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A look inside the Icon of the Seas, the world's biggest cruise ship, as it prepares for voyage

By Kris Van Cleave, Analisa Novak

January 18, 2024 / 12:14 PM EST / CBS News

Royal Caribbean is redefining the cruise industry with its latest ship, the Icon of the Seas. This $2 billion floating resort is largely booked until 2026.

Spanning nearly 1,200 feet, the cruise ship has 20 decks, which makes the Icon of the Seas the world's largest cruise ship.

It's a city at sea, accommodating up to 7,600 passengers in 2,805 staterooms and nearly 10,000 people, including the crew. The ship offers different experiences that include seven pools — one is the largest on any ship — the world's first onboard water park with six water slides, theaters, a casino and over 40 dining and drinking spots.

Miami Icon of the Seas

Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Chief Product Innovation Officer, says the cruise ship is more than just its amenities.

"It's really about iconic experiences," he said.

And despite its massive size, Schneider said the ship is designed to avoid feeling overcrowded.

"We have purposely designed the ship to give more space for people," he said. "We believe, even at 7,500 guests, it won't feel to you like your entire hometown has joined the ship," said Schneider.    

Luxury comes at a price on the Icon. A weeklong Caribbean cruise costs about $3,500 for two people in an average stateroom. For those seeking more luxury, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – a three-story suite complete with touchscreen tables and a slide – can go for up to $100,000 per trip. The Royal Loft, aimed at high-rolling adults, offers two bedrooms, a private hot tub, and a spacious balcony starting at $40,000.

Icon of the Seas Media Day

Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, said that bigger ships benefit both passengers and cruise lines.

"It means more people can experience something. It means that there's a lot more amenities and activities onboard the cruise ship," McDaniel said. "The more people they can put on a cruise ship, of course, the better business they do, the more money they make."

Kevin Curran says the Icon took his breath away. Having followed the ship's construction for over a year, the Oregon resident said he's thrilled to be on its inaugural cruise from Miami.

"The more I watched the videos, the more I understood this was something special," he said.

Icon of the Seas Media Day

Cruising is surging in popularity. Last year, passenger volume outpaced pre-pandemic numbers, and this year is expected to hit a new high of 36 million as spending on experiences has climbed 65% since 2019.

From the bridge, Captain Hendrik Loy is overseeing what amounts to a three-day test drive to the Bahamas.

"There is still fine-tuning that needs to take place," said Loy.

The Icon also champions environmental responsibility. It's powered by liquefied natural gas, treats its own waste, and produces its own water.

krisvancleavepromo.jpg

Kris Van Cleave is CBS News' senior transportation and national correspondent based in Phoenix.

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Icon of the Seas

Introducing Icon of the Seas

A first-of-its-kind Royal Caribbean Adventure

It's thrills you never dared to imagine

And next-level chill you never dreamed possible

The largest waterpark at sea

Brace yourself for Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking slides. Like the Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide to sail. And the Pressure Drop, the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise.

Island

Category 6 waterpark

6 record-breaking waterslides at sea

A new stay-all-day neighborhood just for families

Discover adventure for the ages — all the ages — at Surfside SM . With a kid-approved sprawling aquapark, a pool just for grownups, plus plenty of bites to fuel up for bolder bonding — your whole crew will never want to leave.

First for families

7 pools for every mood.

Choose a different pool for every day of the week, including Royal Bay — the largest pool at sea. Next-level views are never far away, with an array of infinity edges to keep you connected to the ocean.

Cloud 1

The largest pool at sea

Icon of the Seas

What Makes It Iconic

Make the most of every moment onboard. Dial up the daring. Unwind like never before. Bond over new bites 
and toast to next-level nightlife. And catch showstopping spectaculars that will leave you in awe. This is your week to enjoy everything you’ve ever loved about every vacation — all rolled into one.

Iconic Thrills Slide

Perfect day the western way

Icon of the Seas ℠ brings on the most thrilling Western Caribbean adventures for the whole family. From lush tropical jungles in Roatán to Mayan ruins in Cozumel — plus the tallest waterslide in North America at our game-changing private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay — there’s never been more exciting opportunities for bolder bonding.

Western Caribbean Beach Resort

Eastern adventures to perfect day

Max out memories like never before on 7-night adventures to the Eastern Caribbean onboard Icon of the Seas ℠ . Every sailing on our newest, thrill-packed ship stops at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Voted Best Private Island by Travel Weekly readers, it’s a place unlike any other where you can turn up the thrills or unplug and chill.

Perfect day at Cococay with Family

Iconic Stays

Make room for awesome

On the new Icon of the Seas SM , where you stay is just as thrilling as how you play. From expansive balconies that invite the sea breeze to our most over-the-top family accommodations — our range of spacious rooms is designed with family comfort in mind.  Use the arrows to explore more.

Icon of the Seas Room

Family rooms redefined

Finding your crew’s just-right space is easy, with more rooms designed for families.

Family infinite ocean view balcony

Icon of the Seas Room

Surfside family suites

Family rooms redefined

Over the top just got topped

A family vacation doesn’t get any more VIP than in the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse — a sprawling adventure-filled pad with three levels of incredible surprises.

Ultimate family townhouse

Icon of the Seas Room

Private patio to surfside

Over the top just got topped

Three incredible levels

Icon of the Seas Family Suite Overview

Stays with views for days

There’s no shortage of ways to score unbelievable ocean views from your room. With spacious balconies, extended ocean side escapes, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, there’s so much to see at sea.

Spacious Infinite ocean view balcony

Panoramic suites

Stay with views for days

Sunset corner suites

Icon of the Seas Small Sunset Corner Suite Aerial and Inside View

Sign up here to be among the first to receive the latest news from Royal Caribbean®, including special offers and last-minute cruise deals. And if you change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time.

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Explore more

Deck plans

Guide to what's included

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Perfect day at Cococay

Perfect day at Cococay

Making an Icon

Making an icon

The World's Largest Cruise Ship Is Coming in January—Here's What It's Like Inside

By Jessica Puckett

A Look Inside the World's Largest Cruise Ship Launching January 2024

The biggest thing to ever hit cruising is coming in January 2024, when Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas —which will be the largest cruise ship in the world —will debut to passengers for the first time.

With capacity for nearly 10,000 passengers and crew, Icon of the Seas is billed as part all-inclusive resort, part theme park, and a massive destination unto itself . Clocking in at 250,380 gross tons and measuring nearly a quarter mile long (1,198 feet to be exact), the vast ship will sport a total of 20 decks, 18 of which will be accessible to guests.

The ship will be divided into eight different “neighborhoods,” each with their own distinct atmospheres, dining options, and activities. “ Icon of the Seas is truly what we call a white paper ship,” Anna Drescher, manager of architectural design, new building and innovation for Royal Caribbean group, said in a video statement . “The reason that we call it that is we start with a blank sheet of sketch paper, so it truly is starting fresh.”

In June 2023, the ship hit a major milestone when it completed its first sea trials outside the shipyard in Turku, Finland. Next up is the colossal new ship’s first voyage, slated to depart on January 27, 2024. It will sail roundtrip from Miami to the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas.

The ship's typical seven-day itineraries include three at-sea days, so passengers have time to fully enjoy the endless choices of amenities on board. “We want guests to walk up to the ship and just have this moment of: I can’t believe that’s where I’m going ,” said Jennifer Goswami, the line’s senior manager of product development.

Here's a look at the enormous scale of the new ship and what to expect on board.

exterior and top deck icon of the seas

When it begins sailing, the Icon of the Seas will offer a total of 2,805 staterooms that can hold 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or a maximum of 7,600 guests. Passengers can choose from a whopping 28 different room types, including Sunset Suites with wraparound balconies and Family Infinite Balcony staterooms with bunkbeds fit for a family of up to six.

balconies of the ultimate family townhouse

The largest suite on board will be the three-story, 1,772-square-foot “Ultimate Family Townhouse,” which comes with its own movie theater, ping-pong table, karaoke, and a slide between floors. It can sleep up to eight people and costs approximately $75,000 per week.

central park neighborhood icon of the seas

Among the eight "neighborhoods," or sections of the ship with distinct ambiance, are Central Park, which offers greenery and sidewalk cafes, and The Hideaway, which aims for a European beach club aesthetic. There's also The Suite Neighborhood, Surfside, Thrill Island, Chill Island, The Royal Promenade, and the Aquadome.

The ship's 2,350 crew members will also get their own neighborhood, complete with amenities like a gaming room and hair salon.

thrill island waterpark icon of the seas

Another superlative for Icon will be sporting the largest waterpark at sea. The park, called Category 6, features six different record-breaking waterslides, including the tallest onboard waterslide. There will also be a free-fall slide, plus a raft-style slide for four passengers to ride together.

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Seven pools and nine whirlpools will be located throughout the ship, including the first infinity pool on a cruise ship to be suspended in the air. The Royal Bay pool, located on the 15th deck, will break the record for largest pool at sea, holding an astounding 40,000 gallons of water.

main dining room icon of the seas

Across the towering vessel, there'll be more than 20 food venues and 15 bars and nightlife experiences, including a sweeping three-level main dining room.

Among the options for grabbing a drink will be the line's first onboard swim-up bar, a walk-up Champagne bar, and a bar specializing in coffee cocktails like espresso martinis.

aqua theater icon of the seas

On the entertainment front, Royal Caribbean has hired 75 performers to titillate guests across three cavernous theaters. The Absolute Zero ice arena will feature shows with Olympic-level skaters, while the AquaTheater will combine the talents of divers, robots, and skateboarders.

In the Royal Theater, a 16-piece orchestra (the largest one at sea), will accompany shows like the Wizard of Oz.

In smaller venues throughout the ship, like the dueling piano bar, 50 live musicians and comedians will perform each night, making it possible for every type of passenger to find something that fits their style.

Icon of the Seas

Royal caribbean.

The  Icon of the Seas  was built in 2023 and is among Royal Caribbean’s 27 ships in its fleet. The Icon is included in the cruise line’s Icon Class. In the cruise ship stats below, you’ll find the Icon of the Seas vs all of the other Royal Caribbean ships.

Icon of the Seas Size

How big is the Icon of the Seas? Below, you’ll find all of the relevant cruise ship stats, specs and dimensions for the Icon of the Seas. Included in these statistics are passenger capacity, length, year built, year renovated, cost to build, gross tonnage, engine info, number of rooms, deck counts and more!

Icon of the Seas Infographic

Icon of the Seas Capacity

Passenger Capacity refers to the total number of people that the Icon of the Seas can accommodate. Of course, there are also crew members on board. Below, find the total onboard capacity, including staff and cruise guests.

Royal Caribbean Avg: 3,708 guests

Icon of the Seas Passenger Capacity: The passenger capacity for the Icon of the Seas is 7,600 guests . The average capacity for the 27 active ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet is 3,708 passengers. The passenger capacity range for all Royal Caribbean ships has a minimum of 1,992 guests and a maximum of 7,600 passengers.

Royal Caribbean Avg: 1,400 staff

Icon of the Seas Crew Members: Staff on the Icon of the Seas include 2,350 crew members. That’s a guest to staff ratio of 3.2 to 1. The average Royal Caribbean ship includes 1,400 employees and has a passenger to staff ratio of 2.6 to 1.

Icon of the Seas Passenger Capacity and Crew

vs Royal Caribbean Fleet

Icon of the Seas Length

How long is the Icon? From end to end, the Icon of the Seas length equals 1196 feet (365 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 27 active vessels in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, measuring 1068 feet (326 meters).

Royal Caribbean Avg: 1,068 feet

The smallest Royal Caribbean ship (in terms of length) measures 915 feet (279 meters) from end to end. The longest vessel spans 1196 feet (365 meters).

Our chart below shows the length of the Icon of the Seas vs all other active Royal Caribbean ships.

Icon of the Seas Ship Length

vs all Royal Caribbean Ships

Icon of the Seas Built Date

When was the Icon of the Seas Built? The Icon of the Seas was built in 2023 and joined the cruise line’s Icon Class.

Royal Caribbean includes 27 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1996. The average Royal Caribbean ship is 16 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2007

Royal Caribbean Avg: 2007

When was the last Icon of the Seas Dry Dock? The Icon of the Seas has not experienced dry dock improvements yet.

renovation date

Icon of the seas deck plans.

The Icon of the Seas has a total of 18 passenger decks. The lowest level available to guests is Deck 2. The highest passenger deck is Deck 20.

What does the Icon of the Seas offer in terms of “things to do?” The ship features 14 restaurants, 6 bars, 19 activities, and 3 other features for your enjoyment.

Click below to access deck plans for the Icon of the Seas. The resulting page will provide a floor plan and summary of all “things to do” offered on that level of the ship.

Icon of the Seas - All Deck Plans

  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 2
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 3
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 4
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 5
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 6
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 7
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 8
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 9
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 10
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 11
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 12
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 14
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 15
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 16
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 17
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 18
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 19
  • Icon of the Seas - Deck 20

Icon of the Seas Info

Frequently asked questions, on which deck is the icon of the seas casino located.

You will find the Icon of the Seas Casino on Deck 4 of the ship.

On which deck is the Icon of the Seas Buffet located?

You will find the Icon of the Seas Buffet on Deck 15 of the ship.

What is the Icon of the Seas ship class?

The ship belongs to the Royal Caribbean class of ships known as the Icon class.

What does the Icon of the Seas offer in terms of things to do?

The ship features 14 restaurants, 6 bars, 19 activities, 2 shows and 3 other venues for your enjoyment. You can click on our ship deck plans or details pages for a full list of activities, sorted by feature type.

How many decks are on the Icon of the Seas?

The Icon of the Seas has a total of 18 passenger decks. The lowest deck is Level 2. The upper most passenger deck is Level 20.

What is the Icon of the Seas capacity?

We're often asked how many passengers are on the Icon of the Seas. The ship's capacity is 7,600. When comparing the occupancy to the average Royal Caribbean passenger capacity, you'll find that the average ship in the fleet holds 3,708 guests. Feel free to look at our graph above to see where this ship falls in line with all other live Royal Caribbean ships.

