Royal Caribbean Blog – Unofficial blog about Royal Caribbean cruises

Icon of the Seas will be the first of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ships when she launches, marking the first new type of vessel for the cruise line since 2014.

Being a new type of cruise ship, there will be all sorts of new features onboard, including a water park, new areas dedicated to families, revamped pool decks and a lot more.

While Royal Caribbean has not yet revealed all the information about the ship, we already know Icon of the Seas will be more than 6{6932ee47e64f4ce8eedbbd5224581f6531cba18a35225771c06e4f1b3f0d9667} bigger than Wonder of the Seas and able to hold up to 7,600 passengers. Icon of the Seas will also be 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas.

When she launches in early 2024, Icon of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world.  If you are thinking of booking Icon of the Seas, or are planning for an upcoming cruise, there are quite a few things you should know about this new ship.

Here is a look at the most important things we know about Icon of the Seas.

How big is Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon Class ship, which means this cruise ship will have a new design, size, and look compared to other ships that came before her.

Icon of the Seas will carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy (or nearly 10,000 people when you account for the crew) when it first sets sail with guests Jan. 27, 2024.

When completed, Icon will be 20 decks high and 1,198 feet long and measure 250,800 gross tons.

Where will Icon of the Seas sail from?

Icon of the Seas will begin offering cruises from Miami in January 2024.

Miami will be homeport from January 2024 through at least April 2025.

Royal Caribbean has not announced plans yet for where the ship will sail from beyond April 2025.

Icon of the Seas itineraries

When Icon enters service, she will offer weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, and each will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The inaugural Icon of the Seas sailing will be January 27, 2024.

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Miami; Phillipsburg, St Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Miami; Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

Icon of the Seas neighborhoods & layout

Ready to see what you can do on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas will have 8 neighborhoods to help passengers easily navigate the ship.

AquaDome

Instead of a Solarium at the front of the ship, Icon of the Seas will have an AquaDome area.

At its heart, this area is home to the indoor AquaTheater from the Oasis Class ships, and put it into this multipurpose space with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, offering 220-degree views. 

The shows here will feature aerialists, acrobatics, high dives, and the tallest waterfall at sea (55 feet tall).

When the space isn’t being used for a show, passengers can take in wraparound ocean views and enjoy views of the waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink.

Central Park

Icon of the Seas will have its own lush green place onboard, with thousands of real plants, dining, and live music.

More details about this space will be revealed later.

Chill Island

Royal Caribbean has plans for the best pool deck at sea with Chill Island.

Chill Island will have ocean views galore from the three-deck pool area. Icon of the Seas will have Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea.

You’ll also find the largest pool at sea at Royal Bay Pool.

If you want a quieter pool experience, head to the infinity-edge Cove Pool that has in-water loungers.

And adults can find their own space at Cloud 17, which is the adults-only retreat with their own bar, the Lime & Coconut.

Pool information for Icon of the Seas:

• Royal Bay: The largest pool at sea, designed for all guests to enjoy. Located in Chill Island
  Neighborhood on Deck 15. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• The Cove Pool: An infinity, portside pool directly facing the ocean. Located in Chill Island
  Neighborhood on Deck 15. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m
• Cloud 17: Adults-only pool deck (age 16+ years old) overlooking the ocean with dedicated Lime &
  Coconut bar and whirlpool. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 17. Hours of Operation:
  8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Maximum Capacity: 249)
• Swim & Tonic: First-to-brand swim-up bar located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 16.
  Seating for 12 at swim-up bar. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – Late.

Thrill Island

Are you ready for the biggest water park at sea?

You’ll find Category 6, the new water park that has six water slides, including an open free-fall slide, the tallest drop slide at sea, family raft slides that accommodate four riders at once and two mat-racing slides. 

• • Frightening Bolt: The tallest drop slide at sea
  (Min Height: 55” tall | Max Weight: 265 lbs)
• Pressure Drop: The first open freefall slide at sea
  (Min Height: 55” tall | Max Weight: 265 lbs)
• Storm-Chasers (2): The longest mat racing slides at sea
  (Min Height: 42” tall | Max Weight: 265 lbs)
• Hurricane Hunter: The first family raft slide at sea
  (Min Height: 48” tall with parents & 55” tall without parents | Max Weight: 595 lbs)
• Storm Surge: The first suspended family raft slide at sea
  (Min Height: 48” tall with parents & 55” tall without parents | Max Weight: 595 lbs)

All adventures within Category 6 Waterpark are complimentary during the hours of operation: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Crown’s Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of courage. At any moment, the floor could collapse and leave you dangling high over the ocean.  Height and weight restrictions will be shared at a later date.

