cruise ship piano bar

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Play it again, Sam. Or Diana. Or whatever your name is. Because this is the bar where you call the shots… and the tunes. Hey songbird — pull up a seat, order your favorite cocktail and let your friendly piano player know what you’d like to hear. Then join the singalong for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time. Don’t feel like flexing your vocal cords? No worries — hummingbirds are welcome here, too. And since the bar’s open from the evening until late at night, it’s the perfect spot for an early drink or singing ‘til the wee hours.

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Carnival Magic Bars (with menus and prices)

Carnival Magic has 11 different bars and lounges where you can enjoy a beer or cocktail. Below you can see all the different bars that can be found on Magic along with their current menus and prices.

What bars are on the Carnival Magic?

Alchemy bar.

Alchemy Bar is Carnival�s signature high-end cocktail bar. It�s an excellent place for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Here, experienced bartenders whip up some delicious, hand-crafted cocktails. Carnival also offers non-alcoholic versions of these cocktails using Lyre's syrups to provide all the flavor with none of the alcohol.

Alchemy Bar Menu

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee December 2023.

On Carnival, the Atrium is the heart of the cruise ship, and this bar is right in the middle of it. Stop by for a drink before dinner or grab a cocktail before one of the parties Carnival hosts in this space.

Atrium Bar Menu

Menu is from February 2024.

BlueIguana Tequila Bar

The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar is a pool-side bar located by the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship except for the Excel-class and Venice-class ships.

BlueIguana Tequila Bar Menu

Menu is from Carnival Horizon January 2024.

Stop by the Casino Bar while trying your luck at the many slot machines or table games.

Casino Bar Menu

Menus from the Carnival Legend April 2023.

Escape Bar is a quite lounge where you can grab a drink and relax.

Escape Bar Menu

Play it Again Piano Bar

This piano bar will be rocking every night during your cruise. While it's not officially called Piano Bar 88, they share the same cocktail menu.

Play it Again Piano Bar Menu

Menu is from Carnival Venezia February 2024.

The Plaza Cafe is the go-to spot for speciality coffees and milkshakes. It has a different menu from Java Blue Cafe which is found on the newer ships.

RedFrog Pub

RedFrog Pub is a Caribbean themed lounge with pub games and great drinks. It should not be confused with RedFrog Rum Bar or RedFrog Tiki Bar (which are poolside venues) . RedFrog Pub is the only place in the Carnival fleet to get a Fish Bowl drink.

RedFrog Pub Menu

Menu from the Carnival Pride November 2023.

RedFrog Rum Bar

You can find the Red Frog Rum Bar next to the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship. It is different from the Red Frog Pub, which is usually an inside bar on the Promenade level of the ship.

RedFrog Rum Bar Menu

Menu is from Carnival Liberty February 2024.

Spotlight Lounge

Spotlight Lounge is where you'll find a lot of fun activities during your cruise: karaoke, live music, art auctions, and the Punchliner Comedy Club.

Spotlight Lounge Menu

Vibe Dance Club

Dance the night away at the Vibe Dance Club, the 18+ dance club where DJ's will mix today's hottest hits and yesterday's retro jams.

Vibe Dance Club Menu

Should you get the Carnival drink package?

Carnival offers a drink package for $59.95 - $69.95 per guest per day. Some people can save considerable money by purchasing the drink package, while others save by paying per drink. Learn more about the available drink packages below or try our handy drink package calculator to see what you'd save.

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• Holland America Line

Piano Bar entertainers - who is your favorite?

By JPH814 , March 2, 2016 in Holland America Line

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In August, we were on the Oosterdam and had the pleasure of spending many evenings with Jimmy Maddox. I thought he was wonderful and could not imagine a better piano bar entertainer.

Until we were on the Zuiderdam in January and we met Stryker. My god, what a talent. Incredible musician, singer and entertainer.

So now we have another cruise booked on the Oosterdam, in February of 2017. I have no idea who it will be in the piano bar. I can only hope it will be as good as either of these two.

which got me to thinking...

Who is you favorite piano bar entertainer and why??

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Diana Fast. Her husband plays bass in the musical group that plays in the Ocean Bar. Often, he will join her in the Piano Bar after his group's set is finished. And, that only adds to the enjoyment.

