royal caribbean cruise ships independence seas

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Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas Deck Plans & Reviews

Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas

Activities & entertainment

• CruiseCritic Meet and Mingle
• Dance Classes
• Dance Parties
• Escape Room *
• Fitness Classes *
• Hot Tubs (7)
• Independence Dunes
• Library & RC Online *
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Running Track
• Scavenger Hunts
• Spa and Fitness Center *
• Spa and Fitness Center
• Splashaway Bay
• Sports Court
• Sports Tournament
• The Living Room
• The Perfect Storm
• Video Arcade *
• Wine Tasting *
• Waterslides (3)
• Adventure Ocean
• Fuel Teen Club
• Casino Royale *
• Deck Parties
• Demonstrations
• Game Broadcasts
• Poolside Movies
• Royal Promenade
• Royal Theatre
• Star Lounge
• Wellness Lectures
• Dining Room - American
• Izumi - Asian *
• Windjammer Café - Casual
• The Plaza Bar - Casual bar *
• Champagne Bar - Champagne *
• Johnny Rockets - Fast Food *
• Fish & Ships - Fish & Chips
• Ale & Anchor - Gastropub *
• Ice Cream Parlor - Ice Cream *
• Viking Crown Lounge - Iconic Bar *
• Giovanni's Table - italian *
• Boleros - Latin bar *
• Olive or Twist - Martini Bar *
• Schooner Bar - Nautical bar *
• Sorrento's - Pizza
• Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade - Sports Bar *
• Chops Grille - Steakhouse *
• Sugar Beach - Sweets *
• Vintages - Wine Bar *
• Excellent 82
• Very Good 40
• Terrible 19
• All languages ( 169 )
• English ( 165 )
• Spanish ( 3 )
• Portuguese ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

All about the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas was built in 2008. It was renovated in 2018. It's considered a large size ship. Coming in at 1,112 ft long and 185 ft wide, it's roughly the length of 3.1 football fields, as wide as 3.5 tractor trailers, and the same height as a 14-story building.

Independence of the Seas Overview

• Ship and Passengers
• Food and Restaurants
• Bars and Drinks
• Pools and Hot Tubs
• Ship Features and Activities

Cruise Costs

• Onboard Costs

Independence of the Seas Size and Passengers

The Independence of the Seas can hold 3,858 based on double occupancy (two people per room) and more when you take into account 3rd and 4th passengers. When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, the Independence of the Seas has a space ratio of 40. Depending on the ship, this number can range from 30 to 52 (with a bigger number meaning more space per person) so this ship's space-to-person ratio is about average.

The Independence of the Seas is one of three Freedom-class ships currently sailing with Royal Caribbean. The Freedom-class ships were the first to have the FlowRider surf simulator, which is now available across the entire fleet. They are known for their multiple pools and whirlpool options, some cantilevered off the side of the ship. The Independence of the Seas is very similar to its sister-ships; Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, although each ship may have some differences.

Independence of the Seas Food and Restaurants

Food is a big part of any cruise, and there will plenty on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas. You have 13 different dining options to choose from. Of those options, 4 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 9 options have an additional fee. Some of those options are a set price and some have a la cart menu pricing. Only 31% of the dining options are included meaning you might spend more while on the ship due to the additional fees.

Independence of the Seas Bars and Drinks

Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas has 13 different bars and lounges where you can enjoy a beer or cocktail. It also has 1 other bars that are available for select guests.

Alcohol is not included in the base price of this cruise ship. To see if you would save money with a drink package, try our Drink Package Calculator.

Royal Caribbean also serves the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship. Most Royal Caribbean ships also have Coke Freestyle machines where you can make 100 different flavor combinations.

Pools and Hot Tubs on Independence of the Seas

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day in a pool, a cruise might not be the right choice. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas has a total of 3 pools and 7 hot tubs.

Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools and 2 of the hot tubs are adults only.

Cruise Coloring and Activity Books for Kids Get your kids ready for their cruise or keep them entertained while on board with our custom made coloring and activity books. These are the Royal Caribbean editions with places like Studio B and Sorrento's featured.

Cruise Ship Coloring Book for Kids 3-5 - Royal Caribbean Edition

Let's Get Cruising Activity Book for Kids 6-8 - Royal Caribbean Edition

Independence of the Seas Features and Activities

There are quite a few things to do on the Independence of the Seas. These are the main amenities that are available. Some are included in the cost of the cruise, while others have an additional charge.

Royal Caribbean is a mainstream cruise line. Mainstream cruise lines cater to a variety of guests, hoping to provide something for everyone. These typically cost about $100 - $350 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year.

Independence of the Seas Onboard Costs

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you understand what you might spend onboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, which means the pricing for many things will vary per sailing. The daily gratuities and tip are consistent across the fleet, but the pricing for the drink package, internet, and excursions will change. The only way to know your price is to consult the Royal Caribbean cruise planner once you're booked.

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Independence Of The Seas Overview

Independence of the Seas has been amplified to enhance the experience of guests on board. Chow down on some New England style, battered and deep fried, seafood at Fish & Ships, just steps away from the pool. Royal Caribbean is a cruise line for the whole family, and the revamped Independence of the Seas offers more fun-filled activities than ever before! Call 1-800-377-9383 today to speak with one of our expert consultants about Independence of the Seas and Royal Caribbean’s newly amped ships!

• Passenger Capacity: 3,858 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2008
• Last Refurbished: 2018

• Fish & Ships Battered, deep fried, and served fresh, Fish & Ships is the go to for seafood when lounging by the pool on Independence of the Seas.  

• The Perfect Storm Three stories high and side by side, this waterslide will have you twisting and turning with your friends to see who makes it out first.  

• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade In the Caribbean but your hometown team is playing? Playmakers has the best selection of sports streaming onboard and an arcade for the kids.  

• Laser Tag Robots vs. Aliens. At sea. It doesn’t get much more high stakes than that. Grab a blaster and get to saving the planet!  

• Escape Room Trapped in the Observatorium, you and your friends must put your heads together to find clues and escape before time runs out!  

• Sugar Beach Wall to wall candy displays will be home to your new favorite candy, or your favorite classic. Sugar Beach has “every candy under the sun” and ice cream to satisfy every sweet tooth.  

• Splashaway Bay While mom and dad look on with a drink in hand, the kids can enjoy this expanded aqua park, highlighted by water cannons and twisting slides!  

• FlowRider Surf’s up! But don’t fall down! Test your surfing prowess on this 40-foot long wave simulator.  

Independence Of The Seas Cruise Destinations

With cruises to 72 countries on six continents, you can sail just about anywhere in the world with Royal Caribbean. This contemporary, innovative line offers unique and exciting itineraries that are designed to wow. They offer sailings that range from a tropical paradise to a thrilling tundra. Destinations include, but are not limited to: Alaska, Australia, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Panama Canal and South America. 

A truly blissful vacation filled with beaches, Bahamian customs, and sunshine awaits you on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Eastern Caribbean

Explore the islands or get up close and personal with some intriguing wildlife when you cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Mediterranean

Raise a glass to the Mediterranean where you’ll find magnificent churches and castles, along with spectacular food. The history and art are nothing to shake a stick at either.

Northern Europe

Explore the serenity of the fjords, uncover the amazing artwork owned by Catherine the Great and see the most sung about Strawberry Fields when you cruise to Northern Europe.

Transatlantic

Experience the bliss of cruising of across the Atlantic with intriguing stops along the way on a Transatlantic cruise.

Western Caribbean

Jamaican waterfalls, intriguing cultures, and cave tubing—cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Independence Of The Seas Departure Ports

Royal Caribbean not only builds their ships to have a wow factor, but they also make their itineraries just as appealing.  Royal has ships stationed across the U.S. and in several international ports to give their passengers lots of opportunity to get to a cruise quickly and easily. You can cruise from Miami to Seattle or Perth to Rotterdam, there’s a departure port for you. Find out more about Royal Caribbean’s itineraries and ships when you contact a qualified consultant at The Cruise Web. 

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Independence Of The Seas Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, deck thirteen, deck fourteen, deck fifteen, independence of the seas staterooms.

Balcony (S2)

Balcony (sb), balcony (xs).

Balcony (1B)

Balcony (2b), balcony (3b), balcony (4b), balcony (cb), balcony (nq), balcony (xn).

Balcony (1D)

Balcony (2d), balcony (4d), balcony (5d), balcony (xi).

Balcony (SG)

Balcony (xq).

Balcony (XB)

Balcony (X)

Balcony (6B)

Balcony (e3).

Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), sitting area (some with sofa bed), private balcony and private bathroom.

Balcony (E1)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, sitting area (some with sofa bed), private balcony and private bathroom. Rates vary from deck to deck.

Balcony (E2)

Balcony (d1), balcony (d2), balcony (d3).

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and private bathroom. Up to 4 guests.

Balcony (6D)

Inside (1V)

Inside (2v), inside (3v), inside (4v).

Inside (CP)

Inside (ZQ)

Inside (zi).

Inside (PR)

A view of the Royal Promenade with bowed windows, two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, and private bathroom.

Inside (1T)

A view of the Royal Promenade with bowed windows, two twin beds that convert to Royal King and private bathroom. Up to 2 guests.

Inside (2T)

Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size) and private bathroom

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, and private bathroom.

Inside (FP)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, and private bathroom. Sleeps up to six people. Please note: In order to reserve this stateroom, a minimum number of guests may apply.

Inside (FI)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, and private bathroom. Stateroom can accommodate up to 6 guests.

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King and private bathroom. Up to 4 guests.

Inside (6V)

Inside (1R)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King and private bathroom. Up to 6 guests.

Inside (1Q)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Sofa converts to double, two Pullman beds, private bathroom and sitting area. Up to 6 guests.

Oceanview (3M)

Oceanview (1N)

Oceanview (2n), oceanview (3n), oceanview (4n).

Oceanview (YQ)

Oceanview (4m), oceanview (yo).

Oceanview (Y)

Oceanview (F)

Oceanview (g), oceanview (h), oceanview (i).

Oceanview (FO)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, sofa and/or Pullman beds, sitting area and private bathroom. Stateroom can accommodate up to 6 guests.

Oceanview (8N)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King and private bathroom. Up to 2 guests.

Oceanview (1M)

Oceanview (1L)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Curtained section with bunk beds. Living area with double sofa bed, vanity and sitting area. One and a half baths with shower. Floor to ceiling wrap around panoramic windows.

Oceanview (1K)

Grand entrance with doorbell. Separate bedroom with king-size bed, and private bathroom with tub, private balcony with whirpool, living room with queen-size sofa bed and baby grand piano. Up to 4 guests.

Marble entry with door bell. Queen-size bed, bathroom with tub. Separate living area with a queen-size sofa bed. Up to 4 guests.

Marble entry. Room has two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private balcony, sitting area and private bathroom with tub. Up to 4 guests.

Queen-size bed, private balcony, private bathroom and a separate living area with a queen-size sofa bed.

Separate bedroom with king-size bed, private balcony, living room with queen-size sofa bed and private bathroom.

Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to a Royal King,(one room with third and fourth Pullman beds), a private balcony, two bathrooms and living area with double sofa bed. Stateroom accommodates up to 8 guests. Please note: A minimum number of guests may apply. To reserve this stateroom please contact your travel agent or one of our Certified Vacation Specialists.

Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to Royal King (one room with third and fourth Pullman beds), a private balcony with outdoor dining and seating area, two bathrooms (master bathroom and tub) and living area with double sofa bed. Up to 8 guests.

Two master bedrooms with baths. Two additional bedrooms, each with two Pullman beds and two twin beds that convert to a Royal King. Two additional bathrooms with showers and a spacious living area with a sofa bed and dining table. Private balcony with dining area and lounge chairs. Stateroom can accommodate up to 14 guests.

Two master bedrooms with baths. Two additional bedrooms, each with two Pullman beds and two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Two additional bathrooms with showers and a spacious living area with a sofa bed and dining table. Private balcony with dining area, lounge chairs and whirpool. Up to 14 guests.

Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private bathroom.

Two twin beds (can convert into Royal King), private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private bathroom.

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private bathroom.

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private bathroom. Up to 4 guests.

Photo Gallery for Independence Of The Seas Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean’s ships are known for eliciting wows from passengers. Get a look at their innovative approach to cruising in this photo gallery that features the FlowRider, AquaTheater and Central Park.

Perfect Storm waterslide

Independence of the Seas ship exterior

Sugar Beach, a great place for a sweet treat

Top 10 Independence Of The Seas Cruises

Learn more about royal caribbean international.

Accessibility

Learn about accessibility-friendly accommodations made by Royal Caribbean for guests with special needs, dietary restrictions and more.

