cruise real pictures

The World's Largest Cruise Ship Is Coming in January—Here's What It's Like Inside

By Jessica Puckett

The biggest thing to ever hit cruising is coming in January 2024, when Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas —which will be the largest cruise ship in the world —will debut to passengers for the first time.

With capacity for nearly 10,000 passengers and crew, Icon of the Seas is billed as part all-inclusive resort, part theme park, and a massive destination unto itself . Clocking in at 250,380 gross tons and measuring nearly a quarter mile long (1,198 feet to be exact), the vast ship will sport a total of 20 decks, 18 of which will be accessible to guests.

The ship will be divided into eight different “neighborhoods,” each with their own distinct atmospheres, dining options, and activities. “ Icon of the Seas is truly what we call a white paper ship,” Anna Drescher, manager of architectural design, new building and innovation for Royal Caribbean group, said in a video statement . “The reason that we call it that is we start with a blank sheet of sketch paper, so it truly is starting fresh.”

In June 2023, the ship hit a major milestone when it completed its first sea trials outside the shipyard in Turku, Finland. Next up is the colossal new ship’s first voyage, slated to depart on January 27, 2024. It will sail roundtrip from Miami to the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas.

The ship's typical seven-day itineraries include three at-sea days, so passengers have time to fully enjoy the endless choices of amenities on board. “We want guests to walk up to the ship and just have this moment of: I can’t believe that’s where I’m going ,” said Jennifer Goswami, the line’s senior manager of product development.

Here's a look at the enormous scale of the new ship and what to expect on board.

When it begins sailing, the Icon of the Seas will offer a total of 2,805 staterooms that can hold 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or a maximum of 7,600 guests. Passengers can choose from a whopping 28 different room types, including Sunset Suites with wraparound balconies and Family Infinite Balcony staterooms with bunkbeds fit for a family of up to six.

The largest suite on board will be the three-story, 1,772-square-foot “Ultimate Family Townhouse,” which comes with its own movie theater, ping-pong table, karaoke, and a slide between floors. It can sleep up to eight people and costs approximately $75,000 per week.

Among the eight "neighborhoods," or sections of the ship with distinct ambiance, are Central Park, which offers greenery and sidewalk cafes, and The Hideaway, which aims for a European beach club aesthetic. There's also The Suite Neighborhood, Surfside, Thrill Island, Chill Island, The Royal Promenade, and the Aquadome.

The ship's 2,350 crew members will also get their own neighborhood, complete with amenities like a gaming room and hair salon.

Another superlative for Icon will be sporting the largest waterpark at sea. The park, called Category 6, features six different record-breaking waterslides, including the tallest onboard waterslide. There will also be a free-fall slide, plus a raft-style slide for four passengers to ride together.

Seven pools and nine whirlpools will be located throughout the ship, including the first infinity pool on a cruise ship to be suspended in the air. The Royal Bay pool, located on the 15th deck, will break the record for largest pool at sea, holding an astounding 40,000 gallons of water.

Across the towering vessel, there'll be more than 20 food venues and 15 bars and nightlife experiences, including a sweeping three-level main dining room.

Among the options for grabbing a drink will be the line's first onboard swim-up bar, a walk-up Champagne bar, and a bar specializing in coffee cocktails like espresso martinis.

On the entertainment front, Royal Caribbean has hired 75 performers to titillate guests across three cavernous theaters. The Absolute Zero ice arena will feature shows with Olympic-level skaters, while the AquaTheater will combine the talents of divers, robots, and skateboarders.

In the Royal Theater, a 16-piece orchestra (the largest one at sea), will accompany shows like the Wizard of Oz.

In smaller venues throughout the ship, like the dueling piano bar, 50 live musicians and comedians will perform each night, making it possible for every type of passenger to find something that fits their style.

The Disney Wish Cruise Ship: Our Photos and an Honest Review

The Disney Wish is the fifth custom-built ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet, joining the smaller Disney Magic (1998), Disney Wonder (1999), Disney Dream (2011), and  Disney Fantasy (2012). Maiden voyage: July 14, 2022 Size: 144,000 gross tons Length: 1,119 feet (341 m) Number of decks: 15 Number of cabins: 1,254 Number of cabins with Verandas: 877 Number of connecting doors to double cabin space: 451 Inside cabins: 121 Number of passengers at capacity: 4,000 Number of crew: 1,555 Year built: 2022

When you board the ship, a crew member will announce you by name to everyone in the Grand Hall, which is at the heart of the ship. That charming welcome is extended on all the Disney ships, but the Wish is the first to add a little performance balcony overlooking it all and a stage that can be used for various character appearances and diversions over the course of the cruise.

Most Disney cruises go to warm climates, so of course everyone wants to know what the pool decks look like. This is the main one on the Wish : Scattered across tiers on several levels, you'll find six pools—all of them small, all of them shallow (usually 2 feet deep), and each equipped with a lifeguard despite the pools' teeny sizes. (The generous supply of lifeguards was a running gag in our group: "Last night at dinner, the waiter poured me a cup of water and a lifeguard showed up!") Skirting the high levels of the decks is AquaMouse , a two-rider raft flume that goes uphill and downhill and passes through a clear portion of tube that ventures briefly over the ocean. The company is marketing the ride as the "first Disney attraction at sea," but really, it's pretty much like AquaDuck, which already exists on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The difference is that AquaMouse has   some added cartoon segments in the lift hill tunnel of the ride. It's easygoing fun and not too scary, but it's still AquaDuck plus screens.  Slide-a-saurus Rex , visible in yellow, is a basic helix-shaped slide. Not pictured, and located on the other side of that funnel, is the  Toy Story Splash Zone , which is the toddler area. Built under a ledge to shelter young skin from strong sunlight, the zone features gently moving, bubbling, and spraying water, all themed after the film franchise.