Diana is open to song selections from her audience. She can play/sing anything anyone suggests. Often, it is "standing room only" in the venue where she is performing. Just a great talent!

She never takes a break. From the start to the end of her time to perform, she is there entertaining. And, off duty, she is a very pleasant person, as well.

For my last 3 cruises I have enjoyed Barry from Boston in the Piano Bar. Prior to that none of the entertainers in the Piano Bar caught my attention.

On the next cruise I am told the Piano Bar entertainer will be Jeff the Piano Man. Hope he is as good.

Jimmy Maddox. Sir Stryker and Diana Fast are our favorites. Now if we could just get them to contract the same cruises we book.:D:cool:

In August, we were on the Oosterdam and had the pleasure of spending many evenings with Jimmy Maddox. I thought he was wonderful and could not imagine a better piano bar entertainer.   Until we were on the Zuiderdam in January and we met Stryker. My god, what a talent. Incredible musician, singer and entertainer.   So now we have another cruise booked on the Oosterdam, in February of 2017. I have no idea who it will be in the piano bar. I can only hope it will be as good as either of these two.   which got me to thinking...   Who is you favorite piano bar entertainer and why??

Your so right. Sir Stryker is so talented.

I enjoyed Barry from Boston, first piano bar entertainment that I enjoyed. I have not been on a cruise with the others mentioned but nice to hear that they are liked too.

Overall I find the piano bars too small, too crowed, seating uncomfortable and I dislike standing until someone leaves. I'd rather go elsewhere. m--

peaches from georgia

Barry from Boston. :D

Diane Fast by a country mile.

I love her (and her husband Bob).

Of the current group, I've never had the opportunity to hear Barry from Boston, but have heard enough good things that I know I would be happy to find his name on my daily program when I boarded.

I have enjoyed Jimmy Maddox, and love Stryker and Diane Fast. I think my favorite right now is Buddy Mitchell. He's a lot of fun, and plays some most unusual pieces.

Jimmy Maddox. Definitely.:D

:) Barry from Boston.

Krazy Kruizers

Diana Fast -- she is the only one we have had from this list.

Wow. A lot of love for Barry from Boston. He was on Oosterdam in October and I thought he sucked. In fact, I've yet to hear a decent piano entertainer on HAL, and I think the venue is terrible.

Sorry, I know this wasn't exactly what you were asking. :o

I definitely concur with Jimmy Maddox, Diane Fast and Stryker (whom I just got to experience for the first time on my recent Zuiderdam cruise). It's even more amazing that Stryker doesn't read music and does what he does totally by ear!

On the other hand, I didn't think much of: Kimberly Krohn, Michael Sara and Olga Savage.

The last time we saw him he went by the name "Stryker." Now he has added "Sir?" Whatever....for a guy that cannot read a note of music he is an amazing talent.

The last time we saw him he went by the name "Stryker." Now he has added "Sir?" Whatever....for a guy that cannot read a note of music he is an amazing talent.   Hank

The "Sir" is really only for his website. He goes by "Stryker".

Jim Fischer and Greg Gallello.

Finally remembered the name of one more Piano Bar entertainer who was enjoyed by many of us on the Statendam's final HAL voyage to Singapore: Kenn (yes 2 n's) Pettiford. Personally engaging with a good voice and could play whatever song you mentioned.

A previous poster mentioned the small Piano Bar venue on some of the ships and I have to agree with those comments. Almost always, however, I was able to find a seat somewhere in the "hinter lands" of the Lounge. Certainly, not at all the best location for one who wishes to participate in the program of the Piano Bar, but I enjoyed the music and the ambience.

In my opinion, the introduction of the MIX concept to some of the ships in lieu of the public rooms that had been in those locations is a positive. The Piano Bar performer has lots of room for an audience plus the area provides for additional entertainment that is different from other venues aboard.

I definitely concur with Jimmy Maddox, Diane Fast and Stryker (whom I just got to experience for the first time on my recent Zuiderdam cruise). It's even more amazing that Stryker doesn't read music and does what he does totally by ear!   On the other hand, I didn't think much of: Kimberly Krohn, Michael Sara and Olga Savage.

When were you on the Z with styker. We were on the Panama sailing Jan 25

I was on the Feb. 15 sailing -- Just got back this past Friday.

