of up to 12
Location: The AquaDome
Chops Grille
Chops Grille is the signature Royal Caribbean steakhouse and it fits that dining category perfectly. The interior is reminiscent of a big-city steakhouse with all the dark wood and leather seating you’d expect. The menu focuses on decadent beef options and sides, such as filets, ribeyes, New York strips, rack of lamb and Maine lobster, plus creamed spinach, jumbo asparagus and truffled French fries.
Icon of the Seas Chops Grille
Do note that this menu is not a la carte and, instead, you pay a per-person fee that comes with one appetizer (per person), one soup or salad, one entrée and shareable sides. A kids menu is also available.
Cost: $55.99 per person (for dinner; the per-person fee is slightly lower for lunch)
Location: Central Park
Desserted
This ice cream parlor, with a twist, specifically focuses on milkshakes. Mix and match toppings and ingredients to craft your perfect treat at this new milkshake bar (and, yes, booze is on tap for the adults).
Desserted
Location: Chill and Thrill Islands
Empire Supper Club
One of the most highly anticipated new restaurants to debut on Icon of the Seas, the Empire Supper Club is gorgeous from head to toe.
Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club
The decadent 1920s-inspired eatery boasts a beautiful dining room with lots of jewel tones, a sparkling chandelier overhead and velvet seating, with a live music stage at one far end of the room for the swanky three-piece band. You’ll definitely pay for all this decadence, though. The adults-only Supper Club serves a luxurious prix fixe eight-course experience only.
Cost: $200
Location: Central Park
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
This restaurant has become a staple on Royal Caribbean ships, as the brand’s requisite Italian eatery. Don’t expect anything super-fancy here, in terms of ambiance, but you can expect Italian classics. Think carbonara, gnocchi, pasta Bolognese, risotto, osso buco and more.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Cost: $49.99 per person (for dinner; the per-person fee is slightly lower for lunch)
Location: Royal Promenade
Hooked Seafood
With beautiful ocean views courtesy of the long wall of windows to one side of this restaurant, Hooked Seafood is your place to both eat from the ocean and watch it.
Hooked Seafood Dining Venue
The seafood menus include a range of starters such as soft-shell crab, shrimp cocktail, ceviche and chowder, while the entrees are your typical lobster roll, mussels, salmon and fried fish platters. Pretty much all your basic seafood favorites can be found here.
Cost: $54.99 per person (for dinner; the per-person fee is slightly lower for lunch)
Location: The AquaDome
Izumi Hibachi &Sushi
A long-standing institution on Royal Caribbean ships, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, offers the classic hibachi experience. If you’re not up for hibachi, you can also, as the name suggests, dine on fresh sushi. If you’re going with the hibachi meal, you’ll pay a flat fee based on whether or not you want one meat or two meats in your meal.
Izumi in the Park
Cost: Starting at $30 per person
Location: Central Park, Deck 8 Midship Portside
Izumi in the Park
A brand-new Royal Caribbean offering among the Icon of the Seas restaurants, Izumi in the Park is an order window where you can request sushi and Taiyaki ice cream in bubble cones to go. The menu is simple, sweet and to the point. You can order various sushi options, which come in two rolls to an order, alongside your choice of an edamame or seaweed salad.
Izumi in the Park
A few hot options are also available. The bubble cones come in tempting flavors like rainbow mochi and matcha, with vanilla ice cream topped by matcha dust, a strawberry swirl, and rainbow mochi.
Cost: Under $10
Location: Central Park
Pier 7
While Pier 7 isn’t a complimentary restaurant, it does offer complimentary dining for children. Adults can find pretty reasonable prices, too. This is your place to go for all-day brunch, including classics, but also a few seaside-inspired bites, such as surf and turf tacos and mango lime shrimp tostadas.
Pier 7
Cost: Under $20
Location: Surfside
Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade
Playmakers has long been Royal Caribbean’s sports bar option, and the same is the case when it comes to the Icon of the Seas restaurants. Expect all your staple sports bar fare here: burgers, wings, fries, nachos, etc.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Cost: Under $30
Location: Surfside
Starbucks
It might not look like your neighborhood Starbucks, but it certainly tastes like it. Get all your favorite Starbucks classic caffeinated beverages at this outpost from the famous brand.
Starbucks
You can even order the holiday and seasonal favorites that you’d expect at any Starbucks location. In addition to drinks, the outpost also offers Starbucks’ food and even merchandise. It really is like someone took your neighborhood Starbucks and plopped it right in the middle of a cruise ship.
Cost: Under $10
Location: Royal Promenade, Deck 5/6 Midship
How Many Restaurants Does Icon of the Seas Have?
In total, Icon of the Seas boasts a whopping 26 free and specialty restaurants, not including any of the bars and lounges that might offer light bites in addition to their beer, wine and cocktails (like the Trellis Bar). There truly is something for everyone on this ship, no matter if you’re a foodie or just want some delicious fuel for your cruising adventures.