Savor dining aboard Royal Caribbean, including the Windjammer Café, main dining room and room service. Royal Caribbean also has many specialty restaurants and dining or beverage packages.

Entertainment

Enjoy Royal Caribbean's onboard entertainment, including Broadway at Sea, hi-tech Two70 shows, ice skating shows, AquaTheater Diving Shows, DJs, live music, dancing, parades, pool parties, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Have fun participating in Royal Caribbean's onboard activities, including sky diving and surfing simulators, sports courts, zip lines, rock walls, ice rinks, mini golf, pools, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, duty-free shopping and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Royal Caribbean takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Royal Caribbean's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Royal Caribbean's spa, onboard gym, fitness courses, boxing ring and jogging track. Royal Caribbean's spa has plenty of relaxing treatments like massages, facials and more.

Special Events

Learn about celebrating a special occasion or milestone with Royal Caribbean's special events at sea.

Explore Royal Caribbean's contemporary staterooms, including several classes of suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about Royal Caribbean's family-friendly experience with youth programs for children, including H2O zone, teen-only hangouts and themed experiences

Cruise Type

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About Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's beautiful Independence of the Seas is a family friendly ship, featuring thrilling onboard innovations that will delight guests of all ages. Fun filled activities, astounding entertainment, spacious staterooms and a variety of delicious dining options ranging from casual fare to fine dining await you on your next cruise aboard this lovely ship.

Onboard highlights include cantilevered whirlpools extending 12 feet off the side of the ship, a kid-friendly water park, a rock-climbing wall and an ice-skating rink. Independence of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class ships, boasting multiple pools, the Vitality Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Dining choices will take your taste buds on a scrumptious culinary journey. Stop in for a bite of whatever you're in the mood for at Johnny Rockets, Jade Sushi, Sorrento's Pizza and Windjammer Cafe. Fine dining is on the menu at Chops Grille and Giovanni's Table. At Chefmakers Cooking Academy foodies can master their skills. The sophisticated main dining rooms serve delightful continental fare sure to please everyone.

Designed with comfort, practicality and serenity in mind, your stateroom or suite provides the perfect retreat. Choose from well-appointed adjoining rooms for families, staterooms with magnificent ocean views and gorgeous luxury suites. All accommodations have ample storage for your belongings.

Entertainment for the entire family abounds on Independence of the Seas! Enjoy Broadway-style shows in the Main Theater, complimentary ice-skating shows and challenge Lady Luck at the immense Vegas-style Casino Royale. From The DreamWorks® Experience to a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside, under the stars, on the outdoor movie screen, there is plenty of fun just waiting to be discovered. Your kids will find their happy place making new friends their own age at the Adventure Ocean Youth Program.

With 22 bars, clubs and lounges, including a Latin-themed lounge, champagne bar and a traditional style English Pub there is always something to do, somewhere to go and someone to see. Enjoy cocktails before dinner, dance the night away and delight in the company of old friends and new.

Independence of the Seas has it all. On deck try out the rip-roaring FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf course and the H2O Zone kids' water park, Indoors, stroll along the fabulous Royal Promenade, brimming with name-brand, duty-free shopping, cafés, bars and more. While there, pick up a decadent treat at the vintage-style gourmet bakery. There are various kids programs available onboard.

Independence of the Seas offers a wide variety of cruises to beautiful ports worldwide.

Royal Suite - 1 Bedroom

Relish an extraordinary vacation in this luxurious suiteOcean view,Bedroom,Private balcony with outdoor dining, seating area and whirlpool,One bathroom with tub, two vanities and bidet.

Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom

Enjoy the ultimate suite for a perfect vacation. Ocean view,Room with bed and vanity,Living area with double sofa bed,One bathroom with tub.

Grand Suite - 2 Bedrooms

Indulge in a comfortable suite and enjoy the extra perks. Ocean view,Two bedrooms,Master bedroom with dressing area,Living area,Private balcony with outdoor dining and seating area.

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom

Enjoy a comfortable suite and the extra perks. Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom with tub.

Junior Suite

An incredible intimate suite with a great view. Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity, and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom with tub..Accessible- An incredible intimate suite with a great view. (Up to 6 guests). Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed, One double sofa bed, Two Pullman beds in staterooms with up to 6. Stateroom: 408 sq. ft.,Balcony: 65 sq. ft.

An incredible intimate suite with a great view.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity, and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom with tub.Accessible- An incredible intimate suite with a great view. ( Up to 3 guests ),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests,Stateroom: 317 sq. ft.,Balcony: 65 sq. ft.

Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No Balcony)

Enjoy the view through a wrap around panoramic window with your family.

Suite Guarantee

This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Spacious Ocean View Balcony

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous view for a memorable vacation.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity, and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Ocean View Balcony

Experience a spectacular view for a memorable vacation.Ocean view some staterooms have an obstructed view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Experience a spectacular view for a memorable vacation. Ocean view some staterooms have an obstructed view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Experience a spectacular view for a memorable vacation. (Up to 2 guests),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,Stateroom: 286 sq. ft.,Balcony: 53 sq. ft.

Connecting Oceanview Balcony

Experience a spectacular view for a memorable vacation.

Ocean View Balcony Guarantee

Spacious Panoramic Ocean View

Marvel the view through a floor to ceiling panoramic window.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Enjoy the view through a wrap around panoramic window. ( Up to 4 guests ),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,One double sofa bed,Stateroom: 283 sq. ft

Ultra Spacious Ocean View

Have a spectacular view in an immense space with family.

Spacious Ocean View

Have a spectacular view for a memorable vacation.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Have a spectacular view for a memorable vacation.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Gaze into the beautiful views from your cozy room. (Up to 3 guests),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests,180 sq. ft.

Gaze into the beautiful views from your cozy room.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Gaze into the beautiful views from your cozy room. Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Gaze into the beautiful views from your cozy room. ( Up to 2 guests ),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,Stateroom: 315 sq. ft.

Ocean View Guarantee

Spacious Promenade View Interior

Delight in two bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade.

Spacious Interior

Enjoy your vacation in an expanded space.Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Promenade View Interior

Delight in bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade.Royal Promenade View,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Delight in bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade. (Up to 2 guests),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,Stateroom 266 sq. ft.

Enjoy your vacation in the perfect space.Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom. Accessible-Enjoy your vacation in the perfect space. (Up to 4 guests),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,One double sofa bed, 256 sq. ft.

Enjoy your vacation in the perfect space.Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Connecting Promenade Interior

Delight in bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade.

Interior Guarantee

View Deck Plan

Ice Cream Parlor

Chops Grille

For more than a decade, the chefs of Chops Grille have proudly presented quality, hand cut steaks at this hallmark Royal Caribbean restaurant. Now, they give you a fresh twist on a favorite, with a revamped menu. Most intriguing: our exceptional prime meat. This prime beef is joined by Maine lobster, veal parmesan, grilled branzino and other succulent dishes paired with addictive sides and irresistible desserts.

Dining Room

Decks: 3 4 5

Sweeping, multi-level ambience, world-class cuisine and the most attentive staff at sea. Our main dining room serves exceptional, multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy a new dinner menu each evening in an elegant setting, with extraordinary personal service from your dedicated wait staff. Main Dining Room offers reservations for My Time Dining, giving more flexible options for you to book or Traditional dining, which secures the same seating and table every evening.

Fish & Ships

Find yourself reeled in to Fish & Ships?, a seaside seafood spot that’s just steps away from the pool. No need to hop across the pond for a basket of freshly battered cod and crispy hand cut fries. You can get the British classic right here, plus calamari, and even a frosty pint of brew — without even having to change out of your flip flops.

Giovanni's Table

Rustic Italian dishes are served with contemporary flair at Giovanni’s Table, a Royal Caribbean® favorite offering indoor and al fresco seating. This casual trattoria serves up a seemingly endless selection of Italian classics, like Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola, Melanzane alla Parmigiana, Risotto, Bolognese and much more. From the mouth-watering fresh pastas to the carefully braised meats and stews, you can tour all of Italy without ever leaving the ship.

From sushi to sashimi and tableside preparation using Hot Rocks, Izumi offers guests an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience. At Izumi, items are charged a la carte. You'll enjoy a wide variety of hot and cold appetizers, entrees, desserts and more, all made-to-order with intense flavors, the best ingredients and impeccable presentation. Now that's fresh.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets® has been serving up delicious American fare to diners around the world since 1986. Its menu features fresh, never frozen, made-to-order hamburgers, sides, shakes and desserts. So, no matter where you are onboard or in the world, you’re always surrounded by good food and simple pleasures at Johnny Rockets.

Looking for an authentic New York pizzeria experience… at sea? Then head to Sorrento's for fully loaded pies right out of the oven. Try a different creation every day— from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine, with classic cheese and pepperoni always on call— or have one custom made with your favorite ingredients. Sorrento’s is just one of many casual-service dining options that cater to a wide variety of tastes and preferences, offering something for everyone at no additional cost. And with Sorrento’s serving up freshly baked pies, this is already one of our most popular restaurants— because any way you slice it, who doesn’t love pizza?

Windjammer Cafe

Windjammer Marketplace, a Royal Caribbean dining mainstay, is a global culinary pavilion that invites you to explore the world, dish by dish. Enticing food islands weave throughout, showcasing international fare while mapping your way between interactive stations. Here, staff prepare signature specialties to your specs— like fresh-pressed panini, juices blended before your eyes, fluffy omelets, pastas, salads, soups, sandwiches and tantalizing desserts— all part of a menu that changes daily.

Royal Theatre

Royal Theatre.

Casino Royale

Players love Casino Royale?, a slice of Vegas right onboard every ship. Explore thousands of square feet of games, from penny slots to poker tables to roulette.

Available in the ships library, this area offers classic and popular family titles in a variety of languages (based on the ship’s itinerary) and a comfortable reading area for kids to relax and delve into a book, individually or with a parent.

Conference Center

Conference Center.

Join your wee one for a session of educational and engaging fun with Royal Babies® and Royal Tots® playgroups at Adventure Ocean®. Each interactive playgroup is held at one of our onboard lounges and is designed to make playtime learning time too.

Resort Pool

Resort Pool.

Check your watch: It’s me time. Discover the Solarium, a relaxing indoor-outdoor retreat just for our adult guests. Perfectly positioned at the front of every Royal Caribbean® ship, the crystal canopy area presents fantastic views and stays warm while you enjoy swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area, as well as cascading lagoons on select ships.

Splashaway Bay

Pint-sized cruisers will find gallons of fun at Splashaway BaySM aqua park. This bigger, better water adventure features colorful waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools and whirlpools for tots to tweens (and their supervising parents). And keep your eye on the drench bucket. You’ll want to be there when it tips!

Sports Pool

Sports Pool.

Discover a different type of hot spot. Each Royal Caribbean® ship has multiple whirlpools and several are designed with unique cantilevered whirlpools extending 13 feet beyond the side of the ship for a unique at-sea perspective. Find the warm and bubbly whirlpool that’s calling your name

Independence Dunes

Up the ramp, around the curve and into the hole. Play on the green as you enjoy wide, blue ocean views. Mini golf is included in your fare, so play as much as you like. No reservation necessary. DISCLAIMER- Images might not be accurate depictions of venue. Venue appearance varies by ship.

Escape Room

There are some puzzles you solve. And some you escape. Work together with your team to uncover hidden clues, solve mind bending teasers, and work out bewildering puzzles. The timer’s set to 60 minutes. Have you and your team got what it takes to beat the clock in the latest Royal Caribbean® Escape Room challenge?

The surf’s always up on the 40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator. Grab your board and get ready, 30,000 gallons of rushing awesome are headed your way. Carve like a pro — or just try to stay upright — while friends cheer you on from the stadium seating.

Discover the underwater world on a PADI® scuba diving expedition— exclusively offered on Royal Caribbean. PADI dive instructors will lead you on underwater adventures with a range of courses offered, so you can get certified right onboard. Fee applies.

Hop into the Sky Pad? for an out-of-this-world bungee trampoline experience. Strap in, put on your virtual reality headset and get transported to another time, place, or planet. Whether you’re smashing candies in a sugar-coated world or traveling light years into the future, your virtual adventure will launch you high into the stratosphere and let your imagination soar.

Skyclimber .

The Perfect Storm

Three stories high with wet and wild thrills, The Perfect Storm? water slide duo takes excitement off the charts. Grab a buddy and race through twists, turns and translucent panels offering unforgettable views, to the bottom of the Typhoon? and Cyclone? slides.

Center Ice Rink

You may not expect to wrap up a sunny day with figure eights on the ice rink. But onboard, excitement like this comes standard— and the ice skating comes complimentary. Children and adults, from beginners to masters, are invited to strap on a pair of skates and show off their moves.

