Royal Caribbean is known for designing extraordinary cruise ships that continually shake up the cruise industry and push the boundaries of what the next generation of cruising will look like. For adventure-seeking vacationers as well as those looking for the highest level of pampering and relaxation, Royal aims to create a floating paradise that all cruisers can enjoy. Driven by innovation and imagination, Royal Caribbean has just unveiled its newest and biggest class of ships that has rocked the industry yet again. Introducing, the Icon of the Seas!
There is nothing else quite like the Icon of the Seas sailing the oceans today. Everything is amplified on this ship. Want to go swimming? You’ll have 7 pools and 9 whirlpools spread across multiple decks to choose from! Icon of the Seas is chock-full of superlatives: first, biggest, tallest…nothing is understated on this vessel. Let’s hop aboard and take a look at all that this mega-ship has to offer.
Size Matters for Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Icon of the Seas
When Icon of the Seas takes to the seas, it will be the largest cruise ship in the world by volume, dimension, and capacity. Here are some stats: 250,800GT, 1198ft long, 20 total decks, and capacity of 9950 people (7600 passengers + 2350 crew). The impressive size of the ship has enabled the creation of eight easily identifiable neighborhoods which produce more intimate areas and make for an easy and simple way to navigate the ship.
Icon of the Seas List of Neighborhoods
What are neighborhoods on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line? They are unique neighborhood concepts – eight main themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out a variety of relevant experiences based on their personal styles, preferences or
moods.
Icon of the Seas neighborhoods includes:
- Royal Promenade
- Central Park
- Surfside
- AquaDome
- Grove Suite Sun Deck
- The Hideaway
- Chill Island
- Thrill Island
- Suite Neighborhood
The Promenade
We start our tour with the Promenade, which is the central artery of the ship that runs from the Royal Theatre (Forward) to the Absolute Zero Ice Arena (Aft). On Icon of the Seas, the two-level Promenade is packed with 15 restaurants, cafés, bars, and lounges and also houses numerous retail and entertainment options. This lively spot is a hub for parades, parties, and pop-up markets and contains a 36-by-95-foot window offering spectacular ocean views.
The Promenade is anchored by the Pearl – an enormous sphere that houses a sparkling staircase and a remarkable projection display that is sure to captivate and become a favorite backdrop for formal night photos. Take the Pearl staircase to the new Pearl Café for light snacks, sandwiches, and coffee.
Also located on the Promenade are Giovanni’s Table specialty restaurant, Sorrento’s Pizza, Playmaker’s Sports Bar and Grill, Bolero’s Latin inspired bar, Point & Feather English pub, the traditional Schooner Bar, Spotlight Karaoke, Starbucks and the Attic comedy club. You’ll find the Adventure Ocean kids’ club, Social020 teens’ club, the Diamond lounge, and an escape room on the Promenade, as well.
Central Park
The peaceful, lush sanctuary of Central Park – first introduced on Oasis of the Seas – again makes an appearance but the Icon version of Central Park will contain more plants and trees than its predecessor. This is a tranquil and quaint space, with winding paths, benches, and a multitude of restaurants and shops, including Royal’s signature steakhouse Chops Grille.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and the Central Park Café are also located in Central Park. Delight in a refreshing cocktail at the Trellis Bar after taking a memorable stroll through the enchanting pathways.
Surfside
The new Surfside neighborhood will be a huge hit for families and those young at heart. This space will take you on a journey to a fun beach-like paradise with a large family-friendly infinity pool, colorful loungers, and kids’ splash area, all of which directly overlook the aft of the ship to create an immersive experience.
Steps away from the splash zone is the Lemon Post, which is a spot for kids to enjoy imaginative non-alcoholic drinks while adults can sip unique cocktails selected from a brand new menu of beverages. Also located at Surfside are restaurants, a candy and ice cream shop with delectable treats, an arcade packed with games, and the signature Royal Caribbean carousel. When the sun finally sets, take the circular stairway below to enter the Promenade.
