First Look: Royal Caribbean unveils design and spaces of Icon of the Seas

22 October, 2022

Royal Caribbean International has revealed details of its first Icon Class ship, Icon of the Seas. The ship will arrive in late 2023 ahead of its January 2024 debut. Travelers can book their journey on Royal Caribbean’s website on October 25. Crown & Anchor loyalty members can enjoy special access on October 24.

Royal Caribbean has revealed what’s in store with the first look at eight neighborhoods, including five new adventures and three returning favorites.

• Thrill Island – Vacationers can test their limits, scale new heights and reach top speeds at the center of thrill. It is home to highlights including Category 6, the waterpark with six slides, including Crown’s Edge. Part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, it culminates in a surprising, shocking moment that will see travelers swing 154 feet above the ocean.
• Chill Island – Among the seven pools onboard, four are in this three-deck space. Each pool offers prime ocean views: the Swim & Tonic, the line’s first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea; Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the infinity-edge Cove Pool. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.
• Surfside – Introducing a neighborhood made for young families, where adults and children aged six and below will want to stay and play all day. Adults can soak up the views at Water’s Edge pool, as they keep an eye on the children at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Only steps away are dining options, places to lounge, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teenagers.
• The Hideaway – This neighborhood 135 feet above the ocean combines the good vibes of beach club scenes and ocean views. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the center of it all, and it’s surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, a variety of seating and a dedicated bar.
• AquaDome – Perched at the top of Icon, guests can take in wraparound ocean views and a waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink by day. By night, it becomes a vibrant place, complete with restaurants, bars and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows at the AquaTheater. The signature entertainment venue includes a transforming pool, four robotic arms, projection and more.

The line’s signature neighborhoods include: Royal Promenade, which features its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafés, bars and lounges; Central Park; and Suite Neighborhood, offering a multilevel suite sun deck—The Grove—with a private pool, whirlpool and dining, and a two-story Coastal Kitchen. More returning favorites include new takes on mini golf at Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, and Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean’s largest ice arena, plus dining venues such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar on the Royal Promenade and the Asian-inspired Izumi in Central Park.

With 28 ways to stay, there are new room layouts designed for families of three, four, five and more, including the Family Infinite Balcony and Surfside Family Suite–with kids alcoves tucked away from the adults–and the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with a white picket fence and mailbox. Other rooms include the brand’s first Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic Ocean Views in AquaDome. The ship also includes updated amenities, room and activities for crew, including a new, patented stateroom.

Icon of the Seas will be the line’s most sustainable to date, besides being its first ship with fuel cell technology and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The ship will sail year-round, seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. When Icon of the Seas arrives, the line will debut the island’s adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, with an expansive pool and private cabanas with pools. Vacationers will also visit Cozumel, Philipsburg and Roatan. More details will be revealed in the coming months.

For more information, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com.