How old is the Icon of the Seas?

The Icon of the Seas was built in 2023. Royal Caribbean includes 27 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1996. The average Royal Caribbean ship is 16 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2010

Is the Icon of the Seas a good ship?

Each of Royal Caribbean's ships offers a unique layout with features and activities catered to all. Whether the Icon of the Seas is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Do you prefer a larger or smaller ship with many or fewer guests? Are you hoping for many family activities or entertainment options for an older clientele. Our deck maps layout and activities list provide a helpful guide to what you'll find on board. Feel free to explore the see if this ship is suited towards your preferences.

How long is the Icon of the Seas?

From end to end, the Spectrum of the Seas length equals 1,196 feet (365 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 27 active vessels in Royal Caribbean fleet, measuring 1,068 feet (326 meters). Please see our size comparison chart above to see how this ship falls in line with all other active ships in the fleet.

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  • CruiseMapper
  • Royal Caribbean

Icon Of The Seas

Former names: icon1, mayer turku nb-1400.

Icon Of The Seas cruise ship

Cruise line Royal Caribbean

  • Miami (Florida)

Icon Of The Seas current position

Icon Of The Seas current location is at Gulf of Mexico (coordinates 21.32239 N / -85.96452 W) cruising at speed of 19.5 kn (36 km/h | 22 mph) en route to Coco Cay. The AIS position was reported 26 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Icon Of The Seas

Icon Of The Seas current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Western Caribbean Perfect Day . Prices start from USD 2586 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 02 Mar, 2024 and ends on 09 Mar, 2024 .

Specifications of Icon Of The Seas

  •   Itineraries
  •   Review
  •   Wiki

Icon Of The Seas Itineraries

Icon of the seas review, review of icon of the seas.

The 2024-built Icon of the Seas cruise ship is RCI-Royal Caribbean's first ICON-Class vessel scheduled for delivery and inauguration in 2024 January, being postponed from 2022-Q2 and 2023-Q3 due to the COVID crisis. The liner is currently the world's largest by volume/GT-tons (~6% bigger than Wonder OTS ) and has two same-designed sisterships - Star Of The Seas (2025-Q2) and TBN of the Seas (2026-Q2).

"Project Icon" is the name for a passenger ship class ordered by RCG-Royal Caribbean Group/shipowner to Meyer Merf's Shipyard in Turku Finland .

The vessel (IMO number 9829930) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311001178) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is a US company, trademarked brand, and subsidiary owned by Royal Caribbean Group (RCG/shipowner). RCI was established in 1968 and currently has over 1/5 of the worldwide cruise market. RCI also has RCG's largest fleet by both vessel number and GT tonnage (ship sizes and capacities).

All RCI liners have names ending with "of the Seas".

Icon Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean ICON-class cruise ship)

Each vessel from the ICON series has passenger capacity 5610 (lower berths) and GT tonnage/volume 250800 tons, making the design Royal Caribbean's/world's largest.

On May 5, 2022, an RCI spokesperson announced that the ICON class will be bigger (in both passenger capacity and volume) than the OASIS class, which makes Icon of the Seas currently the world's largest passenger ship ever constructed. On October 20th, RCI revealed more details, including the vessel's exact volume (250800 GT-tons) and max capacity (9950/7600 passengers + 2350 crew). For comparison, the previously largest passenger ships (OASIS PLUS class) have GT ~227000 tons and max capacity 8800 (6410 pax + 2390 crew).

Initially, the ICON ship design was announced with passenger capacity ~5200 and GT tonnage ~200K.

Decks and Cabins

Of all Icon of the Seas staterooms (2805 total, in 28 grades), ~70% are balconies and over 80% accommodate 3 or more people. The ship has 179x suites, 1815x balconies, 276x oceanviews (including 12x Panoramic) and 744x inside cabins (534x Standard plus 214x Interior-Facing/Promenade View Balcony). Infinite Balconies are 693 (615x Standard plus 78x Family). Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 50.

Icon OTS has 14 new for RCI cabin categories - Inside Plus, Panoramic Ocean View (redesigned/both cabins and suites), Infinite Balcony, Family Infinite Balcony, Surfside Family Suite, Sky Junior Suite, Sunset Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft Suite, and the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

"Panoramic Ocean View" cabins and suites are in the AquaDome Neighborhood and all are with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows.

"Infinite Balcony" are "French Balcony" cabins with drop-down panoramic/wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows enclosing the terrace. These accommodations are designed as convertible, transforming the veranda into an indoor space (within the cabin/separated by accordion doors) at the push of a button. This category (as Edge Veranda Infinity) debuted on Celebrity Cruises ' EDGE-class ships.

"Family Infinite Balcony" cabins accommodate 6 people and are with split bathrooms, a separate kids' bedroom (with bunk beds), and an infinite balcony.

"Surfside Family Suite" is in the Surfside Neighborhood, accommodates 4 people, has a separate kids' bedroom (convertible into a lounge room) and its occupants receive Royal Suite Class perks.

"Sunset Corner Suite" (fleet's first) represents aft-facing staterooms (located at the stern) featuring large wraparound terraces.

The "Ultimate Family Townhouse" is a 3-deck/level suite designed for families. The stateroom is with private access to Surfside Neighborhood and features an indoor dry slide, media room/cinema, karaoke room, huge terrace.

The 3-deck Suite Neighborhood houses all the top-tier staterooms. It features an exclusive 2-deck Sundeck and an expanded Coastal Kitchen (suite-only restaurant on 2 levels, overlooking the AquaTheater). There is a larger exclusive sundeck (accessed only by Star Class and Sky Class suites) with its own swimming pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi, plus a new, suite-only casual dining venue (The Grove) offering traditional Mediterranean cuisine specialties.

The suites are in categories (high to low grade) Family Townhouse, Royal Loft, Icon Loft, Owner's, Infinite Grand, Grand, Sunset Corner, Surfside Family, Sunset, Junior, and Panoramic (with windows).

ICON ships also have a new (patented design) crew cabin type with an L-shaped bed layout.

The boat has 19 decks , of which 18 are passenger-accessible and 12 with cabins.

Icon Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean ICON-class cruise ship)

RCI's ICON-class vessels have 40+ F&B concepts (including 23 fleet-firsts) and 26 fleet-firsts (features, amenities, technologies) including 15 water activities.

For detailed information on the RCI's ICON ships as technologies see the ship's Wiki page .

Shipboard facilities and amenities

RCI's ICON class features the OASIS class' Central Park Neighborhood - an inside-the-ship, open-air, multi-deck space whose base level is fitted with live vegetation (trees, bushes, flowers). The design also includes the fore-located Solarium - a 2-decks spanning adults-only relaxation complex (covered by a glass rooftop) with its own cafe/bistro, bar, thalassotherapy pool, large Jacuzzies, indoor sunbathing area (deckchairs, loungers, daybeds), an outdoor sundeck.

The Sun Deck (positioned midship) is on two levels and fitted with a large swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area. A series of columns (midship-aft) support the waterslides and the Ropes Course (costs US$90 per person).

The stern (like on the OASIS liners) is open-deck and with cascading suite terraces.

Like all RCI boats, Icon also has a FlowRider (surfing simulator positioned aft-starboard on top deck), an island-themed Mini-Golf Course (Lost Dunes) and Rock-Climbing Walls (at Adrenaline Peak), Ice-Rink Arena (Absolute Zero/fleet's largest).

Icon OTS has 10x new for RCI dining concepts out of 20x total different venues, of which 11x are complimentary and 9x are at fee.

Icon ship's retail shopping complex spreads across four floors (decks 5-6-8-15) and groups a total of 14 retail shops. The onboard stores sell duty- and tax-free priced products like perfumes, cosmetics, fashion clothing and accessories, watches, jewelry, liquor and tobacco, confectionery, games and toys. Additionally, a dedicated Tech Shop sells electronics, gadgets, batteries, headphones, walkie-talkies, Nintendo 3DS gaming consoles. The Splash Store sells sunscreens, skincare products, swim accessories. The Health Essentials Store sells toiletries and medicines.

Neighborhoods

Icon OTS has 7x swimming pools (scattered across 5 decks), 9x outdoor Jacuzzies/whirlpools, and the fleet's largest waterpark with 6x waterslides (including the largest at sea).

Next are listed pools' operational/opening hours.

  • (Chill Island Neighborhood/Deck 15) Royal Bay Pool (starboard, with 2x Jacuzzies) and Cove Pool (portside infinity pool/adults-only), Hideaway Pool (aft/beach club-themed) are open between 9 am and 10 pm.
  • (Chill Island Neighborhood/Deck 17) Cloud 17 Pool (adults-only solarium/sundeck, max 250 people, starboard-positioned, with a whirlpool) is open between 8 am and 7 pm.

Like the OASIS and OASIS PLUS ships, the ICON ships have 8x neighborhoods (themed decks) which are named AquaDome, Central Park, Chill Island, Thrill Island, Royal Promenade, The Hideaway, Surfside, and Suite Neighborhood.

( Deck 5 and Deck 6 ) Royal Promenade Neighborhood is on two levels and houses staterooms plus 15x F&B venues (bars, lounges, cafes, restaurants) including Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Pearl Cafe (similar to Cafe Promenade/open 24-hours, offers complimentary grab-and-go food/sandwiches, fresh-baked croissants, packaged salads, sweets, beverages/tea, sodas, specialty coffees), Campfire Cookie (patisserie), Sorrento's Pizzeria (pizza by the slice, fresh-baked specialty pies/different each day, also selling draft beers on tap), Point & Feather (104-seat English pub hosting dart tournaments and live acoustic guitar performances in the evenings, serves a selection gin-based cocktails), Boleros (Latin-themed bar lounge with live music performances/85 seats), 1400 Bar (named after the ship's hull number/offering live piano music in the evenings/capacity 67 indoor + 18 outdoor seats), Spotlight Karaoke Bar (106 seats), The Attic (comedy club lounge/159 seats), Starbucks (coffee shop), Crown Lounge (fka Diamind Lounge ^ Bar /exclusive venue for Diamond and above members), Dueling Pianos Bar (with 2x Baby Grand pianos), Music Hall (on 2 floors/decks 3-4). On Royal Promenade are also the 4-deck-high The Pearl (sphere-shaped structure positioned midship on decks 5-6-7-8) and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (107 seats).

The Pearl is a unique kinetic art sculpture providing multi-sensory experiences and housing special "sound and sight" events. It has height 14 m (45 ft), diameter 16 m (52 ft), and is constructed from ~3000 computer-driven kinetic tiles. At this unique facility can be emulated natural occurrences like rolling waves, gentle breezes, shooting stars, and the dynamic ocean surface. The tiles' arrangement follows a Fibonacci sequence, mirroring patterns observed in marine life. The Pearl's movements are interactive and influenced by real-time data (tidal and wind) from the sea, allowing it to continually transform, mirroring the current environmental conditions.

Icon's Royal Promenade has length 110 m/362 ft, and unlike RCI's previous Royal Promenade design has floor-to-ceiling windows providing unobstructed ocean views. Also, on the lower level (in the Embarkation Area starboard on Deck 5) is the "1400 Lobby Bar" (with indoor/outdoor seating, serves juice-based beverages and cocktails). The Lobby Bar's name has the ship's hull number (1400).

( Deck 8 ) Central Park Neighborhood is 1/5th larger than on the OASIS ships (with thousands of live plants and live music performances) and houses several dining venues - Izumi Hibachi & Sushi (Asian/Japanese restaurant also offering Teppanyaki - food cooked on an iron griddle), Izumi in the Park (sushi to-go, sweets), Chops Grille (steakhouse), Park Cafe (casual restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner, and also for late-night snacks/open 5:30-10 pm), Empire Supper Club (8-course-meal food hall), Trellis Bar (12 seats), Schooner Bar, Desserted (milkshake bar also serving Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milkshake), Lou's Jazz 'n Blues (71 indoor + 16 outdoor seats/live performances nightly, classic and crafted cocktails), Bubbles (walk-up champagne bar with live music). Central Park is an outdoor relaxation zone (within the ship's interior).

Central Park's garden houses 21000+ live plants and features multi-deck-high metal columns and green walls (covered in vines and ferns), several pathways, recordings of various species (birds, insects, animals) played, live seasonal plants (flowers, shrubs, trees). Signage boards provide detailed information on all Central Park's trees and plants.

Central Park's Empire Supper Club is a 1930s NYC-themed restaurant with two evening seatings (at 6 and 8:30 pm) and an 8-course menu. The cuisine is American and each course is paired with a beverage (wines by the glass or cocktails/created exclusively for RCI by Tony Abou-Ganim). Empire Supper Club is RCI's "most elegant restaurant" and the first dining venue combining food with music. The resident 3-piece band performs a different song during each course. The Supper Club has 38 seats (max capacity/one seating per night) and costs ~US$200 per person.

Part of Central Park, on ICON-class ships was introduced "Izumi in the Park" - Izumi's sushi-to-go/takeaway food bar with a pick-up window. Open between 11:30 am -10:30 pm, the venue offers sushi, spicy beef gyoza, sweets (bubble waffles, ice cream cones). A sushi bento box can be ordered and eaten elsewhere onboard.

Suite Neighborhood spans 3 floors (forward on decks 16-17-18) and features a 2-floor exclusive sundeck (with swimming pool and Jacuzzi/on deck 18) and two exclusive restaurants (for Star- and Sky Suite passengers-only) - The Grove (38-seat alfresco buffet restaurant serving popular Mediterranean dishes/on deck 18) and Coastal Kitchen (capacity 154 seats, fleet's first on 2 levels/on decks 16-17).

( Deck 15 /aft) The Hideaway Neighborhood is a beach club-themed pool deck with a suspended infinity pool (the first at sea), and a surrounding 2-deck terrace/tiered outdoor lounge with Jacuzzies, a dedicated poolside bar (Hideaway Bar) and a variety of seating. Here is also the Windjammer Marketplace (complimentary Lido buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, dinner/has 2 indoor bars). Two types of daybeds (in-pool and oceanview, each for 2-4 people) can be reserved for The Hideaway Pool. Daybed amenities include 4x bottled waters, 4x towels, 1x bottle of champagne (in an ice bucket, with 4x souvenir glasses), a side table, and beverage service by dedicated staff. For season 2024, The Hideaway's In-Pool Daybeds cost US$250/350 (port day/sea day) while the Oceanview Daybeds cost US$200/300 (port day/sea day).

( Deck 15 /forward) AquaDome Neighborhood is fully covered by a glass dome (transparent roof with unobstructed 220-degree outside views via floor-ceiling/wall-to-wall windows). AquaDome features the largest-at-sea waterfall (transforming in the evenings into AquaTheater) which waters fall right from the ceiling. During the day, AquaDome serves as a relaxation complex with a serene ambiance and various food and beverage options (restaurants and bars). In the evening, AquaDome transforms into a "nightlife zone" housing RCI's signature entertainment venue AquaTheater (redesigned, smaller-sized and indoor/glass-covered on ICON ships) hosting high-diving aquatic and aerial acrobatic shows. The AquaTheater has a transforming deepwater swimming pool and is fitted with modern technologies including multi-media equipment (superior light-sound-smoke effects, 3D flying projections), stage lifts, 4x robotic arms. A new for RCI venue in the AquaDome is Rye & Bean (coffee shop/bar).

AquaDome Market is a complimentary food hall with 5x different stands - Feta Mediterranean (Greek cuisine/fresh-baked pitas and Mediterranean bowls, with a separate bar for beverages/including beers and wine by the glass), Mac's (fresh-baked macaroni and cheese pizza, with toppings like smoked gouda, BBQ sauce, slow-roasted pulled pork), Toast & Garden (light fare/salads, sandwiches), GNGR (Asian dishes), and Creme de la Crepe (sweet and savory French crepes/thin pancakes), with made-to-order choices. AquaDome Market is open for breakfast (7 am), lunch (11:30 am) and dinner. Extra cost beers and wines by the glass (table service).

Near Aquatheater's entrance is Royal Bling (Retail Shop) selling Royal Caribbean-logoed/RCI-branded merchandise (keepsakes/jewelry rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc). Among the store's merchandise is a US$100,000 gold-adorned chalice, the owner of which will enjoy unlimited onboard beverages for life.

Note: OASIS liners' outdoor AquaTheater (positioned at the stern) is replaced on the ICON boats with a family-themed activity deck. AquaDome has two dining venues - Hooked Seafood (seafood restaurant) and Celebration Table (an upgraded Chef's Table/VIP dining experience/12-seats, floor-ceiling windows, 4x different menus - American, Italian, Asian, Seafood) plus the bow-facing Overlook Lounge (in front of the AquaTheater) that provides 160-degree ocean views. The 2-floor Overlook Lounge (decks 14-15) is an indoor observation lounge with capacity 164 seats (112 chairs + 52 pods).

(aft on Deck 7 ) Surfside Neighborhood (fleet-first) is specifically designed for young families - adults and kids aged under six. Surfside houses family-type staterooms as well as a swimming pool (Water's Edge/infinity pool), a carousel, Splashaway Bay (kids' aquapark with a slide), Baby Bay (waterpark for toddlers, with a splash pool), Adventure Ocean (children's clubs/indoor facilities for age-appropriate supervised activities), Social020 (teen-only complex hosting activities like playing video games, watching movies, dancing, various classes, fun contests), Challenger's Arcade (classic and new games), The Lemon Post Bar (family bar with a great selection of both alcoholic cocktails and mocktails), soft ice cream station (complimentary), Sugar Beach (candy shop, gourmet ice cream), plus three dining venues - Surfside Bites (open 11 am-5 pm/takeaway food bar with a pick-up window; offers grab-and-go burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon sugar donuts), Surfside Eatery (family buffet for breakfast and lunch, buffet+sit-down venue in the evening/ offers pancakes with chocolate chips, fun cookies, fresh fruits, pasta with various sauces) and Pier 7 (Supper Club/specialty restaurant but kids eat for free).

(aft on Deck 16 ) Thrill Island Neighborhood is adventure-themed and dedicated to outdoor activities. It houses Crown's Edge (activity zone at fee/costs extra) and "Category 6" (aquapark, currently the largest at sea/covering a total area of 1580 m2/17010 ft2) and is served by the Basecamp Bar. The water park groups 6x slides - ranked the industry's tallest (Frightening Bolt/height 46 ft / 14 m), longest (Storm Chasers), and fastest (Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter). The slides are named "Pressure Drop" (free-fall slide/incline 66-degrees), Storm Chasers (dual mat-racing slide) and "Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter" (suspended dual raft-racing slides/max capacity 4x riders per raft). Crown's Edge zone (another fleet-first) combines a glass-bottomed skywalk (positioned off the superstructure's midship-portside), a ropes course, zip-line, bumper cars, water slides, and a thrill ride as in a surprising moment the skywalk's floor drops and guests start swinging 154 ft / 47 m above the sea.

The outdoor Basecamp Bar offers complimentary food plus premium a la carte-priced items and beverages. The venue is open between 11 am and 10 pm, while its bar for beverages opens at 9 am. Fast food choices include smash burgers, fried chicken nugget waffles with honey, crispy shrimp bao buns.

Deck 20 is Category 6 Waterpark's entry level for the slides. The waterslides' min-height/max-weight requirements are as follows: Frightening Bolt and Pressure Drop (55 inches/265 lbs), Storm Chasers (42 inches/265 lbs), Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter (48 inches without parents, 55 inches with parents/595 lbs).

The midship-positioned Chill Island Neighborhood spans 3 decks (15-16-17) and houses 4x (of the ship's 7x) swimming pools and is served by the poolside bar "Swim & Tonic". Chill Island has the largest on-a-cruise liner swimming pool (Royal Bay Pool), Cove Pool (infinity-edge), Sprinkles (complimentary ice cream bar), the Cloud 17 (adults-only sundeck with a Smoking Area and a Jacuzzi), and is served by The Lime & Coconut Bar Lounge (with four locations, including the fleet-first frozen cocktail bar) and Swim & Tonic.

Swim & Tonic is RCI's first shipboard swim-up bar (capacity 12 people). It is in a shallow swimming pool (with floating loungers) and adjacent to a hot tub and a sunbathing area (with loungers).

The following dining venues serve both adventure-themed top decks - El Loco Fresh (complimentary grab-and-go Mexican food/open 11 am - 7 pm), Cantina Fresca (complimentary Mexican-themed bar/food and beverages), AquaDome Market (complimentary food hall) and Hooked Seafood (specialty restaurant) positioned below Sports Court (deck 16).

Besides the 22x lifts/"destination elevators" (positioned in the forward and aft atriums) and all staircases, an escalator interconnects decks 2-4-5. An indoor staircase (positioned midship-aft) directly connects three neighborhoods - Royal Promenade (decks 5-6), Surfside (deck 7) and Central Park (deck 8).

Destination elevators allow passengers to more efficiently move between decks for reduced crowding and better passenger flow. In front of the lifts, there are digital panels to select which deck to go to and which lift to take. Inside the elevators there are no panels/buttons to push, meaning fewer stops on every floor.

The Main Dining Room/MDR is on 3 levels (decks 3-4-5) and is traditionally positioned aft. The MDR has a different 3-course menu each night of the voyage (with differently-themed cuisine) and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Royal Theater is the main show lounge spreading over 3 floors (forward on decks 3-4-5). The venue doubles as a cinema and also hosts daily scheduled activities (like trivia games, bingo, enrichment lectures) while in the evenings are presented Broadway-style, grand-scale music, dance and show productions, as well as aerial acrobatic performances. The theater presents nightly 2 grand shows - early (at 8 pm) and late (at 10 pm) to match the assigned dining room sittings. Both are full-length production shows with professional performances (singing, dancing, acting, live band music) by the ship's resident entertainment staff. Signature shows are "Hairspray" (musical comedy / original Broadway production themed on humor and commentaries on early 1960's race relations) and "Flight" (themed on the history of flying). Specifically for Icon OTS was developed "The Wizard of Oz" (2011-created musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber) presented on the ship 3-4 times weekly. Other theater entertainment options are the rotating Headliners (tribute band show) and popular game shows (like "Love and Marriage"). Royal Theater has its own bar for refreshments (waiter service during the shows).

Absolute Zero (decks 4-5) is an Ice-Rink Arena and RCI fleet's largest ice-skating stadium (complimentary show lounge/theater). Daily, Absolute Zero is operated with 45-min sessions (max 50 guests per session) for ice-skating, ice games, hockey, demonstrations, adult scavenger hunts. In the evenings, there is a live RCI original production show (professional ice show). Absolute Zero is a complimentary venue (equipment is provided) and reservations are not required but tickets must be obtained in advance. Here is also played "The Fight for Atlantis" (laser tag game).

Traditionally for RCI, Icon OTS has the Royal Escape Room that provides adventure gaming experiences (team-building exercises). Gaming at the Royal Escape Room involves a group of players who must solve a series of puzzles by using clues, hints and group strategy. The team is given a set time limit to solve the secret plot hidden within the room.

The 2-level wellness complex (decks 12-14) consists of Vitality Spa, Vitality Cafe (open for breakfast and lunch), and To Dry For (blow-dry bar for quick beauty fixes/hairstyling, with a beverage service). Vitality Spa groups ShipShape Spa, YSPA (teen spa), Beauty Salon, treatment rooms (for massages and treatments), Razul Room (mud treatments), Medispa (botox treatments), Jacuzzi Room, Thermal Suites (heated ceramic beds, saunas, steam rooms, rainforest showers).

The 2-level Fitness Center (decks 5-6) consists of a Gymnasium (complimentary, with Life Fitness equipment for cardio/resistance training), Aerobics Studio (for classes), and private training rooms. The Gym has modern bodybuilding and training exercise equipment (free weights, weight machines, treadmills, steppers, ellipticals, stationary bikes, Kinesis wall). In the mornings/afternoons are scheduled health seminars and wellness presentations (free of charge/timeshare events).

The Music Hall (dance lounge/disco nightclub introduced on QUANTUM-class RCI boats) is a 2-level venue (decks 3-4) and provides live music entertainment (band performances daily and DJs in the evenings).

Signature RCI restaurants available on Icon OTS are also Wonderland, Celebration Table (Chef's Table/Deck 15), and Johnny Rockets.

Royal Caribbean Icon-class ship

Icon OTS' venues hosting grand shows are three - Royal Theater, AquaDome, and Absolute Zero (Ice-Skating Arena).

AquaDome's shows are titled "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs Mermaids".

Absolute Zero's ice-skating shows are titled "Starburst" and "Once Upon A Time".

Royal Theater's grand productions (90-min evening shows) are titled "Effectors" (themed on superheroes), "Wizard of Oz" (musical) and "SHOWBAND! Live. Music. Now." (stage performances by 16 musicians/string, woodwind, brass, percussion).

On the Royal Promenade is hosted RCI's traditional family-themed parade "Ships Ahoy!". Unlike on all previous RCI ships with a Royal Promenade, Icon OTS' Royal Promenade has a dog statue instead of a classic car/vintage automobile.

On the ICON ship, RCI introduced 60 cocktails (new for the company).

Family-themed activities

Icon OTS is Royal Caribbean's first liner to have a dedicated "family ambassador".

Called "Admiral Awesome", the professional employee hosts different family-themed events. Among these events are Surfside Neigborhood's "Larger-than-Life Family Festival" (live music, dancing, supersized/giant outdoor games - dart-throwing, ring tossing, dicing, bowling), the "Steel Pan Family Jam" (playing on instructional instruments), the Big Shark Block Party (dancing to popular kids songs like "Baby Shark" and "Baby Beluga") and Once Upon a Bedtime Story (reading outdoor/on open deck of original bedtime stories).

The "family neighborhood" has two complimentary dining venues open throughout the day - "Surfside Bites" (grab-and-go) and "Surfside Eatery" (buffet restaurant/Windjammer's alternative), while the casual "Pier 7" (Surfside's specialty restaurant) serves a-la-carte-priced food for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The Lemon Post Bar has an impressive selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails/mocktails. While the Soft Ice Cream station is complimentary, the candy shop Sugar Beach sells gourmet ice cream and sweets.

The Surfside Neighborhood also houses two outdoor water playgrounds - Splashaway Bay (kids' aquapark with a slide), and Baby Bay (waterpark for toddlers, with a splash pool), as well as the ship's Adventure Ocean complex (children's clubs/indoor facilities for age-appropriate supervised activities), Social020 complex (for teenagers), Challenger's Arcade (coin-operated machine games).

Curiously, Icon OTS is RCI's first vessel with a Chief Dog Officer - the "family dog" Rover (5-month-old female golden retriever) who boarded the ship in Ponce (Puerto Rico) with Alison Hubble (Chief of Staff).

Crew Neighborhood (staff and crew cabins and facilities)

RCI's ICON ships have a 4-deck Crew Neighborhood (housing 2350 people) featuring redesigned (new/patented) crew cabins with an L-shaped bed layout. Crew staterooms are all with double occupancy (each accommodates max two persons) and fitted with TV, a writing table, electric sockets (with USB ports), storage spaces, privacy curtains, fixed lower and upper beds (the latter is accessed via stairs), and laminate flooring.

Another novelty is The Clubhouse - forward located crew lounge with full bar service, fitted with massage chairs, ping pong and foosball tables, and billiards, as well as 4x LCD Virtual Windows providing real-time outside views.

Also new are the crew-only Beauty Salon (hairstyling and barber services), Store, Game Room, and Gym. The Crew Buffet Restaurant has porthole windows and, along with the traditional cold and hot food stations, also has live cooking stations.

There is also a Messhall (multipurpose room/entertainment venue) where can be hosted crew training sessions as well as celebrations and dance parties.

