A NEW ERA OF VACATIONS IS ON ITS WAY: ICON OF THE SEAS OFFICIALLY JOINS ROYAL CARIBBEAN AHEAD OF JANUARY DEBUT

A Celebration in Turku, Finland, Marks the Completion of 900 Days of Construction and the Start of Putting the Finishing Touches on the Ultimate Family Vacation

It’s official! After more than seven years of dreaming and 900 days of design and construction, Icon of the Seas officially joins the Royal Caribbean fleet.

The cruise line hosted a ceremony, where representatives signed on the dotted line just two months before the ship’s January 2024 debut.

“Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

“Delivering Icon of the Seas represents all that can be accomplished with strong partnerships and a commitment to delivering memorable vacations responsibly, and we thank Meyer Turku and an incredible village of skilled partners for joining us on this journey. The memories millions of families and vacationers will make on Icon will be our greatest accomplishment yet.”

The transfer of ownership, commonly known as the delivery of a new ship, between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku also commemorated the series of never-before-seen feats accomplished during more than two years of construction. From the installation of the AquaDome, the single largest glass and steel structure to be lifted onto a cruise ship, to engineering more water on board than ever before across seven pools and six record-breaking waterslides.

Icon will sail from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, where the cruise line will put the finishing touches on the world’s best vacation before it heads to Miami. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 29, adventurers can follow Icon’s journey by visiting Royal Caribbean’s website.

“Welcoming Icon of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family is a remarkable accomplishment years in the making for thousands of innovators, engineers, architects and designers,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Seven years ago, we had an ambitious idea to create the first vacation truly made for every type of family and adventurer; now, it’s in our hands, and in this final stretch, we’ll bring it all to life for the biggest debut in our history in January 2024.”

More on Icon of the Seas

Whether getting away as a family, couple, or friends, Icon’s lineup features firsts and next-level favorites for everyone.

There are adrenaline-pumping thrills, unrivaled ways to chill, and more than 40 ways to dine and drink. There’s also cutting-edge entertainment across the cruise line’s four signature stages – air, ice, water and theater.

And with 28 different ways to stay, including the new three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse, even the rooms are thoughtfully designed for every type of vacationer.

The five brand-new neighborhoods and three reimagined favorites are destinations in themselves. They are filled with a variety of experiences, live entertainment, restaurants, and bars.

Thrill Island 

The new center of thrill features Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides. Crown’s Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course, and part thrill ride on which adventurers swing 154 feet above the ocean. There’s also the FlowRider simulator, the Lost Dunes minigolf course, and more.

In between adrenaline rushes, just steps away are new spots to grab laidback bites or sweet treats: Basecamp and Desserted.

Chill Island

Four of the seven pools are at this three-deck slice of paradise, each with unique vibes and prime ocean views. The lively Swim & Tonic is the cruise line’s first swim-up bar at sea. Royal Bay is the largest pool at sea. There’s also Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool.

With live bands and DJs, and poolside spots for drinks and quick, casual food – like The Lime & Coconut and its new frozen cocktail bar, and El Loco Fresh & Cantina Fresca – vacationers can chill day and night.

Surfside

Introducing the first neighborhood made for young families, adults and kids can stay and play all day. There’s new ways to splash like the Water’s Edge pool for grownups nearby Baby Bay and the Splashaway Bay aquapark.

There’s also new dining options such as the Surfside Eatery buffet, Pier 7 for all-day brunch, and Surfside Bites. There’s also The Lemon Post, a brand-new bar that features two menus – one for adults and the other for kids.

AquaDome

A tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night. This new neighborhood is filled with wraparound ocean views, new and returning restaurants and bars, a 55-foot-tall water curtain, and the next-level AquaTheater that debuts the first cast of robots, skateboarders, divers, and more.

From Royal Caribbean’s first foodhall, AquaDome Market, and Rye & Bean – a new bar for lattes and coffee-infused cocktails – to the new Overlook bar and pods, and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows, it’s a transformational experience.

The Hideaway 

Tucked away 135 feet above the ocean is a new neighborhood that combines the good vibes of beach club scenes. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the center of it all. It has 180-degree ocean views making it the perfect place to watch sunsets and enjoy the dedicated DJ and bar.

Royal Promenade 

The heartbeat of Icon features more than 15 restaurants, bars, and lounges. This includes Dueling Pianos, Royal Caribbean’s first dueling pianos bar. The 1400 Lobby Bar, inspired by shipbuilding, has a terrace open to the outdoors for the first time. And favorites with a twist like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Starbucks, and more.

It also debuts floor-to-ceiling ocean views, an engineering feat made possible by The Pearl, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture.

Central Park 

Lusher and livelier, the open-air neighborhood features more ways to dine, drink, and entertain. Thousands of real plants line new experiences and favorites with a twist. The popular Izumi has a new location and a walkup window.

Making their debut are Empire Supper Club, an extravagant experience that pairs eight courses with wine, cocktails, and music. And Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues which is home to live performances of soulful jazz music.

Suite Neighborhood 

Spanning four decks is Royal Caribbean’s most expansive Suite Neighborhood. It features larger suites ad the new Grove Suite Sun Deck, complete with a private pool, whirlpool, and dedicated Mediterranean dining. There’s also the now two-level Coastal Kitchen with views of the AquaDome and the ocean.

Icon of the Seas Itineraries

Every type of adventurer can get away on the world’s best vacation any time of the year. Each 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventure from Miami features idyllic destinations across the Caribbean. All itineraries also feature a day of thrill and chill at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Plus, dialing up the perfect on Perfect Day in January 2024 is the island’s first adults-only escape, Hideaway Beach. This all-day experience has a private beach and pools, new dedicated spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, and more.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

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