Keroppi2011

Stryker is way beyond just a piano man. He is the consummate entertainer, with talent, personality and an outrageous wardrobe. We were lucky enough to enjoy 49 nights with him, in addition to all the extra events he organized (Sunday morning gospel songs, guest talent shows, staff talent nights, rear deck concert under the stars).

Also had an great 49 day voyage with Buddy. Entirely different experience, but every bit as enjoyable. Loved his versions of "Smile" and "Over the Rainbow". Coax him to sing "Hallelujah". Makes me cry every time.

Stryker ... organized (Sunday morning gospel songs, ....

Is Stryker allowed to do his Gospel Hour again? That would be wonderful if he is.

He did it on my first cruise with him. Had to move him from the Piano Lounge, to the Ocean Bar, and finally to the show lounge as the crowds were so large.

Then, someone complained about the nature of the music, and the shows were stopped.

Happy if HAL has come to its senses about letting him give this entertainment.

tapdancemom

Kenn Pettiford! We sailed last June on the Westerdam and discovered him a few nights into the cruise. We were hooked and went every night after that.

Great piano man, could play anything and quite charming. He would do a Name That Tune for part of the time and take request also. Had to get there early, filled up quickly.

Jamm the Piano Man. The best. First time I ever went to the piano bar and I was hooked[emoji5]

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The 7 Best Piano Bars at Sea

Pre-dinner, post-dinner, or even after midnight, someone on a cruise ship somewhere in the world is seated at a keyboard tickling the ivories for a room full of happy passengers. If you love piano bars, you’re in luck. Each cruise line has its own vibe — from romantic and jazzy to raucous and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired. Here, our picks for the best piano bars at sea.

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Cruise Ship Pianists – Everything You Need To Know

• August 7, 2020

*Keyboardkraze now has a nearly 24/7 chat service directly with me should you have any questions regarding keyboard/plugin choices! This is connected directly to me and it is not AI.

Table of Contents

If you are a decorated pianist, chances are that at one point you wonder about cruise ship pianists. While there are some great benefits to becoming a cruise ship pianist, there are also some things you will want to consider before setting sail.

While I have spent the better part of 5 years touring the country in a rock band, my knowledge wasn’t up to par with cruise ships. In order to conduct the research, I took to talking to a good friend of mine who actually did a couple of cruise ship tours as a musician.

Let’s take a look at the considerations for musicians wanting to hop aboard cruise ships to play the piano.

1) Experience

Most pianists who play on cruise ships have a lot of experience when it comes to sight-reading, gigging & working with other musicians. Every cruise ship job will entail different performances depending on which position you are in.

The more comfortable you are learning new songs daily and performing them, the better you will do. I’ve seen some ships looking for jazz pianists and others looking for musicians to play classical piano pieces . It varies and you may want to be well versed in both aspects.

If you’re someone who doesn’t have a ton of experience playing the piano, you would not be quite ready for cruise ships as a lot of these positions are filled by very skilled players.

If you’re not someone who does well in tight-quarters, becoming a cruise ship pianist might not be for you. Your cabins are often extremely small and there’s not much room inside of them.

You are often paired with roommates, (usually one or two), and it’s all random for who you get paired with.

My friend said that he was lucky enough to get paired with 2 roommates that he got along with really well. Remember, the cruise ship industry can be harsh and is not for everyone.

There will constantly be new staff arriving and current staff members leaving.

Think of it similar to a dorm situation, only much smaller and more cramped.

3) Auditions/Positions For Pianists

Auditions for cruise ship positions can be stressful. Most of the are done online and you will be asked to perform different types of music on the spot.

You will get clear instructions as to what you’re expected to be able to do for your audition. There are often a ton of musicians applying for these positions, so be sure that you’re properly prepared.

Pianists can target different types of positions on the ships including the following:

• Playing keys in a party band
• Playing in the piano bar
• Jazz quartets

For those of you who into jazz or gospel music, I highly recommend you reading our article on the best keyboards for worship .

Pay For Cruise Ship Pianists

One of the big pluses for playing on a cruise ship is the fact that you don’t have to worry about paying rent for months at a time.

Here’s a breakdown of the pay that you can expect while playing the piano.

