5 Big Changes Coming to Royal Caribbean in 2025 Bahamas Cruise Royal Caribbean by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - January 15, 2025January 15, 20250 Royal Caribbean is set to make more waves in 2025. This isn’t a cruise line content with just following the status quo; they’re pushing boundaries to bring you experiences like never before. While more announcements will surely come, here are the five updates to know about. 1. The Royal Beach Club Royal Caribbean is opening its first-ever beach club on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, in late 2025. Unlike their private islands like Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Royal Beach Club will feel more like an exclusive shore excursion. It will have an admission cost and limited capacity, offering a premium experience for Royal Caribbean guests only. The Paradise Island location is conveniently close to where the ships dock, requiring just a short ferry ride. This beach club is the first of its kind, but two more are planned: one in Cozumel, Mexico, and another in Vanuatu in the South Pacific. The Royal Beach Club will combine the best features of Perfect Day at CocoCay with new innovations, creating an immersive, luxurious beach experience. The admission-based model ensures a more exclusive and intimate atmosphere for guests. 2. A Brand-New Cruise Ship Nothing is more exciting than a new cruise ship joining the fleet! In the second half of 2025, Star of the Seas, the second Icon-class cruise ship, will set sail. This ship follows the wildly successful Icon of the Seas. Star of the Seas will begin sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, at the very end of August, while Icon of the Seas will remain in Miami. This strategic placement puts the two largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world at the two most popular cruise ports. While Star of the Seas will essentially follow the design of Icon, there are a few key updates. Dining will see some changes, including replacing Pier 7 and a reimagined Empire Supper Club. The ship will also feature Back to the Future: The Musical as its Broadway show. The Surfside area will be revamped to better appeal to older kids, and a handful of cabins will feature facial recognition for door access—an exciting test of future tech. Royal Caribbean is also testing new technologies, such as facial recognition for cabin access, allowing guests to unlock their cabins seamlessly without a SeaPass card. 3. New Cabin Categories Starting with the 2025-2026 deployments, Royal Caribbean will implement new cabin codes and categories. These changes aim to simplify options for travel agents and offer more configurations for guests, especially large families. Notable changes include separating aft-facing balconies and junior suites into distinct categories, like the new Sunset Junior Suite. Additionally, Royal Caribbean is introducing new high-occupancy guarantee cabins explicitly designed for families or groups needing additional space and flexibility. Sunset Suites on Star of the Seas The updated categories will also include triple and quad occupancy rooms, making it easier for larger parties to book accommodations without confusion. A new tier of junior suites will offer enhanced amenities for guests looking for a more luxurious experience without committing to a full suite. These updates will also help travel agents quickly identify unique cabin options, such as those with oversized balconies or family configurations, enhancing the overall booking experience. 4. Major Upgrades for Allure of the Seas In March 2025, Allure of the Seas will undergo a long-awaited $100 million amplification. Updates include a redesigned Caribbean-themed pool deck, the Ultimate Abyss slide, new water slides, an aqua park, and new restaurants like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Mason Jar, and El Loco Fresh. The enhancements also include new activities like an escape room, laser tag, and upgraded kids and teen spaces. Allure of the Seas The revamped Caribbean pool deck will feature more shaded areas, colorful theming, and enhanced seating options. New attractions such as the Pesky Parrot Tiki Bar will add a lively, tropical vibe to the experience. Additionally, Allure will see improvements to its entertainment options, including refreshed shows and interactive activities. While the cabins themselves won’t be updated, these changes ensure Allure remains a top-tier choice for cruisers. These upgrades bring Allure in line with newer Oasis-class ships like Wonder and Utopia of the Seas. 5. New Itineraries and Home Ports Royal Caribbean is shaking up its itineraries and home ports for 2025. Highlights include: Wonder of the Seas is transitioning to Miami to offer short 3- and 4-night cruises, complementing Utopia of the Seas. These itineraries will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and other nearby Caribbean destinations, which are ideal for quick getaways. With this shift, Royal Caribbean solidifies its dominance in short, high-value cruise options in North America. Port of Miami Ovation of the Seas is moving to Los Angeles in May 2025 to offer 3-, 4-, and 5-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera, visiting popular destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. This marks an important addition to the West Coast market, giving cruisers expanded options for shorter and family-friendly itineraries. Serenade of the Seas will offer Southern Caribbean cruises from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama, starting in October 2025. These cruises will explore beautiful islands such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, providing a mix of vibrant culture and pristine beaches. This unique offering allows cruisers to embark from less common home ports, enhancing accessibility. Anthem of the Seas is making its debut in Australia in November 2025, offering itineraries to destinations such as New Zealand, the Great Barrier Reef, and South Pacific islands. As one of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, it brings state-of-the-art experiences like the North Star observation capsule and RipCord by iFLY to the Australian market. Anthem of the Seas This repositioning ensures cruisers have new and exciting options, whether they’re on the East Coast, West Coast of the USA, or Down Under. It’s a strategic move designed to cater to a wide range of travel preferences while maximizing the potential of Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Final Word 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for Royal Caribbean, with innovative ships, exclusive experiences, and revamped itineraries that promise something for every type of cruiser. Whether you’re eager to explore the cutting-edge Star of the Seas, relax at the Royal Beach Club, or rediscover a modernized Allure of the Seas, there’s never been a better time to set sail. With so much happening, Royal Caribbean continues to push boundaries and deliver unforgettable vacation experiences. The only question left is: which adventure will you choose?
