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CONSUMER DEMAND SPARKS ROYAL CARIBBEAN TO OPEN NEW ICON OF THE SEAS VACATIONS EARLY

After Breaking All-Time Booking Records, the First-of-its-Kind Vacation is Now Open for 2025-26 and Visiting New Destinations in the Caribbean from Miami

MIAMI, Sept. 12, 2023 – Following a record-breaking response to the new Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International is opening the highly anticipated vacation’s next lineup of 7-night adventures from Miami three months ahead of schedule. The cruise line saw the single largest booking day and highest volume booking week in its history when Icon was first revealed in October 2022. Royal Caribbean is answering the unprecedented interest with the early release of Icon’s 2025-2026 vacations to top-rated private island Perfect Day at CocoCay and new destinations: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Vacationers can be one of the first to book starting tomorrow, Sept. 13, on Royal Caribbean’s website. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members have special access starting today.

“Since Icon of the Seas was revealed almost a year ago, the response has been unprecedented by every measure,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Families and friends are looking for vacations where everyone can make memories their way without compromise, and that’s what we set out to create in its best form with Icon more than five years ago. The excitement has only continued to build, making it clear that we’ve designed a revolutionary experience that reflects how consumers want to travel today and for years to come.”

Every type of family and adventurer already setting their sights on their next summer vacation, spring break or celebration can choose any time of year to get away on the world’s best vacation and island hop between Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, and eastern and western Caribbean gems:

• 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas – Sailing from Miami
  Vacationers have their choice of picturesque locales in store from new destinations Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and San Juan, Puerto Rico; as well as Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Along with two or three days at sea, every cruise includes a visit to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, that features Hideaway Beach, a new adults-only beachfront paradise opening January 2024.

• 7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas – Sailing from Miami
  Island hopping in the western Caribbean is where adventurers can visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras. Every western Caribbean cruise also features Perfect Day at CocoCay, plus two days at sea to enjoy all the world’s best family vacation has to offer.

As the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation – from the resort getaway to the beach escape and the theme park adventure – Icon is where everyone can make memories together and on their own terms. Highlights of the game-changing experiences in store include six record-breaking waterslides, seven pools – one for every day of the week – a stay-all-day neighborhood designed for young families, entertainment across air, ice, water and stage; 40-plus ways to dine and drink; and more across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in and of themselves. More details about Icon are available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Icon.

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SOUTH FLORIDA-BASED POWERHOUSES ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND INTER MIAMI CF ANNOUNCE UNPRECEDENTED PARTNERSHIP

The World’s Largest Cruise Line is Set to Become the Club’s Main Partner and Official Vacation Partner

MIAMI, Aug. 25, 2023 – Royal Caribbean International and Inter Miami CF have joined forces in an unprecedented, multiyear partnership that will combine the passion and commitment of the respective powerhouses in vacations and sports.

Royal Caribbean will become the Club’s Main Partner and Official Vacation Partner. The world’s largest cruise line and Inter Miami kicked off the first phase of their partnership in a bold way by officially welcoming global fútbol icons and their families to Miami in July. The highly anticipated unveiling event, La Presentación, marked the start of a new era, where the “Freedom to Dream” took center stage in a sold-out DRV PNK Stadium.

“Royal Caribbean started in Miami more than 50 years ago, and we have always had heart and passion for our community,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “It's been exciting to see Inter Miami’s success, including their recent Leagues Cup title, energize South Florida. As the Club’s Main Partner, we are thrilled to build on that momentum together and deliver memorable moments to fans around the world.”

“We are proud to partner with Royal Caribbean, an iconic Miami brand,” said Inter Miami CF Managing Owner Jorge Mas. “As a global leader in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean shares Inter Miami’s innovative drive. Together, we will set the standard for the future of sports partnerships.”

Fans will see the partners unite on and off the field, through stadium LED, in-game content, fan zone activations, the Club’s digital and social platforms, and more starting with the next home game at DRV PNK Stadium. In addition, the two hometown favorites’ shared commitment to the community they call home will come to life across local initiatives in South Florida, building on Royal Caribbean’s decades-long track record of celebrating and contributing to the destinations its ships visit and Inter Miami’s commitment to harnessing the power of fútbol to do good since the Club’s inception.