Sugar Beach

Treat your sweet tooth to every candy under the sun — plus a few sugarcoated surprises. Sugar Beach? is stocked to max candy capacity with all your favorite confections.

Next Cruise

Next Cruise.

Guest Services

Guest Services.

Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions.

Fuel Teen club

See the some great comedy movies as well as other fantastic action films brought to life in our 3D theatre or in your stateroom.

The Living Room

Whether you want to chill out or all-out dance, drop by teen-only spaces where you can hang out late. Start at the teen lounge, a laid-back hideaway, and then amp up the energy at the teen-only nightclub.

Royal Promenade

Decks: 5 6 7 8

Halloween? Birthday? New Year’s Eve? Wednesday? You really don’t need an excuse to celebrate when you’re on vacation. But here’s one anyway. Let’s Celebrate! is a wild and crazy parade on the Royal Promenade where it doesn’t matter what day it is, because we’re celebrating them all, all at once.

Promenade Shops

Promenade Shops.

Fitness Center

Decks: 11 12

Start a healthy new habit or keep your fitness routine on track. VitalitySM Fitness Center© has an array of the most popular training classes including yoga, Pilates, spinning, sculpting and more. Trained instructors make it easy for everyone to have a great time and get fit. Fee applies for some classes.

Emerge renewed, relaxed and rejuvenated at the Vitality? Spa. Professional spa products from acclaimed brands such as Elemis®, bliss®, La Thérapie and Ionithermie bring the most advanced services to the sea. Massages, wraps, facials and acupuncture, or choose medi-spa treatments to smooth wrinkles, lift and tone. A more brilliant smile is just a tooth whitening away, while a salon completes the perfect look with hair and nail services.

Art Gallery

Art Gallery.

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery.

Adventure Ocean

When the kids are happy, parents are happy. And our award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program is designed with that in mind. Tiny travelers ages 3-5 will have an education blast in the Aquanauts group. The Explorers program keeps 6-8 year olds entertained with activities like themed parties and more. And learning is a thrillfest for 9-11 year olds in the Voyagers group.

Play Makers Sports Bar & Arcade

It’s always game on at Playmakers? Sports Bar & Arcade, where you can catch your home team live on 50 screens or face off against your friends. With a menu of game day favorites and icy-cold draughts on tap, anything you order is a winner. Like the signature Playmakers Burger, the buffalo wings, or the four-scoop Touchdown Sundae.

Video Arcade

If you find yourself fleeing a gang of ghosts, saving deep space from invaders, or starting a dance revolution, you might be at the Royal Caribbean Arcade. Your favorite games from the 1980s and 1990s are onboard, as well as Guitar Hero, Fast and Furious Drift, Skee-ball, air hockey and more.

Ale & Anchor

Ale & Anchor.

Champagne Bar

Whether you prefer onboard thrills or beachside chill, raise a glass of bubbly at our Champagne Bar and toast to a day well-spent. From bold bruts to crisp cremants, discover your perfect pairing for adventure at sea.

Diamond Club

Loyalty definitely has its privileges. Royal Caribbean® created the exclusive Diamond Club lounge to thank our valued Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor® Society members for their continued loyalty.

Olive or Twist

Enjoy the coolest spots under the sun. Chill at the pool deck and enjoy tasty sips from the Pool Bar or Sand Bar, both are full-service and perfectly positioned on the upper level of the pool deck, serving beers, non-alcoholic beverages and delicious mixed drinks.

Schooner Bar

Is the pianist playing your song? Join the fun at Schooner Bar, where a nautical theme, warm decor and perfectly mixed cocktails come together. Cozy up in a seat under the mast, by the portholes, or right by the gleaming grand piano. The sing-along's starting soon.

The Plaza Bar

This is where wine list and to-do list overlap. Whether it’s Burgundy, Merlot, Riesling or Pinot Grigio, you’re sure to find your beloved reds or whites at Vintages wine bar. But be bold — try something new and you may return home with a new favorite. From France to California, the wide world of wine is well-represented through extensive partnerships with top winemakers, including some exclusive bottles you won't find anywhere else. And the abundant wine list is perfectly paired with a menu of light bites and sweet delights.

Whether it’s after dinner or after party, nighttime sizzles at Boleros, a Latin-themed club and hot spot serving Cuban mojitos, Brazilian capirinhas, or your favorite classic cocktails. A live six-piece band and singer belt out the Latin rhythms that get you moving, because it’s all about the salsa, cumbia, merengue and samba. So get on the floor and dance.

Sky Lounge.

Star Lounge

Star Lounge.

Suite Lounge

It’s serenity with a twist of lime. Reserved exclusively for guests of Grand Suite-level accommodations and above, the Suite Lounge. So from croissants to Cosmos, we’ve got your cravings covered.

Viking Crown Lounge

Viking Crown Lounge.

Rock-Climbing Wall

The view alone is worth every step. Climb forty feet above deck on the signature Rock Climbing Wall, where everyone from beginners to speed climbers can strap in and go vertical. you could visit the view again and again.

Running Track

Running Track.

Sports Court

We’ll bring the balls — you bring your A game. Whether it’s a pick-up game or one-or-one, go all in for basketball and volleyball action at sea, but with an awesome energizing ocean view.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN ARABIA

• Destinations
• Brochure 23-24

GRAB A HOLD OF BOLD

Independence of the seas, this is a firm “no” to fomo. independence of the seas® is giving the caribbean an injection of new adventures on getaways. launch yourself into a virtual world on the sky pad® bungee trampoline experience. go head to head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in battle for planet z℠. score an awesome time and game-changing grub at playmakers℠ sports bar & arcade. come seek the royal caribbean®..

MAXED OUT ON THRILLS

Gear up for a glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff in battle for planet z℠ and indulge your sweet tooth at sugar beach℠. catch a wave on the flowrider® surf simulator and race down the perfect storm℠ dueling waterslides. independence of the seas® is overflowing with bolder ways to fill your time between shores..

NOW STREAMING THRILLS

The new Independence of the Seas® is loaded with surprises to thrill even the boldest weekend warriors. Launch yourself into a virtual world on a new bungee trampoline experience — Sky Pad®. Hang ten on the FlowRider® surf simulator or race down The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides. And go head-to-head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in Battle for Planet Z℠.

BOLD IN EVERY BITE

Say “Konnichiwa” to a reimagined favorite at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. Sashimi, sushi and more are all made-to-order with intense flavors, the best ingredients and impeccable presentation. Or order up batter-fried favorites at Fish & Ships℠ — the new seafood spot that’s just within splashing distance of the pool. Then treat your sweet tooth to every candy under the sun — plus a few sugarcoated surprises at Sugar Beach℠.

SCORE AN AWESOME TIME

At Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade, it’s all about winning. Watch your home team dominate on the field, or make your own legendary plays at the arcade. When it’s time to refuel, you’ll find wings, french fries, sliders and our signature Playmaker Burger to keep you going, along with ice-cold brews.

Or Contact our Reservations Team Middle East: +971 4 331 4299 Saudi Arabia Toll Free: 800 897 1419 Email: [email protected]

Ways to explore, adventures from your backyard, if you’re looking for the ultimate island hop around the caribbean, your ship’s come in. whether you opt for a weeklong itinerary from the lone star state or a short getaway from the sunshine state, you’re in for a far-out, no-holds-barred vacation..

SAIL FROM THE SPACE COAST

Less than an hour from Orlando’s world-famous amusement parks, Port Canaveral is nestled on what’s known as Florida’s Space Coast. You’ll find over 72 miles of pristine coastline to explore here plus some of the best surfing in the region, making it a great spot to spend a few days before or after your cruise vacation.

GO BOLD FROM GALVESTON

Fun-loving Galveston is all about big thrills, great food and rich history. It’s definitely worth setting aside a few days to explore this vibrant seaside town. Make sure to try a Texas-style breakfast in the Strand District, stroll along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and pop into the city’s museums before or after your Caribbean escape.

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Independence Of The Seas

Ship specifications.

City Fort Lauderdale

City Southampton

Independence of the seas itineraries, 5 night eastern caribbean cruise, 5 night western caribbean cruise, 4 night eastern caribbean cruise, 7 night fantastic voyage, 7 night eastern caribbean cruise, 5 night western caribbean & perfect day, royal caribbean fleet.

Icon Of The Seas

Empress Of The Seas

Majesty Of The Seas

Grandeur Of The Seas

Rhapsody Of The Seas

Enchantment Of The Seas

Vision Of The Seas

Voyager Of The Seas

Explorer Of The Seas

Radiance Of The Seas

Adventure Of The Seas

Brilliance Of The Seas

Navigator Of The Seas

Mariner Of The Seas

Serenade Of The Seas

Jewel Of The Seas

Freedom Of The Seas

Liberty Of The Seas

Oasis Of The Seas

Allure Of The Seas

Quantum Of The Seas

Anthem of the Seas

Harmony Of The Seas

Ovation Of The Seas

Symphony Of The Seas

Spectrum Of The Seas

Odyssey Of The Seas

Wonder Of The Seas

Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever

Seven agonizing nights aboard the Icon of the Seas

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Updated at 2:44 p.m. ET on April 6, 2024.

This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here .

MY FIRST GLIMPSE of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, from the window of an approaching Miami cab, brings on a feeling of vertigo, nausea, amazement, and distress. I shut my eyes in defense, as my brain tells my optic nerve to try again.

The ship makes no sense, vertically or horizontally. It makes no sense on sea, or on land, or in outer space. It looks like a hodgepodge of domes and minarets, tubes and canopies, like Istanbul had it been designed by idiots. Vibrant, oversignifying colors are stacked upon other such colors, decks perched over still more decks; the only comfort is a row of lifeboats ringing its perimeter. There is no imposed order, no cogent thought, and, for those who do not harbor a totalitarian sense of gigantomania, no visual mercy. This is the biggest cruise ship ever built, and I have been tasked with witnessing its inaugural voyage.

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“Author embarks on their first cruise-ship voyage” has been a staple of American essay writing for almost three decades, beginning with David Foster Wallace’s “A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again,” which was first published in 1996 under the title “Shipping Out.” Since then, many admirable writers have widened and diversified the genre. Usually the essayist commissioned to take to the sea is in their first or second flush of youth and is ready to sharpen their wit against the hull of the offending vessel. I am 51, old and tired, having seen much of the world as a former travel journalist, and mostly what I do in both life and prose is shrug while muttering to my imaginary dachshund, “This too shall pass.” But the Icon of the Seas will not countenance a shrug. The Icon of the Seas is the Linda Loman of cruise ships, exclaiming that attention must be paid. And here I am in late January with my one piece of luggage and useless gray winter jacket and passport, zipping through the Port of Miami en route to the gangway that will separate me from the bulk of North America for more than seven days, ready to pay it in full.

The aforementioned gangway opens up directly onto a thriving mall (I will soon learn it is imperiously called the “Royal Promenade”), presently filled with yapping passengers beneath a ceiling studded with balloons ready to drop. Crew members from every part of the global South, as well as a few Balkans, are shepherding us along while pressing flutes of champagne into our hands. By a humming Starbucks, I drink as many of these as I can and prepare to find my cabin. I show my blue Suite Sky SeaPass Card (more on this later, much more) to a smiling woman from the Philippines, and she tells me to go “aft.” Which is where, now? As someone who has rarely sailed on a vessel grander than the Staten Island Ferry, I am confused. It turns out that the aft is the stern of the ship, or, for those of us who don’t know what a stern or an aft are, its ass. The nose of the ship, responsible for separating the waves before it, is also called a bow, and is marked for passengers as the FWD , or forward. The part of the contemporary sailing vessel where the malls are clustered is called the midship. I trust that you have enjoyed this nautical lesson.

I ascend via elevator to my suite on Deck 11. This is where I encounter my first terrible surprise. My suite windows and balcony do not face the ocean. Instead, they look out onto another shopping mall. This mall is the one that’s called Central Park, perhaps in homage to the Olmsted-designed bit of greenery in the middle of my hometown. Although on land I would be delighted to own a suite with Central Park views, here I am deeply depressed. To sail on a ship and not wake up to a vast blue carpet of ocean? Unthinkable.

Allow me a brief preamble here. The story you are reading was commissioned at a moment when most staterooms on the Icon were sold out. In fact, so enthralled by the prospect of this voyage were hard-core mariners that the ship’s entire inventory of guest rooms (the Icon can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers, but its inaugural journey was reduced to 5,000 or so for a less crowded experience) was almost immediately sold out. Hence, this publication was faced with the shocking prospect of paying nearly $19,000 to procure for this solitary passenger an entire suite—not including drinking expenses—all for the privilege of bringing you this article. But the suite in question doesn’t even have a view of the ocean! I sit down hard on my soft bed. Nineteen thousand dollars for this .