At night, the main pools can be covered and turned into cinemas or performance zones, such as for the Pirate's Rockin' Parlay Party , during which a band of melodious pirates plays '80s hits (somehow, the mash-up works) and host a brief fireworks show over the sea.

Some of the most hyped elements of the Disney Wish are its restaurants. This one has an awkward name that most passengers forgo in favor of calling it "the Avengers restaurant." Dinner is interspersed with video of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly delivering gentle, Burns and Allen–style banter as Ant-Man and the Wasp.

There's a plot involving your dinner and the cruise ship itself. Kids are encouraged to help save everyone from a supervillain by pressing a button on their dinner table "Quantum Core" centerpieces—the least stressful way to vanquish a villain, really.  The food you're served doesn't play with Ant-Man 's size-shifting theme in the way that Disney California Adventure's Pym Test Kitchen does, which is a missed opportunity. But the Avengers restaurant still delivers a pleasant dinner, even if most of the innovation lies in watching screens. My 13-year-old nephew, who I brought with me on my cruise, said this was one of his top three experiences on the Disney Wish . He loved the interactivity with the Quantum Core. He even ordered a kiddle mocktail in a light-up version of the Quantum Core (for an added fee). This is only one of the speciality restaurants you'll go to over the course of your cruise. A key feature of Disney Cruise Line is that your party is scheduled to eat at all the big themed restaurants over the course of a vacation—there are no surcharges for the privilege, and you're accompanied by the same waitstaff so kids and crew can get to know each other over time.

The Arendelle restaurant is closer to a traditional dinner theatre. Positioned on a low deck at the back of the ship, it's a dining hall with a central platform stage. Here the main characters from the Frozen franchise gather to celebrate Anna and Kristoff's wedding and sing a few songs. Olaf doesn't get to sing "In Summer" himself, but he does make an appearance in another way.

Olaf shows up on a dessert cart, chaperoned by Arendelle shopkeeper Oaken, to interact with guests as they dine. The other Frozen characters arrive on their own two feet, which makes Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure a lot like the character meet-and-greet meals that are popular in the Disney theme parks. (No, Disney star Jonathan Bassett, who is talking to Olaf here, is not part of the dinner show cast—he just happened to be one of the many people sailing on the Disney Wish with us.) Each specialty dining location has its own menu of specialty cocktails for adults—the Frozen Fractals concoction is bright blue and twinkles in the light when you stir. And the Arendelle dinner is distinguished by another cruise ship innovation: It's the first restaurant I know that has been configured to usher guests to exit through a souvenir shop.

After the excitement of the Avengers and Arendelle, the third major restaurant, 1923, is likely to bore small kids. Its main appeal is class—and that's for the adults. This restaurant has two halves, Walt Disney and Roy Disney, which are stylistically similar and identical of menu.  The adult beverages are less twee than at the other restaurants. This drink, the Buena Vista Boulevardier, is a blend of rye, Campari, and Lillet Rouge topped with a chocolate disk. That's a combo ($12 on our sailing) that we wouldn't have thought of ourselves, but it worked very nicely.

There are a few restaurants you have to pay extra to access. One of them is the steakhouse, Palo, which has splendid wraparound ocean views, costs $45 per person, has a dress code, and is only for diners aged 18 and older. You'll need to make reservations. One additional waiter-service restaurant is even more exclusive: Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement (dinner: an extra $125–$195 per person) is an intimate high-deck space with ocean views that's intended to woo high-spending adults with specialty ingredients and award-level preparation. Other Disney ships have Remy for their special-occasion meal services; the Wish has Enchanté. Most families won't see the inside of either.

Most mega cruise ships have a buffet where you can go without having reservations for all three meals. For the Disney Wish , that space is Marceline, wrapping around the aft section of deck 11. The setup is as regular cruisers expect: various stations serving various genres of food. The food is included in your cruise fare, sodas and juices are free, and there's a bar where you can pay for alcohol or specialty coffee.  We were surprised and pleased to find some atypical items here: Most American cruise ships don't serve congee and fried rice for breakfast (though both dishes are popular morning options in Asia), but the Disney Wish does. So if you get weary of standing in line for bacon and those ever-popular Mickey waffles, you can dip into the alternative fare. Sometimes, Marceline will close for a few hours in mid-afternoon, but you won't go hungry: Near the pools, there are stations for burgers and hot dogs, pizza, burritos and tacos, and barbecue to fill the hours between restaurant seatings.

Disney's kids' clubs truly set the cruise line apart from its competitors. Instead of installing casinos aboard ships, Disney gives all that space to children, and the kids-only areas are kitted out like no other line's.

This is the slide from the Grand Hall to the Oceaneer Club, geared toward kids aged 3 to 12.

And just take a look at some of the rooms inside. The next few photos were taken in the Oceaneer Club—no grown-ups allowed except to drop off or pick up their offspring.

Oceaneer Club has several major elements. One of them is Fairytale Hall, a hub for crafts and storytelling, which itself has three parts: Belle's Library, Anna and Elsa's Sommerhus , and Rapunzel's Art Studio (pictured). 

Another section exclusively for kids aged 3 to 12, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab lets kids approximate what it's like to be one of Disney's famous Imagineers. Youngsters get to design a roller coaster they can then ride (safely) in a small motion simulator. Sorcerer Mickey also makes character appearances here occasionally. 

