Sunday, March 31, 2024

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas: The World's Most Iconic Cruise Ship

iconic cruise ship

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s first Icon-class ship. As the era of ocean liners ended, those ships were up for grabs by companies ready to cash in on the concept of cruising for cruising's sake. Enter Carnival, which purchased Empress of Canada, an ocean liner launched in 1960.

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What I didn't love about Icon of the Seas

In June 2023, the ship hit a major milestone when it completed its first sea trials outside the shipyard in Turku, Finland. Next up is the colossal new ship’s first voyage, slated to depart on January 27, 2024. It will sail roundtrip from Miami to the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas. The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar, but you won't need cash on the ship.

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Icon of the Seas itinerary and pricing

With the ship divided up into "neighborhoods" with their own unique vibes, you're bound to find someplace to love. The neighborhoods, plus some smart operational planning by the cruise line, make it easier than you think to make your way through the ship, no matter where you wish to go. There’s never been a night out like going all out onboard the new Icon of the Seas℠ with over 15 spirit-sipping spots and vibrant live music venues to choose from. Pick from seven different pools, plus nine whirlpools to satisfy any mood you're in. Or cool off with refreshing cocktails at The Lime and Coconut® bar spanning multiple levels of chill beach vibes.

iconic cruise ship

The most iconic ship at sea: 7 of the most cutting-edge features coming to Icon of the Seas

And discover adventure for all ages at Surfside, the first Royal Caribbean® neighborhood built just for families. The Grove is in addition to the sit-down restaurant for suite guests, Coastal Kitchen. Coastal Kitchen has been expanded to a two-story venue with views into the AquaDome. The AquaDome is one of the features I’m most looking forward to on Icon of the Seas, not only for the incredible entertainment aspect, but also to kick back and relax with gorgeous ocean views.

The largest waterpark at sea

The icy Atlantic water surrounds you, its frigid touch sending shivers down your spine. Panic fills the air as passengers scramble for lifeboats, desperate to escape the sinking ship. The haunting sound of screams and cries echo through the night, a chilling reminder of the tragedy unfolding before you. From the magnificent Queen Mary 2 to the tragic Titanic, these ships have captured the hearts and imaginations of millions. So come aboard and join us as we explore the captivating stories behind these legendary ships that have provided a sense of belonging to countless passengers throughout history.

Cruises on Royal Caribbean's newest and largest ship don't come cheap, and the prices have only increased since the ship first went on sale in 2022. It's difficult to know this early on how hard it will be to get a seat at your preferred show time with so many people on board. It's a good idea to figure out how early you can book shows and book them in advance on the Royal Caribbean app or the "My Royal Cruise" section of the website, or as soon as you board. You'll also want to arrive early for the best seats — or to get in a standby line in case of no-shows.

Passengers can pay extra for laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services. Guests can also bring up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas on board on embarkation day. Often you can get the best discounts on onboard Wi-Fi by purchasing your plans online in advance of your cruise. If you're a member of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program, check to see if you're eligible for discounts on Wi-Fi packages.

If you're staying in a Sky or Star suite, you can also access the Suite Neighborhood for additional perks and activities included with your cruise suite. Or, head to Grove Suite Sun Deck, a casual outdoor venue with its own exclusive pool just for suite guests. Scheduled to set sail in early 2024, this behemoth of a ship spans a staggering 250,800 gross tonnage, making it the largest cruise ship on Earth. With 250,800 gross tons and a length of 1,198 feet, Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, with the capacity to carry nearly 10,000 passengers and crew members. With a gross tonnage of more than 225,000 tons, Oasis has a crew larger than many cruise ships' passenger counts -- more than 2,400.

Balcony cabins

She will be the biggest cruise ship in the world with a maximum capacity of 7,600 guests, and has a focus on family-friendly activities while still offering amenities for every age and cruising style. Royal Caribbean’s innovative cruise ship designs never fail to amaze me, but Icon of the Seas has my mind blown. A 6-slide waterpark, indoor AquaTheater, and suspended infinity pool on a cruise ship? If you're looking for kid-friendly water play areas, the Surfside family neighborhood is your destination.

