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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:20:01

Royal Caribbean International

Cruise line brand founded in 1968
Cruise line brand founded in 1968

Royal Caribbean International, founded in 1968, is a major cruise line brand based in Miami, Florida. It is the largest cruise line by revenue and second largest by passengers. As of January 2024, the company operates 28 ships with three more on order.

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1968
Royal Caribbean International founded

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.

1969
Founding of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

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.

1970-11-07
Maiden Voyage of Song of Norway

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.

1971
Nordic Prince enters service in the Caribbean

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.

1972
Expansion of Royal Caribbean Fleet

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.

1974
Song of Norway lengthened

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

1980
Nordic Prince lengthened

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

1982
Launch of the Song of America

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.

1986
Royal Caribbean leases Labadee island in Haiti

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.

1987
Introduction of 'of the Seas' naming convention for Royal Caribbean ships

Since the launch of Sovereign of the Seas in 1987, Royal Caribbean has adopted a naming convention where all subsequent ships end with the phrase 'of the Seas'. This tradition has been maintained for over three decades.

1988
Launch of Sovereign of the Seas

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.

1990
Royal Caribbean opens new headquarters in Miami

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.

1993
Royal Caribbean goes public on NYSE

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.

1997
Merger with Celebrity Cruises and renaming to Royal Caribbean International

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.

1998-06
Environmental Violation Fine

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.

1999
Launch of Voyager of the Seas

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.

2000
Alaska Cruise Tours with Glass-Domed Train Cars

In 2000, Royal Caribbean operated a series of land-and-sea-based 'cruise tours' in Alaska, featuring glass-domed train cars to scenic destinations within the state and Canada.

2002
Introduction of Rock Climbing Walls on Royal Caribbean Ships

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

2003-11
First Cruise with Royal Caribbean on Independence of the Seas

A commenter mentioned that they did their first cruise with Royal Caribbean on the Independence of the Seas in November 2003. They have since done four cruises with the company and praised the great service.

2005-07-05
Disappearance of George Allen Smith

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.

2006
Launch of Freedom of the Seas

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.

2009
Introduction of Oasis Class Ships - Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas

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.

2010-12-05
Launch of Allure of the Seas

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.

2012
Ordering of Third Oasis-Class Cruise Ship

In December 2012, Royal Caribbean announced the order of a third Oasis-class cruise ship from STX France, which would be larger than the previous ships in the class.

2013-08-15
Royal Caribbean International Welcomes 50 Millionth Guest

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

2014-01
Norovirus outbreak on Explorer of the Seas

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.

2015
Second Quantum Class Vessel Launch

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.

2016-04-04
Splendour of the Seas last sailing for Royal Caribbean

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.

2016-10-10
Order announcement for Icon class ships

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.

2017-03-13
Legend of the Seas final sailing for Royal Caribbean

On March 13, 2017, Legend of the Seas concluded its last sailing under the Royal Caribbean banner before being handed over to Marella Cruises. This event signified the end of an era for the ship's operations within Royal Caribbean.

2018
Royal Caribbean International controlled significant market share

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.

2019-02-18
Order of Utopia of the Seas

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.

2019-07-02
Order announcement for third Icon class ship

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.

2019-07-07
Death of Chloe Rae Margaret Wiegand

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.

2019-12-09
Whakaari / White Island Eruption

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.

2020-07-10
Royal Caribbean Cruises purchased remaining shares of Silversea Cruises

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

2020-10-31
Royal Caribbean Cruises pausing operations

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.

2021-03-21
Grandeur of the Seas transfer plan to Pullmantur Cruises

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.

2021-04-30
Further extension of sailing suspension by Royal Caribbean

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

2021-06-16
Delay of inaugural sailing of Odyssey of the Seas

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.

2021-06-29
Ovation of the Seas Returns to Port of Seattle

On 29 June 2021, Royal Caribbean International's Ovation of the Seas became the first cruise ship to return to the Port of Seattle since the COVID-19 Pandemic began.

2022-07
Royal Caribbean Group received court approval to purchase Endeavor

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.

2022-08
Royal Caribbean partners with SpaceX for Starlink technology

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.

2023-11-27
Delivery of Icon of the Seas

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.

2024-01
Royal Caribbean International operates 28 ships with more on order

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.

2025
Expected delivery of Star of the Seas

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.

2026
Planned delivery of third Icon class ship

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.

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Royal Caribbean International
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