Also in the no-adults-allowed club for kids aged 3 to 12, the Marvel Super Hero Academy looks cool enough when it's dormant, but at appointed times, it mounts "Avengers: Mission Training," which Disney calls "a gesture-based game where [players] put their new suits and skills to the test as they virtually battle bad guys." An appearance by Black Panther often figures into the game.

Above, here's more of that delicious Star Wars -themed area for kids.

Kids aged 11 to 14 (including those who qualify for the huge Oceaneer Club but prefer a hangout that's more intimate and ocean-facing) can visit Edge , a zone dedicated to them that's fashioned after an urban loft. There's a stylized Mickey Mouse statue here that proved popular for photos.

The club for the oldest kids is Vibe , high up on the 12th deck with great ocean views befitting kids who want to feel like they're having a cruise experience. Vibe's official age range is 14 to 17, but staff members have discretion to stretch that minimum age downward if your kid is a grown-up 13. That was the case with my nephew, who later declared Vibe his favorite space on the Disney Wish —he especially loved the coffee machine.

Hero Zone , a few steps from Vibe, is the ship's all-purpose sports center. Here, it's set for basketball below, but there are a few table games (like puck slides) on the mezzanine.

For preannounced time slots, the inflatable Incredi-Course fills the Hero Zone for obstacle challenges. (The course is packed away most of the time.)

One more kids' space before we move on to grown-up diversions: The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique presents essentially the same royal makeovers for kids as its counterparts at the Disney theme parks do. Makeovers start at around $200, and a few of the dresses offered to kids are exclusive to Disney Cruise Line. 

There's a serious salon for adults, too. That's Untangled Salon (pictured above), and, a few steps away, it has a tiny pirate-themed counterpart for men in Hook's Barbery .  And while there isn't a casino on board, there is the Senses Spa as well as a Senses Fitness center. 

There are plenty of bars on board (although some are for beer and wine only, and one caters to those seeking healthy juices and drinks), but the most ballyhooed is Hyperspace Lounge . Like the adult-only Skyline Lounge on Disney's Fantasy and Dream , the main feature is a large back wall where giant images are regularly changed.

But instead of showing world cities, as on the other ships, Hyperspace Lounge pauses to linger at computer-animated stops across a Star Wars– themed galaxy. Every so often, you hear a rattling sound, the stars streak across the screen just like when spaceships hit hyperspace in the movies, and you're delivered to a new vista for a while.

Yes, there's a little-ordered $5,000 drink that distracted much of the travel press in its coverage, but otherwise the experience for regular drinks (generally $10–$20 each) falls short. There are blue ice cubes. There's a well-used smoker gun. There are designs on foam that only show up under a UV light that your server shines before walking away again (so you'd better take a picture while the waiter is there).

But to me, Hyperspace Lounge is another missed opportunity. The décor, for example, has none of the excitement or detail of the  Star Wars : Cargo Bay kids' area we showed you earlier. In fact, although the two spaces are only a few decks apart, they look like they were designed by two disconnected teams with vastly different budgets.

The Hyperspace ceiling is mostly plain, and some of the only flourishes meant to signify galactic panache are some tanks of bubbling water. Oga's Cantina uses those at Galaxy's Edge at the Disney parks, too, but as part of an eye-pleasing riot of steampunk decoration. Hyperspace Lounge has no characters, and the drink recipes are so complex that servers have a hard time keeping up with demand.

The bar also suffers from its own promotion: It simply isn't large enough for everyone who wants to get in, so securing a time slot adds a level of red tape that frequent guests of the Disney parks will know well—you might have to drop by several times before you finally score. Most adults' drinking time will be spent in other spaces.

The Bayou (pictured above) is right outside Hyperspace Lounge's closed "airlock" door, so don't be surprised if you end up here after failing to get into Hyperspace Lounge. The Bayou lacks direct ocean views but it has musicians at night. Around the corner,  Nightingale's is an intimate ocean-facing piano bar (most likely to be open in the evening and later). The three cocktail locations form a little hub for entertainment on deck 3.

The nautical-themed Keg & Compass, on deck 5, is the ship's equivalent of a sports bar—it's where games and broadcast events are likely to be shown. There are a few beers on tap that are brewed expressly for the Disney Wish .

Triton Lounge  (pictured above), across the corridor from Keg & Compass on deck 5, has the perfect setup for comedy or cabaret, but there was none scheduled on my abbreviated preview cruise.

Luna , spanning decks 4 and 5, is a space that was created for the Wish . Luna functions as a lavish cabaret-like performance space. Disney says it will transition from family entertainment during the day to adult-oriented entertainment by night. 

Another perk of Disney Cruise Line ships: Since Disney owns the rights to a significant chunk of American popular entertainment, ships can show vacationers the same movies that are simultaneously playing in the movie theaters on land. Don't go to the movies right before boarding the Disney Wish. Save your money, because at least two current selections will be playing repeatedly, day and night, in the two classy screening rooms on deck 4.

Disney cruises are also known for their top-tier stage shows, and the biggest ones are mounted nightly in the Walt Disney Theatre (1,274 seats, with a balcony). The company manages to hire some of the best young voices in the business, and true to form, some of the singers on the Wish will give you goosebumps. Sets and costumes are also among the most impressive you'll find on the seas.

