Royal Caribbean will offer its best lineup of shows and entertainment when Icon of the Seas debuts in January 2024.

Icon of the Seas is poised to become not only a popular new cruise ship, but the new standard within the cruise industry that all other new ships are judged against. The gangbuster demand Royal Caribbean has seen already is a strong indication that its new class of cruise ship is a home run.

As the ship wraps up construction, we have a look at the new shows you can expect to find onboard.

Royal Caribbean has traditionally been known for being a leader in the cruise industry from an entertainment standpoint.  Original productions are nothing new for Royal Caribbean, and the company continuously strives to ensure their entertainment is on par with Las Vegas.

Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Entertainment Nick Weir previewed the new shows coming to the ship, "If you’re a fan of full-scale productions on Broadway and the West End or live music and comedy in hot spots like Las Vegas, Icon has it all for every mood and style in one vacation – alongside never-before-seen twists only found on Royal Caribbean."

Here's a breakdown of all the new shows Royal Caribbean has planned for Icon of the Seas.

AquaDome

Within the AquaDome are two new shows.

More than 75 world-class performers are featured in the AquaDome, which is home to the next generation of AquaTheater.

The first is Aqua Action!, which is meant to indulge audiences with a lot high-energy.

This show incorporates Olympic-level high divers, skateboarders, aerialists, slackliners and synchronized swimmers. Plus, the cruise line is excited to introduce new technology, such as a double 3D flying system and robots doubling as diving boards and set creators.

The hope is it will, "blur the lines between live-action movie and theatrical experience."

The second show is Pirates vs. Mermaids, and it's a show geared towards the family that brings fairytale characters to the stage.

You can expect a lighthearted story that appeals to parents and children.

Royal Theater

The signature show on Icon of the Seas is arguably an original stage production of The Wizard of Oz.

Not to be confused with the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical, this is Royal Caribbean's take on the classic story with a modern twist to it.

You can expect to see characters in the show "soaring above the audience", along with a revolutionary set design with never-before-seen stage effects, more than 600 costume elements and an original score performed by a new 16-piece orchestra.

Royal Caribbean is also incorporating a show for music lovers, called SHOWBAND! Live. Music. Now.

A total of 16 musicians will take to the stage to offer, "an all-out sensory experience." 

Expect string, woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists to perform in this show.

Absolute Zero

The ice skating rink on Icon of the Seas will be the largest ice rink at sea.  It will have over 2,850 square feet of ice, and two shows in this space.

Starburst: Elemental Beauty is a performance that is an artistic interpretation of the periodic table of elements. The Olympic-level ice cast will dazzle the audience with high-speed choreography and tricks.

Expect bigger tricks because of the new oval-shaped ice arena. Along with the tricks will be digitally mapped backdrops and vibrant lighting displays.

Another ice show is the Once Upon a Time: The King’s Royal Ball, and similar to Pirates vs. Mermaids, is designed for families to enjoy.

"Timeless tales will take everyone on a nostalgic ride through their childhood with twists and surprising new details not part of the originals."

More entertainment

There is also more entertainment on Icon of the Seas in other areas of the ship.  Royal Caribbean is well-known for offering live music in many bars and lounges.

50 live musicians and comedians will perform throughout Icon and in more venues, including the new Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues and Dueling Pianos, along with the Schooner Bar and the Point & Feather English pub.

The Comedy Club on Icon will have three comedians a night for adults to enjoy.

The Royal Promenade will feature a reimagined parade for families, Ships Ahoy!. 

Delivery is right around the corner

Icon of the Seas is nearing the finish line for physical construction.

In speaking with Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider last week, he estimated the ship is right between 92-94% complete, and delivery of the ship is, "right around the corner."

Delivery doesn't mean the ship is ready, however. 

Once Icon of the Seas is delivered, the ship will head to Cadiz, Spain, where post-delivery work will commence.  This is when aesthetic elements of the ship are added, such as art work, furniture and more.

Speaking of art, Icon of the Seas will feature a "significant art implementation" that is about double the amount of art found on Wonder of the Seas, which is the world's biggest cruise ship today.

After spending eight days at sea, Icon of the Seas returned from her second round of sea trials. 

She departed from the shipyard early on October 29 after a short delay. Icon of the Seas was scheduled to depart the evening prior. 

"We're getting close to the finish line, and during Icon's final weeks at the shipyard, the ship will be getting her finishing touches before delivery, when it will be time for Icon to cross the Atlantic for her new home in the Caribbean," read a post published to Meyer Turku's Facebook page.  

An "extensive" test of every system

Icon of the Seas was pushed to her limits during the second round of sea trials. 

When she first sailed through open waters in June, she traveled hundreds of miles and had informal tests and certifications completed.

This time, however, the ship's noise, vibration, speed, fin stabilizers, automation, and main engine adjustments were formally tested to make sure everything was in working order and ready to welcome guests. In total, hundreds of tests and inspections were completed. 

"Building this ship is a challenging project, but I am proud of the shipyard workers and the fact that it is possible to build such a ship here at the Turku shipyard," said Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku in a recent interview given to YLE, Finland's national public broadcasting company. 

During the sea trials, Royal Caribbean learned that the ship is lighter and faster than they expected her to be.

Icon of the Seas is not quite ready to be delivered 

Even though Icon of the Seas is over 90% complete, Some final touches need to be made before she can be handed over to Royal Caribbean. 

According to Nick Weir's X page, Icon's carousel in Surfside was turned on and rotated for the first time on November 5. The video shows that, while it is functioning, there is still more work that needs to be done.  

Another post revealed an update on the largest ice rink at sea, Absolute Zero, which will be home to two different original productions: Starburst and Once Upon a Time. Additionally, guests can check the Cruise Compass to see when free skate sessions are offered. 

While the area has taken shape, some chairs still need to be moved into place.

An official delivery date has yet to be announced; however, there is post-delivery work that will have to happen. This will be completed in Cádiz, Spain. Things like art won't be brought in until the last minute. 

"This is a..significant art implement for us in comparison to size of vessel and quantity," remarked Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider. He estimated that it has close to double the amount of art onboard as Wonder of the Seas. 

Nearing two months until Icon's first-ever cruise

As 2023 draws to an end, we get closer and closer to Icon's debut month! She's scheduled to depart from Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024 after over two years under construction. 

She'll be based in South Florida though at least April 2026. By then, however, they'll be another Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in service, although it's currently unknown where she will sail from. 

Onboard the 250,800 gross ton vessel, passengers will find 40 dining venues and bars, a water park, the largest ice skating rink at sea, an indoor ice skating rink, and seven pools. 

When Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas launches in early 2024, you're going to see a new look to its Royal Promenade that is filled with entertainment, places to chill, and lots to do all around.

Every new Royal Caribbean cruise ship since 2004 have had a Royal Promenade as the main thoroughfare and entryway onto the ship.

With Icon of the Seas, that tradition continues, but the cruise line has grandiose plans to evolve the concept and make it a destination.

It will have full glass views of the ocean for the first time ever in this space, and a host of new venues.

I was invited to come to Royal Caribbean's Miami headquarters to walk through their Innovation Lab and see how cruise line executives are previewing the venues on the Royal Promenade of Icon of the Seas.

Construction is still taking place around Icon of the Seas as it undergoes her second set of sea trials, but mocking things up is actually one of the best ways Royal Caribbean has found to get things right when the ship is ready.

The Innovation Lab is a place where Royal Caribbean constructs life-size replicas of structures, signage, and mock-ups to get a better sense of what their plans on paper will actually look like once built.

The team wanted to answer questions related to what does the Royal Promenade feel like, and how does it operate.

I was walked through the area by Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider, who explained what anyone sailing on Icon of the Seas can expect when they get onboard.

