Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International, originally known as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, was established in 1968 in Norway. It is now the largest cruise line by revenue.

In 1969, Arne Wilhelmsen and Edwin Stephan founded Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines with the vision of offering luxury cruises to wealthy Americans in Florida. The company started with its first ship, The SONG OF NORWAY, custom-built in Finland.

The first ship of Royal Caribbean, Song of Norway, embarked on its inaugural journey from Miami on November 7, 1970. This marked the beginning of Royal Caribbean's presence in the cruise industry.

In 1971, the Nordic Prince entered service in the Caribbean, marking the company's expansion into offering air/sea vacations to passengers, including airfare to Miami in the cruise price.

Within two years of its inception, Royal Caribbean expanded its fleet by introducing two more ships. This rapid growth showcased the company's commitment to providing exceptional cruise experiences.

In 1974, the Song of Norway became the first passenger ship to undergo lengthening, reflecting the growth of the passenger industry.

In 1980, the Nordic Prince, another vessel of Royal Caribbean, was lengthened to accommodate the increasing demand in the passenger industry.

Royal Caribbean made a significant impact in 1982 with the launch of the Song of America, a vessel that was notably larger than its predecessors.

In 1986, Royal Caribbean leased Labadee island in Haiti for the exclusive use of its guests. The island, now known as Labadee, remains under the control of the cruise line until at least 2050 and is a favored port of call for its cruise ships.

In 1988, Royal Caribbean launched its first vessel following the naming convention that has become a hallmark for the company, naming it Sovereign of the Seas.

In 1990, Royal Caribbean opened its new headquarters at the port of Miami, consolidating all functions in one location, signifying a milestone in the company's growth and operational efficiency.

In 1993, Royal Caribbean went public on the New York Stock Exchange, marking a significant moment in the company's financial history and opening up new opportunities for growth and investment.

In 1997, Royal Caribbean merged with Celebrity Cruises and changed its name from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to Royal Caribbean International, forming Royal Caribbean Group as a holding company.

In 1998 and 1999, Royal Caribbean was fined $9 million for illegally dumping oily waste from Sovereign of the Seas into the ocean and falsifying records. Despite arguments, the company was held accountable by US courts.

In 1999, Royal Caribbean International launched Voyager of the Seas, which was then the world's largest cruise ship. This marked a milestone in the company's history.

In 2002, Royal Caribbean introduced rock climbing walls on every ship in their fleet, setting a new trend in the cruise industry.

On July 5, 2005, passengers aboard Brilliance of the Seas reported blood on the ship and George Allen Smith was found missing, suspected to have fallen overboard. A criminal investigation ensued, leading to a settlement of over $1 million.

In 2006, Royal Caribbean launched the Freedom of the Seas, which was the world's largest cruise ship at that time, marking a significant milestone in the industry.

In 2009, Royal Caribbean introduced the Oasis Class ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, which are currently the largest cruise ships in the world in terms of length and gross tonnage.

The Allure of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever constructed, was launched on December 5, 2010, by Royal Caribbean International. With a capacity for 5,400 passengers, it offers a luxurious cruising experience.

Royal Caribbean International celebrated the milestone of welcoming its 50 millionth guest, showcasing its success as one of the largest cruise lines globally.

In January 2014, an outbreak of norovirus aboard Explorer of the Seas sickened 689 of 4,237 passengers and crew (16.3%), leading the ship to return to port early. It was one of the largest illness outbreaks on a cruise ship in two decades.

Royal Caribbean International launches the second vessel of the Quantum Class in 2015, continuing the trend of introducing cutting-edge amenities like observation capsules and bumper cars.

On April 4, 2016, Splendour of the Seas completed its final voyage under the Royal Caribbean flag before being transferred to Marella Cruises. This marked the end of an era for the ship within Royal Caribbean's fleet.

On 10 October 2016, Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku announced an order to build two ships under the project name 'Icon'. These ships are set to be the largest cruise ships ever constructed and will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other alternative energy features.

In 2018, Royal Caribbean International held 19.2% of the worldwide cruise market by passengers and 14.0% by revenue, making it a major player in the industry.

Royal Caribbean International announced the order of a 6th Oasis class vessel, later named Utopia of the Seas, from Chantiers de l'Atlantique for delivery in 2024.

On 2 July 2019, Royal Caribbean announced an order for a third ship in the 'Icon' class. These ships are planned to have a gross tonnage of about 250,800 GT and will feature innovative energy solutions like fuel cells.

On July 7, 2019, 18-month-old Chloe Rae Margaret Wiegand tragically fell to her death from an open window on Freedom of the Seas. Her grandfather was arrested for homicide, leading to a civil lawsuit against Royal Caribbean. Surveillance videos were released, and legal actions were taken.

A volcanic eruption on December 9, 2019, at Whakaari / White Island killed 21 people from Ovation of the Seas. Despite increased seismic activity, passengers and crew were on the island during the eruption, leading to injuries, missing persons, and fatalities.

On July 10, 2020, Royal Caribbean Cruises acquired the remaining shares of Silversea Cruises, a luxury cruise line.

Royal Caribbean Cruises, as part of the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), volunteered to pause operations through 31 October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally scheduled for transfer to Pullmantur Cruises after its final voyage on March 21, 2021, Grandeur of the Seas faced uncertainty due to Pullmantur's bankruptcy filing. Eventually, Royal Caribbean decided to retain the ship in its own fleet.

Royal Caribbean extended its global sailing suspension through 30 April 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Royal Caribbean International delayed the inaugural sailing of their newest cruise liner, Odyssey of the Seas, after eight crew members tested positive for COVID-19. The delay was extended until 31 July 2021.

In July 2022, Royal Caribbean Group obtained court approval to buy Endeavor, a former Crystal Cruise ship, for $275 million. The ship was later renamed Silver Endeavour.

In August 2022, Royal Caribbean announced a partnership with SpaceX to utilize its Starlink technology on all its ships to enhance internet connectivity. This decision follows the approval from the Federal Communications Commission for SpaceX to offer services to various modes of transportation.

Icon of the Seas was delivered on 27 November 2023. This ship is part of the Icon class, known for being the largest cruise ships ever constructed and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cells.

As of January 2024, Royal Caribbean International operates 28 ships and has three additional ships on order, solidifying its position as a leading cruise line.

The second ship of the Icon class, Star of the Seas, is expected to be delivered in 2025. These ships are designed to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other alternative energy sources.

The third ship of the Icon class is planned to be delivered in 2026, one year after Star of the Seas. These ships are set to be the largest cruise ships ever constructed and will feature innovative energy solutions like fuel cells.