Meet Icon of the Seas – the newest ship on the block

Royal Caribbean has revealed its newest ship, and it is a game changer in the world of cruising.  Meet the Icon of the Seas – the first Icon class ship and the largest, boldest, most innovative ship ever built.

Sailing from Miami beginning January 28, 2024, it will alternate between Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries with every voyage stopping at Perfect Day at CocoCay.  With more family suites and accommodations than any ship, it will make the perfect family and multi-generational vacation.

The Icon of the Seas pushes boundaries like never before. Its revolutionary design includes 28 room categories, 50% more than the largest ship in the world, the Wonder o f the Seas.  There are 8 neighborhoods and 7 pools, 6 slides, entertainment that takes the merge between technology and art to new heights, 40 venues to dine and drink, and so much more in between. When completed, it will be 20 decks high, 1,198 feet long and measure 250,800 gross tons and will be able to carry 7,600 passengers at max occupancy.

While not all features have been totally revealed, here is a look at what we do know.

THRILLS

Royal Caribbean has always pushed the limits when it comes to cruising, whether it’s zip lining across the ship, surfing on the FlowRider, skydiving with iFly, or high-diving Aquatheater shows. Many of those favorites will be on the Icon of the Seas, along with newer and bigger attractions.  You will be able to experience the Category 6 Waterpark, the largest waterpark at sea with 6 groundbreaking slides.  Try out Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slide at sea, or Storm Surger, ,the first suspended family raft slide at sea.  How daring are you? Daring enough to drop down Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea with a 46-foot drop?

Or, maybe you’ve always wondered what the view looks like outside the ship?  If so, then you’ll want to try out Crown’s Edge, an aerial adventure that will have you climbing and zip lining 154 feet above the ocean along the side of the ship.

Old favorites such as the FlowRider surf simulator and rock-climbing wall have been reimagined to give you perfect, unobstructed views of the ocean.

CHILLS

Now, not everyone wants to spend their vacation seeking an adrenaline rush.  Are you someone who wants nothing more than to lounge by the pool with a tropical drink in hand? If so, then Icon of the Seas has you covered.  With 7 pools and 9 whirlpools, you’ll always get a lounge chair and you’ll always be connect to the sea with next-level ocean views from each and every one.

The fabulous thing is that there is also a water attraction for every age group in the family on Icon of the Seas.  The littlest travelers can enjoy Baby Bay, while older, potty-trained children can romp through Splashaway Bay. The whole family can visit Surfside Water’s Edge, the family pool near all the family-friendly action. Do you want to be in the middle of it all?  Then check out Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea with 40,000 gallons of water, and the island vibes at the Swim & Tonic Swim-Up Bar and Pool.

Don’t worry – if you want a quieter space to relax, head to Cloud 17, the adults-only pool deck that provides and open-air sanctuary from the jam-packed activities around the ship. Unwind with a secluded pool, candlewood whirlpool and private access to the Lime and Coconut bar. Icon of the Seas has a place for everyone.

NEIGHBORHOODS 

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships were the first to pioneer the “neighborhood” concept of cruising, where the ship was divided into distinct areas for play and relaxing. Icon of the Seas takes that to the next level with 8 neighborhoods, some familiar but reimagined, and some totally new.

• Thrill Island – Here’s your adrenaline rush. This is where you’ll conquer the slides of Category 6, and dangle above the ocean at Crown’s Edge.  Even the mini-golf course, Lost Dunes, will blow your mind.  And if you get hungry, don’t worry, there will be plenty of food to fuel your energy.
• Surfside – Similar to Boardwalk on Oasis class ships, this is a stay-all-day neighborhood designed for families. Your kids will never want to leave.  Little sailors will love Splashaway Bay, the aquapark designed for young children. Parents can keep an eye on the whole clan from Water’s Edge, the pool with infinite horizon views.  Take a spin on the carousel or play some games in the arcade.  The kids also have their own hangout spots here with Adventure Ocean and the Social 020 teen space.
• Chill Island – Here’s where the sun-worshippers will have a field day. Built around the largest pool on the seas, you can dive in and order a drink at the first swim up bar at sea.  Grab a frozen concoction at Royal Caribbean’s first ever frozen cocktail bar. Or check out the Cove Pool, the infinity pool with serene, calming ocean views.
• The Hideaway – If you’re in a Mykonos mood, head here to the space inspired by Mediterranean beach clubs. At the center of it all is the first suspended pool at sea, hovering 8 stories high. 
• Suites Neighborhood – Guests booked into one of the ships 13 suite categories can call this space all their own. Just steps away from your room, soak up the sun on the two-story sundeck or take a dip in the private pool.  There are two restaurants just for you – Coastal Kitchen and the Grove.  Before dinner, pop into the Suite Lounge for some quick bites and a cocktail.
• Aquadome – Oasis class ships introduced the Aquatheater which took ship entertainment to new heights with one of a kind water shows. The Aquadome takes that even higher with an enclosed theater with a towering 55-foot high waterfall.  This innovative feature moves in sync to the high divers and aerialists who will dazzle you with their daring.
• Central Park – A favorite on Oasis class ships, this Central Park is lusher and bigger, featuring over 13,000 tropical plans lining the pathways and climbing the walls. Nestled inside are fine dining restaurants and upscale shops, and a brand new jazz club.

ACCOMMODATIONS

I can’t possibly go through every single room category here.  What I want you to know is that there is a cabin on this ship for all size families.  The three pillars that guide the design of the cabins on the Icon are 1. Built for families; 2. Incredible views; and 3. Ultimate luxury. Each cabin is designed to make sure your home away from home is inviting and not just a place to fall asleep. Most cruise ship cabins are designed for up to 4 people, and you’re often in a bind when trying to find that elusive room that can sleep 5.  Icon boasts cabins some of the most spacious rooms in the fleet, including the one of a kind Family Townhouse Suite that sleeps 8, as well as Family Infinite Balconies and Surfside Family Suites.  There are 28 categories, so there is a cabin for all budgets.

What truly impresses me the most is the focuses on making sure guests have optimal space. The cabins were designed to offer guests more livability and flexibility with more storage and privacy.  Bathrooms in every cabin category were made larger, including larger showers.  A huge change that actually is a game changer is that there are now charging stations on each side of the bed.  Previously on any ship, you outlets and chargers were hard to find in any cabin.  For guests that use CPAP machines, you no longer have to run an extension cord across the room each night. 

CLICK HERE for a full overview of all the cabin categories with pictures.

I’ll keep you updated as Royal Caribbean releases more information about the ship. In the meantime, check out my personal ship site so you can see for yourself all the innovations onboard the Icon of the Seas that I simply could not list here. Booking opens to the general public on October 25 so if you want to be one of the first to experience a cruise unlike any other, give me a call. . The earlier you book, the more competitive the rates, so don’t delay!

Happy Travels!

 

 

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