There will be one FlowRider surf simulator onboard, as well as other brand staples like Adrenaline Peak – the ultimate rock-climbing expedition, Sports Court, and a totally reimagined mini-golf course.

Surfside

Surfside is a new neighborhood dedicated to young families, and it’s at the heart of the focus of Icon of the Seas.

This neighborhood will offer splash areas for babies and kids. There’s a new pool-themed version of Royal Caribbean’s carousel and a bar with “mommy and me” matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups. 

Kids using Splashaway Bay must be fully potty trained, but Baby Bay is for children that are still in diapers a place to splash and play. Additionally, the slide within Splashaway Bay requires a minimum height of 42” tall and a maximum weight of 300 lbs.

Adventure Ocean and the teen club have entrances here, which means easy access to either place.

Grownups can hang back at Water’s Edge pool as the kiddos play at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, complete with slides, fountains, water cannons, a drench bucket and more.

Waters Edge hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Hideaway

Another brand new neighborhood is The Hideaway, which is Royal Caribbean’s version of a beach club.

Think Las Vegas pool party, you’ll find the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

Then there’s a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating and dedicated bar.

The Hideaway Pool hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Suite neighborhood

The Royal Suite Class benefits will be available on Icon of the Seas, and that includes three decks of space for suite guests.

This will be Royal Caribbean’s largest area for suite guests, and it includes a suite sun deck, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and a new casual eatery just for suite guests, The Grove.

Royal Promenade

As you walk onto the ship, you’ll be greeted by The Pearl, which is a new space that Royal Caribbean will reveal more details about later.

There will be one major change to the Royal Promenade most guests will notice: there’s windows!

When you walk onto the ship, you’ll actually walk through The Pearl.

Something else different about the Royal Promenade is there’s the largest ice arena yet in “Absolute Zero”.

Icon of the Seas Bars & Nightlife

Royal Caribbean will offer a combination of new and fan-favorite bars to enjoy.

Dueling Pianos: Royal Caribbean’s first dueling pianos bar will have twin baby grand pianos with pianists taking song requests to bring high-energy performances to the Royal Promenade.

Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues: Jazz venue in Central Park with live performances of soulful classics and jazz pop tunes.

Rye & Bean: Coffee shop in AquaDome that can serve up coffee and espresso cocktails.

The Overlook and Overlook Pods: A new concept entirely, this bar has nooks and is located conveniently near the AquaDome. Royal Caribbean envisions this as a place to drink, play classic boardgames and kick back to live music, too. 

1400 Lobby Bar: Located right when you board the ship, the drink menu was developed with renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim.  The venue’s also the first to open the vibrant Royal Promenade to the outdoors with an ocean-facing terrace.

Bubbles: New walkup champagne window in Central Park open morning, noon, and night.

Royal Caribbean classic bars:

• Trellis Bar
• Boleros
• Schooner Bar
• Point & Feather English pub
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Spotlight Karaoke
• Music Hall
• The Attic comedy club

When will Icon of the Seas be delivered?

Icon of the Seas is expected to be delivered in late November or early December 2023.

She was originally scheduled to be delivered in second quarter of 2022, but the Covid-19 pandemic caused her construction plans to be delayed by a year.

Her first sailing with paying guests will be January 27, 2024.

Cabins and suites on Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has 28 different Icon of the Seas cruise ship cabins you can choose from, with an eye to provide the most spacious rooms designed by the cruise line.

There are new categories of cabins, new neighborhoods, and views never offered before on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

More than 82{6932ee47e64f4ce8eedbbd5224581f6531cba18a35225771c06e4f1b3f0d9667} of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will accommodate 3 or more guests, and more than 70{6932ee47e64f4ce8eedbbd5224581f6531cba18a35225771c06e4f1b3f0d9667} of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will have a balcony.

