Royal Caribbean does it again with Icon of the Seas! Another record-breaking, game-changing vessel from the cruise line has just set sail from Miami.
At 250,800 GT, Icon of the Seas has 20 total decks, 2805 staterooms, 2350 crew, 7 pools, 9 whirlpools, 6 record-breaking waterslides, 8 neighborhoods, and over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges. At double occupancy, the ship accommodates 5,610 guests. Icon of the Seas is also Royal Caribbean’s most sustainable cruise ship yet.
However, to say that Icon of the Seas is just an evolution of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class would be underselling this new Icon Class of ships. While there are some similarities, there are also quite a few differences. The decor, layout, and design have all been taken to the next level.
The cruise ship has also debuted new neighborhoods, new restaurants, and new bars that can’t be found anywhere else in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Not to mention, many familiar favorites have also been elevated, making them better than ever before.
If you are planning to cruise on the new Icon of the Seas cruise ship, you’ve come to the right place. We have your complete resource covering everything you want to know about this largest cruise ship in the world. And if we don’t answer all your questions in this guide, be sure to reach out to us.
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Your Complete Resource to the New Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas Neighborhoods
Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas cruise ship is so big that it has its own neighborhoods. While other cruise lines have tried to replicate with “zones”, nothing really compares. While Icon of the Seas is only 10% bigger than Wonder of the Seas (the previously largest ship in the fleet), it has been completely reimagined to maximize space.
Icon of the Seas does a much better job of making each neighborhood distinct. Whether swapping out venues or adding new eateries and entertainment offerings, these changes were meant to make each neighborhood “inhabitable” for the entire day. Now, no matter what type of traveler you are, there is a neighborhood for you.
The neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas include:
- Chill Island (NEW)
- Thrill Island (NEW)
- The Hideaway (NEW)
- Surfside (NEW)
- Central Park
- Royal Promenade
- AquaDome (NEW)
- Suite Neighborhood
Chill Island
Chill Island is just one of the 8 neighborhoods found on Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest Icon of the Seas cruise ship. This reimagined pool deck offers cruisers so many new and unique ways to chill, along with places to grab a drink and a bite to eat.
This 3-deck area, spanning decks 15-17, has 4 pools each with nearby whirlpools as well. Now, there is a pool for every mood. There is also 62% more water surface than ever before on Royal Caribbean.
The Cove pool on Deck 15 and its surrounding seating is the most sheltered from the sun. The Royal Bay pool also on Deck 15 is the most expansive pool at sea and has plenty of surrounding and in-pool seating options.
Up on Deck 16, there’s the Swim and Tonic, Royal Caribbean’s first swim up bar at sea. And on Deck 17, there’s Cloud 17 with its infinity edge pool and plenty of comfy loungers.
Not to mention, you can grab drinks at the 4 Lime and Coconut bars (one offering frozen drinks only) or a margarita at Cantina Fresca.
When you get hungry, grab a bite to eat at the cruise line’s signature buffet, the Windjammer, or some Mexican fare at the poolside El Loco Fresh. You can’t forget some soft serve from Sprinkles either.
Thrill Island
All the adventure-seekers out there will LOVE Thrill Island on Icon of the Seas, located on decks 16-17.
This neighborhood features Category 6 the largest waterpark at sea covering over 17,000 square feet. Dare devils can conquer the tallest drop slide at sea, the first open freefall slide at sea, family raft slides, and the first mat-racing duo at sea.
If that’s not enough, there’s Crown’s Edge located 154 feet above the ocean. This upcharge activity is part ropes course, part zipline, and all thrill.
Thrill Island is also home to the Lost Dunes mini-golf course, the Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall, the line’s signature FlowrRider surf simulator, and a sports court to partake in games like basketball or pickleball.
When you get hungry or thirsty, there’s the nearby Basecamp with signature drinks and a food menu with both free and a la carte items like hot dogs, pretzel bites, shrimp bao buns, and waffle chicken nuggets.
You won’t want to miss the Desserted Milkshake Bar either. While not covered in any food or drink packages, they are pretty photo-worthy!
Thrill Island seamlessly connects to Chill Island and The Hideaway neighborhoods as well.
The Hideaway
If your idea of vacation is relaxing away from all the kids and teens, Icon of the Seas has you covered. One of the new neighborhoods debuting on Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship in the world is The Hideaway.
Tucked away on Deck 15 is this new adults-only area. The Hideaway features the first suspended infinity pool at sea, cantilevered 135 feet above the ocean with 180’ ocean views.
