Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas: Activities galore on world's biggest cruise ship
The massive Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest megaship, made its maiden voyage in January 2024 as the world's largest cruise ship, clocking in with a gross tonnage of 250,800. It carries a whopping 5,6100 passengers at double capacity, though the ship can squeeze in up to 7,600. (Let's hope it doesn't!)
It can be hard to grasp the sheer scale of Icon of the Seas, but let's just say, this baby is huge. How huge? Five times the size of the Titanic huge.
The first ship in the new Icon class line — the first new type of vessel for the cruise line since 2014 — Icon of the Seas traverses the Caribbean, calling on a familiar set of large ports for weeklong trips out of Miami. It comes jam-packed with many cool things to do, including seven swimming pools, six waterslides, new areas dedicated to families, diving shows, new dining experiences, and many more attractions and activities.
The ship sports eight separate neighborhoods as well as more than 2,800 staterooms. Altogether you'll find a total of more than 40 bars and restaurants to try out during your trip — with 23 of them new to Royal Caribbean.
If you're game for spectacle on a large scale, Icon of the Seas has plenty to commend it.
Who will enjoy sailing on Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas is designed to appeal to a wide variety of travelers, including families looking for pure escape and entertainment, couples seeking a Caribbean getaway, and those looking to be among the first travelers to sail on the world's largest cruise ship and to try out its new venues and new technologies. Needless to say, you'll need to be comfortable around large crowds.
Where Icon of the Seas sails
Home port: Miami
Icon of the Seas has just two itineraries from now through 2026:
- Eastern Caribbean 7-night sailings with stops at St. Maarten (or St. Kitts), St. Thomas and Royal's private island of Coco Cay in the Bahamas
- Western Caribbean 7-night sailings with stops at Roatan Island (Honduras), Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico) and CocoCay (Bahamas).
Highlights of the ship
AquaDome
Instead of a Solarium at the front of the ship, Icon of the Seas features an AquaDome area. The dome, which consists of more than 600 glass panels, weighs 363 tons. AquaDome is a multipurpose space with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and 220-degree views. Shows feature aerialists, acrobatics, high dives and the tallest waterfall at sea at 55 feet tall.
The ship offers two shows in the AquaTheater at the outset: "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs. Mermaids." When the space isn't being used for a show, passengers can take in views of the ocean or the man-made waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink at the AquaDome bar.
Central Park
The ship has its own lush green place with thousands of real plants to provide a natural backdrop to the dining and live music. Venues include Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues with "jazz in the park" performances. Like champagne? Stop by Bubbles, a walk-up champagne window.
Pools
Icon of the Seas sports a record seven swimming pools, including what's touted as the best pool deck at sea in the Chill Island neighborhood on deck 16. Pools include:
- Royal Bay: The largest pool at sea, it's located in Chill Island on deck 15. Hours: 9 am to 10 pm.
- Swim & Tonic: This three-deck pool area boasts what's called the first swim-up bar at sea with seating for 12. Hours: from 9 am to late.
- Cove Pool: This infinity portside pool faces the ocean as part of Chill Island and offers a quieter experience. Hours: 9 am to 10 pm.
- Cloud 17: This adults-only pool deck (age 16+) overlooks the ocean next to the Lime & Coconut bar and whirlpool on deck 17. Hours: 8 am to 7 pm.
Thrill Island
Icon is introducing a new neighborhood to Royal ships: Thrill Island, the name of a new water park. It features 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.
Dining
There are 40-plus places to eat and drink on board, including 15 bars and nightlife experiences and more than 20 dining options. Restaurants on board run the gamut, with an eight-course supper club experience, an all-day brunch spot, sushi, street food, a steakhouse and, yes, buffets.
Dining venues on Icon of the Seas include:
Main Dining Room: This complimentary venue spans three decks and offers a range of culinary choices.
Pearl Café: This casual, complimentary grab-and-go venue has specialty coffee, set against a large window offering ocean views.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: This modern Italian restaurant features dishes such as pizzas, chicken parmigiana and spaghetti carbonara.
Sorrento’s: Known for unlimited pizza and antipasti, the place is popular for snacks after a busy day.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: A popular Japanese specialty restaurant, it offers hibachi and sushi options in the Central Park area.
Chops Grille: This signature steakhouse of Royal Caribbean features both indoor and outdoor seating in Central Park.
Park Cafe: A complimentary dining option in Central Park, it's popular for its bagel station, soups, salads and roast beef sandwiches.
Hooked Seafood: This New England-style seafood restaurant in the AquaDome neighborhood serves dishes like clam chowder and Maine lobster rolls.
El Loco Fresh & Cantina Fresca: El Loco offers fresh Mexican fare such as burritos and tacos alongside a Mexican-themed bar with specialty margaritas.
The Lime and Coconut: Signature drinks are the specialty at this resort-style pool bar at Cloud 17 in the Chill Island neighborhood.
Windjammer Marketplace: A Royal Caribbean staple, Windjammer is the ship's large complimentary buffet space.
Bars & lounges
Here are the top bars and lounges on the ship — just keep in mind that cocktails are not part of your base cruise fare:
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: A lively spot for sports fans, you'll find offerings like savory burgers and a Campfire Cookie. Play arcade games, too. Playmakers is one of the few lounges on board that serves food.
