Ultimate Guide: Icon Of The Seas

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Icon of the Seas is living up to its name as the largest ship in the world and while she might only be sailing in the Caribbean, she has garnered plenty of attention from Australians. With a jaw-dropping size that spans 364.75 metres and a gross tonnage of 248,663, Icon of the Seas is a first-of-its-kind that dwarfs the Titanic five times over.
Moreover, Icon of the Seas had its maiden voyage on January 27, 2024, via a 7-day Caribbean Cruise from Miami. In addition, this Royal Caribbean cruise can accommodate an incredible 7,600 guests at full capacity, along with 2,350 crew.
Meanwhile, while Aussies are keeping their fingers crossed as to the possibility of sailing with the iconic ship from Australia, Cruise Passenger has prepared an ultimate guide to RCL’s newest ocean gem—the world’s largest Icon of the Seas.
2025/26 Itineraries and Destinations
While it’s a bit of a trek for us, the 2025/26 season offers plenty to tempt travellers who can’t resist the idea of sailing on the world’s largest cruise ship.
Currently, Icon of the Seas is based in Miami, with itineraries that span both the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The Eastern Caribbean routes include stops like Philipsburg in St. Maarten and Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas—perfect for soaking up island vibes and turquoise waters.
Over on the Western Caribbean routes, you’ll find destinations like Roatán in Honduras, Costa Maya, and Cozumel in Mexico, plus the fan-favourite stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
While we wait (and hope) for Icon of the Seas to sail a little closer to home, these itineraries are giving Australians plenty of reasons to consider a long-haul adventure.
Accommodations Details
Icon of the Seas boasts a total of 2,805 staterooms. Of these, 179 are Suites, 1,405 are Balconies, 276 are Oceanview, and 535 are Interior cabins.
Moreover, this colossal lady of the sea has 28 types of accommodation, with more categories suited for family cruisers and bigger spaces for group cruisers.
The iconic Ultimate Family Townhouse accommodates a maximum of eight passengers. This three-level accommodation spans decks 7 through 9, has an area of 167 square metres, and features a large balcony measuring 70 square metres. The Ultimate Family Townhouse highlights a cinema, an indoor dry slide, a patio, and Royal Genie Service.
Meanwhile, Icon’s two-level Royal Loft Suite houses a maximum of six passengers. This suite is located midship and spans decks 17 through 18, measuring 139 square metres. The cabin’s balcony has an area of 66 square metres.
The ship’s seven Icon Loft Suites are also two-level accommodations with an area of 61 square metres. The staterooms’ balcony sizes range from 14 to 17 square metres.
Additionally, the eight 1-bedroom Owner’s Suites measure 61 square metres in area and have a uniform balcony size of 18 square metres.
The gigantic vessel also has eight Infinite Grand Suites and ten Grand Suites. These suites have a uniform area of 40 square metres, with balconies ranging between 10 to 11 square metres.
On the other hand, the ten Sunset Corner Suites, six Sunset Suites, 78 Junior Suites, and 42 Surfside Family Suites measure between 25 to 45 square metres in area. The size of balconies for these suites varies but is generally larger compared to typical suite balconies on cruise ships.
In addition, the Window Panoramic Suite has ten staterooms, each measuring 34 square metres in area.
The ship’s Infinite Balcony Family Cabin, this 78-stateroom accommodation houses a maximum of six passengers. It has a total area of 27 square metres and a uniform balcony size of 5 square metres.
Meanwhile, the 615 Infinite Oceanview Balcony Cabins and the 908 Oceanview Balcony Cabins have an area of 19 square metres and a balcony size of 5 square metres.
In addition, the ship’s 214 Promenade View Balcony Cabins also have a 5-square-metre balcony and a uniform cabin area of 18 square metres.
Furthermore, the 264 Oceanview Window Cabins and the 534 Interior cabins have sizes ranging from 15 to 18 square metres.
Royal Suite Class
Royal Caribbean offers three Royal Suite classes for cruisers seeking an ultimate luxury experience and exclusive access to some of the ship’s best features.
Star Class
For Star Class staterooms, cruisers enjoy Royal Genie Service, access to complimentary specialty restaurants, Coastal Kitchen, and the Suite Sun Deck. Additional perks include the Deluxe Beverage Package, VOOM internet access, early access to seating in select entertainment venues, laundry and pressing services, complimentary gratuities, exclusive concierge service, priority departure, and the best seats in the house in select entertainment venues.
Sky Class
For Sky Class staterooms, cruisers’ perks include exclusive access to Coastal Kitchen, the Suite Sun Deck, and the Suite Lounge. Additional benefits encompass concierge services, VOOM internet access, priority departure, and priority dining reservations.
Sea Class
For Sea Class staterooms, passengers enjoy access to Coastal Kitchen for dinner, based upon availability.
Dining and Culinary Experience
Enjoy diving into the global flavours offered by the world’s largest cruise ship to date. The all-new Icon of the Seas is taking the world by storm, especially when it comes to dining and culinary experiences at sea.
