Royal Caribbean is famous for its epic family-friendly ships, which are constantly pushing the boundaries of cruising technology.
The cruise line’s next incredible cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, will be no different.
Setting sail in 2024, Icon of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s largest ship ever – and will take the title of the largest cruise ship in the world when complete.
Icon of the Seas will have 20 decks, eight themed neighbourhoods, more than 40 eateries, bars, nightlife venues and entertainment options and house a whopping 7,600 guests. This gigantic cruise ship will be home to a number of new fun features, plus staple Royal Caribbean facilities.
In this guide, we break down what new and existing favourite features you can expect to find onboard the extraordinary Icon of the Seas.
Spellbinding entertainment
Cruises are renowned for their exceptional entertainment offerings. But Royal Caribbean is taking entertainment to the next level on Icon of the Seas, with a marvellous new selection of venues.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Icon of the Seas, the Aquadome, on deck 15, will be a vibrant venue which will transform from a tranquil retreat with a 55-foot waterfall at its centre by day, and by night a magnificent AquaTheatre with state-of-the-art technology to help bring shows to life. The theatre will have four robotic arms, a transforming pool and art projections to accompany shows.
Olympic-level ice skaters will perform dazzling bold shows in Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean’s largest ice arena. The modern space will be housed in the redesigned Royal Promenade, accessed on decks four and five.
Elsewhere on board Icon of the Seas, there will also be a Royal Theatre and Music Hall staging fabulous entertainment.
Splish splash sea days away
From tiny tots to big kids, guests of all ages will be able to jump into a variety of different pools and waterparks, scattered throughout the ship.
In the Surfside neighbourhood, located on deck seven, there are three water-themed areas for kids and grown-ups alike to enjoy. The colourful Splashaway Bay aquapark is fitted with waterslides, spray fountains and a drench bucket – great for younger children.
For the smallest guests on board Icon of the Seas, there’s a splash zone beside Splashaway Bay designed just for babies. The Water’s Edge pool is situated right next to child-friendly water features and is perfect for grownups who want to breathe in mesmerising views from the aft of the ship.
At the centre of the Hideaway neighbourhood, on deck 15, sits the first suspended infinity pool at sea towering 135 feet above sea level, with a range of whirlpools, seating and a bar to unwind in.
In Chill Island, experience the largest pool at sea, Royal Bay Pool on deck 15, or getaway to the adults-only retreat Cloud 17 with its very own pool, on – you guessed it! – deck 17.
Gastronomic wonders
If your idea of a fantastic family holiday includes diving into tasty sweet and savoury treats, Icon of the Seas has you covered!
Milkshake masterpieces will be shaken up at the new beverage venue Desserted, located in the Thrill Island neighbourhood. These delicious drinks aren’t just for kids with a sweet tooth, Deserted will also have a boozy milkshakes menu – alongside a non-alcoholic milkshakes menu – available too.
While at the Surfside Neighbourhood, drop into the Surfside Eatery buffet for a quick snack or lunchtime treat, or for a refreshing beverage, head over to the Lemon Post, an open-air bar with specially designed menus for kids and adults.
For drinks with a view, float over to Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea, Swim & Tonic on deck 16 in Chill Island.
More dining options onboard Icon of the Seas will include Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Windjammer Marketplace, Chops Grille, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, four The Lime & Coconut venues, among other delicious dining options.
Action-packed activities
Sea days will be far from boring on Icon of the Seas.
Younger families will love the neon lights and huge range of games on offer at the Arcade in the Surfside neighbourhood. You’ll find a great mixture of retro-style games, claw machines, air hockey and more at this colourful venue.
Surfside has been designed to have families stay and play all day, as there is also a number of bars, dining options, Adventure Ocean and Social020 kids clubs and a beach-themed carousel housed in the neighbourhood.
Think you can put a hole in one? At the reimagined Lost Dunes, on deck 16 in Thrill Island, the whole family can play nine holes of mini golf, traversing through shipwrecks and fallen palms to tally up the lowest score possible.
Elsewhere on Thrill Island, there are six record-breaking slides to whizz down at Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea accessed on deck 20, Pressure Drop, the first open free-fall slide at sea, Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea standing at 46-foot-tall, plus Storm Surge and Hurricane, the first family raft slides at sea.
For an adrenaline-pumping at-sea experience, gaze over the edge of the Crown’s Edge, on deck 16, a ropes course and skywalk situated 154 feet over the ocean.
Iconic Royal Caribbean activities FlowRider, the surf at sea simulator, and a rock climbing wall at Adrenaline Peak will also be onboard Icon of the Seas.
Sublime staterooms and suites
Passengers who may be picky when it comes to accommodation will be spoilt for choice on Icon of the Seas, as there are 28 different types of accommodation to choose from.
Families of three, four, five and more can stay in Family Infinite Balcony accommodations or the extraordinary Surfside Family suite.
But for supreme family accommodation, why not stay in the three-deck Ultimate Family Townhouse? Inside, the suite has its own private slide, cinema, karaoke facilities, private entrance to Surfside neighbourhood, white picket fence and even its own postbox!
Royal Suite guests have access to the ship’s Suite Neighbourhood complex, four decks of exclusive venues including a two-deck Coastal Kitchen, new Mediterranean dining venue The Grove and a two-storey sun deck.
