Royal Caribbean has contacted guests booked on Freedom of the Seas sailings in December 2024 and January 2025 to inform them that their cruise has now been cancelled due to dry dock scheduling. 

This will be a blow to travelers looking forward to their Christmas and New Year getaway, but the cruise line is offering some compensation for the loss of what would have been a very merry sailing.

Freedom of the Seas Cruises Cancelled

Guests planning a special holiday getaway aboard Freedom of the Seas in 2024 and 2025 are now disappointed to learn that their cruise has been cancelled. The cruise line has sent out letters to impacted guests with options. Instead, the ship will be undergoing dry dock at that time for maintenance and upgrades.

“We’re continuously working to improve our ships and the many amenities they have to offer. We’re taking Freedom of the Seas into dry dock for routine maintenance and exciting improvements,” the notification email for the December 21 cruise explained. “Unfortunately, this means your upcoming December 21st, 2024 cruise has been cancelled.”

The nature of the “exciting improvements” has not been detailed, and the 156,271-gross-ton cruise ship has not been updated since it received the “Royal Amplification.” 

This $116 million (USD) upgrade in early 2020 added Playmakers Sports Bar, the Perfect Storm slides, and the Studio B Ice rink can now transition into a laser tag arena or a nightclub, amongst various other enhancements to the 17-year-old cruise ship.

In late 2024, the ship is scheduled to be homeported from Fort Lauderdale, offering 6-8 night Caribbean sailings, many of which will also call on the cruise line’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The fact that there are only four short six to eight-night sailings for Freedom of the Seas between November 2024 and February 2025 suggests that the ship might be undergoing a considerably longer dry dock period than initially anticipated. 

There is one cruise scheduled to sail on December 29, but after that, no cruises are available through February 16, 2025. Keep in mind, this could also point to a series of charters for the January-February window.

Alternative Sailings Offered

Royal Caribbean has outlined some alternate options for the guests in the notification email to alleviate the disappointment of the cancelled cruises. There are two primary alternatives: rebooking other itineraries in 2024 and 2025 or re-booking any other Royal Caribbean International sailing.

Guests have the option to choose from a selection of 2024 or 2025 itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, onboard Freedom of the Seas or Oasis of the Seas.

The proposed itineraries include a variety of 7-night and 8-night trips sailing to destinations such as the Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Maarten, Aruba, Curacao, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Surprisingly, Royal Caribbean is not offering a Christmas Holiday cruise as an alternative on other ships.

Worth Reading: Royal Caribbean Introduces Pop-Up Holiday Marketplace at Sea

For the replacement cruises, Royal Caribbean assures guests that their original stateroom category price will either be protected at the original cruise fare rate or reduced to the current cruise fare rate. Furthermore, guests will receive a refund for the difference if the booking was already paid in full and the cruise fare rate decreases.

Guests who choose to sail on any other Royal Caribbean cruises will be responsible for any price differences, including cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items. Royal will waive any non-refundable deposit change fees.

Refunds Available

Besides the option to rebook, Royal Caribbean International has also made provisions for full refunds. According to the email, guests who cannot find a suitable new itinerary and choose to cancel will receive a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare. This includes non-refundable deposits and any pre-paid amenities. 

Moreover, if guests have booked airfare through Royal Caribbean International, it will be automatically refunded. For guests who have arranged their own transportation and have incurred non-refundable change fees, the cruise line offers to cover up to $200 per guest for domestic changes or up to $400 per guest for international changes.

Guests who had used a Future Cruise Credit for the cancelled cruise will have any new funds paid above the FCC amount refunded and the original FCC reinstated.

Despite the regrettable situation, Royal Caribbean is trying to rectify it and minimize the impact on its guests. Guests wishing to choose from the options provided must contact Royal Caribbean or their Travel Advisor. Guests who do not make contact by this date will have their reservation cancelled.

While the cancellation of the Freedom of the Seas holiday cruise is unfortunate, it appears that Royal Caribbean is planning something special for the Freedom-class cruise ship. Changes that could affect sisterships Independence of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas at a later date.

Royal Caribbean International is gearing up for one of the most exciting years in its history. In 2024, the cruise line is launching two colossal cruise ships, Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas. Both will be the top two largest cruise ships in the world! It promises to be a defining moment in the cruise industry and will have a huge impact.

With Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is moving towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Despite their size, both vessels will run much cleaner than the other 26 ships in the fleet, as they are outfitted with LNG propulsion and fuel cell technology.

Utopia of the Seas: Arriving July 2024

Utopia of the Seas, the sixth and final ship of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class fleet, is marketed as “The World’s Biggest Weekend,” and will be the first Oasis-class cruise ship designed entirely around shorter 3-4 night itineraries that make the most of your weekend. 

