A Travel Agent’s Guide To The World’s Largest Cruise Ship
Everything you need to know about the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon Of The Seas
A Guide to The Brand New Icon Of The Seas Cruise Ship by Royal Caribbean International
Ahoy, fellow travelers! As a seasoned travel agent passionate about adventure, I’m thrilled to be your guide on an exhilarating journey through the wonders of the Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s first in the newest class of ships. Prepare perfectly for an unforgettable cruise experience combining luxury, excitement, and relaxation.
This is the largest cruise ship ever built. A week after her maiden voyage, Michael Bayley, the CEO and president of Royal Caribbean International, called Icon “the best-selling product in the history of Royal Caribbean’s history.”
This cruise ship is a giant!
This cruise ship is giant, weighing 250,800 pounds and standing 1198 feet tall. It has 20 decks and is 1,198 feet long, longer than the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier.
Royal Caribbean has launched several huge ships in her Oasis class, but this one is currently the largest cruise ship currently sailing. Per the original design, this ship was not intended to be the world’s largest cruise ship, but as it added more features, it became the largest cruise ship in the world.
The world’s largest cruise ship houses 2,350 crew members and can carry 5,610 guests.
The cruise ship is divided into eight different “neighborhoods,” making navigating the ship easier.
Going Places:
Icon is hard to miss, sitting at the Port of Miami, which will be her home port for the following year. She will be sailing on a seven-day itinerary. She will be the ship towering over all the others, with a tangle of tentacle-like waterslides perched on the top.
Itineraries:
The ship will alternate 7-day Eastern and 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries through at least April 2026. Each itinerary will include Perfect Day at CocoCay Royal Caribbean’s exclusive beach getaway.
What is CocoCay?
An overhead map of Perfect Day at CocoCay that highlights the main attractions.
A Perfect Day at CocoaCay is a private destination exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests on an island in the Bahamas. From the minute you step off the ship, you have everything you need in one spot.
It is an easygoing, relaxing beach day that encompasses everything vacation is about. You have nowhere to be, no taxi drivers you need to flag down, and no navigating around.
Since everything you need is complimentary, you do not have to spend a single dollar on the island. However, some upgrades, such as the Coco Beach Club, water park, and even overwater cabanas, will enhance your experience.
Eastern Caribbean Itinerary
The Eastern Caribbean Itinerary departs Miami, Florida, and includes stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Coco Cay, Bahamas, before returning to Miami.
Western Caribbean Itinerary
The Western Caribbean Itinerary departs Miami, Florida, and includes stops in Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya, Mexico, Cozumel, Mexico, and Coco Cay, Bahamas, before returning to Miami.
Setting Sail on the Icon of the Seas:
A Marvel of Modern Engineering:
The Icon of the Seas is a testament to Royal Caribbean International’s commitment to innovation in the cruise industry. With cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and state-of-the-art facilities, this cruise ship is a floating marvel that promises an unforgettable voyage.
Luxurious Accommodations:
Icon of the Seas has 2805 staterooms (2805 total, in 28 grades); approximately 70% are balcony cabins, and over 80% accommodate three or more people. There are 50 wheelchair-accessible cabins onboard. Cabins include 179 Suites, 1815 balconies, 276 oceanviews, and 535 interior cabins.
From elegant staterooms with breathtaking ocean views to spacious suites offering unparalleled luxury, the Icon of the Seas ensures every guest finds their perfect haven. A travel agent can help you choose the ideal accommodation tailored to your preferences. Or refer to our upcoming article “How to choose the best cruise ship cabin.”
The Eight Neighborhoods:
Icon of the Seas is divided into eight distinct “neighborhoods.” Each neighborhood offers its blend of activities, dining, and more.
The Aquadome
The Aquadome neighborhood sits regally at the front of the ship. It is one of the new neighborhoods featured on the Icon class of ships. By day, it will be an airy space with food and drink and comfortable seating options.
By night, the Aquadome transforms into the Aqua Theater, featuring acrobatic acts and diving performances. This area also boasts the highest waterfall at sea, over 55 feet high.
Chill Island:
Chill Island is a three-deck neighborhood featuring incredible spaces to relax. Four of the ship’s pools are in this neighborhood, so there is a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views.
Royal Bay Pool is the largest pool at sea.
Swim and Tonic is the cruise line’s first swim-up pool bar at sea.
Cloud 17 is a chic poolside oasis featuring The Lime and Coconut Bar for your frozen cocktail needs.
The infinity edge Cove Pool is the coolest place to take in serene ocean views along the pool’s disappearing edge.