Each ICON-class ship has 23 galleys/kitchens (serving 27 dining venues) and 425 chefs. Most food/beverage supplies are sourced from the homeport, the rest are locally sourced (in call ports). The stored supplies are enough for 3 consecutive voyages (21 days).

Itineraries

Icon Of The Seas itinerary program was officially revealed on October 20, 2022, and RCI opened Icon OTS' cruises for booking on Oct 24th (for loyalty program members) and Oct 25th (to the general public).

Icon OTS' Maiden Voyage departs from homeport Miami Florida on January 27, 2024.

The ship is currently scheduled to operate alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries (7-day roundtrips from Miami), all visiting CocoCay Bahamas . The voyages' call ports include Philipsburg (St. Maarten) , Basseterre (St Kitts) , Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas, US Virgin Islands) , Coxen Hole (Isla Roatan, Honduras) , Mexico's Cozumel and Costa Maya .

In September 2023 were opened for booking the ship's 2025-2026 voyages. The 7-day roundtrip Miami itineraries included "Eastern Caribbean & CocoCay" (Puerto Plata Dominicana, San Juan Puerto Rico, Philipsburg St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie St Thomas) and "Western Caribbean & CocoCay" (Costa Maya and Cozumel Mexico, Isla Roatan Honduras).

Icon Of The Seas - user reviews and comments

Photos of icon of the seas.

Icon Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean ICON-class cruise ship)

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Other Royal Caribbean cruise ships

  • Adventure Of The Seas
  • Allure Of The Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Brilliance Of The Seas
  • Enchantment Of The Seas
  • Explorer Of The Seas
  • Freedom Of The Seas
  • Grandeur Of The Seas
  • Harmony Of The Seas
  • Independence Of The Seas
  • Jewel Of The Seas
  • Liberty Of The Seas
  • Mariner Of The Seas
  • Navigator Of The Seas
  • Oasis Of The Seas
  • Odyssey Of The Seas
  • Ovation Of The Seas
  • Quantum Of The Seas
  • Radiance Of The Seas
  • Rhapsody Of The Seas
  • Serenade Of The Seas
  • Spectrum Of The Seas
  • Star Of The Seas
  • Symphony Of The Seas
  • Utopia Of The Seas
  • Vision Of The Seas
  • Voyager Of The Seas
  • Wonder Of The Seas

Icon Of The Seas Wiki

On October 10, 2016, Meyer Turku Oy (Finland) and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group signed the MoU agreement (memorandum of understanding) and officially announced the building order for two vessels under the project name "ICON". The units are LNG-powered (by liquified natural gas), employ fuel cell technology, and are classified by DNV GL (Hovik Norway-headquartered international ship registrar and classification society). The MoU ceremony was attended by Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO), Jan Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO) and Harri Kulovaara (Finnish naval architect, RCCL's Maritime and Newbulding's Executive Vice President).

The ICON shipbuilding order with Meyer Werft Turku was contingent upon the completion of contractual conditions, including documentation and financing.

Royal Caribbean also trademarked the name "Icon of the Seas", which has been suggested as the indication to the name of the first unit from this series. On October 17, 2016, the company filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the "Icon of the Seas" ship name.

On June 27, 2017, Royal Caribbean filed for new trademarks on "Joy of the Seas" (serial number 87507232) and "Apex of the Seas" (serial number 87507244). The cruise company registered the trademarks in September 2014. However, both were abandoned one year later, on September 14, 2015. The registration came days after trademarking Spectrum of the Seas .

On July 2, 2019, was ordered the third ICON unit, scheduled for delivery in 2025. The signing ceremony was signed by Richard Fain (RCCL's Chairman and CEO), Jan Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO), and Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO).

In 2019, the Finnish shipbuilder Mayer Turku had an order book listing the following cruise ships planned for deliveries in:

  • 2019 ( Costa Smeralda /GT 180K)
  • 2020 ( Carnival Mardi Gras /GT 180K)
  • 2021 ( Costa Toscana /GT 180K)
  • 2022 ( Carnival Celebration /GT 180K, ICON 1/GT250K)
  • 2023 ( TUI Mein Schiff 7 /GT 110K)
  • 2024 (ICON 2/GT 250K)
  • 2025 (ICON 3/GT 250K)

ICON ships have volume ~250800 GT-tons and DWT deadweight ~13500 tons. ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD is registered as the shipowner and management company.

Liquefied natural gas was envisioned as the primary fuel for the ICON-class ships, which decreases CO2 (carbon dioxide) and completely eliminates soot particles, nitrogen oxide (NOX), and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions. On Royal Caribbean's ICON ships was introduced fuel cell technology, which combined with hull air lubrication means the vessels are among the most fuel-efficient ever built.

RCI's ICON liners run primarily on LNG but also on distillate fuel (MDO/marine diesel oil), in order to accommodate itineraries with call ports without LNG-support infrastructure. The design includes shoreside power capabilities allowing the main engines to be shut down while the boats are docked/berthed in ports fitted with such equipment. During the port stay, all the electricity needed for onboard operations/hotel services is provided by the city's power grid.

Before the new ships' debut, testing of fuel cell technology began on the existing OASIS-class vessels, while larger fuel cell projects were tested on QUANTUM-class units (while under construction).

ICON is the first new ship class/design by RCG since 2018 - when debuted Celebrity Cruises ' new EDGE class with Celebrity Edge . RCG continued to expand RCI's fleet with newbuilds from the existing and popular OASIS- and QUANTUM-class liners.

The vessel's construction officially started on June 14, 2021, with the steel-cutting ceremony (yard/hull number 1400) held at Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku Finland . The ceremony was attended by Richard Fain (RCG's Chairman and CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO), and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO). The same yard also built RCI's first two OASIS-class boats - Oasis OTS (2009) and Allure OTS (2010).

All blocks (hull+superstructure sections/201 total) were made in Germany (at Neptun Werft in Rostock ), then transported/tugged on heavy-lift barges to Finland for assembly.

Icon Of The Seas cruise ship construction

The keel-laying for the first Icon-class ship (hull/Mayer Turku yard number NB-1400) was initially planned for October 2019. For the sisterships were allocated the following IMOs/hull numbers - "Apex of the Seas" (9829942/NB-1401) and "Joy of the Seas" (9888560/NB-1402).

Meyer Werft Turku works with 1000+ suppliers from various countries. Cruise ships' cabins are modular (prefabricated and later assembled at the shipyard) and made by the subsidiary Piikkio Works Oy, which has a factory in Piikkio Finland (approx 20 km / 13 mi to the east of Turku City). Cruise ships' public spaces are also prefabricated (and later drydock-assembled) and made by the subsidiary Shipbuilding Completion Oy (in Turku). Technology design and engineering services are provided by the company ENGnD Oy ( Rauma Finland ).

In May 2021, the first hull blocks of Icon OTS (fabricated at Neptun Werft Shipyard, Rostock Germany ) were loaded onto barges and shipped to Finland for drydock assembly (welded together). Meyer Turku also constructed RCI's mega-liners Oasis OTS (2009) and Allure OTS (2010).

In late-December 2021, to Meyer Turku were towed/barged by 4x tugboats the first pre-assembled in Poland (at Gdansk Shipyard ) hull blocks, with weights 37-67 tons. Their assembly/the ship's physical construction officially started with the keel-laying ceremony held on April 5, 2022. The special event was attended by Jason Liberty (RCG's new President and CEO), Richard Fain (RCG's Chairman), Bernard Meyer (Meyer Group's Chairman), Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO), Olli Jantunen (Meyer Turku's Head of Department and ICON-class Project Manager).

The DOBEL Film Laminated Steel used for the vessel's construction (approx 350,000 m2/~3,8 million ft2) was delivered by Metalcolour Group (1974-founded company specializing in the production of high-quality, film-laminated and pre-coated/painted steel and aluminum plates). Metalcolour Group has subsidiaries/production plants in Sweden, Denmark and Singapore.

The vessel was launched/floated out from drydock on December 9, 2022. The construction process in Finland involved ~2600 workers from 20+ different nationalities, including shipyard employees and subcontractors,

The Baltic Sea trials were successfully completed in the period June 18-22, 2023. Conducted by 450+ people (crew, shipyard- and contract workers) the 4-day sea trials were to assess the hull, to evaluate all technologies and equipment (engines, propulsion/thrusters, navigation system/full-stop, steering), various machinery, electronics, lifeboats, as well as noise and vibration levels. The second sea trials are planned for December 2023, for pushing the vessel to its limits before the official delivery to RCI in January 2024.

Icon OTS' Master is Captain Henrik Loy ( Bergen Norway -born, with RCI since 1997).

In September 2023, RCI signed a partnership with Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co KG (1879-founded, Hamburg -based company) for managing the retail shopping venues on Icon OTS. The ship's shopping complex spreads across four floors (decks 5-6-8-15) and groups a total of 14 retail shops. The onboard stores sell duty- and tax-free priced products like perfumes, cosmetics, fashion clothing and accessories, watches, jewelry, liquor and tobacco, confectionery, games and toys. A dedicated Tech Shop sells electronics, gadgets, batteries, headphones, walkie-talkies, Nintendo 3DS gaming consoles. The Splash Store sells sunscreens, skincare products, swim accessories, while the Health Essentials Store sells toiletries and medicines. In 2023, besides Icon OTS, RCI had contracts with the German company for the retail venues onboard the fleetmates Wonder OTS , Odyssey OTS and Independence OTS .

In October 2023 was extended the 2019-signed contract with SOMEC Group's subsidiary SOMEC Navale(1995-founded, Italian company). The EUR 19,4 million contract was for the supply and installation of all glass structures (including windows and railings on open decks and balconies, and motorized blinds embedded in all sliding windows) for both ICON ships (Icon OTS and Star OTS).

Icon OTS was officially delivered to RCI from Meyer Turku on November 27, 2023. The delivery documents were signed by Jason Liberty (RCG's President and CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO) and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku Oy's CEO).

In December 2023, RCI announced that Icon OTS' christening ceremony (in PortMiami) will be led by Lionel Andres Messi (aka Leo Messi/1987-born Argentine footballer) serving as the ship's godfather.

Each of RCI's ICON ships has a powerplant based on six Wartsila marine engines (dual fuel) running on both diesel and LNG/liquified natural gas. The powerplant's total output is 67,5 MW (90520 hp). The ship also has installed hydrogen-based fuel cell technology using seawater to generate electricity and fresh water. Icon OTS became RCI's first vessel to use the new technology.

Icon OTS' first engine (No 2) was powered for the first time on March 15, 2023, at 11 am (10 am UTC). Also in March was published the "The Top Deck Challenge" video about the construction works related to open deck and water installations, including the top deck's facilities (waterpark/slides and the swimming pools).

The next "teaser" video was YouTubed by RCI on September 22, 2022.

ICON-class are LNG-powered ships, each having two LNG fuel tanks (for storing liquefied natural gas, manufactured at Meyer Neptune) each with capacity 307 tons and length 27,4 m (90 ft). Fuel tanks, like the engines and other large machinery, are installed into the hull blocks assembled at Meyer Turku.

RCI's ICON-class ship technologies also include shore power connectivity (using the port's/city's power grid electricity for onboard services while berthed) and an advanced WHRS (waste heat recovery system) that generates power using waste heat from the main engines and the output gases. Cold temperatures from the LNG tanks are utilized by the onboard cooling systems. The lighting is entirely LED. The underwater hull's exterior is with a specialized coating (anti-fouling paint) to slow the growth of and facilitate the detachment of marine organisms.

The ICON ships debut the Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis technology - an innovative (the first-at-sea) waste-to-energy plant. The technology turns solid waste (food/bio) into fuel (used to power the desalinization plant) while the remaining by-product (pelletized carbon) is supplied to farmers as fertilizer.

These RCI vessels are also outfitted with bigger-capacity water treatment systems (evaporators and reverse osmosis plants) to support the increased freshwater consumption (for the hotel operations and at all water facilities/pools, slides, etc). Curiously, ~93% of the needed freshwater is produced onboard.

RCI's Icon OTS construction update teaser (released in May 2022) showed a huge white sphere installed midship on top deck. The spherical object weighs 175 tonnes, has diameter 50 ft (15,2 m), height 46 ft (14 m) and consists of 578 aluminum panels. In late-June RCI's President (Michael Bayley) called the big white ball "The Pearl".

In early-June 2022, RCI trademarked 6x names for facilities/venues on Icon OTS - The Orb, The Oyster, The Gem, The Jewel, The Pearl, The Star. In September was trademarked "Icon of Vacations".

On June 15, 2022, RCG signed with Eagle LNG Partners LLC (Eagle LNG) a contract for providing LNG (liquefied natural gas) and bunkering services to RCI liners, the first of which is Icon OTS. The gas supply is sourced from Eagle LNG's facilities in JAXPORT-Jacksonville Florida , shipped throughout the Caribbean and bunkered by Eagle LNG-owned newbuild vessels.

Another fleet-first facility is the "AquaDome". Positioned above the Wheelhouse, this is an AquaTheater (redesigned concept but) similar to OASIS- and QUANTUM ships' Solarium. The glass roof structure/dome weighs 367 tons and is comprised of 12 modules made of different materials (glass, steel, aluminum panels).

Icon OTS also has a hull (painted in baby blue) with a parabolic bow and vertical stern (also fleet's firsts) both creating a curved indentation in the hull's bottom. The parabolic bow design increases the vessel's overall stability (by shifting the gravity center forward) and also makes it less prone to heeling or capsizing. Like on all large newbuild cruisers, the hull is fitted with Wartsila's air lubrication system that reduces frictional resistance by creating a coating of microbubbles on the flat bottom.

For the vessel's construction were used ~14,5 km / 9 mi of electric cables.

In the period March 10 - April 4, 2023, RCI launched the new "Artist Discovery Program" allowing artists from around the world to submit original works to be later displayed on Icon OTS. RCI also commissioned Caribbean artists to create 9x large-scale murals displayed within 3x locations: Suite Neighborhood, Royal Promenade Neighborhood, and at the main ship entrance. Each mural received an RCI grant varying between USD 20K-100K.

