Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ship and began offering cruises in January 2024.
Icon of the Seas is the first in a new type of Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and is 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. She is more than 6% bigger than Wonder of the Seas and is able to hold up to 7,600 passengers. Icon of the Seas is also 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 cruise ship went to Cadiz, Spain and Ponce, Puerto Rico to receive its finishing touches. She visited 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 launched in early 2024, Icon of the Seas became 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 has a new design, size, and look compared to other ships that came before her.
Icon of the Seas can carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy (or nearly 10,000 people when you account for the crew).
Icon of the Seas is 20 decks high, 1,198 feet long, and measures 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 offers cruises from Miami, Florida.
Miami will be Icon's homeport from January 2024 through at least April 2026.
Icon of the Seas itineraries
Icon of the Seas offers weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, and each visits Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The inaugural Icon of the Seas sailing was January 27, 2024.
Other sailings include:
- 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 has 8 neighborhoods to help passengers easily navigate the ship.
AquaDome
Instead of a Solarium at the front of the ship, Icon of the Seas has 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 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 has its own lush green place onboard, with thousands of real plants, dining, and live music.
The open-air garden neighborhood has living plants, where you can enjoy all sorts of dining and entertainment.
Royal Caribbean opened a new jazz club in Central Park, called 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 is in Central Park.
Izumi in the Park has 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 is a Trellis Bar in Central Park, and it has a new look and offers food for the first time.
Read more: Icon of the Seas Central Park: What to expect
Chill Island
Royal Caribbean had plans for the best pool deck at sea with Chill Island.
Chill Island has ocean views galore from the three-deck pool area.
Icon of the Seas has 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 on 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 of the Seas introduced the first water park at sea.
Related: Royal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will have the largest water park to thrill all ages
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.
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 is one FlowRider surf simulator onboard, as well as other brand staples like Adrenaline Peak – the ultimate rock-climbing expedition – a Sports Court, and a totally reimagined Lost Dunes mini-golf course.
After all that fun, you might want to take a break. Nearby, there's Desserted, which is a milkshake bar that has over-the-top milkshakes (including some that have alcohol), and Basecamp, which offers complimentary and for-fee snacks.
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 offers 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 at The Lemon Post.
Kids using Splashaway Bay must be fully potty trained. Baby Bay is for children who are still in diapers but gives them 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.
Water's 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. Think Las Vegas pool party.
The Hideaway is the adults-only area on Icon of the Seas. Here, you'll find the first suspended infinity pool at sea.
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 are 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Suite neighborhood
The Royal Suite Class benefits are 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 is 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 with lounge space, a pool, a 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 features 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, 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 that 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's also 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 is a combination of new dining concepts and returning favorites on Icon of the Seas, and some are 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. 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
Located on deck 15, El Loco Fresh offers grab-and-go 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, including popcorn chicken, hot dogs, burgers, and sweet treats.
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
- Starbucks
- Sugar Beach
- Trellis Bar
What's included with your Icon of the Seas fare?
While it might seem like there are 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 are 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 infinity 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 (five 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 for ages 3-12)
- Social 020 (ultimate teen hangout)
In addition, there's free programming all day, including trivia, themed events, parades, and more.
Icon of the Seas Bars & Nightlife
Royal Caribbean offers a combination of new and fan-favorite bars to enjoy on Icon of the Seas.
Dueling Pianos: Royal Caribbean’s first dueling pianos bar has 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 the 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 board games, 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 is 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 also found on Icon include:
- Trellis Bar
- Boleros
- Schooner Bar
- Point & Feather English pub
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Spotlight Karaoke
- Music Hall
- The Attic comedy club
What shows will be on Icon of the Seas?
There will be three primary venues for shows: AquaDome, Absolute Zero, and Royal Theater.
The premier show in the AquaDome will be "Aqua Nation!". "Pirates vs Mermaids" is the name of the other show in the AquaDome.
"Starburst" is the name of the ice skating show in the Absolute Zero ice skating arena. There is an additional show in Absolute Zero, "Once Upon A Time."
"Wizard of Oz" will be the featured musical on Icon of the Seas and it has a targeted runtime of around 90 minutes.
Icon of the Seas was delivered in late November 2023
Icon of the Seas 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 was 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.
More than 82% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will accommodate three or more guests, and more than 70% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will have a balcony.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites
There are 2,805 total staterooms on Icon of the Seas:
- 179 suites
- 1,815 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 and accessible options in every category, location, 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 four 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.
Related: Icon of the Seas cabins to avoid
Icon of the Seas cabin tours:
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's also a 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 maximum 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 the 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 of the Seas is 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.
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
Save this blog on Pinterest
