The ultimate family vacation: Royal Caribbean reveals details about Icon of the Seas

Nathan Diller, USA TODAY
·3 min read
24

From kids who are ready to play to adults looking to relax by the pool, Royal Caribbean International is aiming to offer something for every family member on its new ship.

“We used as our vision the concept of creating the world’s best family vacation, and we’re making that statement, and we don’t make that statement lightly,” the cruise line’s president and CEO, Michael Bayley, told USA TODAY.

The cruise line revealed details Thursday about the first ship in its new Icon Class, Icon of the Seas. It will be the line's largest vessel yet and accommodate more than 5,600 guests at double occupancy.

Bayley said the ship combines two elements the company has found to be the secret to success: chill and thrill. “So, Icon has plenty of thrills and plenty of chills,” he said.

Both themes are reflected across the ship’s 20 decks. Here’s what guests can expect.

In the new Chill Island on Icon of the Seas, there’s a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views.
In the new Chill Island on Icon of the Seas, there’s a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views.

A large ship with personalized service: Sun Princess ship to join Princess Cruises fleet in 2024

'The Real Love Boat': These cruise passengers took their vacation romances ashore

Where will Icon of the Seas sail?

The ship will sail from Miami on year-round Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, and each voyage will visit the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, according to a news release. Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area with cabanas, pools and ocean views, will open at the destination in 2024.

The ship also will make stops in places like Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.

The Panoramic Ocean View suites and rooms on Icon of the Seas are among the best seats in the house.
The Panoramic Ocean View suites and rooms on Icon of the Seas are among the best seats in the house.

What can guests expect on board from Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas will be divided into neighborhoods. There will be eight distinct areas in total, five of which are new. Those include Thrill Island, home to the Category 6 water park. Guests can choose from six slides, like the open free-fall slide Pressure Drop, or take in views from Crown’s Edge, where, Bayley said, passengers can walk around the crown and anchor logo at the top of the ship before dropping, swinging more than 150 feet above the ocean.

Tucked away on Icon of the Seas, The Hideaway combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and uninterrupted ocean views. At the center of it all is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, surrounded by a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating and dedicated bar.
Tucked away on Icon of the Seas, The Hideaway combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and uninterrupted ocean views. At the center of it all is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, surrounded by a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating and dedicated bar.

Chill Island, meanwhile, will be home to four of the ship’s seven pools and the line’s first onboard swim-up bar, Swim & Tonic, and AquaDome will feature views of the water at the top of the ship as well as restaurants, bars and the line’s AquaTheater.

Icon of the Seas will also feature Surfside, a neighborhood designed with families with kids 6 and younger in mind, Bayley said. Along with amenities like pools and a carousel, the area will feature kid-friendly accommodations, according to the release. Rooms like the Surfside Family Suites, which have alcoves for youngsters, and the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three-level space with a mailbox and picket fence, are part of the ship’s 28 stateroom categories.

Other parts of the ship will be familiar, with activities like ice skating and rock climbing.

Perched at the top of Icon of the Seas, the new AquaDome is a transformational neighborhood.
Perched at the top of Icon of the Seas, the new AquaDome is a transformational neighborhood.

What else do passengers need to know?

Icon of the Seas is also Royal Caribbean’s first ship to use cleaner-burning liquefied natural gas.

Cruise deal: Oceania Cruises offering free land add-ons to 2023 sailings

Four Seasons joins cruise game: Four Seasons Yachts expected to set sail in 2025

For guests with disabilities, Bayley said, the line builds its ships “above and beyond” ADA compliance, and the line has worked to allow guests to move around Icon without having to take an elevator or climb stairs. Crown & Anchor Society members will get special access for booking on Monday, while all other travelers can book on Tuesday, according to the release.

Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas: What to know