"We do research early on, we brief everybody on what we want based on that research. But having it come to life isn't just a picture on a screen. It's also how are you actually going to experience this product? And those are a lot of the debates we have at this stage."

The hard work to get the Royal Promenade right is already paying off with early walkthroughs of the ship from the shipyard.

Mr. Schneider said this version of the Promenade has "seamless connectivity" to make it easier to get around. This means you can easily get between deck five and deck six, or head up stairs to Central Park on deck eight. Plus, there's an escalator from the Promenade to get you down to the casino and gangway on port days.

The Pearl

As guests walk aboard Icon of the Seas, they'll first be drawn to The Pearl, which Royal Caribbean calls an "arrival moment".

Mr. Schneider says the Pearl encompasses four things, "A gorgeous way to introduce the ship as you walk into it; It's an engineering marvel; It creates gorgeous views and it has an experiential moment inside of it that's different for everyone."

In short, it creates a visual and sense of awe that Royal Caribbean wants to give guests as they first walk in.

But what we didn't know is there's an unique space behind The Pearl that Royal Caribbean has developed.

"Behind the Pearl will be what we're calling kind of a service lounge experience, as well as gorgeous lounge space."

Mr. Schneider said they are still tinkering with exactly how this space will look and act, but it will blend both "high touch services" along with a lounge feel.

Previous renders of this area had multifunctional kiosks, but that idea has been scrapped. Instead, it will be a lounge.

Pearl Cafe

Something else that is new to this area is the giant whale sculpture that will be above Pearl Cafe.

Pearl Cafe is the evolution of the Cafe Promenade concept, that has complimentary casual bistro cafe experience with elevated bistro food.

There will be some extra-cost options in addition to the food included. As an example, there will be Starbucks brewed beverages that you can order, but are also covered by a Royal Caribbean drink package or Diamond drink voucher.

There will be the traditional coffee, water and juice beverage station that is complimentary, along with grab and go food.

"We're tinkering with grab and go, which has come through in our research really strong that our guests are looking for," Mr. Schneider explained.

"It's been one of the core complementary strategies for Icon is more grab and go."

"The idea of more casual access grab and go for guests was something that came through in the creation of Icon's research. And so you'll see, grab and go, you'll see complimentary sandwiches, and then you'll see some us tinkering with some for pay, like elevated dessert options that we think will resonate with people because they actually sell very well elsewhere on the fleet."

Royal Caribbean isn't sure what the food will be, but the ideas is to make it easier to grab something quick that isn't a slice of pizza, or require a trip up the Windjammer.

"They want quick, easy, grab and go options, and we don't have a lot of really quick, easy grab and go options that don't include a Windjammer plate. And so this is in response to that."

1400 Lobby Bar

When you walk onto Icon of the Seas, you'll pass through the 1400 Lobby Bar, which is a brand new concept for the cruise line.

"We internally think this is going to be probably the most home run of a bar that we have," Mr. Schneider said.

He believes it's location at the entrance when you walk in positions it such that it sets the stage for The Pearl, is adjacent to the escalators going down to the casino, and is at the heart of the ship.

The team thinks the 1400 bar will be a gathering place that has very comfortable chairs and provides a relaxed, indoor environment without music playing, "it's really meant to be that you can have a conversation... We're not trying to shout over music somewhere."

Dueling Pianos

A brand new venue for any Royal Caribbean cruise ship is a Dueling Pianos bar.

Located on deck six, this bar features Royal Caribbean's first double-pianist bar where the two performers take requests and involve guests in the musical fun.

There will be two 90-minute shows per night, and the entertainment team is still working out what else will happen here during the rest of the day.

The location of Dueling Pianos right next to The Attic comedy club on the Royal Promenade is deliberately to bring more entertainment and more energy into to Royal Promenade.

Nearly all of the venues (except The Attic) are fully open, so music can be heard from all over the Royal Promenade and for it to be more enticing for passengers to want to experience it all.

With all that music, it's also why there are no Promenade view cabins on Icon of the Seas.  Unlike Oasis Class ships that have cabins facing the Promenade, Royal Caribbean removed them so that they don't have to worry about noise bleed.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Thanks to that open layout, there will be bar service from technically the Royal Promenade into the bar while walking past Dueling Pianos.  Great if you want to grab a drink and hear a tune without having to go inside.

To get an idea of layout, Royal Caribbean mocked up a scale rendition of the pianos and the bar, so they could get a sense of how far from the pianos the bar would be located.

Drink menus are still be worked out as well, but there's an idea for a cocktail that includes pop rocks candy.

Potentially called "Snap, Crackle, Pop!", the new cocktail would be one of many new drinks you could try on a cruise. The idea follows up on the fun drinks Royal Caribbean's beverage team created for Wonderland.

Read more: I spent $60 to eat at Royal Caribbean’s most bizarre restaurant. I thought I would hate it, but it was one of the best meals of my cruise.

Lots of programming

Icon of the Seas will be packed with plenty of activities and entertainment, and part of this exercise was to show the thought process that goes into working through an event schedule.

In just considering the Royal Promenade, there's a lot of entertainment, from the Royal Theater, to the ice skating rink, to the dueling pianos, Boleros music, and more.

"If you think of entertainment in the Royal Promenade, this is more than we've ever done on a Royal Promenade before and really gives us really amazing entertainment," Mr. Schneider pointed out.

Sorrento's

Royal Caribbean's well-known complimentary pizza will have one change that aims to make it easier to get a slice.

The plan is to get away from having switchbacks and queues to handle the lines that form for pizza. Instead, they're hoping to improve the flow of guests with a larger footprint so the line can keep moving.

That isn't to say there won't be a line, but that there won't be a large line that requires the crew to set up stanchions to manage the line.

Sorrento's on Icon will also introduce a new beer experience, where crew members can pour you a glass of draft beer.  

A change as small as adding beer to Sorrento's is what Mr. Schneider describes as "little bets", which are essentially ideas that might not make headlines, but they are intended to improve the guest experience overall.

Other examples will include a mobile bar cart near the Flowrider, "Little things like that that you'll continue to see us do that are really meant to meet the needs identified by guests as they want more complimentary grab and go or for-pay grab and go depending on the type of experience."

Replacement for the library

You won't find a library on Icon of the Seas, as on other ships the venue was under utilized.

Instead, Royal Caribbean is experimenting with a take a book, put it back experience.

In Pearl Cafe you will find a pillar with books available to borrow, and evaluate how it performs, "this idea of grab a book in lieu of a library, we thought we'd try it. We'll see how it goes."

Just like the beer at Sorrento's, this is an example of something small Royal Caribbean is experimenting with on Icon.

Beverage center 2.0

The complimentary coffee and water station will look different than from other ships.

On ships today, you find a big carafe of coffee that eventually runs out, and somebody eventually comes over because they have to keep an eye on it and take it.

With the new beverage center, they make it easier to manage and all you have is a dispenser, with the refill functions at behind of house.

"And so the more you can move the guts back of house, the more you can monitor it and have a continual supply of whatever that liquid is for your guests."

Another milestone in the construction of Royal Caribbean's first Icon Class cruise ship will occur this weekend.

"We've been getting Icon ready for her second sea trials. Now it's almost time to wish her a safe journey and successful sea trials!" wrote Meyer Turku's Facebook page. 

"Icon is scheduled to leave for the second sea trials this Saturday evening." 

While at sea, Icon of the Seas will have certain features and systems tested that cannot be done when she's docked. This is to ensure everything is working properly upon her delivery to Royal Caribbean. 

Related: Icon of the Seas sneak peek: Inside Royal Caribbean's next new ship

What happens during a ship's sea trials? 

Sea trials are tests of a cruise ship's navigational and technical systems. This is the final part of cruise ship construction prior to delivery. Sea trials range in duration, and there may be either one or two sessions. 