Most entertainment is geared to reinforcing the company's most popular stories and songs. On the Wish , the three main shows during the maiden voyage were new stagings of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin as well as a jukebox revue of Disney hits. The presentation is far beyond what other lines can do, and it's fun—as long as you like seeing the Disney canon again and again. Most kids do.

There's plenty of shopping, of course, across multiple stores that are priced everywhere from the high end to the really high end. There's also plenty of merch that's specific to the Disney Wish , from clothing to toys—Disney knows its fans love to collect souvenirs from across its range of businesses.  This is the largest shop, but there are several spread around the ship, from the pool deck to the entertainment zone.

There's also a sizable laundry room, and not a miserable closet like some ships give you. Someone at Disney HQ must have had a great sense of humor to give the room this name—fairy-tale princess Cinderella worked hard to meet a prince so she could get out of doing laundry. Still, it's a well-equipped facility and you can charge everything to your room card. (Pro tip: Make sure to twist the knob on the dryer to increase your dry time before pressing the start button; otherwise you may end up paying for a 1-minute cycle.)

Now for a quick look at a stateroom. You can see the shelves to the right, but there are also two closets (including a safe) behind that built-in. Make sure to specify how many people you need your room to accommodate—some units have pullout sofas, some have drop-down cots, and some don't. If your party can't fit in one cabin, you can rent adjoining ones. Beds have night-lights for individual reading plus convenient outlets (both electrical and USB) for charging things bedside. The TV has a full menu of Disney movies for free streaming, which is nice. But we sometimes had a hard time contacting our porter to make simple requests: The phone system routed all our requests to the general switchboard. On one occasion that resulted in a 20-minute hold just to ask for our room's Murphy bed to be opened.

The desk drawers contain a hair dryer, so you don't have to pack one. There's a European-style pin outlet, too, plus some more U.S./Canada-style outlets and some additional USB ports.

The shower/tub room is separate from the cubicle with the toilet (and both of them have sinks), so families can maximize their morning routines. 

Naturally, there are some very lush suite options for people with the spending cash. These rooms all come with concierges and access to private areas that people in standard cabins can't use.

The most notable of these lavish quarters is the Wish Tower Suite , which is installed in the forward funnel. It turns out the front smokestack isn't a smokestack at all and is just there for looks—or for your own private 1,966-square-foot duplex suite. No other cruise ship has a luxury suite in one of the funnels. True, the location means views of the ocean aren't as expansive as in the other types of suites, but the bragging rights are unparalleled.  The price for a typical 3-night sailing is $21,000, so just keep on wishing.

Like most modern cruise ships, the Disney Wish could use a few more quiet spaces to sit and read. There are small ship-side promenades on decks 4 and 5 that don't encircle the ship, and of course there are heaps of loungers in the sun on the top decks. The higher you go, away from the pools, the more likely you'll find a free chair.

I'm partial to these cozy porthole seats off the Grand Hall on deck 3. But when you find yourself searching the ship for a quiet place to sit, you realize that Disney Cruise Line seems to be walking away from its original mandate. When the brand emerged in the late 1990s, it intentionally focused on smaller ships with an old-world ocean liner vibe. The Disney Wish leaves that behind—it's a megaship, jangling like a jukebox, abandoning the antique dignity of bygone sea voyages.

Disney Cruise Line is already a premium-priced product, and the Wish , being its newest and hottest ship, is priced the highest. (For lower prices, choose older ships.) For October 2022 sailings, a typical price for a 3-night sailing would be $2,140 for two guests. (All cabins are priced per person, double occupancy.) But don't quote us on that, because the prices are ever-shifting depending on date and cabin category. Generally speaking, a Verandah stateroom, which has a small balcony, is $100–$200 more than an Oceanview cabin, which just has a window. There are a few inside cabins with a screen that displays what's outside the ship at any given moment, and those are about $100–$200 less than an Oceanview room. The fare includes meals and basic nonalcoholic drinks (including on Castaway Cay) as well as live entertainment, youth clubs, and access to the water slides. Special activities may be charged. Disney Wish 's inaugural season is comprised of 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau in the Bahamas and to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (pictured above). Cruises depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, which is an hour's drive east of Orlando.

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

Welcome to CruiseStateroom.com

Thousands of cabin pictures, interactive deck plans, learn more about us.

Founded in 2001 by Dominique Vaccaro, a passionate cruise ship and old liner enthusiast since his childhood. He was concerned that only a few web sites provided a helpful and practical search for obtaining and visualization of cruise ship deck plans and staterooms available. Those that did, usually offered very little interactivity to find the configuration and location of a stateroom. One would get lost and perhaps bored by the opening of dozens of windows searching for information.

That is why this site came into existence. To help visitors, first time or even experienced cruise customers and travel agents search and find, through an easy to use and complete interface, the stateroom that would be best for their tastes, means or requests.

• We have over 324,952 Stateroom Photos
• We have over 30,395 Stateroom Videos
• We have deck plans for 244 Cruise Ships

You can find cruise ship deck plans all over the internet. But our deck plans are truly interactive. As you view them you can mouse over pictures, pop ups and category information.

Cruise Ships

We do offer awesome cruise ships.

Click on a ship below to go to that page.

Ship cabins.com

Welcome to ShipCabins.com

Large collection of cabin pictures and videos.

Home for Cruise Ship Cabin Photos

We will even pay you 50 cents each for your photos that we use

Deck Plans for over 200 ships

Updated Interactive Deck Plans

Welcome to Shipcabins.com

We have the largest collection of cabin photos in the world..

