A City at Sea — The New Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s New Ship is Going to Be the BIGGEST Ship In the World! DON’T MISS OUT!

Danielle, the Inclusive TA
6 min readMar 9, 2023
Icon of the Seas — Photo: Royal Caribbean International

Setting sail in 2024, the all-new Icon of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world, featuring 7 pools, 9 whirlpools, 6 gigantic waterslides, and more! You are not going to want to miss this city at sea!

8 Neighborhoods, 5 of Them NEW to Royal Caribbean!

Deck Plans — Photo: Royal Caribbean

There will be 8 neighborhoods aboard Icon, and 5 of them will be exclusive to this ship (for now). Each neighborhood (or section of the ship) will feature unique experiences.

THRILL ISLAND

Test your thrill limits!! Thrill island will be home to Category 6, the world’s largest waterpark at sea! Take a gut-wrenching drop on Pressure Drop, the first open free-fall slide on any cruise ship. Take your turn on the tallest slide at sea, the Frightening Bolt. You may also want to enjoy Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft rides at sea, featuring up to 4 riders per raft! Or race your friends on Storm Chasers!

Thrill Island — Photo: Royal Caribbean

And Thrill Island is also where you’ll find Crown’s Edge (as seen on the left). This is a fear-inducing challenge that’s part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of your courage. This “walk the plank” experience will have you dangling above the ocean. And the floor you’re standing on? Yeah, it might disappear completely, leaving you dangling on the side of the ship! Are you brave enough?!

Returning Favorites — Photo: Royal Caribbean

Not to worry, Royal regulars, all your favorites will also be on board! Like FlowRider surf simulator, Adrenaline Peak Rock-Climbing wall, sports court, mini golf, Central Park, and more.

SURFSIDE- A Stay-All-Day Neighborhood for Families

Surfside — Photo: Royal Caribbean

Surfside will be home to Splashaway Bay, the aquapark with slides, spray fountains, and a huge dump bucket. This area is sure to keep kids 6 and under occupied all day long. Watch them play as you lounge nearby in the water’s edge pool, an infinity pool offering incredible views of the ocean. There are family-friendly dining spots close by, too!

Adventure Ocean and Social 020, the kids and teens clubs, have their own hangout spots in this area as well.

CHILL ISLAND — Home to 4 of Icon’s 7 Pools

A Pool

Chill Island will be the place to go when you want to, well, chill. This is an upper-deck oasis built around the biggest pool ever to set sail — 40,000 gallons of wow featuring in-water loungers, and elevated whirlpools.

Dive in and order up at the first swim-up bar in the fleet, Swim & Tonic. This bar has its own dedicated pool scene and even more hot tub hangs. Or hit one of four bars at The Lime and Coconut, our biggest ever — including our first-ever frozen cocktail bar — and sip to the rhythm of live music and DJs at every turn. By the time low-key is calling your name, the infinity edge of The Cove Pool offers serene ocean views just steps away.

THE HIDEAWAY — ONLY on Icon of the Seas (for now)

The Hideaway — Photo: Royal Caribbean

Escape to new heights of bragworthy at the beach club inspired Hideaway. For now, this is only found on Icon of the Seas. Whether it becomes standard on Icon Class ships? Only time will tell! Lounge the day away as DJs transport you to a beach club scene conjuring Mykonos moods, Mallorca mindsets and beyond. The absolute STAR of The Hideaway is the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Like Elphaba, it defies gravity, hovering eight stories high. Kick back and catch some rays in the multilevel, terraced lounge area, where every chaise is certain to have a spectacular sunset view. Or catch up with friends over cocktails from the expansive wraparound Hideaway Bar. Once you’ve uncovered The Hideaway, your sea days will never be the same.

The AquaDome

AquaDome — Photo: Royal Caribbean

The AquaDome is kind of a combination of the fully-enclosed Solarium and Two70 lounge, which you’ll find on Quantum-class ships, and the AquaTheater, which is located at the rear of Oasis-class ships.

During the day, guests can relax and enjoy the panoramic views in various comfy seating options. The AquaDome will have dedicated bars and food venues, so you don’t have to wander too far. In addition, a 55-foot tall waterfall will give the space a relaxing feel throughout the day.

At night, the place transforms into a performance space. This first-of-its-kind space features a 5-story high waterfall that moves in sync to high divers and aerialists. And this towering 55-foot waterfall shape shifts as it cascades into the pool down below!

A Room For Everyone

Suites — Photo: Royal Caribbean

This ship is really geared towards families to come together and bond in ways they’ve never bonded before, and that extends to the rooms, too. From the Ultimate Family Townhouse to the Family Infinite Balcony, these new spaces will delight and amaze you! I mean, who wouldn’t want a slide instead of stairs?!?!?

Rooms with Views? — Photo: Royal Caribbean

Icon will also offer rooms and suites with infinite balconies and panoramic views. Truly, you do not want to miss this ship!!

AND MORE!!

There is so much more I could talk about, like the over 40 restaurants, bars, and eateries on board this ship! But enough talk, let’s SAIL! Now booking 7-Night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries beginning late-January 2024 — May 2025. Much of 2024 is sold out, so if you want to sail on this amazing city at sea, don’t wait!

7-Night Eastern Caribbean sailings with stops in St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

7-Night Western Caribbean sailings with stops in Honduras, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

7-Night Eastern Caribbean sailings with stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

7-Night Western Caribbean sailings with stops in Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

--

--

Danielle, the Inclusive TA

Independent Travel Consultant with Love Travel Collection. I am a Certified Autism Travel Professional and book the world! Contact me!