Royal Caribbean International has revealed the first look at its upcoming ship, Icon of the Seas. Debuting in JAN 2024, the first Icon Class ship will see features such as a beach retreat, resort escape and the theme park adventures.
Icon will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. When Icon arrives, the cruise line will debut the island’s adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, with a pool, private cabanas with pools, and views of the ocean hues. Vacationers can also visit Caribbean gems like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Roatan, Honduras.
Bookings for the new ship open on 25OCT 2022. Crown & Anchor loyalty members can look out for special access on 24OCT 2022.
“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.”
Icon’s lineup features "adrenaline-pumping" thrills, including the largest waterpark at sea, and ways to chill with more ocean views and pools, plus a blend of more than 40 new and returning dining, bar and nightlife options, and entertainment.
“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritizing experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise. It’s this first-of-its-kind combination that makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is here.”
Royal Caribbean has provided a glimpse of what’s in store with the first look at the new ship's eight neighborhoods, including five new adventures and three returning favorites. Each one is a destination in and of itself with an array of experiences, live entertainment and ways to grab a bite and a drink.
Five New Neighbourhoods
Thrill Island – Vacationers can test their limits, scale new heights and reach top speeds at the center of thrill. This lost island adventure is home to highlights like Category 6, the "largest waterpark at sea," with six slides: Pressure Drop and its 66-degree incline make it the "industry’s first" open free-fall slide; the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt, the "tallest drop slide at sea;" Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, family raft slides at sea with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, a mat-racing duo. It also includes Crown’s Edge. Part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, it culminates in a moment that will see travellers swing 154 feet above the ocean.
Chill Island – Among the seven pools on board, four are in this three-deck neighbourhood. This includes Swim & Tonic, the line’s first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, the "largest pool at sea;" Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the infinity-edge Cove Pool. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.
Surfside – Introducing a neighborhood made for young families in mind, where adults and kids ages six and under can stay and play all day. Grownups can soak up the biews at Water’s Edge pool, as they keep an eye on the kids at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Only steps away are dining options, places to lounge, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teens.
The Hideaway – Tucked away, this neighborhood 135 feet above the ocean intends to combine the vibes of beach club scenes around the world and the ocean views only a cruise can offer. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the center of it all, and it’s surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, a variety of seating and a dedicated bar.
AquaDome – Perched at the top of Icon, what’s in store is a transformational place. In a tranquil oasis by day, guests can take in wraparound ocean views and a waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink. By night, it becomes a place for a night out, complete with restaurants, bars and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows at the AquaTheater. The signature entertainment venue takes artistry and cutting-edge technology to new heights, with a transforming pool, four robotic arms, projection and more.
Three Familiar Neighbourhoods and Favorites
A grander Royal Promenade features its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges; a more lush Central Park has more ways to dine and be entertained; and the largest Suite Neighborhood is three decks of luxury, offering a multilevel suite sun deck – The Grove – that has a private pool, whirlpool and dining, and a two-story Coastal Kitchen. More returning favorites include experiences like new takes on mini golf at Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, and Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean’s largest ice arena, and dining venues such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar on the Royal Promenade and the Asian-inspired Izumi in Central Park.
There are 28 ways to stay with more choices, ocean views and room. There are new layouts made for families of three, four, five and more, like the Family Infinite Balcony and Surfside Family Suite – with kids alcoves tucked away from the adults – and the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with its own white picket fence and mailbox. When it comes to views, Royal Caribbean says among the best are from the brand’s first Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic Ocean Views in AquaDome.
The debut of Icon Class will also mark firsts and the next step in Royal Caribbean’s journey toward a clean-energy future. Icon will be the cruise line’s first ship with fuel cell technology and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Along with other proven applications, such as shore power connection and waste heat recovery systems, the new ship will be the cruise line’s "most sustainable to date.
For more information, visit Royal Caribbean's web site.