“We always look for the opportunities that will provide us with an authentic partnership, and this one is a perfect fit,” said Inter Miami CF Chief Business Officer, Xavier Asensi. “This partnership makes total sense for all of us: two local brands with global audiences and huge ambitions.”

“Royal Caribbean and Inter Miami have won the hearts and minds of fans from around the world,” said Kara Wallace, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Royal Caribbean International. “Together as partners, the possibilities to reach more dreamers and adventurers are exponential from ship to pitch, especially as we look forward to the arrival of the new Icon of the Seas to Miami.”

The partnership comes on the heels of the countdown to the start of a new era of vacations. As Miami welcomes one icon, its next is set to make its debut in January 2024 – Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. As the first-of-its-kind combination of every vacation, from the resort getaway to the beach escape and the theme park adventure, the cruise line’s best-selling ship welcomes every type of family and adventurer. Everyone can make memories together and set out on their own adventures without compromise across record-breaking thrills, relaxing ways to chill, a neighborhood designed for young families, more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained; and more. Details on what Icon has in store are available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Icon.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S ICON OF THE SEAS UPS THE ANTE AND APPETITE WITH NEW, REIMAGINED DINING

More than 20 Choices for Every Occasion Include a New Eight-Course Experience and the Cruise Line’s First Food Hall

MIAMI, May 25, 2023 – Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is turning the tables in January 2024 with an unmatched lineup of dining experiences designed for every type of family and vacationer.

Travelers with an appetite for adventure can have their pick of more than 20 new and signature ways to dine and make memories, a combination of elevated experiences, spots for quick bites and venues made for families with kids.

From restaurants to walkup windows, casual to upscale, live music to chefs who put on a show, the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation will feature options for every occasion and mood. On the menu are new venues like the upscale Empire Supper Club, a swanky and lavish eight-course experience; AquaDome Market – Royal Caribbean’s first food hall – and Izumi in the Park, an all-day window with fresh sushi and more. The variety of new flavors complement the favorites on board that range from Italian to Japanese and Mexican, including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Izumi and El Loco Fresh.

“The experiences had over great food are at the heart of so many shared memories that we could all use more of in our day-to-day. We’ve designed Icon of the Seas to offer every guest, no matter their tastes, age and mood or the occasion, a variety of ways they can easily make those moments their way every day while on vacation,” said Linken D’Souza, vice president, food and beverage, Royal Caribbean International. “If vacationers want to stick to their favorites, like kids and their chicken tenders, or mix it up every night and try new flavors, more than 20 experiences across Icon’s eight neighborhoods make that possible – without compromise – more than ever.”

Whether it’s refueling on the go between the six record-breaking waterslides at Category 6 in Thrill Island or the whole family sitting down for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Surfside neighborhood designed for young families, there are spots to grab a bite and a drink in and around each of Icon’s eight neighborhoods.

Elevated Dining Experiences

• Empire Supper Club – Near the lush Central Park neighborhood, the new experience is an extravagant night out with a taste of old New York. Bringing it to life is an eight-course menu of premium American cuisine, from caviar to wagyu; a drink paired with every dish; a swanky three-piece band playing unexpected renditions of modern favorites; and more.

• Celebration Table – Special occasions and milestones get the VIP treatment at the new 12-seat private experience. Paired with AquaDome’s sweeping ocean views, guests can have their choice of exclusive American, Italian, Asian and seafood menus, along with the option to add a personal touch with ambient plus-ups and menu upgrades.

• Returning favorites – The good times continue at signature venues like Central Park’s American steakhouse, Chops Grille, and Trellis Bar, with its debut menu of bites; the Dining Room, where three levels are matched with three courses; Hooked Seafood in AquaDome; Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, new to Royal Promenade; the now two-level Coastal Kitchen in the Suite Neighborhood; and the exclusive Chef’s Table

Spots for Quick Bites

• AquaDome Market – The lineup at Royal Caribbean’s first food hall brings five different stalls and a selection of wines and beer to the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Flavors range from sweet and savory crepes at Creme de la Crepe to macaroni and cheese with a twist of tasty toppings at Mac’s, to fresh pitas and bowls at Feta Mediterranean, to Asian-inspired treats like Korean beef and broccoli at GNGR, and sandwiches and salads at Toast and Garden.