Icon of the Seas' first round of sea trials took place in June 2023.

During her four days at sea, she traveled hundreds of miles and had her main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels tested. Onboard were 450 specialists who helped run the tests on the ship’s technical areas. 

During this second round of sea trials, Icon of the Seas will be pushed to her limits. 

Lucky coin ceremony

Have you ever heard of the lucky coin ceremony? When a ship's kneel is placed into the dry dock during construction, coins are placed beneath it as a symbol of good fortune. 

Traditionally, the coins are collected when the ship is floated out; however, Icon of the Seas' were nowhere to be found!

They were recently discovered by divers who were cleaning the ship's hull in preparation for the second round of sea trials, revealing that they were never actually lost. Instead, they had been stuck to the bottom of the ship. The coins were collected and sealed in a special box.

"Project manager Olli Jantunen says that Icon of the Seas has the most powerful lucky coins ever, and they certainly brought luck to Icon on her sea trials, where all tests were completed with great results," said Meyer Turku's Facebook page

Less than four months until her maiden voyage

Icon of the Seas is scheduled to depart Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024. 

Through at least April 2025, she will remain in Miami and continue to make 7-night voyages to the Caribbean. 

The 250,800 gross registered ton vessel will take the title of world's largest cruise ship from Wonder of the Seas. In fact, her launch will mark the first time in roughly five years that an Oasis Class ship will not be the largest in the world. 

Icon of the Seas will be joined by Star of the Seas in the summer of 2025. A third Icon Class ship is set to launch in 2026; however, she does not have a name yet. 

When the Royal Caribbean team was in the process of designing Icon of the Seas, it was important that they cook up dining experiences for every type of traveler. 

Onboard, you'll find over 40 different food and beverage experiences, meaning that every single day and night of your vacation can serve up a different vibe. 

Maybe one night you'll want to splurge on the swanky Empire Supper Club, while the next you'll want to dine under the stars at the complimentary Park Cafe! 

"Our incredible team, they're bringing different types of fare across each neighborhood. I think our guests are going to look at all this variety of dining and beverage as almost an adventure," said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will offer swanky supper club and food hall on new Icon of the Seas when it launches

In order to curate experiences for everyone, the Royal Caribbean team spent a lot of time planning and testing equipment, recipes, designs, and more 

In addition to consumer research, the Royal Caribbean team spent about two years traveling to top cities for research, including New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Barcelona, and more. 

Linken D'Souza, Vice President of Food and Beverage for Royal Caribbean International said, "In our research, our guests told us they were looking for convenience, choice, and variety, as well as the ability to have lots of different opportunities to dine differently while on vacation. And so on Icon of the Seas, we have over 40 food and beverage venues, with over 20 brand new experiences." 

These vary from easy and simple to those that are sophisticated and classy. "Anything that you want to experience as it relates to dining is available on Icon of the Seas," remarked Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO. 

There were over 100 showcases, which Rebecca Burns, Senior Manager of Restaurant Operations for Royal Caribbean International described as opportunities for the operators to set the stage and tone to see the space, where the ingredients, dishes, and experiences were tested. 

Jennifer Goswami - Director of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International said, "Dining on Icon will be so multifaceted, so we took the best of everything we've learned. And we've really evolved it for Icon."

What does all this mean? There are options for everyone, whether it's an adults-only night out to kid-friendly grab-and-go spaces. 

New dining spots onboard Icon of the Seas

Empire Supper Club

The Empire Supper Club is a super premium dining experience that will feature amazing music, dining, and beverage pairings. This eight-course meal will cost $200 per person and take three hours. With each dish, there will be a small cocktail pairing that matches the ingredients. 

Onboard Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean converted 150 Central Park into the Empire Supper Club to test how well all of the aspects of the experience worked together. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean's most expensive specialty restaurant ever will take 3 hours and cost $200 per person

AquaDome Market

Within the AquaDome Market, Royal Caribbean's first-ever food hall, guests will find five food stands with options for all guests, including those who are gluten-free and vegetarians. The five different stands are Feta Mediterranean, Mac's, Toast and Garden, GNGR, and Crème de la Crepe. 

Crème de la Crepe will serve sweet and savory crepes, including yummy breakfast options with eggs and hash browns. GNGR will feature Asian dishes, while Toast and Garden will serve salads and sandwiches. 

Mac and cheese lovers will love the mac and cheese stand, Mac's, where they can order specialty mac and cheese dishes topped with things like pulled pork, broccoli, and more. 

Feta Mediterranean is where you can go to get fresh pitas and Mediterranean bowls. 

Surfside Eatery

Surfside Eatery is one of three brand-new dining experiences within the stay-all-day neighborhood for young families, where you'll also find three water experiences, the first bar for kids and adults, and more. 

Rather than leave the neighborhood to head up to the Windjammer, Surfside Eatery is another complimentary buffet option that's been designed for families! Here, you'll find fun stencil pancakes (i.e., those cut to form smiley faces and more), as well as cookies with different designs!

Pier 7

The casual California specialty restaurant Pier 7 will serve brunch all day long. While mom and dad can enjoy a sit-down meal, kids can dine on their favorites, such as grilled cheese sandwiches. Plus, kids eat for free here! 

Surfside Bites

Those who want a quick snack will appreciate Surfside Bites, where you can go if you want something grab-and-go. This pick-up window will serve handheld options. 

Izumi pick-up window

Speaking up pick-up windows, Icon of the Seas will be the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet to have a grab-and-go Izumi window. Located in Central Park, there is where guests can go to grab sushi, hot gyoza, and soft serve bubble cones for a refreshing afternoon sweet treat! 

Basecamp

Thrill Island is where you'll find the record-breaking Category 6 Water Park. Of course, you will need to be able to fuel yourself, so you don't run out of energy. 

Basecamp, the outdoor, fast-casual eatery located in Thrill Island is where you can grab a quick bite to eat before returning to the Pressure Drop for the second (or third) time.

It's also a place where you can meet up with friends and family to talk about all the surrounding activities. Maybe you're traveling with a multigenerational party. 

A lunch at Basecamp will allow your teenagers to fill in their grandparents on all the exciting things that they've been up to while eating things like waffle chicken nuggets topped with hot honey, smash burgers, crispy shrimp bao buns, and more. 

Pearl Café

Located in the Royal Promenade, Pearl Cafe will feature elevated options compared to the Cafe Promenade found onboard some other ships. Don't worry, though, it'll still be open 24/7, meaning that you'll always be able to grab a complimentary sandwich, ready-made salad, and more at any hour!

You'll also be able to enjoy both complimentary and specialty coffees. 

The Grove

The Grove is an al fresco buffet that will only be available to those staying in Star and Sky Class suites, as it's located in the suites-only area. It's another dining option in addition to Coastal Kitchen; however, it'll be much smaller, with a capacity of only 38 passengers. 

Celebration Table

Celebration Table will be kind of like an elevated Chef's Table. This fully rentable private dining room inside of Hooked Seafood will be able to seat twelve guests. 

There will be four different family-style prix fixe menus to choose from: American, Asian, Seafood, and Italian. You can also personalize and upgrade the selections, too. 

Returning favorites

Onboard Icon of the Seas, there will be many fan favorites available for passengers to enjoy, including Playmakers, El Loco Fresh, Hooked, Sugar Beach, Sorrento's, and Coastal Kitchen. 

However, many returning dining venues will have their own flare compared to other ships in the fleet. You can expect to find new dishes, designs, locations, and more! 

Chops Grille

For the first time, you'll be able to hand-select your cut of meat at Chops Grille thanks to the impressive butcher's display. 

Izumi

Have you ever wanted to enjoy sushi al fresco? Izumi is being relocated to Central Park onboard Icon of the Seas. Plus, there will be more hibachi tables to allow even more guests to enjoy a fun teppanyaki experience. 