The following are based on monthly pay unless specified otherwise.

• Solo Piano Bar $3,000-$4,500 (Includes your own cabin)
• Keyboardist in a band $2,200-$3,000
• Jazz Quartets $2,400,$3,500
• Duos ($2,400,$3,500)

5) Must Be Able To Adapt

Working as a pianist on a cruise ship means that you should be ready and willing to adapt to whatever you are asked to. Work can often become very stressful and you may be asked to learn different songs than you were prepared for on very short notice.

Dealing with tourists on the ship can also become stressful for some. You should be ready to communicate with tourists who are often drinking from the second they arrive on the boat.

It will not always be a bad time, but as you know, too much alcohol can result in annoying interactions.

On top of this, cruise ship pianists & musicians in general are not allowed to drink. You must keep your blood alcohol level under a certain amount at all times.

There are random tests and people are often fired for not following the rules.

As some musicians take to a beer after a performance to help with stress, you can’t really do that in this case. Be prepared to find other ways such as meditation to help with stress throughout the day.

To summarize this article, I would recommend those to become pianists on cruise ships if they are able to adapt and roll with the punches easily.

I would also recommend that you are someone who has patience & good people skills.

A cruise ship job is perfect for those who are fine with being gone for months at a time.

In closing, if you’re a pianist who has always wanted to travel, it could definitely be worth giving it a shot. You could create life-lasting memories that you will be proud of for the rest of your life.

Chris Senner

Chris Senner is a passionate keyboardist, songwriter & blogger from Milwaukee, WI. He's toured the country with Vinyl Theatre & now has developed a passion for writing about all things keyboards.

Howdy Chris, Thanks for the TON of general info about your experience’s. I would like to ask you which keyboard (s) you feel have the best “pedal-steel guitar” sound when you feel the need ? I know there are some backing tracks/style files on some that are excellent but as a keyboardist , sometimes we just want to emulate that sound ourselve’s. I used to have a KORG I5S that was perfect but it was stolen and I have not found a suitable replacement. Any suggestions ? Thanks and keep up the good work. GOD Bless, Jerry

Thanks for the comment. The best pedal steel sound is a tricky one. There are a couple of Yamaha keyboards that have some cool internals for sounds like this. With this being said, I would recommend using a VST. If you really want to emulate the feel of pedal steel, I think going the virtual route is best. You can read about pedal steel guitar plugins here: https://keyboardkraze.com/best-steel-guitar-vsts/

hello i would like to apply as solo pianist intemencionisthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qYxeYxz4a4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75uXie0rCTshttps://soundcloud.com/lizpiani/mozart-21-pianolhttps://soundcloud.com/lizpiani/tango-pazolla-1-pianor

HI Ive worked on ships as a pianist for over 2 decades- the best thing about the job is the travel and the fun you have playing with great crowds when everyone is joining in singing and having a great night – and you are getting paid for this amazing feeling of bringing a smile to peoples faces.

The worst part about the job is the snakes in the grass on ships in management who put you down and try to cost you your job to make themselves look more efficient. Dealing with noisy drunks can be hard too – on most ships I ve been on musicians are allowed to drink but the ones that do become alcoholics – to survive – if you can – its best not to drink at all

For solo piano vocalists, pay is great , the chance to travel to amazing places is surreal, conditions on the ship are usually good – solo cabin and guest privelifges- but you have to be prepared to do some training and attend crew drills etc

Hi, Adam! I was recently hired by a cruise ship line as a pianistt. I’ve sent some material which they liked. At the on line-audition, I didn’t have to perform, they did most of the talking, but they asked if ‘ I had any voice’, to which I said ‘yes’. I know quite a few perennials, mostly jazz, so that part doesn’t worry me much. I wonder if I have to sing right-away, because I have 2 days to prepare, since I was initially refused, but they gave another shot at it. I could practice some required tunes, like ‘Georgia …’, ‘ Sweet Lorraine’, and what not. Suppose, I’m not a native english-speaker, but my command it is quite good, as well as my pronunciation, what would be your best advice? Thanks a lot!

…command OF it. is quite good..:)

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Experience. Travel. Adventure.