This completely aft-located space also features plenty of terraced seating, day beds for rent, whirlpools, and a dedicated bar with its own specialty menu with drinks like the Oh My Gawd.
If you are looking for a beach club vibe, minus all the kids, The Hideaway is the place to be! And the best part—It is COMPLIMENTARY for those 18+.
The only downside is that no food is served here. So, you will have to venture to the nearby Basecamp or Windjammer to grab a bite to eat.
Surfside
The Surfside Neighborhood is a brand-new family-centric area on Icon of the Seas that was specifically designed for young families. This replacement for the Boardwalk on Oasis Class ships features family-friendly activities, dining, Splashaway Bay, and even the Water’s Edge pool for the adults so families can stay and play all day.
In this aft located neighborhood, there’s familiar favorites like the seaside carousel, an arcade, a Playscape, and Sugar Beach (now serving cotton candy!), but there’s also some new features.
Our favorite is The Lemon Post. This vibrant bar features two menus—one for kids and one for adults—with drinks all made with lemonade.
There’s also the Surfside Eatery with a buffet dedicated to families and a complimentary take-out window, Surfside Bites, serving up items like popcorn chicken, churros, and more.
If you are looking for a sit-down meal, Pier 7 is a new casual, specialty restaurant. It offers brunch and dinner menus, and the best part is that kids eat free all day!
This neighborhood also seamlessly connects to Central Park, the Royal Promenade, and the kids’ club Adventure Ocean, making it easy for multi-generational families to also enjoy the rest of the ship.
Central Park
If you’ve cruised on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships before then you are familiar with Central Park. Though, there are some new features that are definitely worth checking out on Icon of the Seas—in fact, this open air space is much lusher and livelier than ever. It features 20% more greenery and four living plant walls.
Here, you’ll find Chops Grille the cruise line’s signature steakhouse, with a new menu of iconic cuts. Izumi, Royal Caribbean’s sushi and hibachi restaurant, has been relocated to this neighborhood, along with a new takeout window. At Izumi in the Park, you can get sushi or bubble cones at a la carte prices.
The Trellis Bar is also bigger and better with a new menu of bites. And there’s also a brand-new walk-up champagne bar, Bubbles.
Park Café, one of the complimentary, quick-service dining spots got an upgrade too. Besides the typical breakfast and lunch items, including the Royal kummelweck sandwich, Park Café serves evening tapas now.
Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues is another new venue serving up signature cocktails alongside live jazz music in the evenings.
If that’s not enough, just indoors from Central Park, you’ll find the most exclusive dining experience on Icon of the Seas, the Empire Supper Club. This 8-course experience pairs upscale menu items with cocktails and live music.
Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas has been completely reimagined! This lively entertainment hub is now two stories with floor-to-ceiling ocean views and The Pearl kinetic structure taking center stage. Did you really sail on Icon of the Seas if you didn’t get a photo in front of this beautiful sculpture?
This neighborhood, spanning decks 5-6, comes alive day and night with restaurants, bars, and entertainment spaces hosting a variety of live music, activities, parties, parades, signature shows, and more for the whole family. In fact, this neighborhood alone features 15+ restaurants, bars, and lounges!
When it comes to dining, there’s the 3-story Main Dining Room, Sorrento’s Pizzeria, and Playmaker’s Sports Bar and Arcade. There’s also Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen specialty restaurant and The Pearl Café which is an upgrade to the typical Café Promenade found on other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
For bars, you’ll find the brand-new 1400 Lobby Bar with signature cocktails. This is the first time the promenade is open to the outside as well. There’s also the Point and Feather pub, Boleros, Schooner Bar, and Giovanni’s Wine Bar.
Entertainment spaces include the new Dueling Pianos, which is the most popular spot on the ship, The Attic comedy club, and Spotlight Karaoke. Additionally, there are two signature stages: the Royal Theater with signature productions like the Wizard of Oz and Absolute Zero, the newly redesigned ice rink featuring Starburst: Elemental Beauty, laser tag, and open skating sessions.
You’ll also find Starbucks, shopping, the Adventure Ocean kids club, Social 020 teens club, the fitness center, and the nearby Casino Royale and Music Hall featuring live tribute bands.
AquaDome
Perched at the top of Icon of the Seas is another brand-new neighborhood, the AquaDome. By day, cruisers can relax at one of the most beautiful spots on the ship, the Overlook. This forward-facing space features 220’ ocean views, plenty of comfy furniture, a bar, and the first of their kind pods at sea.
There’s also one of the best new additions to casual dining on the ship, the AquaDome Market. Royal Caribbean’s take on a food hall, there are five stands serving items like crepes, gyros, Asian cuisine, mac & cheese, and sandwiches that are all complimentary.