Trellis Bar

Also returning to Central Park is the Trellis Bar. This beloved meeting point will, for the first time, have a menu for those who want to enjoy some snacks at the bar. Some potential offerings include beef tartare, mac and cheese poppers, crab cake fritters, steak bites, and crispy truffle fries. 

Park Café

In addition to the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich, guests can expect to find new breakfast, lunch, and -- yes -- dinner sandwiches, as the Park Café onboard Icon of the Seas will be open later than on other ships in the fleet. Plus, there will be new salads, too.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Located on Deck 6 in the Royal Promenade, the new location of Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will allow diners to be connected to the action of the main thoroughfare. It will be the first time that Royal Caribbean will feature a specialty restaurant in the Royal Promenade, too!

Main Dining Room

A staple onboard every Royal Caribbean ship, the three-story Main Dining Room onboard Icon of the Seas will have a special kids' menu where they'll be able to see their options, as well as fold and play with it after making their decisions! 

Read more: First look at Royal Caribbean's new main dining room menus

Windjammer

Kids will love the Windjammer as it'll feature a "Kidjammer." In other words, a section of the Windjammer has been designed with children in mind, and they will find yummy treats like cake pops, as well as kid favorites like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chicken fingers. 

There's a new way to spend your day by the pool on the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Guests can now book an in-pool daybed on Icon of the Seas for an additional cost.

Royal Caribbean has added the new option to its Cruise Planner website, which are located in the Hideaway neighborhood.

The Hideaway is located on deck 15 above Surfside neighborhood , and it's essentially a beach club or Vegas pool party scene that the cruise line is going for. Access to The Hideaway is complimentary, but there are daybeds you can choose to rent.

The Hideaway Pool is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, and it's one of the signature options on Icon of the Seas.

You'll find tiered lounge space, hot tubs and a bar specializing in Champagne and Champagne-based cocktails.

Day bed options

There are two types of day beds, with the option to reserve them on port days or sea days.

Both types include amenities provided for up to 2 - 4 guests.

The cruise line warns daybeds are uncovered with limited access to shade.

In-Pool Day bed

The in-pool daybed are a full-sized daybeds which, "channel beach club party vibes at the first suspended infinity pool at sea."

It includes:

• Chilled champagne
• Bottled water
• Four pool towels
• A large tray for your personal items. 

Royal Caribbean describes it as, "Whether you're lounging with friends or jamming to the beat, these In-Pool Daybeds are your haven of comfort onboard. Your exclusive retreat awaits. Space is limited and may sell out — book yours today!"

Oceanview Daybed

The other option is an oceanview daybed, and as you might imagine, the difference is its location.

The amenities are the same, but offer full-size daybeds which overlook the ocean.

These include:

• (1) Champagne bottle (Insulated plastic bottle holder and ice bucket included)
• Branded souvenir champagne glasses
• (4) Pool towels
• (4) Bottles of water
• Side table for personal belongings
• Dedicated beverage service

Guests under the age of 18 will receive complimentary mocktails to substitute the champagne bottle.

Hideaway daybed prices

In comparing prices across multiple Icon of the Seas sailings, the prices for the daybeds in the Hideaway seem to be the same.

• The Hideaway In-Pool Daybed — Sea Day: $350
• The Hideaway Oceanview Daybed — Sea Day: $300
• The Hideaway In-Pool Daybed — Port Day: $250
• The Hideaway Oceanview Daybed — Port Day: $200

Pool deck option: casitas

Another option for a private retreat near a pool are the casitas, which are available on the pool deck.

Casitas have been offered on other Royal Caribbean cruise ships for an extra cost.  On Icon of the Seas, they will have an additional fee as well.

Located at Chill Island on Deck 16, casitas cost more than day beds, but also offer more included, like towels, a tabletop cooler, water bottles, a charging outlet, and dedicated bar service at the touch of a button. 

The full list of what you get for a casita on Icon of the Seas:

• Welcome drinks for all guests
• (8) Pool towels
• (8) Water bottles
• (2) Tabletop coolers
• Charging outlets
• Call-for-service button for dedicated beverage service
• Shaded and unshaded lounge seating

Amenities are provided for up to 6 - 8 guests.

Reader reactions

Since the new option appeared to book, cruise fans aren't surprised to see such a new extra cost option.

Xaa wrote, "Those beds will sell everyday.  People want them.  If they were free, the hogging and associated conflicts created would be constant. "

Gilley wasn't a fan just because of the lack of shade, "it’s in the sun, no umbrella.  I will pass."

asquared17 added, "I don’t know how comfortable I’d feel with spending money for what is essentially an island that anyone could swim up to and haul aboard."

A new kind of pool vibe

The Hideaway is a new type of neighborhood on a cruise ship, and Royal Caribbean thinks it will offer something very different than other pools.

A combination of music and location, The Hideaway is designed to offer a beach club experience.

"Perfectly perched in the center of the new Hideaway neighborhood and with its own resident DJ, it's the ultimate spot to keep the beach club vibes going all day. Designed with disappearing edges for seamless sunsets and full-sized daybeds surrounded by water, this signature suspended infinity pool will make for your most snap-worthy sea day yet."

Ready to book more Icon of the Seas cruises?

Icon of the Seas has yet to actually start sailing, but the vessel that will become the world's largest cruise ship when she debuts has seen a great deal of demand from customers.

Royal Caribbean has opened up more bookings that extend through April 2026.

While the cruise line has not yet added other ships to book that far out, they have added more available dates for Icon of the Seas.

Read more: When will Royal Caribbean release new sailings for 2025-2026?

Icon of the Seas will be 250,600 tons and hold up to 7,600 passengers, both of which are stats that eclipse the current largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. Icon will also be about 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas, coming in at 1,198 feet long.

Icon of the Seas will remain in Miami, Florida and offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, with all of them visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.  There are four routings for these sailings:

• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 
• Seven-night Western Caribbean voyages with stops at Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Prices for these cruises have an average starting rate of around $1600-1800 per person. The cost of going on Icon of the Seas has commanded a premium price since the ship opened for bookings initially due to record-high demand.

In May 2023, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty talked about the incredible demand the ship has experienced so far, "Despite being on sale for only five months, Icon is significantly more booked for her inaugural season at materially higher rates than any other Royal Caribbean ship launch."

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about this fact, "Icon is literally the best performing new product launch we've ever had in the history of our business, and we're delighted with volume and rate and that really is a full 24 product."

Demand has been so strong, that Royal Caribbean felt compelled to release more bookings earlier than the rest of its fleet.

Mr. Bayley issued a statement about why new bookings are out three months ahead of schedule, "Since Icon of the Seas was revealed almost a year ago, the response has been unprecedented by every measure."

"Families and friends are looking for vacations where everyone can make memories their way without compromise, and that’s what we set out to create in its best form with Icon more than five years ago. The excitement has only continued to build, making it clear that we’ve designed a revolutionary experience that reflects how consumers want to travel today and for years to come."

Currently under construction at the giant Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Icon of the Seas will have her first sailing begin in January 2024.

Icon of the Seas features

Icon of the Seas was announced as a new kind of cruise ship back in 2016, and will be the first new class of Royal Caribbean cruise ship in almost a decade.

Not only is she big, but Royal Caribbean is loading her up with all sorts of new offerings that has clearly resonated with consumers.

The ship will have new types of cabins, a water park, new neighborhoods, and plenty of activities inbetween.  It will also offer a bigger array of dining venues, bars and deck-top attractions than any cruise vessel ever built.

Royal Caribbean calls Icon of the Seas a "white paper" ship, because it has been designed from the ground up with new concepts. 

There are 8 neighborhoods (one more than the Oasis Class ships), with three of the neighborhoods being an all new concept.