The viewless suite does have its pluses. In addition to all the Malin+Goetz products in my dual bathrooms, I am granted use of a dedicated Suite Deck lounge; access to Coastal Kitchen, a superior restaurant for Suites passengers; complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream (“the fastest Internet at Sea”) “for one device per person for the whole cruise duration”; a pair of bathrobes (one of which comes prestained with what looks like a large expectoration by the greenest lizard on Earth); and use of the Grove Suite Sun, an area on Decks 18 and 19 with food and deck chairs reserved exclusively for Suite passengers. I also get reserved seating for a performance of The Wizard of Oz , an ice-skating tribute to the periodic table, and similar provocations. The very color of my Suite Sky SeaPass Card, an oceanic blue as opposed to the cloying royal purple of the standard non-Suite passenger, will soon provoke envy and admiration. But as high as my status may be, there are those on board who have much higher status still, and I will soon learn to bow before them.

In preparation for sailing, I have “priced in,” as they say on Wall Street, the possibility that I may come from a somewhat different monde than many of the other cruisers. Without falling into stereotypes or preconceptions, I prepare myself for a friendly outspokenness on the part of my fellow seafarers that may not comply with modern DEI standards. I believe in meeting people halfway, and so the day before flying down to Miami, I visited what remains of Little Italy to purchase a popular T-shirt that reads DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL across the breast in the colors of the Italian flag. My wife recommended that I bring one of my many T-shirts featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, as all Americans love the beagle and his friends. But I naively thought that my meatball T-shirt would be more suitable for conversation-starting. “Oh, and who is your ‘daddy’?” some might ask upon seeing it. “And how long have you been his ‘little meatball’?” And so on.

I put on my meatball T-shirt and head for one of the dining rooms to get a late lunch. In the elevator, I stick out my chest for all to read the funny legend upon it, but soon I realize that despite its burnished tricolor letters, no one takes note. More to the point, no one takes note of me. Despite my attempts at bridge building, the very sight of me (small, ethnic, without a cap bearing the name of a football team) elicits no reaction from other passengers. Most often, they will small-talk over me as if I don’t exist. This brings to mind the travails of David Foster Wallace , who felt so ostracized by his fellow passengers that he retreated to his cabin for much of his voyage. And Wallace was raised primarily in the Midwest and was a much larger, more American-looking meatball than I am. If he couldn’t talk to these people, how will I? What if I leave this ship without making any friends at all, despite my T-shirt? I am a social creature, and the prospect of seven days alone and apart is saddening. Wallace’s stateroom, at least, had a view of the ocean, a kind of cheap eternity.

Worse awaits me in the dining room. This is a large, multichandeliered room where I attended my safety training (I was shown how to put on a flotation vest; it is a very simple procedure). But the maître d’ politely refuses me entry in an English that seems to verge on another language. “I’m sorry, this is only for pendejos ,” he seems to be saying. I push back politely and he repeats himself. Pendejos ? Piranhas? There’s some kind of P-word to which I am not attuned. Meanwhile elderly passengers stream right past, powered by their limbs, walkers, and electric wheelchairs. “It is only pendejo dining today, sir.” “But I have a suite!” I say, already starting to catch on to the ship’s class system. He examines my card again. “But you are not a pendejo ,” he confirms. I am wearing a DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL T-shirt, I want to say to him. I am the essence of pendejo .

Eventually, I give up and head to the plebeian buffet on Deck 15, which has an aquatic-styled name I have now forgotten. Before gaining entry to this endless cornucopia of reheated food, one passes a washing station of many sinks and soap dispensers, and perhaps the most intriguing character on the entire ship. He is Mr. Washy Washy—or, according to his name tag, Nielbert of the Philippines—and he is dressed as a taco (on other occasions, I’ll see him dressed as a burger). Mr. Washy Washy performs an eponymous song in spirited, indeed flamboyant English: “Washy, washy, wash your hands, WASHY WASHY!” The dangers of norovirus and COVID on a cruise ship this size (a giant fellow ship was stricken with the former right after my voyage) makes Mr. Washy Washy an essential member of the crew. The problem lies with the food at the end of Washy’s rainbow. The buffet is groaning with what sounds like sophisticated dishes—marinated octopus, boiled egg with anchovy, chorizo, lobster claws—but every animal tastes tragically the same, as if there was only one creature available at the market, a “cruisipus” bred specifically for Royal Caribbean dining. The “vegetables” are no better. I pick up a tomato slice and look right through it. It tastes like cellophane. I sit alone, apart from the couples and parents with gaggles of children, as “We Are Family” echoes across the buffet space.

I may have failed to mention that all this time, the Icon of the Seas has not left port. As the fiery mango of the subtropical setting sun makes Miami’s condo skyline even more apocalyptic, the ship shoves off beneath a perfunctory display of fireworks. After the sun sets, in the far, dark distance, another circus-lit cruise ship ruptures the waves before us. We glance at it with pity, because it is by definition a smaller ship than our own. I am on Deck 15, outside the buffet and overlooking a bunch of pools (the Icon has seven of them), drinking a frilly drink that I got from one of the bars (the Icon has 15 of them), still too shy to speak to anyone, despite Sister Sledge’s assertion that all on the ship are somehow related.

Kim Brooks: On failing the family vacation

The ship’s passage away from Ron DeSantis’s Florida provides no frisson, no sense of developing “sea legs,” as the ship is too large to register the presence of waves unless a mighty wind adds significant chop. It is time for me to register the presence of the 5,000 passengers around me, even if they refuse to register mine. My fellow travelers have prepared for this trip with personally decorated T-shirts celebrating the importance of this voyage. The simplest ones say ICON INAUGURAL ’24 on the back and the family name on the front. Others attest to an over-the-top love of cruise ships: WARNING! MAY START TALKING ABOUT CRUISING . Still others are artisanally designed and celebrate lifetimes spent married while cruising (on ships, of course). A couple possibly in their 90s are wearing shirts whose backs feature a drawing of a cruise liner, two flamingos with ostensibly male and female characteristics, and the legend “ HUSBAND AND WIFE Cruising Partners FOR LIFE WE MAY NOT HAVE IT All Together BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE IT ALL .” (The words not in all caps have been written in cursive.) A real journalist or a more intrepid conversationalist would have gone up to the couple and asked them to explain the longevity of their marriage vis-à-vis their love of cruising. But instead I head to my mall suite, take off my meatball T-shirt, and allow the first tears of the cruise to roll down my cheeks slowly enough that I briefly fall asleep amid the moisture and salt.

I WAKE UP with a hangover. Oh God. Right. I cannot believe all of that happened last night. A name floats into my cobwebbed, nauseated brain: “Ayn Rand.” Jesus Christ.

I breakfast alone at the Coastal Kitchen. The coffee tastes fine and the eggs came out of a bird. The ship rolls slightly this morning; I can feel it in my thighs and my schlong, the parts of me that are most receptive to danger.

I had a dangerous conversation last night. After the sun set and we were at least 50 miles from shore (most modern cruise ships sail at about 23 miles an hour), I lay in bed softly hiccupping, my arms stretched out exactly like Jesus on the cross, the sound of the distant waves missing from my mall-facing suite, replaced by the hum of air-conditioning and children shouting in Spanish through the vents of my two bathrooms. I decided this passivity was unacceptable. As an immigrant, I feel duty-bound to complete the tasks I am paid for, which means reaching out and trying to understand my fellow cruisers. So I put on a normal James Perse T-shirt and headed for one of the bars on the Royal Promenade—the Schooner Bar, it was called, if memory serves correctly.

I sat at the bar for a martini and two Negronis. An old man with thick, hairy forearms drank next to me, very silent and Hemingwaylike, while a dreadlocked piano player tinkled out a series of excellent Elton John covers. To my right, a young white couple—he in floral shorts, she in a light, summery miniskirt with a fearsome diamond ring, neither of them in football regalia—chatted with an elderly couple. Do it , I commanded myself. Open your mouth. Speak! Speak without being spoken to. Initiate. A sentence fragment caught my ear from the young woman, “Cherry Hill.” This is a suburb of Philadelphia in New Jersey, and I had once been there for a reading at a synagogue. “Excuse me,” I said gently to her. “Did you just mention Cherry Hill? It’s a lovely place.”

As it turned out, the couple now lived in Fort Lauderdale (the number of Floridians on the cruise surprised me, given that Southern Florida is itself a kind of cruise ship, albeit one slowly sinking), but soon they were talking with me exclusively—the man potbellied, with a chin like a hard-boiled egg; the woman as svelte as if she were one of the many Ukrainian members of the crew—the elderly couple next to them forgotten. This felt as groundbreaking as the first time I dared to address an American in his native tongue, as a child on a bus in Queens (“On my foot you are standing, Mister”).

“I don’t want to talk politics,” the man said. “But they’re going to eighty-six Biden and put Michelle in.”

I considered the contradictions of his opening conversational gambit, but decided to play along. “People like Michelle,” I said, testing the waters. The husband sneered, but the wife charitably put forward that the former first lady was “more personable” than Joe Biden. “They’re gonna eighty-six Biden,” the husband repeated. “He can’t put a sentence together.”

After I mentioned that I was a writer—though I presented myself as a writer of teleplays instead of novels and articles such as this one—the husband told me his favorite writer was Ayn Rand. “Ayn Rand, she came here with nothing,” the husband said. “I work with a lot of Cubans, so …” I wondered if I should mention what I usually do to ingratiate myself with Republicans or libertarians: the fact that my finances improved after pass-through corporations were taxed differently under Donald Trump. Instead, I ordered another drink and the couple did the same, and I told him that Rand and I were born in the same city, St. Petersburg/Leningrad, and that my family also came here with nothing. Now the bonding and drinking began in earnest, and several more rounds appeared. Until it all fell apart.

Read: Gary Shteyngart on watching Russian television for five days straight

My new friend, whom I will refer to as Ayn, called out to a buddy of his across the bar, and suddenly a young couple, both covered in tattoos, appeared next to us. “He fucking punked me,” Ayn’s frat-boy-like friend called out as he put his arm around Ayn, while his sizable partner sizzled up to Mrs. Rand. Both of them had a look I have never seen on land—their eyes projecting absence and enmity in equal measure. In the ’90s, I drank with Russian soldiers fresh from Chechnya and wandered the streets of wartime Zagreb, but I have never seen such undisguised hostility toward both me and perhaps the universe at large. I was briefly introduced to this psychopathic pair, but neither of them wanted to have anything to do with me, and the tattooed woman would not even reveal her Christian name to me (she pretended to have the same first name as Mrs. Rand). To impress his tattooed friends, Ayn made fun of the fact that as a television writer, I’d worked on the series Succession (which, it would turn out, practically nobody on the ship had watched), instead of the far more palatable, in his eyes, zombie drama of last year. And then my new friends drifted away from me into an angry private conversation—“He punked me!”—as I ordered another drink for myself, scared of the dead-eyed arrivals whose gaze never registered in the dim wattage of the Schooner Bar, whose terrifying voices and hollow laughs grated like unoiled gears against the crooning of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

But today is a new day for me and my hangover. After breakfast, I explore the ship’s so-called neighborhoods . There’s the AquaDome, where one can find a food hall and an acrobatic sound-and-light aquatic show. Central Park has a premium steak house, a sushi joint, and a used Rolex that can be bought for $8,000 on land here proudly offered at $17,000. There’s the aforementioned Royal Promenade, where I had drunk with the Rands, and where a pair of dueling pianos duel well into the night. There’s Surfside, a kids’ neighborhood full of sugary garbage, which looks out onto the frothy trail that the behemoth leaves behind itself. Thrill Island refers to the collection of tubes that clutter the ass of the ship and offer passengers six waterslides and a surfing simulation. There’s the Hideaway, an adult zone that plays music from a vomit-slathered, Brit-filled Alicante nightclub circa 1996 and proves a big favorite with groups of young Latin American customers. And, most hurtfully, there’s the Suite Neighborhood.