Each pool has its own unique vibe, and every one is free for cruise guests (though one is exclusively for Suite Guests…more on that later). Then there's Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water, plenty of in-water loungers and raised whirlpools that offer beautiful ocean views. — grab a seat at Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar in the Royal Caribbean® fleet. Water's Edge Pool has everything families need to make a splash with the little ones right in the heart of Surfside. And on the flip side, Cloud 17 is a chill adults-only pool you can pair with a poolside drink from The Lime and Coconut. Finally, the Cove Pool is located portside and directly facing the wide-open sea, offering stunning views and a laid-back vibe perfect for a day spent reading or listening to your favorite podcast.

A cruise vacation is a great opportunity to go outside your comfort zone and try something new with thrilling activities like Category 6. Guests can ride any and all of the slides as many times as they like for free. I'm most looking forward to the seven pools onboard, including the largest pool at sea and the largest swim-up bar. And that's barely scratching the surface of what the first-ever Icon Class ship has to offer. Our luxury cruise ships are filled with entertainment for all ages and preferences. Watch riveting shows at the cutting-edge theater, which feature popular music, stunning dance sequences, and gravity-defying acrobatics.

All but 32 passengers and crewmembers onboard survived the harrowing wreck and almost six-hour evacuation. Captain Francesco Schettino was subsequently imprisoned for manslaughter. Known for its appearances in most episodes of television series "The Love Boat," the original Pacific Princess sailed around the globe from 1975 to 2002, operated by Princess Cruise Lines. As the popular TV show fueled the explosion of the cruising industry, the ship also became well known. Since 1967, the ship has been permanently moored in Long Beach, California, adjacent to the Carnival cruise terminal.

Icon of the Seas

iconic cruise ship

The AquaDome is at the front (easy to remember once you've seen the outside of the ship with its bulbous forehead), with The Hideaway and the water park at the back for balance. Surfside, on Deck 7 aft, is a neighborhood dedicated to young families. A slide leads from Deck 8 down to the neighborhood, and the area is mere steps from the Adventure Ocean kids club and Social 020 teen club on Deck 6. It's hard to be bored on Icon of the Seas, whether you like thrill rides or chill hangouts in the sun.

Eastern adventures to perfect day

iconic cruise ship

But what truly sets the Norwegian Epic apart is its commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among its passengers. From friendly staff who greet you with warm smiles to engaging social events designed to bring people together, this ship creates an atmosphere where lifelong friendships are formed. Belonging to a cruise ship community means experiencing these record-breaking features firsthand and sharing in the excitement with like-minded individuals who desire extraordinary experiences at sea. Make the most of every minute together — at the new SurfsideSM, the ultimate stay-all-day destination for families right onboard. From kid-approved waterslides and a pool for grownups to plenty of bites so you can fuel up for bolder bonding. Test your courage on a fear-inducing challenge like nothing you’ve ever dared, dangling high above the ocean.

iconic cruise ship

Overview of Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's famous AquaTheater has been moved from an outdoor space at the back of the ship to the indoor AquaDome at the front of the ship on Deck 15. It also will run a longer, later main show and a shorter, earlier family-friendly show. Neither were ready yet on my preview sailing, but we got to see a few numbers, and they were jaw-dropping and stunning as only acrobatic/diving/synchronized shows with robots, wild lighting and video imagery can be. The Hideaway is an adults-only retreat with hot tubs, lounge chairs facing the ship's wake and an infinity pool cantilevered over the sides of the ship 15 decks up. You can only access The Hideaway from above on Deck 16; don't try to cut through the Windjammer Marketplace like we did. Of the nine top Star-tier suites, only one, the Royal Loft, is on other Royal Caribbean ships.

Category 6 Waterpark

Seven of these top accommodations are new Icon Loft Suites, two-deck-high accommodations with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large balcony with a private dining area and floor-to-ceiling windows. Also new to Icon are smaller Surfside Family View Balcony cabins and Infinite Central Park View Balcony cabins. Central Park balcony rooms, which look out over the interior's open-to-the-sky neighborhood, come in regular balcony versions as well. Icon also features hundreds of standard balcony cabins looking out to sea. Royal Caribbean cruisers will have 14 new cabin and suite types to choose from out of 28 total accommodation types. Many of these are family-friendly rooms that sleep four guests; some can accommodate six or eight guests.