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

One big focus of the ship is the family cruise market, which the cruise line is actively targeting.

Icon of the Seas will have a dedicated neighborhood for families, known as Surfside.  Surfside is aimed at competing with the Orlando family vacation market.

Read more:  A sneak peek at Icon of the Seas under construction

Surfside was designed to become an area of the ship where families with kids ages 6 and under can play all-day together, where parents don't need to give up their relaxation time just because their kids want to play.

You'll find a giant aqua park designed for families: Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay splash parks for kids and the Water's Edge pool for parents. 

You're also going to find an entire water park on the top deck with six water slides to choose from.

Icon already completed her first set of sea trials, and is expected to complete work on her sometime later this year before being readied to start offering cruises.

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

There is a lot that goes into planning the world's largest cruise ship, including a lot of new drink choices.

When Icon of the Seas launches in January 2024, she will surpass Wonder of the Seas as the largest cruise ship in the world, meaning that you will find both first-at-sea and new-to-brand experiences onboard. 

With over 15 bars and lounges dispersed throughout all eight neighborhoods, you are certain to find something new to enjoy, including new beverages and spins on Royal Caribbean favorites. It is all about choice, convenience, and variety. 

"Our incredible beverage team really have embraced the neighborhoods. Whether it's Surfside or Central Park, the experience with beverage will leave our guests wanting more," said Jason Liberty, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals 15 bars and nightlife spots on new Icon of the Seas cruise ship

Over 150 drinks were tested. Onboard Icon, you will find 60 brand-new cocktails

Experts in architecture, food and beverage, entertainment, and more came together for months of research, mockups, and testing. Every part of the experience was considered, starting with the space. The ship was laid out to make sure that it made sense, as well as to get a sense of the venue's physical feel, in order for the team to help understand the needs of the operation. 

Alex Palmeri, Manager of Beverage for Royal Caribbean International said, "...what we found is that the options are endless for Icon of the Seas, so we've really had to hone in on what's going to be the best approach for our guests."

As this Icon has been marketed as the ultimate family vacation, it makes sense to offer a variety of drinks to appeal to everyone: kids, adults, and even those with sophisticated palettes. 

The result? A mix of traditional beverages, as well as revamped cocktails and those the cruise line are dubbing "Iconic cocktails," which will only be available on Icon Class ships. Plus, every single bar will have a non-alcoholic section on the menu that has been specifically chosen for the theming of the venue. 

Lemon Post

In Surfside, you'll find Lemon Post, the first bar that has been created for the whole family to enjoy. Have you ever wanted to build your own lemonade? Well, here you can!

According to Palmeri, this is her favorite venue onboard Icon due to the number of fresh juices and flavor profiles available. It really is trying to appeal to all generations! 

To create this venue's Iconic beverage, the team started with crafting the mocktail. Once that was finalized, they were able to reconstruct it to add the alcohol. 

Desserted

In the mood for a sweet treat? Head to Dessert, a milkshake bar that offers some crazy concoctions! The highlight on the menu is the Churro Milkshake with Cinnamon Toast Crunch on top. 

Other options are topped with cakes and cookies; however, you can opt for classics, too, such as a simple vanilla or chocolate milkshake. 

Adults will also love boozy milkshakes to try!

The Hideaway

The Hideaway's focus is going to be delivering an elevated beach club experience-- think a top-notch DJ and people flowing in and out of the pool with a drink in hand. 

In order to accomplish that, the bar's focus will be champagne-based cocktails. Examples of possible drinks include Conch If You Are, which will be made with Prosecco, St. Germain, and Lemon, as well as Summer 75 made with gin, Prosecco, and citrus. 

Lime & Coconut

The Lime & Coconut is not a new bar. In fact, it has become a fan favorite! For the first time, though, there will be frozen drinks bar with flavors that appeal to all flavor profiles.

Plus, you can mix and match as you see fit! They'll even have some combinations on the menu if you are unable to decide. 

Swim and Tonic

The cruise line's first-ever swim-up bar, Swim & Tonic, is going to have a drinks menu that plays on the bar's name. All beverages embrace tonic, meaning that they're all tonic-based drinks, like Limoncello & Tonic and Whiteport & Tonic. 

Don't expect your standard gin & tonic, though.The beverage team got creative in how they integrated tonics with different spirits!

Lou's Jazz 'n Blues

Here, you can expect to find classic cocktails with a jazzy spin-- think of cocktails inspired by the largest jazz cities in the world! 

Take the B Flat Negroni, for example. Rather than using gin, campari, and sweet vermouth, this drink will be crafted with gin and a lighter version of vermouth. 

Bubbles

You will not be able to take a leisurely stroll through Central Park without passing Bubbles, the walk-up champagne bar that will have mimosas, bellinis, champagne mojitos, and more at your disposal. 

Why not grab a glass of bubbly while listening to one of the live musicians to wind down after a fun day exploring everything this one-of-a-kind ship has to offer?

1400 Lobby Bar

During the day, 1400 Lobby Bar will serve up some tropical juice-based drinks. The evening menu will transition into more sophisticated offerings, like manhattans and old fashioneds. 

One important part of the planning process was ensuring that each venue onboard has its own personal identity. To accomplish this, three icons in the beverage industry were brought in: Tony Abou-Ganim, Kim Hassarud, and Cat Miltenberger.

Each individual worked on bars in different neighborhoods to help make sure that they all have their own distinct flare. 

Abou-Ganim, for instance, helped develop 1400 Lobby Bar. 

The Overlook

Located in the AquaDome, the Overlook is the perfect place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of other neighborhoods.

The "Iconic drink" of this venue is the Overlook (Aquadome) Spritz, which will be crafted with Don Q Coco Rum, Living Coral Sparkling Rosé, Lagoon Bay Icelandic Orange Bitter, Reàl Coco Cream of Coconut, lime juice, and soda juice. It will be garnished with an edible orchid! 

Rye & Beam

Ree & Beam is going to spruce up the classic espresso martini. Rather than a traditional martini, this coffee lover's go-to can be topped with sweet vanilla foam, creating different layers of experiences within a single beverage. 

Those under the legal drinking age (or who don't want a cocktail early in the morning) can opt for the cinnamon coconut cold brew, which can be topped with the same sweet vanilla foam.

Plus, you will find a few tea-based cocktails here, too.  

Point & Feather

Point & Feather is Icon of the Seas' English Pub located in the Royal Promenade. Compared to other pubs, passengers of Icon will find that Point & Feather has a brand-new layout to be able to host dart tournaments, as well as feature a live guitarist at the center of all the action. 

Opposite of Swim & Tonic, their cocktail menu will be gin based, and you will be able to order cocktails crafted with different flavored gin. 

Cantina Fresca

Nothing goes with tacos like a cold Mexican beer or margarita, right? Thankfully, Cantina Fresca will be located close to El Loco Fresh, and they will be all about margaritas!

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Like Lime & Coconut, Playmakers is not new; however, the space onboard Icon of the Seas makes it the largest Playmakers ever!

Here, you will find drinks with over-the-top presentations, like a Bloody Mary with interesting garnishes served inside the infamous helmet!

Schooner Bar

While peanut butter and pineapple sounds like an unlikely combination, you might find your new favorite drink on the Schooner Bar's new menu. 

When Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship starts sailing, it will have its most ambitious and expensive extra-cost restaurant ever.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is being designed from the water line up as a brand new evolution in cruising, and there are plenty of firsts, including 20 unique dining options.

One of the new restaurants on Icon of the Seas will be a high-end specialty restaurant that offers a "taste of old New York" and it wont be cheap.

The cruise line calls it the Empire Supper Club, and this throwback restaurant is unlike any other dining venue on its ships so far. Top quality food along with entertainment in a paced meal is what Royal Caribbean hopes will be a very cool idea that provides another option for those seeking a refined meal.