This cruise cabin picture site is for users to view and to share photos of their cabins and ships that they've been on. Our site is easy to navigate. Just choose a cruise line, then a ship and you will be taken to the the main page for that ship. On that page you will see all the stateroom categories. Cruise Staterooms are also called Cruise Cabins. If you click on a stateroom category you will find pictures and/or videos and information about that category

Azamara Club Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruise Line

Costa Cruise Line

Crystal Cruises

Cunard Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line

Explora Journeys

Holland America

Holland America Line

Margaritaville At Sea

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin Cruises

P&O Cruises Australia

P&O Cruises UK

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International

The Yachts of Seabourn

SilverSea Cruise Line

Star Clippers

Viking Ocean

Viking Ocean Cruises

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages Cruise Line

Windstar Cruises

Watch CBS News

Russian military exercises in the Caribbean: Here's what to expect

By Alex Sundby

Updated on: June 12, 2024 / 8:15 PM EDT / CBS News

Three Russian ships and a nuclear-powered submarine arrived in Cuban waters Wednesday ahead of military exercises  in the Caribbean. While the exercises aren't considered a threat to the U.S., American ships were deployed to shadow the Russians, U.S. officials told CBS News.

The Russian warships  were seen arriving in Havana's harbor on Wednesday morning and were expected to stay in Cuba until Monday. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday the U.S. was closely monitoring the Russian ships.

"We have seen this kind of thing before and we expect to see this kind of thing again," Sullivan said.

The U.S. intelligence community has assessed that the submarine is nuclear powered but it isn't carrying nuclear weapons, CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reported. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe last week that there was no indication nuclear weapons would be "at play" during the vessels' time in the Caribbean.

What Russian ships are in Cuba?

According to the Cuban Foreign Ministry, the three Russian ships are a frigate, a fleet oil tanker and a salvage tug. The three ships and the submarine headed across the Atlantic separately, Martin reported.

Russia has used the frigate, the Admiral Gorshkov, to test its Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles , according to the Reuters news agency.

Two American destroyers and two ships that tow sonar equipment behind them were shadowing the submarine, Martin reported. Another destroyer and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter were shadowing the three Russian ships. The U.S. Navy also used little sailboats fitted with cameras, known as sail drones, to shadow the Russian ships as they got close to Cuba.

The Admiral Gorshkov and the submarine carried out drills in the Atlantic that simulated a missile strike on enemy ships, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

While the Russian ships are in Cuba, the U.S. Navy ships shadowing them are expected to wait for the Russians and continue shadowing them when they leave port, Martin reported.

The ships' arrival in Havana — which the Cuban Foreign Ministry said was expected to include the fanfare of one Russian ship firing 21 salvos in a salute to Cuba — comes ahead of Russia carrying out air and naval exercises in the Caribbean in the coming weeks, Martin reported.

The exercises, which will include long-range bombers, will be the first simultaneous air and naval maneuvers Russia has carried out in the Caribbean since 2019, Martin reported. The exercises will be conducted over the summer, culminating in a worldwide naval exercise in the fall.

"Clearly this is them signaling their displeasure about what we're doing for Ukraine ," Kirby told O'Keefe. "So we're going to watch it, we're going to monitor it, it's not unexpected. … But we don't anticipate, we don't expect that there'll be any imminent threat or any threat at all, quite frankly, to American national security in the region, in the Caribbean region, or anywhere else."

The Russian ships are expected to head to Venezuela after Cuba, but it's unclear what the submarine will do, Martin reported.

What was the Cuban missile crisis?

The events in the Caribbean are different from the Cuban missile crisis that happened over 60 years ago. The 1962 crisis unfolded after the U.S. discovered launch sites in Cuba for Soviet ballistic nuclear missiles.

Over the course of 13 days, the crisis brought the Soviet Union and the U.S. dangerously close to nuclear war. A potential conflict was averted when the Kennedy administration reached a deal with the Kremlin for the missiles to be removed from Cuba.

Alex Sundby is a senior editor at CBSNews.com. In addition to editing content, Alex also covers breaking news, writing about crime and severe weather as well as everything from multistate lottery jackpots to the July Fourth hot dog eating contest.

More from CBS News

Man allegedly buys books of Chinese military secrets for under $1

Russia says U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich to face trial on spy charges

U.S. does not expect significant Russian breakthrough in Ukraine's Kharkiv region

Woman dies while hiking in Colorado, prompting heat warning from officials

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

GETTING ONBOARD

Required travel documents.

GETTING ONBOARD WITH

THE RIGHT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

It’s your responsibility to ensure you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries your cruise visits. We’ll require government-issued identification to board. And government authorities may require you to have a visa or meet other requirements.

Select your departure port below to find out exactly what you need. But be aware – government requirements may change.

Don't Get Caught Without The Right Travel Doc

Passports are Best A passport is the best ID document for travel. Make sure yours doesn't expire for 6 months after your cruise ends. Learn more

Caution: Birth Certificates U.S. Citizens can cruise with a U.S. birth certificate on most sailings from the U.S. But your birth certificate needs to meet the requirements. Learn more

Names Must Match If you've had a name change, and the name used across your documents does not match, you will need to take an extra step. Learn more

Cruising With Kids That Aren't Yours When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without their legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present a notarized form signed by the child's guardian. Learn more

Visas May Be Required Some countries require an entry visa or electronic visa based on your nationality. Learn more

Don't Pack Your Docs Please keep all travel documents on your person at the terminal; you’ll need to present them at check-in.

Select where you're sailing from

Popular homeports:, full list of all homeports:, travel document requirements for sailings from u.s. homeports (excluding honoulu, hawaii & seward, alaska).

