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ICON of the Seas
Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International’s newest and largest cruise ship, debuting in 2024 as the first of the innovative Icon Class.
Who is Icon of the Seas for?
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Perfect for families, couples, multi-generational groups, and adventure seekers who want a lively, feature-packed vacation with plenty of choices for relaxation and excitement.

The WORLD's BEST Family Vacation
ICON of the Seas Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the ICON of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's revolutionary new ship. Experience unparalleled thrills at the largest waterpark at sea, relax in one of seven unique pools, and enjoy endless family fun at Surfside, the onboard neighborhood designed for all ages. Indulge in a culinary adventure with 40 remarkable dining and drinking experiences. Currently sailing from Miami and soon to depart from Galveston, ICON of the Seas promises excitement, relaxation, and extraordinary memories throughout your voyage.
Overview
World’s Largest Cruise Ship: Over 250,000 gross tons, the ship accommodates more than 5,600 guests (double occupancy) with cutting-edge design and record-breaking amenities. Eight Distinct Neighborhoods: Each area offers a unique vibe—Surfside for families, Central Park with real greenery, AquaDome with panoramic views, Thrill Island for adventurers, and more. Record-Breaking Waterpark: “Category 6,” the largest waterpark at sea, boasts multiple slides and splash zones. Multiple Pools and Sun Decks: Seven pools, including the largest pool at sea (“Royal Bay”), infinity pools, an adults-only retreat, and swim-up bars. Unique Entertainment: AquaTheater with high-diving & acrobatics, ice skating shows, Broadway-style productions, live music, and parades. Dining: A vast array of complimentary and specialty restaurants representing global cuisine, alongside classic favorites and new venues. Family Features: Splash-away Bay for kids, Adventure Ocean youth programming, teen lounges, and family stateroom options (including cabins for 3, 4, 5+ guests and adjoining rooms). Sustainability: Next-generation green technology, liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion, and energy-saving designs for a reduced carbon footprint. Staterooms & Suites Wide selection of accommodations: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Suites, Surfside Family Suites, Infinite Veranda cabins, and more with options for families, couples, and solo travelers. All rooms come with modern amenities, private bathrooms, TV, safe, and thoughtful storage solutions. Onboard Experience Activities: Adventure sports, mini-golf, rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulator, escape rooms, arcades, and more. Wellness: Spa, fitness center, jogging track, and relaxation spaces for all ages. Shopping & Nightlife: Boutiques, bars, nightclubs, and themed parties. Perfect Day at CocoCay: Most Icon of the Seas itineraries include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s exclusive private island in the Bahamas for beach, thrill, and adventure experiences. Quick Facts Maiden Voyage: 2024 Homeports: Miami, FL (Caribbean sailings) Destinations: Eastern & Western Caribbean, Bahamas, including CocoCay Ready to set sail on the ultimate cruise adventure? Icon of the Seas combines resort luxury, non-stop entertainment, thrilling attractions, and relaxation for every generation, making it a game-changer in family cruising.