Thrill Island:
One of the highlights of the Icon of the Seas Thrill Island neighborhood features an entire waterpark. Category 6 is a concept of 6 unique waterslides, most never before seen at sea. Would you expect anything less than the giant waterslides on the largest cruise ship at sea?
The most anticipated feature of this thrill island is Crown’s Edge, an adrenaline-filled ropes course 150 feet above the ocean.
It also features FlowRider, a surf simulator, and a returning Royal Caribbean favorite. Lost Dunes mini-golf and Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall are also available. There is never a dull moment in this neighborhood.
The Hideaway:
The Hideaway is your escape to relax in this adults-only zone, only for those over 18 years old. Here, you can chill in a beautiful infinity pool that looks out into the ship’s wake. The pool is suspended over Surfside, the family neighborhood below. It appears to be floating eight stories up in mid-air.
Here, you will find relaxing hot tubs with no swarms of screeching children jumping in and out.
Sip champagne or fruity cocktails at the wrap-around bar or while lounging on a relaxing daybed.
Surfside:
Surfside is the Icon of The Seas’ answer to the famous Boardwalk on the Oasis class of ships. This area is designed for families with kids ages six and under. It offers three water experiences: a pool for adults, splash zones, and small slides.
The kid’s clubs and the beloved carousel, a favorite from the Royal Caribbean Oasis class Boardwalk, are here. You will also find Icon’s new family staterooms, including the ever-popular Ultimate Family Townhouse Suite.
Royal Caribbean International’s family suites are a great concept, and they are definitely the most impressive family suites currently offered by the cruise industry, but they are certainly not budget-friendly.
Royal Promenade:
The Royal Promenade is the highlight of many of the newer Royal Caribbean Ships and is often considered the hub.
The Royal Promenade is larger, wider, longer, and taller on the Icon of the Seas. The moment you step onboard, you will be greeted by the first-ever sensory super-sculpture, “The Pearl,” and sweeping ocean views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Stop in for a drink at the 4100 Lobby Bar in the evening for fun pre-prohibition cocktails like a Manhattan and Old Fashioned.
The crown jewel of this Neighborhood is the Pearl. The pearl is a three-deck-high, 16-meter architectural structure/sculpture with 3,000 kinetic tiles for a fun, sensory experience.
Behind the Pearl on deck, six is the Pearl Cafe, your stop for croissants, pastries, and sandwiches. Also located nearby are Starbucks, The Point and Feather Pub, Sorrentos Pizza, Giovanii’s Italian Kitchen, Spotlight Karaoke, and Royal Caribbean’s first Dueling Piano bar, strategically named Dueling Pianos.
Bolero’s is a space to enjoy Latin music, and the ever-popular Schooner Bar is also in this neighborhood. The Attic, a comedy club, is also nearby.
Another highlight of this area is Absolute Zero, a 2,850-square-foot ice rink that will feature immersive skating shows. During the day, guests can wear skates and hit the ice! This area can also be used for laser tag.
Central Park
Central Park is a Neighborhood consisting of a natural park complete with 33,500 plants. It is considered an oasis in the middle of the ocean (not to be confused with the Oasis of the Seas, the ship on which Central Park debuted). Plants and trees from all over the world and four living walls make this a relaxing greenspace.
There are eight spots to grab food and drinks in Central Park, including Empire Supper Club, Izumi in the Park, and Bubbles. Izumi and Bubbles feature takeaway windows because who doesn’t need takeaway sushi and champagne in their lives?
Chops Grill is the place to go for premium steaks. Park Cafe features breakfast and lunch, grab-and-go options, and light bites into the evening before you head for a craft cocktail at Trellis Bar. You can also enjoy music such as guitar and quintet in the park and jazz. Lou’s Jazz and Blue’s Bar are there if you want even more Jazz.
The Suite Neighborhood
The last and most exclusive neighborhood is the Suite Neighborhood.
The Suite will feature a two-level private sundeck, private dining, private pools, and a private bar for suite guests. It overlooks the main pool deck below. The sundeck is filled with posh lounging options. While lounging, grab lunch at The Grove, a fast, casual, Mediterranean alternative to the busy Windjammer Cafe. Another dining option available only to suite guests is Coastal Kitchen, an elegant dining option open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coastal Kitchen is also marvelous for a pre-show cocktail as it overlooks the indoor Aqua Theater.
Access to these areas is limited to suite guests, including those in the all-new Icon exclusive suite categories.
Activities for Everyone:
On a cruise ship this large, you have more than enough activity to keep you busy all week. And people (usually those who have never cruised) say cruise ships are boring!
What’s to Eat?