Icon of the Seas Restaurants
Final Thoughts
It’s clear: For foodies who want a spectacular cruising experience, Icon of the Seas delivers with its 20-plus restaurants and plethora of new venues. If you’re willing to spend just a bit more on your cruise, you can try them all, but even if you don’t pay to dine at a single specialty restaurant, you’ll still likely find that you have more than enough complimentary restaurants to fill an entire cruise’s worth of meals.
Didn’t manage to score a spot on this largest cruise ship in the world when it set sail from Miami to the western Caribbean in January 2024? If you consider yourself a fan of cruising, as well as a foodie traveler, there’s no excuse not to make tracks for this ship as soon as you possibly can.
While, yes, Icon of the Seas is so much more than just dining, with its entertainment venues and spectacular suites and staterooms, the range and quality of this ship’s dining program cannot be overlooked.
Cruise ships continue to dazzle the public eye and capture the imaginations of their passengers with their sheer size and sophistication, and that leads us to look at the Icon of the Seas vs Titanic!
Among the many vessels that have carried passengers in luxury and style, two stand out for their record-breaking proportions, unprecedented level of grandeur, and ambitious designs, just some of the mega reasons we’re looking at Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and the RMS Titanic.
Even though they are separated by over 100 years, both of these famous passenger vessels have carved out a significant place in maritime history. Today, we will take a deep look at how these two gargantuan ships compare. In doing so, we will look at their dimensions, passenger capacities, amenities, and even their historical legacies.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 250,800 compared to the Titanic, at 46,328 gross tons. Icon of the Seas is also much longer at 1,198 feet, compared to Titanic, at 822.5 feet.
If you remove historical context and simply compare the two ships in terms of their dimensions and total guest capacities, it is no surprise that the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, dwarfs the relatively antiquated RMS Titanic.
Naturally, a state-of-the-art cruise ship that was completed in 2024 is going to be larger and more complex than an ocean liner that first set sail in 1917, but that does not mean that the more modern ship was any more revolutionary or innovative.
That said, comparing the two ships by sheer numbers is a good way to grasp how much passenger ship design evolved during the time that separates the two vessels.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Measurement Chart
Stats
Icon of the Seas
RMS Titanic
Ship Class
Icon Class
Olympic Class
Total Decks
20
10
Length of Ship
1,198 Feet (365 Meters)
882.5 Feet (269 Meters)
Gross Tonnage
250,800
46,328
Passenger Capacity
5,610 (Double Occupancy)
2,435
Crew Capacity
2,350
874
As expected, the Icon of the Seas is significantly larger than the Titanic, both in terms of its overall length and its weight in gross tons. Now that we have the sheer numbers, we can provide a more contextualized examination of the two ships.
Size and Scale Comparison Between the Two Ships
A quick overview will tell you that the Icon of the Seas is drastically larger than the Titanic. While the size and complexity of the Titanic when it was first constructed meant that it was considered a true engineering marvel of its time, ship design has moved on. Modern-day cruise ships, especially the world’s largest, eclipse the Titanic and its sister ships in every way imaginable.
When the Titanicembarked on its tragic maiden voyage in 1912, it was considered to be unlike any other passenger vessel the world had ever seen. At nearly 1,000 feet in length, passengers could not believe how much space they had to explore or how spacious the ship’s first-class accommodations were.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: lightmax84)
Like the Titanic did in its heyday, the Icon of the Seas is now considered a giant. While the 1,198 feet of the Icon of the Seas stretch is impressive, it does not tell the whole story regarding the size differences between the two iconic ships.
This is because, in the number of decks, you see how it overshadows its early ancestor. Where the Titanic’s nine passenger decks would have been impressive for the time, the Icon of the Seas doubles this number, plus the decks stretch the entire length of the ship.
You can also clearly see the difference in size between the two ships when you look at how they weigh up against each other. The staggering 250,800 gross tonnage of the Icon of the Seas makes the 46,328 gross tonnage of the Titanic look minuscule, even though the Titanic was considered a colossus during its time. So, even though the Icon of the Seas is only 35% longer than the Titanic, it weighs more than five times as much.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic
This vast increase in decks also explains why the maximum capacity of the Icon of the Seas is so much higher than what was possible on the Titanic. When the Titanic set sail from Southampton, England, she was fully loaded with 2,240 passengers and crew.
On the other hand, the Icon of the Seas can carry more than triple this number of passengers alone. With the ability to comfortably take 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity and a crew of 2,350, the Icon of the Seas can carry a number of people in comfort that would have been unfathomable in the early decades of the 20th century.
Differences Between Amenities and Entertainment Venues on the Icon of the Seas and the Titanic
While the unprecedented size of the Titanic and the tragic circumstances of her sinking tend to be what the ship is most remembered for, its most remarkable feature was its opulence during its time.
With entertainment options and amenities that were never seen on an ocean-crossing passenger vessel, the Titanic symbolized early 20th-century luxury travel.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
Fast forward to the modern day, the Icon of the Seas seeks to captivate the minds of the general public in many of the same ways.