What to Expect on Icon of the Seas – A Guide for First-Time Cruisers
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest and newest cruise ship, packed with amenities, entertainment, and experiences for guests of all ages. Here’s what first-time cruisers can expect: 1. Effortless Boarding and Friendly Service Embarkation: Upon arrival at the port, staff will guide you through security and check-in. Have passports, boarding passes, and required documents ready. Warm Welcome: Crew members greet you and direct you to your stateroom (may not be accessible until a set time; enjoy lunch onboard first). 2. Comfortable Staterooms Every room has private bathrooms, plush bedding, TV, safe, and storage. 3. All-Inclusive Main Dining Main dining room & Windjammer buffet are included, featuring global cuisine, kids’ menus, and flexible meal times. Specialty restaurants and premium cafés offer extra culinary options for an added fee. Unlimited soft serve, water, tea, and coffee (alcohol and sodas are extra). 4. Adventure, Entertainment, and Relaxation Thrill Island: Home to the largest waterpark at sea, family-friendly pools, and adventure slides. Aquadome & AquaTheater: Unique shows, live music, ice skating, and Broadway-style performances (all complimentary). Family Spaces: Surfside neighborhood for families, kids clubs, and social spaces for teens. Adults-Only: Quiet sun decks, serene spas, fitness facilities, and bars. Port Days: Themed shore excursions ranging from relaxing beaches to active tours, easily booked onboard or in advance. 5. Seamless Connectivity and Cashless Cruise Your SeaPass card (or the Royal Caribbean app) is your room key, onboard account, and ID. Almost everything is cashless! WiFi (“VOOM”) is available for purchase for those who wish to stay connected with family or work. 6. What’s Included and What Costs Extra Included: Most dining, onboard entertainment, kids and teens programming, select activities, pools, basic drinks. Additional charges: Gratuities, WiFi, alcoholic drinks/specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and arcade/gaming. 7. Tips for First-Time Cruisers Pack a small carry-on for embarkation day (swimsuit, medications, valuables) as your checked bags may arrive later to your stateroom. Download the Royal Caribbean app in advance for daily schedules, maps, and onboard bookings. Attend the mandatory safety drill (“muster”) as soon as possible – it’s quick and easy! Most outfits are casual, but bring at least one dressy outfit for optional “formal night.” Don’t hesitate to ask staff for help or information—the crew is friendly and used to helping first-timers get the most from their cruise! First cruise jitters are normal, but Icon of the Seas is designed for fun, relaxation, and adventure. You’ll be amazed at how much is included and how easy it is to settle in and explore! If you have questions about daily schedules, specialty dining, shore excursions, or packing lists for your voyage, just ask for more details!
What to Expect in Rooms on Icon of the Seas
On Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, guests can look forward to modern, comfortable staterooms designed with families, couples, and groups in mind. Here’s an overview of what you can typically expect in both Balcony and Interior Cabins: Oceanview Balcony Cabin Spacious Balcony: Private outdoor space with seating, perfect for enjoying ocean views and fresh air. Bedding: Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, plus additional sofa beds or Pullman beds for families. Modern Bathroom: Full bathroom with shower, vanity, and toiletries provided. In-Room Amenities: Flat-screen TV, safe, phone, mini-fridge, air conditioning, hairdryer, and complimentary basic linens. Storage Space: Ample closet and drawer space for personal belongings. Family Features: Many cabins accommodate up to 4 guests, making them ideal for families with children. Interior Cabin Cozy and Quiet: Designed for comfort and value, without exterior windows but with clever lighting and space-saving features. Bedding: Two twin beds (convertible to Royal King); some layouts also have sofa beds or Pullman bunks for additional guests. Value-Oriented: These cabins are a great choice for travelers who plan to spend more time enjoying the ship’s activities and less time in the room. Bathroom: Private bath with shower, towels, and basic bath amenities. Entertainment & Comfort: Equipped with TV, safe, phone, and a vanity area. Practical for Families: Available accommodations for up to 4 people. General Room Features on Icon of the Seas Daily Housekeeping: Room stewards refresh your cabin daily with fresh towels and tidying up. Room Service: 24-hour room service available (service charge may apply for some menu items and overnight orders). WiFi Access: Available for an additional fee if you wish to stay connected at sea. Power Outlets & USB Ports: Convenient charging for all your electronics. Storage: Under-bed storage, wardrobes, and shelves for efficient luggage organization. Special touches in some cabins may include virtual balconies (real-time LED screens simulating ocean views in some interiors), connecting rooms for larger families or groups, and upgraded bath amenities in higher-category rooms. Balcony Rooms on Icon of the Seas The vast majority of the rooms on Icon of the Seas have balconies, including the ship’s extensive lineup of suites. We stayed in an Oceanview Balcony Cabin on our hosted preview cruise and found the room to be well designed, fairly spacious and equipped with sufficient storage space. Balconies are decent sized, with most coming with a small table and two chairs. Suites feature more room, bigger verandas and more space. Balcony cabins are located on Deck 7 and above, include a number of varieties, including four new-to-Royal-Caribbean categories: Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony, Infinite Ocean View Balcony, Infinite Central Park View Balcony and Surfside Family View Balcony. So many options might make the decision-making process harder, but we were impressed with the specific family options we saw, especially the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony, which is so thoughtful with its touches (bunk beds away from the other bed area; a neat blackboard for leaving notes). Because this is a family ship, with family activities throughout, there isn’t really a bad spot for a balcony cabin. If you have little kids, you might want to book something lower on the ship, toward the Surfside neighborhood. If you have adventure seeking older kids, stay closer to the top decks so you’re never far from the Thrill Island. (Icon is a massive ship, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so staying closer to the things that appeal to you isn’t a terrible idea.) Cabin