Royal Caribbean’s latest addition, the “Icon of the Seas,” has set a new standard for luxury and innovation for cruise lovers. As the world’s largest cruise ship, this floating paradise is a testament to human engineering and the desire for unparalleled oceanic experiences.
From the perspective of one of it’s first guests, here are nine things you should know about this nautical giant:
Gargantuan Dimensions
The Icon of the Seas ship is unlike any existing floating resort. As the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class, the 250,800-gross-ton vessel overshadows virtually all of its predecessors — in size and in the number of water slides, pools, dining venues, and stateroom options. Literally, Icon of the Seas is a behemoth on the water.
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2. Maximum Passenger Capacity
Due to its size, the ship has 20 decks and can carry up to 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity, along with 2,350 crew members.
3. Ideal for Families
About 25% to 30% of cabins on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels — which includes the previous world’s largest Wonder of the Seas — were designed for families, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told reporters during the sailing.
On this new ship, a cool 80% of its 2,805 cabins can accommodate parents and their children.
Additionally, the surfside was designed for families with children six years old and younger.
This colorful getaway — complete with a giant pink flamingo and an eclectic carousel — is where the youngest guests can seek out daytime romps around the water playground and nighttime story readings.
4. The ship has a handful of adult-only spaces
Reprieve from the army of screaming children can be found in no-kid zones like the DJ-helmed Hideaway. Here, adults can luxuriate in a beach club-like suspended infinity pool with a cocktail in hand and no kids in sight.
5. Additional Amenities and Entertainment
Among the behemoth’s attractions, there’s Category 6 – the ship’s 17,000-square-foot water park, currently the largest at sea and sprawled across Decks 16 and 17, with six slides that include Frightening Bolt (the tallest drop slide at sea at 46 feet or 14 meters) and the first family raft slides at sea (Hurricane Hunter and Storm Surge).
The ship has the first cantilevered infinity pool at sea, as well as the largest swimming pool at sea (the 40,000-gallon Royal Bay) and the largest ice arena at sea (Absolute Zero, where guests can skate or watch a performance).
Some 50 musicians and comedians keep passengers entertained with ensembles that include the largest orchestra at sea (16 pieces) as well as the first at-sea performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” complete with flying monkeys. There’s even a resident golden retriever, Rover, dubbed the Chief Dog Officer, who is still a puppy and appears on her own schedule alongside a dedicated handler.
