Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, the ‘Icon of the Seas’, has taken the cruise industry by storm since its inaugural voyage on 27 January 2024. At the time of its launch, the vessel held the title of the largest cruise ship in the world, a distinction it still proudly maintains despite new vessels of equal size being introduced. Icon of the Seas is packed with innovative features that promise to enhance the holiday experience for families and leisure seekers alike.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/icon-of-the-seas-4-012624-f1bef73dbbc34885a6fc3eab548ad820.jpg){kind=icon}
One of the standout offerings on the ship is the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which commands a staggering price tag of approximately £100,000 for a full week. Designed specifically for families, this three-level accommodation spans 2,523 square feet and can host up to eight guests. Amenities include an indoor slide, two private decks, and access to Surfside, Royal Caribbean’s first dedicated family neighbourhood. The extraordinary nature of this stateroom has made it incredibly popular, resulting in swift bookings.
In terms of sheer size, the ‘Icon of the Seas’ dwarfs the RMS Titanic, which was the largest ship of its time before its tragic sinking in 1912. The new ship boasts a gross tonnage of 250,800, making it roughly five times larger than the Titanic, which weighed in at a mere 46,328 tons. With 20 decks and 2,805 staterooms, the Icon can accommodate a staggering 7,600 passengers. The ship is so vast that traversing it from bow to stern can take up to six minutes, depending on the deck.
Water enthusiasts will find plenty to delight in aboard Icon of the Seas, which features an impressive seven pools, including the largest waterpark at sea, aptly named Category 6. The ship’s most expansive pool, Royal Bay, holds 40,000 gallons of water and offers plenty of space for relaxation. For those seeking a touch of luxury, the first suspended infinity pool at sea, known as The Hideaway, is situated in the Chill Island neighbourhood. Other family-friendly options include the Water’s Edge Pool, with additional nearby areas for younger children such as Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay.
As for speed, ‘Icon of the Seas’ can reach an impressive cruising velocity of approximately 24 knots, equating to about 28 mph. This rapid pace is particularly notable given that such high speeds are not typically required for cruise ship itineraries. During a recent preview sailing attended by members of the media, Captain Henrik Loy elaborated on the ship’s capabilities, revealing that they were cruising at a slower speed of around 11 knots at the time, which is well within the general cruising range of 18 to 20 knots for Royal Caribbean vessels.
Despite its considerable size, it is important for passengers to remember that ‘Icon of the Seas’ can still experience motions associated with ocean travel. First-time cruisers may be surprised to find that the ship can rock, particularly in rough seas. For those concerned about seasickness, it is advisable to select a room located towards the middle of the vessel, where the effects of swaying can be minimised.
The launch of the ‘Icon of the Seas’ marks the beginning of a new era for Royal Caribbean. The company has announced plans for additional ships in the same Icon class, with the next vessels, the Star and the Legend, expected to debut in August 2025 and July 2026, respectively. This new class signifies Royal Caribbean’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of cruise ship design and passenger experience.
As the cruise sector continues to evolve, the ‘Icon of the Seas’ stands as a testament to innovation, offering an array of attractions that cater to families and adventurers alike. With its record-breaking features and unforgettable amenities, the ship represents a significant step forward in the world of cruising. As it continues to sail the seas, one thing is clear: Royal Caribbean is poised to redefine holiday experiences on the water for years to come.