During the drydocking in Cadiz Spain (Dec 5-23, 2023), the Central Park received 10,000+ live plants. The drydocking was also for final adjustments and technical works, including on the boxcoolers (heat exchangers) and sea chests (recesses in the hull), as well as repairs to the propulsion system (an ABB Azipod).

Inaugural cruise itineraries (2024)

Icon Of The Seas cruises (as itineraries) were officially revealed on October 20, 2022, and opened for booking on Oct 24th (for loyalty program members) and Oct 25th (to the general public).

Icon OTS left Europe (departed from Cadiz Spain ) on December 22, 2023, repositioning to the Caribbean. The liner was carrying only service staff (crew members, shipyard workers, contractors, RCI shore teams.  The 7-day Transatlantic crossing included an overnight in Algeciras (Dec 23-24) and a technical stop in Ponce Puerto Rico (arriving January 2, 2024) for passing regulatory inspections and crewing, as well as bunkering/fueling and provisioning, and loading and offloading of equipment. In Ponce, the yard workers were disembarked and flown back home. Icon OTS stopped overnight at CocoCay (Jan 8-9th) to allow the startup crew to rest and party before the arrival in PortMiami (Jan 10th, at 12:08 UTC).

Leaving roundtrip out of Miami, before the official inaugural sailing (Jan 27th), Icon OTS had several shakedown/test cruises. During the passenger-free voyages, company employees (crew and service staff) acted as guests, to test/adjust the onboard procedures. The last test cruise (Jan 20-23) was attended also by Royal Caribbean executives, VIP guests, travel agents and media representatives. The voyage ended with the naming ceremony (Jan 23rd, in PortMiami) led by the ship's godfather Lionel Messi.

The next tables show the Maiden Voyage and the inaugural season's itineraries in the Caribbean, with homeporting in Miami (Florida USA) .

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 7-day "Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise" (with St Kitts Island) - prices started at USD 2260 per person with double occupancy

(inaugural) 7-day "Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise" - from US$ 1560 pp

(inaugural) 7-day Eastern Caribbean with St Maarten Island (from U$1320 pp)

(inaugural) 7-day Western Caribbean with Roatan Island - from US$1190 pp

Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas will be world's biggest cruise ship, with room for nearly 10,000 people

Erica Silverstein

Royal Caribbean has done it again. The cruise line has announced it's building the largest cruise ship ever — even bigger than its recently unveiled Wonder of the Seas, the current record-holder for world's largest cruise ship . The new Icon of the Seas will carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy (or nearly 10,000 people when you account for the crew) when it first sets sail with guests Jan. 28, 2024.

When completed, the ship will be 20 decks high and 1,198 feet long and measure 250,800 gross tons. To compare, Wonder of the Seas is 1,188 feet long and measures 235,600 tons. It carries 7,084 passengers at maximum occupancy (all berths filled).

However, Icon of the Seas will only have 2,805 cabins compared to Wonder's 2,867 — despite carrying more people when all berths are filled. That's because Royal Caribbean is targeting this ship to families and planning for the ship to sail with more cabins carrying more than two passengers.

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Like Wonder, Icon of the Seas will have eight neighborhoods (areas of the ship themed around a type of activity). Five are new to Icon, and three are returning from previous Oasis-class ships (such as the Suite Neighborhood, Royal Promenade and Central Park). As befitting the world's new largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas will have plenty of mind-blowing and biggest-ever attractions, including:

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Category 6, the largest water park at sea: Located in the new Thrill Island top-deck neighborhood, this active area features a whopping six water slides, including an open free-fall slide, the tallest drop slide at sea, family raft slides that accommodate four riders at once and two mat-racing slides. This area of the ship also includes a ropes course-style attraction around a giant version of the ship's crown-and-anchor logo.

Related: The 6 best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

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AquaDome, an indoor AquaTheater: Royal Caribbean has taken the back-of-the-ship AquaTheater found on its Oasis-class ships (home to acrobatic and diving shows) and brought it forward, up to the top of the ship and indoors into a multipurpose space with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, offering 220-degree views. Also in this space will be restaurants and bars. Royal Caribbean fans might notice some similarities with the Two70 entertainment space from the line's Quantum-class ships.

Three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse: The evolution of Royal Caribbean's enormous two-deck-high Ultimate Family Suite found on Oasis-class ships will be Icon's three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse. The giant suite will not only feature adult and kid bedrooms, family-focused living areas and loads of sea views, but it will also have a fenced-in outdoor backyard play area with direct access to Surfside, the new neighborhood dedicated to young families.

Surfside will feature splash areas for babies and kids, as well as relaxing pools and lounge spaces for parents, family-friendly eateries and shops, 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. Additional new family cabins and suites will surround the Surfside neighborhood and the area will have easy access to the Adventure Ocean kids club and other ship areas popular with families. (It will also have an entrance slide.)

Related: Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship aims to be the ideal vacation for young families

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First suspended infinity pool and swim-up bar at sea: Above Surfside is an infinity pool, suspended over the back of the ship. It's surrounded by the Hideaway, a beach club-inspired neighborhood full of terraced sun decks and convenient bars.

Four of the ship's seven pools will be found in the three-deck Chill Island pool area, with plenty of ocean views from the watery play spaces. Among the pools is Royal Caribbean's first swim-up bar; another is what Royal is claiming to be the largest pool at sea. There will also be an adults-only pool area and another infinity-edge pool. Cabanas to rent will be available in this neighborhood.

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True ship-within-a-ship enclave with largest-ever Suite Neighborhood: On Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean came the closest to creating an exclusive, self-contained suite enclave, akin to Norwegian Cruise Line 's The Haven or MSC Cruises ' Yacht Club. That concept comes into its own on Icon of the Seas with the line's largest-ever Suite Neighborhood that's three decks high and features a two-story Coastal Kitchen restaurant (exclusive to suite guests and Royal Caribbean's most loyal guests) and The Grove, a new multilevel sun deck with a pool, hot tub and Mediterranean restaurant.

Related: The perks of Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite class explained

First LNG-powered ship for Royal Caribbean: Icon of the Seas will be the fleet's most sustainable ship. It's the first Royal Caribbean ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas and equipped with fuel cell technology. It's also able to hook up to shoreside power when available in port, has a state-of-the-art waste management system and can convert engine heat to power.

Fan favorites returning to Icon of the Seas include the shopping/dining/drinking complex of the Royal Promenade; the greenery- and restaurant-filled Central Park; miniature golf, an ice skating rink, rock climbing and the FlowRider surf simulator; and popular restaurants, such as Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar (now on the Royal Promenade) and Izumi for Asian cuisine (now in Central Park with an expanded hibachi space).

Icon of the Seas will have 28 cabin and suite types to suit every type of traveler, including the aforementioned family cabins, inside cabins with extra-large walk-in closets and panoramic ocean-view rooms in the AquaDome.

Deal watch: Royal Caribbean is selling fall cruises for under $100

The ship will sail weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, and each will visit Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with its multiple beaches and Thrill Waterpark, home to 13 waterslides. Bookings open Monday for Royal Caribbean's past guests and Tuesday to the public.

Icon of the Seas is just the first of three sister ships Royal Caribbean has on order for delivery by 2026 that will represent an all-new class of vessels at the line — to be called the Icon class. The line also has one more Oasis-class ship on order for delivery in 2024.

Whether you're road-tripping or globetrotting, the suite life is always better. Download the free TPG App to upgrade your travel!

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Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, world's largest cruise ship, makes maiden voyage

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The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas , has officially sailed the ocean blue for the first time in preparation for its highly anticipated 2024 debut. 

After completing the first round of European sea trials, Royal Caribbean’s newest – and its largest, the cruise line boasts – is one step closer to its January 27 inaugural voyage.

The ship has since made its return to the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where more than 450 specialists are conducting tests on the main engines, bow, propellers, and noise and vibration levels in preparation for the ship's second set of sea trials slated for later this year. 

What all can you do on an Icon of the Seas cruise?

Royal Caribbean designed Icon of the Seas to give seafarers a chance to pick the best of perks from different kinds of vacations – resort getaway, beach escape, or theme park adventure – while on the cruise. Attractions include a six-slide waterpark, seven full-size swimming pools, an aqua park for families, a swim up bar, exclusive dining experiences, arcades, live music and shows.

“Every type of family and kind of adventurer can make memories together and on their own terms without compromise across record-breaking thrills, relaxing ways to chill, a neighborhood designed for young families, more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained, and more,” Royal Caribbean says in its latest press update . 

The first cruise is already sold out, but starting in February 2024, visitors can begin their journey in Miami and spend seven nights onboard the Icon sailing through eastern or western Caribbean with ports of call including the Bahamas, Mexico, Honduras St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. 

Royal Caribbean plans for Icon of the Seas to sail all year, so prices vary; but some start at about $1,700 per person. For more details about Icon of the Seas, visit the Royal Caribbean website.  

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Icon of the Seas vs Aqua

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas cruise ship

The Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas is a fairly new ship, being built in 2024. Icon of the Seas is the first in a whole new class of ships by Royal Caribbean that's designed to provide the "ultimate family vacation." It is currently the largest cruise ship in the world. It's 1 year older than the Aqua , which was built in 2025. The Norwegian Aqua is 10% larger than its sister ships. It gets rid of the Race Track and instead has a new Slidecoaster around the funnel. The Aqua is still under construction and Norwegian hasn't released all the details yet.

Comparison Overview

Number of passengers, food and restaurants.

  • Bars and Drinks

Pools and Hot Tubs

Ship features and activities, cruise costs, onboard costs.

The Icon of the Seas is considered an extra large size ship. Coming in at 1,198 feet long and 216 feet wide, it's roughly the length of 3.3 football fields, as wide as 4.1 tractor-trailers and the same height as a 18-story building. Compared to the Norwegian Aqua, the Icon of the Seas is 60% larger in terms of overall tons.

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas holds 57% more passengers than the Aqua based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, or what we call the "Space Ratio," the Icon of the Seas has more space per person compared to the Aqua. This means that you might have a bit more space to yourself on the ship, although there still could be some crowded areas like buffets, pools, etc.

The Icon of the Seas uses a neighborhood layout to break up large crowds across the ship, often making it feel less crowded.

Sorrentos Pizza on the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas

Food is a big part of any cruise, and the ship you choose can make a huge difference in your food experience.

The Icon of the Seas has 29 different dining options like Sorrento's Pizza , Starbucks , and El Loco Fresh . Of those options, 14 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 15 options have an additional fee.

The Aqua has 7 fewer dining venues. Some of its popular venues are Coco's , Los Lobos , and Food Republic . 10 of these restaurants are complementary and the other 12 have an additional fee.

If you like having a variety of places to eat, the Icon of the Seas might be a better choice. It has 32% more dining options than the Aqua.

Both ships have a similar number of paid versus included dining options.

In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. Both ships serve the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship. Most Royal Caribbean ships also have Coke Freestyle machines where you can make 100 different flavor combinations.

There are also plenty of bars available on these ships. You can check out recent the bar menus for the Icon of the Seas and the Aqua below.

Royal Bay Pool on Icon of the Seas

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day for 7 days in a pool, a cruise isn't for you. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas has a total of 7 pools and 9 hot tubs. Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools and 1 of the hot tubs are adults only. 1 of the pools and 1 of the hot tubs are exclusive access, which means there's either an extra charge to access them or you need to book a certain class of cabin to have access to them.

Norwegian Aqua has fewer pools than the Icon of the Seas and fewer hot tubs. There are more exclusive pools and hot tubs on the Aqua. If you don't mind paying for exclusive access to areas in order to have less crowds, this might be a better choice.

Both ships have lots of activities to keep you busy throughout your cruise. Below you'll see a list of some of the major features on these ships. On the Icon of the Seas, 80% of the activities below are included in the cruise fare. On the Aqua, only 56% of the activities are included, meaning you might spend more money while on board.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are both considered "Mainstream" cruise lines. Mainstream cruise lines cater to a variety of guests, hoping to provide something for everyone. These typically cost about $100 - $350 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year.

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you compare onboard prices to see if you might spend more on a specific ship.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, which means the pricing for many things will vary per sailing. The daily gratuities and tip are consistent across the fleet, but the pricing for the drink package, internet, and excursions will change. The only way to know your price is to consult the Royal Caribbean cruise planner once you're booked.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a Free at Sea fare. Through this program, guests receive free open bar, a discount on excursions, some free internet, and some meals at their specialty restaurants. If you book using this promotion, you'll be responsible for the gratuities on the dining and drink package. If you won't be using these options, booking a "sail away" rate that doesn't include the Free at Sea benefits is considerably cheaper. Also, most of these benefits are the base packages; you can spend more to upgrade to better alcoholic drinks or faster/more wifi.

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7 wild facts about the world’s biggest cruise ship

The icon of the seas has more than five times the tonnage of the titanic.

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Is it a dream vacation or nightmare scenario? Depictions of the world’s largest cruise ship — the Icon of the Seas , setting sail in January — have the internet in an uproar.

One image especially seems to have captured the public’s imagination: a rear-end view that looks like a towering layer cake topped with silly string.

“The physical manifestation of Barbenheimer,” wrote one Twitter user, referring to the releases of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” about the development of the atomic bomb, on the same day. “Nightmare clown lasagna,” wrote another.

Many invoked the Northern European painter Hieronymus Bosch , Dante’s “Inferno ” and hamster cages . A smattering said it looked like actual fun .

The "Icon Of The Seas" sets sail in January 2024. 5610 passengers, 2350 crew members, 5 times larger and heavier than the Titanic, 19 floors with more than 40 bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. What a monstrosity! pic.twitter.com/igoQRUZ3nP — Ray Monk (@Raymodraco) July 9, 2023

Tanner Callais, founder and editor of cruise information site Cruzely , said in an email that it’s no surprise the behemoth is creating buzz.

“Looking at those renderings, I think the ship almost looks like a cartoon with the huge water park at the back,” he said. “It’s just unreal that something like that can be built to sail the ocean.”

