It’s thrills they never dared to imagine and next-level chill nobody ever dreamed possible. Adrenaline will surge at the largest waterpark at sea, or as you conquer an all-out test of courage dangling high above the ocean. Pick from seven unique pools to satisfy any mood — this is an all-you-can-swim buffet. Fuel bolder bonding with tons to do for everyone in the crew at SurfsideSM, the ultimate stay-all-day family neighborhood right onboard. And discover dishes to delight every appetite with 40 ways to dine and drink. This is the Icon of VacationsSM — arriving January 2024. Royal Caribbean has done it again. Their new ship, Icon of the Seas, offers eight neighborhoods, the largest water park at sea, fourteen new cabin categories, and seven pools. In addition, the “Icon Class” will take over the mantle of the largest cruise ships at sea when it debuts in early 2024. The first ship in this class, Icon of the Seas, will measure 1198 feet long, have 20 decks, and hold 5610 passengers at double occupancy.
The eight neighborhoods have been tweaked to create recreational areas designed to appeal to all types of cruisers. In addition, there’s a special neighborhood for families that like theme park adventures, a neighborhood for those who like a beach resort stay, and a neighborhood specifically created for young families with kids of 6 and under. Families and friends can bond and enjoy their own adventures. Royal Caribbean has created a vacation that makes all possible in one place for the thrill- seekers, the chill enthusiasts, and everyone in between, without compromise.
Five new neighborhoods join three familiar ones, Central Park, Royal Promenade, and Suite, onboard Icon of the Seas. Thrill Island, located at the top of the ship, is a massive theme park-style area full of adventure. Pressure Drop is the industry’s first open free-fall slide. Frightening Bolt, 46 feet tall, is the tallest drop slide at sea. Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter are family raft slides holding up to four riders per raft. Storm Chaser is cruising’ first mat-racing duo.
Waterslides are not the only thrills on Thrill Island, crown’s Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course, and part thrill ride that culminates in cruisers swinging 154 feet above the ocean, and of course, there is Flow Rider, a rock-climbing wall and mini golf.
Chill Island was created for beach vacation cruisers, with four pools in this three-deck neighborhood, including Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea. Swim and tonic is the first swim-up bar at sea, and Cloud 17 is an adults-only retreat and the infinity edge Cove Pool.
Surfside was created for families with young children and is located on Deck 7. It offers parents a pool located right next to Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, so they can keep an eye on the little ones while enjoying a pool to themselves. Cruisers will find a carousel in this neighborhood with animals designed to look like pool floaties. There’s also an arcade open to all ages, a bar serving cocktails and kid-friendly mocktails, and of course Sugar Beach, the candy and ice cream store. Surfside-facing cabins surround the area, designed with families in mind. The three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse is located next door with a backyard that leads directly onto Surfside. Many of the ship’s 14 new cabin categories are located in Surfside, with a kid’s alcove tucked away from the adults to give everyone space. Surfside can be accessed via stairs or a slide from Deck 8.
The Hideaway is a beachy neighborhood that combines good vibes and spectacular views. The centerpiece of this neighborhood is a suspended infinity pool that hangs 135 feet above the ocean. There are also whirlpools, a multileveled sun terrace with much seating, and a dedicated bar.
AquaDome, located at the front of the ship, is a tranquil oasis by day and transforms into an Aqua Theater at night. The venue has been given a technological update with a transforming pool, four robotic arms, and state-of-the-art projection capabilities.
Icon of the Seas offers 18 cabin categories, with more than 80% capable of holding three or more passengers. New categories include Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic Ocean views located in the AquaDome.
Icon of the Seas will sail year-round, seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. All itineraries will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.