The Hooked Seafood specialty restaurant is also located here, along with the new Celebration Table. There’s also the new Rye & Bean coffee bar serving up both alcoholic and non-alcoholic signature drinks.
At night, this neighborhood comes alive with AquaAction, the next-level AquaTheater production featured on Icon of the Seas. Combine the use of robotic arms, projection mapping, and a 55 foot water curtain, with the talents of synchronized swimmers, Olympic-level high divers, and other acrobatics, and you get a show that is unlike anything you will see on any other cruise line.
Suite Neighborhood
This Suite Neighborhood on Icon of the Seas spans decks 16-19 and is the largest in the Royal Caribbean fleet. The Grove is a 2-level sundeck with a private pool, whirlpool, and a variety of seating options, along with a bar and Mediterranean bites.
Suite guests can also enjoy the 2-story Coastal Kitchen restaurant for three meals a day and a bar and lounge with views overlooking the AquaDome.
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Icon of the Seas Dining
As the first vessel in this brand-new class of ships, Icon of the Seas offers cruisers plenty of dining options including several complimentary venues and more delicious specialty restaurants. In fact, there are more than 40 ways to dine, drink, and be entertained on this new ship. There are venues and flavors for every type of vacationer and for every occasion.
While several of the eateries are new to the brand, loyal Royal guests will also find plenty of familiar favorites. Variety and convenience are at the heart of the dining lineup on Icon of the Seas with every neighborhood bringing something to the table.
What’s New:
- AquaDome Market
- Basecamp
- Celebration Table
- Empire Supper Club
- Izumi in the Park
- Pearl Cafe
- Pier 7
- Surfside Bites
- Surfside Eatery
- The Grove (for suite guests)
Familiar Favorites:
- Chops Grille
- Coastal Kitchen (for suite guests)
- Main Dining Room
- El Loco Fresh
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
- Hooked Seafood
- Izumi
- Park Cafe
- Playmakers Sports Bar ad Arcade
- Sprinkles
- Sorrento’s
- Sugar Beach
- Windjammer Marketplace
For a complete look at all the restaurants along with all the menus, we have our Icon of the Seas dining guide. If you want to know what to eat and what to skip, we also rank all the Icon of the Seas restaurants from best to worst.
Icon of the Seas Bars and Lounges
Similarly, when it comes to enjoying a drink, the Icon of the Seas cruise ship offers cruisers a variety of bars and lounges. With several cruise line staples and some brand-new to the fleet, there are plenty of spots to make use of that Deluxe Drink Package. Cruisers can also use Crown and Anchor drink vouchers on these drinks anytime throughout the day at most bars.
What’s New:
- 1400 Lobby Bar
- Bubbles
- Desserted
- Dueling Pianos
- Hideaway Bar
- Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues
- Rye & Bean
- Swim & Tonic
- The Lemon Post
- The Lime & Coconut frozen bar
- The Overlook
Returning Favorites:
- Boleros
- Cantina Fresca
- Giovanni’s Wine Bar
- Music Hall
- Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade
- Point & Feather Pub
- Schooner Bar
- Spotlight Karaoke
- Starbucks
- The Attic
- The Lime & Coconut
- Trellis Bar
If you want a complete look at all the bars and lounges on Icon of the Seas, we have our bar guide with menus. This post also includes all the Icon of the Seas drink prices, so you can decide if purchasing a drink package is right for you. Luckily, these prices are on par with Royal Caribbean drink prices from other ships in the fleet.
Icon of the Seas Accommodations
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas takes the fleet’s accommodations to the next level with 28 different types of rooms. Perhaps the most talked about is the new Infinite Balconies. While not new to the industry, this type of stateroom is new to Royal Caribbean, and the consensus is you either love them or hate them.
We’ve stayed in similar cabins on sister brand, Celebrity Cruises, and can say that we prefer a traditional balcony. That’s why we stayed in a standard ocean view balcony cabin during our recent sailing on Icon of the Seas. But, it really all comes down to your preferences. Would you prefer the traditional open balcony or more interior cabin space?
Icon of the Seas also features more choices for families including new Surfside Family View cabins, more rooms with ocean views, and more cabins for groups of 3, 4, and five members. Not to mention, there’s also the Ultimate Family Townhouse. This 3-story luxurious suite has a going rate up to $100,000!
