Royal Caribbean Upgrades Elevators with Smart Technology: Here’s What Cruise Travelers Need to Know

Royal Caribbean is once again raising the bar for cruise ship innovation—this time with a high-tech update you might not expect: elevators.

If you’ve ever waited impatiently for an elevator while onboard a mega cruise ship, you know the struggle is real. But Royal Caribbean is tackling that pain point head-on with a new smart elevator system designed to eliminate long waits and overcrowded rides. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting update and what it means for your next voyage.

Introducing Destination Dispatch Elevators

Rather than pressing a button inside the elevator to select your floor, Royal Caribbean’s new destination-dispatch elevators use a touchscreen system located in the elevator lobby. Here’s how it works:

1. Select your destination deck on the touchscreen panel before you enter the elevator.

2. The system assigns you to a specific elevator (labeled A, B, C, etc.) that’s heading directly to your floor—or to floors near it.

3. Once inside the elevator, there are no floor buttons—your ride is already programmed for maximum efficiency.

This technology is already used in high-rise office buildings and luxury hotels, and now it’s being adapted for the cruise industry.

First Seen on Icon of the Seas

The new elevator system debuted on Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s flagship launched in early 2024. Guests immediately noticed the difference: shorter wait times, smoother rides, and less crowding in the elevator lobbies.

Royal Caribbean reports that this upgrade has helped streamline passenger flow, especially during peak times like embarkation, dinner hours, and shore excursion mornings.

Expanding Across the Fleet

Following the success on Icon, Royal Caribbean began testing the system on other ships, including Allure of the Seas, where one bank of elevators was retrofitted with the new technology as part of a pilot program.

Looking ahead, Utopia of the Seas, set to debut in mid-2024, will feature destination-dispatch elevators fleet-wide. It’s part of the cruise line’s larger commitment to improving guest experience through cutting-edge technology.

What This Means for Cruisers

If you’re planning a future cruise with Royal Caribbean, especially on one of their newer ships, here’s what to expect:

• Faster travel between decks—no more stopping at every floor.

• Less congestion in elevator areas, even during busy times.

• A sleek, modern experience that matches the luxury feel of the ship.

Whether you’re heading to the pool deck or dashing to dinner, this small but impactful change makes moving around the ship easier and more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean continues to lead the way in cruise ship innovation, and the smart elevator upgrade is just one more reason to set sail with them. As more ships adopt this system, cruisers can look forward to a smoother, more efficient onboard experience—proving once again that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Ready to cruise smarter? Follow The Jetset Journal for the latest in luxury travel trends, ship updates, and expert tips to elevate your adventures at sea.