I say hurtfully because as a Suite passenger I should be here, though my particular suite is far from the others. Whereas I am stuck amid the riffraff of Deck 11, this section is on the highborn Decks 16 and 17, and in passing, I peek into the spacious, tall-ceilinged staterooms from the hallway, dazzled by the glint of the waves and sun. For $75,000, one multifloor suite even comes with its own slide between floors, so that a family may enjoy this particular terror in private. There is a quiet splendor to the Suite Neighborhood. I see fewer stickers and signs and drawings than in my own neighborhood—for example, MIKE AND DIANA PROUDLY SERVED U.S. MARINE CORPS RETIRED . No one here needs to announce their branch of service or rank; they are simply Suites, and this is where they belong. Once again, despite my hard work and perseverance, I have been disallowed from the true American elite. Once again, I am “Not our class, dear.” I am reminded of watching The Love Boat on my grandmother’s Zenith, which either was given to her or we found in the trash (I get our many malfunctioning Zeniths confused) and whose tube got so hot, I would put little chunks of government cheese on a thin tissue atop it to give our welfare treat a pleasant, Reagan-era gooeyness. I could not understand English well enough then to catch the nuances of that seafaring program, but I knew that there were differences in the status of the passengers, and that sometimes those differences made them sad. Still, this ship, this plenty—every few steps, there are complimentary nachos or milkshakes or gyros on offer—was the fatty fuel of my childhood dreams. If only I had remained a child.

I walk around the outdoor decks looking for company. There is a middle-aged African American couple who always seem to be asleep in each other’s arms, probably exhausted from the late capitalism they regularly encounter on land. There is far more diversity on this ship than I expected. Many couples are a testament to Loving v. Virginia , and there is a large group of folks whose T-shirts read MELANIN AT SEA / IT’S THE MELANIN FOR ME . I smile when I see them, but then some young kids from the group makes Mr. Washy Washy do a cruel, caricatured “Burger Dance” (today he is in his burger getup), and I think, Well, so much for intersectionality .

At the infinity pool on Deck 17, I spot some elderly women who could be ethnic and from my part of the world, and so I jump in. I am proved correct! Many of them seem to be originally from Queens (“Corona was still great when it was all Italian”), though they are now spread across the tristate area. We bond over the way “Ron-kon-koma” sounds when announced in Penn Station.

“Everyone is here for a different reason,” one of them tells me. She and her ex-husband last sailed together four years ago to prove to themselves that their marriage was truly over. Her 15-year-old son lost his virginity to “an Irish young lady” while their ship was moored in Ravenna, Italy. The gaggle of old-timers competes to tell me their favorite cruising stories and tips. “A guy proposed in Central Park a couple of years ago”—many Royal Caribbean ships apparently have this ridiculous communal area—“and she ran away screaming!” “If you’re diamond-class, you get four drinks for free.” “A different kind of passenger sails out of Bayonne.” (This, perhaps, is racially coded.) “Sometimes, if you tip the bartender $5, your next drink will be free.”

“Everyone’s here for a different reason,” the woman whose marriage ended on a cruise tells me again. “Some people are here for bad reasons—the drinkers and the gamblers. Some people are here for medical reasons.” I have seen more than a few oxygen tanks and at least one woman clearly undergoing very serious chemo. Some T-shirts celebrate good news about a cancer diagnosis. This might be someone’s last cruise or week on Earth. For these women, who have spent months, if not years, at sea, cruising is a ritual as well as a life cycle: first love, last love, marriage, divorce, death.

Read: The last place on Earth any tourist should go

I have talked with these women for so long, tonight I promise myself that after a sad solitary dinner I will not try to seek out company at the bars in the mall or the adult-themed Hideaway. I have enough material to fulfill my duties to this publication. As I approach my orphaned suite, I run into the aggro young people who stole Mr. and Mrs. Rand away from me the night before. The tattooed apparitions pass me without a glance. She is singing something violent about “Stuttering Stanley” (a character in a popular horror movie, as I discover with my complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream Internet at Sea) and he’s loudly shouting about “all the money I’ve lost,” presumably at the casino in the bowels of the ship.

So these bent psychos out of a Cormac McCarthy novel are angrily inhabiting my deck. As I mewl myself to sleep, I envision a limited series for HBO or some other streamer, a kind of low-rent White Lotus , where several aggressive couples conspire to throw a shy intellectual interloper overboard. I type the scenario into my phone. As I fall asleep, I think of what the woman who recently divorced her husband and whose son became a man through the good offices of the Irish Republic told me while I was hoisting myself out of the infinity pool. “I’m here because I’m an explorer. I’m here because I’m trying something new.” What if I allowed myself to believe in her fantasy?

“YOU REALLY STARTED AT THE TOP,” they tell me. I’m at the Coastal Kitchen for my eggs and corned-beef hash, and the maître d’ has slotted me in between two couples. Fueled by coffee or perhaps intrigued by my relative youth, they strike up a conversation with me. As always, people are shocked that this is my first cruise. They contrast the Icon favorably with all the preceding liners in the Royal Caribbean fleet, usually commenting on the efficiency of the elevators that hurl us from deck to deck (as in many large corporate buildings, the elevators ask you to choose a floor and then direct you to one of many lifts). The couple to my right, from Palo Alto—he refers to his “porn mustache” and calls his wife “my cougar” because she is two years older—tell me they are “Pandemic Pinnacles.”

This is the day that my eyes will be opened. Pinnacles , it is explained to me over translucent cantaloupe, have sailed with Royal Caribbean for 700 ungodly nights. Pandemic Pinnacles took advantage of the two-for-one accrual rate of Pinnacle points during the pandemic, when sailing on a cruise ship was even more ill-advised, to catapult themselves into Pinnacle status.

Because of the importance of the inaugural voyage of the world’s largest cruise liner, more than 200 Pinnacles are on this ship, a startling number, it seems. Mrs. Palo Alto takes out a golden badge that I have seen affixed over many a breast, which reads CROWN AND ANCHOR SOCIETY along with her name. This is the coveted badge of the Pinnacle. “You should hear all the whining in Guest Services,” her husband tells me. Apparently, the Pinnacles who are not also Suites like us are all trying to use their status to get into Coastal Kitchen, our elite restaurant. Even a Pinnacle needs to be a Suite to access this level of corned-beef hash.

“We’re just baby Pinnacles,” Mrs. Palo Alto tells me, describing a kind of internal class struggle among the Pinnacle elite for ever higher status.

And now I understand what the maître d’ was saying to me on the first day of my cruise. He wasn’t saying “ pendejo .” He was saying “Pinnacle.” The dining room was for Pinnacles only, all those older people rolling in like the tide on their motorized scooters.

And now I understand something else: This whole thing is a cult. And like most cults, it can’t help but mirror the endless American fight for status. Like Keith Raniere’s NXIVM, where different-colored sashes were given out to connote rank among Raniere’s branded acolytes, this is an endless competition among Pinnacles, Suites, Diamond-Plusers, and facing-the-mall, no-balcony purple SeaPass Card peasants, not to mention the many distinctions within each category. The more you cruise, the higher your status. No wonder a section of the Royal Promenade is devoted to getting passengers to book their next cruise during the one they should be enjoying now. No wonder desperate Royal Caribbean offers (“FINAL HOURS”) crowded my email account weeks before I set sail. No wonder the ship’s jewelry store, the Royal Bling, is selling a $100,000 golden chalice that will entitle its owner to drink free on Royal Caribbean cruises for life. (One passenger was already gaming out whether her 28-year-old son was young enough to “just about earn out” on the chalice or if that ship had sailed.) No wonder this ship was sold out months before departure , and we had to pay $19,000 for a horrid suite away from the Suite Neighborhood. No wonder the most mythical hero of Royal Caribbean lore is someone named Super Mario, who has cruised so often, he now has his own working desk on many ships. This whole experience is part cult, part nautical pyramid scheme.

From the June 2014 issue: Ship of wonks

“The toilets are amazing,” the Palo Altos are telling me. “One flush and you’re done.” “They don’t understand how energy-efficient these ships are,” the husband of the other couple is telling me. “They got the LNG”—liquefied natural gas, which is supposed to make the Icon a boon to the environment (a concept widely disputed and sometimes ridiculed by environmentalists).

But I’m thinking along a different line of attack as I spear my last pallid slice of melon. For my streaming limited series, a Pinnacle would have to get killed by either an outright peasant or a Suite without an ocean view. I tell my breakfast companions my idea.

“Oh, for sure a Pinnacle would have to be killed,” Mr. Palo Alto, the Pandemic Pinnacle, says, touching his porn mustache thoughtfully as his wife nods.

“THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S your time, buddy!” Hubert, my fun-loving Panamanian cabin attendant, shouts as I step out of my suite in a robe. “Take it easy, buddy!”

I have come up with a new dressing strategy. Instead of trying to impress with my choice of T-shirts, I have decided to start wearing a robe, as one does at a resort property on land, with a proper spa and hammam. The response among my fellow cruisers has been ecstatic. “Look at you in the robe!” Mr. Rand cries out as we pass each other by the Thrill Island aqua park. “You’re living the cruise life! You know, you really drank me under the table that night.” I laugh as we part ways, but my soul cries out, Please spend more time with me, Mr. and Mrs. Rand; I so need the company .

In my white robe, I am a stately presence, a refugee from a better limited series, a one-man crossover episode. (Only Suites are granted these robes to begin with.) Today, I will try many of the activities these ships have on offer to provide their clientele with a sense of never-ceasing motion. Because I am already at Thrill Island, I decide to climb the staircase to what looks like a mast on an old-fashioned ship (terrified, because I am afraid of heights) to try a ride called “Storm Chasers,” which is part of the “Category 6” water park, named in honor of one of the storms that may someday do away with the Port of Miami entirely. Storm Chasers consists of falling from the “mast” down a long, twisting neon tube filled with water, like being the camera inside your own colonoscopy, as you hold on to the handles of a mat, hoping not to die. The tube then flops you down headfirst into a trough of water, a Royal Caribbean baptism. It both knocks my breath out and makes me sad.

In keeping with the aquatic theme, I attend a show at the AquaDome. To the sound of “Live and Let Die,” a man in a harness gyrates to and fro in the sultry air. I saw something very similar in the back rooms of the famed Berghain club in early-aughts Berlin. Soon another harnessed man is gyrating next to the first. Ja , I think to myself, I know how this ends. Now will come the fisting , natürlich . But the show soon devolves into the usual Marvel-film-grade nonsense, with too much light and sound signifying nichts . If any fisting is happening, it is probably in the Suite Neighborhood, inside a cabin marked with an upside-down pineapple, which I understand means a couple are ready to swing, and I will see none of it.

I go to the ice show, which is a kind of homage—if that’s possible—to the periodic table, done with the style and pomp and masterful precision that would please the likes of Kim Jong Un, if only he could afford Royal Caribbean talent. At one point, the dancers skate to the theme song of Succession . “See that!” I want to say to my fellow Suites—at “cultural” events, we have a special section reserved for us away from the commoners—“ Succession ! It’s even better than the zombie show! Open your minds!”

Finally, I visit a comedy revue in an enormous and too brightly lit version of an “intimate,” per Royal Caribbean literature, “Manhattan comedy club.” Many of the jokes are about the cruising life. “I’ve lived on ships for 20 years,” one of the middle-aged comedians says. “I can only see so many Filipino homosexuals dressed as a taco.” He pauses while the audience laughs. “I am so fired tonight,” he says. He segues into a Trump impression and then Biden falling asleep at the microphone, which gets the most laughs. “Anyone here from Fort Leonard Wood?” another comedian asks. Half the crowd seems to cheer. As I fall asleep that night, I realize another connection I have failed to make, and one that may explain some of the diversity on this vessel—many of its passengers have served in the military.

As a coddled passenger with a suite, I feel like I am starting to understand what it means to have a rank and be constantly reminded of it. There are many espresso makers , I think as I look across the expanse of my officer-grade quarters before closing my eyes, but this one is mine .

A shocking sight greets me beyond the pools of Deck 17 as I saunter over to the Coastal Kitchen for my morning intake of slightly sour Americanos. A tiny city beneath a series of perfectly pressed green mountains. Land! We have docked for a brief respite in Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis. I wolf down my egg scramble to be one of the first passengers off the ship. Once past the gangway, I barely refrain from kissing the ground. I rush into the sights and sounds of this scruffy island city, sampling incredible conch curry and buckets of non-Starbucks coffee. How wonderful it is to be where God intended humans to be: on land. After all, I am neither a fish nor a mall rat. This is my natural environment. Basseterre may not be Havana, but there are signs of human ingenuity and desire everywhere you look. The Black Table Grill Has been Relocated to Soho Village, Market Street, Directly Behind of, Gary’s Fruits and Flower Shop. Signed. THE PORK MAN reads a sign stuck to a wall. Now, that is how you write a sign. A real sign, not the come-ons for overpriced Rolexes that blink across the screens of the Royal Promenade.

“Hey, tie your shoestring!” a pair of laughing ladies shout to me across the street.

“Thank you!” I shout back. Shoestring! “Thank you very much.”