AquaDome
Royal Caribbean has re-envisioned its popular AquaTheater on Icon of the Seas which is now in the magnificent AquaDome. This immersive theater features a shift-changing water feature, synchronized robots, large video displays, hi-tech projections, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide wraparound ocean views.
Just outside the theater, you will find yourself surrounded by panoramic ocean views with various creative seating areas and windows with views underwater into the theater pool. This multipurpose space transforms from a tranquil oasis during the day to a nighttime hotspot with restaurants (like Hooked Seafood), bars, and signature shows featuring high divers and acrobats!
One deck below the AquaDome is where you will find the Vitality Spa and Café.
The Grove Suite Sun Deck
If you’re seeking a luxurious cruise experience, you’ll want to book a Sky or Star suite on Icon so you can visit the Grove Suite Sun Deck neighborhood. This is not the basic sun deck area of the past, with lounge chairs only. The largest-ever suite neighborhood has a pool, whirlpool, plenty of seating, and a bar for suite guests.
Also, there are two exclusive restaurants featured here: a two-story Coastal Kitchen which fuses Mediterranean influences with farm-fresh flavors from California, and a new restaurant that is a more casual, grab-and-go dining venue. This is a special getaway for those staying in Star and Sky class suites.
The Hideaway
Perched 135 ft. above the ocean, the Hideaway neighborhood is the place to experience beach club vibes. Featuring the world’s first suspended infinity pool, the Hideaway will offer sweeping ocean views while swimming or relaxing to music spun by the neighborhood’s resident DJ.
There is a multi-tiered lounge area, whirlpool, and Hideaway bar to round out the offerings. The Hideaway is an ideal spot to enjoy a stunning sunset at sea.
Chill Island
“Water, water, everywhere” was the vision for Icon of the Seas two water-based neighborhoods. First is the pool-centric Chill Island. Four of Icon’s pools and six whirlpools are located in this three-deck-high tropical wonderland. A focal point is the Royal Bay Pool, the world’s largest pool at sea.
There is also the tranquil infinity Cove pool to soak up amazing ocean views. Want to enjoy a beverage without interrupting your pool swim? Head over to Swim & Tonic, Royal’s first swim-up bar. For adults only, there is Cloud 17 which offers a quiet space for those who want to enjoy a peaceful sanctuary to relax and rewind.
Chill Island is also where you will find the vibrant Lime and Coconut bar spread across four locations throughout the neighborhood. Did you swim up an appetite? Grab a fresh taco or burrito and margarita at El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca and then head to Sprinkles for soft serve ice cream, always a must on Royal Caribbean ships.
For one final adventure, grab a mat and take the dry slide for an exhilarating drop 8 decks below. Once you finish your time splashing and sliding away in Chill Island, move on to some thrills…
Thrill Island
Anchored by six record-breaking water slides and a variety of sports and activities, the exciting finale to Icon of the Seas‘ is the Thrill Island neighborhood! Category 6 is the largest waterpark at sea and is home to six waterslides that are unmatched by any cruise ship on the ocean.
These include the tallest drop slide at sea, the first open free fall slide at sea, the first duo-mat racing slide at sea, and the first family raft and suspended family raft slides at sea. That’s a lot of “firsts”! And a great way to spend your days at sea.
For the most adventurous daredevils onboard, head over to the Crown’s Edge. This fear-facing challenge is described as part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of your courage!
Take your first step onto a platform located off the side of the ship. There, the platform will drop from under your feet leaving you gliding 150 ft. above the ocean safely to the opposite platform. What a view!
The thrills aren’t over just yet. Next to the Crown’s Edge is Adrenaline Peak, Royal’s new take on its classic climbing wall. There is also the all-time favorite FlowRider followed by the re-designed Lost Dunes miniature golf course.
And don’t forget to hop onto the Sports Court for a pick-up game of basketball, soccer, or pickleball. You can take a break from the thrills at several dining and bar options located in the neighborhood.