• Izumi in the Park – The all-day window debuts next to the first Izumi restaurant in Central Park, serving up fresh sushi and street food to go like taiyaki ice cream with Insta-worthy toppings.

• The Pearl Cafe – A new stop for bites day or night, like freshly toasted sandwiches and ready-made salads, the cafe sits between The Pearl and floor-to-ceiling ocean views in Royal Promenade.

• Basecamp – The new spot to refuel between memory-making in Thrill Island, Chill Island and The Hideaway serves drinks and treats like pretzel bites with cheese and crispy shrimp bao buns. For a sweet ending, nearby is Desserted, the new milkshake bar with over-the-top shakes, including adults-only boozy options.

• The Grove – The new al fresco and casual Mediterranean dining option conveniently located on the suite sun deck in the Suite Neighborhood – only steps away from the private pool, whirlpool and cozy spots to hang out.

• Returning favorites – Part of making convenience a staple of the dining lineup on Icon are the fan favorites, including Central Park’s Park Cafe – now open in the evening for tapas – El Loco Fresh, the grab-and-go spot for Mexican delights in Chill Island; Sorrento’s signature pies and a different specialty pizza for every day of the week in Royal Promenade; and the most expansive Windjammer buffet that offers an equally expansive menu of flavors from around the world, along with a section and selection designed for kids.

Family and Kids-Approved Eats

• Surfside Eatery – The new buffet dedicated to families at the heart of Surfside, the stay-all-day neighborhood for young families, has options for all ages to enjoy at breakfast, lunch and dinner, including twists on kids classics for the grownups.

• Pier 7 – It’s about the all-day brunch at this new venue in Surfside, serving up casual California-inspired dishes like surf-and-turf tacos, smoked salmon benedict and sharable platters.

• Surfside Bites – Surfside’s pit stop makes maximizing every minute of adventure easy, thanks to the walkup window and its menu of quick snacks like burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon-sugar donut holes and more.

• Returning favorites – From bow to stern, the whole family can have their pick from signature options like sushi and hibachi cooked by an expert chef who puts on a show at the Asian-inspired Izumi, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for some friendly competition and bar bites, and Sprinkles for ice cream all day and night.

The lineup of new and returning favorites join the recently announced bars and nightlife that will light up Icon, including spots for families like The Lemon Post in Surfside, with a menu for adults and another for kids; and Dueling Pianos in Royal Promenade, the cruise line’s first dueling pianos bar.

Starting January 2024, Icon will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami year-round and visit destinations like Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras. More details about the first Icon Class ship will be revealed in the coming months. Vacationers can dive into all the Icon of Vacations has in store on www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Icon.

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Family travel is back in full force. According to the Family Travel Association, 85% of parents are likely to travel with their kids and 47% with their extended family and friends in 2023. But family vacationers also expect challenges, like finding things to do that everyone can enjoy and “me time.” There’s a vacation that offers all that and more arriving in January 2024 – Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean reveals more next-level experiences designed specifically for kids, teens and any adults who want to join in on the action—or kick back and watch their families. And for the first time, Royal Caribbean will welcome Admiral Awesome. The newly created position will be in charge of the family excitement on Icon – sure to be the head of LOL (leader of laughter).

From bow to stern, every member of the family can find ways to make memories together and on their own adventures. Here are the highlights for young families, older kids and teens, and friends.

Young Families

Parents can join in or kick back while the little ones stay entertained for hours in Surfside, the ultimate stay-all-day neighborhood designed for young families.

• The Larger-than-Life Family Festival, hosted by Admiral Awesome, is a celebration with live music, dancing and supersized games like bowling, ring toss, darts and more.

• The Big Shark Block Party is the ultimate dance party with Admiral Awesome and friends – will keep the vibes alive with themed mashups and classics, like Baby Shark and Baby Beluga.

• Steel Pan Family Jam is for the whole family to drum up rhythms – and memories. Instructional instruments and kid-friendly sheet music will have everyone playing tropical tunes in no time.

