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☆ Ahead of retail earnings, here's what we know about the consumer so far
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Robert Hum | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

There are signs that the U.S. consumer is still spending, especially on experiences. But stubbornly high prices are squeezing consumers with lower incomes, pressuring everyday purchases and corporate profits. Broadly speaking, credit card companies like American Express, Visa and MasterCard have described spending trends as "relatively strong," "relatively stable," and even "healthy." Priceline parent Booking Holdings told analysts there are no signs consumers are taking shorter vacations or trading down in their hotel choices. McDonald's added that "the consumer is certainly being very discriminating in how they spend their dollar."

Persons: Brandon Bell, Morgan Stanley's Michael Wilson, Morgan Stanley, Mike Stocker, Stanley Black, Decker, —, Anton Pinsky, Beata Zawrzel, Laxman Narasimhan, Shack, Domino's, Pavlo Gonchar Organizations: Getty, Home Depot, Walmart, American Express, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Booking Holdings, Las, Port, Tribune, Service, Consumers, Whirlpool, Corp, Starbucks Corp, Nurphoto, Lightrocket Locations: Austin , Texas, U.S, Las Vegas, Port of Miami, Krakow, Poland, Russia, Ukraine

☆ Princess Cruises is taking a page out of the ultra-luxury cruise industry with new all-inclusive, $3,000 cabins
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Princess Cruises says its new Sun Princess and upcoming Star Princess will have all-inclusive cabins. It's a stark contrast to the high-end cruise industry, where all-inclusivity is often considered the standard. In 2024, Sun Princess' Sanctuary cabins start at more than $3,000 per person for a weeklong Caribbean cruise in mid-December. Princess CruisesThe cruise line says its next ship, Star Princess, which will debut in late September 2025, will also carry the Sanctuary Collection. Following in the footsteps of high-end, all-inclusive cruise lines could be a wise decision for Princess.

Persons: who've, —, Princess, Cruises Organizations: Cruises, Service, Princess Cruises, Carnival Corp, Regent Seven Seas, Princess Premier, cabanas, MSC Cruises, HX, Hyatt, Marriott Locations: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Caribbean

☆ I stayed in a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's 2 newest and largest cruise ships. One was clearly better — and $900 cheaper.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ships. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Or, in the case of Royal Caribbean's two largest and newest cruise ships, the cash could mean the difference between a cheap but functional balcony cabin and, ironically, a more expensive but less comfortable one. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: —, Royal Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Royal Caribbean's

☆ I went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me the most about this type of travel
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I took my first cruise on one of the largest ships, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. My seven-night trip was full of surprises, from the size of my room to the quality of the food. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: —, I'd Organizations: Service, Business

☆ I went on 2 of Royal Caribbean's largest and newest cruise ships. I enjoyed them, but they're not for everyone.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

And if you're looking for high-end sailing to unique destinations, I'd suggest avoiding Royal Caribbean's mega-ships. Brittany Chang/Business InsiderAccording to its current expansion plan, by 2028, about a third of Royal Caribbean's fleet will consist of mega-ships. Wonder of the Seas (left) and Icon of the Seas (right) both have Sorrento's, a complimentary grab-and-go pizza shop. If you plan on cruising with your children — and if they, like me, love activities like rock climbing and mini-golfing — Royal Caribbean's mega-ships could be your best option. After all, like most of Royal Caribbean's largest vessels, both Icon and Wonder are exclusively sailing in the Caribbeans.

Persons: —, Brittany Chang, I've, Sharon Yattaw Organizations: Service, Oceania Cruises, Business, Royal, Regent Seven Locations: Royal Caribbean, CocoCay, Polynesia, Caribbean, Oceania

☆ I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Royal Caribbean invited me to spend three complimentary nights on its new Icon of the Seas in January. My eight favorite amenities included the waterpark and jazz bar. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. If you're a frequent cruiser — especially with Royal Caribbean — amenities like the mini-golf course and water playground may not seem exciting. But of all the activities the new world's largest cruise ship has to offer, my eight favorites are, for the most part, ones I've yet to see on another vessel.

Persons: — Organizations: Royal, Service Locations: Royal Caribbean

☆ I've been to 54 countries and have lived in 10. These 5 underrated places are worth the trip.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Kate Boardman has visited 54 countries around the world and lived in 10, including the US. She's enjoyed spots like France and Bali but says people should visit underrated places like Oman. I've been to 54 countries and lived in 10, including the US. I also think spots like Cancun are super overrated; there are way cooler places to visit in Mexico. Kate Boardman/@wildkat.wandersI first lived in Guatemala in 2021, where I worked as a teacher at an international school.

Persons: Kate Boardman, She's, —, I've, Boardman, It's, You've, they're, @wildkat.wanders, Kate Boardman There's, There's, you've, Earth Organizations: Service, Antigua —, United Arab Locations: France, Bali, Oman, Ecuador, Guatemala, Massachusetts, Germany, Tblisi , Georgia, Paris, London, Cancun, Mexico, Iran, Maharloo, Georgia, Tbilisi, It's, Soviet Union, Kazbegi , Georgia, Turkish, Central America, Costa Rica, Tikal, Guatemala City, Antigua, Boardman, Livingston , Guatemala, El, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Muscat, Caribbean

☆ I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I booked a stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the biggest cruise ships. For $2,000 a week, the 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and a view. AdvertisementIn April 2022, I cruised on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. At the time, it was the largest cruise ship in the world, but the title has since been replaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Royal, Royal Caribbean's Locations: Roatán, Honduras, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Mexico, Bahamas

☆ Royal Caribbean's newest ship is also its priciest. Here's what it's like spending as little as possible, with no lobster or other upgrades.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas could be an expensive vacation compared to other cruise ships. Sailing on the mega-ship without paying for any of its upcharged amenities is possible. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementA budget vacation on Royal Caribbean's new wildly popular Icon of the Seas is possible.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHere's how cruise leaders made their comebackRoyal Caribbean's stock price reached an all-time high in April of 2024 as the company spearheads the cruise industry's epic return. The three industry titans – Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian – kicked off 2024 with booking at an all time high. Find out how the three companies made their return and why investors are eager about them again.

Persons: Norwegian – Organizations: Royal Locations: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian

☆ Royal Caribbean's family-friendly private island is about to get more crowded with Gen Xers
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewRoyal Caribbean's family-friendly private island is about to get a bit more crowded — with Gen Xers. Royal Caribbean's private island is a tropical dream for cruising families dotted with sprawling beaches, clubs, a zipline, and a waterpark. Royal Caribbean goes after multi-generational families, while Celebrity's target demographic is Gen Xers, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the then-CEO of Celebrity Cruises, told Business Insider in 2021. Celebrity sails to 300 ports on all seven continents — why this sudden push for the private Caribbean island? Brittany Chang/Business InsiderBut for the two brands' parent company, there are more benefits to private island cruising besides guest satisfaction.

Persons: —, Gen Xers, Gen X, Brittany Chang, Xers, Lisa Lutoff, Michael Bayley, CocoCay, Patrick Scholes, Bayley Organizations: Service, Cruises, Royal, Business, Royal Caribbean Group, Apex, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Truist Securities, Coco Locations: CocoCay, Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Royal Caribbean, that's, Royal, Caribbean, Brittany, cabanas

☆ Ultrawealthy cruising: See inside Royal Caribbean's most extravagant upgrades and a $100,000-a-week cabin on its Icon of the Seas
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has high-end upcharge options like a $200-per-person dinner. See what a vacation on the world's largest cruise ship is like for affluent travelers. AdvertisementAre you looking to ball out on your weeklong vacation aboard the world's largest cruise ship? And there's likely no better example of this than Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise ship. On the 9,950-person Icon of the Seas, affluent travelers could have a vacation that rivals even the most luxurious small-ship cruise.

Persons: — Organizations: Royal, Service

☆ I sailed on the world's 2 largest cruise ships. The older one was just as good — and $1,000 cheaper.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Icon of the Seas launched in January, dethroning its predecessor, Wonder of the Seas, as the world's largest. Here's how the two mega-ships compare in size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementIcon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship darling, was deemed a success before it was even built. Let's see how Icon and Wonder compare in six categories: size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Persons: —, Michael Bayley, I've Organizations: Royal Caribbean, Seas, Service, Royal, Royal Caribbean International

☆ Disappointing photos show what it's actually like to go on a cruise
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I took a seven-day voyage on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, my first cruise ever. I spent much of my time battling crowds, waiting in lines, and sitting on hot tour buses. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . I spent more time waiting in lines than I had anticipated, and I saw much of the world from behind other people's heads. Here's an overview of the most disappointing aspects of my cruise, from getting to the port to sailing across the region

Persons: — Organizations: Service Locations: Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Honduras, Mexico, Bahamas

☆ Cruise lines' private islands are having a renaissance. These are the 3 reasons they need it now more than ever before.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

To cruise lines, they're cash cows. Related storiesThese are the three reasons cruise-run private destinations have become so important. Amid rising fuel costs, it's easy to see why cruise lines would want to plan more itineraries around these nearby stops. Private destinations keep profits in-houseThe bar had two halves: one on land and the other at pool level. And because there's no need to rely on other excursion operators, they allow cruise lines to keep more profits in-house.

Persons: —, Patrick Scholes, Michael Bayley, Naftali Holtz, it's, Scholes, wouldn't, Linken D'Souza, Brittany Chang, Josh Weinstein, Jason Liberty, Simone Padovani, CHANDAN KHANNA, They're Organizations: Service, Royal, Business, Truist Securities, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Cruise, Holland America, MSC, Royal Caribbean International, Royal Caribbean Group, Beach, cabanas, Carnival Corp, Private, Hideaway, Disney, Key, Getty Locations: Miami, Bahamas, CocoCay, Caribbean, Honduras, Belize, Eleuthera, Cay, Holland, Royal Caribbean, Paradise, Nassau, Florida, cabanas, Royal, Orlando, Venice, Italy's Giudecca, Santorini, Greece, Key West , Florida, California, Alaska , Maine, Europe, Juneau , Alaska, French Polynesia, Italy

☆ My first cruise was a 7-day disappointment. Even worse, it left me feeling sick long after touching dry land.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Brittany Vanderbill | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I had horrible weather and rough seas that left me feeling sick after the cruise. We had unusually rough seas throughout the entire cruiseI had some pretty bad weather throughout my cruise. AdvertisementMy brain knew I was on solid ground, but I felt like I was still on the cruise ship battling rough waves. I'm avoiding cruises from now onRelaxFoto.de/Getty ImagesI had some great laughs with friends on board despite the rough seas and lack of sunshine. One bad experience culminating with motion sickness on dry land is enough to make me want to avoid any cruises in the future.

Persons: —, Thomas, St, Maarten, Brittany VanDerBill, I'd, didn't, I'm, it's Organizations: Service, Royal, Minnesota Locations: Caribbean, Royal Caribbean, St, Bahamas, Brittany

☆ How can cruise lines deal with popular destinations getting sick of tourists? Develop private islands and exclusive stops, of course.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Cruise lines are embracing private destinations in part due to overcrowding at popular ports. At least 14 private cruise destinations have opened or will open soon in the Caribbean. So what's a cruise line to do when it's no longer welcome at popular destinations? It's a strategy popular cruise lines are increasingly embracing. Private islands and beaches have popped up throughout the Caribbean, one of the world's hotspots for cruises.

Persons: —, they're Organizations: Service, Travel, Business Locations: Caribbean, CocoCay, Bahamas

☆ Step aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, a cruise ship so big it has 8 'neighborhoods' spread across 18 decks
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Wonder of the Seas, sailing since March 2022, is nearly 1,200 feet long and 210 feet wide with 18 decks. Wonder of the Seas in Costa Playa, Mexico. Joey Hadden/Business InsiderFor $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck eight. During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's own private island in the Bahamas. The enormous ship had eight communal areas that Royal Caribbean calls "neighborhoods."

Persons: Joey Hadden, Royal Locations: Costa Playa, Mexico, Roatán, Honduras, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Bahamas

☆ Holland America wants travelers to live on a cruise ship for 4 ½ months while it sails to 39 countries on all 7 continents — see what it'll be like
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The 132-day itinerary includes 47 ports in 39 countries on all seven continents. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementIn 2026, the only flight you'll have to take to visit 39 countries in less than half a year is the one from your home to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: —, Royal Organizations: Holland America Line, Service, Business Locations: Holland, Fort Lauderdale , Florida

☆ My family loves Royal Caribbean cruises — but you'll never find us eating in the ship's main dining room
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Kristeen Cherney | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But there's one typical sailing experience we always skip: visiting the main dining room — even on formal nights. Still, we insist on skipping the main dining and formal nights. We also prefer having flexible food choices and small bitesI've heard Royal Caribbean's main dining menu is quite good. Even so, that's just one meal of our cruise — not a nightly commitment to the main dining room. We don't mess with formal wear and staged photos, eitherKristeen CherneyThere are two formal nights on our typical seven-night cruises.

Persons: —, we'll, we're, I've, we'd, We've, we've Organizations: Service, Royal, Business, Royal Caribbean, Dog Locations: Royal Caribbean, Cuban

☆ See how the world's largest cruise ship feeds 10,000 people every day
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas ship accommodates 9,950 people: 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew. The cruise ship has over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . And for these hungry sailors, Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas could be the closest thing to culinary heaven on earth (or at sea). On the new world's largest cruise ship, dining is more than just a traditional buffet and poolside grill with burgers and pizza.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Royal, Business

☆ Royal Caribbean's CEO said its massive new ship was designed for Instagram. I saw 9 things on board that make it a social-media sensation.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Royal Caribbean Group's CEO said its new Icon of the Seas was designed to have "Instagrammable moments." Guests' social media posts create "FOMO" that helps drive bookings, he said. I sailed on the new mega-ship in January and saw just how social media-friendly the mega-ship was. If you've been jealous of all the cruisers sailing on Royal Caribbean's new, wildly popular Icon of the Seas ship, you're not alone. In fact, Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's president and CEO, said the new mega-ship was built to do just that: Create a sense of FOMO — or the "fear of missing out."

Persons: you've, Jason Liberty, Liberty Organizations: Caribbean, Royal Locations: Royal Caribbean

☆ I compared every aspect of a Royal Caribbean and a Virgin Voyages cruise ship. One was worth the higher price.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I've sailed on both a Royal Caribbean and a Virgin Voyages cruise ship. The Virgin Voyages cruise cost $4,000 more, as it was a luxury, adults-only ship in a higher-tier cabin. The Virgin Voyages cruise was more worth the price, but the Royal Caribbean ship was great for families. Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages offer completely different experiences. The seven-night Caribbean cruise took me to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

Persons: I've, it's Organizations: Royal, Virgin, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Cruise, Cruise Critic, Voyages, Marina Locations: Royal Caribbean, Roatán, Honduras, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Mexico, Bahamas, Ibiza, Barcelona, Italy, France, Toulon, Ajaccio

☆ I got a peek at the new adults-only area at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. I'm sure it'll become a smash hit on the $350 million private island.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I spent an afternoon at Hideaway Beach, the new adults-only area of Royal Caribbean's private island. About two-thirds of Royal Caribbean's guests are expected to stop at the private Bahamas island this year. AdvertisementWhat do you get when you cross a Las Vegas pool club with a cruise ship and a private island? You get Royal Caribbean's new Hideaway Beach. In January, the popular cruise line unveiled the newest extension of its Perfect Day at CocoCay private island in the Bahamas.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Royal Locations: Hideaway, Royal, Bahamas, Vegas, Atlantic City , New Jersey

☆ My $540-a-night cabin on the world's largest cruise ship was shockingly small and disappointing
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I recently sailed on the world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas . My stateroom was disappointing, and the bathroom was tiny — I'm not sure it would be comfortable for a family. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementIf you're assuming the new world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, must have giant guest cabins, I'm here to give you a reality check.

Persons: — Organizations: Royal, Service, Business

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