What’s New in Accommodations:
- Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
- Icon Loft
- Infinite Grand Suite
- Interior Plus
- Sky Junior Suite
- Spacious Infinite Ocean View Balcony
- Spacious Infinite Central Park View Balcony
- Sunset Corner Suite
- Sunset Junior Suite
- Sunset Suite
- Surfside Family View Balcony
- Surfside Family View Interior
- Surfside Family Suite
- Ultimate Family Townhouse
For a complete breakdown of all the Icon of the Seas staterooms, see here. This guide covers all the stateroom categories, square footage, occupancy, and more.
Things to Do on Icon of the Seas
As the largest cruise ship in the world, it’s no wonder that Icon of the Seas offers a plethora of activities, amenities, and entertainment options. After sailing on the ship’s inaugural cruise, we can honestly say that Royal Caribbean has delivered on its promise. Icon of the Seas really is the “combination of the best of every vacation”.
Featuring 8 dramatically different neighborhoods, this ship makes a great vacation choice for multi-generational families and groups. Groups can find the perfect mix of family time, couple time, or alone time. They can also choose to chill one day and thrill the next day, or perhaps test out a different pool each day of the cruise.
With so many different dining options, cruisers never have to eat in the buffet (or the main dining room) if they don’t want to. There are so many complimentary dining options, that you certainly don’t have to pay extra for food. Or, you may want to splurge on upscale dining experiences during your vacation. You get the idea.
Below are just some examples of all the things you can do on Icon of the Seas.
Ways to Chill:
- Hideaway Pool (adults only)
- Royal Bay Pool
- Cove Pool
- Cloud 17
- Swim & Tonic
- Water’s Edge and Splashaway Bay (for families)
- The Grove Suite Sun Deck
- The Lime & Coconut bars poolside
Ways to Thrill:
- Category 6 Waterpark, the largest waterpark at sea featuring 6 record-breaking slides
- Crown’s Edge, this activity does have an up-charge
- FlowRider, Royal Caribbean’s signature surf simulator
- Sports Court, featuring open play games like basketball, pickleball, and more
- Adrenaline Peak rock wall
- Lost Dunes mini golf
Additional Activities:
- The Rise of Poseidon laser tag
- Free skate times in Absolute Zero ice rink
- Trivia
- Game shows, including the popular Love & Marriage and Crazy Quest
- Live music in a variety of venues including the new Dueling Pianos
- Ships Ahoy parade
- Family activities in the Surfside neighborhood
- Parties, including the RED Party and Hush Silent Party
- Casino
- Spa
For more, find out what we loved and hated on Icon of the Seas.
Entertainment on Icon of the Seas
When it comes to cruise ship entertainment, Royal Caribbean leads the crowd by leaps and bounds. For us, the cruise line offers the best entertainment in the industry with Broadway productions and unique entertainment stages. While not debuting any new venues on Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has enhanced several of its still one-of-a-kind stages.
The signature entertainment on Royal Caribbean occurs in one of four venues. These shows do require advanced reservations which can be made pre-cruise in your online cruise planner or once onboard the ship. We recommend that you book these shows as soon as you can as they should not be missed.
Royal Theater
- The Wizard of Oz
- Showband! (TBD)
- Headliner acts
The Royal Theater on Icon of the Seas is pretty typical of what you find on newer Royal Caribbean cruise ships. The signature productions are usually featured a few times during the sailing, so you can plan your shows around scheduled dinner times. It is also recommended that you arrive early for the best seats; staff usually start scanning guests into the venue about 45 minutes before showtime.
In the main theater, there is currently one signature production, The Wizard of Oz. This Broadway adaption of the classic story perfectly fits this family-focused cruise ship. The state-of-the-art theater brings all aspects of the original to life.
From a tornado whipping through the theater to strolls down the yellow brick road, this is one of the best full-scale productions at sea. This 90-minute show features Dorothy, along with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, the Wicked Witch of the West, and all your favorite characters. But, there is no intermission so be sure to make your restroom pitstops and grab your drinks before the show starts.
The second signature production, Showband!, is not running yet. Instead, there were several headliner acts that performed in the main theater during our sailing.
AquaTheater
- AquaAction!
- Pirates vs. Mermaids (TBD)
The AquaTheater that loyal Royal guests know and love on Oasis Class ships has been relocated on Icon of the Seas. The AquaTheater has been moved from the aft-located Boardwalk neighborhood on the Oasis Class to the top of the ship on Deck 15 forward in the AquaDome neighborhood on the Icon Class.
While we were skeptical of this change, after experiencing the ship, we think it better utilizes the space. Plus, there’s no longer a need to cancel shows due to rain.
