Royal Caribbean has finally pulled back the curtain on its newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, and all we can say is WOW! This once again game-changing vessel for the cruise line is set to officially debut in January 2024 with plenty of first for the brand and first in the industry features.
There’s no doubt that Icon of the Seas will deliver iconic family vacations. If you are just as excited about this new ship as we were, here’s our first look at the new Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Revealed
How Big is Icon of the Seas?
Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas will arrive in late 2023 ahead of her January 2024 debut from Miami. This first ship in the Icon Class will weigh in at 250,800 gross tons and carry 5,610 guests at double occupancy. Icon of the Seas will feature 20 total decks, 2,805 staterooms, 7 pools, 9 whirlpools, and 6 record-breaking waterslides. This means that Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship to date!
Further, the Icon Class also marks the next step in Royal Caribbean’s journey toward a clean-energy future. Icon will be the cruise line’s first ship with fuel cell technology and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Along with shore power connection and waste heat recovery systems, this new ship will be the cruise line’s most sustainable to date.
“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.”
“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
“Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritizing experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise. It’s this first-of-its-kind combination that makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is here.”
Where Will Icon of the Seas Sail From?
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Further, every cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Eager to hop onboard? Cruisers can book their iconic vacations on this ship beginning Tuesday, October 25th. Even better, Crown and Anchor members will have early access on Monday, October 24th.
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Eight Neighborhoods on Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean begins to spotlight what’s in store with the first look at eight neighborhoods that come alive day and night, including five brand-new adventures and three bold, returning favorites.
It’s almost like all your favorite features from Royal Caribbean ships and from Perfect Day at CocoCay collide on Icon of the Seas for one OMG moment after another.
Thrill Island
Thrill Island is where vacationers can test their limits, scale new heights, and reach top speeds. This “lost island” concept neighborhood will combine first-time thrills and favorites on Icon of the Seas. Thrill Island is home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides! They include some of the longest, tallest, and fastest slides in the world.
Pressure Drop and its 66-degree incline make it the industry’s first open free-fall slide. With this slide, you will need to gain the courage to push yourself off the edge. The 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt is the tallest drop slide at sea. On this slide, you will stand in a capsule and the floor will completely drop from underneath you.
Further, Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter are the first family raft slides at sea with four riders per raft. While Storm Chasers is cruising’s first mat-racing duo.
Not to mention, all the thrill-seekers among us will love Crown’s Edge, which incorporates the iconic Crown and Anchor symbol for a one-of-a-kind attraction. Part skywalk, part ropes course, and part thrill ride, it culminates in a surprise swing from 154 feet above the ocean.
This neighborhood also features returning favorites. These include a new take on mini golf at Lost Dunes and rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak. You will also find the Flowrider and Sports Court here.
Chill Island
The new Chill Island is a 3-deck slice of paradise with multiple zones and experiences. The neighborhood includes lots of space and is built completely around water for an ultimate day of relaxation. Featuring four pools, there’s a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views bringing guests closer to the water.
The vibrant Swim & Tonic is the line’s first swim-up bar at sea with a large pool and resting spots within the pool (Deck 16).
Royal Bay Pool (Deck 15) is the largest pool at sea with a band and plenty of Caribbean vibes. This pool has over 40,000 gallons of water, in-water loungers, and raised whirlpools offering plenty of space to soak up the sun.
Further, Cloud 17 is an adults-only retreat (Deck 17) with a secluded pool and a cantilevered whirlpool, and Cove Pool (Deck15) is a serene, infinity-edge pool.
Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.
Surfside
The new Surfside neighborhood is specifically designed for families, where adults and kids ages six and under will want to stay and play all day. Replacing the Boardwalk neighborhood on Oasis Class ships, Surfside takes your family vacation to the next level.
In this neighborhood, grownups can soak up the endless views at Water’s Edge pool (Deck 7). They can enjoy themselves while keeping an eye on the kids at the adjacent Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, complete with slides, drench buckets, and more. So it’s a win, win.
Surfside will offer the perfect mix to keep the kids entertained without compromising parents’ vacation experiences. There are nearby dining options, places to lounge, a bar, a reimagined carousel, and an arcade.
Additionally, Adventure Ocean and Social020 for teens are located nearby.
Oh yeah, there’s even three ways to access this neighborhood! You can come up the stairs, enter directly from deck 7, or slide in from Central Park.
The Hideaway
Tucked away at the aft of the ship, this neighborhood can be found 135 feet above the ocean. It combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and uninterrupted ocean views that only a cruise can offer.