The largest Oasis-class cruise ship to date, Utopia of the Seas, is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. Construction started with cutting the first steel in April 2022 and reached another major milestone when the keel was laid down in July 2022.

Once completed, she will measure 236,860 gross tons and can accommodate 5,668 guests at double occupancy. 

The inaugural voyage is set for July 22, 2024, with the 28th ship in the fleet embarking on a 4-night cruise to Nassau and the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Sailing from Port Canaveral, Utopia of the Seas is packed with amenities, boasting 18 public decks, 21 dining venues, five pools, 23 bars, two casinos, and much more spread out over eight different neighborhoods.

Some highlights include the Ultimate Abyss slide, a zip line, and the FlowRider surf simulator. There will also be a new specialty restaurant, a poolside food truck, and the new Pesky Parrot bar.

Utopia of the Seas also introduces two new Solarium Suites, providing an adult-only area with its own pool and whirlpools, and offers 20 new room types compared to other Royal Caribbean cruise ships, including the Royal Loft Suite.

Icon of the Seas: Arriving January 2024

The other remarkable addition, and the 27th cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, will be Icon of the Seas. 

Billed as “The World’s Best Family Vacation,” the cruise ship will sail from Miami, Florida, on January 27, 2024. Icon of the Seas will offer 7-night Caribbean cruises, including stops at Basseterre, St. Kitts or Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands; and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Icon of the Seas is the first of the new Icon class ships. At 250,800 gross tons, she will be the largest cruise ship in the world upon launch.

The vessel can house 5,610 guests at double occupancy but with the capacity to hold up to 7,600 guests. The first steel for the vessel was cut on June 14, 2021, and she already returned from her first sea trials earlier this month, on June 22.

Icon of the Seas‘ 20 decks house 2,805 staterooms, seven pools, nine whirlpools, and six record-breaking water slides. An incredible 2,350 international crew will be onboard to ensure all guests are well cared for while enjoying themselves in eight neighborhoods, each boasting unique features and attractions. 

Among the 28 different cabin categories, there are new options like the Family Infinite Oceanview Balconies, Surfside Family View Cabins, and the Ultimate Family Townhouse suite. 

Utopia or Icon?

Royal Caribbean is breaking the mold again with Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas. While the Oasis-class ships have been around for some years, Royal Caribbean has infused freshness and anticipation into the class with Utopia of the Seas. 

With Icon of the Seas, the cruise line has gone all-out to create something that many didn’t believe possible onboard a cruise ship. She promises to be the epitome of a family vacation at sea, which is precisely what Royal Caribbean set out to do.

The launch of these two vessels will undoubtedly create waves in the cruise industry, pushing boundaries in design and guest experiences. However, Royal is taking a very serious step toward becoming a more sustainable focussed company with these two ships. Something that was badly needed for the Miami-based company.

Read Also: Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World

Whether you’re looking for a swift yet luxurious weekend getaway with Utopia‘s 3 to 4-night itineraries or a week-long, family-focused adventure with Icon‘s 7-night itineraries, the choice between the two vessels comes down to personal choice.

Yet, regardless of your preference, both ships promise an unforgettable cruise filled with innovative entertainment, culinary delights, and relaxation. These cutting-edge vessels offer a new era of cruising, and we can’t wait to see them set sail in 2024.

Royal Caribbean International has removed the jazz clubs aboard three Oasis-class ships and converted the spaces to smoke-less casinos, using the interior outfitter Trimline to manage the conversions as the ships were in service. The changes are now complete aboard Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas.

Jazz Clubs Removed

The three oldest Oasis-class ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet no longer feature jazz clubs on Deck 4, but instead, now use the space for smoke-less casinos.

The “Jazz on 4” clubs, located forward in each ship near the main show lounge, were popular for live music and other activities, but the desire for smoke-free casino areas in recent years has risen and prompted the change.

The work to remove each jazz club and convert it to a casino space was done by “ride on squads” to complete the transformations without the need for dry dock accommodations or otherwise removing the ships from service. On each ship, the individual conversions took approximately two weeks.

Aboard Harmony of the Seas, for example, the work was completed from the end of February through mid-March.

Trimline provided an expert team of demolition and removal contractors, joiners, electricians, and decorators to complete the work, coordinating closely with data, casino, and IT specialists to ensure the work was efficient and did not disrupt ship operations for either guests or crew members. Meticulous pre-planning also helped the work proceed effectively without impacting the onboard experience.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Royal Caribbean on these conversions. The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the work is delivered to the highest standards, and we are delighted with the results,” said Billy Morton, Trimline Project Manager. “We’re confident that these new smoke-less casinos will provide an enjoyable experience for the guests on board.”