Connecting talented musicians with industry leading cruise lines we are a global cruise line agent with a passion for music and sourcing the right talent to excel at sea. But we’re not just your average agency! Having worked ourselves with multiple cruise lines we understand all too well the challenges musicians face both on and off the ship. So whether you’re thinking about taking that first step to life at sea or would like to return to sea, we provide top expertise to ensure you secure that dream job with the best contract, salary, support and guidance so you hit the ground running and have a successful career at sea.

Guitar vocalists, piano bar entertainers, cocktail pianists, steel pan players, guitar/ piano intermissionist and also DJ’s. These soloists love interacting with an audience and are confident at creating high-energy memorable experiences, without the help of a band or backing tracks. If this sounds like you – we can help you get that dream job.

There are awesome cruise ship opportunities waiting for versatile established musical ensembles. Duos, Trios, Quartets and Party Bands are all accepted, provided they have an extensive repertoire covering several genres and a killer stage presence to match.

Showband Musicians

Highly proficient musicians with sight reading ability are hired individually to join a world-class on-board house band or show orchestra. Do you play drums, bass, keys, guitar, sax, trombone, trumpet or sing lead vocals? Do you have strong sight-reading and improvisation skills? If you said “yes” to both, we have opportunities for you.

URGENT OPENINGS

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Carnival Cruise Line pushes back on controversial onboard issue

C ruise lines operate each cruise as its own business more or less. The cruise operators track their costs and balance that against the value of the tickets sold, the various onboard extras people pay for, and any other revenue that comes in.

Some costs are fixed. You can't really change the size of the crew on a cruise-by-cruise basis. The same goes for fuel and onboard entertainment. Royal Caribbean has to pay the pub guitarist even if the pub is empty, and Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) has to pay its singalong piano bar players whether or not that venue draws a crowd.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line confirms ban on a popular cabin hack

There are, however, some costs the cruise lines have choices about. Before the pandemic, Royal Caribbean ( RCL ) showed movies all day on the big screen on ships that have a screen on the pool deck. It showed the movies that played in that spot at night more as background content.

Since the Covid restart, the cruise line now only shows movies at select times. That's a budget-saving measure that likely has not annoyed many passengers because it still offers recently-in-theaters films, at night, just not all the time.

The same logic applies to sports programming. Royal Caribbean and Carnival, on their namesake brands, generally have the big games and the playoffs, but they might not have every game customers wish to see.

That's because they're making choices as to which networks they license and that may leave them with coverage holes. Both cruise lines also have a fairly limited selection of television channels offered in passenger cabins and that's something some cruisers have complained about.

Carnival pushed for more TV choices  

Some cruise ship passengers never use the television in their cabin while others like to use it to watch the in-house programming. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have channels devoted to on-ship programming which often includes a daily show featuring the cruise director, as well as channels dedicated the excursions and booking future cruises.

There are, however, passengers who like to keep track of the real world while at sea, and one of those cruisers reached out to Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald.

"John Heald. Talk to the beards as you call them and tell them this. We need the main networks plus Fox News in this election year in the states. Plus we want USA Network, HBO, FX. As you guys are too cheap to pay for it make it known there should be an option of say $20-$100 Increase in the cost of the cruise. And add on like the internet or Cheers. That kind of thing. 90% would pay for an add-on like this," M wrote.

It's worth noting that the cruise lines generally do not have the ability to license television networks on a per-person basis. They either pay to have the channel on the ship, or they don't.

Selection, however, can vary by ship. Royal Caribbean ships, for example, that don't have the Playmakers Sports Bar have a thinner selection of sports channels offered in-cabin.

Carnival's Heald gives an answer, asks a question

"Well as I have mentioned many times before, the cost of these kinds of channels is massive," Heald wrote.

He then posed a question to his followers and got over 3,400 responses.

"Do you agree? Would you ever want to pay an extra fee for these kind of stations?" he added.

The results were mixed, but nobody seemed to like the idea of paying more for a bigger selection of channels. 

"No! Vacation is disconnected time," Colleen Halleran Coon answered. 

That was a very popular answer, but it was not universal.

"Yes, I would like more channels on the TV. I like to watch a little TV before bed," Beth McDonald wrote.

Barbara Thibault shared a practical approach.

"I would record everything I wanna watch. I'll watch it when I get home," she shared.

