Royal Caribbean is in the final months prepping what will become the largest cruise ship in the world.

Icon of the Seas won't launch until early 2024, but the ship is already generating incredible hype with an unmatched level of fascination for a new cruise ship yet unseen.

The 20-deck high ship comes in at 250,800 tons and will take away the title of biggest cruise ship in the world from sister vessel, Wonder of the Seas.  In fact, it will be the first time in about  5 years that an Oasis Class ship hasn't been the biggest in the world.

At the Turku, Finland shipyard, Royal Caribbean gave a hard hat tour to travel agents to help familiarize the new ship with some of the top sellers of all things Royal Caribbean.

Beci Mahnken, president and CEO of MEI-Travel, had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the not-yet-completed ship while it's being worked on.  Unlike our visit to the ship in May, Icon is in a far more complete stage of construction now.

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.

If there's one thing apparent about Royal Caribbean's new ship, it's that it's anything but ordinary.

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

There's been a lot of attention for this new ship, and rightfully so, as it represents the single biggest chance of being a game changer to the cruise industry in the same way the Oasis of the Seas was when it launched.

Royal Caribbean is building on its legacy of not just building big cruise ships, but innovating and leading the industry at the same time.  Royal Caribbean sets the bar all other new cruise ships are judged against.

With five months left before the first passenger steps onboard Icon of the Seas, there's still plenty to do.  In the meantime, here's a look at the latest progress and how much closer to completion the ship is.

Thrills get their own deck

You wont run out of things to do on Icon of the Seas, especially if water slides are your thing.

Icon will introduce the first water park at sea, with six different water slides that will draw your attention within a mile of arriving to the ship.

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.

Because Royal Caribbean wants Icon of the Seas to rival any family land resort, the amount of space dedicated to water slides is not something you will find at any old hotel complex.

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

In combination with their private island, Royal Caribbean thinks they have a one-two combo that will draw people to Icon like never before.

"The Icon product, along with Perfect Day, with the kind of experiences that we're offering, with the kind of new accommodations that we have on Icon and the experiences that we have for young families, older families and of course couples and singles and what have you, is really squarely standing shoulder to shoulder with Orlando and those kind of destinations," is what Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said about his company's plans.

The water slides, known collectively as Category 6, take up the back of the top deck of the ship, and are flanked by mini-golf, a rock climbing wall, and a brand new thrill "walk".

Crown's Edge is a combination ropes course, sky walk, and obstacle course.

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  drop through portion, which Royal Caribbean described as "pretty scary".

Royal Promenade

Icon of the Seas is not the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to have a Royal Promenade thoroughfare on its ships, but it will be the first to introduce an expanded and evolved version.

At 362 feet long, the Royal Promenade onboard Icon of the seas is longer than a football field, and for the first time, it incorporates ocean views.

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.

The Pearl is a likely focal point of the Royal Promenade, which the cruise line describes as a multi-sensory experience built with 3,000 kinetic tiles. 

Behind The Pearl, guests will find the Pearl Cafe, which serves freshly toasted croissants, hot chocolate croissants, croissant sandwiches, sweets, and other specialty desserts. 

You will find Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar on the Promenade, 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.

On one end of the Promenade will be the new ice skating rink, Absolute Zero, with over 2,850 square feet of ice.

Absolute Zero will host two different shows: "Starburst" and "Once Upon A Time."

Casino Royale is located just one deck below the Promenade.

Pools, pools, and more pools

A connection to the water was one of the guiding principles to Icon of the Seas' design, and you'll find a pool deck that exceeds anything else the cruise line has offered.There's 62% more water surface area than on the Oasis Class cruise ships.

Chill Island is the name of its massive resort-style relaxation zone where you'll find the largest pool at sea, an adult only pool, and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Five of the seven pools on Icon of the Seas are located in Chill Island.

Whether it's sitting by the pool, listening to the Caribbean band, or enjoying time at the ship's swim-up bar, the idea behind Chill Island is you can pick from different ways to take it easy.

Like most of the ship, the pools are under construction and will be among the last things to be completed (no need to add pool water this early).

There will be pools for adults, pools for families, and pools to simply enjoy the views all around you, including the ocean.

The Aquadome

You can't miss the AquaDome as a feature, given that there is a giant glass dome adorned to the front part of the ship. Inside, Royal Caribbean hopes to deliver a jaw-dropping experience.

Instead of an outdoor theater that is subject to weather conditions, Royal Caribbean built a dome it placed on top of the theater, along with enough space to add bars, food hall, and even cruise ship cabins.

Photos simply do not do the AquaDome justice, because it is truly massive. It weighs 363-tons and has over 600 glass panels of cables. It was no simple feat to hoist it into position, as the team in Turku had to use 1,600 feet of cables to lift it into position. The length of cables is longer than the height of the Empire State Building.

Of course, the AquaTheater is at the heart of this neighborhood. Royal Caribbean has a show that that will feature aerialists, acrobatics, high dives, and the tallest waterfall at sea at 55 feet tall.

 There will be two shows that passengers can see in the AquaTheater: "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs Mermaids." 

You'll find the Overlook inside the dome, which has 220-degree views from pods you can sit in and enjoy time with friends.