A man in Independence Square Park comes by and asks if I want to play with his monkey. I haven’t heard that pickup line since the Penn Station of the 1980s. But then he pulls a real monkey out of a bag. The monkey is wearing a diaper and looks insane. Wonderful , I think, just wonderful! There is so much life here. I email my editor asking if I can remain on St. Kitts and allow the Icon to sail off into the horizon without me. I have even priced a flight home at less than $300, and I have enough material from the first four days on the cruise to write the entire story. “It would be funny …” my editor replies. “Now get on the boat.”

As I slink back to the ship after my brief jailbreak, the locals stand under umbrellas to gaze at and photograph the boat that towers over their small capital city. The limousines of the prime minister and his lackeys are parked beside the gangway. St. Kitts, I’ve been told, is one of the few islands that would allow a ship of this size to dock.

“We hear about all the waterslides,” a sweet young server in one of the cafés told me. “We wish we could go on the ship, but we have to work.”

“I want to stay on your island,” I replied. “I love it here.”

But she didn’t understand how I could possibly mean that.

“WASHY, WASHY, so you don’t get stinky, stinky!” kids are singing outside the AquaDome, while their adult minders look on in disapproval, perhaps worried that Mr. Washy Washy is grooming them into a life of gayness. I heard a southern couple skip the buffet entirely out of fear of Mr. Washy Washy.

Meanwhile, I have found a new watering hole for myself, the Swim & Tonic, the biggest swim-up bar on any cruise ship in the world. Drinking next to full-size, nearly naked Americans takes away one’s own self-consciousness. The men have curvaceous mom bodies. The women are equally un-shy about their sprawling physiques.

Today I’ve befriended a bald man with many children who tells me that all of the little trinkets that Royal Caribbean has left us in our staterooms and suites are worth a fortune on eBay. “Eighty dollars for the water bottle, 60 for the lanyard,” the man says. “This is a cult.”

“Tell me about it,” I say. There is, however, a clientele for whom this cruise makes perfect sense. For a large middle-class family (he works in “supply chains”), seven days in a lower-tier cabin—which starts at $1,800 a person—allow the parents to drop off their children in Surfside, where I imagine many young Filipina crew members will take care of them, while the parents are free to get drunk at a swim-up bar and maybe even get intimate in their cabin. Cruise ships have become, for a certain kind of hardworking family, a form of subsidized child care.

There is another man I would like to befriend at the Swim & Tonic, a tall, bald fellow who is perpetually inebriated and who wears a necklace studded with little rubber duckies in sunglasses, which, I am told, is a sort of secret handshake for cruise aficionados. Tomorrow, I will spend more time with him, but first the ship docks at St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is more charming in name than in presence, but I still all but jump off the ship to score a juicy oxtail and plantains at the well-known Petite Pump Room, overlooking the harbor. From one of the highest points in the small city, the Icon of the Seas appears bigger than the surrounding hills.

I usually tan very evenly, but something about the discombobulation of life at sea makes me forget the regular application of sunscreen. As I walk down the streets of Charlotte Amalie in my fluorescent Icon of the Seas cap, an old Rastafarian stares me down. “Redneck,” he hisses.

“No,” I want to tell him, as I bring a hand up to my red neck, “that’s not who I am at all. On my island, Mannahatta, as Whitman would have it, I am an interesting person living within an engaging artistic milieu. I do not wish to use the Caribbean as a dumping ground for the cruise-ship industry. I love the work of Derek Walcott. You don’t understand. I am not a redneck. And if I am, they did this to me.” They meaning Royal Caribbean? Its passengers? The Rands?

“They did this to me!”

Back on the Icon, some older matrons are muttering about a run-in with passengers from the Celebrity cruise ship docked next to us, the Celebrity Apex. Although Celebrity Cruises is also owned by Royal Caribbean, I am made to understand that there is a deep fratricidal beef between passengers of the two lines. “We met a woman from the Apex,” one matron says, “and she says it was a small ship and there was nothing to do. Her face was as tight as a 19-year-old’s, she had so much surgery.” With those words, and beneath a cloudy sky, humidity shrouding our weathered faces and red necks, we set sail once again, hopefully in the direction of home.

THERE ARE BARELY 48 HOURS LEFT to the cruise, and the Icon of the Seas’ passengers are salty. They know how to work the elevators. They know the Washy Washy song by heart. They understand that the chicken gyro at “Feta Mediterranean,” in the AquaDome Market, is the least problematic form of chicken on the ship.

The passengers have shed their INAUGURAL CRUISE T-shirts and are now starting to evince political opinions. There are caps pledging to make America great again and T-shirts that celebrate words sometimes attributed to Patrick Henry: “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.” With their preponderance of FAMILY FLAG FAITH FRIENDS FIREARMS T-shirts, the tables by the crepe station sometimes resemble the Capitol Rotunda on January 6. The Real Anthony Fauci , by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears to be a popular form of literature, especially among young men with very complicated versions of the American flag on their T-shirts. Other opinions blend the personal and the political. “Someone needs to kill Washy guy, right?” a well-dressed man in the elevator tells me, his gray eyes radiating nothing. “Just beat him to death. Am I right?” I overhear the male member of a young couple whisper, “There goes that freak” as I saunter by in my white spa robe, and I decide to retire it for the rest of the cruise.

I visit the Royal Bling to see up close the $100,000 golden chalice that entitles you to free drinks on Royal Caribbean forever. The pleasant Serbian saleslady explains that the chalice is actually gold-plated and covered in white zirconia instead of diamonds, as it would otherwise cost $1 million. “If you already have everything,” she explains, “this is one more thing you can get.”

I believe that anyone who works for Royal Caribbean should be entitled to immediate American citizenship. They already speak English better than most of the passengers and, per the Serbian lady’s sales pitch above, better understand what America is as well. Crew members like my Panamanian cabin attendant seem to work 24 hours a day. A waiter from New Delhi tells me that his contract is six months and three weeks long. After a cruise ends, he says, “in a few hours, we start again for the next cruise.” At the end of the half a year at sea, he is allowed a two-to-three-month stay at home with his family. As of 2019, the median income for crew members was somewhere in the vicinity of $20,000, according to a major business publication. Royal Caribbean would not share the current median salary for its crew members, but I am certain that it amounts to a fraction of the cost of a Royal Bling gold-plated, zirconia-studded chalice.

And because most of the Icon’s hyper-sanitized spaces are just a frittata away from being a Delta lounge, one forgets that there are actual sailors on this ship, charged with the herculean task of docking it in port. “Having driven 100,000-ton aircraft carriers throughout my career,” retired Admiral James G. Stavridis, the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, writes to me, “I’m not sure I would even know where to begin with trying to control a sea monster like this one nearly three times the size.” (I first met Stavridis while touring Army bases in Germany more than a decade ago.)

Today, I decide to head to the hot tub near Swim & Tonic, where some of the ship’s drunkest reprobates seem to gather (the other tubs are filled with families and couples). The talk here, like everywhere else on the ship, concerns football, a sport about which I know nothing. It is apparent that four teams have recently competed in some kind of finals for the year, and that two of them will now face off in the championship. Often when people on the Icon speak, I will try to repeat the last thing they said with a laugh or a nod of disbelief. “Yes, 20-yard line! Ha!” “Oh my God, of course, scrimmage.”

Soon we are joined in the hot tub by the late-middle-age drunk guy with the duck necklace. He is wearing a bucket hat with the legend HAWKEYES , which, I soon gather, is yet another football team. “All right, who turned me in?” Duck Necklace says as he plops into the tub beside us. “I get a call in the morning,” he says. “It’s security. Can you come down to the dining room by 10 a.m.? You need to stay away from the members of this religious family.” Apparently, the gregarious Duck Necklace had photobombed the wrong people. There are several families who present as evangelical Christians or practicing Muslims on the ship. One man, evidently, was not happy that Duck Necklace had made contact with his relatives. “It’s because of religious stuff; he was offended. I put my arm around 20 people a day.”

Everyone laughs. “They asked me three times if I needed medication,” he says of the security people who apparently interrogated him in full view of others having breakfast.

Another hot-tub denizen suggests that he should have asked for fentanyl. After a few more drinks, Duck Necklace begins to muse about what it would be like to fall off the ship. “I’m 62 and I’m ready to go,” he says. “I just don’t want a shark to eat me. I’m a huge God guy. I’m a Bible guy. There’s some Mayan theory squaring science stuff with religion. There is so much more to life on Earth.” We all nod into our Red Stripes.

“I never get off the ship when we dock,” he says. He tells us he lost $6,000 in the casino the other day. Later, I look him up, and it appears that on land, he’s a financial adviser in a crisp gray suit, probably a pillar of his North Chicago community.

THE OCEAN IS TEEMING with fascinating life, but on the surface it has little to teach us. The waves come and go. The horizon remains ever far away.

I am constantly told by my fellow passengers that “everybody here has a story.” Yes, I want to reply, but everybody everywhere has a story. You, the reader of this essay, have a story, and yet you’re not inclined to jump on a cruise ship and, like Duck Necklace, tell your story to others at great pitch and volume. Maybe what they’re saying is that everybody on this ship wants to have a bigger, more coherent, more interesting story than the one they’ve been given. Maybe that’s why there’s so much signage on the doors around me attesting to marriages spent on the sea. Maybe that’s why the Royal Caribbean newsletter slipped under my door tells me that “this isn’t a vacation day spent—it’s bragging rights earned.” Maybe that’s why I’m so lonely.

Today is a big day for Icon passengers. Today the ship docks at Royal Caribbean’s own Bahamian island, the Perfect Day at CocoCay. (This appears to be the actual name of the island.) A comedian at the nightclub opined on what his perfect day at CocoCay would look like—receiving oral sex while learning that his ex-wife had been killed in a car crash (big laughter). But the reality of the island is far less humorous than that.

One of the ethnic tristate ladies in the infinity pool told me that she loved CocoCay because it had exactly the same things that could be found on the ship itself. This proves to be correct. It is like the Icon, but with sand. The same tired burgers, the same colorful tubes conveying children and water from Point A to B. The same swim-up bar at its Hideaway ($140 for admittance, no children allowed; Royal Caribbean must be printing money off its clientele). “There was almost a fight at The Wizard of Oz ,” I overhear an elderly woman tell her companion on a chaise lounge. Apparently one of the passengers began recording Royal Caribbean’s intellectual property and “three guys came after him.”

I walk down a pathway to the center of the island, where a sign reads DO NOT ENTER: YOU HAVE REACHED THE BOUNDARY OF ADVENTURE . I hear an animal scampering in the bushes. A Royal Caribbean worker in an enormous golf cart soon chases me down and takes me back to the Hideaway, where I run into Mrs. Rand in a bikini. She becomes livid telling me about an altercation she had the other day with a woman over a towel and a deck chair. We Suites have special towel privileges; we do not have to hand over our SeaPass Card to score a towel. But the Rands are not Suites. “People are so entitled here,” Mrs. Rand says. “It’s like the airport with all its classes.” “You see,” I want to say, “this is where your husband’s love of Ayn Rand runs into the cruelties and arbitrary indignities of unbridled capitalism.” Instead we make plans to meet for a final drink in the Schooner Bar tonight (the Rands will stand me up).

Back on the ship, I try to do laps, but the pool (the largest on any cruise ship, naturally) is fully trashed with the detritus of American life: candy wrappers, a slowly dissolving tortilla chip, napkins. I take an extra-long shower in my suite, then walk around the perimeter of the ship on a kind of exercise track, past all the alluring lifeboats in their yellow-and-white livery. Maybe there is a dystopian angle to the HBO series that I will surely end up pitching, one with shades of WALL-E or Snowpiercer . In a collapsed world, a Royal Caribbean–like cruise liner sails from port to port, collecting new shipmates and supplies in exchange for the precious energy it has on board. (The actual Icon features a new technology that converts passengers’ poop into enough energy to power the waterslides . In the series, this shitty technology would be greatly expanded.) A very young woman (18? 19?), smart and lonely, who has only known life on the ship, walks along the same track as I do now, contemplating jumping off into the surf left by its wake. I picture reusing Duck Necklace’s words in the opening shot of the pilot. The girl is walking around the track, her eyes on the horizon; maybe she’s highborn—a Suite—and we hear the voice-over: “I’m 19 and I’m ready to go. I just don’t want a shark to eat me.”

Before the cruise is finished, I talk to Mr. Washy Washy, or Nielbert of the Philippines. He is a sweet, gentle man, and I thank him for the earworm of a song he has given me and for keeping us safe from the dreaded norovirus. “This is very important to me, getting people to wash their hands,” he tells me in his burger getup. He has dreams, as an artist and a performer, but they are limited in scope. One day he wants to dress up as a piece of bacon for the morning shift.

THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE TITANIC (the Icon of the Seas is five times as large as that doomed vessel) at least offered its passengers an exciting ending to their cruise, but when I wake up on the eighth day, all I see are the gray ghosts that populate Miami’s condo skyline. Throughout my voyage, my writer friends wrote in to commiserate with me. Sloane Crosley, who once covered a three-day spa mini-cruise for Vogue , tells me she felt “so very alone … I found it very untethering.” Gideon Lewis-Kraus writes in an Instagram comment: “When Gary is done I think it’s time this genre was taken out back and shot.” And he is right. To badly paraphrase Adorno: After this, no more cruise stories. It is unfair to put a thinking person on a cruise ship. Writers typically have difficult childhoods, and it is cruel to remind them of the inherent loneliness that drove them to writing in the first place. It is also unseemly to write about the kind of people who go on cruises. Our country does not provide the education and upbringing that allow its citizens an interior life. For the creative class to point fingers at the large, breasty gentlemen adrift in tortilla-chip-laden pools of water is to gather a sour harvest of low-hanging fruit.

A day or two before I got off the ship, I decided to make use of my balcony, which I had avoided because I thought the view would only depress me further. What I found shocked me. My suite did not look out on Central Park after all. This entire time, I had been living in the ship’s Disneyland, Surfside, the neighborhood full of screaming toddlers consuming milkshakes and candy. And as I leaned out over my balcony, I beheld a slight vista of the sea and surf that I thought I had been missing. It had been there all along. The sea was frothy and infinite and blue-green beneath the span of a seagull’s wing. And though it had been trod hard by the world’s largest cruise ship, it remained.

This article appears in the May 2024 print edition with the headline “A Meatball at Sea.” When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.

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Father of florida cruise passenger, 20, who jumped off royal caribbean ship after argument believes his son is still alive: report.

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The father of the 20-year-old passenger who jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship last Thursday in a reportedly drunken, impulsive leap believes his son is still alive nearly a week later.

Francel Parker, dad of missing Levion Parker, told the Daily Sun that he believes his child — whom he called a master diver — is still alive in the waters off the Bahamas.

“As soon as he went off the side, I prayed over him. I was confident the prayers I said over my son were heard. I stand on the word of God. I believe he is alive,” Francel Parker said to the local Florida paper Wednesday.

The US Coast Guard called off its search for the North Port man a day earlier.

The younger Parker allegedly jumped off the 18-story Liberty of the Seas around 4 a.m. in front of his helpless dad and younger brother after getting into an argument with his father, witnesses previously told The Post.

But Francel, who runs an AC business in Port Charlotte, told the local newspaper that he wasn’t arguing with Levion and that his son wasn’t trying to take his own life.

He said Levion is a skilled diver who works on a commercial fishing boat, and he is demanding to know how his underage son was given alcohol on the four-day cruise to Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island.

“We don’t drink,” Francel said. “I’d like to know how my son was served so much alcohol.”

Another passenger onboard the cruise who witnessed Levion’s heart-stopping jump said Francel was “fussing at him for being drunk.”

Bryan Sims told The Post that he was hanging out with Levion and his 18-year-old brother, Seth, in the hotel tub of the ship in the early hours of April 4 before they went their separate ways.

After Sims had used the restroom and dried off, he bumped into the brothers and their father near the elevators.

“As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess,” Sims said of the moment before Parker jumped.  

“When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all,” Sims said, calling what he witnessed “surreal.”

Another cruise guest described the frantic chaos that followed.

“There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately,” Deborah Morrison told The Post.

“His family was horrified. Just beside themselves. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through.”

Francel told the Daily Sun that he threw six life rings off the ship in hopes of saving his son before the massive vessel was able to come to a stop about 20 minutes later.

Royal Caribbean said it “immediately” launched search boats to look for the 20-year-old and alerted the Coast Guard, which later took over the search.

At least 406 people on major cruise lines and ferries have gone overboard between 2000 and 2024, according to data collected by retired professor and cruise industry researcher Ross Klein.

Death rates among overboard passengers and crew members vary significantly among cruise lines, but even the safest cruise companies were only able to rescue about 40% of people who fall or jump off the ship, Klein told the Washington Post in July.

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Ultrawealthy cruising: See inside Royal Caribbean's most extravagant upgrades and a $100,000-a-week cabin on its Icon of the Seas

• Cruise giants are putting more "pay-to-play" amenities on their new ships.
• Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has high-end upcharge options like a $200-per-person dinner. 
• See what a vacation on the world's largest cruise ship is like for affluent travelers.

Are you looking to ball out on your weeklong vacation aboard the world's largest cruise ship ? Get ready to pay $200 for dinner and $100,000 for a cabin.

Vacations-at-sea can be a fairly affordable vacation option. With most cruise lines, your base fare already includes accommodations, unlimited food, endless activities, and the opportunity to see several destinations in one go.

But as more " pay-to-play " amenities show up on board, the more pricey these floating vacations could become. And there's likely no better example of this than Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise ship.

Forget tiny interior cabins and dinners at the buffet. On the 9,950-person Icon of the Seas, affluent travelers could have a vacation that rivals even the most luxurious small-ship cruise .

Guests interested in luxuriating in one of Icon’s 179 suites will be paying a minimum of $4,614 per person for a weeklong sailing.

The mega-ship's high-end suites range from 402 to 2,523 square feet, balconies included.

Some come with sweeping views of the AquaTheater . No need to scramble for the best seats when you can watch the show's divers, synchronized swimmers, and aerialists from your couch.

Others, like the floor-to-ceiling window-lined Icon Loft, are spread across two floors.

Guests in the most luxurious suites also get Starlink WiFi, laundry services, the best seats for on board shows, and a "Royal Genie" to help plan their trip.

But few compare to Icon’s most expensive cabin, the 2,523-square-foot Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Guests in the three-floor floating mansion get to wake up to sweeping ocean views and coffee on one of the three balconies.

The bottom floor has an open-air patio that opens into Icon's Surfside neighborhood.

The two bedrooms — one with a bunk bed — are back inside on the top floor.

Looking to watch a movie or flex your karaoke skills? Slide down to the second floor, where you can do just that at one of the several lounges.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean told Business Insider that travelers have been 'quickly' reserving the giant cabin for an average of $100,000 a week.

But a cruise ship worker stationed at the Ultimate Family Townhouse in January told BI that some guests have been snatching up the multilevel townhouse for a whopping $200,000 a week, noting that the playground-like cabin was mostly booked for 2024.

The keycards to these plush suites also open up another exclusive side of the ship: the Suite Neighborhood.

Only guests staying in suites can access the 60,924-square-foot retreat and its two restaurants, sundeck, hot tub, pool, and bar.

The list of exclusive restaurants doesn’t end there, of course.

More than half of the Icon of the Seas' 28 eateries come at an extra cost.

Some are more affordable, like Izumi at the Park's grab-and-go sushi window. For $10, hungry travelers can pick between seaweed salad and edamame, plus two choices of sashimi, nigiri, and rolls.

Cruisers craving a formal, upscale dinner could instead reserve the rabbit-slinging $200-per-person Empire Supper Club.

The price is comparable to high-end, on-land Michelin-starred restaurants.

Empire Supper Club's American fare dinner flexes eight courses, a cocktail pairing, and live jazz. Appetizer options include butter-poached langoustine with Osetra caviar. For the main course, the aforementioned rabbit leg and loin could be a bun-tastic choice.

The latter will be paired with a New York Sour — not a hoppy beer.

There are 18 other places to drink on the ship. As usual, none are complimentary.

Expect to front New York City prices without a beverage package: The popular Rye and Bean bar serves coffee and tea-infused cocktails ranging from $12 to $14.

Looking for a pampering? Like alcohol, spa treatments are rarely complimentary on cruise ships.

Vacationing can be stressful. At the mega-ship's spa, guests can unwind with an almost $150 25-minute facial or a nearly $180 50-minute Swedish massage.

Or, book one of the exclusive casitas to relax with unobstructed ocean views.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to BI's request for casita pricing on Icon of the Seas. But for context, a casita on the cruise line's older Symphony of the Seas mega-ship can cost about $360 per day during a sea day.

Amenities like the six-slide waterpark and mini-golf course are complimentary to all guests.

But the same can't be said for Crown's Edge , one of the ship's most distinctive amenities.

Travelers must don a bulky jumpsuit and harness before they face their fear of heights at the thrilling agility course.

The half-walking, half-ziplining route, which leaves its sweaty-palmed participants dangling 154 feet above the ocean, could be completed in a minute or so.

That's $49 down the drain in one minute.

And why stop there when you can splurge during port days too?

Icon of the Seas will dock at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island for all 2024 sailings.

As expected, the Caribbean getaway is full of upcharged activities.

Travelers with young children might want to drop $100 per head for an afternoon at the waterpark.

Meanwhile, those without kids can pay between $39 to $89 per person for a boozy day at the adult-only Hideaway Beach .

Nearby, the more exclusive beach club could be almost triple that cost.

A weeklong trip on the new world's largest cruise ship could quickly become an ultra-luxurious vacation.

But even travelers looking to spend modestly might be shocked by the new ship's prices.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told investors in 2023 that Icon's inaugural season had commanded more bookings at "materially higher rates" than any of its previous ship launches.

Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told BI in late 2023 that new cruise liners generally command a 20% to 50% pricing premium.

Three months before Icon of the Seas' launch , he estimated the new vessel was priced at a premium of "at least 50% if not more."

At the time, the least expensive 2024 itinerary had started at $1,820 per person for an interior cabin.

Pricing has since increased by $17. That's $262 per person, per day, for a windowless stateroom.

And no, it doesn't come with access to the Suite Neighborhood.

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Utopia of the Seas guide: Everything we know about Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class cruise ship

Launching July 22, Utopia of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean 's beloved Oasis Class series of ships. The fact that Royal Caribbean is launching an Oasis Class ship on the heels of the much-touted debut of Icon of the Seas — the bigger, newer Icon Class of ships — is a testament to the popularity of Oasis Class vessels.

Larger than its sister ship, Wonder of the Seas, Utopia will be the world's second-largest cruise ship (until the second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, steals that spot in 2025).

Royal Caribbean hopes to draw a new crowd of never-cruised-before travelers by focusing on short three- and four-night itineraries that allow folks to sample cruising without too much of a commitment. It's the first time the line has earmarked a new Oasis Class ship for short-cruise service from its beginning. When it debuts, Utopia of the Seas will be far bigger, newer and more amenity-packed than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.

From new restaurants and bars to announced itineraries, here's everything we know so far about Utopia of the Seas.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Overview of Utopia of the Seas

The 237,000-ton Utopia of the Seas will be 18 decks high and is expected to carry up to 6,700 passengers in 2,830 cabins, placing it just behind Icon of the Seas as the world's second-biggest cruise ship.

Utopia of the Seas will be the sixth vessel in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class of ships, which includes Oasis of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas , Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

It will sail a series of three- to four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Florida's Port Canaveral (near Orlando). All of the Utopia of the Seas sailings will include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. Fares for a three-night sailing start from $469 per person (excluding taxes and fees).

Like other Royal Caribbean vessels, Utopia of the Seas will teem with family-focused attractions like multiple pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a zip line and a two-story dry slide called the Ultimate Abyss. And that's just on the top decks.

Inside, you'll find an extensive selection of shops, as well as new and returning favorite restaurants and bars, a massive casino, an indoor ice-skating rink and theaters with Broadway-style shows. It will also feature a designated suite area with an exclusive lounge, restaurant and sun deck. With so much to do on board, your biggest challenge might be hitting all the activities on your to-do list on a three- or four-night sailing.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Utopia of the Seas' design and layout will mirror the line's last new Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas, launched in 2022. Like other Oasis Class vessels, the ship will feature individual "neighborhoods," each with its unique vibe. The Royal Promenade will be the ship's main thoroughfare, lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and bars. Also, leafy Central Park will be reprised on Utopia.

Entertainment venues like the casino and comedy club will be in the aptly named Entertainment Place, and the vessel will also feature the exclusive Suite Neighborhood for suite passengers.

Other neighborhoods include The Boardwalk — where you'll find the AquaTheater and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade — and the Pool & Sports Zone — complete with an expansive Caribbean-themed pool deck and a three-story Lime and Coconut bar. The Youth Zone (with a for-fee arcade and youth activity programming) and the Vitality Spa & Fitness area round out the list.