• After days at play, kids can get cozy and wind down under the stars with Once Upon a Bedtime Story, the new readings of original bedtime stories narrated by Admiral Awesome.

• There are food and drinks for everyone in Surfside, like The Lemon Post, with menus of unique drinks for adults and kids; Surfside Bites, a convenient window for a quick stop to grab salty and sweet snacks; Surfside Eatery, a buffet dedicated to families that serves up favorites for the whole bunch; and Pier 7 for all-day brunch.

• The award-winning youth program connected to Surfside, Adventure Ocean packs more adventure than ever. Youngsters can let their imaginations roam free with dedicated spaces and activities that engage all the senses, including a place to tinker at Workshop, Hangout – with games and cozy spots to lounge – AO Babies for the youngest of the bunch and more.

Older Kids and Teens

Older kids and teens have experiences that suit their style and age across adrenaline-pumping thrills and plenty of ways to chill in their dedicated teens space, the Thrill Island neighborhood and more.

• Social 020, a hidden, teens-only hangout with video games, music, movies and comfy lounging.

• Category 6 in Thrill Island is the largest waterpark at sea and home to six record-breaking slides.

• Returning favorites and reimagined experiences in Thrill Island include Royal Caribbean’s most epic mini golf course, Lost Dunes, rock climbing to the max at Adrenaline Peak, the FlowRider surf simulator and the Sports Court for basketball, soccer and more.

Families and Friends

Kids, teens, parents, extended family members and beyond also have ways to make memories together.

• Laser Tag: The Fight for Atlantis is where everyone can battle it out, adults can challenge each other, or older kids and teens can have at it on their own.

• The Royal Escape Room will have everyone working together to solve the puzzle and find their way out before the time is up.

• Absolute Zero is where the whole family can strap on skates and hit the biggest ice-skating area at sea. 

• Desserted in Thrill Island is the first over-the-top and Insta-worthy milkshake bar in the fleet. It will serve up three types of milkshakes, including classic, extravagant and adults-only boozy options.

• Royal Promenade, the heartbeat of Icon, comes alive day and night with restaurants and lounges where families can break bread and be entertained, like at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and Spotlight Karaoke.

• And when it’s finally time to settle in for the night, there are more rooms designed for families to bond and do their own thing. The all-new rooms include Family Infinite Balconies that have a cozy kids’ alcove with bunk beds and TVs as well as a convenient split bathroom, and the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse with three levels of amenities, like an in-suite slide, a cinema and karaoke room, a wraparound balcony with a whirlpool, and more. 

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Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Source: Royal Caribbean

The Cruise Line Reports Reservations Reached a New Single-day All-time High in its 53-year History

MIAMI, Oct. 27, 2022 – It’s a record-breaking start for the new era of vacations. Fresh off the heels of revealing the first look at Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International saw its single largest booking day in its 53-year history when reservations opened for the cruise line’s first Icon Class ship. Icon first made headlines on Thursday, Oct. 20, when Royal Caribbean unveiled the new ship as the vacation industry’s first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation. From the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, with Icon, every kind of family and adventurer can experience their version of the ultimate family vacation. 

Icon of the Seas Thrill Island Source: Royal Caribbean

“The enthusiasm and excitement for Icon are undeniable in more ways than one,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The incredible response we have received from our loyal guests, vacationers new to cruising, crew members and travel partners continues to come in, and this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to share more of what Icon has in store in the coming months.”

The ultimate family vacation features an all-encompassing lineup of firsts and next-level favorites across eight neighborhoods, making it the perfect getaway for adults and parents, kids and grandparents alike. Between the adrenaline-pumping thrills at the new Thrill Island and unrivaled ways to chill at neighborhoods like the new Chill Island and the luxurious four-level Suite Neighborhood, vacationers bonding with their families or getting away with friends will have all the ways stay and play their way. With 28 room categories that range from standard rooms to suites and new layouts for families of three, four, five, six and more, even the accommodations on Icon are thoughtfully designed for every type of vacationer – and there are more choices, ocean views and room than ever before.

Icon will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, and a mix of destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Basseterre, St. Kitts.

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