More family time

If there's one major focus Royal Caribbean has with its new ship, it's it wants to up its family cruise game to a whole new level.

Icon will have an entire neighborhood dedicated to young families, known as Surfside. It's located at the back of the ship in an open-air space that is somewhat similar to the Boardwalk neighborhood on the Oasis Class ships.

Related: Royal Caribbean is building the best cruise ship for young families on Icon of the Seas with a new purpose-built area

Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay are the focal point of the new neighborhood, which is an aquapark and pool designed for families to enjoy together. Royal Caribbean added the Water's Edge pool so adults can lounge in the pool too.  It is located at the aft of the ship, complete with in pool lounge chairs and gorgeous views of the ocean.

As part of Royal Caribbean's plans to attract families away from theme parks and other land destinations in Florida, this part of the ship is all about appealing to not just kids, but their parents too. 

Instead of a place to take your kids, Surfside is meant to be enjoyed alongside your kids.

There's lots of dining choices too, including Surfside Bites. This quick eatery has burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon sugar donut holes, and, of course, soft serve! 

You'll also find new cabins in Surfside designed to accommodate more people, which is perfect for families.

There are new categories of cabins on Icon, with over 50% of Icon's room types new to the cruise line.

Related: Royal Caribbean designed first-of-its-kind cabins for its new cruise ship

The ocean view infinite balcony that allows you to expand your indoor living space or invite in the sea breeze with the touch of a button.

One new cabin type is the Family Infinite Balcony room, which has in-room games, a split bathroom, and even a bunk area for children that can be closed off with a curtain for privacy. Plus, each bunk has their own television!

And then there's the epic suite that cannot be overlooked.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a mind-blowingly epic, 3-story stateroom extraordinaire that features its own back yard with a private entrance into Splashaway Bay. 

Demand is so strong for these rooms that it's selling for $80,000 per week in 2024.

There's an in-suite slide to bring you into "the coolest living room ever", which has hidden nooks too.

Central Park

A fan-favorite neighborhood will make it on Icon of the Seas in the form of Central Park. 

In the heart of the ship is an open air garden with living plants that create a peaceful atmosphere amongst various dining and entertainment venues.

When it's complete, Central Park will have a jazz club, walkup champagne bar window, and new restaurants too.

Related: The Ultimate Icon of the Seas Dining & Lounges Guide

Bubbles is the walkup champagne bar window where glasses of mimosa, prosecco, and Bellini, and bottles of Champagne are available all day.

If elevated dining is your thing, you'll need to check out the new swanky supper club coming to Icon of the Seas.

Empire Supper Club is is meant to be reminiscent of the 1930s in New York City, and it has two seating for guests to experience the extravagant eight course menu.

The menu will feature premium American cuisine and offer selections such as caviar and wagyu. Plus, each course will be paired with a beverage. 

Launching in January 2024

Royal Caribbean has billed Icon of the Seas to be not just a major player in the cruise industry, but the likely heir apparent to the title of most coveted cruise ship.

The first sailing is scheduled for the end of January, and Icon will be the first of at least three new cruise ships in this class.

While it's likely inevitable for Icon to be compared to her Oasis Class sisters, there's little doubt Royal Caribbean isn't up to the task considering their track record of introducing game-changing ships time and time again.

Related: 11 reasons Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will change the cruise industry

The next step for Icon are around round of sea trials scheduled for later in 2023 to ensure Icon of the Seas is ready to be delivered to Royal Caribbean prior to her January 27, 2024 maiden voyage. 

The first sailing of Icon of the Seas will be a 7-night cruise from Miami on January 27, 2024.

The ship will sail year-round out of Miami in 2024, alternating between Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, with four different routings available for departures between January 2024 and April 2025.

More information

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Onboard Royal Caribbean's newest ship, you will find a larger, wider, longer, and higher Royal Promenade.

The second you step foot on Icon of the Seas, you will be greeted by sweeping ocean views and the first-ever multi-sensory super structure called "The Pearl." 

"The Royal Promenade is a classic with Royal Caribbean and has evolved significantly. It's an amazing hub for the entire community onboard the ship," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean."

"...it always has been this place where people meet and have fun together, and that is certainly true for Icon." 

At 362 feet long, the Royal Promenade onboard Icon of the seas is longer than a football field, and for the first time, it brings ocean views into the ship's main thoroughfare through floor-to-ceiling windows and the 4100 Lobby Bar the connects the neighborhood to the outdoors. 

Related: The Ultimate Icon of the Seas Dining & Lounges Guide

"The number of the hull on every ship is unique to that ship," explained Linken D'Souza, Vice President of Food & Beverage for Royal Caribbean International. 

"On Icon of the Seas that number was 4100, and so the 4100 Lobby Bar is a tribute to all of the hardworking folks who built this amazing and iconic ship." 

During the day, you'll find delicious tropical juice-based drinks. In the evening, the menu will feature pre-prohibition cocktails in the evening, focusing on classics like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. 

In order to fully open up the Royal Promenade, though, Royal Caribbean had to navigate numerous structural changes and come up a creative solution: The Pearl. This three-deck high sphere is a multi-sensory experience built with 3,000 kinetic tiles. 

