A First Look at Royal Caribbean's Newest Ship, Icon of the Seas

In the world of family-friendly cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is known for going big and offering large-scale adventures on the high seas. This iconic cruise line's newest ship stands as a testament to this ethos. A veritable floating paradise, Icon of the Seas is not merely a ship but a floating city.

In fact, it currently claims the title of largest cruise ship in the world. But it isn't just its size that makes this vessel impressive, the onboard experience promises to transcend the conventional bounds of travel.

Icon of the Seas made her debut on January 27, 2024, out of the Port of Miami, launching a new era of cruising and offering week-long cruises throughout the Caribbean. Travelers looking for the best family vacations will certainly want to take note of this newest vessel option from Royal Caribbean. Here is a first look at what you can experience when sailing onboard Icon of the Seas.

Icon of the Seas was announced by Royal Caribbean in 2016 to enhance its offerings of family cruises. It is the first of two ships in its class, with the other, Star of the Seas, expected in late 2025. The colossal ship was built in Turku, Finland with a gross tonnage of 250,800, a length of 1,198 feet, and a price tag of $2 billion.

It has a total of 20 decks, 18 of which those designated as guest decks. With 2,805 staterooms, the ship can accommodate 7,600 passengers at its maximum capacity. A crew of 2,350 is on hand to ensure that all of the passengers' needs are met.

As you would expect, the world's newest and largest cruise ship also comes with the largest waterpark at sea. Fittingly called Category 6, this 17,000-square-foot mega waterpark boasts a total of six record-breaking slides, including the tallest drop slide at sea, the 46-foot-high Frightening Bolt. If that's not enough to satisfy thrill seekers, then Pressure Drop, the world's first open freefall waterslide on a cruise ship, certainly will be.

Those who prefer a more relaxing dip in the pool are also spoiled for choice. Icon of the Seas has a total of seven pools – one for every mood! That means you can choose a different pool for every day of the week. As you might expect, one of these pools, called Royal Bay, is now the largest pool at sea. Every pool comes with incredible ocean views, and The Hideaway offers something a little extra special as the first suspended pool at sea. Best of all, there are also nine whirlpools for when you want to just sit back and relax.

While previous Royal Caribbean cruises have featured the concept of "neighborhoods," Icon of the Seas kicks it up a notch with eight different neighborhoods designed to appeal to all demographics, cementing its leading status among family-friendly cruise lines.

Thrill Island, for example, is where you will find the Category 6 waterpark. Families with young children, on the other hand, will likely be spending more time in Surfside, which is home to small waterparks for the little ones and the Lemon Post bar for parents.

Those looking for an adult-only refuge will want to head to The Hideaway neighborhood, the perfect spot to hang out with a cocktail in hand.

Icon of the Seas strives to deliver accommodations that are just as thrilling as the rest of the vessel. Many rooms feature expansive balconies where you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, and the new family suites have already been the chatter of social media for months.

Enjoy family cruises from an oceanview room or a Surfside family suite that will have you right next door to the ship's most family-friendly neighborhood. But the crème de la crème is the Ultimate Family Townhouse. Complete with three levels, an indoor slide, and a private patio to surfside, it doesn't get more VIP than this!

Royal Caribbean truly sought to deliver on every aspect of the family cruising experience with Icon of the Seas and its new class of ships, including the dining. There are more than 20 different ways to dine onboard, ensuring that no one in your travel party ever gets bored. 

Those with an appetite for adventure can sample a fantastic selection of world fare, from freshly rolled sushi to Italian delights. Milkshake bars, champagne bars, and espresso on tap are just some of the many offerings in a veritable smorgasbord of around-the-clock eats and drinks.

As you step onboard, get ready to experience the most spectacular entertainment at sea. Enter a world of sensory delight at the awe-inspiring AquaDome, where the whole family can enjoy a revolutionizing show with a shapeshifting waterfall and dive pool. Enjoy a bold ice-skating performance designed to bring amazement at Absolute Zero, the biggest ice arena on any Royal Caribbean ship.

With Broadway-style shows, including the classic The Wizard of Oz, a reimagined storytime Once Upon a Time: The King’s Royal Ball, and more, there is a show for everyone to enjoy.

Icon of the Seas doesn't seek to be merely a top option among family-friendly cruise lines but to offer one of the best family vacations you could find anywhere. As Royal Caribbean's first new ship class since 2014, travelers are excited to see all of the new advancements that have come along for family cruises over the past decade. 

If you want to be among the first to experience what Royal Caribbean cruises onboard the Icon of the Seas are like, you can start by finding the perfect itinerary with Avoya Travel. Our Independent Travel Advisors know all about planning family cruises and will help you get even more out of your Caribbean adventure on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas.