There’s plenty to be excited about at Royal Caribbean, and Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service, is eager to share what’s ahead.
From new ships to private islands—and soon, a brand-new beach club in The Bahamas—the cruise line is building big on experiences, and travel advisors are a key part of the journey.
RCI, Momentum & The Future
“Our new ships, our private islands and soon to be our Royal Beach Club—there’s a lot of new and exciting things happening,” said Freed. “But I think there’s momentum in our industry in general.”
Launching in December, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will mark the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Collection. Set on 17 acres on the western tip of Paradise Island, the destination blends Bahamian culture with all-inclusive access to pools, cabanas and an expansive swim-up bar.
Guests will be able to choose from three zones—Family Beach, Chill Beach and Party Cove—each designed to match their vacation style. Day passes and cabana reservations will open soon. For Freed, it’s more than just new products—it’s about what those experiences mean to travelers.
“What people missed most during the pandemic was togetherness,” she said. “And at the end of the day, that’s what people remember in their lives—the experiences they share with others.”
On stage at Cruise360 in Fort Lauderdale, Freed introduced the concept of “MD”—but not the kind you’re thinking of.
“MD stands for Memory Doctor,” she said. “The role that advisors play in people’s lives is as important as a physical doctor. You’re creating lifelong memories—sometimes the last memories someone has with a loved one. That’s powerful.”
That emotional resonance is a driving force behind the design of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships. The Icon of the Seas, which debuted in early 2024, will be followed by Star of the Seas this August and Legend of the Seas in 2026. Each one amplifies the guest experience.
“The experience onboard our Icon Class ships comes alive,” Freed said. “For some guests, it’s all about food. For others, it’s the shows. The point is, they get to choose.”
As bookings continue to rise and guests rebook for future sailings—especially for the Icon Class—Freed emphasized Royal Caribbean’s longstanding support of travel advisors.
“We have never stopped investing in the travel advisor,” she said. “They add tremendous value to the guest experience.”
Her advice to advisors? “Breathe. This is a hard industry to learn. Take it one step at a time, lean on your resources and remember: every time you help someone book a vacation, you’re making a difference in their life.”
And a closing sales tip: “Always ask, ‘Is there anyone else you’d like to invite to join you on this cruise?’ You might be surprised by the answer.”
