Arriving in January 2024, the brand new Icon of the Seas, promises to be more than a vacation upgrade. She will be the first Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ship - 20 decks high, 1,198 feet long, and weighing at 250,800 gross tons – making it the largest in the world. Carrying up to 7,600 guests in 28 different stateroom and suite categories, suitable to all styles and budgets and with new family neighbourhoods (8 in total) to choose from, offering more of everything than any of her predecessors or competitors. Truly family oriented, more than 82% of her accommodation will sleep 3 or more guests, making it the best family-suitable ship on the high seas.
As you walk onto the ship, you'll be greeted by The Pearl, a new space that is being introduced with the Icon Class ships and which Royal Caribbean is not telling us much about, keeping it a surprise for the ship’s reveal. Another major change most guests will notice will be to the Royal Promenade – there are windows! Instead of a Solarium, the Icon of the Seas will have an AquaDome where the AquaTheatre, an indoor multipurpose space with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and 220-degree views, is located. Don’t miss out on shows featuring aerialists, acrobatics, high dives and the tallest waterfall at sea (55 feet) here. There are also new areas dedicated to families, revamped pool decks, the largest waterpark, 40 different ways to dine and drink and so much more. The updates are endless and exciting to all Royal Caribbean guests, past and new.
Let’s start with the largest waterpark at sea, called Category 6. Pick from seven unique pools to satisfy any mood. Brave six-record breaking slides, including an open free-fall slide called the “Pressure Drop”, the tallest drop-slide at sea (Frightening Bolt), family raft slides that accommodate four riders at once (Hurricane Hunter), as well as two mat-racing slides (the Storm Chaser). All adventures within Category 6 are complimentary and open till 10pm.
Then there is Crown’s Edge, aptly named after its location at the ship’s crown and anchor logo. Part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of courage. At any moment, the floor could open and leave you dangling 154 feet high above the ocean. Exciting or scary? That’s for you to find out!
Chill Island offers the best pool deck at sea, hands down. Spread over three decks, featuring the largest pool at sea (Royal Bay), the first swim-up bar at sea, Swim & Tonic, and ocean-views galore. If you want a quieter pool experience, head to the infinity-edge Cove Pool with in-water loungers. Adults can find their own space at Cloud 17, adults-only retreat with its own bar seating up to 12 guests, the Lime & Coconut, overlooking the ocean.
Surfside is a new stay-all-day family-friendly neighbourhood dedicated to young families. There are splash areas for babies and kids, a new pool-themed version of Royal Caribbean’s carousel, and a bar with mommy and me matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups, as well as slides, fountains, water cannons, drench buckets and more. Adventure Ocean and the teen club have entrances close by and are easily accessible from Surfside as well as multiple dining venues for families to enjoy.
Another brand new neighbourhood is The Hideaway, which is Royal Caribbean’s version of a beach club. This is where you will find the first suspended infinity pool at sea, a multi-level terrace, whirlpools, many seating options and (of course) a dedicated bar.
There are 28 different stateroom and suite categories for you to choose from, with an eye on providing the most spacious rooms at sea. More than 82% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will accommodate 3 or more guests, and more than 70% of all rooms onboard have a balcony. There are 14 new categories that range from standard staterooms to suites, with more options for families than ever before, including Family Infinite Oceanview Balconies staterooms that can accommodate up to 6 guests in one room, with a bunk alcove for kids and enough TVs for everyone.
Located in the new Surfside neighbourhood, there is a Surfside Family Views Staterooms category, designed for up to four guests and ideal for young families.
And if you are looking for the biggest and most impressive suite anywhere at sea, Icon of the Seas has a three-level townhouse just for you. It even features a multi-level in-suite slide, areas for karaoke and movies, two private balconies, and even a private entrance to Surfside, complete with a white picket fence and mailbox.
To top it all off, suite guests will have the opportunity to enjoy Royal Suite Class benefits, which include access to three private decks, featuring a suite sun deck, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and a new casual eatery called the Grove.
Icon of the Seas will begin offering cruises from Miami in January 2024, with weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day: Phillipsburg, St Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay
7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day: Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay
7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day: Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; Perfect Day at CocoCay
Every sailing brings you to Royal Caribbean’s private destination at Perfect Day at CocoCay - A Day Unlike Any Other!
Most of the experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay are complimentary, and there are plenty of free beach chairs and beachside activities for the whole family - not to mention five new complimentary dining venues located throughout the island. Other attractions, like Thrill Waterpark®, Beach, Pool or Floating Cabanas, the Zip Line, and Up, Up and Away helium balloon, are available for a charge. Consider adding a touch of luxury to your Perfect Day at CocoCay with an access pass to the exclusive Coco Beach Club® which includes access to an exclusive private beach, the clubhouse, the infinity pool, beach chairs and towels, and complimentary dining at the Coco Beach Club® restaurant.
Contact your Travel Professional for additional details or visit www.royalcaribbean.com