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from the U.S. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents

Note: U.S. Cruises that visit Colombia or Panama If your sailing visits Colombia or Panama, see your protocols here .

In order to sail, a guest must meet the requirements of ONE of the check boxes below.

All documents must be original – no photocopies. Your name must match across documents. What if I had a name change?

• U.S. Passport Book OR U.S. Passport Card
• Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport. Learn why a passport is best.
• Passports must be valid at least 6 months after your cruise ends
• Read more about passport requirements.
• Original U.S. Birth Certificate AND Valid Government Issued ID (State ID Card, Driver’s License OR Military ID)
• U.S. Birth Certificates must be the original or an official document issued by the government.
• Read more about birth certificate requirements.
• Guests age 15 and under are NOT required to have a photo ID, just the birth certificate.
• Permanent Resident Card (Alien Resident Card "ARC" OR Green Card) AND Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship
• Guests must bring their physical Permanent Resident Card and it must be original – no photocopies.
• Passports must be valid at least 6 months after your cruise ends.
• Guests age 16 and older whose ARC has no photo must present a valid government issued photo ID
• Barbados & Martinique require ARC guests to provide a valid passport.
• Any additional requirements are the responsibility of the guest.
• Original U.S. Naturalization Certificate AND Valid Government Issued ID (State ID Card, Driver’s License OR Military ID)
• Original U.S. Naturalization Certificate.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that is not expired
• Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only available from the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington State.
• An Enhanced Driver’s License is different from a REAL ID compliant id. An EDL will have a flag on the front.
• U.S. Passport Book
• Visa may be required based on Passport Country of Origin. Learn More

Additionally, visas or travel permits may be required to enter some countries.

• Electronic Travel Authorization will be required based on disembarkation port.
• Learn more about visa requirements.

Accepted Identification for Canadian Citizens

• Canadian Passport Book – Required if traveling to the U.S. by air
• Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only available from the following Provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
• Guests age 14 and under may present a passport as noted above OR one of the documents below:
• Original Naturalization Certificate OR Original Valid Canadian Citizenship Card OR Original Birth Certificate Issued by Canada.
• Read more about birth certificate requirements

In order to sail, a guest must meet the requirements below.

• Canadian Passport Book

Accepted Identification for Other Nationalities

• Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship

Additionally, visas or travel permits may be required to enter some countries. Please check requirements for your own nationality. Common visas are noted below.

• The United States may require a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa depending on nationality.
• Please check requirements for your own nationality .
• Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) is required for Chinese Nationals.
• Sailings with a Canadian Port of Call (ex. Alaska sailings) may require a Canadian Visitor’s Visa.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Australian homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Australia. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for U.S. Citizens

• U.S. Passport Book AND Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
• All visitors are required to get an Australian ETA to travel to Australia.
• Read more about passport requirements

Additionally, visas or travel permits may be required to enter some countries. Please check requirements for your own nationality.

• New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
• All visitors are required to get a NZeTA to travel to New Zealand.

Accepted Identification for U.K. Citizens

• Passport Book

Accepted Identification for Australian Citizens

• Australian Passport Book
• Australian Driver's License OR Government-issued, laminated photo ID
• Cruise itinerary must call only on Australian ports of call.
• If an itinerary leaves Australia, then guests must use a Passport.
• Guests age 17 and under may present one of the documents below:
• Medicare Card - Can be used as the only identification for children when all guests share the same last name.
• Original (or Certified) Birth Certificate - If the parent's name differs from the child.

* Sailings that originate and end in ports within Australia that do not include a visit to an overseas port outside of Australia. (Note that Queensland cruises that include Willis Island are considered domestic cruises) . If an itinerary leaves Australia, then guests must use a Passport.

• Passport Book AND Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
• For Transpacific sailings, the United States may require a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa depending on nationality.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Canadian homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Canada. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents

• U.S. Passport Book - If traveling to Canada by air
• U.S. Passport Card - Can be used if traveling to Canada by ground/car or by sea
• U.S. Birth Certificate AND Valid Government Issued ID (State ID Card, Driver’s License OR Military ID) - Can be used if traveling to Canada by ground/car or by sea
• Original U.S. State Certified Birth Certificate or a certified copy; or an original Consular Birth Abroad Certificate from the U.S. State Department.
• Permanent Resident Card (Alien Resident Card "ARC" OR Green Card) AND Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship - If traveling to Canada by air, ground/car or by sea
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends.
• Guests age 16 and older whose ARC has no photo must present a valid government issued photo ID.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that is not expired - Can be used if traveling to Canada by ground/car or by sea

Accepted Identification for Canadian Citizens & Permanent Residents

• Canadian Permanent Resident Card AND Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship
• Guests age 14 and under may also present either:
• Canada may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Visa depending on nationality.

Travel document requirements for sailings from European homeports (excluding Southampton, England; Haifa, Israel & Istanbul, Turkey)

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Europe. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Additionally, visas or travel permits will soon be required to enter European Union countries.

• Traveling to Europe
• Coming Soon - All visitors will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.
• Sailings that have a European Union Port of Call
• For Transatlantic sailings, the United States may require a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa depending on nationality.