Icon's most elegant dining establishment is something brand new and has a lot of people curious what we can expect.

Welcome to old New York

The Empire Supper Club looks to be the most elegant restaurant created by Royal Caribbean to date.

Guests will enjoy an eight-course meal, all paired with with cocktails that have been specially created for Royal Caribbean by a world renowned mixologist. Tony Abou-Ganim has worked with James Beard Award-winning chefs, Bellagio and more.

When you eat at the Empire Supper Club, expect an experience, not just dinner.

The venue can only seat 38 people and there will be only one seating per night, which means this will be a hot ticket to get into given its low capacity.

Each meal will take approximately three hours, and there will be a three-piece band playing, which means guests get not just a top quality meal, but entertainment too.

Royal Caribbean hopes it will be a throwback to old New York. Appropriately enough, you'll find the New York-themed restaurant in the part of the ship that is also inspired by the same city, Central Park.

A pricey dinner

While no prices have been listed yet, Royal Caribbean did give a ballpark estimate for how much a meal will cost.

In talking with travel agents recently, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, said she expects the price to be right around $200 per person.

"It'll probably be about $200 a person," she explained in talking about the restaurant. "We haven't landed exactly on the price, but it's going to be worth it because it's going to be a beautiful eight course meal paired with the mixologist, the cocktails and the wines."

Royal Caribbean has plenty of specialty restaurants that have cover charges, but none that have a per-person price tag approaching the Empire Supper Club.

In comparison, here are prices for other specialty restaurants from the upcoming inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas (with a 10% discount off onboard prices):

• Chops Grille: $62.99 per person
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen: $48.99 per person
• Izumi: $35.99 per person
• Hooked: $57.99 per person
• Izumi Hibachi: $57.99 per person

While the price is higher than other restaurants, it's also different from any other specialty restaurant the cruise line has come up with.

While the Chef's Table experience on other ships is also a curated meal experience, The Empire Supper Club is taking things to a new level with the menu and drink pairings.

Royal Caribbean said caviar and wagyu beef would be among the items that we can expect to see on the menu (the full menu has not been released yet).

"Most elevated dining experience we've created"

The high price tag isn't without merit, as Royal Caribbean wanted to come up with something that is substantially different from anything else.

Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, spoke about the Empire Supper Club a few months ago and he is excited to bring something so different to guests to try, "Empire Supper Club is what I would say is the most elevated dining experience we've created at Royal Caribbean."

"Food will be paired with cocktails, and then we'll pair it with music as well. So it'll be a full immersive dining experience."

From the sounds of it, this will be an intimate setting.

Just as food and drinks get commonly paired together, Royal Caribbean thinks pairing music to the meal will add to the sensory experience.

As mentioned earlier, the menu isn't set yet, but Mr. D'Souza's team is working on a variety of concepts for the menu, including an elevated oyster course, butterflied Caesar salad, and even testing out a rabbit dish. Don't worry, even if the rabbit course makes it to the menu, Mr. D'Souza said there will be other meat options too to pick from.

"It's really a set menu that allows you with a couple of choices around entrees."

Almost all the ingredients will be American sourced ingredients to match the New York menu they are aiming for.

He used the word "elevated" a lot to describe the meal at Empire Supper Club because of how fundamentally different it will be from other restaurants, "it really is an elevated food experience that's tied together with a really elevated beverage experience."

"It's really challenging us to come up with food and now figure out how to pair it, because you can pair wine easily. But, we're saying how do we pair a cocktail in a really meaningful way so that it's really an experiential combination between the food and the cocktail, and now you're layering music."

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and will begin offering cruises in January 2024.

Icon is the first in a new type of Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and will be packed with many cool things to do, including a water park, new areas dedicated to families, revamped pool decks, diving shows, dining experiences, and many more attractions that will entice you to try it all.

She is the first new type of vessel for the cruise line since 2014.

The 20-deck high ship comes in at 250,800 tons will be more than 6% bigger than Wonder of the Seas and able to hold up to 7,600 passengers. Icon of the Seas will also be 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas.

Icon of the Seas completed her sea trials in June and November 2023, and was delivered to Royal Caribbean on November 27, 2023.  The new ship went to Cadiz, Spain and Ponce, Puerto Rico to receive its finishing touches. She will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay before arriving in Miami on January 10, 2024.

In December 2023, Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was named the godfather of Icon of the Seas.

When she launches in early 2024, Icon of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world.  If you are thinking of booking Icon of the Seas, or are planning for an upcoming cruise, there are quite a few things you should know about this new ship.

How big is Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon Class ship, which means this cruise ship will have a new design, size, and look compared to other ships that came before her.

Icon of the Seas will carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy (or nearly 10,000 people when you account for the crew) when it first sets sail with guests Jan. 27, 2024.

When completed, Icon will be 20 decks high and 1,198 feet long and measure 250,800 gross tons.

That makes Icon larger than any other cruise ship in the world.

Where will Icon of the Seas sail from?

Icon of the Seas will begin offering cruises from Miami in January 2024.

Miami will be homeport from January 2024 through at least April 2026. 

Icon of the Seas itineraries

When Icon enters service, she will offer weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, and each will visit Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The inaugural Icon of the Seas sailing will be January 27, 2024.

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Miami; Phillipsburg, St Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Miami; Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

Icon of the Seas neighborhoods & layout

Ready to see what you can do on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas will have 8 neighborhoods to help passengers easily navigate the ship.

AquaDome

Instead of a Solarium at the front of the ship, Icon of the Seas will have an AquaDome area.

The AquaDome itself weighs 363-tons and has over 600 glass panels.

At its heart, this area is home to the indoor AquaTheater from the Oasis Class ships, and put it into this multipurpose space with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, offering 220-degree views. 

The shows here will feature aerialists, acrobatics, high dives, and the tallest waterfall at sea (55 feet tall). There will be two shows that passengers can see in the AquaTheater: "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs Mermaids." 

When the space isn't being used for a show, passengers can take in wraparound ocean views and enjoy views of the waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink.

Read more: Icon of the Seas AquaDome: What to expect

Central Park

Icon of the Seas will have its own lush green place onboard, with thousands of real plants, dining, and live music.

The open-air garden neighborhood will have living plants, where you can enjoy all sorts of dining and entertainment.

Royal Caribbean will open a new jazz club in Central Park, Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

The jazz club will be a new spot to offer "jazz in the park" as passengers stop in for a set.

If champagne is your thing, be sure to stop by Bubbles, which is Royal Caribbean's new walkup champagne window.

You can order glasses of mimosas, prosecco, Bellini and even bottles of bubbly on tap morning, noon, and night.

Speaking of walkup windows, the cruise line's first walk-up sushi window will be in Central Park on Icon.

Izumi in the Park will have signature rolls, nigiri, and Japanese sweet treats, all served in a portable box to take with you, available for an additional cost.

Of course, there will still be a Trellis Bar in Central Park, and it will have a new look and offer food for the first time.

Read more: Icon of the Seas Central Park: What to expect

Chill Island

Royal Caribbean has plans for the best pool deck at sea with Chill Island.

Chill Island will have ocean views galore from the three-deck pool area. Icon of the Seas will have Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea.

You'll also find the largest pool at sea: Royal Bay Pool.

If you want a quieter pool experience, head to the infinity-edge Cove Pool that has in-water loungers.

Cloud 17 is another infinite-edge pool to enjoy. It was originally slated to be the adults-only area, but Royal Caribbean changed that to The Hideaway and made Cloud 17 open to all guests.

Cloud 17 also has a whirlpool and Lime & Coconut bar.