Whatever the impression it’s leaving, cruise line Royal Caribbean International says Icon, which completed initial sea trials in June, is selling like mad. The company reported its single largest booking day when reservations opened in October; sales have since set two more records.

The Miami-based company is no stranger to setting records: Royal Caribbean has brought several “world’s largest” ships to market, notably the Oasis of the Seas in 2009, which dwarfed all others in its wake. Additional iterations have been slightly larger than the original, and even Icon of the Seas will only be 10 feet longer than its closest runner-up.

Travel adviser Danny Genung, CEO of Harr Travel , said he was up in the middle of the night booking trips for clients when reservations opened. He snagged a spot on the inaugural voyage for himself.

“There’s never been a ship launch like this in the industry,” he said.

Here are seven standout stats about the ship.

10 things you didn’t know were on cruise ships

It can hold 5,610 passengers.

That’s not including crew. That’s a few hundred more people than the population of Bar Harbor, Maine, which is U.S. News & World Report’s top small town in the United States to visit this year.

Crew adds another 2,350 to the total. And because ships are designed to accommodate more than two people per room with additional beds for families or groups, the total guest capacity is actually a whopping 7,600. When Oasis of the Seas was introduced as the biggest ship in the world in 2009, its capacity at double occupancy was 5,400 guests.

The average capacity for the 44 ships being introduced between this year and 2028 is 2,749 passengers, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.

It’s nearly 1,200 feet long.

The ship is only 10 feet longer than previous biggest-ship record-holders, at 1,198 feet. That’s the equivalent of more than three football fields or nearly four Statues of Liberty, pedestals included.

To visualize another way, the ship’s length is just 52 feet shorter than the height of the Empire State Building , not including the spire.

every time I see a picture of the Icon of the Seas cruise ship I am filled with an intense dread — Kylie Noele (@KylieNoele) July 11, 2023

It has more than five times the tonnage of the Titanic.

Cruise ships are ranked according to gross tonnage, the measure of internal volume. This is where Icon of the Seas really outshines the competition, at 250,800 gross tons. The next-closest is Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, which comes in at 235,600.

To compare, the Titanic was 46,329 gross tons.

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It has more than a dozen decks.

Icon of the Seas will feature 20 decks, 18 of which are for guest use. Those decks encompass eight “neighborhoods,” including a Central Park packed with live plants; a massive water park; a three-deck cluster of pools; a massive dome featuring a waterfall and performances; and an area for families with young kids to play and eat.

The next-largest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Wonder of the Seas, has 18 decks, all but two of which are for guests.

There’s a pool for every day of the week.

There will be seven pools on the ship, including a swim-up bar, suspended infinity pool and what Royal Caribbean describes as the “largest pool at sea.”

Voyager of the Seas , which was the world’s largest in 1999 when it launched, has three pools.

It has the biggest water park on the water.

Royal Caribbean is boasting that Icon will have the “largest waterpark at sea,” called Category 6. That refers to hurricane strength (which tops out at Category 5) but also the six slides on board. There’s an open free-fall slide, a 46-foot drop slide, family raft slides and a pair of mat-racing slides.

“Everybody now has a waterslide or two but having a water park with six slides that would be as good on land as they are on sea, it’s really unheard of,” Genung said.

In a 2022 roundup of best cruise ship water parks, Cruise Critic highlights Carnival. Many of its ships offer a trio of slides. MSC Cruises comes close to Icon’s number on some of its recent ships, offering four or five slides, and the cruise site notes that some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships have up to five waterslides.

Love that cheap cruise price? Don’t forget the boatload of fees.

There are 40-plus places to eat and drink yourself silly.

Cruise ships have expanded their food and beverage options in recent years far beyond just a buffet, main dining room and pool bar. Icon will offer more than 40 ways to “drink, dine and be entertained,” including 15 bars and nightlife experiences and more than 20 dining options.

Restaurants on board run the gamut, with an eight-course supper club experience, an all-day brunch spot, sushi, street food, a steakhouse and, yes, buffets. Reflecting cruise passengers’ appetite for variety, this total is actually on par with the current record-holder, Wonder of the Seas.

For a land-based comparison, Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas says on its website that it offers 21 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges.

Genung, the travel agency CEO, said he has clients who say the ship looks amazing but seems too big for them.

“You get all the scope of reactions: ‘That’s cool, that’s crazy; I can’t wait to do it, I would never want to do that,’” he said. But he said that, especially for multigenerational families who want to travel together, it’s a great fit.

“The thing with this is it’s a perfect cruise for lots at different people at different times in life,” he said.

More cruise news

Living at sea: Travelers on a 9-month world cruise are going viral on social media. For some travelers, not even nine months was enough time on a ship; they sold cars, moved out of their homes and prepared to set sail for three years . That plan fell apart, but a 3.5-year version is waiting in the wings.

Passengers beware: It’s not all buffets and dance contests. Crime data reported by cruise lines show that the number of sex crimes has increased compared to previous years. And though man-overboard cases are rare, they are usually deadly .

The more you know: If you’re cruise-curious, here are six tips from a newcomer. Remember that in most cases, extra fees and add-ons will increase the seemingly cheap price of a sailing. And if you happen to get sick , know what to expect on board.

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Odd Things About Icon Of The Seas, The World's Largest Cruise Ship

Y ear after year, cruise ships are getting bigger and crazier, and the Icon of the Seas is the latest sensation to make waves with its awe-inspiring grandeur. The Icon of the Seas is the freshest face in the Royal Caribbean cruise line family , dethroning its predecessor the Wonder of the Seas as the world's largest cruise ship. But beyond its sheer size, the Icon smashes many other records, claiming all sorts of "firsts" and "mosts."

With its exhilarating attractions and top-notch facilities, the Icon of the Seas raises the bar for sheer scale and family vacation options. Every little thing, from the water slides and the walk-up bars to the gigantic glass dome, is a game-changing detail that sets new standards for what a cruise ship can be.

The unveiling of the Icon of the Seas sent shockwaves through the internet, stirring up waves of excitement and curiosity. The photos alone fueled buzzing discussion on social media filled with different comments, opinions, and questions. That being said, let's dive into some wild and shocking facts about this extraordinary maritime marvel.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

It's Five Times Larger Than The Titanic

It has been an enduring internet tradition that every time a new shiny cruise ship makes its debut, comparisons with the iconic Titanic inevitably arise. So here's how the Icon of the Seas measures up — it is five times larger than Titanic in terms of gross tonnage, boasting a staggering 240,800 gross tonnage (GT). This feat secures its position as the world's largest cruise ship, dethroning its older sister, the Wonder of the Seas, which held the title from 2022 to 2023 with a GT of 235,600.

Compared to the Titanic, which was the world's biggest ship at the time of its launch and measured 882 feet in length, the Icon of the Seas is approximately 35% longer with a length of 1,198 feet from bow to stern. For additional perspective, the Eiffel Tower stands at 1,083 feet tall, meaning you could technically horizontally fit the iconic architectural marvel inside this colossal cruise ship.

It Can Fit An Entire Population Of A Small City

The Icon of the Seas, with its extraordinary size, brings about an unprecedented guest capacity. The ship might as well be a self-contained metropolis adrift on the open seas complete with its own spaces and facilities. The Icon can accommodate a maximum of 7,600 passengers, surpassing the Wonder of the Seas, which is now the second-largest cruise ship, with a capacity of 6,988 passengers. To yet again compare the Icon with the Titanic, the latter had a total guest capacity of just 3,547 passengers, underscoring the substantial leap in size and capacity achieved by the Icon in the evolution of cruise ships over the decades .

And if that's not impressive enough, these figures do not even account for the crew, numbering an additional 2,350 individuals and bringing the total headcount to a remarkable 9,950 people. To provide perspective, this exceeds the population of Sedona, Arizona, which stands at 9,723 residents. In fact, only about 15% of cities and towns in the U.S. have a population larger than the Icon's guest capacity.

It Holds The Largest Water Park At Sea

There's no experience quite like playing and soaking in a water park in the middle of the ocean. The Icon of the Seas takes this adventure to new heights with its expansive water park, aptly named Category 6. Spanning two decks and covering an impressive 17,000 square feet, it stands as the largest water park on any cruise ship. Yet, its appeal extends beyond mere size, as the water park features six record-breaking, world-first slides. Each has its own unique thrills, from the first open, free-fall slide at sea to the first family raft slide at sea.

Diving further into the on-board water attractions, the Icon of the Sea boasts a total of seven pools, each with its own fun theme and breathtaking ocean views. The Royal Bay Pool, an extensive oasis filled with over 40,000 gallons of water, holds the title of the largest pool at sea. Meanwhile, the Swim & Tonic is considered the largest swim-up bar at sea. For those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, The Hideaway provides a tropical vibe with resident DJs and full-size daybeds spread across its multi-level lounge. It's also the first and, as of now, the only suspended infinity pool at sea, offering jaw-dropping, 180-degree ocean views.

Lionel Messi Is The Ship's Godmother

It's customary for cruise ships to have a godmother, usually a female figure that symbolizes divine protection and safe voyages. The godmother will attend the ceremonial launch where they will bless and officially name the ship. Celebrities often fill this role, such as Whoopi Goldberg for Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas and Jennifer Hudson for Disney Dream. However, the role is not limited to celebrities — Marie McCrea is a civilian mom selected as the godmother for Wonder of the Seas through a TikTok contest.

Breaking from tradition, football legend Lionel Messi was appointed to name and christen the Icon of the Seas. While the role is comparable to the responsibilities of a godmother, Messi holds the title of the "Official Icon of Icon of the Seas". In a press release , Michael Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International noted, "It's that ability to make such a widespread impact and change the status quo that the Icon of Icon must personify, and Lionel Messi has proven to be the perfect example of that for years in the world of sports and most recently in introducing a new era of excitement and passion for football in Miami and the U.S."

It Boasts Its Own Central Park With 33,500 Live Plants

Onboard the Icon of the Seas, passengers can seamlessly transition from the expansive open sea to the lush expanse of a park, all within seconds. The cruise ship boasts its own Central Park at sea, an awe-inspiring, open-air green space in the middle of the ship, adorned with over 33,500 live plants. This unique environment provides a serene natural setting with live music, shopping centers, as well as bars and dining options scattered throughout.

Although Central Park itself is not new to Royal Caribbean cruises, the Icon still stands out by incorporating an impressive 20% more plants than ever before, with a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. The Icon also presents new and unique establishments in the area, including Bubbles, a walk-up champagne bar at the heart of the park. Additionally, the Central Park neighborhood features Izumi in the Park, an all-day window offering a variety of Japanese street food, ranging from sashimi to ice cream. Music is also an integral part of the whole experience, serenading passengers with live jazz performances day and night.

It Has The Tallest Waterfall At Sea

A waterfall might not be the first thing that comes to mind when picturing a fun day in the middle of the ocean, but the Icon of the Seas delivers more than a few unexpected marvels. The AquaDome, proudly positioned at the front of the ship, is a massive space with a majestic glass roof that offers expansive ocean views. It also houses the tallest waterfall at sea, among other exciting attractions. Notably, the construction of this dome set the record as the largest glass and steel structure ever installed on a ship.

The waterfall itself commands everyone's attention as a shapeshifting engineering marvel, reaching an impressive height of 55 feet, securing its status as the tallest waterfall at sea. The AquaDome transforms throughout the day, offering various indulgences, from awe-inspiring sunrises to lively daytime activities. As evening descends, the waterfall becomes a dynamic backdrop for a diverse range of entertainment shows held nightly. So, beyond its sheer size and height, the waterfall sets a dramatic scene with its energetic movements and captivating lighting that elevates the experience of each performance.

Guests Can Enjoy Entertainment By Robots

Beyond its enchanting attractions and state-of-the-art facilities, the Icon of the Seas takes its commitment to entertainment to new heights. Passengers can relish a diverse array of shows and performances every single day, put together by hundreds of divers, skaters, acrobats, musicians, comedians, and notably, robots. Yes, four advanced robotic systems make their debut as entertainers, allowing for next-level feats and performances for their human counterparts.

These performances feature 3D flying systems that empower the performers to do never-seen-before aerial dances, practically flying above and around the audience. The Icon also introduces full-scale productions, including "The Wizard of Oz," marking the first time a cruise line has presented this classic. Other highlights include Olympic-level acrobatics, multi-sensory live music, and many more, ensuring a diverse range of top-tier entertainment for every taste. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of majestic, panoramic ocean views, set within a record-breaking glass geodesic dome that only enhances and heightens the unforgettable experience.

It Has 20 Decks And Eight Neighborhoods

Although we've established that the Icon of the Seas stands as the largest cruise ship ever, there are so many ways and dimensions to really grasp just how enormous it actually is. The Icon has a towering 20 decks, meaning its height matches a 20-story building floating at sea. Eighteen of these decks are open for general passengers to explore, and they are home to eight distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own themes and attractions. 

Previously, we've delved into the AquaDome which features a theater, robots, and a 55-feet waterfall. That's just one out of eight neighborhoods. Thrill Island is home to Category 6, which is the largest water park at sea, as well as a minigolf course, a surf simulator, and many other exhilarating rides. Moving on, Chill Island provides a more relaxed ambiance with even more pools, restaurants, and bars.

Meanwhile, Central Park offers an open-air lush environment surrounded by shops and concept restaurants. The Hideaway is an adult-only area on the cruise featuring the first suspended infinity pool at sea, while Surfside is a dedicated neighborhood designed specifically for families. Lastly, the Suite is an exclusive neighborhood for suite passengers, while the Royal Promenade features The Pearl installation, as well as the Royal Theater, shops, and restaurants.

One Of The Neighborhoods Is Made For Families

One of the eight neighborhoods aboard the Icon of the Seas is exclusively designed for families, making sure parents can enjoy the cruise with the kids , bonding and enjoying quality time together — or near each other. Surfside is filled with a variety of adventures to immerse in for adults, teenagers, and kids of all ages in one area. The complex includes water activities like Baby Bay and Splashaway Bay for children to play around, while adults can relax and enjoy the majestic ocean views just steps away at Water's Edge Pool.

