Icon of the Seas – A Look at the Next Cruise Ship to Sail onto our Bucket Lists
Moana really said it best when she sang, “See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me…” and we at David’s are hearing the call to hit the high seas. What better ship to sail on in 2024 than Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest ship, Icon of the Seas?
This week, team members Melissa, Lindsay, and Alyssa are onboard the Icon of the Seas for a preview sailing, so I am highlighting some of the incredible offerings onboard this ship!
The Icon of the Seas is actually the largest cruise ship in the world! With 20 decks (18 of which are for guests) and a maximum capacity of 9950 people (including space for over 2,000 crew members), the ship measures 1198 ft in length. That’s roughly 3 1/3 football fields long! Not only will this be the largest cruise ship in the world, but it will also have some record-breaking attractions for guests to explore on this ship.
With this cruise ship, there are 8 neighborhoods guests can explore, all with different offerings and experiences to cater to any kind of trip you may be on. Whether it’s a family trip with the kids and in-laws or a girls-only getaway with your closest friends, there’s something for everyone.
Thrill Island, the first neighborhood we’ll explore, has the largest water park at sea with a Category 6 water park. It will have six record-breaking water slides included with your cruise fare and fun for everyone! It will have the tallest open free-fall slide called the Pressure Drop, and the Frightening Bolt, which is the tallest drop slide at sea. You’ll also have Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, which are family raft rides where up to four people can ride at once. One of these slides even goes off the edge of the ship for some depth-defying thrills.
One of the most thrilling attractions in this neighborhood is called Crown’s Edge. Located on the crown and anchor logo on the side of the ship, this is a unique rope course where guests are harnessed in. Once guests reach the end of the course, the floor below you drops, and you’re left dangling 150 feet above the ocean! Guests will then glide back on a zipline-like trail to get you back onto the ship. If you have any brave souls in your group who are up to the challenge, then this will prove to be a fun dare to try.
At the rear of the ship is the Hideaway. Here, you’ll find some of the best views, including one of the first suspended infinity pools at sea! Meant to feel like a Las Vegas pool lounge, there is a dedicated bar and live music for guests to hang out and enjoy some time in a more laid-back atmosphere.
Next, we have Chill Island! There are 7 pools on board, and here is where you’ll find the Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea! There’s also an adults-only area called Cloud 17, including a secluded pool, a dedicated bar, and some whirlpools to explore. There is also Swim & Tonic, which is the first swim-up bar at sea. If you’re looking for a calmer area to spend a day by the pool, Chill Island is the place for you!
If you’re on a family escape and want something perfect for your youngest and oldest kids, then Surfside is the best neighborhood for you! This neighborhood is designed to be the best family vacation for guests on the ship. There’s Splashaway Bay, which is a jam-packed splash pad for the kids to enjoy. There is also Water’s Edge, a great place for the adults to gather and relax while the children are playing. It’s located right on the edge of the ship, allowing for some great views while sailing. There’s also a carousel, an arcade, multiple dining venues, as well as a Teen space called Social 020.
The next neighborhood we’ll explore is the Aquadome! The Aquadome is located at the very top of the ship, located where you may normally see the Solarium on other Royal Caribbean ships. This was designed to be an entertainment hub with a specific feature that draws people in when no shows are happening. This area is fully enclosed in a temperature-controlled dome and features the Aqua Theatre with the tallest waterfall at sea. There are also food, shopping, and lounging areas for guests to explore.
Next up is the Suite Neighborhood! This area stretches across three decks and has its own private pool and whirlpool area. This neighborhood is also exclusive to those staying in the luxury suites offered on board. If you’re looking for more privacy during your stay, the suites in this neighborhood may pique your interest.
The next neighborhood is the Royal Promenade! This area has been revamped from past ships, which includes an immersive art display called The Pearl. The Pearl has unique panels that can produce many different visual effects, making for some good photo opportunities! Once you walk through The Pearl, there are large floor-to-ceiling windows offering some amazing ocean views. There is also an ice arena, which is the largest ice arena at sea, that will offer some Olympic-level ice skating performances for guests.
Finally, the last neighborhood is Central Park! This area is designed to be more lush and livelier than the other Central Parks on other Royal Caribbean ships. This open-air neighborhood has live plants, live music, and more interesting dining options! There are also rooms that look onto this area, offering a unique experience for guests as these suites match the vibes of this Central Park Neighborhood.
Now that we’ve explored all of the fantastic neighborhoods this ship has to offer, there looks to be so many amazing things for guests to do. If you’re like us and are ready to set sail on the soon-to-be largest cruise ship in the world, bookings are open now! Just imagine how far you’ll go on your next cruising adventure with Icon of the Seas!
~Elyse
