Icon of the Seas is going to bring so many firsts to cruising that it's really hard to know where to start! We are working on an entire library of posts to explain everything this ship has to offer so I'll try my best to go over just the highlights here!
Icon of the Seas will be the first ship in Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class when she launches in January of 2024. She will also be the largest cruise ship in the world, beating out Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. Following are some facts about her size and capacity:
Gross Tonnage: 250,800
Staterooms: 2,805
Guest Capacity: 5,600 (Double Occupancy) or 7,600 (Max Occupancy)
Crew: 2,310
Size: 1,197 Feet
Decks: 20
Cruising Speed: 22 Knots
Decks:20
Icon of the Seas will cruise from Miami, FL through at least April, 2025 and sailing are selling out fast! All available cruises on Icon of the Sea are either 6 or 7 night Eastern or Western Caribbean and all include a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Eight Neighborhoods
The use of "neighborhoods" is not a new concept for Royal Caribbean, these were introduced with Oasis of the Seas in 2009. Icon of the Seas will feature some new neighborhoods though. Following is a brief overview of each neighborhood:
The thrill island neighborhood is like nothing else at sea. It will feature new and exciting options such as SIX slides in the Category Six waterpark and the daring all-new daring Crown's Edge experience and will also bring back favorites like Flowrider, rock climbing, the sports court and mini-golf. It's essentially a floating theme park and kids (along with kids at heart) are going to be obsessed!
Visitors to Thrill Island won't need to leave to find food or drinks as Base Camp will feature burgers, sandwiches and sides. The exact menu has not been released yet but Royal Caribbean has said that it will include both complementary items and upgraded al a carte items that guest can purchase. Thrill island will also feature the Deserted Milkshake Bar which will carry over-the-top milkshakes (adults can have booze added to their shakes). The menu has not been released for the milkshake bar either, these will definitely come at a cost but I'm assuming (hoping) they will be included with the beverage package. Click here to learn more about Thrill Island!
Kids and adults will love all the options available in the Surfside Neighborhood as well. The Surfside Neighborhood will include a carousel, Splashaway Bay, and an all-new Baby Bay which will finally give little ones who aren't potty trained a water area in which to play. The entrance to Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean's kids program, will be here as well as Social020 for teens and Surfisde will also include an arcade as well as Wonder Playscape, where you will find dry play areas for toddlers. Another awesome feature of the Surfside Neighborhood is the Water's Edge pool located at the back of the ship close to Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay where parents can relax at a pool overlooking the ocean while their kids play.
No neighborhood is complete without food and drinks and the Surfside Neighborhood has plenty:
Surfside Eatery: This buffet is included with your cruise fare.
Sugar Beach: You'll find candy and too many sweets to count here. Items at Sugar Beach are available for a cost.
Pier 7: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Pier 7 will feature lots of Coastal California cuisine and brunch ALL DAY LONG. Pier 7 is not included with your cruise fair but Royal Caribbean has this marked as an affordable dining option with one $.
The Lemon Post: This will be an open-air bar where both adult beverages and mocktails will be served. Specialty & alcoholic drinks are not included but guests should be able to use a drink package for beverages here!
Chill Island features four pools (including the largest pool at sea and the first pool with a swim-up bar in Royal Caribbean's fleet) along with 6 whirlpools and spans 3 decks. The four pools you'll find in this innovative neighborhood are:
The Cove Pool: If you're looking for a low-key place to relax, this is it. The Cove Pool features a disappearing edge and amazing ocean views.
The Royal Bay Pool: The largest pool at sea, The Royal Bay pool hold more than 40,000 gallons of water and also features in-water loungers and plenty of seating.
Swim & Tonic: The first swim-up bar for Royal Caribbean and also the largest on at sea! Swim & Tonic will also feature in-pool loungers
Cloud 17 Pool: Need a break from kids? This adults-only oasis overlooks the ocean, is right next to The Lime & Coconut and will feature live music daily.
When you're ready for something to drink you'll find The Lime and Coconut on all three decks that are part of Chill Island. You can grab complementary soft-serve ice cream at Sprinkles or something to eat El Loco Fresh serves up Mexican favorites including tacos, nachos, burritos and desserts. The ships buffet, Windjammer, is located close by so you can easily run into get get lunch or a snack while hanging out at Chill Island as well! You can read more about Chill Island here.
