Royal Caribbean International has unveiled a first look at Icon of the Seas, its new Icon Class ship billed as the “Icon of Vacations.” Scheduled to arrive late 2023 and debut in January 2024, Icon of the Seas is positioned as a major innovation in the cruise industry, designed to deliver a broad range of experiences for families and travelers of all ages.
Launching in January 2024, Icon of the Seas introduces eight distinct neighborhoods, each offering unique attractions and atmospheres. Highlights include Thrill Island for adrenaline seekers, Surfside geared to young families, and The Hideaway for a quieter, elevated retreat.
“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.”
© Royal Caribbean International
The ship’s eight neighborhoods come alive day and night and include five new attractions alongside three reimagined favorites. Each neighborhood functions as its own destination with live entertainment, dining and bars, giving guests many ways to craft daily memories.
Thrill Island centers on high-energy adventure. Its Category 6 waterpark is the largest at sea and features six headline slides: Pressure Drop, an industry-first open free-fall slide with a 66-degree incline; Frightening Bolt, a 46-foot-tall drop slide; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first four-rider family raft slides at sea; and Storm Chasers, a mat-racing duo. Crown’s Edge combines a skywalk, ropes course and thrill ride, culminating in a dramatic swing 154 feet above the ocean.
Chill Island houses four of the ship’s seven pools across three decks. Options range from the lively Swim & Tonic, Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea, to Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea, plus Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat, and the serene infinity-edge Cove Pool. The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations aboard Icon, including the line’s first frozen cocktail bar.
© Royal Caribbean International
Surfside is tailored for families with young children, featuring family-friendly pools like Water’s Edge and the child-focused Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Nearby are dining venues, lounging areas, a bar, a signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean youth programming and Social020 for teens.
Perched 135 feet above sea level, The Hideaway captures the relaxed vibe of global beach clubs. It features the first suspended infinity pool at sea, surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, diverse seating and a dedicated bar for a secluded, scenic escape.
AquaDome crowns the ship with a dynamic, transformational space. During the day it serves as a calm oasis with sweeping ocean views and a dramatic waterfall; by night it becomes a hub of dining, bars and flagship aqua shows in the AquaTheater. The AquaTheater incorporates a transforming pool, four robotic arms and advanced projection technology to stage immersive performances.
Royal Caribbean has also expanded its signature neighborhood concepts. The Royal Promenade now includes floor-to-ceiling ocean views and more than 15 dining and beverage venues. Central Park receives refreshed landscaping and additional dining and entertainment options. The Suite Neighborhood is the largest yet, spanning three decks with a multilevel suite sun deck, The Grove — a private pool and whirlpool area with dining — and a two-story Coastal Kitchen.
© Royal Caribbean International
Popular features returning in new forms include reimagined mini golf at Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak and Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean’s largest ice arena. Dining favorites will be on board as well, such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar on the Royal Promenade and the Asian-inspired Izumi in Central Park.
Accommodations on Icon include new layouts built for families of various sizes, including Family Infinite Balcony staterooms and Surfside Family Suites with separate kids’ alcoves. For larger groups, the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse offers a unique residential feel complete with a white picket fence and mailbox.
Icon will operate year-round from Miami, offering seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Each sailing will include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, where guests can choose from high-adrenaline attractions and relaxed beach experiences. CocoCay features Thrill Waterpark with 13 waterslides and the Coco Beach Club with the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas. When Icon of the Seas arrives, Royal Caribbean will also open Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area with an expansive pool, private cabanas with pools and ocean views.