Royal Caribbean’s legendary new Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship. Measuring 1,198 feet in length and tipping the scales at over 200,000 tons, it’s been taking passengers to multiple tropical destinations from its home port in Miami.
While your typical cruise ship holds about 3,000 guests, the 20-floor ship can accommodate a whopping 7,600 passengers. It is also unique in the way that it is Royal Caribbean’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel. The brand says it is its “most sustainable ship to date” and the next step is to introduce a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.
With multiple neighborhoods to explore, a magnificent 55-foot-tall waterfall, leisure pools, thrilling slides and more than 40 dining options, there is so much fun on offer for kids, adults and families alike.
Read on to get a look inside the massive vessel and learn about its unique features:
Inside the Icon of the Seas
Upon arrival, the first thing cruisers see is The Pearl, a glowing architectural marvel spanning two decks. The immersive structure features 3,000 kinetic panels that move and change colors.
Another highlight is the AquaDome, which guests can see from afar. Located right at the front of the ship, it hosts all kinds of energetic performances among a 55-foot-tall waterfall. By day, vacationers can kick back and enjoy a bite or a drink, but at night, it completely transforms into a vibrant nightlife spot. Some of its coolest features include the AquaDome Market – Royal Caribbean’s first food hall – and marquee aqua shows to enjoy at the legendary AquaTheater.
In fact, the AquaDome is one of eight different neighborhoods aboard the Icon: Thrill Island, The Hideaway, Suite Neighborhood, Surfside, Royal Promenade, Chill Island and Central Park.
Neighborhoods & Dining
Naturally, the ship is home to the largest waterpark at sea, which can be found on Thrill Island. There’s several pools, six record-breaking waterslides and a FlowRider surf simulator. But the lineup of adventures doesn’t stop there. Expect to find mini golf, rock climbing, a sports court and thrilling ropes course known as Crown’s Edge — where guests can swing out above the sea below and hang 154 feet above the water.
Next up is The Hideaway, an adults-only section that is reminiscent of beach club scenes around the world. The first suspended infinity pool at sea can be found here, which sits 135 feet in the air with uninterrupted ocean views. It is surrounded by a dedicated bar, a variety of seating for sitting in the sun and whirlpools.
For the families traveling with kids, however, Surfside is the perfect neighborhood to stay and play all day. Grown ups can take in the scenery from the Water’s Edge pool while the little ones splash around at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. A beach-themed carousel, arcade, food and drink options and more are located here as well.
Meanwhile, the uber exclusive Suite Neighborhood, Royal Caribbean’s largest, features a multi-level private sundeck, pool, whirlpool and casual Mediterranean dining for suite guests.
The newly reimagined Royal Promenade on the Icon of the Seas is the first to feature floor-to-ceiling windows for prime ocean views and two fully connected decks. Adding to the fun, this is where guests will find more than 15 restaurants, bars and lounges, including new venues like Dueling Pianos and the 1400 Lobby Bar.
Guests can also work up an appetite at the Pearl Cafe, a casual bistro cafe experience with a giant whale sculpture swimming overhead.
The Royal Promenade is also connected to Central Park, where one can take a lesiurely stroll through its lush walkway. And yes, there are real plants! The open-air neighborhood has more ways to dine, drink and be entertained with live music from Lou’s Jazz ’n Blues, an eight-course experience at the swanky Empire Supper Club and sips at the Bubbles walk-up champagne bar. Those craving sushi and taiyaki ice cream can also turn to Izumi in the Park.
A destination for relaxation, guests can also make it over to Chill Island for ocean views galore. Four of the seven pools on the entire ship are at the heart of this three-deck neighborhood: a swim-up bar, adult-only pool, secluded infinity-edge cove and family pool. Take relaxation day a step further at multiple spots to eat and drink like The Lime & Coconut, El Loco Fresh & Cantina Fresca and Windjammer.
Rooms
The variety of rooms onboard are just as impressive, from the brand’s first Infinite Balconies to three-story Ultimate Family Townhouses. There are 28 different types of rooms to choose from, all differing in layouts, locations and ocean views.
Infinite Balcony rooms are new to Royal Caribbean and can sleep up to families of four. With the push of a button, guests can transform the living space into an extended open-air escape and invite the ocean breeze in. Or push the button to close it up and enjoy the extra space indoors.
Both Family Infinite Balconies and Surfside Family Suites invite families to make memories together while also getting a balanced amount of “me time.” In other words, the spacious rooms are designed with separate areas for adults and kids.
The largest, and most expensive, room on the ship is the Ultimate Family Townhouse. This three-level space includes everything families need to have the best vacation, including a slide, areas for karaoke, a wraparound balcony with a whirlpool and dining area, a back patio with table tennis, a white picket fence, a mailbox and an entrance directly to Surfside. It can fit up to eight and features two private decks.
Ready for your next vacay? Have a look at the cruises you can take on the Icon of the Seas here.