For now, there is one featured production, AquaAction. This intense aqua show attempts to replicate an action movie utilizing state-of-the-art pools, lifts, and robots.
Technically, the show was not yet finished during our sailing. Still, it features amazing performances by high-divers, synchronized swimmers, dancers, and aerial artists. Further, the digitally enhanced dome adds a layer of storytelling and immersion into this fast-paced, meticulously choreographed show. It certainly can not be missed.
A second show Pirates vs. Mermaids will debut at a later date. From what we were told, it could be several months before this show is available.
Absolute Zero
- Starburst: Elemental Beauty
- Once Upon a Time: The King’s Royal Ball
The Studio B ice rink found on several Royal Caribbean ships in the fleet has been transformed into the new Absolute Zero.
Absolute Zero is now the largest ice rink at sea and features a new circular design with better sight lines. This venue is home to two signature shows. Starburst: Elemental Beauty brings the basic elements of the universe to life through an intricate mix of ice dancing, skating, and special effects. There is also the family-friendly Once Upon a Time: The King’s Royal Ball.
While Starburst: Elemental Beauty requires reservations, the Once Upon a Time ice skating show is first-come, first-served.
The Attic
On Icon of the Seas, you’ll find Royal Caribbean’s signature comedy club in a new location. While The Attic is tucked away down on Deck 4 on Oasis Class ships, the venue has been shifted upstairs into the heart of the Royal Promenade and definitely feels larger than other iterations.
The Attic hosts comedy shows throughout the cruise, offered at 2 or 3 different time slots on most nights usually with two featured comedians.
These shows do require reservations as well. Given that The Attic is smaller than the other three entertainment spaces, reservations for comedy shows are typically a bit more difficult to secure. Don’t worry if you can’t snag one, as there is always a standby line.
Kids’ Clubs and Activities on Icon of the Seas
As one of the most family-friendly ships out there, Icon of the Seas offers plenty for kids of all ages and teens to enjoy as well.
Adventure Ocean
- AO Babies- 6 to 36 months
- AO Juniors- 3 to 5 years old
- Arena (6 to 12 years old)
- Hangout (6 to 12 years old)
- Adventure Ocean Theater
- Workshop
Adventure Ocean is the Royal Caribbean youth program that is included in your cruise fare. This space allows your kids (6 months to 12 years old) to engage in educational and fun activities during the cruise that are age appropriate. Your little ones will be supervised by trained staff as they participate in various edutainment offerings.
Do be sure to register the kids for this program on the first day of the cruise.
Of note, Adventure Ocean is in a new location on Icon of the Seas. On Deck 6, it’s conveniently near the Surfside neighborhood and the Royal Promenade.
Social 020
Social 020 is the dedicated space for teens 13 to 17 years old. This space is purposely tucked away on Deck 6 but still accessible from the family-friendly areas. In fact, you might almost miss this venue which is down a corridor before descending the stairs to Absolute Zero.
This hangout spot for teens features plenty of video game consoles, board games, foosball, and more. It’s also a chill place to hangout with friends, watch a movie, or listen to music.
Additional Family Friendly Experiences
Additionally, Icon of the Seas features new experiences for the whole family in Surfside, with a newly dedicated host Admiral Awesome. Some of these activities include Steel Pan Family Jam, The Big Shark Block Party, Larger Than Life Festival, Once Upon a Bedtime Story, and more. There’s also family silent parties, dance parties, puppet shows, and family karaoke around the ship.
Not to mention, the older kids will love the Category 6 waterpark, mini golf, rock-climbing wall, and other sports deck activities. There’s also laser tag, ice skating, an arcade, the carousel, and parades.
For the little ones, there’s the Playscape climbing structure along with Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay in the Surfside neighborhood.
While most of the new features and amenities on Icon of the Seas were a homerun, that’s not the case for everything. So, we breakdown what we loved and hated about this new class of cruise ship here.
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Icon of the Seas Itinerary and Pricing
Icon of the Seas is now sailing from Royal Caribbean’s state-of-the-art Terminal A in Miami, Florida. Caribbean sailings are available to book through early 2026. These sailings feature Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with all including a stop in Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Eastern Caribbean routes typically feature St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Some also swap out St. Maarten for St. Kitts or San Juan, Puerto Rico. Western Caribbean cruises feature Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico along with Roatan, Honduras and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
As the newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, sailings on Icon of the Seas are among the most expensive. Prices start at around $1799 per person, increasing from there based on the time of year you sail and the cabin category you select.
Icon of the Seas’ sister ship, Star of the Seas, is also scheduled to debut in Summer 2025. This ship will sail the Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida.
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