Latest news with #IconClass
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Princess Cruises making big casino change passengers demanded
Princess Cruises making big casino change passengers demanded originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. Although smoking indoors is banned in most restaurants and bars, as well as many hotels and other businesses these days, most cruise lines continue to make one indoor smoking exception. That's because most major cruise lines' ships have onboard casinos (besides Disney's).Although some land-based casinos have gone smoke-free, the majority of casino operators still believe that prohibiting smoking would be bad for business. And most cruise lines seem to agree. Opinions seem to be shifting, however, as cruise lines work to increase their appeal to younger generations, who are smoking cigarettes less and less. In general, Millennials and Gen Z travelers tend to be more averse to being around secondhand smoke, too. But although non-smoking casinos are becoming easier to find on cruise ships, not all lines have embraced the changing times. Offering both a traditional smoking casino and separate non-smoking one has been a solution for some cruise lines, but the limited space on most cruise ships makes it difficult to offer that on smaller ships. Most cruise lines are hesitant to go entirely smoke-free in the main casino due to concerns that non-smoking casinos would generate less revenue. If a passenger has to leave the casino to go smoke outside, they may not come back. But a few cruise lines are already propelling a change in the Cruises stands out in the cruise industry for maintaining fully smoke-free casinos on all of its ships. Smoking is also prohibited in Virgin Voyages' cruise ship casinos, though smoking is permitted in a designated smoking room nearby that includes a few slot machines. A few Norwegian Cruise Line ships also have a designated casino smoking room that's separate from the rest of the casino. On select ships, Royal Caribbean and Carnival now offer smaller designated non-smoking casinos in addition to smoking ones. Royal Caribbean has acknowledged the popularity of these separate smoke-free casinos since adding them on its newer Oasis and Icon Class ships, and has now started adding them as it refurbishes older ships, Royal Caribbean cruisers would like to see the cruise line take the non-smoking casino a step further and swap the casino spaces, making the larger main casino smoke-free and limiting smoking to a smaller, separate space. In general, most cruisers hope the smoke-free casino trend will continue to grow and spread to more cruise lines like Princess Cruises. Some Princess cruise passengers say that smoke drifting from the smoking section of the casino can be unbearable on some ships.'I would love to play the tables, but the cigarette smoke is awful. Why allow smoking in the casino? Seems counterproductive as myself and other non-smokers simply will not use the casinos,' codspeace recently wrote in the Princess Cruises Reddit community. Many passengers agreed, although several expressed doubts that a fleetwide casino smoking ban would happen anytime soon. To be clear, Princess cruise ship casinos are intended to be non-smoking areas, with one key exception. Each casino has a section of designated slot machines where guests are permitted to smoke only while playing at those machines. All table games are non-smoking, Princess passengers think that should change, because the smoking area isn't fully isolated from the main casino and smoke travels easily. As the cruise line builds new ships, it does appear to be paying attention to passenger demands for smoke-free cruise casinos. The cruise line has emphasized that a key highlight of its upcoming ship Star Princess, which debuts in the fall, is expanded non-smoking casino areas. This will include 68 additional slot machines in newly designated non-smoking sections of the casino. Although it's not a full non-smoking Princess cruise ship casino just yet, it's a step in the smoke-free direction. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Travel Daily News
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Daily News
Diana Ross Godmother of the Star od the Sea
Royal Caribbean names Diana Ross godmother of Star of the Seas, launching August 2025, offering family cruises from Orlando to the Caribbean. MIAMI – The ultimate family vacation is getting ready to set sail, and a star-studded godmother is leading the way. Royal Caribbean has announced musical icon Diana Ross as the official godmother of Star of the Seas when the revolutionary Icon Class ship debuts August 2025. With her music inspiring generations of families, Ms. Ross will take the stage to welcome the newest family vacation sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and visiting the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. As godmother, Ms. Ross will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping onto the ship, its crew and the millions who will make memories on the ultimate family vacation for years to come. To celebrate the unveiling of Star, Ms. Ross will take part in an iconic naming ceremony in the ship's AquaTheater, located in the transformational AquaDome neighborhood surrounded by wraparound ocean views. Fans can stay tuned to learn more on how they can join the celebration on Royal Caribbean's Instagram page. 'I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family,' said Diana Ross. 'Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.' The celebration will set the tone for what's in store on Star, welcoming families and vacationers of all ages to experience the record-setting Icon Class lineup. Star combines the best of beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park adventures across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves to deliver the world's best family vacation. With adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark, unrivaled ways to chill at seven pools, jaw-dropping entertainment – including the cult-classic movie turned instant-hit musical 'Back to the Future: The Musical' – and more than 40 ways to dine and drink including Lincoln Park Supper Club and so much more, Star is where every type of family and vacationer can make memories together and on their own without compromise. 'We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer,' said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. 'We couldn't imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. We can't wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August.' As the next world's best family vacation from Orlando, Star will deliver 7-night vacations to the most sought-after destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including the vacation brand's top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Royal Caribbean has more standout experiences in store across its expanding lineup of destinations from the ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025 to incredible destinations in Mexico at Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
INTRODUCING THE STAR OF STAR OF THE SEAS: ROYAL CARIBBEAN NAMES DIANA ROSS GODMOTHER