Worth Reading: Royal Caribbean Ship Closes Onboard Venues to Expand Casino

Trimline has also been responsible for other cruise ship renovations, including modernizing suites, converting dining rooms, rebranding spaces, refitting public areas, and more for cruise lines such as TUI Cruises, Seabourn, and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. With more than 57 years’ experience, Trimline creates marine interiors not just for cruise ships, but also for ferries and military vessels.

What About Other Ships?

The three remaining Oasis-class vessels – Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and the upcoming Utopia of the Seas – still show the same space on Deck 4, but for different uses.

Aboard Symphony of the Seas, the space is still labeled as “Jazz on 4” but it is possible the conversion is yet to be planned.

Wonder of the Seas, currently the world’s largest cruise ship and the youngest Oasis-class vessel, has the “Golden Room” in the same location, which is already a smoke-free casino.It is possible the success of the space, based not only on general use but also on guest feedback, may be what prompted the conversion aboard the other ships.

Official deck plans for the upcoming Utopia of the Seas, which will be the last of the Oasis-class vessels, also shows the space labeled as “Casino Royale Non-Smoking” but without any more specific name as yet. Utopia of the Seas will set sail from Port Canaveral in July 2024.

Non-Smoking Trends

According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking rates in the United States have dropped by nearly 50% in the past 18 years, from 20.9% of adults in 2005 to just 11.5% of adults in 2021. Younger adults (under age 25) are even less likely to smoke, meaning this trend is likely to continue in years to come.

By reducing smoking spaces onboard cruise ships and providing more smoke-free areas, cruise lines are updating their policies and spaces to the preferences of younger cruisers.

This can be especially relevant for Royal Caribbean, which is rapidly positioning itself as a more family-oriented cruise line with amazing ship amenities and designs that appeal to younger families, such as the new Surfside neighborhood on the upcoming Icon of the Seas.

It remains to be seen whether or not there are further changes to other ships, as well as aboard other cruise lines, to remove smoking spaces or to provide more smoke-free alternatives for passengers to enjoy.

Would you prefer a non-smoking casino? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

A guest who accidentally fell overboard from a Royal Caribbean ship has been safely rescued thanks to quick action from crew members. The incident happened on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from Mariner of the Seas while the ship was sailing a day at sea en route to the first port of call on its current sailing.

Passenger Overboard From Mariner of the Seas

Guests onboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas have reported a brief overboard situation that was quickly resolved with a successful rescue on Sunday, June 25.

A female passenger was reportedly sitting on the ship’s railing to take a photo, when she slipped and fell into the water, but the circumstances of the incident have not been confirmed.

Crew members were quickly alerted and the ship was turned around to recover the passenger. A smoke flare was used to mark their position in the water, and the ship’s pilot boat was dispatched to bring her back aboard.

During the rescue operation, the ship’s cruise director kept guests onboard updated through public address announcements. Deck 4 portside was closed to permit crew members to more efficiently conduct the rescue.

No further details have been released about the guest’s identity, condition, or the complete circumstances that led to the fall. It is also unknown at this time what deck the guest fell from, or whether it was from a public deck or a stateroom balcony.

As with any overboard incident, there will be a thorough investigation to be sure all safety procedures and response protocols were in place and worked effectively.

No Impact on Current Sailing

The incident happened in the afternoon hours as the ship was southeast of the Dominican Republic. Mariner of the Seas is currently sailing an 8-night “Southern Caribbean & Perfect Day” itinerary that departed Port Canaveral on Friday, June 23.

The first two days of the cruise, including Sunday, have been days at sea, and the ship will call on Curacao, Aruba, and CocoCay before returning to Port Canaveral on Saturday, July 1.

The ship resumed course shortly thereafter, and the incident did not impact the overall itinerary.

This is not the first successful rescue of a passenger overboard from Mariner of the Seas. In 2016, while the ship was sailing from Shanghai, a 31-year-old woman accidentally fell over the railing and was rescued after spending an astonishing 38 hours in the ocean.

Worth Reading: Overboard Passenger Rescued From Cruise Ship in Baltic Sea

The 140,000-gross ton, Voyager-class Mariner of the Seas is currently homeported from Port Canaveral, offering a variety of Southern, Eastern, and Western Caribbean sailings, as well as the occasional Bermuda itinerary, with cruises ranging from 4-8 nights depending on departure date.

In May 2024, the ship will reposition to Galveston to begin offering 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from the popular Texas homeport.