Come Explore the Icon of the Seas: Royal Caribbean's Newest Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean has done it! They figured out how to have all the exciting amenities of a large ship without the burden of the crowds!

We never had to search for a pool chair! No long buffet lines! Amazing shows, the biggest waterpark at sea and waking up at a new exciting port every day. This is a dream vacation for families!

This ship has something for everyone. Families will love Surfside for its splash zones and family-friendly dining options. Adults can escape to The Hideaway — an adults-only beach club with an infinity pool, and 16 decks in the air. One of Royal Caribbean's standout innovations is the new elevator system. You simply tell a screen which floor you want to go to, and it directs you to the right elevator! Additionally, the introduction of multiple escalators and stairways connecting various decks further enhances accessibility. This new design allows guests to easily access different decks without the need to walk toward the aft or forward elevator areas. It significantly improves traffic flow.

Here’s what sets the Icon of the Seas apart from other Royal ships, including the Oasis class:

• Neighborhoods for every interest: Eight distinct areas that cater to everyone’s needs. Whether it's thrill-seekers at Thrill Island (featuring the largest waterpark at sea!), family fun at Surfside or chilling at the adults-only Hideaway — there’s a place for you.

• No crowds at the pools: With so many pool options, from swim-up bars to quiet pools like Cloud 17. The pools are spread out across different decks to avoid overcrowding, and even on a full cruise, we always found seats easily!

• Dining variety: Each neighborhood has its own dining options! We loved Basecamp at Thrill Island. It is perfect for grabbing a quick bite between waterpark rides, and AquaDome offered several walk-up options, so we didn’t even need to go to the Windjammer Cafe!

• Incredible entertainment: The AquaDome features stunning aquatic performances. This is a new, reimagined indoor venue. This avoids any hassles of a canceled show on Oasis class of ships. Absolute Zero delivered an immersive ice skating show. We even got to see a Broadway-style production of Wizard of Oz!

After cruising a few times a year on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, I can confidently say this is my favorite ship yet!