Diana Ross will take center stage as the godmother of the ultimate family vacation coming August 2025 MIAMI, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The ultimate family vacation is getting ready to set sail, and a star-studded godmother is leading the way. Royal Caribbean has announced musical icon Diana Ross as the official godmother of Star of the Seas when the revolutionary Icon Class ship debuts August 2025. With her music inspiring generations of families, Ms. Ross will take the stage to welcome the newest family vacation sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and visiting the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. As godmother, Ms. Ross will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping onto the ship, its crew and the millions who will make memories on the ultimate family vacation for years to come. To celebrate the unveiling of Star, Ms. Ross will take part in an iconic naming ceremony in the ship's AquaTheater, located in the transformational AquaDome neighborhood surrounded by wraparound ocean views. Fans can stay tuned to learn more on how they can join the celebration on Royal Caribbean's Instagram page. "I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family," said Diana Ross. "Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas." The celebration will set the tone for what's in store on Star, welcoming families and vacationers of all ages to experience the record-setting Icon Class lineup. Star combines the best of beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park adventures across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves to deliver the world's best family vacation. With adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark, unrivaled ways to chill at seven pools, jaw-dropping entertainment – including the cult-classic movie turned instant-hit musical "Back to the Future: The Musical" – and more than 40 ways to dine and drink including Lincoln Park Supper Club and so much more, Star is where every type of family and vacationer can make memories together and on their own without compromise. "We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. "We couldn't imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. We can't wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August." As the next world's best family vacation from Orlando, Star will deliver 7-night vacations to the most sought-after destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including the vacation brand's top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Royal Caribbean has more standout experiences in store across its expanding lineup of destinations from the ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025 to incredible destinations in Mexico at Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027. Media can find assets and more information on About Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line's game-changing ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line's top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor. SOURCE Royal Caribbean International Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
INTRODUCING THE STAR OF STAR OF THE SEAS: ROYAL CARIBBEAN NAMES DIANA ROSS GODMOTHER
will take center stage as the godmother of the ultimate family vacation coming August 2025 MIAMI, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ -- The ultimate family vacation is getting ready to set sail, and a star-studded godmother is leading the way. Royal Caribbean has announced musical icon Diana Ross as the official godmother of Star of the Seas when the revolutionary Icon Class ship debuts August 2025. With her music inspiring generations of families, Ms. Ross will take the stage to welcome the newest family vacation sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and visiting the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. As godmother, Ms. Ross will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping onto the ship, its crew and the millions who will make memories on the ultimate family vacation for years to come. To celebrate the unveiling of Star, Ms. Ross will take part in an iconic naming ceremony in the ship's AquaTheater, located in the transformational AquaDome neighborhood surrounded by wraparound ocean views. Fans can stay tuned to learn more on how they can join the celebration on Royal Caribbean's Instagram page. "I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family," said Diana Ross. "Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas." The celebration will set the tone for what's in store on Star, welcoming families and vacationers of all ages to experience the record-setting Icon Class lineup. Star combines the best of beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park adventures across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves to deliver the world's best family vacation. With adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark, unrivaled ways to chill at seven pools, jaw-dropping entertainment – including the cult-classic movie turned instant-hit musical "Back to the Future: The Musical" – and more than 40 ways to dine and drink including Lincoln Park Supper Club and so much more, Star is where every type of family and vacationer can make memories together and on their own without compromise. "We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. "We couldn't imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. We can't wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August." As the next world's best family vacation from Orlando, Star will deliver 7-night vacations to the most sought-after destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including the vacation brand's top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Royal Caribbean has more standout experiences in store across its expanding lineup of destinations from the ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025 to incredible destinations in Mexico at Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027. Media can find assets and more information on About Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line's game-changing ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line's top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor.
Travel Weekly
03-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Royal Caribbean schedules a fourth preview cruise for Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International is offering yet another opportunity to be amongst the first to experience Star of the Seas. There will be a fourth showcase sailing before the ship's maiden voyage, and it will depart Port Canaveral on Aug. 16. The four-night cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay like the previously announced showcase sailings. The date of the latest short cruise is nearly the same date as the originally scheduled maiden voyage, which had been Aug. 17. In February 2024, Royal Caribbean pushed back the Star's maiden cruise to Aug. 31, anticipating a delay in the ship's delivery. Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's second Icon-class ship. It will sail weeklong Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral in its first season. The ship cleared its sea trials last month and is in the final stages of construction at the Meyer Turku yard in Finland.
