Embark on a captivating voyage aboard the Icon of the Seas with Magical Memory Planners agent, Carla Haydt. Discover the wonders of this colossal ship boasting 20 decks, 2,805 staterooms, and accommodations for up to 5,610 guests.
Explore its diverse neighborhoods, from the thrilling Thrill Island to the serene Chill Island, offering something for every member of the family. Indulge in over 40 dining and beverage options, including new culinary delights like Aqua Dome Market’s diverse offerings.
Immerse yourself in entertainment ranging from Broadway-style shows to unique experiences like the Father and Daughter dance. Plus, meet Rover, the ship’s Chief Dog Officer, spreading joy among guests.
Join us for an unforgettable journey on the Icon of the Seas, where every moment is filled with wonder and excitement.
Facts About the Ship
- 20 Total Decks – 18 Guest Decks
- 2,350 Crew (international)
- 2,805 Staterooms
- 5,610 Guests
- 248,663 Gross Tons
- January 27, 2024 Inaugural Sailing
Overall Feel of the Ship
This ship is part of a new class of ships called Icon Class. This ship truly has a WOW factor. One of the coolest things was in the Royal Promenade area where you boarded the ship. There were windows with stunning views of the ocean bringing in natural light and beauty. The Pearl, which is located in the right in the middle, is just grandiose with floor to window ceilings that span multiple floors giving you a stunning view of the sea.
The ship also felt perfect for multigenerational families. There is something for everyone, including littles, teens, and adults as well as different areas for everyone to enjoy. Cruises are always one of our biggest recommendations for multigenerational trips and this ship is perfectly built for it.
New Neighborhoods
This ship has the Royal signature format of neighborhoods, each with its own feel. Like other ships, there is a Royal Promenade and Central Park. This ship has 7 neighborhoods total and some new ones that we have not seen before.
Thrill Island
Thrill Island is a waterpark at sea with 6 water slides. The tallest drop slide is 46 feet tall and 292 feet long. Another new addition is the Crown’s Edge, a combination of skywalk, ropes course, and thrill ride. It is a not miss attraction for the thrill seekers. This area also has the usual favorites, including the flow riders, mini golf, and rock climbing.
Chill Island
Chill Island is home to relaxing fun. Overall, there are 7 pools onboard and 4 of them are in the Chill Island area. This section is on 3 different decks with cool colors of greens and oranges that give it a real retro feel. New to this area is the first swim up bar called Swim & Tonic. There is lots of seating, including shaded areas, tables, and more. Something for everyone!
Surfside
This is another new neighborhood that is designed with young kids in mind. It is on deck 7 aft (where the Boardwalk is on Oasis Class ships). There is a lot here for the younger kids with a Water’s Edge Pool for them. For the younger ones, there are two splash pads with water features called Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. There is a beach themed carousel, arcade, and playground too.
Hideaway
Hideaway is an amazing adult only area on deck 15 aft. This area has a multi-level sun deck with stunning views at sunset. There are 2 hot tubs and even an infinity pool. Don’t worry, this area has its own hidden bar as well. It is the perfect escape for adults.
Aqua Dome
I know the area where the Aqua Theater was has been changed to Surfside, but don’t worry. There is still an aqua theater and show. It is now in the Aqua Dome on decks 14 and 15 forward. This is amazing because now the shows are not affected by wind and weather. One of the best parts of the ship is the Overlook. If you walk around the front of the Aqua Dome, there is the most amazing 3 story glass view of the ocean, right from the front of the ship. This is a great space, even if a show is not going on. There is a lot of seating, a specialty coffee bar, projected fish aquariums, and the first Pod’s at Sea, interesting features where you can climb up and have private seating areas that look out to the overlook.
The Suite Life
This is the last new neighborhood and we saved the best for last. The Suite Life is the largest area for Suites on any of their ships. It has 4 decks, multi-level sun deck, private pool, and whirlpool. There are now two restaurants in this area. Coastal Kitchen is available as usual, but there is a new option called The Grove with Mediterranean casual dining. There is also a beautiful lounge that overlooks the Aqua Dome and is a great way to see the shows in the Aqua Dome.
Let’s Talk Food and Beverages
This ship has so many amazing offerings. There are more than 40 ways to dine, drink, and be entertained.