Overlook Lounge: This elevated lounge offers 160-degree ocean views and a space for lounging, playing classic board games and enjoying live music.
1400 Lobby Bar: A meetup spot inspired by the history of shipbuilding, it offers a range of daytime and evening drinks with an ocean-facing terrace.
Bubbles: Step right up to this walk-up champagne window in Central Park that serves mimosas, prosecco, Bellini and bottles of bubbly.
The Attic: Inspired by Manhattan’s dark and intimate comedy clubs, this venue offers adults-only live shows.
Music Hall: Come to this two-story venue to take in live tribute bands and rock out.
Trellis Bar: Located in Central Park, Trellis is a large bar with a new look and menu featuring pre-dinner appetizers.
Boleros: This lively club offers Latin vibes and jumpin' dance atmosphere.
Schooner Bar: Known for its pianists, Schooner is the place for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps.
Point & Feather: This English pub on Royal Promenade has an open layout, games and live music.
Spotlight Karaoke: Feeling uninhibited? Pick up a mike and croon one of your favorites in front of a crowd or in a private room.
Dueling Pianos: Royal Caribbean’s first dueling pianos bar spotlights two pianists battling it out with crowd-favorite hits.
Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues: An open-air venue in Central Park, Lou's features live performances of soulful classics and jazz pop tunes.
Rye & Bean: A coffee shop by day and a buzzing bar by night, this spot offers everything from classic coffee to espresso cocktails with views of the AquaTheater.
The Overlook and Overlook Pods: These unique nooks at sea elevate the lounge experience with wraparound windows, bringing the ocean center stage to help you relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Activities & entertainment
No matter your mood, you'll find an activity on Icon to suit you. When you're not vibing in the Aquadome, hitting the Thrill Island water park or relaxing at one of the swimming pools on board, you'll find a host of other options. Absolute Zero is an ice rink offering shows such as "Starburst: Elemental Beauty" and "Once Upon a Time: The King’s Royal Ball", combining ice skating with storytelling and high-tech visuals.
The ship also features 50 musicians and comedians, venues like Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, Dueling Pianos, the Attic comedy club, and the "Ships Ahoy!" parade in the Royal Promenade.
Staterooms
Icon of the Seas has the largest number of staterooms catering to families of any ship in the fleet. The ship has 2,805 cabins and 28 cabin categories, including new layouts for families. A total of 179 of the cabins on board are suites.
Icon of the Seas offers 15 stateroom categories:
- Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony: Space for families, with a new infinite balcony concept, a Scrabble game, split compartment bathroom and bunk beds with individual TVs.
- Infinite Ocean View Balcony: Features a private ocean view infinite balcony with customizable indoor/outdoor space.
- Ocean View Large Balcony: Offers more outdoor space to enjoy the sea views.
- Connecting Ocean View Balcony: Ideal for groups wanting connected rooms with ocean views.
- Ocean View Balcony: Standard balcony rooms with ocean views.
- Infinite Central Park View Balcony: A unique balcony that overlooks the Central Park area of the ship.
- Central Park View Balcony: Views of the ship's Central Park neighborhood.
- Surfside Family View Balcony: Designed for families with views of the Surfside neighborhood.
- Panoramic Ocean View: Features expansive ocean views with larger windows.
- Ocean View: Standard rooms with ocean views.
- Central Park View Interior: Interior rooms with views of Central Park.
- Surfside Family View Interior: Interior rooms designed for families, overlooking the Surfside neighborhood.
- Spacious Interior: Larger interior rooms for those needing more space.
- Interior Plus: Interior rooms with additional storage space.
- Interior: Standard interior rooms.
There are 13 suite categories on board:
- Ultimate Family Townhouse: A multi-level suite with unique amenities like an in-suite slide and cinema.
- Royal Loft: A luxurious two-deck-high stateroom with a private balcony featuring a whirlpool.
- Icon Loft: A two-level suite with panoramic views and a master bedroom on the second level.
- Owner's Suite: Features a dedicated bedroom, a living room, and a private balcony.
- Sunset Corner Suite: Offers wrap-around balconies with views of the ship's wake.
- Sunset Suite: Known for its floor-to-ceiling windows leading to the balcony.
- Infinite Grand Suite: The only suite with an infinite balcony that extends the living space.
- Grand Suite: Offers floor-to-ceiling views with a living area and a sofa bed.
- Panoramic Suite: Located within the AquaDome with panoramic views and an extended seating area.
- Sky Junior Suite: The first Junior Suite with Sky Class benefits, in the Suite Neighborhood.
- Surfside Family Suite: Designed with families in mind, featuring a kids nook and split bathroom.
- Sunset Junior Suite: Features panoramic views and a corner balcony.
- Junior Suite: Offers floor-to-ceiling ocean views.
Fun facts
- Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was named the godfather of Icon of the Seas in December 2023.
- The ship is more than five times the size of the Titanic (with 250,800 gross tons vs. the Titanic's 46,329).
- The 5,620 passengers expected on a typical sailing amount to a few hundred people more than the entire population of Bar Harbor, Maine.
- At 1,198 feet in length, it's as long as nearly four Statues of Liberty laid on their sides, pedestals included. It's nearly as long as the Empire State Building is high.
- Icon of the Seas has the largest number of crew members of any cruise ship at sea.
Interested in a cruise on this ship?
For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Icon of the Seas, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.