Bathrooms on ICON of the Seas Every stateroom on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas features a private, well-designed bathroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests. Here’s what you can typically expect in both Balcony and Interior cabin bathrooms: Standard Features in Cabin Bathrooms Shower: All cabins include a private shower (not a bathtub, except in some suites). Showers are equipped with adjustable shower heads and glass doors (no clingy shower curtains). Vanity & Sink: Each bathroom provides a sink with countertop space, mirror, and bright lighting for grooming needs. Toiletries: Complimentary basic toiletries, such as soap and 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, are provided by Royal Caribbean. You may wish to bring your preferred toiletries, as the basics are functional but simple. Towels: Fresh bath and hand towels are refreshed daily by your room steward. Storage: Bathrooms feature shelves or cubbies to hold personal items and toiletries, making organization easy. Hairdryer: Provided in the main cabin area (not in the bathroom itself). Toilet: Modern, efficient toilet (marine style, with the distinctive “whoosh” sound of a cruise toilet flush). Hooks & Hangers: Handy for hanging wet swimsuits, washcloths, or robes. Differences by Cabin Type Balcony & Interior Cabins: Bathroom size is compact but thoughtfully organized. Features are mostly identical across standard rooms. Suites: Higher-category suites may offer more spacious bathrooms, double vanities, bathtubs, upgraded bath amenities, or even split bathrooms (with separate toilet and shower rooms). Accessibility Accessible Cabins: For guests with mobility needs, accessible staterooms include larger bathroom layouts, roll-in showers with benches, grab bars, and lowered sinks. Note: While the bathrooms are not large compared to a hotel on land, they are designed for efficient use of space and comfort for your cruise holiday. If you would like a photo example or want to know more about suite-class bathrooms or accessibility options, let me know your cabin category and I can provide additional details!
PLAY
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Thrill Island
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Category 6 Waterpark
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Crown's Edge
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FlowRider
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Rock Climbing Wall - Adrenaline Peak
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Sports Court
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Surfside Neighborhood
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Lost Dunes Mini Golf
JUST FOR KIDS
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Complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth Program
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Social 020 teen space
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Splashaway Bay
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Water's Edge Pool
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Baby Bay
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Playscape
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Carousel
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Outdoor poolside movie screen
Entertainment
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Aquadome (Neighborhood)
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AquaTheater
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Royal Promenade
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Absolute Zero - an immersive ice arena
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Royal Theater
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Central Park - outdoor garden with shops, restaurants & bars
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Casino Royal
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Dueling Pianos
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Lou's Jazz'n Blues
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Music Hall
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Spotlight Karaoke
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The Attic Comedy Club
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1400 Lobby Bar
RELAX & RECHARGE
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Full service Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
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Seven (7) pools featured on 5 different decks
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Royal Bay - the largest pool at sea
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Swim & Tonic - Swim up bar
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Cloud 17
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The Cove Pool with infinity edge views
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The Hideaway Pool (All adults only)
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The Grove Suite Sun Deck Pool
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Chill Island
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The Lime and Coconut poolbar
DINE
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Main Dining Room
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Windjammer Marketplace
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Coastal Kitchen - **Exclusively for Suite guests**
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Sorrento's Pizza
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Park Cafe
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El Loco Fresh
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Pearl Cafe
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Surfside Bites
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Surfside Eatery
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Specialty Dining Aquadome Market basecamp options:
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Empire Supper Club
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Chops Grille
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Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
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Izumi in the Park
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Giovanni's Italian Wine Kitchen & Bar
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Hooked Seafood
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Celebration Table
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Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
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Pier 7
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The Grove - (For: Star & Sky Suite Guests only)
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