"When guests walk onboard, they will see a massive structure that we call 'The Pearl.' They may not know what it is, but the scale of it alone is enough to take your breath away," remarked Jennifer Goswami, Director or Product Development for Royal Caribbean International.  

On Deck 6 behind The Pearl, guests will find the Pearl Cafe in place of Cafe Promenade. In addition to the familiar grab-and-go bites, the Pearl Cafe will serve up freshly toasted croissants, hot chocolate croissants, croissant sandwiches, sweets, and other specialty desserts. 

While the Royal Promenade will be full of firsts and unlike any other Promenade it in the fleet, it will be home to many fan-favorites, too, such as Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.

Usually, specialty restaurants are in quieter areas onboard the ship. On Oasis Class vessels, for instance, you could find the majority of them in the Central Park neighborhood. Placing this venue in the Royal Promenade will allow guest to be in the middle of the action. If you want a quieter experience, there will be intimate seating in the back of the restaurant. 

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

There will also be Sorrento's that will feature antipasti on a rotational basis and beer on draft. 

In addition to the restaurants, this neighborhood will be a lively hotspot thanks to the other bars and lounges that can be found here, including Boleros and Schooner Bar.

To enhance the overall experience, both of these Royal Caribbean classics will have a more open layout, so the music and energy are able to spill into the Royal Promenade. 

Similarly, Point and Feather, the onboard pub, will pull the bar into the center space of the neighborhood. 

Another first for the cruise line will be the Dueling Pianos bar on Deck 6. This is not your average piano bar. Each night, two pianists will take requests and go key-to-key in a friendly competition. 

Directly below Dueling Pianos is Spotlight Karaoke, which debuted on Oasis of the Seas after an extensive $165 million revitalization in 2019. Onboard Icon, though, you will find the best karaoke stage in the fleet! Plus, there will be private rooms for those who want a more intimate karaoke experience. 

Since Icon is meant to be the ultimate family vacation, it makes sense that Adventure Ocean can be accessed from the Royal Promenade, too.

Located in the heart of the ship, there are dedicated venues for children and teens, such as the brand-new Social 020, which offers teens an escape from parents that features state-of-the-art video game systems and movie room. 

For younger guests between the ages of 6-months and 12-years-old, Royal Caribbean is bringing back (and upgrading) their Adventure Ocean facilities.

Here, they will find age-appropriate rooms and activities, including a workshop that incorporates arts, crafts, and fun science experiences. There will even be an Adventure Ocean theater! 

In terms of entertainment, the Royal Promenade will be home to the largest ice arena at sea -- Absolute Zero -- with over 2,850 square feet of ice. It is different from other ice rinks on older Royal Caribbean ships, too, as it has been redesigned in an oval space that has two hidden entrances, allowing performers to enter the rink at high speeds and get right into the action! 

When not being used for shows, guests will have the opportunity to go skating. It can also be converted into a laser tag arena. 

Located in the forward of the ship is the Royal Theater. All of their past developments with technologies have been integrated into this space, allowing for the ultimate storytelling experiences at sea. 

"The Royal Promenade has been a staple of ours since the Voyager Class ships," said Jason Liberty, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

"Watching it grow not only in size but experience through the Freedom Class, Oasis Class, and now onto Icon Class is really remarkable. So you're going to see a larger, wider, longer, higher Promenade that's going to have a lot more experiences."

How much longer until Icon of the Seas sets sail?

In June, Icon of the Seas successfully completed her first round of sea trials.

During these tests, she traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested. 

Related: 11 reasons Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will change the cruise industry

Between preparing for the trials and the tests themselves, there were over 2,000 specialists who put in more than 350 hours of work in helping Icon of the Seas pass this important milestone. 

There's around round of sea trials scheduled for later in 2023 to make sure that Icon of the Seas is in tip-top shape before she is delivered to Royal Caribbean prior to her January 27, 2024 maiden voyage. 

Royal Caribbean is poised to launch its newest cruise ship that is going to stir up the cruise industry yet again.

Today, cruise lines are building ships that are bigger, better, and more technologically advanced than anything else at sea. Royal Caribbean could be deemed the leader in this regard, as they have held the record for largest cruise ship in the world since 2006. 

With each record-breaking ship, you want record-breaking amenities that cannot be found anywhere else; it is not enough to build the largest ship in the world. 

Despite initially being announced in 2016, details about Icon of the Seas were kept under lock and key until 2022. 

Here are 11 reasons Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will change the industry when she launches in early 2024. 

Icon of the Seas will be the world's largest cruise ship

Royal Caribbean is no stranger for breaking their own record when it comes to the largest cruise ship at sea. When Icon of the Seas debuts in January 2024, she will steal this title from Wonder of the Seas, the current record holder. 

Icon will measure 20 decks high, 1,198 feet long, and 250,800 gross tons, making her 6% larger than Wonder. 

Plus, she will set a maximum capacity record. At double occupancy, Icon can accommodate 5,610 passengers. When the ship is fully booked, she will be able to hold 7,600 guests. In comparison, Wonder of the Seas' maximum capacity is 6,988. 

Royal Caribbean's first LNG-powered ship

Every Royal Caribbean ship prior to Icon of the Seas has been built to be powered by diesel. LNG, or liquefied natural gas, is more energy efficient and will reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. 

Additionally, Icon of the Seas will be shore-power ready, meaning that if the destination has the required set up, she will be able to plug into local power grid. This replaces the need to use fuel every time ship is docked. 

Related: Royal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will advance goal of creating sustainable cruising

You will find the best neighborhood for adrenaline junkies

Thrill Island, one of eight neighborhoods onboard Icon of the Seas, will be home to Crown's Edge. This adventure course, which combines a ropes course, skywalk, and thrill ride into one, is about 49 feet tall and 44 feet wide. 

After stepping out onto a ledge that is 154 feet above the ocean, the walkway will stop. Eventually, a trap door will release, and you will be sent on a short glide over the sea. 

Thrill Island is also where you will find some fan-favorites, such as the FlowRider, redesigned five lane rock wall, and mini-golf. 

Record breaking water park at sea

Category 6, the largest water park at sea, will also be located inside of Thrill Island. The 17,010 square foot space will feature six recording breaking slides:

• Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides at sea that allow groups of four to ride together. 
• Pressure Drop, the first open free fall slide at sea. 

• Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide at sea with a 46 foot drop.

• Storm Chasers, the first duo mat-racing slides at sea.

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

Enhanced crew member areas 

In order to provide the best guest experience possible, Royal Caribbean has hired over 2,300 crew members from 80 countries to staff Icon. 

The company sent our surveys to crew members asking them what they wanted to see onboard the ship. As a result, the crew neighborhood will span four decks and will feature redesigned accommodations that maximize privacy and space with the unique L-shaped design. 

New cabins are not the only thing that crew members get to look forward to, as they have enhanced crew-only amenities, such as The Clubhouse, a lounge that features ping pong, foosball, and pool tables, as well as a bar to order anything from coffees to cocktails. 

There will also be a gym, salon, store, gaming room, indoor and outdoor bars, a multipurpose venue, and  Windjammer that will be the first in the fleet to feature live cooking stations in the crew buffet. 

Related: Royal Caribbean is adding the best crew member cabins and areas on its next new cruise ship

28 stateroom categories means that there is the perfect cabin for all travelers 

When booking a cruise onboard Icon of the Seas, you will be able to choose from 28 different stateroom categories, 14 of which are brand-new and cannot be found on any other ship in the fleet.

In total, there are 2,805 cabins that can accommodate a maximum capacity of 7,600 guests per sailing, meaning that around 80% of all staterooms have been designed for larger families.

Even if you are staying in a standard interior, ocean view, or balcony cabin, you can expect a refreshed design.

One of the first new cabins are the infinite balconies. With the touch of a button, the window at the end of the living space is lowered.

These rooms will offer a flexible 50 square feet of convertible indoor and outdoor space, meaning that these cabins will be longer than other balcony cabins and offer guests more usable space. 

Icon of the Seas will also have a family infinite balconies that will have in-room games, a split bathroom, and a bunk area for children that can be closed off with a curtain for privacy. 

Those looking for suites can find anything from the brand-new Surfside and AquaDome Suites to the 1,772-square-foot Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

Plus, Icon of the Seas has enhanced suite-only amenities in the Suite Neighborhood, ranging from the the two-story Grove Suite Sun Deck, private pool and hot tub, and two dedicated restaurants: The Grove and Coastal Kitchen. 

Related: Royal Caribbean designed first-of-its-kind cabins for its new cruise ship

Demand for the most exclusive suite onboard 

Despite being roughly six months away from her first sailing in January 2024, Icon of the Seas has already seen record-breaking demand from customers, including for the $80,000 Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

"I think we mentioned that the Ultimate Townhouse," said Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, "I think is pretty much sold out completely for 2024 at an average rate of about $78, $80,000 a week."

There is only one of these suites available onboard, and it is located at the aft of the ship within the Surfside Neighborhood. 

Inside the 1,772-square-foot, three-story stateroom is an in-suite slide, movie theater, karaoke machine and private deck with a ping pong table, outdoor seating, and a fence that connects directly to Surfside. It can accommodate up to eight guests. 

As part of the Star tier of the Royal Suite Class, staying in the Ultimate Family Townhouse comes with some incredible perks, including a complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package and gratuities, concierge service, private sun deck, and access to your own Royal Genie. 

40 ways to indulge, from Royal Caribbean's first food hall to the posh supper club

Icon of the Seas will have 10 brand-new dining concepts, with a total of 20 different venues to choose from. When you add the bars and lounges, there are 40 ways to indulge while onboard the ship. 

Whether you want to splurge on the eight-course meal at Empire Supper Club, try something new at the food hall, get sushi to-go at the walk up window in Central Park, or dine at other familiar favorites (think Chops Grill, Sorrento's, El Loco Fresh, and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar), there is something that will appeal to everyone's tastes and preferences. 

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

One-of-a-kind entertainment

When Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009, she was the first ship to feature the AquaTheater. Here, guests can watch captivating high diving and acrobatic shows that are unique to each ship. Since, however, it is located outdoors, shows are subject to the weather conditions. 

On Icon, water shows will take place inside of the 363-ton AquaDome that will incorporate a 55 foot tall waterfall. There will be two shows that passengers can see: "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs Mermaids." 

