Today, after months of waiting, Royal Caribbean International has given the first look at the next generation of cruise ship, Icon of the Seas. This all new class of ships will debut in January 2024 with new things and updated favorites at every corner.

“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love. 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.”  

Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group

Icon of the Seas includes so much for the entire family to enjoy. From thrills in Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, the most pools on a Royal Caribbean ship, or 40 new and returning dining, bar, and nightlife options. That is just the beginning on this brand new ship.

“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. 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.”

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International

Icon of the Seas will feature eight neighborhoods that come alive day and night, including five brand-new adventures and three returning favorites. Each one is a destination in and of itself filled with an array of experiences, live entertainment and ways to grab a bite and a drink, so that everyone can make memories their way every day.

Ways to Play Across Five New Neighborhoods

• Thrill Island – Vacationers can test their limits, scale new heights and reach top speeds at the center of thrill. This lost island adventure is home to highlights like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides: Pressure Drop and its 66-degree incline make it the industry’s first open free-fall slide; the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides at sea with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, cruising’s first mat-racing duo. Living on the edge takes new meaning with Crown’s Edge. Part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, it culminates in a surprising, shocking moment that will see travelers swing 154 feet above the ocean.
• Chill Island – Among the seven pools on board, four are in this three-deck slice of paradise. There’s a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views: the vibrant Swim & Tonic, the line’s first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea; Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.
• Surfside – Introducing a neighborhood made for young families from end to end, where adults and kids ages six and under will want to stay and play all day. Grownups can soak up the endless views at Water’s Edge pool, as they keep an eye on the kids at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Only steps away are dining options, places to lounge, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teens.  
• The Hideaway – Tucked away, this neighborhood 135 feet above the ocean combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and the uninterrupted ocean views only a cruise can offer. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the center of it all, and it’s surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, a variety of seating and a dedicated bar.
• AquaDome – Perched at the top of Icon, what’s in store is a transformational place unlike any other. In a tranquil oasis by day, guests can take in wraparound ocean views and an awe-inspiring waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink. By night, it becomes a vibrant place great for a night out, complete with restaurants, bars and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheater. The signature entertainment venue takes artistry and cutting-edge technology to new heights, with a transforming pool, four robotic arms, state-of-the-art projection and more.

Familiar favorites include things like the Royal Promenade. This new, grander Royal Promenade features floor-to-ceiling ocean views with more than 15 restaurants, bars and lounges. Also making its way to Icon is Central Park. This more lush version of Central Park will include more ways to dine and be entertained. The largest Suite Neighborhood on a Royal Caribbean ship will span three decks of luxury offering a new multilevel sun deck just for suite guests; The Grove. This sun deck will include a private pool, whirlpool and dining. Other returning favorites include mini golf at Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, and Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Dining venues such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Izumi will also make their way to Icon of the Seas.

There are 28 different stateroom options to choose from giving guests all sorts of options to fit their needs. From staterooms like the Family Infinite Balcony or Surfside Family Suite to the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse complete with a white picket fence and mailbox. There will also be the Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic Ocean View rooms, Royal Caribbean firsts.

The Icon Class will be the next step in the clean-energy future of Royal Caribbean. Icon will the cruise line’s first ship with fuel cell technology and powered by liquefied natural gas, the cleanest-burning marine fuel. The new ship will be the most sustainable Royal Caribbean ship yet.

Icon does not stop there. The crew will also be part of these upgrades. Where they live and work while taking care of guests has been reimagined with new designs, amenities, rooms and activities.

The Icon of the Seas will sail year-round, 7-night Easter and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every sailing will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. When Icon debuts, the all new adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day will also debut including an expansive pool, private cabanas and unmatched views of the ocean. Sailings will visit Caribbean locations like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Roatan, Honduras.

Guests can begin to book their Icon sailings Tuesday, Oct. 25. Crown & Anchor loyalty members can look out for special access on Monday, Oct. 24. Be sure to reach out to your Crescent Lake Club agent today if you are ready to set sail on this all-new adventure!

Please follow and like us: