For the first time since 2014, Royal Caribbean has released a brand new class of ship, the ‘Icon’ class. Today we’re excited to share some of the details of the first ship in this class which is set to become the cruise line’s biggest vessel, ‘Icon of the Seas’.
This is the first proper announcement about Icon of the Seas, with Royal Caribbean today giving us a complete in-depth look at its new ship. From what we have seen so far we can tell that this new vessel will be provide an amazing experience for adults and families alike, offering activities packed throughout the ship that are perfect for multiple age groups.
“Our target market is family and I feel like we’ll deliver the goods. This ship is an evolution of all that we’ve built and learned from our other ships and fulfills our promise to deliver the ultimate family vacation.”
Royal Caribbean International’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley
Where will Icon of the Seas sail to & when do sales open?
The ship itself will be delivered at the end of October or early November 2023 and since it is the first ship of a new class, extra testing and adjusting will be required before she can enter service. Combined with the holidays at the end of the year, the first revenue sailing won’t take place until late January 2024. Sales will go live to purchase on Tuesday, October 25th although Crown & Anchor loyalty members will have special access to book earlier on Monday, October 24th. Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami beginning January 28, 2024 and offer alternative Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings, with every single itinerary visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.
How big is Icon of the Seas?
This very large vessel will take over the role of being the largest cruise ship in the world from Royal Caribbean‘s Wonder of the Seas as Icon of the Seas is anticipated to clock in at 250,800 GT. The ship will feature 28 types of cabins & suites overall accommodating 2,805 cabins 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, Icon of the Seas has a maximum capacity for 7,600 passengers which is the highest capacity out of the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Accomodations
The accommodation onboard this ship is built for families the ship offers breath-taking accommodation and brand new cabin types for families of 2,3,4 and 5+. There are 15 different categories of staterooms split between interior, exterior and balcony cabins as well as 13 different types of suite categories offering incredible views and ultimate luxury.
The ultimate family townhouse category is the biggest suite possible for a family Spanning three levels, the perfect home away from home for families features an in-suite slide, a cinema space, karaoke, a spacious balcony, a private entrance to Surfside neighborhood, and more.
New cabin types will include the following:
- Surfside Family Suite
- Family Infinite Balcony
- Inside Plus
- Panoramic Ocean View
Highlights of Icon of the Seas and what’s new?
Icon of the seas represents a floating theme park similar to the cruise line’s private island ‘Perfect Day at CocoCay‘ which is ironic as all of the Caribbean itineraries onboard will stop at Perfect day at CocoCay. The ship will host 8 neighbourhoods including Thrill Island, Surfside, AquaDome, Royal Promenade , Central Park, Chill Island, Suite Neighbourhood and The Hideaway. There are lots of new elements included within this ship in comparison to other Royal Caribbean ships and most of the brand new highlights of this ship are complimentary, even better!
The ship’s new features are as follows:
- 8 different neighbourhoods
- Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with 6 record breaking slides such as the frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide at sea, the Pressure Drop the first open freefall waterslide at sea, the first family slide at sea which can fit 4 people onto it at once.
- The ‘Crowns Edge’ an aerial high ropes adventure challenge along the ships crown and anchor 154 feet above the ocean.
- The ship offers 7 swimming pools and 9 whirlpools the most swimming pools at sea featured on 5 different decks.
- More infinite ocean views than ever before
- The ship hosts the largest swimming pool at sea with 40,000 gallons of water and in water loungers and including a cantilevered whirlpool.
- Swim + Tonic largest swim up bar at sea and first swim up bar in the fleet.
- Cloud 17 an adults only section of the ship ironically located on deck 17 including an adults only pool, a secluded antilevered whirlpool, private access to one of the four Lime & Coconut Caribbean bars
- The Hideaway infinity swimming pool – the first suspended infinity pool at sea which suspends at 65 feet in the air and has 180 degree ocean views.
- The Grove Suite neighbourhood includes an exclusive sun deck for Royal class suite guests with an exclusive swimming pool, whirlpool, suite lounge and access to two restaurants for suite guests only including The Coastal Kitchen & The Grove al-fresco restaurant.
- Over 13,000 tropical plants and trees located in Central Park neighbourhood.
- Absolute Zero the biggest and most immersive Ice skating rink at sea.
- AquaDome Theater including a breath-taking shape shifting 5 story waterfall.
- Icon of the Seas will debut the first Ultimate Family Townhouse.
What is different about Icon of the Seas?
Icon of the Seas brings lots of firsts to Royal Caribbean starting with being the first ship to sail from the Icon class, the ship will also be the first LNG-powered vessel in the cruise line’s fleet. Royal Caribbean is claiming Icon of the Seas its “most sustainable to date,” with shore power connection and other eco-friendly innovations.
