At long last, Royal Caribbean International has revealed the first look of its first Icon-class ship, Icon of the Seas.
Debuting in January 2024, the vessel will be the largest cruise ship in the world, coming in at 250,800 gross tons. For reference, the current largest cruise vessel is Wonder of the Seas, which is just over 236,000 gross tons.
It will be 1,198 feet long, and hold 5,610 guests in 2,805 staterooms at double occupancy.
“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.”
New Neighborhoods
Like with the Oasis-class ships, Icon of the Seas’ public areas will be divided up into eight distinct neighborhoods. Five of these will be brand-new, while three will already be familiar to Royal Caribbean fans.
Thrill Island
This lost island adventure is hope to things like Category 6 — the largest water park at sea with six slides; Pressure Drop and its 66-degree incline, making it the industry’s first open free-fall slide; the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides at sea; and Storm Chasers, cruising’s first mat-racing duo.
Crown’s Edge, which is part skywalk and part ropes course will culminate in a moment where participants will swing 154 feet above the ocean.
Chill Island
Among the seven pools on board, four are in this three-deck slice of paradise. The vibrant Swim & Tonic features Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar, Royal Bay Pool is the largest pool at sea, Cloud 17 is an adults-only retreat, and the Cove Pool offers an infinity edge.
The tropical Lime & Coconut bar returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.
Surfside
Surfside is a neighborhood made for young families, where adults and kids 6 and under will want to stay and play all day.
Adults can soak up the endless views at Water’s Edge pool as they keep an eye on the kids at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Steps away are dining options, a bar, a carousel, an arcade, and the kids’ and teen’s clubs Adventure Ocean and Social020.
The Hideaway
Tucked away, this neighborhood 135 feet above the ocean combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and the uninterrupted ocean views only a cruise can offer. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the center of it all, surrounded by a sundeck with hot tubs and a bar.
AquaDome
Perched at the top of Icon of the Seas, AquaDome allows guests to take in ocean views and a waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink by day. At night, it becomes a vibrant place perfect for a night out, complete with restaurants, bars, and high-diving shows at the AquaTheater. This is Royal Caribbean’s first enclosed AquaTheater.
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Leveled-Up Signature Neighborhoods
Royal Caribbean has raised the bar even further with each of its signature neighborhoods.
A grander Royal Promenade features its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus over 15 restaurants, cafés, bars, and lounges. A more lush Central Park has more ways to dine and be entertained, and the largest Suite Neighborhood is three decks of luxury — offering a multi-level suite sundeck that has a private pool, hot tub, dining, and a two-story Coastal Kitchen.
More returning favorites include new takes on mini golf at Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, and Absolute Zero — Royal’s largest ice arena.
Staterooms & More
Icon of the Seas will feature new stateroom layouts for families of three, four, and five or more, like the Family Infinite Balcony and Surfside Family Suite — with kids’ alcoves tucked away from the adults. The three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse comes complete with its own white picket fence and mailbox. For the best views, the ship will include Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic Ocean Views in AquaDome.
The debut of the Icon class will also mark the next step in Royal Caribbean’s journey towards a clean-energy future. Icon of the Seas will be the line’s first ship with fuel cell technology and powered by liquefied natural gas. It will also offer shore power connectivity and include waste heat recovery systems, making it the cruise line’s most sustainable ship to date.
This new standard of Royal Caribbean vacations also extends to the crew members. Where they live and work has been reimagined with more intuitive design, amenities, room, and activities, including a new patented cabin created by crew, for crew.
Icon of the Seas will operate seven-night eastern and western Caribbean voyages year-round from Miami. There will be two eastern Caribbean itineraries and one western Caribbean route:
- Eastern Caribbean: Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
- Eastern Caribbean: Basseterre, St. Kitts; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
- Western Caribbean: Roatán, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
Bookings for Icon of the Seas will open to the general public on Tuesday, October 25th.
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