Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas the Largest Most Innovative Cruise Ship Yet

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas the Largest Most Innovative Cruise Ship Yet
The world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas

The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas is five times the size of the Titanic, is set to debut in January 2024. The ship is the first in Royal Caribbean’s new Icon Class, and it will offer a variety of new and innovative amenities.

The Icon of the Seas is the latest in a line of innovative cruise ships from Royal Caribbean. The company has been at the forefront of cruise ship design for many years, and the Icon of the Seas is sure to set a new standard for luxury and amenities.

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Royal Caribbean International has officially unveiled its newest and largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas was built in Finland. (Image: Royal Caribbean International)

At 250,800 gross tons, the Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, surpassing the previous record-holder, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas. The ship is 365 metres long (1,200 ft long) and 182 feet wide, and it can accommodate up to 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew.

The ship has 20 decks, with eight “neighbourhoods” it features a wide variety of amenities and activities for passengers to enjoy.

Thrill Island

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The Ultimate Abyss (Image: Royal Caribbean International)

A new neighborhood dedicated to thrill-seekers: The Icon of the Seas will have a new neighborhood called Thrill Island, which will be dedicated to thrill-seekers. The neighborhood will feature the AquaTheater, and The Ultimate Abyss, a 138-foot-tall slide that sends riders down a transparent tube that offers panoramic views of the ocean..

AquaTheater Shows

The largest AquaTheater at sea: One of the most notable features is the AquaTheater a signature feature of Royal Caribbean ships, and the Icon of the Seas will feature the largest one yet. The theater will have a capacity of 1,350 guests and will feature a variety of high-tech shows, including a synchronized water ballet performance with two 9-metre diving platforms.

This two-deck aquatic venue features a 270-degree pool, a retractable glass roof, and a variety of water shows.

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The first FlowRider surf simulator at sea: The FlowRider, a 12 metre long surf simulator that allows guests to surf on a simulated wave at an exhilarating surfing experience wave that moves at 20 mph. Using 100,000 litres of rushing water, pumped at 30,000 gallons to create a simulated reality.

AquaDome

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A massive AquaDom, which is a 65-foot (20-meter) tall glass cylinder that houses a swimmable pool. (Rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

CENTRAL PARK

Oasis of the Seas Central Park

A new neighborhood dedicated to relaxation: The Icon of the Seas will also have a new neighborhood called The Oasis, which will be dedicated to relaxation. The neighborhood will feature a variety of pool areas, a solarium, and a spa.

A variety of dining options, including specialty restaurants, casual eateries, and food trucks. which will feature a “mind-bending culinary experience.” including a Jamie’s Italian restaurant by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, a Wonderland restaurant with a Alice in Wonderland theme, and a 13-course tasting menu restaurant called The Chef’s Table.

Some of the highlights of the Icon of the Seas include:

ICON Cutaway

Other new and innovative amenities include:

  • A robotic bar that can create custom cocktails
  • A virtual reality arcade
  • A skydiving simulator
  • A plant-filled botanical garden
  • A two-story casino
  • A spa with 16 treatment rooms
  • A 220-foot-long AquaTheater with a glass-bottomed pool and a 360-degree view of the ocean.
  • A 10-story slide complex called The Perfect Storm, which includes the tallest water slide in North America.
  • A ropes course called The Ultimate Abyss, which is the tallest free-fall drop at sea.
  • A two-story casino with over 1,200 slot machines and table games.
  • A 10,000-square-foot spa with 21 treatment rooms.
  • A variety of dining options, including 20 restaurants and 13 bars.
  • A dedicated family zone with a water park, arcade, and kids’ clubs.

The ship is powered by a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel system, which is cleaner and more efficient than traditional fuels. The ship also has a number of other environmental features, such as a waste heat recovery system and a wastewater treatment plant.

7-nights cruise average at £1,615

The firm released a statement after the ship’s first sea trials to say everything went to plan.

“During her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested,” the statement said.

“Everything was done on time as outlined in the schedule, despite her departure being delayed due to wind conditions.”