Royal Caribbean Reveals World’s Biggest Cruise Ship: Icon Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean has just announced its plans for Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. If you thought Wonder of the Seas was big, this new ship will have 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity. However, if you take into account the crew, this means almost 10,000 people on one cruise ship. Moreover, the cruise ship will have every conceivable attraction and is planned to set sail on January 28, 2024.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas
When the Icon of the Seas is completed, it will have 20 decks and will be 1,198 feet in length. For guests, the new cruise ship will have 2,805 cabins, which is actually less than Wonder of the Seas, which has 2,867. This is due to the fact that the new ship will be targeted at families, with larger cabins for more than just two people.
The ship will have eight neighborhoods or areas themed around a type of activity. Among the neighborhoods will be Central Park, Royal Promenade and Suite Neighborhood, which have been featured on Oasis-class ships. Moreover, this means Icon will offer some of the most mind-blowing attractions ever found on a cruise ship. Let’s take a brief look at just some of them.
Category 6 Water Park on Icon of the Seas
On the new Thrill Island top deck, the largest water park at sea will have six water slides. In fact, there will be the tallest drop slide at sea and an open free-fall slide. Again for families, family raft slides will accommodate four riders in one go. Meanwhile, Thrill Island will have two mat-racing slides. Besides these, Thrill Island will also offer a ropes course-style attraction surrounding a giant version of the ship’s logo.
AquaDome Aqua Theater
For Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has moved the AquaTheater located on the back of its Oasis-class ships and moved it forward at the top of the ship. Here, the multipurpose space will offer acrobatic and diving shows, restaurants, and bars with massive floor-to-ceiling windows.
Three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse
Previously, Royal Caribbean offered huge, two-deck-high Ultimate Family Suites on Oasis-class ships. On the new ship, these will be massive, three-story suites perfect for families. These will offer adult and children bedrooms, along with family-focused living areas and plenty of sea views. However, even better, the suites will have a fenced-in outdoor backyard play area for the kids. They will also offer direct access to the neighborhood for young families, Surfside.
Surfside on Icon of the Seas
Keeping in the family theme, Surfside will offer splash areas for babies and children, and relaxing pools for parents. There will be plenty of lounge spaces and family-friendly eateries and the area will have access to the Adventure Ocean Kids Club.
Swim & Tonic swim-up bar
Even more unique, Icon of the Seas will feature the first suspended infinity pool and swim-up bar at sea. Dubbed Above Surfside, the pool is suspended over the back of the ship. Moreover, it is surrounded by the Hideaway, a beach club-inspired neighborhood of sun decks and bars.
Chill Island pool area
This three-deck area will feature four of the ship’s seven pools, including one Royal Caribbean claims is the largest pool at sea and another infinity pool. Guests will be able to rent cabanas in this neighborhood.
Suite sun deck
Similar to the concept on Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas will feature an exclusive, self-contained suite enclave that is three decks high. It will also feature the two-story Coastal Kitchen restaurant, exclusive for suite guests, and a new multilevel sun deck with a pool, hot tub and Mediterranean restaurant.
Other guest favorites that will feature on Icon of the Seas include Central Park with all its restaurants and greenery. Among the restaurants will be the popular Izumi for Asian cuisine. Meanwhile, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar will now be on the Royal Promenade. The ship will also feature an ice skating rink, miniature golf, and the FlowRider surf simulator.
Cabins and suites on Icon of the Seas
The new ship will offer 28 cabin and suite types to suit everyone, including the previously mentioned family cabins. It will also feature inside cabins with extra-large walk-in closets. For those seeking panoramic ocean views, the AquaDome is the place to be.
Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries
The Icon of the Seas will sail on weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Each cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island, with its beaches and Thrill Waterpark.
Sustainable travel on Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s first LNG-powered ship and will be the cruise line’s most sustainable ship. In fact, it is the first Royal Caribbean ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas and equipped with fuel cell technology. Moreover, when available in port, the ship will have the ability to hook up to shore-side power. On top of this, the cruise ship will feature a state-of-the-art waste management system and will be able to convert engine heat to power.
Readers, what do you think of Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas? Have a look at the video below to get more information about the world’s largest cruise ship, which sets sail on January 28, 2024. Also, visit the Royal Caribbean Blog for more information.