Royal Caribbean Shares First Look at Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has shared the first look at its revolutionary news ship, Icon of the Seas. The ship is set to be the first of the line’s new ‘Icon Class’ of vessels. 

Icon of the Seas will join the Royal Caribbean fleet in late 2023, with an official debut in January 2024. According to Royal Caribbean, Icon of the Seas is the “travel industry's first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation.” The ship will offer an all-encompassing lineup of activities, with many first-ever and next-level offerings for guests. 

"With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we've taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation."  

Eight Distinct Neighborhoods

Icon of the Seas will offer eight ‘neighborhoods’, five of which are new experiences for the cruise line and three returning fan favorites. 

"Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritizing experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise. It's this first-of-its-kind combination that makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is here."

Here’s a preview of what guests will find in each neighborhood on Icon of the Seas: 

Thrill Island

It wouldn’t be a Royal Caribbean ship without a few new and exciting thrills! This new neighborhood of Icon of the Seas will feature Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. Category 6 will offer not one but six record-breaking slides! The ‘Pressure Drop’ slide features a 66-degree incline, the industry's first open free-fall slide. The 46-foot ‘Frightening Bolt’ is the tallest drop slide at sea. ‘Storm Surge’ and ‘Hurricane Hunter’ are the first family raft slides at sea that allow for four riders per raft. ‘Storm Chasers’ will be the first-ever cruise ship mat-racing duo water ride. 

Thrill Island will also be home to Crown's Edge - part skywalk, ropes course, and thrill ride. The activity features a shocking moment that will have riders swing a thrilling 154 feet above the ocean! 

Chill Island

Chill Island is a three-deck outdoor pool area, home to four of the seven pools on Icon of the Seas. Each pool will offer a vibe for every mood and traveler. Highlights include: Swim & Tonic, the line's first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea; Cloud 17, the adults-only retreat; Cove Pool, the serene, infinity-edge pool space. 

Surfside

Families will be flocking to the Surfside neighborhood on Icon of the Seas. This space will offer several family-focused pools - Water's Edge pool, Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Also in Surfside will be dining options, lounges and bars, the ship’s signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean kids and teens clubs, and Social020 for teens.   

The Hideaway

The Hideaway is a beach club-themed space set 135 feet above the ocean, providing premium water views. In The Hideaway guests will find the first-ever suspended infinity pool at sea. The pool will be surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, seating and bar.

AquaDome

The AquaDome will sit at the top of Icon at the Seas, offering day and night activities, wraparound ocean views, and an awe-inspiring waterfall. This neighborhood will feature the AquaTheatre, home to the signature Royal Caribbean aqua shows. 

Returning Neighborhoods with a Twist

Icon of the Seas will also include the return of several fan-favorite neighborhood areas, but with new and exciting Icon-only offerings. The Royal Promenade will feature its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges. Central Park has been redesigned with new dining and entertainment options. The Suite Neighborhood is set to be the largest yet with three levels. This area will include a new multilevel suite sundeck area called ‘The Grove’ which will include a private pool, whirlpool, and two-story Coastal Kitchen. 

Other Royal Caribbean returning favorites include mini golf at Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, Absolute Zero, an ice arena (largest in the fleet), and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, and Izumi. 

More Accommodations Than Ever 

Icon of the Seas will offer 28 different cabin types, with more choices, ocean views, and rooms than ever before. New options for family travelers will include Family Infinite Balconies, the Surfside Family Suite, and a three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse (complete with its own white picket fence and mailbox). New suite offerings will also include Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic Ocean Views in the AquaDome.

2024 Debut

Icon of the Seas will make its official debut in January 2024. The ship will offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. 

Bookings for Icon of the Seas opened on October 25, 2022. Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor loyalty members are eligible for special booking access starting on October 24, 2022. 

Look out for more details on Icon of the Seas offerings and features in the months to come! 

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