More About The Neighbourhoods
Similar to how the Oasis Class ships introduced the concept of neighborhoods to break up the layout of the cruise ship, Icon of the Seas will have neighborhoods too. The following list will highlight what is included in each exciting neighbourhood:
The AquaDome Neighbourhood
Located at the top and front of the ship, the AquaDome is an area that is more than just a theater. The AquaDome has unbeatable ocean views and is fully enclosed, which means the weather plays less of a factor in impeding shows. In the past, the AquaTheater was in the open. Not anymore. Now they can control the weather, lighting, production values, and smoke effects. The show has the tallest waterfall at sea (55 feet tall), along with flying artists and divers. In the daytime, guests can take in wraparound ocean views and enjoy views of the waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink.
Central Park
Icon of the Seas will see its own version of the much loved returning favourite of Central Park. Royal Caribbean designed this Central Park to be more lush and livelier than ever before boasting 13,000 tropical plants and trees. This neighbourhood will also host different al-fresco dining options and live music.
Chill Island
Borrowing the name from Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Island is meant to be a next-level pool deck. There are seven pools on board, which also features whirlpools, in-water loungers and breathtaking views. Among the seven pools on board, the four in this three-deck slice of paradise include the vibrant Swim & Tonic, the line’s first swim-up bar at sea; and Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea.
Royal Bay Pool in the new Chill Island neighborhood on Icon of the Seas is the largest pool at sea.Swim & Tonic is Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea. You’ll also find Chill Island’s serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool on Icon of the Seas that has in-water loungers. Cloud 17 is an adults-only retreat and home to the dedicated bar, the signature Lime & Coconut.
Royal Promenade
Once again, Royal Caribbean has revamped the Royal Promenade concept. As you walk onto the ship, you’ll be greeted by The Pearl, which is a new space that Royal Caribbean will reveal more details about later.
As you walk onto the ship, you’ll be greeted by The Pearl, which is a new space that Royal Caribbean will reveal more details about later. In the meantime, we’ve been told the inside of the Pearl has special panels that can produce all sorts of effects.
One thing Royal Caribbean wanted to change with the Royal Promenade was provide more ocean views. Guests will find more windows than ever before in this neighborhood. On Icon of the Seas, you’ll find the ice area on the Royal Promenade, which will be the largest ice area they’ve built. It will feature “Absolute Zero, where cutting-edge technology and Olympic-level ice skaters merge to bring showstopping entertainment to life.”
Surfside
Surfside is the ultimate neighborhood for young families, with places to eat, drink, and play all day! With the new Water’s Edge Pool and Splashaway Bay aquapark, Adventure Ocean, and the teen space Social 020, Surfside will be an all-day family hangout.
Grownups can hang back at Water’s Edge pool as the kiddos play at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, complete with slides, fountains, water cannons, a drench bucket and more. Water’s Edge is not adults-only, but meant to be an oasis for adults while kids enjoy the other pool areas.
Surfide is the first-ever neighborhood dedicated to young families, with places to eat, drink, and play all day. Kids can enjoy Adventure Ocean while teens hit up Social 020. Surfside will also have Baby Bay, Playscape and a carousel.
Suite Neighbourhood
If you want to live the suite life, Icon of the Seas will offer the largest Suite Neighborhood to date with three decks of space, including a two-level suite sun deck. The Grove is a new dining venue for suite guests, and that’s in addition to an expanded two-story Coastal Kitchen.
There is also an upgraded pool deck is exclusively for Star & Sky Class Suite guests. You’ll also find suites-only private pool, whirlpool and a new casual Mediterranean dining venue. Speaking of suites, if you want the biggest cabin possible for a family, check out the Ultimate Family Townhouse.
The Hideaway
Royal Caribbean wants The Hideaway to have the same feel of a beach club or Las Vegas pool party, while incorporating beautiful ocean views. This is also where you’ll find the first suspended infinity pool at sea, and it’s surrounded by a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating and dedicated bar.
Thrill Island
How do you outdo having water slides on a cruise ship? You add a water park! Royal Caribbean wants Icon of the Seas to offer “hair-raising thrills” for guests of all ages onboard.
In Thrill Island, you can discover Category 6 waterpark – the largest waterpark at sea with 6 record-breaking slides – or Crown’s Edge, the ultimate aerial adventure and a new test of bravery.
Category 6 will be the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides featuring the longest, tallest, and fastest slides.
- Frightening Bolt – Tallest waterslide at sea
- Pressure Drop – First free-fall slide at sea
- Storm Chasers – First mat-racing duo at sea
- Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter – First family raft slides at sea
If you’re brave enough to try the Crown’s Edge. It’s part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of courage. At any moment, the floor could collapse and leave you dangling high over the ocean. Plus returning guest favourites like the FlowRider and minigolf return onboard Icon of the Seas.
Panama Canal