Complementary Options
As you would expect on Royal ships, there is the Windjammer’s Buffet, Main Dining Rooms, Central Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, and Sorrento’s Pizza. There are some new options too! The Pearl Café is located in the Royal Promenade and offers sandwiches, coffee, and desserts as well as many other offerings, but my new favorite is they have a grab and go area. Surfside now only has a quick service walk up window, but it also has a kid-friendly buffet all times of day with options such as chicken, pizza, loaded hotdogs, sandwiches, and more. Anything a kid could want including free ice cream! Sprinkles ice cream can be found now in Surfside and on Chill Island
Of the new dining options, Aqua Dome Market takes the cake. This new market is attached to the Aqua Dome entertainment area and offers an almost food truck feel market featuring:
- Crème de la Crepe (Nutella, berries, yummy crepes)
- GNGR (a Chinese food offering, their sweet and sour shrimp was so yummy)
- Mac’s (a new mac and cheese bar with all sorts of special offerings)
- Toast and Garden (made to order sandwiches and salads)
- FETA Mediterranean (made to order bowls and toppings)
Specialty Dining Options
As always there are lots of specialty dining options if you are looking for something extra. You will find some Royal favorites like Chop’s Grill, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Playmaker’s Sports Bar and Arcade, and Starbucks.
Izumi, which is an old favorite, has a new twist with a walk up window. There is a new Empire Supper Club with an 8 course premium, luxury experience. Pier 7 has an all day brunch in Surfside. Basecamp offers elevated quick bites on Thrill Island and an all new Hooked Seafood. One of the most fun new offerings is the Deserted Milkshake Bar. What a great way to get a sweet treat!
Bars and Lounges
In addition to the favorites, there is the new swim up bar we mentioned before, Swim & Tonic. Bubbles Champagne Bar, Lime and Coconut frozen cocktail bar, and the Grove are other options. There is also a new Piano Bar with dueling pianos and a Jazz Club in Central Park.
Entertainment
Like most cruise ships, for entertainment there are comedians, music halls, tribute bands, and lounges. The Icon has one of the best show’s I’ve even seen on sea, The Wizard of Oz. Other entertainment options are the Aqua Show, the ice skating show, Elemental Beauty, and Anchor’s Away farewell parade.
The Icon is doing something new and different and hosting a father and daughter dance on board. Whether fathers are 30 and their daughters 3 or father’s are 75 and their daughters 50, it doesn’t matter!
Of course, in addition to all of the onboard entertainment, there are kids and teen clubs, laser tag, escape rooms, block parties, and teen dance club opportunities.
Rooms
Let’s quickly talk about rooms on board. The Icon has 28 different types of rooms and I toured them all! As you would expect, room types include standard inside, ocean view, and ocean balcony rooms plus inside balcony rooms with views of Central Park and Surfside.
There are new touches in the staterooms with magnetic doors to the bathroom (no more waking the family during the night), lots of plugs and USB outlets, and basket organizing drawers in the closets.
Suites on the Icon truly promote that multi-generation experience, which sleep, of course, 2, 3 and 4 people. In addition, the ship has room to accommodate 5, 6, and even up to 8 people in their new Ultimate Family Townhouse Suite that opens up directly to the Surfside play area. This room is 751 square feet and has a slide from the sleeping area to the living room.
A new addition is the infinite balcony that expands the size of a balcony room and the window opens up to the water. It is truly a real WOW!
A Special Onboard Surprise
Another Royal first is the Chief Dog Officer onboard the Icon of the Seas. Rover is a golden retriever that lives on board. Her job is to bring joy and happiness to her fellow crew and guests onboard. This is an amazing addition for families and those with special needs that will enjoy seeing her onboard.
The Icon of the Seas is an amazing new ship, which is setting a new standard for sustainability with it being powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology. According to the cruise operator, this is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 30% and sulfur emissions by nearly 100%.
The innovations also extend to their new elevator system. Just select the deck you want to go to and you will be assigned a specific elevator. This makes the elevators run smoothly and quickly.
There is something for everyone on this amazing ship. If you don’t find an itinerary that works for you on Icon of the Seas, stay tuned for more Icon Class ships coming soon.