Accepted Identification for European Citizens

• Guests are responsible for any requirements a country may have.
• Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport. Learn why a passport is best
• EU Government ID
• Cruise itinerary must call only on countries within the Schengen Region .
• EU Government ID must be valid at least 3 months after your cruise ends.
• A Multi-Entry Schengen Visa may be required
• Coming Soon - European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
• Some nationalities will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.
• A Schengen Visa may be required
• European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
• Coming Soon - Some nationalities will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Dubai

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Dubai. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• U.K. Passport Book

Travel document requirements for sailings from Central & South American homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Central and South America. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• Australian citizens cruising to and from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile require additional documentation.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Singapore

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Singapore. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• U.S. Passport Book AND Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)
• All visitors are required to get an Singapore Arrival Card to travel to Singapore.

Accepted Identification for Singaporean Citizens

• Singaporean Passport Book
• Passport Book AND Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)

Travel document requirements for sailings from Japanese homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Japan. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for Japanese Citizens

• Japanese Passport Book

Travel document requirements for sailings from Chinese homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from China. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for Chinese Citizens

• Chinese Passport Book

Travel document requirements for sailings from Istanbul, Turkey

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Istanbul, Turkey. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• U.S. Passport Book AND Turkish Visa
• All visitors are required to get a Turkish Visa to travel to Turkey.
• Passport Book AND Turkish Visa

Travel document requirements for sailings from Haifa, Israel

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Haifa, Israel. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• All visitors will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Seward, Alaska

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from the Seward. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• Canada may require a Visa depending on nationality.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Southampton, England

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Southampton. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Additionally, visas or travel permits will soon be required to enter the U.K. and European Union countries.

• Entering the U.K.
• Coming Soon - All visitors will soon be required to get an U.K. Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the U.K.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from the Honolulu. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

EXPLORE MORE

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Celebrities Attending Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour

about 2 hours ago

Class of 2024: Celeb Kids Graduate

about 4 hours ago

Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith's Cutest Pics

about 6 hours ago

Becca Tilley & Hayley Kiyoko's Cutest Pics

Courteney cox through the years.

about 7 hours ago

Stars' Epic Hair Transformations

Famous dads who had babies later in life, bridgerton star luke newton and antonia roumelioti's romantic night out in london, inside isabella strahan's cancer journey.

about 8 hours ago

Jenelle Evans' Family Moments With Her Kids

about 10 hours ago

High School Musical Cast: Where Are They Now?

about 12 hours ago

The Big Picture: Today's Hot Photos

about 14 hours ago

Taylor Swift Cheers on Travis Kelce at Her 4th Kansas City Chiefs Game

Stars celebrating their first father’s day in 2024.

about 19 hours ago

Meet Andy Cohen's Kids Benjamin and Lucy

about 20 hours ago

Anderson Cooper's Sons: Wyatt and Sebastian's Cutest Photos

Stars who have sounded off on ozempic, taylor swift and travis kelce: romance rewind, bombshells from  quiet on set: the dark side of kids tv, bachelor & bachelorette status check: find out who's still together, alicia vikander & michael fassbender: romance rewind, famous celebrity feuds, bridgerton season 3: everything to know, 2024 tv premiere dates, renewed and canceled tv shows 2024 guide.

• AI Generator

cruise ship

Cruise ship vacation, cruise ship deck, cruise staff, 4,008 royal caribbean cruise stock photos & high-res pictures.

Browse 4,008  authentic royal caribbean cruise  stock photos, high-res images, and pictures, or explore additional cruise ship  or  cruises  stock images to find the right photo at the right size and resolution for your project.

THEN AND NOW: Photos that show how glamorous cruise ships used to be

Cruises have been an immersive, luxurious way to see the world for decades. While the formal dinners and ball gowns of the old days may have turned into buffets and flip flops, a variety of cruise ships  continue to offer a host of amenities and travel routes that keep people coming back.

Here's how cruise ships in the glory days compare to today's ocean liners.

Going on a cruise used to be an occasion to dress up for.

We're talking gloves, heels, and fancy hats.

These days, a swimsuit cover-up will do.

The casual look is in.

Men wore three-piece suits.

Very swanky.

T-shirts are the norm now.

No need to dress up on vacation.

As far as activities go, egg and spoon races were all the rage.

The race involves balancing an egg on a spoon and running without dropping it.

Most modern cruise ships have casinos.

No kids allowed.

Boxing in dresses and heels on deck was also popular.

It's doubtful that anyone actually got knocked out.

Today, basketball is the preferred sport.

Good thing the court has netting to keep the ball from flying into the ocean.

This graceful "athletic display" in 1933 was put on by staff members of the London and North Eastern Railway on their company cruise liner.

Women's sports gained popularity in the 1930s .

Contemporary athletic displays take the form of rock climbing walls.

Julian Austin worked on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship for seven months running the ship's rock climbing wall.

Inside the ships, grand foyers made for stunning entrances.

There's a reason cruise ships are called " floating cities ."

Foyers are just as grand today.

Some cruise ships are incredibly luxurious .

Sweeping staircases never go out of style.

Who can forget the iconic staircase from the movie " Titanic "?

They're still part of the décor of many modern cruise ships.

Nothing complements a spiral staircase like a chandelier. 

First class dining rooms spared no expense.

Certain food items are worth the splurge on cruises .

The magic hasn't been lost on today's cruise ship dining rooms.

Ambient lights and colorful decorations make them feel like fancy clubs or wedding halls.

Dinner was a formal evening affair.

People got dressed up to eat the evening meal.

Dining on today's cruises... not as much.

Cruises are known for their expansive buffets .

Vintage cruise workout rooms contained vintage exercise machines.

Gym equipment has evolved over the years.

Sleek, electronic workout gear is the new norm.

Rowing machines are more efficient than treadmills , according to one doctor.