After hours of fun, families can gather for a meal at one of the family-friendly restaurants scattered throughout the Surfside neighborhood. Options range from buffet delights at Surfside Eatery to all-day brunch and beachside bites at Pier 7. Passengers can even take the kids to the bar and find separate menus tailored for kids and adults at Lemon Post. The neighborhood also features Social 020, a designated hangout spot for teenagers aged 17 and under. Here, teens can unwind and enjoy music, movies, gaming consoles, and various other age-appropriate activities.

Passengers Can Jump Off The Ship

Not for the faint of heart, the Crown's Edge presents a walkway suspended 155 feet above the ocean. It will take the most daredevil passengers to the very edge of the ship, where they will be challenged to make their way along the skywalk extending beyond the ship's perimeter toward the open sea.

Imagine the adrenaline rush as you take step after step, the ocean breeze brushing against you as you look down into the depths of the vast open sea. As you reach the end of the walkway, it's time to face the thrilling climax. The path collapses, propelling you above the ocean, and you glide through a rope course safely to the cruise's deck.

While other Royal Caribbean cruises have previously introduced zip line rides, the Crown's Edge is a pioneer and the first of its kind. An attraction not found anywhere else and aptly perched on Thrill Island at the Icon's uppermost deck, the Crown's Edge promises an unparalleled adventure for those seeking the ultimate test of courage.

It Has Fewer Cabins Than Its Predecessor

Despite being able to host more guests on board than any other ships before, the Icon of the Seas actually has fewer cabins than its predecessors. For instance, the Wonder of the Seas has a maximum guest capacity of 7,084 people, while the Icon of the Seas can accommodate 7,600 passengers. However, the Wonder of the Seas surpasses the Icon in cabin count, totaling 2,874 rooms, while the Icon offers "only" 2,805.

This gap only means that the Icon focuses on larger cabins that accommodate more than two people. That extends the total guest capacity beyond its double occupancy. In fact, more than 82% of Icon's rooms are designed for three or more guests, making it an ideal choice for a family vacation. Guests can select from various accommodation options, including the spacious Suite Stateroom, Balcony Stateroom, Ocean View Stateroom, or Interior Stateroom. These room categories are further refined by subcategories, making sure guests can choose accommodations that better meet their needs and preferences.

The Largest Room Spans Three Levels With Its Own Backyard

The Icon of the Seas takes family vacations to unprecedented levels of comfort and luxury, with larger rooms and more suites tailored to accommodate the entire family. The largest suite in the Icon is the Ultimate Family Townhouse, boasting an expansive 1,772 square feet spread across three levels. Featuring two bedrooms capable of accommodating up to eight individuals, this suite is equipped with its own cinema room, two balconies, and a private backyard!

Beyond the room sizes, the family-focused design is also evident in every detail, from the room layout to the amenities and in-suite activities. For one, the tube slide that connects the upper floor to the living room is guaranteed to keep the kids busy, not to mention the popcorn machine, ping pong table, whirlpool, video games, and more, making the suite a retreat in itself. Guests of the Ultimate Family Townhouse can also enjoy direct access to Surfside, the neighborhood dedicated to families. This luxury comes at a price, however, with an average cost of $80,000 a week. Even so, demand is exceptionally high, as the suite is completely booked for the entirety of 2024.

It Has More Than 40 Restaurants And Bars

The Icon of the Seas boasts 40+ places to eat and drink to your heart's content across the board, scattered in every neighborhood. This means passengers can dine at different restaurants for every single meal during the seven-day journey. More than 20 of these restaurants are new to the line, each with its own unique concept and allure. Passengers can enjoy some of these cruise restaurants free of charge , including the AquaDome Market with its wide selection of menu, buffet at Surfside Eatery, pizza at Sorrento's, and about a dozen more options.

For guests who don't mind paying extra for a more elevated dining experience, the choices are endless. Guests can try the eight-course menu at Empire Supper Club in its New York ambiance or check out Dueling Piano, a piano bar where two pianists take requests from passengers in an impressive music battle. For special occasions, guests can also reserve the Celebration Table in AquaDome, a VIP private dining room with family-style, prix fixe menus to choose from.

It Has Seen Record-Breaking Booking

The Icon of the Seas has been making waves ever since it was first announced in October 2023. Unveiled as the world's to-be largest ship, it garnered attention worldwide for its numerous record-breaking feats. But beyond its features and facilities, the Icon also shattered records in bookings. Royal Caribbean experienced its single largest booking day when reservations first opened for the Icon of the Seas, also marking the highest volume booking week in the line's 53-year history.

The maiden voyage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas took place on January 27, 2024, and tickets sold out in less than 24 hours. For its inaugural journey, the Icon departed on its seven-day Eastern Caribbean journey from Miami Port to Basseterre in Saint Kitts, Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas before heading back to Miami. After that, the ship will continue to sail all year long with four route options covering the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

Read the original article on Explore .

Icon of the Seas' upper decks

Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers

Things to Know Before You Cruise

Cruise Ship Size: From Noah’s Ark To Icon Of The Seas

As a lover of travel and adventure, I have always been fascinated by the size and grandeur of cruise ships. These floating cities are a testament to human engineering and ingenuity, and they offer a unique way to explore the world’s oceans and seas.

From the early days of seafaring to the modern era of luxury liners, cruise ship size has grown exponentially, with each new vessel breaking records and pushing the limits of what is possible.

In this article, we will explore the evolution of cruise ship size, from the humble beginnings of Noah’s Ark to the current biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas. We will delve into the fascinating world of cruise ship components, from their massive engines and fuel tanks to their luxurious cabins and anchor chains.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a landlubber dreaming of the open sea, join me on a journey through the history and future of cruise ship size.

  • The biggest cruise ship in the world is Icon of the Seas, with a gross tonnage of 250,800 GT and a length of 1,198 feet.
  • Cruise ships have been getting larger over time, with some ports only able to handle ships of a certain size.
  • The Regent Suite on-board Regent Seven Seas Splendor is the largest suite at sea and measures 4,443 square feet.
  • The average modern cruise ship is two and a half times bigger than the Titanic.

Evolution of Cruise Ship Size

I’ve learned that cruise ships have been getting larger over time, and now I want to explore the evolution of cruise ship size in more detail.

The earliest cruise ships were small and could only accommodate a few dozen passengers.

As the popularity of cruising grew, ships had to get larger to meet the demand for more amenities and activities.

However, the increase in size has also had negative effects, such as the environmental impact of emissions and the economic implications of building and maintaining such large vessels.

As the cruise industry continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how cruise ship size evolves in the future, and whether there will be a push towards smaller, more sustainable ships.

Measurement of Size

Imagine standing next to a structure that could hold two million gallons of fuel, engines the size of a house, and anchors that weigh as much as an elephant – that’s just a glimpse of the massive proportions of a modern cruise ship.

Cruise ships are measured in gross tonnage, which is a measure of the internal volume of the ship. This measurement system was created in the mid-19th century to calculate the fees for the use of canals, and it is still used today to determine port fees and taxes.

Despite the historical context of the measurement system, there are some concerns about the measuring accuracy of cruise ships. Some experts believe that the gross tonnage doesn’t accurately reflect a ship’s size, as it doesn’t take into account the weight of passengers, crew, and cargo.

As a result, some cruise lines have started to use a different measurement system called net tonnage, which factors in the weight of passengers and crew. However, gross tonnage is still the standard measurement used by most ports and cruise lines, and it remains an important factor in determining a ship’s size and capacity.

Comparing to Other Objects

From my understanding, comparing the size of a cruise ship to other large objects is a great way to visualize their massive proportions.

For example, an average cruise ship is longer than three football fields, taller than a 20-story building, and wider than a five-lane highway.

Comparing the size of a cruise ship to natural wonders like Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon can also help people understand their magnitude.

A cruise ship’s weight can be compared to that of 2,000 elephants, and its height is equivalent to stacking five blue whales on top of each other.

Additionally, the Titanic is often used as a comparison to modern-day cruise ships, with the largest cruise ship in the world being five times its internal volume.

When it comes to historical ships, the size of modern-day cruise ships puts their proportions into perspective.

For example, the Noah’s Ark, which is estimated to be around 510 feet long and 50 feet tall, is much smaller than the average modern-day cruise ship.

Even the Queen Elizabeth 2, which was once considered the largest passenger ship in the world, is significantly smaller than the largest cruise ships today.

By comparing these historical ships to modern-day cruise ships, it is clear that the size of cruise ships has increased significantly over time, and they are now some of the largest man-made objects in the world.

Components of a Cruise Ship

The propulsion system of a modern cruise liner typically consists of three large azipods, each around 20 feet tall. These azipods are electrically driven propulsion units that rotate 360 degrees, allowing for precise maneuverability and efficient cruising. The newest cruise ships also incorporate sustainable practices, such as using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel instead of diesel. LNG-powered cruise ships store fuel across three tanks, two of which are 115 feet long and 26 feet in diameter, and the other is 91 feet long with a diameter of 16 feet.

In terms of interior design, modern cruise ships offer a wide range of cabin types and amenities to meet the needs and preferences of passengers. Standard inside cabins are between 150 and 185 square feet, while standard balcony cabins are between 170 and 220 square feet. Luxury cruise ships often have much larger suites than regular cruise ships, with the Regent Suite on-board Regent Seven Seas Splendor being the largest suite at sea, measuring 4,443 square feet.

Sustainability and passenger comfort are key considerations in the design and operation of modern cruise ships.

Passenger Capacity

Honestly, I had no idea that there were so many different cabin types on a cruise liner until I learned about the passenger capacity. It’s fascinating to think that a ship can accommodate so many people in such a variety of spaces.

From inside cabins to balcony cabins to luxurious suites, there truly is something for everyone. As the cruise industry continues to grow, future trends show an increasing market demand for larger and more innovative ships. This means that passenger capacity will only continue to increase, and we can expect to see even more diverse cabin options in the years to come.

It’s exciting to think about what the future holds for the cruise industry, and I can’t wait to see what new developments will be introduced in the coming years.

Fuel and Propulsion

Learning about the fuel and propulsion systems used on modern cruise liners has been enlightening. One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the shift towards using liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of diesel fuel. This has been driven in part by environmental concerns, as LNG produces significantly fewer emissions than diesel.

Here are some additional facts about cruise ship fuel and propulsion:

  • LNG-powered cruise ships have lower emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter compared to diesel-powered ships.
  • LNG is typically stored in large, insulated tanks on board the ship and is used to power the engines and generators that provide electricity for the ship.
  • In addition to being a cleaner option, LNG is also more efficient than diesel fuel, meaning that ships can travel further on less fuel.
  • Some cruise lines, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have committed to using LNG as the primary fuel source for their new ships, while others are exploring alternative fuels such as hydrogen or biofuels.

While the transition to LNG represents a positive step for the industry, there are still concerns about the environmental impact of cruising overall, particularly when it comes to issues such as waste and pollution in port cities.

Cabin Sizes and Types

Wow, have you ever thought about how much variety there is in cabin sizes and types on a cruise liner? From standard inside cabins to luxurious suites, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to choosing a cabin on a cruise ship. Comparing amenities is an important factor to consider when selecting a cabin, as luxury cabins often offer more space, better views, and additional perks such as access to exclusive lounges or restaurants.

The layout and design of cabins on a cruise ship have evolved over the years, with trends shifting towards more open and modern designs. Standard inside cabins typically range from 150 to 185 square feet, while standard balcony cabins can be between 170 and 220 square feet. Luxury cabins, on the other hand, can be much larger, with some suites measuring over 4,000 square feet. The table below provides a comparison of the typical amenities found in luxury versus standard cabins on a cruise ship.

As cruise ships continue to grow in size and popularity, cabin size and design will likely continue to evolve to meet the changing demands of passengers. Whether you prefer a standard cabin or a luxurious suite, there is an option for everyone on a cruise ship.

Anchor and Chain

I was surprised to learn about the impressive size and weight of a cruise ship’s anchor and chain. The anchor chain can be as long as 1,400 feet, and each individual link weighs over 100 pounds. That’s a lot of weight to haul up from the depths of the ocean floor!

The anchor itself is usually 10 to 20 feet high and weighs around 30,000 pounds. It’s a crucial component of the ship’s safety equipment and ensures that the ship stays in place when it’s anchored.

Maintenance procedures and safety regulations are in place to ensure that the anchor and chain are always in good working condition. Regular inspections are carried out to check for any signs of wear and tear or damage to the chain, and it’s replaced if necessary.

Safety protocols are also in place to ensure that the anchor is used correctly and safely, to prevent any accidents or injuries. It’s fascinating to learn about the different components of a cruise ship, and the anchor and chain are just one example of the impressive engineering that goes into these massive vessels.

Crew Capacity

Now that we know about the size and weight of cruise ship anchors, let’s talk about the people who operate these massive vessels.

Crew capacity is an important aspect of any cruise ship, as it determines how many people are required to keep the ship running smoothly. The crew consists of a diverse range of professionals, including engineers, chefs, entertainers, and housekeeping staff.

The crew capacity of the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, is 2,350. This means that more than 2,000 people are needed to operate the ship and cater to the needs of the passengers.

However, working on a cruise ship is not for everyone, as it requires long hours and extensive training. The crew members must adhere to strict safety protocols and be prepared to work in all types of weather conditions. Training requirements and work conditions are carefully regulated to ensure the safety and comfort of both the crew and the passengers.

Miscellaneous Facts

Interestingly enough, luxury cruise ships often feature on-board art galleries, offering guests a unique cultural experience while at sea. However, it’s not just the amenities that make modern cruise ships impressive. They also dwarf historical ships like Noah’s Ark. While the exact size of Noah’s Ark is debated, it’s estimated to be around 510 feet long and 50 feet tall. In comparison, the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, is 1,198 feet long and 236,857 gross tons, making it over twice as long and almost five times the volume of Noah’s Ark.

