The world of cruising is long past the stale stereotype that every ship is designed for retirees or families with young kids. Cruise industry trends have shown that conventional image is obsolete. There are EDM festivals at sea, adventurous cruises sailing to the poles, and adults-only cruises, to name just a few. Still, there’s nothing quite like the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, the company’s newest ship (and the largest on the water) that entered service in January.
Photo: Jouni Niskakoski/Shutterstock
40 Restaurants, 8 Neighborhoods, 7 Pools: A Look at the Amenities on the World's Largest Cruise Ship
This ship is a world of its own, and has captured the attention of people around the world.
The Icon of the Seas has 20 decks, is 1,200 feet long, and can accommodate up to 7,600 guests. On board the ship, eight neighborhoods give off a different vibe and reality from one another: the Aqua Dome, Chill Island, Thrill Island, The Hideaway, Surfside, Royal Promenade, Central Park, and the Suite Neighborhood.
There are more than 40 restaurants across those eight neighborhoods, as well as seven pools. That includes the Royal Bay, which is the largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water, and The Hideaway pool, which is the first suspended infinity pool at sea.
Icon of the Seas is also home to the cruise industry’s largest waterpark with a record six waterslides. It’s home to the Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide to sail, and the Pressure Drop, the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise ship. Other thrills include a rope course that hangs over the ship, The Flowrider, a surf simulator, an arcade, a carousel, and a playscape for the kids.
Icon of the Seas has 2805 cabins spanning 28 distinct categories, but all of this entertainment comes at a price: fairs start at about $1,900 per person for an interior cabin. It only goes up from there, reaching the VIP suites that resemble townhomes. But with all that’s on offer throughout the ship, guests might very well find that where they rest their head is the last thing they’re thinking about. 