icon of the seas

World's largest cruise ship to set sail from Galveston in 2027

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, is coming to Galveston to embark on dozens of coastal getaways during the 2027-2028 travel season.

The Icon will offer three dozen six-to-eight-day cruises to popular destinations like Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Vacationers who travel to Cozumel also get to visit the new Royal Beach Club Cozumel, which is scheduled to open in 2026.

The gigantic 1,196-foot-long ship boasts a capacity for 7,600 passengers, and features eight themed "neighborhoods" to offer curated experiences for travelers of all ages. Couples who want to relax and connect with nature will enjoy the "Central Park" neighborhood that features an open-air garden with thousands of live plants, while families with young children can take advantage of "Surfside Neighborhood's" splash zones and kid-friendly activities.

"From thrills like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, to unmatched chill across seven pools on board and more than 40 places to dine and drink, families are in for a combination of the best of every vacation with experiences for all ages," a press release says.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas cruise ship Category 6 is the largest waterpark at sea, according to Royal Caribbean.Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean

The first expedition setting sail from Galveston in 2027 is a six-night "Western Caribbean" cruise departing on August 16. The trip includes one day each in Puerto Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel before finally returning to Galveston on August 22.

Travelers who want to spend as much time at sea as possible can book an eight-day "Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean" cruise, which will stop in Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, then the Bahaman private island.

Here is the full schedule of Icon of the Seas cruises departing from Galveston that are available to book in 2027:

August 16-22 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
August 22-28 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
August 28-September 5, 2027 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
September 5-11 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
September 11-19 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
September 19-25 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
September 25-October 3 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
October 3-9 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
October 9-17 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
October 17-23 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
October 23-31 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
October 31-November 6 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
November 6-14 – 8 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean Cruise
November 14-21 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
November 21-28 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
November 28-December 5 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
December 5-12 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
December 12-19 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
December 19-26 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
December 26-January 2, 2028 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Seven-night Western Caribbean cruises are scheduled to depart from Galveston beginning January 2, 2028. These trips will take place weekly, departing on a Sunday and arriving back in Galveston on the following Sunday through April 23, 2028.

Icon of the Seas cruises departing from Galveston (starting at $988 per person for a six-night vacation) can be booked on the Royal Caribbean website.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas cruise ship

Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world.

More cruise news
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas announcement is the second major Texas cruise news of November: MSC Cruises' MSC Seascape launched its inaugural voyage from a new $156 million Galveston terminal on Sunday, November 9.

As previously reported in CultureMap, the ship's voyages feature a unique upgrade option, called the MSC Yacht Club, which offers guests a 32,000-square-foot private "ship-within-a-ship" experience complete with a dedicated pool, restaurant, lounge, plus butler service, an on-ship concierge, and much more.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line. Departures from Galveston can now be booked through the website.

Here's your shot

Dude Perfect teams up with Omni Dallas hotel for new tricked-out suite

Dude Perfect Suite, Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Photo courtesy of Omni PGA Frisco Resort

The Omni PGA Frisco Resort now has a Dude Perfect-branded suite.

Dude Perfect fans now have their shot to live like the sports-comedy group sensation: The Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa has partnered with Frisco-based Dude Perfect to debut a themed hotel suite packed with sports games, branded décor, and interactive activities overlooking the Fields Ranch golf course.

According to a release, the new Dude Perfect Suite is now open at the resort and available for bookings, but only for a limited time.

Located on the third floor, the suite includes a balcony overlooking the 10th hole at Fields Ranch East and is designed to accommodate six to eight guests. The setup, designed for families, includes one king bed, four twin bunk beds, and a pull-out sofa, with separate spaces geared toward both kids and adults.

Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Dude Perfect Suite So much fun in one room.Photo courtesy of Omni PGA Frisco Resort

The room leans heavily into the Dude Perfect "brand" - yes, there are spots for trick-shots. Sporty features include:

AstroTurf accents in the living room and bunk bedroom
A PlayStation gaming setup with leather gaming chairs
Mini basketball hoops and magnetic dart boards
Sports challenge games and soft-launch toys inspired by Dude Perfect stunts
A flexible game table for family activities
Sneaker-themed wallpaper in the bunk room
Selfie backdrops and oversized wall graphics
Dude Perfect-branded décor including throw pillows, towels, water bottles, and logo installations
In-room merchandise available for purchase, including hats, books, games, and water bottles

“This partnership gave us the opportunity to create an experience that feels larger than life for kids without compromising the level of comfort and quality parents expect from Omni PGA Frisco Resort,” say Jeff Smith, vice president and managing director at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, in the release. ”Collaborating with Dude Perfect, a brand that shares our roots in sports and community, allows us to reimagine the family getaway in a bold and memorable way.”

Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Dude Perfect Suite The suite has Astroturf, bunk beds, and overlooks the Fields Ranch golf course.Photo courtesy of Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Dude Perfect, founded in 2009 by five college friends (Tyler Toney, Cory Cotton, Coby Cotton, Garrett Hilbert, and Cody Jones) who built a following through trick-shot videos and sports content, has grown into one of the largest sports entertainment brands in the world. Their YouTube channel has become the biggest sports account on YouTube, with 62 million subscribers, and the group has garnered more than 18 billion views across platforms, with featured celebrities and athletes like Steph Curry, Serena Williams, Luka Doncic, Caitlin Clark, and CeeDee Lamb.

They've since expanded into a diversified media company encompassing video content, popular simulcasts for professional sports (like the NFL on Amazon), a best-selling toy in Walmart, and live tours. They also recently helped develop a construction-themed theme park in Grapevine.

"Partnering with Omni gives us the opportunity to bring the Dude Perfect version of sports, play, and competition for families to enjoy in the real world," says Andrew Yaffe, CEO of Dude Perfect. "Omni shares our belief that the best entertainment is interactive, epic, and built for families. Together, we’re creating something that brings the Dude Perfect experience to fans in a new way."

The Dude Perfect Suite package is available through December 2027 and includes breakfast and a resort credit for registered guests. The shot to live like a Dude won't come cheap for most folks: According to the website, rates start around $1,200 per night.

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icon of the seas

World's largest cruise ship to set sail from Galveston in 2027

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