Utopia of the Seas cabins and suites

Utopia of the Seas will feature 2,830 cabins and suites, with more than 20 types of accommodations to suit every budget and group size. They include inside (windowless) cabins, ocean-view cabins and balcony cabins. Cruisers can choose from varied suite options, including the new posh Solarium Suites, exclusively on Utopia of the Seas.

The ship will also offer virtual balconies in select inside cabins. These accommodations will include 80-inch LED TVs that provide live views from outside the ship.

Royal Caribbean debuted the concept of interior-facing balconies with its Oasis Class vessels. On Utopia of the Seas, guests will also have the option to book a traditional balcony that faces the ocean or one overlooking the Boardwalk or Central Park.

The line's Royal Suite Class comprises three categories of suites — Star, Sky and Sea. All come with VIP perks such as a dedicated lounge area for suite guests, complimentary drinks and dining, personal concierge services via a Royal Genie, reserved pool deck seating and other amenities. Which perks you get depends on your suite tier.

Within the highest Star tier of suites (and exclusive to Utopia of the Seas), two expansive Solarium Suites will be perched above the ship's navigation bridge, providing spectacular 280-degree top-deck views. Each will feature a huge living room, a dining area and an infinite balcony. The infinite balcony technology, which Royal Caribbean debuted on Icon of the Seas, allows guests to lower a large window at the touch of a button to let fresh air into their room.

Other Royal Suite Class accommodations include the 1,500-square-foot, two-level Royal Loft Suite; it has a lofted master bedroom, a massive living room and a private balcony with an outdoor shower, hot tub, TV and minibar.

Additionally, the three-bedroom Ultimate Family Suite can accommodate up to 10 guests and features a slide from the upper level to the lower one. It has a private cinema and karaoke station, a balcony with a ping pong table and a private hot tub. The two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites allow guests to watch AquaTheater productions from their personal balconies.

Utopia of the Seas restaurants and bars

Utopia of the Seas will offer more than 20 restaurant and bar options, with a solid mix of included-in-fare and extra-fee specialty dining venues. Here is what you can expect on board.

Restaurants

The following dining options are included in your fare:

The Dining Room: The multilevel main dining space will serve multicourse meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Windjammer Cafe: As on other Royal Caribbean ships, the buffet-style restaurant will be the go-to for varied breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

Solarium Bistro: Passengers can opt for healthful, lighter fare like salads, soups and fresh fruit.

The Spare Tire: Debuting on Utopia of the Seas, this food truck-style eatery will be found poolside and feature sandwiches, flatbread and various desserts.

Coastal Kitchen: Suites guests and Royal Caribbean's top-tier Pinnacle loyalty program members will have exclusive access to this space, serving California and Mediterranean fusion dishes.

Sorrento's Pizza: Curb pie cravings day or night at Royal Caribbean's popular pizza parlor .

Other spots to fuel up for free will include El Loco Fresh for fast-casual Mexican fare; Sprinkles for serve-yourself ice cream; Boardwalk Dog House for hotdogs, sausages and brats; and Park Cafe for coffee, tea and pastries.

Here is a rundown of added-fee specialty dining available on Utopia of the Seas.

Royal Railway — Utopia Platform: While full details are still under wraps, the new Royal Railway — Utopia Station restaurant will use technology to virtually transport guests to different places and times. After enjoying pre-dinner drinks on the station platform, guests will "board" the train and enjoy a multicourse dinner.

150 Central Park: This upscale restaurant offers six- to eight-course tasting menus and is only on Oasis Class ships. Dishes here highlight locally sourced ingredients, some prepared tableside.

Chef's Table: This private, five-course wine pairing dinner is hosted by the executive chef and onboard sommelier.

Chops Grille & Trellis Bar: You'll find the same flavorful steaks, fresh seafood and extensive wine selection at this version of Royal Caribbean's marquee steakhouse. On Utopia, the venue will be attached to the signature Trellis Bar, perfect for a convenient pre-dinner cocktail.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: As on other ships, this popular Italian eatery will feature homemade pasta and fresh seafood, as well as a solid selection of wines. New to Utopia, the venue will span two floors. Guests can opt to dine alfresco on the restaurant's outside terrace overlooking The Boardwalk at the line's first Gio's Terrazza.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and Izumi in the Park: Guests can opt for a multicourse meal and entertainment in a private dining setting or grab fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired sweets at Izumi in the Park's walk-up restaurant.

Hooked Seafood: Serving New England-style seafood, Hooked will be the spot for Maine lobster rolls, crabcakes, oysters and other fresh seafood.

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade : Like its predecessors on other Royal Caribbean vessels, this popular sports bar perfectly pairs pub grub with arcade games.

Related: Playmakers: Royal Caribbean's cruise ship sports bar (with menu)

The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar: This popular venue is a returning favorite for Southern comfort food and live music .

Johnny Rockets: This popular added-fee ($12.99) spot is worth its weight in golden french fries (and burgers , onion rings and milkshakes).

Vitality Cafe and Starbucks are other added-fee venues on board.

With more than 20 bars and lounges, passengers on board Utopia of the Seas will have plenty of ways to celebrate a long weekend at sea. Here are some to look forward to.

Pesky Parrot: This new Caribbean-themed bar will replace the Bionic Bar on the Royal Promenade. The low-key venue will serve frozen drinks and fruit-based cocktails.

The Lime and Coconut: This lively Caribbean-themed pool deck bar will expand to a three-deck-high venue.

The Vue: The Vue first debuted on Wonder of the Seas. Adjacent to the ship's solarium, the bar is unique because it's cantilevered over the ship's side.

Add to the list returning venues like the aforementioned Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for gameday bar favorites and drinks; Schooner Bar, the line's classic piano bar; the English pub, Bell and Barley; Boleros, the line's signature Latin bar where you can enjoy live salsa, samba and merengue music; and the romantic Giovanni's Wine Bar.

Related: Royal Caribbean drink packages: Everything you need to know

Utopia of the Seas activities

With several returning favorites and a few new or updated attractions, the newest Oasis Class vessel will be packed with onboard diversions.

Get your fill of fun in the sun with five onboard pools. Find the vibe you seek, with options ranging from the tranquil adults-only Solarium Pool to the bustling Lido Deck pool area with three pools and 11 whirlpools.

Younger cruisers will have a blast at the Splashaway Bay water park complete with slides, fountains, sprinklers and water cannons.

Out of the water, passengers can test their mettle on Utopia's 259-foot-long Ultimate Abyss slide. It's a Wonder of the Seas holdover — with an upgrade. The slide is 43 feet longer than previous iterations, making it the longest dry slide at sea.

The ship will also feature the signature FlowRider surf simulator, a 10-story-high zip line, a rock climbing wall and Utopia Playscape climbing structure and play area.

On Utopia of the Seas, passengers can choose to play at the main Casino Royale or a separate nonsmoking room. Casino Royale will offer about 30 table games and more than 370 slot machines.

The ship's Vitality Spa & Fitness will offer body- and soul-soothing treatments and ample opportunities to up your fitness game.

Related: How I had the busiest 2 days ever on Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship

Utopia of the Seas shows

Like on previous ships, the main Royal Theater will host Broadway-style stage productions, the AquaTheater will feature the line's iconic water and diving shows, and Studio B will feature ice-skating productions. Enjoy live music at various venues throughout the ship, including Boleros and Music Hall (or make your own music at Spotlight Karaoke). The Attic also returns as the go-to place for nightly comedy shows.

When will Utopia of the Seas set sail?

In 2024 and 2025, Utopia of the Seas will sail three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando) to Nassau, Bahamas, stopping at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

How much does it cost to sail Utopia of the Seas?

If you want a spot on the maiden voyage of Utopia of the Seas, fares for the four-night sailing start at $1,049 per person for an inside cabin and $1,180 per person for a balcony cabin (at the time of writing).

Rates for other itineraries start at the following prices:

• $399 per person for an inside cabin or $629 per person for a balcony cabin for a three-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise
• $496 per person for an inside cabin or $624 per person for a balcony cabin on four-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise
• $619 per person for an inside cabin or $739 per person for a balcony cabin for a three-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise

Bottom line

Utopia of the Seas will provide a dizzying array of dining venues, drink options and activities for Royal Caribbean cruisers. From brand-new experiences to evolving fan favorites from previous vessels, the ship offers both seasoned cruisers and new-to-cruising travelers plenty of ways to fill a long "Ultimate Weekend."

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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This Is Amped Up Adventure

Voyager of the seas.

The amped up Voyager of the Seas® is packed with more ways to play.

Take on three stories of twisting, turning adventure on two high-speed waterslides in The Perfect Storm℠ or go head to head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in Battle for Planet Z℠. Hang ten on the FlowRider℠* surf simulator or recharge and reinvigorate at the spa and adults-only solarium. Plus enjoy Voyager Dunes, ice-skating, rock-climbing wall and totally reimagined spaces for every kid and teen. 

Next-Level Adventure

Voyages that go all out.

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GET READY TO TRAVEL ON A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

This isn’t your same-old, never bold holiday. This is a boredom busting adventure for the whole crew. 

NEW THRILLS

Race to the finish line on two high-speed waterslides on The Perfect Storm℠. Or go head-to-head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠.

EXPLORE ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

PALATE-PLEASERS

Take a flavour-filled journey to the exotic Far East at Izumi. Find your element with rustic Italian dishes served with a contemporary flair at Giovanni’s Table. Indulge in the cut above the rest hand-cut steaks at Chops Grille. Or embark on a globe-trotting gourmet adventure at Windjammer Café.

EXPLORE ONBOARD DINING

ICE SKATING SHOWS

Come for the g-force spins. Stay for the spectacular ice dancing. The Studio B ice rink presents dramatic ice shows starring a cast of professional skaters from around the world. Enjoy dazzling costumes and choreography filled with amazing spins, leaps and lifts.

EXPLORE SHOWS & ENTERTAINMENT

explore The Med, South Pacific and beyond

Scope out South Pacific gems like Noumea and Mystery Island, or head to a legendary Euro summer holiday through the Mediterranean or Greece. No matter which destination you choose, you’ll embark on daily discoveries across breathtaking bucket-list coastlines.​

MED SIGHTS & GREEK DELIGHTS

Kickstart your week-long bucket-list adventure from Barcelona , Rome or Athens  onboard Voyager of the Seas®. Soak up the sun in Valencia . Savour authentic Neapolitan pizza in a cosy trattoria in Naples . Or wander through iconic blue-domed churches in Santorini .

EXPLORE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

GETAWAYS FROM BRISBANE

Brisbane is your gateway to next-level family adventure. Enjoy an island-hopping holiday in the South Pacific . Charter a glass-bottomed boat and explore the Great Barrier Reef. Or get ready to Wiggle on one of three exclusive Wiggly sailings from Brisbane in summer 2025-26.

EXPLORE CRUISES FROM BRISBANE

NEW PLACES AND SMILING FACES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC

Escape the day-to-day in ‘the isle of smiles’ – Vanuatu. Sample delicious fresh produce at Luganville Market, a new port for 2025-2026 or trek through the rainforest to feel the thunder of Mele Cascades waterfall in Port Vila. Get the whole crew together to paddleboard in New Caledonia or unwind on the untouched beaches of Mystery Island.

EXPLORE SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISES

SUN-SOAKED ESCAPES IN QUEENSLAND

Stay closer to home and venture up the coast, to discover the white sands of The Whitsundays. Enjoy prime-time family time by the lagoon and savour fresh local cuisine in Airlie Beach — try tempura-battered local tiger prawns or fish and chips for the kids. Or venture to Palm Cove, the most popular outer Cairns suburb, with luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches and boutiques.

​DISCOVER QUEENSLAND CRUISES

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Cruise Insider

Packed with bow-to-stern surprises, Voyager of the Seas® is an adventure seeker’s dream – and with so much all-inclusive fun, a fantastic cruise deal to boot. Think hanging ten on the FlowRider® surf simulator, battling it out with glow-in-the-dark laser tag, scaling to new heights on the Rock Climbing Wall, and much more.

With nine delicious eateries, 10 bars, and everything from outdoor movie nights to award-winning children’s programs, it can all be a bit much to take in – if you wait until you come onboard, that is. Take a peek at our guides so that on your holiday you’re prepared to zero in on everything you love best while making the most of your cruise deal!

Things to Do on Voyager of the Seas®

Best Cruise Restaurants | Voyager of the Seas

Family Cruises | Voyager of the Seas

Our bold royal amplified ships.

Royal Caribbean® is revamping your favourite cruise ships with never-before-seen thrills, the cuisines you crave and more unforgettable experiences for day and night. This is Royal Amplified℠ – the future of adventure.

EXPLORE OUR AMPLIFIED CRUISE SHIPS

EXPLORE MORE

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