Even though the Titanic was marketed to transatlantic travelers as the most sophisticated way to travel and the Icon of the Seas was designed to be a floating paradise and a venue for the ultimate family vacation, both were designed to redefine what a passenger vessel could be.
To make the comparison easier to digest, let’s look at what each ship offered in isolation:
In addition to lavish accommodations for first-class passengers, the Titanic was centered around a grand staircase that would have looked impressive in any mansion of the time. For dining options, passengers were given options depending on the type of ticket they purchased.
Photo Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock
First-class passengers could visit a luxurious dining saloon that served gourmet dishes, a more casual and trendy Persian-style café, and the Verandah Café, which sat beneath a large-scale glass dome. Passengers with lower-class tickets also had several options to choose from.
Beyond dining and luxury accommodations, passengers also had several recreational and leisure amenities that could help them pass the time. This included a swimming pool, luxurious spa, gymnasium, several libraries, and a writing room. The expansive outer decks also featured shuffleboard games, lounge chairs, and purpose-built observation decks.
Titanic’s Café Parisien (Photo Credit: Robert Welch)
Although all of this may seem pretty basic by modern standards, in 1912, the Titanic achieved a level of luxury that was truly unheard of in an ocean liner.
Icon of the Seas Décor, Amenities, and Dining Options
Like the Titanic and numerous other ships before it, the Icon of the Seas was designed to revolutionize how comfortable and entertaining marine travel could be. As such, it is a true floating paradise of entertainment, recreation, and leisure. Passengers can also choose between numerous accommodation styles and layouts.
Pools and Slides on Icon of the Seas
To list all of the amenities the ship is outfitted with would take hours. With a record-breaking six water slides, an escape room, movie theaters, a 363-ton AquaDome Theater for live performances, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, seven full-sized pools, several spas, one of the first swim-up bars ever seen on a ship, a surf simulator, and so much more, it’s safe to say that passengers will have no shortage of things to do while on board this mighty ship.
When it comes to dining options, the ship features more restaurants, bars, and cafés than you would find in a typical American town. From well-known chains like Starbucks to unique, purpose-built restaurants, the ship can cater to the tastes of even the pickiest passengers.
Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas
If you think the sheer number and variety of amenities and dining options would confuse passengers, don’t worry; Royal Caribbean thought of that. It is actually part of the reason why they divided the interior and top decks of the ship into “neighborhoods,” each with its own theme and layout.
Where the Titanic was designed to help passengers pass the time in a luxurious and comfortable way, the Icon of the Seas was designed to make passengers not want to leave it.
Speed Comparison: Icon of the Seas vs Titanic
Despite the significant differences in size and weight, the two ships actually have a relatively similar cruising speed. Both ships were designed to cruise at a comfortable 21 to 22 knots, roughly equivalent to about 25 miles per hour on land.
While it may surprise you that a ship over 100 years older would travel at the same speed as a state-of-the-art ship built today, you must remember that cruise ships are not designed for speed. The onboard experience for passengers is meant to be one of leisure rather than transportation.
Stern of the Titanic (Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov)
Where the Titanic was built to transport people to and from Europe and North America, the Icon of the Seas was constructed purely to offer passengers an opportunity to experience a vacation on the water.
In other words, the Titanic was meant to be a transportation vessel that provided passengers with a comfortable and leisurely way to travel while enjoying being on the Icon of the Seas, which is the entire purpose of boarding the vessel.
Icon of the Seas Sailing and Wake
If, on the other hand, the Icon of the Seas was designed to be a high-speed ocean liner, modern advancements in engine design would allow her to travel at a much faster speed. The exterior of the ship would also have a different design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where was the Titanic and the Icon of the Seas built?
The two iconic ships were both constructed in Europe. The Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the since-disbanded Harland & Wolff Shipyard. On the other hand, the Icon of the Seas was built in Turku, Finland, at the Meyer Turku Shipyard.
Both ships needed to be built in massive shipyards capable of handling such a massive project.
How long did it take to build the Titanic and the Icon of the Seas?
Despite their many differences, the two ships had a very similar timescale regarding how long it took them to be built. It took thousands of workers 1,098 days to build the RMS Titanicand 900 days to build the Icon of the Seas.
Given advancements in construction methods, materials, and technological improvements that have taken place in the century that divides the two ships, it is fascinating that they had such similar build times.
How much did building the Titanic and the Icon of the Seas cost?
The Icon of the Seas has an estimated construction cost of over $2 billion, which makes it the most expensive cruise ship ever built. On the other hand, the Titanic cost roughly £1.5 million to make. While estimates vary, this figure would be roughly equivalent to $1.6 billion after you have accounted for historical conversion rates, inflation, and other factors.
Again, despite the immense period of time that separates the two ships, they share many similarities.
Final Words
While they may seem incredibly different at first glance, the Titanic and the Icon of the Seas represent important maritime innovation symbols.
Despite being separated for over 100 years, both ships have redefined marine transportation by allowing passengers to travel in unprecedented comfort and extravagance.