At the center of the Hideaway neighborhood, there is the first suspended infinity pool at sea (Deck15). This pool is surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, a variety of seating, and a dedicated bar.
While Royal Caribbean has made no mention yet, we suspect that this area will be an up-charge similar to the Vibe Beach Club on NCL ships.
Watch Our First Look at Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Video!
AquaDome
Located forward on the ship, the fifth new neighborhood coming to Icon of the Seas is AquaDome. Perched at the top of Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas, there is a transformational place unlike any other.
By day, the AquaDome is a tranquil oasis where guests can take in 220-degree views and an awe-inspiring 55 foot tall waterfall as they enjoy food and drinks. By night, this area becomes a vibrant place with restaurants, bars, and the cruise line’s signature aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheater.
We are envisioning Two70 meets AquaTheater meets Solarium. This enclosed AquaDome means guests can enjoy the space and the evening performances no matter the weather outside.
This signature entertainment venue takes artistry and cutting-edge technology to new heights, with a transforming pool, four robotic arms, state-of-the-art projection, and more. While much of the technology here is still top secret, Nick Weir indicates that the venue will feature stage lifts, 3D flying, and more.
He also promises Icon of the Seas will have the best entertainment ever seen!
Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade has been elevated even further on Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas as well. This even grander promenade features its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views with 36×95 foot windows.
Plus, The Royal Promenade will feature more than 15 restaurants, cafes, bars, and lounges. One of our personal favorites, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, will find its home on the Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas.
At long last, it has finally been revealed that the Royal Promenade will also be the home of The Pearl. This large structure appears to span three decks and will presumably replace the former Rising Tide Bar.
This reimagined Royal Promenade will also feature the largest and boldest ice arena to date, Absolute Zero. With a new circular stage design, every seat is the best seat in the house. In this new space, cutting-edge technology and Olympic-level ice skaters merge to bring show-stopping entertainment to life.
Central Park
The latest rendition of the Central Park neighborhood on Icon of the Seas will be more lush and livelier than ever before. It has more ways to dine and be entertained than any of the previous ships in the fleet.
This neighborhood will feature four living plant walls that are 5 decks high and 20% more trees.
Additionally, the Asian-inspired Izumi will have a new home in Central Park on Icon of the Seas.
Suite Neighborhood
Icon of the Seas will also feature the largest Suite Neighborhood in the fleet. This Suite Neighborhood will be three decks of luxury. Now, Royal Suite Class guests can unwind at their own private pool, whirlpool, and a new casual, al fresco Mediterranean dining venue.
Further, it will feature the cruise line’s most spacious suites, a multilevel suite sun deck called The Grove (Deck 18), and a two-story Coastal Kitchen with prime views into the AquaDome.
Stateroom Categories on Royal Caribbean’s New Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas will feature 28 different ways to stay, with more thoughtfully designed cabins for every type of traveler. The ship will feature the most spacious rooms with new categories that elevate comfort and innovation.
There are new layouts made for families, like the Family Infinite Balcony and Surfside Family Suite. These rooms feature kids alcoves tucked away from the adults. The Family Infinite Balcony will feature the same infinite veranda technology which debuted on Celebrity’s Edge Class of ships and a split bathroom design. These cabins can accommodate families up to six.
The Surfside Family Suite will overlook the new Surfside neighborhood. This stateroom category will feature a private balcony and Royal Suite Class perks.
Then, there’s the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse. This stateroom features some of the classics from the previous Ultimate Family Suite, like an in-suite slide, a cinema space, karaoke, and a spacious balcony, along with a private entrance to the Surfside and even its own white picket fence and mailbox!
When it comes to unparalleled views on Icon of the Seas, there’s the brand’s first Sunset Corner Suites. The Sunset Corner Suites will be located at the back of the ship with large wrap-around balconies and amazing sunset views.
Then, there’s the Panoramic Ocean View suites and rooms. These rooms offer stunning views thanks to wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Icon of the Seas will also feature Infinite Ocean View Balcony staterooms. While, the new Inside Plus rooms on Icon of the Seas will feature a new, intuitive layout and a deluxe closet.
Even the staterooms for crew have been reimagined on Icon of the Seas. The ship features a new, patented stateroom created by crew for crew. Other crew areas will have more intuitive design, amenities, room, and activities as well.
More details about Icon of the Seas will be revealed in the coming months. So, be sure to stay tuned for all the details.
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Comments
Are you excited that we finally got a first look at the new Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas? Which neighborhoods and features are you most looking forward to checking out once this ship debuts? Drop us an anchor below to share your reactions to this big reveal of Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship.