This colossal seas icon offers a mouth-watering array of dining venues that will satisfy any craving. From casual crowd-pleasers to upscale dining experiences, Icon of the Seas caters to every taste and palate for all occasions.
Complimentary Dining
For a mainstay dining experience, guests surely enjoy the Main Dining Room. This iconic multi-level dining hub serves up delicious multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With world-class cuisine and one-of-a-kind service, it’s a must-visit venue.
On the other hand, the famed Windjammer Café offers a more casual atmosphere with global cuisines and American favourites for all three meals.
Icon also highlights new additions to the ship’s long list of amazing food hubs. One in particular is the AquaDome Market, the first-ever food hall on a Royal Caribbean ship. This global foodie paradise features five different culinary outposts, allowing guests to experience an international tasting tour without ever leaving the cruise ship.
Exclusively for suite guests are two upscale complimentary venues – Coastal Kitchen and The Grove. Coastal Kitchen is known for elevated casual dining, while The Grove presents a Mediterranean al fresco experience. Both dining venues are perfect for savouring an elegant yet laid-back meal.
Meanwhile, for guests wanting grab-and-go options, Park Café is the place to go with made-to-order sandwiches and salads. Guests shouldn’t miss its signature kummelweck roast beef sandwich.
Basecamp also serves as the perfect refuelling stop between adventures, offering snacks like soft pretzel bites and crispy shrimp bao buns.
The iconic Royal Promenade is now home to more amazing venues like Pearl Café for 24/7 coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Plus, the new Sorrento’s adds pizza and draft beers to the mix.
Specialty Dining
Icon of the Seas definitely elevates the dining experience through an impressive lineup of specialty restaurants. Cruise passengers are in for an epic dining adventure like no other.
First up is the Empire Supper Club which transports guests to old New York. This top-of-the-line restaurant in Central Park serves up an extravagant eight-course menu of premium American cuisine like caviar and wagyu beef, expertly paired with beverages.
However, guests who really want a VIP experience may opt to book the exclusive Celebration Table. This private dining room in the AquaDome treats guests to a multi-course family-style feast complete with cocktails and palate-satisfying menu upgrades.
Additionally, no vacation at sea will ever be complete without a classic steakhouse experience, which the popular Chops Grille delivers in style. This renowned steak hub gets an elevated update with jaw-dropping cuts like high-grade wagyu and bone-in tomahawks cooked to perfection. Guests can also watch the chefs work their magic through the open kitchen.
Meanwhile, guests with Italian taste buds surely love Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. This family-style trattoria delivers the flavours of Tuscany onboard with house-made pasta and rustic regional dishes. On the other hand, there’s also the new al fresco Gio’s Terrazzo overlooking the lively Boardwalk.
For guests who want to satisfy their cravings for authentic Asian cuisines, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi is a must-visit venue. This food hall serves the best fresh sushi rolls and flavorful teppanyaki dishes cooked tableside by talented chefs.
Seafood cravers will surely enjoy the fresh catches and raw bar favourites at Hooked Seafood. This laid-back New England-inspired food hub serves up coastal classics perfect for satisfying cravings for oceanside flavours.
Onboard Activities (Family, Kids and Couple)
Royal Caribbean’s game-changer, Icon of the Seas, offers an amazing world of adventures across eight unique neighbourhoods. Guests can choose from heart-pounding attractions to serene, laid-back escapes.
Thrill Island
Cruise passengers can experience every pulse of excitement in the all-new Thrill Island neighbourhood. Thrill-seekers can test their limits in Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, featuring six record-breaking slides. The Icon also includes the line’s famous FlowRider surf simulator.
Guests can also enjoy playing mini-golf at Lost Dunes and rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak. Living up to its name, Thrill Island also features Crown’s Edge—a combination skywalk, ropes course, and thrill ride suspended 154 feet above the ocean.
Chill Island
The Chill Island neighbourhood promises a more laid-back beach club atmosphere and offers a sun-soaked paradise ideal for relaxation. Spanning three decks, it provides different pools for various vibes.
There’s Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat, and Swim & Tonic, the line’s first swim-up bar at sea. Additionally, the infinity-edge Cove Pool and the Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea, are part of Chill Island’s best features.
The Hideaway
Suspended 135 feet above the waves, The Hideaway offers a perfect hidden refuge. This neighbourhood provides the luxury of an over-water beach club onboard, anchored by the line’s first suspended infinity pool. Multi-level sundecks and whirlpools circling the pool offer spots to soak in the incredible ocean views and laid-back ambience.
Surfside
The new Surfside neighbourhood is a family haven designed for kids aged six and under. It features kids’ aqua parks and pool areas called Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, located near the Water’s Edge pool, so adults can watch over the youngsters. This neighbourhood also houses kids’ favourite arcade, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teens.
AquaDome
By day, AquaDome is a lush oasis with sweeping ocean vistas and a dramatic waterfall feature. At night, it transforms into an immersive venue for restaurants, bars, and the iconic AquaTheater shows, enhanced with cutting-edge technology like robotic arms and a transforming pool.
