What to Expect Aboard Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to set sail on the world’s largest cruise ship? Then let me introduce you to Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

This magnificent ship is making its debut in January of 2024, and it already has cruisers buzzing with excitement. It has 20 decks and the capacity to host over 5,000 passengers. This means there will be plenty of opportunities for cruise lovers to experience all the fun that this ship has to offer.

There is a reason why Royal Caribbean is calling this ship the Icon of Vacations. If you want the ultimate family vacation at sea, Icon of the Seas is the perfect place. With over 40 restaurants, seven pools, an indoor aqua theatre and the largest water park at sea, the ship is a giant playground for the entire family! The ship has plenty of family suites and it even has a three-story family townhouse with a built-in slide!

As if all of that was not impressive enough, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is already breaking all sorts of records. It is home to the tallest waterfall at sea, along with the tallest water slide, the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise, and the first suspended infinity pool on a cruise as well!

It feels silly to say “but wait, there’s more!” But really, there is so much more! These are some of the fantastic attractions that guests will be able to experience aboard Icon of the Seas:

Crown’s Edge - If you love a good adrenaline rush, then Crown’s Edge was made for you. This thrilling attraction is a walkway that is part skywalk and part obstacle course. Adrenaline lovers will have to stay alert though, because at any moment the floor beneath their feet could disappear! They could be left dangling high over the ocean! To be fair, they’ll have the best views in the house.

Royal Bay - The largest pool at sea. It features in-water loungers and raised whirlpools, making this one of the best spots to soak up the sun!

Surf Side - A neighborhood just for families. Yes, you read that right, a neighborhood at sea just for families! Surf Side has a pool just for grownups, an aquapark for children of all ages, and lots of dining options on-site! It will be the perfect spot for family fun! These are some of the sites that families will be able to enjoy at Surf Side:

- Water’s Edge pool
- Carousel and Playscape
- The Arcade
- Adventure Ocean Youth Program
- Social 020: The official teen hangout area

Flow Rider - Flow Rider is the ship’s surf simulator. It is an ideal attraction for those who want to catch some waves with their travel buddies or learn how to boogie board!

Swim & Tonic - This is the largest swim-up bar at sea and the first ever for Royal Caribbean.

Cloud 17 - Just because the ship is family-friendly, it does not mean that there are no spaces dedicated just for adults. Cloud 17 is an adults-only poolside oasis. It contains a secluded pool, a cantilevered whirlpool, and private access to The Lime and Coconut Bar.

Suite Neighborhood - A unique area exclusively reserved for suite guests. It has a two-story sun deck, a private pool, and a hot tub. Guests will have access to upscale cuisine at Coastal Kitchen or al fresco Mediterranean bliss at The Grove.

The AquaDome - An immersive experience at sea. The AquaDome features a towering shapeshifting waterfall that cascades into a dive pool.

Absolute Zero - Royal Caribbean’s biggest ice arena ever! Guests will be able to delight in beautiful ice skating performances and other forms of entertainment.

The fun does not end there, Icon of the Seas features more entertainment options that you can discover for yourself when you sail on it! Royal Caribbean is already taking reservations for sailings leaving out of Miami in 2024, 2025, and 2026!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel by Cruise. In need of further inspiration? Check out Ciara Kilian’s guide, Getaway on Independence of the Seas - Royal Caribbean.