Pool information for Icon of the Seas:

• Royal Bay: The largest pool at sea, designed for all guests to enjoy. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 15. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• The Cove Pool: An infinity, portside pool directly facing the ocean. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 15. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m
• Cloud 17: Pool overlooking the ocean with dedicated Lime & Coconut bar and whirlpool. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 17. Hours of Operation:  8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Maximum Capacity: 249)
• Swim & Tonic: First-to-brand swim-up bar located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 16.
  Seating for 12 at the swim-up bar. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – Late.

Thrill Island

Thrill Island is the name of a brand new neighborhood coming to the first Icon Class cruise ship, and it is a new approach to aquatic fun on a cruise ship for Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean wanted to go beyond just having water slides, so Icon will introduce the first water park at sea.

Category 6 is the new water park that has six water slides, including an open free-fall slide, the tallest drop slide at sea, family raft slides that accommodate four riders at once, and two mat-racing slides. 

• Frightening Bolt: The tallest drop slide at sea
  (Min Height: 52” tall)
• Pressure Drop: The first open freefall slide at sea
  (Min Height: 52" tall)
• Storm-Chasers (2): The longest mat racing slides at sea
  (Min Height: 48” tall)
• Hurricane Hunter: The first family raft slide at sea
  (Min Height: 48” tall)
• Storm Surge: The first suspended family raft slide at sea
  (Min Height: 48” tall)

All adventures within Category 6 Waterpark are complimentary during the hours of operation: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Because Royal Caribbean wants Icon of the Seas to rival any family land resort, the amount of space dedicated to water slides is meant to rival shoreside resorts.

Related: Royal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will have the largest water park to thrill all ages

Crown's Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of courage. 

Guests are strapped in and walk 154 feet above the ocean for this experience. It lasts about two and a half minutes and culminates with a drop-through portion, which Royal Caribbean described as "pretty scary."

There will be one FlowRider surf simulator onboard, as well as other brand staples like Adrenaline Peak – the ultimate rock-climbing expedition, Sports Court, and a totally reimagined Lost Dunes mini-golf course.

After all that fun, you might want to take a break at Basecamp. There's Desserted, which is a milkshake bar that has over-the-top milkshakes (including some that have alcohol).

Surfside

Surfside is a new neighborhood dedicated to young families, and it's at the heart of the focus of Icon of the Seas.

This neighborhood will offer splash areas for babies and kids. There's a new pool-themed version of Royal Caribbean's carousel and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups. 

Kids using Splashaway Bay must be fully potty trained, but Baby Bay is for children who are still in diapers a place to splash and play. Additionally, the slide within Splashaway Bay requires a minimum height of 42” tall and a maximum weight of 300 lbs.

Adventure Ocean and the teen club have entrances here, which means easy access to either place.

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.

Waters Edge hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Read more: Icon of the Seas Surfside neighborhood: What to expect

The Hideaway

Another brand new neighborhood is The Hideaway, which is Royal Caribbean's version of a beach club. It's also the adults-only area on 

Think Las Vegas pool party, you'll find the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

Then there's a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating, and a dedicated bar. There are also daybeds you can rent for an additional cost.

The Hideaway Pool hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Suite neighborhood

The Royal Suite Class benefits will be available on Icon of the Seas, and that includes three decks of space for suite guests.

Between decks 16 to 19 is an enclave for suite passengers that has many of the ship's suite cabins, along with restaurants, a lounge, and outdoor areas exclusively for suite guests.

This will be Royal Caribbean's largest area for suite guests, and it includes a suite sun deck, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and a new casual eatery just for suite guests, The Grove.

Coastal Kitchen will be two decks high on Icon of the Seas. The suite sun deck concept is bigger than ever with a multistory area known as The Grove, with lounge space, pool, hot tub, and a complimentary Mediterranean restaurant.

Royal Promenade

Royal Caribbean wanted to iterate the Royal Promenade concept on Icon of the Seas, as it's expanded and a step up from previous versions.

The Royal Promenade measures 362 feet long and will feature ocean views for the first time. As you walk onto the ship, you'll see a giant multi-deck high glass wall that will provide natural light and a way to still see the beautiful ocean that surrounds the ship.

When you walk onto the ship, you'll pass by the 1400 Bar. Each cruise ship is given a number at a shipyard, and so Royal Caribbean decided to pay homage to Icon's build number by naming it the 1400 bar.

One major feature you will quickly notice on The Promenade is The Pearl, which the cruise line describes as a multi-sensory experience built with 3,000 kinetic tiles. 

Something else different about the Royal Promenade is there's the largest ice arena yet in "Absolute Zero."

Also located within the Royal Promenade is Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, which is a new location for this restaurant.

There will also be a Dueling Pianos bar, Sorrento's pizzeria, Point and Feather Pub, Spotlight Karaoke, Boleros and Schooner Bar.

Read more: Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade: What to expect

Icon of the Seas Dining

There will be a combination of new dining concepts and returning favorites on Icon of the Seas, and some will be included with your cruise fare.

With over 20 places to dine on the ship, Royal Caribbean hopes Icon of the Seas will deliver the best in dining yet. Eleven of them will be complimentary, while nine will incur an additional fee. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Complimentary restaurants

These restaurants are included in your cruise fare.

Keep in mind there may be items on the menu here that cost extra, but the majority of the menu has no additional cost.

AquaDome Market

Food hall-style eating in AquaDome with different stations offering distinct cuisines, such as mac 'n cheese, Greek bowls and pitas, Asian dishes, and more.

Basecamp

Walkup window and bar in Thrill Island. Offers complimentary options, as well as some premium selections that can be purchased á la carte, including waffle chicken nuggets ($7), Wisconsin cheese curds ($6), crispy shrimp bao buns ($8), grilled chicken sandwiches ($9), and smash burgers ($11).

El Loco Fresh

Mexican buffet food

Main Dining Room

Sit-down meals for breakfast and dinner every day (lunch on sea days).

Park Cafe

Grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Unlike Oasis Class ships, Park Cafe will be open in the evening for late-night bites until 10pm.

Pearl Cafe

24-hour quick service venue offering complimentary sandwiches, ready-made salads, coffee, and more.

Sorrento's

Pizza by the slice

Sprinkles

Complimentary soft-serve ice cream throughout the day.

Surfside Bites

Grab-and-go food

Surfside Eatery

Dedicated buffet in the Surfside neighborhood so families don't have to go far to get a meal.

Vitality Cafe

Healthy snacks and smoothies

Windjammer Marketplace

Buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Coastal Kitchen

First ship in the fleet to have a two-story Coastal Kitchen restaurant. This restaurant is reserved exclusively for suite guests.

The Grove

Also reserved just for passengers staying in a suite cabin, The Grove is an al fresco buffet that serves Mediterranean cuisine.

Specialty restaurants

These restaurants have an additional cost to dine here, either a cover charge or are priced individually for each item you order.

• Basecamp (offers complimentary and specialty options)
• Celebration Table
• Chops Grille
• Desserted Milkshake Bar
• Empire Supper Club
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
• Hooked Seafood
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Pier 7
• Playmakers Sports Bar 
• Room Service
• Sprinkles
• Starbucks
• Sugar Beach
• Trellis Bar

What's included with your Icon of the Seas fare?

While it might seem like there's a lot of ways to spend extra money on Icon of the Seas, there's quite a few options included with your cruise fare.