Complimentary (included) dining options:
Windjammer Marketplace (buffet)
Pearl Cafe
Park Cafe
Surfside Eatery
Surfside Bites
Main Dining Room
Aquadome Market
Basecamp
Sorrento’s
El Loco Fresh
Vitality Cafe
Coastal Kitchen (for suite guests)
The Grove (for suite guests)
Sprinkles (Ice Cream!)
Specialty Restaurants
Empire Supper Club
Celebration Table
Chops Grille
Izumi Hibachi and Sushi
Izumi In The Park
Hooked Seafood
Playmaker’s
Pier 7
Starbucks
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
Desserted (A do-not-miss milkshake bar)
Relaxation And Wellness
Serenity At Sea
Unwind and rejuvenate at the onboard Vitality Spa, where world-class treatments and panoramic ocean views create an atmosphere of tranquility. Whether you opt for a massage, facial, or yoga class, the Icon of the Seas ensures that relaxation is always on the itinerary.
VitalitySM Fitness Center© offers the most popular training classes, including yoga, Pilates, spinning, sculpting, and more. Trained instructors make it easy for everyone to have a great time and get fit. A fee applies for some classes. For those who prefer to work off the buffet outdoors, there is a walking/running track. It is not the largest track on a cruise ship, but it offers excellent views and fresh air.
The spa and fitness center are on deck 12. Guests must be at least 16 years old to use them.
Healthy Choices
At Vitality Cafe, you will find healthy food choices from house-made granola and fresh fruit to freshly made smoothies.
Child Free Experiences
For some kid-free “me” time, the Neighborhood “The Hideaway” is the place to escape. The Icon does not have a “solarium,” the traditional adults-only space on a Royal Caribbean ship, so the Hideaway is a new concept for the Royal Caribbean group.
The Hideaway is a space for those aged 18 and over. The Hideaway is aptly named to match Hideaway Beach, the adult-only area at Perfect Day at CocoaCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. The Hideaway can be found at the back of the ship on deck 15. The adult-only pool is 135 feet above the ocean and offers 180-degree views. Here, you can relax with daybeds, loungers, and an expansive bar.
The Hideaway bar also has a menu featuring a Sunset Spritz, Castaway Spritz, and Oh Mai Gawd. They sound divine, wildly when consumed gazing at the ocean in kid-free bliss.
Environmental Impact
The ‘Icon of the Seas’ is built to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which burns more cleanly than traditional marine fuel. Burning LNG releases less nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate pollution than conventional fuels. LNG ships also cut CO2 emissions by 25 percent in port, 24% more fuel-efficient than the Oasis classships.
Who I Would Recommend This Ship For:
This ship is a beautiful cruising option for those who love various things to do. As the largest cruise ship, there is more to see and do than you can do in a week. The Royal Caribbean cruise line caters to those who love variety and are not bothered by the hustle and bustle of a busy ship. The family activities and kids clubs are top-notch on Royal Caribbean, so it is a beautiful choice for those with kids, as it has a perfect balance of family time and opportunities to take a few minutes and escape to an adults-only area. Royal Caribbean cruise ships are also my first choice when recommending vacation options for families on the spectrum, as the staff is certified.
As a travel advisor, I recommend this Royal Caribbean cruise ship for families and couples who enjoy lots of activity. It would also be appropriate for groups and multi-generational family trips as there is something everyone can do. With seemingly endless dining options, this ship is a foodie’s dream. It certainly beats the days when I started cruising when the only dining options on cruise ships were the main dining room and the buffet!
This brand-new Royal Caribbean ship made its maiden voyage in January 2024. It is more expensive because it is brand-new, advertised as the world’s largest cruise ship, and trendy right out of the gate. However, cruise ship pricing tends to even out once the next big thing is announced.
Conclusion:
Embarking aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is an experience. As an avid cruiser and professional travel agent, I offer as much information as possible to ensure that every aspect of your cruise is tailored to your desires. Nothing is worse than choosing the wrong ship and not having your vacation meet your expectations. So not only is this the world’s largest cruise ship, but it is also packed with activities, food choices, and beautiful, thoughtful spaces. Despite its almost concerning size, it looks like Royal Caribbean Group hit it out of the park with this cruise ship.
So, what are you waiting for? Set sail on the Icon of the Seas and unlock a world of adventure, luxury, and unforgettable moments. Let the sea be your guide, and the Icon be your vessel to paradise! Bon voyage!
If you want help deciding if this is the best ship for you, contact our friends and Travel Agents at Stilo Travel. They are agents certified through CLIA and specialize in Cruises and Group Travel.
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