Other entertainment venues include Absolute Zero, the largest ice skating rink at sea, and Royal Theater. 

Like the AquaDome, Absolute Zero will host two different shows: "Starburst" and "Once Upon A Time."

"Wizard of Oz" will be the featured musical on Icon of the Seas. Nick Weir, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Entertainment, said that the targeted run-time for this show is 90 minutes. There will be an original production in the Royal Theater, too. 

Desire to create the ultimate family-friendly vacation

One major difference between Oasis and Icon ships is that Icon of the Seas will not feature the Boardwalk as one of her neighborhoods. Instead, guests will find Surfside, a purpose-built neighborhood for families that is home to Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. 

You will also find an arcade, playscape, carousel, and multiple dining venues, including a complimentary buffet to keep the fun going all day long without having to venture to the Windjammer. 

You will also find different stateroom options tailored to accommodate larger families, such as the Surfside Suite, which includes a separate nook for children that can be closed off at any point in time. 

Related: Royal Caribbean is building the best cruise ship for young families on Icon of the Seas with a new purpose-built area

Pools located on five different decks

Traditionally, the pool deck encompassed a single deck of the ship. On Icon, you will find pools scattered across five different decks, with the first being Water's Edge on Deck 7 in Surfside. 

If you make your way up to Deck 15, you will find three additional pools here: the adults-only Cove Pool, the suspended infinity Hideaway Pool at the aft of the ship, and Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea. They are dispersed throughout the deck to help keep crowds at bay. 

Deck 16 is home to the the largest swim-up bar at sea: Swim & Tonic. The connected pool has in-water loungers. Adjacent to the pool you will find more loungers and a hot tub. 

Onboard Icon, you will not find the adults-only Solarium. Instead, the area has been dubbed "Cloud 17." As you can imagine, it is located on Deck 17 and features both a secluded pool and cantilevered hot tub that overlooks the water. Cloud 17 also has private access to the tropical-inspired Lime and Coconut Bar.

Finally, those staying in suites that have access to The Grove will be able to utilize the private pool. 

At the heart of every Royal Caribbean cruise vacation are the crew members who work to make sure each guest has a memorable experience. 

Royal Caribbean shared an inside look at how they designed the crew's neighborhood onboard the highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas, which will have over 2,300 crew members from 80 counties. They will have their own indoor and outdoor pub, gym, and even salon. 

"Building Icon of the Seas and putting all these amazing neighborhoods and 'wow; moments on there," said Jason Liberty, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, "that's really the beginning of the experience. But in order to deliver on that experience, it will require what makes Royal Caribbean so special, which is our crew."

The crew neighborhood spans four decks and will feature redesigned accommodations

"Well, the good thing about a new class of ships is that we really get a chance to start from scratch and elevate the crew life onboard," said Henrik Loy, Captain of Icon of the Seas.  

Royal Caribbean sent our surveys to crew members asking them what they wanted to see onboard Icon, and at the top of the list was a place their home away from home: their cabin. 

In fact, the new design has been patented for its unique L-shaped layout. Other features include privacy curtains, enhanced finishes and materials, as well as easier to climb beds. 

"This [L-shape] accommodation allows each crew member to have their own private space where they can really relax and have their own time," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO.

After architects designed what they thought crew members wanted, Royal Caribbean gave crew the chance to sit down and be involved first-hand in the process. Over 1,000 crew members reviewed the mockups in person, and they were not all the same position. 

In total, the represented members were from 25 different nationalities and from 25 different onboard positions, with the estimated age range begin 22- to 55-years-old. 

Crew amenities 

For the first time, the finishes that are found throughout the passenger areas will be similar to those found in crew spaces. 

"One of the things that we've enhanced is what's called The Clubhouse," said Robert Hines, Newbuild Human Resources Manager for Royal Caribbean International.

"It's an area at the front of the ship, and it's our space to really chill out and relax...It's our space to really bond as a team."

Here, they will be able to grab anything from a coffee to a cocktail while relaxing in a massage chair, or they can challenge a fellow crew member to a game of ping pong, foosball, or pool. 

Plus, there will be four digital windows that allow for real-time views outside. 

Onboard, crew members will be also able to take care of their grooming needs with a crew-only salon. There will also be a crew store, as well as a gym. 

Dining and lounge options

"The crew can looking forward to in the crew Windjammer a lot of the same options that we serve to our guests," said Rebecca Burns, Senior Manager of Restaurant Operations for Royal Caribbean International, "That was something that was very important to us when developing the menus."

In addition to both hot and cold food stations, Icon of the Seas will be the first to feature live cooking stations in the crew buffet.

And the best part is that there will be ocean views from the crew Windjammer through port hole windows.

When it comes to crew bars, there is both an indoor and outdoor space that have forward facing views. 

There is also a multipurpose room that is meant to give crew members an area to host celebrations. It is not just an entertainment venue, either, as it can also be used for trainings. 

For gamers, there is a dedicated game room just for them. This room will feature seven divided spaces that allow for everyone to have their own nook.

"There's a degree of practicality that has to be applied for all of our crew spaces because we have a lot of crew, so you've got to find that balance between functionality, practicality, and comfort and design," said Bayley. 

