Royal Caribbean announced they’re building another Icon class ship. The fourth vessel in this series will launch in 2027. They’re calling it Icon of the Stars because apparently they ran out of creative names after Icon of the Seas.
This matters because Icon ships are massive floating cities with every amenity imaginable. If you like crowds and want to experience what living in a small town feels like while at sea, these ships deliver. If you prefer intimate cruising, maybe look elsewhere.
Norwegian changed their beverage package policy starting December 1st. You can no longer share drink packages between cabins. Each guest wanting alcoholic beverages must now purchase their own package.
This kills a popular money saving trick where families would buy one premium package and share it. Norwegian says it’s about fairness. Your wallet might disagree. Budget accordingly if you’re planning a Norwegian cruise.
The Port of Galveston finished expanding Terminal 3 ahead of schedule. The larger facility can now handle two massive ships simultaneously. Royal Caribbean’s newest ships will start using the upgraded terminal in early 2024.
Better terminals mean less waiting in lines and smoother embarkation. Galveston continues positioning itself as a major cruise hub to compete with Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Texas cruise passengers win with more options and better facilities.
These changes show the industry keeps evolving. Ships get bigger, policies get stricter, and ports scramble to keep up. If you want help sorting through what any of this means for your specific cruise plans, that is literally what we do.
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