Outdoor swimming pools on the ship's deck are a classic part of the cruise experience.

Swimming pools likely contain more pee than you'd like to know about .

Those haven't gone anywhere.

The world's largest swimming pool is in Chile.

One-piece jumpsuit-style swimwear was trendy back in the 1920s.

Swimsuit styles have changed.

In addition to regular swimming pools, some cruises have surf centers.

Surfing is now an Olympic sport .

Dances were a popular activity.

Some cruises hosted charity balls, like the All Night Ball aboard the Majestic.

Attendance isn't what it used to be.

People would rather watch " Dancing With the Stars " than dance themselves, it seems.

The ballroom used to be the place to be.

Guests wore gowns and tuxedos on the dance floor.

Dance parties today look and sound a little bit different.

The ship's open bar probably helps, too.

In the glory days, orchestras would entertain guests.

While wearing tuxedos, of course.

While live music is still the norm, the look has changed: now there are piano bars with thematic seating arrangements.

It's never too late to learn to play piano .

What lounge would be complete without lounge music?

Jazzy piano music is timeless.

There are still pianos in cruise ship lounges.

Celebrities like John Legend have been known to sit and play pianos in public places unannounced.

The 1950s made way for funky furniture in living rooms and cruise ship lounges.

The 1950s were a different time, as indicated by popular advertisements from those years .

Modern cruise ship lounge furniture still comes in unique shapes.

Chair or nap pod? Or both?

Deluxe rooms were decorated with wood paneling and high-end linens.

The small, round windows provided an ocean view.

There's still paneling on the walls of luxury suites.

Really fancy cruise ship suites can cost $23,000 .

Even the simple cabins were spacious.

It's like any other hotel room , except you're floating in the middle of the ocean.

Even today, you don't have to splurge to get comfortable accommodations on board.

Some people are even buying second homes on cruise ships .

Cruises were a popular way to see the world.

Passengers watch the world pass by on deck chairs.

And they still are.

It's worth taking a cruise at least once in your life .

Follow INSIDER on Facebook .

• Main content

Advertisement

Test Yourself: Which Faces Were Made by A.I.?

By Stuart A. Thompson Jan. 19, 2024

Tools powered by artificial intelligence can create lifelike images of people who do not exist.

See if you can identify which of these images are real people and which are A.I.-generated.

Was this made by A.I.? 1 / 10

How did you do?

Were you surprised by your results? You guessed 0 times and got 0 correct.

Ever since the public release of tools like Dall-E and Midjourney in the past couple of years, the A.I.-generated images they’ve produced have stoked confusion about breaking news , fashion trends and Taylor Swift .

Distinguishing between a real versus an A.I.-generated face has proved especially confounding.

Research published across multiple studies found that faces of white people created by A.I. systems were perceived as more realistic than genuine photographs of white people, a phenomenon called hyper-realism.

Researchers believe A.I. tools excel at producing hyper-realistic faces because they were trained on tens of thousands of images of real people. Those training datasets contained images of mostly white people, resulting in hyper-realistic white faces. (The over-reliance on images of white people to train A.I. is a known problem in the tech industry.)

The confusion among participants was less apparent among nonwhite faces, researchers found.

Participants were also asked to indicate how sure they were in their selections, and researchers found that higher confidence correlated with a higher chance of being wrong.

“We were very surprised to see the level of over-confidence that was coming through,” said Dr. Amy Dawel, an associate professor at Australian National University, who was an author on two of the studies.

“It points to the thinking styles that make us more vulnerable on the internet and more vulnerable to misinformation,” she added.

Top photos identified as “real” in the study

Top photos identified as “A.I.” in the study

The idea that A.I.-generated faces could be deemed more authentic than actual people startled experts like Dr. Dawel, who fear that digital fakes could help the spread of false and misleading messages online.

A.I. systems had been capable of producing photorealistic faces for years, though there were typically telltale signs that the images were not real. A.I. systems struggled to create ears that looked like mirror images of each other, for example, or eyes that looked in the same direction.

But as the systems have advanced, the tools have become better at creating faces.

The hyper-realistic faces used in the studies tended to be less distinctive, researchers said, and hewed so closely to average proportions that they failed to arouse suspicion among the participants. And when participants looked at real pictures of people, they seemed to fixate on features that drifted from average proportions — such as a misshapen ear or larger-than-average nose — considering them a sign of A.I. involvement.

The images in the study came from StyleGAN2 , an image model trained on a public repository of photographs containing 69 percent white faces.

Study participants said they relied on a few features to make their decisions, including how proportional the faces were, the appearance of skin, wrinkles, and facial features like eyes.

• Share full article

Explore Our Coverage of Artificial Intelligence

News  and Analysis

A facial recognition start-up, accused of invasion of privacy in a class-action lawsuit, has agreed to a settlement, with a twist: Rather than cash payments, it would give a 23% stake in the company  to Americans whose faces are in its database.

Elon Musk withdrew his lawsuit against OpenAI , the maker of the online chatbot ChatGPT, a day before a judge was set to consider whether it should be dismissed.

Mistral, a French A.I. start-up, is valued at $6.2 billion , an eye-popping sum for a company founded just one year.

The Age of A.I.

First came “spam.” Now, a new term has emerged to describe dubious A.I.-generated material: “slop.”

BNN Breaking had millions of readers, an international team of journalists and a publishing deal with Microsoft. But it was full of what appeared to be generative A.I. errors .

After some trying years during which Mark Zuckerberg could do little right, many developers and technologists have embraced the Meta chief  as their champion of “open-source” A.I.