Icon of the Seas progress

In June 2023, Icon of the Seas completed her first round of sea trials. On June 22, the ship returned to the Meyer Turku shipyard after spending four days at sea. 

During the trials, she traveled hundreds of miles and had the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels tested by hundreds of specialists. 

Despite her initial departure being delayed, all tests were completed on time as outlined in the schedule. 

A lot still has to be done in preparation for Icon's maiden voyage on January 27, 2024. There is, for instance, another round of sea trials set for later in 2023.  

A milestone in the construction of Royal Caribbean's first Icon Class cruise ship was just completed. 

On June 22, the brand-new ship successfully completed her initial round of sea trials and returning to the Meyer Turku shipyard, where she departed from four days ago. This is where the ship has been under construction since April 2022 when the kneel was laid. 

In other words, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class has now sailed through the open ocean! 

Icon of the Seas' first sea trials

During her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested. Everything was done on time as outlined in the schedule, despite her departure being delayed due to wind conditions. 

When sea trials take place, hundreds of specialists run tests to help assess different technical areas of the ship, and there were more than 450 specialists who helped to run the four days tests on the ship’s technical areas during this round of sea trials. 

Between preparing for the trial and the tests themselves, there were over 2,000 specialists who put in more than 350 hours of work in helping Icon of the Seas pass this important milestone. 

A second set of sea trials is planned for later in 2023, where Icon's abilities will be pushed even further. All of this is done to make sure that the ship is in tip-top shape being before delivered to Royal Caribbean. 

Operation food bag donation 

When Icon of the Seas returned from her first set of sea trials, she returned with a truckload of food to donate to the non-profit organization Operaatio Ruokakassi, or Operation Food Bag. 

Operation Food Bag is based out of Turku, Finland that was founded in March 2008. Their goal is to acquire and deliver food to those in need. All food that is distributed is free to those who apply. 

In 2022 alone, the non-profit distributed over four million pounds of food, and every week, they give out roughly 4,100 bags. 

Nearing the maiden voyage

There's roughly seven months to go until this record-breaking ship departs on her first voyage out of Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024. This is where she will be based through at least April 2025, where she will make 7-night cruises to the Caribbean. 

When she is completed, Icon of the Seas will be 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas, which means that she will steal the title for largest cruise ship in the world. 

As if that was not something to look forward to. (as Oasis Class ships have retained this title for over one decade), she will introduce brand firsts, such as Izumi in the Park, the AquaDome, family-focused Surfside neighborhood, Category 6 water park, and more. 

Between now and the second set of sea trials, there is still a lot that needs to be done before she is ready for passengers to board to experience the ultimate family vacation. 

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship has made it out to sea.

Icon of the Seas left her pier at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland to commence her sea trials.

Icon of the Seas will be conducting week-long series of sea trials where the ship's maneuvering and onboard technology are tested in real-life conditions.

There are over 450 specialists on the ship to carry out crucial, preliminary tests with Icon’s main engines, hull, lifeboats, thrusters and more.

This is the first sea trial for Icon, and this round will prepare the vessel for the second round of sea trials later this year. That is when Royal Caribbean says the ship will be, "pushed to its limits".

Before you pack your bags, there's still quite a bit of time left before she is ready to take on passengers.

Icon still needs plenty of work and fine tuning, and she's not slated to have her first cruise with paying passengers until January 2024.

On a webinar last week, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the excitement building now for Icon, "I think for all of the teams who've been involved in Icon for the past five years, the excitement level is beginning to really increase. You can feel it."

The shipyard is equally excited for the sea trials beginning, "We are once again very happy that we get to celebrate yet another significant achievement, as Icon leaves the outfitting pier for the first time, and continues her journey through the Turku archipelago towards the sea."

Not only is Icon of the Seas a new ship, but it it's a new direction for what a cruise ship can offer families on a vacation.

The ship is packed with just about everything Royal Caribbean thinks families will want on their trip.

There's a water park, more pools than ever, lots of new dining choices, adult-only spaces, an entire neighborhood for kids and more superlatives than you can associate with a cruise ship.

What are sea trials?

Sea trials are tests of a cruise ship's navigational and technical systems, which are the final part of cruise ship construction prior to delivery.

Everything from the ship's propulsion, to navigation, to engines are tested before it can be ready to join the fleet.

Sea trials range in duration, sometimes one or two sessions is common.

The sea trials are conducted with a combination of Royal Caribbean crew members, as well as shipyard workers. 

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

"Icon will depart from the Turku shipyard for the first time ever during the weekend, when Icon's week-long sea trials begin," confirmed Meyer Turku's Facebook page. 

Over the course of the week, certain systems and features will be tested that cannot when she the ship is docked. 

"Thank you to everyone involved in the Icon project! Icon's seaworthiness is the result of the combined expertise of Meyer's top professionals from many different fields."

"Let's wish a good voyage to Icon of the Seas, and prepare to welcome Icon back to the shipyard after her trials!"

The Meyer Turku Facebook page stated that they will post more pictures of Icon of the Seas once she official departs. 

Related: 9 new things about Icon of the Seas I learned during my shipyard tour

What are sea trials?