The ship is powered by a combination of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest and most innovative cruise ship. Here, you can embrace your inner thrill-seeker with a pulse-pumping rock climbing experience that offers breathtaking vantage points and even racing opportunities for speed climbers. One of the exhilarating attractions on the ship is Adrenaline Peak, located on Deck 16 in the Thrill Island neighborhood. Upon boarding, you’ll be transported to a world filled with endless adventures and activities designed for every traveler.

Family-focused neighborhood at sea

On the new Icon of the Seas℠, where you stay is just as thrilling as how you play. From expansive balconies that invite the sea breeze to our most over-the-top family accommodations — our range of spacious rooms is designed with family comfort in mind. Perfect for birthdays and celebrations, the menu at Desserted is all about extravagant milkshakes piled high with all your favorite toppings. Here, you can enjoy frothy classics inspired by old-school soda parlors or, for adults, boozy concoctions and spirited sweet treats. This decadent menu has me convinced to purchase a Specialty Dining Package to enjoy a discounted rate.

STEP TO THE EDGEOF BRAVERY

The ship boasts spacious cabins with modern furnishings and breathtaking ocean views, providing you with a cozy sanctuary where you can relax and unwind. Suspended eight decks above the Surfside neighborhood and offering infinity views of the horizon, it might be the most unique pool concept Royal Caribbean has designed yet. When Royal Caribbean introduced the AquaTheater–a high diving, acrobatic performance space on its Oasis Class cruise ships–it was a mind-blowing entertainment venue in the cruise industry.

You’ll be amazed by the Norwegian Epic, one of the most iconic cruise ships in history. Step aboard and prepare to embark on a journey of belonging like no other. Join interactive game shows where audience participation is encouraged, creating an atmosphere of connection and unity among travelers from all walks of life. Onboard entertainment on these iconic cruise ships promises an experience like no other.

In fact, any guest can access any neighborhood onboard Icon of the Seas℠ for free, including Thrill Island, Chill Island, the Royal Promenade, Surfside and the Hideaway. There will be no shortage of amenities and activities for you to enjoy while on Icon of the Seas. The ship is equipped with seven pools and a waterpark, ensuring ample opportunities for relaxation and fun. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, Icon of the Seas offers a range of specialty restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences.

You’ll appreciate knowing that the ship’s innovative design helps reduce its overall energy consumption, meaning a smaller environmental impact during your vacation. As Royal Caribbean’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology, it is paving the way for a clean-energy future in the cruise industry. If you’re looking to unwind even further, treat yourself to a soothing soak in one of the ship’s hot tubs.

Long gone are the days of walking to a bar on the other side of the pool deck. Hanging out at Swim & Tonic means your drink is only a short swim away, and I have a feeling this spot is going to be the place to party. Royal Caribbean always strives to make its ships as family-friendly as possible, but Icon of the Seas goes above and beyond with the new Surfside neighborhood. From boomeranging off a slide’s “lotus leaf wall” over the ship’s edge to waiting anxiously for the free fall slide’s “floor” to drop beneath you, Category 6 is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. In the evening, the ship does have a suggested dress code, either casual (just look decent, but shorts are frowned upon at dinner), smart casual (nice restaurant or date attire) or formal (your version of fancy).

Down on decks 3 and 4, the Music Hall is the place to jam out and dance to live music. Royal Caribbean is doubling down on the craft cocktail craze with Icon of the Seas. The line worked with master mixologists to create new bar concepts and menus to take the ship's drinking game to the next level. If you're game to try them all, buy your drink package in advance of your cruise when they're often discounted. Royal Caribbean offers three tiers of suites, and each subsequent tier comes with increasing Royal Suite-class perks and amenities.

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It features Baby Bay for diapered tots; Splashaway Bay, with a dump bucket, water sprayers and junior waterslides; and an infinity pool for grownups and older siblings. Kids can also enjoy a climbing structure and the carousel with its colorful cartoon creatures to ride. The majority of Icon of the Seas' cabins are balcony rooms, ranging from 196 to 285 square feet in indoor space, with private verandas of 50 to 70 square feet.

Drop-off play at Adventure Ocean is free during the day and early evening; it's an hourly rate per child after 10 p.m. A Caribbean cruise is all about fun in the sun, and Icon of the Seas' upper decks are the place to be. Panoramic Suites are within the ship's iconic AquaDome structure, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You won't miss the balcony when you're gazing out to sea from your chic sitting area in front of the glass wall.

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