Royal Caribbean has finally revealed their newest and largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, and the best word to describe it is INCREDIBLE. At 250,800 gross tons, Icon will not only be the largest cruise ship in the world, but cement Royal Caribbean’s position offering the biggest and certainly some of the most innovative ships at sea.
Icon of the Seas will carry forward many features first introduced on Oasis Class ships, including 8 Neighborhoods, but significant design evolutions make all of the spaces feel completely new.
Royal Promenade
The multi-level Royal Promenade will feature 15 restaurants, bars and cafes and debut the Pearl Café, home to the mysterious sphere we’ve seen in recent months. This neighborhood will also be home to Absolute Zero, the largest ice rink at sea with a new circular design and outward facing windows from the Royal Promenade for the first time.
Central Park
Central Park will feature 20% more live trees and continue to offer live music, bars and dining, including Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and Chops Grille. Although not mentioned in this reveal, the Icon of the Seas deck plans do reference a dry slide (likely an exit) in the Central Park.
Surfside
The other remaining neighborhoods all have new names. Surfside, located aft on Deck 7, takes the boardwalk concept and amps it up with a Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay aquaparks and Water’s Edge infinity pool. With the AquaTheather being located in the forward section of the ship, there is now tons of room for guests to enjoy this area all day long. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and fun, check out the 3-level, Ultimate Family Townhouse with direct access to Surfside.
AquaDome
AquaDome includes a reimagined version of the AquaTheater, located forward on deck 15. This space features a climate controlled dome with 673 glass panels that encapsulate the solarium area with spots to lounge, dine and drink during the day and be memorized with an all-new aqua show format at night.
Thrill Island
A pumped up aquapark is located at Thrill Island, featuring 6 record-breaking waterslides, including two family raft slides, Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea, plus the industry’s first open freefall slide Pressure Drop, and Storm Chasers dueling mat racer slides.
The thrills go even higher with Crown’s Edge, perched 154 feet above the ocean, guests navigate a ropes course, walk across the crown then feel the platform drop as they swing across to the other side. Rounding out the excitement are the side-facing rock climbing wall, FlowRider (with its flipped orientation) and Lost Dunes mini-golf.
Chill Island
After the thrills, check out Chill Island. Spanning three decks, expansive ocean views are the backdrop for tons of ways to cool off in the water at Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, Swim & Tonic, Royal’s first swim-up bar, plus Cloud 17 adults only pool deck and The Cove offer swim to the edge infinity pools.
The Hideaway
The Hideaway featuring an infinity pool suspended 8 decks above Surfside, is a beach club type venue that has its own resident DJ, full-service bar and some of the best views onboard.
Suite Neighborhood
For those that enjoy exclusive experiences, the Suite Neighborhood, first debuted on Wonder of the Seas, is bigger than ever. Offering some of Icon of the Seas most spacious suites, guests will also be pampered with access to a sun deck with private pool and whirlpool and restaurants The Grove Mediterranean style cuisine and a two-level Coastal Kitchen with open views to the AquaDome.
New Accommodations
There will also be a host of new accommodations onboard Icon of the Seas, including Infinite Verandah Ocean View Balcony, Family Infinite Balcony, Surfside Family Suite, Sunset Corner Suite and the already mentioned Ultimate Family Townhouse.
Royal Caribbean has promised that more exciting reveals are still to come, but from what we’ve already seen, Icon of the Seas has definitely been worth the wait.
Important Dates:
Icon of the Seas will start sailing in January 2024 with year-round sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from PortMiami. Bookings will open for all guests on Tuesday October 25, 2022 with special access for Crown & Anchor members on Monday October 24, 2022.
We’ll continue to bring you more as we countdown to the debut of Icon of the Seas in 2024. For more details, visit Royal Caribbean website