To illustrate this difference in size, let’s compare the dimensions of Icon of the Seas to the size of Noah’s Ark in a table:

It’s clear that the size of modern cruise ships is truly impressive, with the biggest ships being multiple times larger than historical vessels like Noah’s Ark. Despite their size, cruise ships are able to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for thousands of guests, making them a popular choice for vacation.

Future of Cruise Ship Size

It’s fascinating to consider how much larger future vessels may become, potentially pushing the limits of what is feasible for ports and waterways to accommodate. As technology advances and the demand for larger and more extravagant cruise ships continues, it’s important to also consider the potential environmental impact and safety concerns that come with these massive vessels.

Here are three things to keep in mind when thinking about the future of cruise ship size:

Environmental impact: The larger the ship, the more fuel it requires to operate. This not only contributes to air and water pollution, but also raises concerns about the sustainability of the tourism industry. Cruise lines are starting to invest in more eco-friendly technology, such as LNG-powered ships, but it’s still important to consider the overall impact of these behemoth vessels on the environment.

Safety concerns: While cruise ships are generally considered safe, the larger the ship, the more difficult it may be to evacuate passengers in case of an emergency. This is especially true if the ship is too large to dock at certain ports or if there are limited resources available in the event of an evacuation. As cruise ships continue to grow in size, it’s important for safety protocols and evacuation plans to be adapted accordingly.

Port and waterway limitations: As cruise ships continue to grow, some ports and waterways may not be able to accommodate them. This could lead to overcrowding at popular ports, or the need to build new ports specifically for these massive vessels. It’s important for cruise lines, port authorities, and government agencies to work together to ensure that these ships can be accommodated safely and efficiently.

What are some common safety features found on modern cruise ships?

Modern cruise ships have numerous safety features, including emergency protocols, life-saving equipment, staff training, and passenger education. While euphemisms are used, it’s essential to prioritize safety and be prepared for any situation.

How do cruise ships dispose of waste and sewage while at sea?

Cruise ships use advanced waste management systems to minimize their environmental impact. Sewage and gray water are treated and discharged in compliance with international regulations. Solid waste is segregated, compacted, and offloaded for proper disposal onshore.

What is the average cost of a cruise ship vacation?

Cruising can be costly, but with smart budgeting, it’s possible to have an affordable vacation. For cost comparison, I once spent $800 on a week-long trip, including food and drinks. Budgeting tips include booking in advance and choosing a less popular itinerary.

How do cruise ships handle medical emergencies on board?

If a medical emergency occurs on board, cruise ships have medical staff and emergency protocols in place to handle the situation. On board medical facilities are equipped with necessary equipment and supplies to provide necessary treatment.

What is the process for evacuating a cruise ship in the event of an emergency?

Have you ever wondered what happens if there’s an emergency on a cruise ship? The emergency protocol includes a lifeboat operation, where passengers are directed to their assigned boats and instructed on safety procedures.

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I booked a $5,910 balcony cabin for a 7-day Virgin Voyages cruise. The 225-square-foot room was big on luxury.

  • On a recent Virgin Voyages cruise, I booked a 225-square-foot sea terrace room.
  • Starting at $844 a night, the room has a balcony and a queen-sized bed that transforms into a couch.
  • With a rainfall shower and smart controls for mood lighting and entertainment, it felt luxurious.

Insider Today

I took my first luxury cruise last summer, sailing on a seven-day Mediterranean adventure with Virgin Voyages, an award-winning, adults-only cruise line that's been operating since 2021, according to the company's website . 

Aboard Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady ship , I slept in a cabin with a sea terrace. It had a starting rate of $5,910 for a weeklong stay for two people, a representative for Virgin Voyages told Business Insider.

The cruise sailed round-trip from Barcelona to ports in Italy and France. And my room was so glamorous that I spent more time in my cabin than anticipated. Here's a look at every detail that made it worth the price. 

Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady ship has 1,408 cabins and suites. My room was toward the back of deck 12.

icon cruise ship size

I booked a third-tier stateroom with a balcony — a step above sea-view cabins , which only have a window, and two steps above an interior room with no view. 

The room was 225 square feet, including the balcony. I thought the cabin made great use of the tiny space while including luxury details.

icon cruise ship size

Inside, there was a queen-sized bed, a desk, a bathroom, and plenty of hidden storage compartments. Considering the room's small size, I was surprised by the ample floor space. I never felt cramped in my cabin.

At the front of the cabin, the bathroom was stocked with toiletries and had storage spaces to keep the counter free of clutter.

icon cruise ship size

The bathroom felt luxurious thanks to a rainfall showerhead.

Across from the bathroom, a clever curtain hid the closet. Inside, I spotted a shelf with two empty bins for extra storage and a cabinet holding emergency life vests, towels, a safe, and drawers I filled with clothing.

Next to the closet, the desk against the wall had an ottoman tucked underneath it. I thought this made the room feel bigger.

icon cruise ship size

Beneath the desk, I spotted a hidden mini fridge, which I used to keep my drinks cold.

At the back of the room, there was a queen-sized bed I found comfortable. Next to it, a thin nightstand was light enough to be moved around the room as needed.

icon cruise ship size

I learned from the Virgin Voyages app that crew members could transform the bed into a couch upon request. This made the cabin feel more like a living room during the day.

The cabin also had an in-room tablet with entertainment and smart controls. So I didn't have to leave my bed to change the lighting or close the curtains.

icon cruise ship size

From "Hangover" to "Photoshoot," different settings on the tablet changed the mood lighting around the room.

I thought the best part of the cabin was the balcony. It had a table and chairs as well as a large, netted hammock.

icon cruise ship size

I spent a lot of time on my balcony during the voyage. From fresh air to sunset views, I thought it was totally worth the upgrade for a private outdoor space.

With multipurpose furniture and plenty of storage, I thought the 225-square-foot room was just big enough to keep my partner and me comfortable.

icon cruise ship size

I'd definitely book a sea terrace cabin with Virgin Voyages again. And I'd recommend it to any adult travelers who want to feel wrapped in luxury while at sea. 

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  1. Icon of the Seas

    Icon of the Seas on her first sea trial outside Turku, Finland in 2023. Icon of the Seas is a cruise ship built for Royal Caribbean International and is the lead ship of the Icon class. She entered service on 27 January 2024 out of the Port of Miami in the US. At 248,663 gross tonnage (GT), Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world.

  2. Icon of the Seas Size Comparison: Facts and Stats

    2,350. 2,300. 1,735. The fact that Icon of the Seas is noticeably bigger and heavier than the previous title holders for the world's largest cruise ship is truly incredible, but it still makes ...

  3. Icon of the Seas: The world's largest cruise ship sets sail on maiden

    Royal Caribbean's new, nearly 1,200-foot-long and 250,800 gross ton Icon of the Seas - which set sail from the Port of Miami on its maiden cruise just before sunset on Saturday - towers like a ...

  4. A look inside the Icon of the Seas, the world's biggest cruise ship, as

    An area of rooms and shops dubbed Central Park is seen from an upper deck aboard Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, during a media day preview as it prepares for its inaugural ...

  5. Icon of the Seas: the Icon of Vacations

    Icon of the Seas℠ brings on the most thrilling Western Caribbean adventures for the whole family. From lush tropical jungles in Roatán to Mayan ruins in Cozumel — plus the tallest waterslide in North America at our game-changing private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay — there's never been more exciting opportunities for bolder bonding.

  6. Icon of the Seas Size Comparison: Capacity, Length ...

    So it's the best measurement to use when comparing ship sizes, since it takes into account length, width and height as a volume measurement. And the Icon of the Seas tonnage is 5% larger than the previous biggest ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas. 5% may not seem like much, but it's a difference of around 13,000 GT - to put that into ...

  7. The world's new biggest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

    The debut of Icon of the Seas marks the first time that an Oasis Class ship hasn't held the title of "world's largest cruise ship" in over a decade Icon of the Seas measures an astonishing 250,800 gross registered tons and can carry a maximum of 7,600 passengers, making Icon roughly 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas .

  8. Icon of the Seas Reviews, Ship Details & Photos

    Icon of the Seas is the first ship of Royal Caribbean's Icon class of vessels. The ship entered the Royal Caribbean fleet in January 2024. Icon of the Seas will offer eight 'neighborhoods': Thrill Island, Chill Island, Surfside, The Hideaway, AquaDome, Royal Promenade, Central Park, and the Suite Neighborhood.

  9. Icon of the Seas size comparison

    At 250,800 tons, Icon of the Seas will measure 6% bigger than Utopia of the Seas, which amounts to a difference of 13,940 GT. As you can see, the difference in size between Icon and the Oasis Class ships isn't enormous, but it's enough to call it the biggest cruise ship in the world. When Royal Caribbean set out to design Icon of the Seas, they ...

  10. Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship: Review, Photos

    Icon of the Seas is the first Icon Class ship, which means this cruise ship will have a new design, size, and look compared to other ships that came before her. Icon of the Seas will carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy (or nearly 10,000 people when you account for the crew) when it first sets sail with guests Jan. 27, 2024.

  11. Icon of the Seas review: What's it like on the world's largest cruise ship?

    Icon of the Seas is 20 decks high (with 18 passenger decks) and 1,198 feet long and measures 250,800 gross tons. It can carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy (two passengers per cabin) or up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy, plus 2,350 crew members. These stats make it the largest ship in the world.

  12. Icon-class cruise ship

    The Icon class (formally Project Icon) is a class of cruise ships ordered by Royal Caribbean International to be built by Meyer Turku in Turku, Finland. As of 2024 this class is the largest cruise ship class ever constructed. Royal Caribbean plans to have three Icon -class ships by 2026.

  13. A Look Inside the World's Largest Cruise Ship, Launching January 2024

    The biggest thing to ever hit cruising is coming in January 2024, when Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas—which will be the largest cruise ship in the world—will debut to passengers for the ...

  14. Icon of the Seas Size, Specs, Ship Stats & More

    When was the Icon of the Seas Built? The Icon of the Seas was built in 2023 and joined the cruise line's Icon Class. Royal Caribbean includes 27 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1996. The average Royal Caribbean ship is 16 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2007

  15. Icon Of The Seas Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review

    The 2024-built Icon of the Seas cruise ship is RCI-Royal Caribbean's first ICON-Class vessel scheduled for delivery and inauguration in 2024 January, being postponed from 2022-Q2 and 2023-Q3 due to the COVID crisis. ... (ship sizes and capacities). All RCI liners have names ending with "of the Seas". Each vessel from the ICON series has ...

  16. Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas will be world's biggest cruise

    Royal Caribbean has done it again. The cruise line has announced it's building the largest cruise ship ever — even bigger than its recently unveiled Wonder of the Seas, the current record-holder for world's largest cruise ship.The new Icon of the Seas will carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy (or nearly 10,000 people when you account for the crew) when it first sets sail with guests ...

  17. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas: Largest cruise ship's first voyage

    The world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has officially sailed the ocean blue for the first time in preparation for its highly anticipated 2024 debut. After completing the first round ...

  18. Guide to Icon of the Seas cruise ship: pricing, things to do, and more

    Icon of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's first cruise ship from it's brand-new Icon class, which makes her the first new type of vessel for the cruise line in nearly a decade.Debuting in early 2024, Icon of the Seas will take the new title of largest cruise ship in the world. Once complete, the brand-new vessel for Royal Caribbean will clock in at 250,800 gross tons, making her 6% bigger ...

  19. Icon of the Seas vs Jubilee

    The Icon of the Seas is considered an extra large size ship. Coming in at 1,198 feet long and 216 feet wide, it's roughly the length of 3.3 football fields, as wide as 4.1 tractor-trailers and the same height as a 18-story building. Compared to the Carnival Jubilee, the Icon of the Seas is 37% larger in terms of overall tons.

  20. Icon of the Seas vs Aqua

    Ship Size. The Icon of the Seas is considered an extra large size ship. Coming in at 1,198 feet long and 216 feet wide, it's roughly the length of 3.3 football fields, as wide as 4.1 tractor-trailers and the same height as a 18-story building. Compared to the Norwegian Aqua, the Icon of the Seas is 60% larger in terms of overall tons.

  21. 7 wild facts about Icon of the Seas, the world's biggest cruise ship

    July 13, 2023 at 3:18 p.m. EDT. Icon of the Seas, shown in this rendering, launches in January. (Royal Caribbean International) It can hold 5,610 passengers. It's nearly 1,200 feet long. It has ...

  22. Odd Things About Icon Of The Seas, The World's Largest Cruise Ship

    The Icon of the Seas is the freshest face in the Royal Caribbean cruise line family, dethroning its predecessor the Wonder of the Seas as the world's largest cruise ship. But beyond its sheer size ...

  23. What Are Icon-Class Ships?

    Anyone who has sailed on an Oasis-class vessel will spot similarities on Icon-class ships, not least the sheer size of the ships, which carry 5,200 vs. 5,600 passengers respectively.

  24. Aircraft Carrier vs Cruise Ship: Giant Size Comparison

    Average Cruise Ship: Icon of the Seas: Length: 1,000 feet: 1,106 feet: 1,100 feet: ... As you can see from a comparison of the current record holders for size, cruise ships tend to be longer than ...

  25. Cruise Ship Size: From Noah's Ark To Icon Of The Seas

    While the exact size of Noah's Ark is debated, it's estimated to be around 510 feet long and 50 feet tall. In comparison, the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, is 1,198 feet long and 236,857 gross tons, making it over twice as long and almost five times the volume of Noah's Ark.

  26. List of largest cruise ships

    Icon of the Seas is the first ship of Royal Caribbean's Icon class of cruise ships. She is the largest cruise ship in service after late January 2024. Wonder of the Seas is the latest ship of Royal Caribbean's Oasis class of cruise ships and is the second largest cruise ship in service after January 2024.. Cruise ships are large passenger ships used mainly for vacationing.

  27. Photos Show What Sea Terrace Room on Virgin Voyages Cruise Looks Like

    On a recent Virgin Voyages cruise, I booked a 225-square-foot sea terrace room. Starting at $844 a night, the room has a balcony and a queen-sized bed that transforms into a couch.