This is a relatively small neighborhood but make sure you don't miss it! Located at the back of Deck 15, The Hideaway features the first-ever suspended pool at sea and it has a disappearing edge so the ocean views are incredible! There are also daybeds at The Hideway so it's the perfect place to relax while you listen to the DJ's and when you're thirsty you can grab a drink from the Hideaway Bar. You can read more about The Hideaway neighborhood here.
Aquadome
The Aquadome is something that is brand new to Royal Caribbean and it's honestly one of the things I'm most excited to see when I get to cruise on Icon of the Seas. Numerous other ships have an Aqua Theater, and the Aquadome is no exception, but what makes the Aquadome unique is the fact that it's completely enclosed and the space it transformational. During the day, cruisers can hang out and relax here, grab a coffee or cocktail at Rye and Bean, shop in the Aquadome Market or dine at Hooked Seafood or the Celebration Table. At night, this space transforms and is home to the Aqua Theater where you will be able to watch some of the most amazing performances you'll ever see. The Aqua Theater features a 55' waterfall and technology never before seen on a cruise ship.
Suite Neighborhood
Available only to suite guests on Icon of the Seas, this is going to be Royal Caribbean's best suite neighborhood yet. The Suite Neighborhood on Icon of the Seas brings back Coastal Kitchen, a restaurant only available to suite guests and Pinnacle Club Members. Suite guests can also dine at the Grove, featuring casual Mediterranean dining and a full bar. The Suite Neighborhood also has a pool, a whirlpool and a two-deck sundeck. If you can afford a suite on Icon of the Seas this is the place to be!
The Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade has been a feature on many Royal Caribbean cruise ships now, but like everything else with this ship it's bigger and better than ever before. You will find tons of shopping options along the promenade along with guest services, the Crown & Anchor Society and The Next Cruise Desk. You can dine on pizza at Sorrento's or grab a sandwich or snack the The Pearl Cafe (both included in your cruise fare) or dine at popular specialty restaurants including Chops Grille or Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Drinks are available at Starbucks, the 1400 Lobby Bar, Point & Feather, Boleros and the iconic Schooner Bar.
At night there are plenty of entertainment opportunities along the Royal Promenade, including:
Spotlight Karaoke: Karaoke spot where guests can choose from thousands of songs, this venue also features private rooms that can be reserved by guests.
The Attic: A comedy club and bar
Dueling Pianos: This will be Royal Caribbean's first dueling piano bar and I am here for it! If you've never been seen dueling pianos do not miss this. Two pianists perform on baby grand pianos placed back to back. The audience gets involved by suggesting songs and it is so. much. fun.
Central Park
Central Park has been one of my favorite neighborhoods on other ships so I'm super excited to see what they've done on Icon of the Seas. Here's what I know so far - with more than 13,000 tropical trees and plants it will be the largest Central Park ever. It will also feature upscale shopping options and a variety of restaurants and bars:
Chops Grille: Found on every Royal Caribbean ship, Chops is an upscale steakhouse and one of cruisers favorite specialty dining venues.
Empire Supper Club: An upscale specialty dining option that will feature an eight course meal of premium American cuisine. You'll enjoy your meal to the sounds of a three-piece band.
Izumi's Hibachi & Sushi: I love both hibachi and sushi so Izumi's is one of Royal Caribbean's specialty dining options that we never skip when cruising.
Park Cafe: Open for breakfast, lunch and snacks, Park Cafe is an included option where you'll find quick bites like paninis, sandwiches and salads along with treats.
Trellis Bar: The perfect place to enjoy a drink surrounded by the greenery of Central Park. In the evening, you'll often spot performers here.
Bubbles: An walk up champagne bar
Lou's Jazz 'N Blues: An entertainment venue and bar featuring live jazz and blues
If you want to check out the all-new Icon of the Seas, we're here to help! Cruises are filling up fast and prices seem to be on the rise so if you'd like to sail on this amazing new ship Fill out this form or send us an email or call/text us at 800-368-3395 and we'll help you find the perfect ship for your next cruise. That's not all we do, we can also help you make your travel arrangements and even book dinner and show reservations for you and it doesn't cost you a single penny! Contact us today and learn more about how we can make your next cruise headache and hassle free!
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