Here is a list of things that is included with your cruise fare:

Thrills

• Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall
• Baby Bay splash zone
• Carousel
• Category 6 waterpark (6 waterslides)
• Fitness Center
• FlowRider surf simulator
• Lost Dunes mini golf course
• Playscape climbable fun for kids
• Running track
• Splashaway Bay kid-friendly aquapark
• Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, pickleball and more)

Chills

• Cloud 17 (open to all guests)
• The Hideaway neighborhood & pool (suspended infinite pool)
• Royal Bay pool (largest pool at sea)
• Swim & Tonic (swim-up bar and pool)
• The Cove pool (Oceanfront infinity pool)
• Water's Edge (Family-friendly pool)
• Whirlpools
• The Grove Suite Sun Deck & Pool (suite guests only)

Dining

• AquaDome Market (5 unique food stands)
• Basecamp (Walk-up snack window)
• El Loco Fresh (Self-serve Mexican classics)
• Main Dining Room
• Park Cafe (Quick fresh bakery bites)
• Sorrento's (Pizza by the slice)
• Sprinkles (Unlimited soft serve ice cream)
• Surfside Bites (Sweet & salty snacks)
• Surfside Eatery (Family-friendly buffet)
• The Pearl Cafe (Pastries, salads & sweets)
• Windjammer (buffet)
• The Grove (upscale Mediterranean restaurant for suite guests)
• Coastal Kitchen (Pacific Coast meets the Med restaurant for suite guests)

Entertainment

• Absolute Zero (ice skating & free skating)
• AquaTheater (high-dive water shows)
• Boleros (Latin-themed bar)
• Dueling Pianos (A battle of the baby grands)
• Lou's Jazz 'n Blues (Bar with live jazz music)
• Music Hall (Two-story live music venue)
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (Game on at Royal Promenade)
• Point & Feather (English pub with live music)
• Royal Theater (Shows and original productions)
• Schooner Bar (Nautical bar with piano)
• Spotlight Karaoke (main stage or private room)
• The Attic (comedy club)
• The Overlook (next level hangout with live music)
• Adventure Ocean (Award-winning youth program ages 3-12)
• Social 020 (ultimate teen hangout)

In addition, there will be free programming all day, including trivia, themed events, parades and more.

Icon of the Seas Bars & Nightlife

Royal Caribbean will offer a combination of new and fan-favorite bars to enjoy.

Dueling Pianos: Royal Caribbean’s first dueling pianos bar will have twin baby grand pianos with pianists taking song requests to bring high-energy performances to the Royal Promenade.

Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues: Jazz venue in Central Park with live performances of soulful classics and jazz pop tunes.

Rye & Bean: Coffee shop in AquaDome that can serve up coffee and espresso cocktails.

The Overlook and Overlook Pods: A new concept entirely, this bar has nooks and is located conveniently near the AquaDome. Royal Caribbean envisions this as a place to drink, play classic boardgames and kick back to live music, too. 

1400 Lobby Bar: Located right when you board the ship, the drink menu was developed with renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim.  The venue’s also the first to open the vibrant Royal Promenade to the outdoors with an ocean-facing terrace.

Bubbles: New walkup champagne window in Central Park open morning, noon, and night.

Royal Caribbean classic bars:

• Trellis Bar
• Boleros
• Schooner Bar
• Point & Feather English pub
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Spotlight Karaoke
• Music Hall
• The Attic comedy club

Which shows will be on Icon of the Seas?

There will be three primary venues for shows: AquaDome, ice skating rink, and Royal Theater.

The premier show in the AquaDome will be "Aqua Nation!". "Pirates vs Mermaids" is the name of of the other show in the AquaDome.

"Starburst" is the name of the ice skating show in Absolute Zero skating arena. And there will be one additional show in Absolute Zero, "Once Upon A Time".

"Wizard of Oz" will be the featured musical on Icon of the Seas and it will have a targeted runtime of around 90 minutes.

Icon of the Seas was delivered in late November 2023

Icon was originally scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2022, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused her construction plans to be delayed by a year.

Her first sailing with paying guests will be on January 27, 2024.

Cabins and suites on Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has 28 different Icon of the Seas cruise ship cabins you can choose from, with an eye to provide the most spacious rooms designed by the cruise line.

There are new categories of cabins, new neighborhoods, and views never offered before on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

More than 82% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will accommodate 3 or more guests, and more than 70% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will have a balcony.

There are 2805 total staterooms on Icon of the Seas:

• 179 suites
• 1815 balcony staterooms
• 276 ocean view staterooms
• 535 interior staterooms

New stateroom options

Royal Caribbean has introduced new kinds of cruise cabins for the first time ever with the launch of Icon of the Seas.

There are 14 new categories that range from standard rooms to suites, including more options for families.

One mantra Royal Caribbean wanted for its cabins is more space for families that provide more space and accessible options in every category, locations, and amenities.

Some of the new kinds of cabins you can find only on Icon of the Seas include:

Family Infinite Oceanview Balconies: Cruise ship cabins that can accommodate up to six people in one room, with a bunk alcove for kids and enough TVs for everyone.

The bathroom features a split design – with a shower and a sink on one side and a sink and toilet on the other – to make getting ready for the day or bed easier for every family member.

Surfside Family View Cabins: Located in the new Surfside neighborhood, these cabins are designed for up to 4 people with convenience to the neighborhood just for young families.

Ultimate Family Townhouse: If you are looking for the biggest and most impressive suite anywhere at sea, Royal Caribbean has a three-level townhouse for you.

It features a multilevel, in-suite slide, areas for karaoke and watching movies, two private balconies, and even a private entrance to Surfside – complete with a white picket fence and mailbox.

How much does it cost? According to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, the average cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse in 2024 is $75,000 per week.

Casino

The casino on Icon of the Seas will feature more televisions so you can watch sports at the same time.

"On the all new Icon of the Seas, you don't have to choose between watching the big game and playing in the casino. More screens means more entertainment, everywhere you look."

There will also be bar-top video poker and a high-limit area.

Icon of the Seas facts

• 20 total decks (18 guest decks)
• 5,610 guests at double capacity and 7,600 max guests
• 2,350 crew (bringing maximum total to 9,950 people onboard)
• 7 pools, 9 whirlpools
• 6 record-breaking waterslides
• 250,800 GT
• 1,198 feet long
• 159 feet wide at waterline
• Captain: Captain Henrik Loy

When can we book Icon of the Seas?

You can now book Icon of the Seas sailings via the Royal Caribbean website or with a travel agent.

The cruise line put bookings on sale beginning October 24, 2022 for Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor members and October 25 to everyone else.

Next-gen power

Icon will be the cruise line’s first of three ships to be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas).

LNG and the state-of-the-art ship’s additional environmentally friendly applications, such as shore power connection, will boost energy efficiencies and reduce carbon footprint. More details about Icon’s advanced environmental technologies will be revealed at a future date.

The LNG fuel tank on Icon of the Seas is 307 tons and 90 feet long.

Traditionally, cruise ships are powered by diesel. The advantage LNG has over diesel is it is more energy-efficient and will reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the efficiency of Icon of the Seas, "Our new Icon class is coming with LNG-hybrid but, basically it's LNG. It's 35% more fuel energy efficient than regular fuel. And the ship itself, because of the design, is about 30% more efficient."

In addition, Icon of the Seas will utilize a shore power connection that removes emissions while connected at port.

What is The Pearl?

The Pearl is the centerpiece of the Royal Promenade and is what you'll see when you walk onto the ship. It's part of the arrival moment passengers have when they walk onboard the ship.

The Pearl is an interactive, multi-sensory experience made with kinetic tiles.

The Pearl encompasses four things:

• A gorgeous way to introduce the ship as you walk into it
• An engineering marvel
• It creates gorgeous views
• It has an experiential moment inside of it that's different for everyone.

It measures 46 feet tall and 50 feet in diameter, with 578 aluminum external panels.

Other interesting facts about The Pearl:

• 9 miles of cables for power & lighting
• 1,323 feet of air conditioning ducts
• Steel mounting frames on the inside
• It required two tugboats to move it to the shipyard
• 5,600-metric-ton-crane lifted it into position
• It's taken 45,000 working hours to construct the sphere