Activities and Entertainment
The Icon of the Seas will have no shortage of cruise activities and entertainment for passengers of all ages. From dedicated comedy and karaoke spaces to the large theaters, there will be seemingly endless entertainment options as soon as you board the ship.
The beautiful three-story Royal Theater will be home to many unique shows and performances. The completely re-imagined ice theater named Absolute Zero will highlight the incredible talent of Olympic-level ice skaters coupled with unbelievable special effects. During the day, put skates on your own two feet and hit the ice for a public skating session.
And of course, the AquaDome will leave everyone speechless. End your day as you rock out to live bands in the two-story Music Hall or test your luck in the casino.
Home Away from Home
Icon of the Seas provides 28 stateroom categories to serve as your home base. With 2,805 total cabins to choose from, you will find the perfect sanctuary for you and your family to rest and recharge after a thrilling day on Icon. Over 50% of the room types are brand new concepts to Royal and the vast majority of cabins will include a balcony.
The most extravagant option is the two-bedroom Ultimate Family Townhouse, which is three decks high and features an indoor slide, backyard, and entrance to Surfside. This family suite, as well as the Royal Loft and Icon Loft suites, provide the phenomenal Star-class perk of service from a Royal Genie. This ultimate insider crafts exclusive one-of-a-kind VIP experiences catered to guests’ taste for an epic cruise vacation.
Another fun new option is the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony. This non-suite stateroom has a creative floor plan that includes a bunk bed, 1 ½ bathrooms, and a Scrabble game on the wall.
Several other cabins feature infinite balconies, which provide more in-room space because the balcony is created by opening windows rather than stepping out of a door into a separate space. Sunset Corner Suites and Surfside Balcony staterooms are also first-time options, for 14 new room concepts in all.
Iconically Green
Icon of the Seas will be Royal’s most environmentally friendly and sustainable cruise ship ever constructed. While previous ships rely on mainly diesel fuel to power the ship’s engine, Icon will be Royal’s first ship solely powered by cleaner Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which results in far-less pollutants pushed into the air.
When in port, Icon will use its new shore power connection system to keep the power running smoothly on the ship versus having to use energy-consuming ship generators as other ships do. Another energy first is that Icon will trap and repurpose the heat produced by the ship into a new power source for the vessel to use.
Finally, the cruise ship contains a state-of-the-art wastewater management system that will produce zero wastewater from ever reaching the water.
Icon of the Seas Booking Now Open!
Although Icon of the Seas first sailing is over a year away, reservations are already in high demand and are available through April 2025. The ship will cruise Western itineraries with stops at Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico. Eastern itineraries will visit the ports of Philipsburg, St. Maarten or Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Plus, each itinerary includes Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Prices vary widely from the interior cabin up to the largest suites, and it will cost more across the board compared to existing ships – which is expected for a brand-new class of ground-breaking ship. Royal Caribbean currently has some promotions available to cut those costs, and future discounts are possible, so it is always helpful to work with a travel advisor to ensure you secure the best deal.
With so many included activities, entertainment, and dining on Icon of the Seas, a week onboard is sure to create lasting memories. Oh, and don’t forget the fun port excursions. For more information and cruise tips make sure to contact Favorite Grampy Travels.
Icon of the Seas Deck Plans
Icon of the Seas deck plans show the locations of every pool, bar, and lounge, as well as all the restaurants along with their nearby stairs and elevators. Find Stateroom cabins and balcony types. Ship deck plans come directly from the Royal Caribbean International website. Each Icon of the Seas deck plan shows individual details of each deck.
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Michelle McSorley is a passionate globetrotter, theme park aficionado, and vacation itinerary guru. As a former corporate event planner who has explored over 20 countries and embarked on countless cruises, she finds great joy in applying her planning and travel expertise to craft unique and magical vacations for family and friends – and would love to help YOU plan your next dream trip! Please contact Michelle!