A few people did like "M's" idea.

"Yes, I would pay extra to have extra channels as I like to watch the news while having coffee and my travel partner is a late sleeper," wrote Shirley Abts.

"Yes, I sure would. Vacation is whatever you make of it and enjoy. I don't drink but I don't care that you have all the bars. I do enjoy lounging letting my mind rest and watching TV in the morning and evening," Travis Lester added.

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Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is set to debut in 2024.

The world's biggest and most ambitious cruise lines never stop building out their fleet of ships, and Royal Caribbean International is no exception. The Florida-based cruise line currently boasts 28 incredible vessels for cruisers of all ages, including the four newest ships that have been added to the fleet since 2021. An even newer ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed with a planned launch date during the summer of 2025.

If you're interested in trying out one of the most over-the-top cruise ships sailing the world today, consider Royal Caribbean's newest vessels from the last few years. Read on to learn about the brand-new Icon of the Seas, the jaw-dropping action offered on the Wonder of the Seas, the Utopia of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas and all the amenities and unique experiences they have to offer.

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Icon of the Seas

Scheduled to set sail in early 2024, the Icon of the Seas is one of the most celebrated and anticipated new cruise ships across all the major cruise lines. This Icon Class vessel was built to dazzle and entertain cruise passengers of all ages, and it features eight unique neighborhoods, seven pools and the largest waterpark at sea.

In total, Icon of the Seas offers 2,805 individual staterooms with space for 7,600 guests at maximum and 2,350 crew members. The vessel is 1,198 feet long with gross tonnage of 250,800.

• Sails to: The Icon of the Seas will offer alternating seven-night sailings between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The vessel's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas . The alternative itinerary also stops at the cruise line's private island , as well as Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis and Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas. All itineraries will depart from Miami .
• Cabin types: Cabins on the Icon of the Seas are spread across eight unique neighborhoods with their own themes and amenities. Cruisers will find the basic interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms they would expect. The ship also features 179 suites that vary in size and in terms of their features, with some really spacious and over-the-top options. For example, the vessel's Ultimate Family Townhouse (UL) is more than 1,700 square feet with three stories, a multi-level slide, an outdoor space with a ping pong table and more.
• Dining options: Icon of the Seas offers 11 included dining options plus room service that's available 24/7. There are also nine unique specialty restaurants on board, including options like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the Empire Supper Club and Chops Grille Steakhouse. A Starbucks is also available.
• Features: The Icon of the Seas boasts the largest cruise ship pool at sea, as well as seven pools and nine whirlpools in total. There are also six record-breaking waterslides located in what Royal Caribbean says is the largest waterpark at sea. Nightlife and entertainment options run the gamut from the ship's dueling piano bar to its jazz and blues club to its AquaTheater with mesmerizing shows that feature incredible diving feats and acrobatics.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is another vessel that is set to debut in 2024 with sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. This Oasis Class ship will offer up a total of 2,834 guest rooms and is 1,188 feet in length and 236,860 gross tons in size.

The ship has space for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy and eight different neighborhoods with cabins for guests. Interestingly, this huge ship will not offer seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean and will instead focus on offering three-night and four-night itineraries, at least at first.

• Sails to: The all-new Utopia of the Seas will offer shorter sailings to the Bahamas. The ship's three-night sailings will stop only at the cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, whereas four-night sailings from Port Canaveral stop at the cruise line's private island and at Nassau, Bahamas.
• Cabin types: The Utopia of the Seas has interior rooms, ocean view rooms and balcony rooms just like other ships. Upgraded room options also abound and include a range of luxury suites at sea. For example, you can book the iconic Ultimate Family Suite, a Solarium Suite with Wraparound Windows, a Royal Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: There are 10 different included dining experiences on the Utopia of the Seas, with room service also offered 24 hours a day. These include a Main Dining Room experience, several cafe options, a pizzeria, a coastal kitchen with California and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and more. In addition, there are 10 different specialty restaurants that can also be booked on the Utopia of the Seas, and a Starbucks is on board. Special dining experiences include a hibachi and sushi restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a Chef's Table experience for up to 16 diners at a time, a Johnny Rockets and more.
• Features: Utopia of the Seas has everything you would expect in a new Oasis Class ship from Royal Caribbean. For example, passengers will find five huge pools, eight hot tubs, three water slides, 23 different bars and two on-board casinos. Other features include an ice-skating rink, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, a basketball court, two FlowRider Surf simulators and of course the line's famous AquaTheater. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia of the Seas also features special spaces for kids and teens, including dedicated clubs, an Imagination Studio and an on-board arcade.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

