Michael Bayley travel tips

Thinking of booking a cruise on Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas? Get ready for monster crowds.

Royal Caribbean International’s viral 9-month world cruise is coming to an end this week.

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, will welcome guests on week-long cruises out of Port Canaveral in Florida and delight them with half a dozen thrilling waterslides, more than 40 bars and restaurants, and more.

Could kids soon face new restrictions on Royal Caribbean ships?

Cruise fans in Southern California are about to have another major option for sailings to Mexico.

Step aside, Icon of the Seas — there's a new giant cruise ship in Florida. And it's already attracting weekend warriors with a new ultra-long slide, food truck, and omakase dinner.

Is the era of ever-larger ships at Royal Caribbean coming to an end? Comments that the line's CEO, Michael Bayley, made this week are sparking renewed speculation on the topic.

The FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show in St. Maarten, from October 22-25, is essential for securing one-on-one meetings with 100+ cruise executives and enjoying special rates at official hotels. Register by August 15 for guaranteed participation.

A giant disco ball maneuvered around the outer decks with the help of drones, purple and blue confetti rained down on passengers so heavily it was difficult to see, and recording artist Meghan Trainor toasted her audience with a glass of Champagne in 90-degree heat. With that, Trainor, the godmother of Royal Caribbean's new ship, Utopia of the Seas, named the vessel – the 28th in the line's fleet, which is now the industry's largest.

Royal Caribbean celebrated taking delivery of its newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, during a special ceremony in Saint-Nazaire, France this week.

Cruise travel is one of the most exciting ways to see the world. It offers a blend of luxury and convenience, allowing curious travelers to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking.

Some cruise stereotypes are going overboard as Royal Caribbean Group executives witness a boost in younger travelers.

Royal Caribbean's family-friendly private island is about to get a bit more crowded — with Gen Xers.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship darling, was deemed a success before it was even built.

Calling all Royal Caribbean fans: There’s a new beach club experience in the works.The world’s largest cruise line has announced the expansion of its destination lineup with the forthcoming Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico, which is slated to open 2026.“We are delighted to build on our longstanding partnership with the local community and government to continue bringing our guests to Mexico,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “The expansion of our destination offerings aligns with the growing global demand for the ultimate vacation experiences and enables our guests to connect with the beauty of local cultures and people in the places they visit.”The beach club will be located along the western coast of the island, according to a Royal Caribbean press release. The news follows Royal Caribbean’s previous big reveal that Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas will open in 2025.

About 140 miles east of Miami, Royal Caribbean's private Bahamas island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, receives thousands of eager families virtually every day of the year.

One of the cruise industry's most well-known brands is adding a private beach club to the growing list of cruise line-operated destinations set to open in the next two years.

Earlier this year, guests at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island were the first to revel at the historic sight of the world's largest cruise ships, Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, docked side-by-side.

Royal Caribbean International said it has ordered a "lucky seventh" Oasis-class ship to be delivered in 2028, said CEO Michael Bayley.

On a Folo episode to discuss the Icon of the Seas' debut is, clockwise from top left: Andrea Zelinski and Rebecca Tobin of Travel Weekly, Jennifer Kellum of Neverland and Main Travel and Eizabeth Caran of Outlander Travel.

Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!