Royal Caribbean International has revealed the first details of Icon of the Seas, the ultimate vacation ship. The first ship in the Icon Class, slated for release in late 2023 before its debut in January 2024, will be the first to combine beach retreats, resort getaways, and theme park adventures. With Icon, every type of family and adventurer can create their own version of the ultimate family vacation.
Travelers can book their iconic adventure starting Tuesday, October 25. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members will have special access on Monday, October 24.
“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry, while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “From the moment they step aboard, every experience is specifically designed to provide them with the ultimate vacation anywhere on land and sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and created the ultimate family vacation.”
Whether "family vacation" means a getaway with family, a partner, or friends, Icon includes a variety of firsts and favorites for everyone. There are adrenaline-pumping activities, including the largest water park at sea, and unparalleled ways to relax with more ocean views and pools—one for every day of the week—than ever before. Plus, a mix of over 40 new and established restaurants, bars, and nightlife options, along with cutting-edge entertainment.
“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love vacations,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritizing experiences where they can come together and enjoy adventures together or on their own. We set out to create a vacation that makes all of that possible in one place for thrill-seekers, relaxation enthusiasts, and everyone in between, without compromise. It is this first-of-its-kind combination that makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is here.”
Royal Caribbean highlights the eight neighborhoods that come alive day and night, including five all-new adventures and three returning favorites. Each is a destination in itself, filled with experiences, live entertainment, and ways to grab a bite and a drink, so everyone can create memories their own way every day.
Fivenew neighborhoods
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- Thrill Island – the largest water park at sea, with six slides: the industry's first open-air free-fall slide ; the tallest drop slide at sea ; the first family slides at sea with four passengers per raft ; and Storm Chasers, the cruise ship's first duo mattress racing .
- Chill Island – Of the seven pools on board, four are located on this three-deck slice of paradise: Swim & Tonic, the line's first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea; Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the serene Cove Pool. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four venues, including Royal Caribbean's first frozen cocktail bar.
- Surfside – a neighborhood for young families, where adults and children six and under will want to spend the whole day. Adults can enjoy the endless views at the Water's Edgewhile keeping an eye on the kids in Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Just steps away are dining options, places to relax, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean , and Social020 for teens.
- The Hideaway – a neighborhood 40 meters away with the first infinity pool suspended over the sea surrounded by a multi-level sun terrace with hot tubs, a variety of seating and a bar.
- AquaDome – By day, in a tranquil oasis, guests can enjoy ocean views and a stunning waterfall while having a bite to eat or a drink. By night, it transforms into a vibrant nightlife spot, with restaurants, bars, and the cruise line's aquatic shows at the AquaTheater.
Three already known neighborhoods
The Royal Promenade boasts its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafes, bars, and lounges; Central Park offers more ways to dine and entertain; and the larger Suite Neighborhood has three luxury decks and features a multi-level sundeck – The Grove – with a private pool, hot tub, and dining area, and a two-story coastal kitchen.
The staterooms are also thoughtfully designed for every type of guest, with more options, ocean views, and more space. There are new designs for families of three, four, five, and more, such as the Family Infinite Balcony and the Surfside Family Suite, and the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse 
The debut of the Icon Class also brings new features. Icon will be the cruise line's first ship with fuel cell technology and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest marine fuel. Along with other measures, such as connection to the shore power grid and waste heat recovery systems, the new ship will be the cruise company's most sustainable to date.
The holiday standard also extends to the crew's second home, with a more intuitive design, services, rooms and activities, including a new patented cabin created by the crew for the crew.
Icon will sail year-round on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages from Miami. Each cruise will visit Royal Caribbean's private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. Guests will also visit Caribbean gems such as Cozumel (Mexico), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), and Roatán (Honduras).