Sea trials test a cruise ship's navigational and technical systems. This is the final part of a cruise ship construction prior to delivery.

During these tests, everything from the ship's propulsion to navigation and engines are tested. It is imperative that everything be in tip-top shape when the ship officially joins the fleet. 

Sea trials range in duration. Wonder of the Seas', for instance, was only four days. Moreover, sometimes it is common for there to be two different sessions. 

The sea trials are conducted with a combination of shipyard employees, as well as Royal Caribbean crew members.

First ship of her kind

Royal Caribbean has not launched a new class of ship since 2014, making Icon of the Seas that much more exciting.

Not only will she be the largest cruise ship in the world, but she will also feature many firsts for both the cruise line and industry, including the record-breaking Category 6 water park.  

Upon completion, she will be 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas, who currently holds the title for largest cruise ship in the world.

The 250,800 gross ton ship will be nothing short of thrilling, offering something to appeal to everyone!

From relaxing on the revamped pool decks, to catching an exciting show at the AquaDome, spending quality time together in the family-centered Surfside neighborhood, and indulging in brand-new culinary experiences, Icon of the Seas is set to offer the ultimate family vacation. 

"We think it's going to be the best family vacation in the world," said Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.

"And all of the energy and time that's gone into creating this ship is just mind blowing."

Related: Why are new cruise ships still being built?

Demand is so strong for Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship that hasn't even begun sailing yet that the line has sold out every single reservation for its most expensive suite ever for the year.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is the cruise line's first new ship class in almost a decade, and the company is betting big on its success.

Despite being more than 7 months away from the first sailing in January 2024, it's already seeing record-breaking demand from customers.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about how strong the business is right now, and highlighted an eye-opening statistic about sales for the new ship.

"I think the entire ship is just stunning. And I think we're seeing that in the bookings," he said during a webinar with travel agents on Wednesday.

"The sales for icon are amazing. The the yields are just fantastic. So again, we're very happy with how Icon is playing out."

To exemplify just how much demand there is for Icon, Mr. Bayley talked about how well the most expensive suite onboard the ship is selling.

The three-story "Ultimate Family Townhouse" is located in the Surfside neighborhood for young families.

"I think we mentioned that the Ultimate Townhouse, I think is pretty much sold out completely for 2024 at an average rate of about $78, $80,000 a week."

Bookings for Icon only opened up in October 2022.

This cabin is a 1,772-square-foot Ultimate Family Townhouse that will be three decks high and sleep up to eight people.

It features an in-suite slide, movie-viewing room, karaoke machine and a "backyard" with a ping pong table, outdoor seating and a white picket fence leading directly to the Surfside area.

Icon of the Seas will offer guests a variety of room options spanning across 28 unique categories, offering some of the most spacious rooms Royal Caribbean has ever designed. 

"Icon is going to be the best family vacation in the world,” said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer in a video update from January 2023. "You can’t have an ultimate family vacation without a purpose-built neighborhood for families."

Royal Caribbean has created its first neighborhood on Icon of the Seas dedicated entirely to young families. It's an open-air space at the back of the ship.

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. 

Surfside neighborhood will also offer family-friendly dining venues. 

Next to Splashaway Bay and next to a deep water pool, you have a grab-and-go eater at Surfside Bites. Then there's Surfside Eatery, which is Royal Caribbean's first buffet just families.  The Lemon Post bar is also a new concept that is the first bar to feature an adult menu and a kids menu. This will serve traditional tropical cocktails, as well as mocktails.

There's also a new specialty restaurant, Pier 7, which is described as a casual Boardwalk eatery.

The 1,198-foot-long mega-ship will be able to accommodate 7,600 guests across its 2,805 staterooms, which will make it the world's largest cruise ship once it debuts.

Icon will be 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas, which is currently the world's largest cruise ship.

The first sailing of Icon of the Seas will be a 7-night cruise from Miami on January 27, 2024.

The ship will sail year-round out of Miami in 2024, alternating between Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, with four different routings available for departures between January 2024 and April 2025.

Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship is making steady progress towards being completed, and we have a new look at what it looks like now.

Icon of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. Based on the new set of photos, the top deck is starting to come together.

In an effort to keep our readers up to date, RoyalCaribbeanBlog commissioned its own aerial drone photos to share what we can see so far from the shipyard.

These photos were taken on June 6, 2023 to provide a glimpse of how the ship looks today.

Having visited the shipyard last month, it's clear one noticeable change from the exterior is how much of the ship is no longer covered up.

Another change you might detect is the addition of more of the water slides.

Icon of the Seas will have an entire water park when the ship launches, known as Category 6.

Category 6 will be the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides. Other Royal Caribbean ships have only 2 or 3 slides.

• Pressure Drop: the industry’s first open free-fall slide
• Frightening Bolt: the tallest drop slide at sea
• Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter: family raft slides which can fit 4 riders per raft
• Storm Chasers: the cruise industry’s first mat-racing duo

The water slides are part of the Thrill Island neighborhood.

Royal Caribbean thinks Thrill Island will be a beacon for thrill seekers.

At the front of the ship, you'll find a sprawling pool deck that the cruise line hopes evokes a resort-style feel.

Read more: Royal Caribbean designed its new Icon of the Seas cruise ship to have a beach retreat experience

Icon will have 62% more water surface area than the Oasis Class cruise ships, and that means more pools than the cruise line has ever had before.

You'll find the largest pool at sea, an adult only pool, and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Five of the seven pools on Icon of the Seas are located in Chill Island.

Something else I noticed is we can see more of The Grove and the Suite Neighborhood.

Beyond the top deck changes, the side of the ship looks more like the concept art we've seen.  With less of the protective coverings on, there's more glass visible.

At 250,800 gross tons ,the 20-deck-high vessel will be the biggest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in 2024. 

What we can see from the air is just a fraction of what Royal Caribbean has planned for the ship.

Royal Caribbean has lofty expectations for its first Icon Class ship, which has the aim of being the ultimate family vacation and a megaresort at sea for all to enjoy.

Icon of the Seas has a price tag of more than $2 billion and has been under construction for just about two years. 

Nearly ready for the next phase

There's still seven months to go until Icon of the Seas begins sailing with paying passengers, and there's still lots of work left to complete.

In May 2023, Royal Caribbean said Icon of the Seas more than 80% done.

In fact, the shipyard said last month that Icon of the Seas could start her sea trials as early as mid-June.

When the sea trials are complete, there may be some final adjustments that need to be made before the ship is prepared for delivery.

Once the ship reaches 90% completion, much of the final ceiling panels and final finishes are added to make the ship look more complete from a visual standpoint.

In the fall, the plan is to finalize all staterooms, the commissioning of the ship, and all the special features.

Being the first in a class of ships, Icon of the Seas has more time built into her build schedule to prepare it for service.

Royal Caribbean has designed plenty to do on its next new cruise ship, including ways to relax, as if you were at the beach.

Icon of the Seas will launch early next year, and among the many things you can do onboard will also be ways to not to anything.

The cruise line is known for packing its ships the sort of whizzbang features that capture the imagination of the public, but they also want to ensure it has thrills, dining variety, nightlife, and shopping to make a great resort getaway.

Two new neighborhoods will be part of the Icon of the Seas launch aimed at giving guests the perfect spot for a calm escape: Chill Island and The Hideaway.

In short, Royal Caribbean wanted to create something more than just your average cruise ship pool decks.

Chill Island

Located in the middle of the top deck is the new multi-deck experience centered around the idea of enjoying time by the water.

Whether it's sitting by the pool, listening to the Caribbean band, or enjoying time at the ship's swim-up bar, the idea behind Chill Island is you can pick from different ways to take it easy.

You won't have to go far to find an aquatic escape, as Chill Island has plenty of it.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley saw the demand for being in close proximity to water as important to their customers, "Our research told us that people wanted to not only look at the water, see the ocean, but they wanted to be surrounded by water, whether it's a whirlpool, Jacuzzi, whether it's a swimming pool, whether it's a beach pool, really, that whole experience is built around water."

That lead Royal Caribbean to want to build more pools than ever before. In fact, there's 62% more water surface area than on the Oasis Class cruise ships.

You'll find the largest pool at sea, an adult only pool, and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Five of the seven pools on Icon of the Seas are located in Chill Island.

Royal Bay: the largest pool ever put on a ship. The entry of the pool has shallow water, along with two hot tubs that flank either side of the pool. There's also the longest deep water pool that the cruise line has ever created.

Swim & Tonic: The first true swim-up bar that you'll find on a Royal Caribbean ship, and it will have a party vibe all day. You'll find a DJ nearby so that you can dance in the shallow water or just enjoy the experience.

The Cove: A smaller pool with infinity ocean views.  Think more zen than busy, as it has a calmer experience. Royal Caribbean put it on the edge of the ship so you can not only sit in the water, but also enjoy views of the ocean.

Cloud 17: This is the adult-only area on Icon of the Seas.  While the ship doesn't have a Solarium, it does have a new take on adults-only. It has views of the ocean, cocktails, and hot tubs to enjoy.

The Hideaway

Royal Caribbean describes its Hideaway neighborhood as having a combination of day club and beach club, centered around a suspended infinity pool.

In fact, this is the first suspended infinity pool on a cruise ship, with 180-degree views of the ocean.

"You can get incredible views, great music, fantastic drinks with proximity to food from base camp. And it's going to be a place our guests are going to really make it their hideaway," said Royal Caribbean's Associate Vice President of Product Development, Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez .

Royal Caribbean is planning on creating a few special cocktails specifically for the Hideaway neighborhood to further enhance what makes this area unique.

Connection to the ocean

While both of these neighborhoods have intriguing things to enjoy, Royal Caribbean wanted to ensure you had a view to the ocean so it felt just like a beach resort.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said this wasn't just a gut feeling, but in fact something the line heard from customers, "When it comes down to market research, and of course understanding what our guests are looking to do, we know one of the major draws is wanting to be connected to the water."

"And so you'll see we've really leveraged the latest shipping nautical technology to really bring some of our spaces to just grander levels so people always feel like they're connected to the ocean."

More than just having pools, you'll notice the design of the pools draws the guest towards the ocean.  You'll notice the pools on Icon of the Seas allow guests to physically be in the water while looking at the ocean.