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Wonder of the Seas

Sailing the friendly seas since March 2022, the Wonder of the Seas boasts more individual rooms and suites than Icon of the Seas. The Oasis-class ship features 2,867 staterooms with a total guest capacity of 7,084. There are also eight unique neighborhoods for cruisers to choose from, each with its own decor and flair.

This Royal Caribbean vessel is also huge at 1,188 feet long and 235,600 gross tons. A total of 2,204 crew members run the ship and assist guests.

• Sails to: Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern itinerary includes stops in Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay. Meanwhile, the Western loop stops at the cruise line's private island as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.
• Cabin types: Wonder of the Seas also offers all the normal cabin types you would expect, including interior rooms, sea view rooms and balcony staterooms. There are also over-the-top suites to choose from, including an Ultimate Family Suite, a Royal Suite, an Owner's Suite and more.
• Dining options: Nine complimentary dining options are included on the Wonder of the Seas, with a main dining room, a buffet option and plenty of other eateries available to grab a bite to eat. There are also 11 unique specialty restaurants on board, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, a Johnny Rockets, a sushi and hibachi restaurant and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. For coffee lovers, a Starbucks is also on board.
• Features: The Wonder of the Seas has its own Central Park, along with 11 different bars, as well as special kids and teens-only areas like a social club and an arcade. Other notable features include the vessel's AquaTheater, rock-climbing walls, whirlpools, laser tag and more. There are also 19 swimming pools, an ice rink and a casino on the Wonder of the Seas.

Read: The Top Cruises for Teens

Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship that's smaller than the other newest vessels from the line. The impressive ship completed its first sailing in 2021 when it became the first ship of its class to sail from the United States. Odyssey of the Seas currently departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and other ports and offers a range of six-night and seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean in the coming months.

Up to 4,198 guests can sail on the Odyssey of the Seas with double occupancy, and 1,612 crew members are on board to tend to their every need. The ship is approximately 1,138 feet long and is 167,704 gross tons.

• Sails to: Odyssey of the Seas will depart from various ports in the United States and elsewhere in the world in the coming years. For example, there are upcoming six-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale that include stops in Labadee, Haiti and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The vessel will complete a 14-day transatlantic cruise in April and May of 2024, which begins in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Rome, Italy. From there, the vessel will offer Greek Islands cruises from Rome before moving back to Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey in the fall of 2024. At that point, itineraries will include stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, Nassau in the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cabin types: Odyssey of the Seas offers interior staterooms, ocean view rooms and balcony staterooms. Guests can also book interior rooms with a virtual balcony that boasts a floor-to-ceiling virtual view of the outdoors. Over-the-top suites available on the Odyssey include an Owner's Loft Suite, a Royal Loft Suite, a Grand Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: As a smaller vessel with considerably fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has fewer dining options overall. Guests can dine at seven included eateries including a main dining room, a bistro, a cafe and the main ship buffet. There are also seven specialty restaurants and experiences on board including the Chef's Table, a Chops Grille and a sushi and hibachi restaurant. Like other newer ships from Royal Caribbean, the Odyssey also has its own Starbucks.
• Features: The Odyssey has eight dedicated bars and lounges on board, bumper cars, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, an outdoor movie screen and a casino, along with kid and teen features like an arcade, a kids' splash area and a social club. A FlowRider surf simulator is on board, as well as a sky diving simulator. Note that the Odyssey of the Seas doesn't have an AquaTheater like Oasis Class ships.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Look Out for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is already offering limited information about its newest ship, the Star of the Seas. This vessel will also be an Icon Class ship like the Icon of the Seas, meaning it will be big and beautiful with all the bells and whistles.

The Star of the Seas is scheduled to debut in 2025.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert and content creator who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised dozens of times with most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to write this article, along with information provided by Royal Caribbean.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack for a Cruise
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• Cruise Line Drink Packages
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

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