There are 2805 total staterooms on Odyssey of the Seas:

• 179 suites
• 1815 balcony staterooms
• 276 ocean view staterooms
• 535 interior staterooms

New stateroom options

Royal Caribbean has introduced new kinds of cruise cabins for the first time ever with the launch of Icon of the Seas.

There are 14 new categories that range from standard rooms to suites, including more options for families.

One mantra Royal Caribbean wanted for its cabins is more space for families that provide more space and accessible options in every category, locations and amenities.

Some of the new kinds of cabins you can find only on Icon of the Seas include:

Family Infinite Oceanview Balconies: Cruise ship cabins that can accommodate up to six people in one room, with a bunk alcove for kids and enough TVs for everyone.

The bathroom features a split design – with a shower and a sink on one side and a sink and toilet on the other – to make getting ready for the day or bed easier for every family member.

Surfside Family View Cabins: Located in the new Surfside neighborhood, these cabins are designed for up to 4 people with convenience to the neighborhood just for young families.

Ultimate Family Townhouse: If you are looking for the biggest and most impressive suite anywhere at sea, Royal Caribbean has a three-level townhouse for you.

It features a multilevel, in-suite slide, areas for karaoke and to watch movies, two private balconies and even a private entrance to Surfside – complete with a white picket fence and mailbox.

How much does it cost? According to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, the average cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse in 2024 is $75,000 per week.

Casino

The casino on Icon of the Seas will feature more televisions so you can watch sports at the same time.

“On the all new Icon of the Seas, you don’t have to choose between watching the big game and playing in the casino. More screens means more entertainment, everywhere you look.”

There will also be bar-top video poker and a high-limit area.

Icon of the Seas facts

• 20 total decks (18 guest decks)
• 5,610 guests @ double capacity and 7,600 max guests
• 2,350 crew (bringing ULTIMATE total to 9,950 guests)
• 7 pools, 9 whirlpools
• 6 record-breaking waterslides
• 250,800 GT
• 1,198 feet long
• 159 feet wide at waterline
• Captain: Captain Henrik Loy

When can we book Icon of the Seas?

You can now book Icon of the Seas sailings via the Royal Caribbean website or with a travel agent.

The cruise line put bookings on sale beginning October 24, 2022 for Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor members and October 25 to the everyone else.

Next-gen power

Icon will be the cruise line’s first of three ships to be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas).

LNG and the state-of-the-art ship’s additional environmentally friendly applications, such as shore power connection, will boost energy efficiencies and reduce carbon footprint. More details about Icon’s advanced environmental technologies will be revealed at a future date.

The LNG fuel tank on Icon of the Seas is 307 tons and 90 feet long.

Traditionally, cruise ships are powered by diesel. The advantage LNG has over diesel is it is more energy-efficient and will reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the efficiency of Icon of the Seas, “Our new Icon class is coming with LNG-hybrid but, basically it’s LNG. It’s 35{6932ee47e64f4ce8eedbbd5224581f6531cba18a35225771c06e4f1b3f0d9667} more fuel energy efficient than regular fuel. And the ship itself, because of the design, is about 30{6932ee47e64f4ce8eedbbd5224581f6531cba18a35225771c06e4f1b3f0d9667} more efficient.”

In addition, Icon of the Seas will utilize a shore power connection that removes emissions while connected at port.

What is The Pearl?

In January 2022, a large pearl-shaped object appeared in the shipyard that capture the attention of cruise fans who are curious to know what it might be.

So far, the Pearl is the centerpiece of the Royal Promenade and what you’ll see when you walk onto the ship.

Royal Caribbean says there’s more to The Pearl than just a staircase, but more details will be revealed later.

We do know that the Pearl has special panels that can produce all sorts of effects.

It measures 46 feet tall and 50 feet in diameter, with 578 aluminum external panels.

Other interesting facts:

• 9 miles of cables for power & lighting
• 1,323 feet of air conditioning ducts
• Steel mounting frames on the inside
• It required two tugboats to move it to the shipyard
• 5,600-metric-ton-crane lifted it into position
• It’s taken 45,000 working hours to construct the sphere

On the 2022 President’s Cruise, Michael Bayley accidently let it slip the name of the sphere is “The Pearl”.