Deck Plan
Icon of the Seas boasts a total of 20 expansive decks, housing 2,805 staterooms, 7 pools, 9 whirlpools, 6 waterslides, and 22 lifts.
This Royal Caribbean’s first ICON-class ship is zoned into several themed neighbourhoods: Suite Neighborhood, AquaDome, Chill Island, Central Park Neighborhood, Royal Promenade Neighborhood, The Hideaway, Surfside, and Thrill Island.
Deck 3 houses the ship’s Medical Center and the Conference Center. This deck also includes the lower level of the three-deck Main Dining Room, which spans Decks 3 to 5.
Deck 4 features the Royal Theater and Casino Royale.
Deck 5 hosts the Royal Promenade, Fitness Center, Absolute Zero ice-skating rink, Sorrento’s, Spotlight Karaoke, and Starbucks.
Deck 6 contains The Attic, Dueling Pianos, The Crown Lounge, Schooner Bar, Adventure Ocean, Playmakers Arcade, and Social020.
Deck 7 is the site of the Surfside neighbourhood, including Pier 7, Sugar Beach, Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, and the Water’s Edge Pool.
Deck 8 is home to the Central Park neighbourhood. This deck also houses Izumi, Chops Grille, Empire Supper Club, and the Park Café.
Decks 9 through 14 primarily accommodate staterooms, with the two-deck Vitality Spa spanning Decks 12 through 14.
Deck 15 features three neighborhoods: Chill Island, AquaDome, and The Hideaway. This deck includes the AquaTheater, Celebration Table, Lime and Coconut, Cove Pool, Royal Bay Pool, and Hideaway Pool. It also houses the Windjammer Marketplace, Cantina Fresca, and El Loco Fresh.
Deck 16 is the site of the Thrill Island neighbourhood. This deck highlights Coastal Kitchen, Swim & Tonic, Crown’s Edge, Adrenaline Peak, and FlowRider.
Deck 17 features a Sports Court and Cloud 17.
Deck 18 houses the luxurious The Grove.
You can view the Icon of the Seas deck plan here.
Bar and Nightclub
The nightlife on the Icon of the Seas doesn’t disappoint. With more than 15 bars and live music venues, there’s plenty to keep you entertained every evening—whether you’re in the mood for something lively or just want to kick back with a drink.
Dueling Pianos is one of the standout spots on board. It’s in the Royal Promenade and features two pianists battling it out with requests from the crowd. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s impossible not to get involved.
Over in Central Park, Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues brings a completely different vibe. Think soulful music, smooth vocals, and the perfect setting for a laid-back evening. Meanwhile, in the AquaDome, Rye & Bean is a coffee shop by day and a cocktail bar by night. The espresso martinis with those ocean views? Unbeatable.
The AquaDome also has The Overlook and Overlook Pods—little cozy lounges with stunning wraparound windows. It’s a great spot to chill with a drink during the day or catch a live performance at night while enjoying the view.
If you’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean before, some of your favourite venues are back. The Music Hall still brings the energy with rock cover bands and DJs keeping the dance floor busy. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is there for the game-day crowd or anyone who loves a good burger and some classic arcade games.
If you’re feeling bold, Spotlight Karaoke gives you the chance to steal the mic, and for a more low-key night, the Schooner Bar is all about live piano music in a relaxed, nautical-themed setting. Whatever your style, the bars and nightlife on Icon of the Seas make sure you’ll never run out of things to do once the sun sets.
Entertainment
The Royal Theater is where the big performances happen. Think Broadway-style productions, live music, and shows that make you forget you’re on a ship. Over at Absolute Zero, the ship’s ice-skating rink, you’ll catch jaw-dropping performances on the ice. And since it’s the largest ice arena at sea, there’s not a bad seat in the house.
If you’re looking for something totally unique, the AquaTheater is amazing. This open-air venue takes entertainment to the next level with shows like “Aqua Action!” featuring high-diving stunts, synchronised swimming, and special effects that include robotic arms and a 55-foot waterfall. Even the kids get their share of fun here with the family-friendly “Pirates vs. Mermaids” show.
For those who want to stay active, the FlowRider surf simulator is always a hit, letting you test your skills on the waves. There’s also Adrenaline Peak, the rock-climbing wall that’s sure to challenge your limits, and a mini-golf course with plenty of fun twists.
Families are well taken care of, too. Adventure Ocean is packed with activities for kids of all ages, while teens have their own space at Social020 to hang out and relax. And if you’ve got little ones, the Surfside neighborhood is a dream come true with its Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay waterparks.
Ship Facts
Icon of the Seas isn’t just a ship—it’s a floating city that’s raising the bar for cruising. Here are the basics to give you an idea of its sheer scale:
This ship weighs in at 248,663 gross tons, stretches a massive 365 meters (about 1,198 feet) in length, and towers with 20 decks—18 of which are open to guests. There are 2,805 staterooms onboard, designed to accommodate 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or up to 7,600 people when fully booked. And let’s not forget the 2,350 crew members working behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.
Icon of the Seas set sail on its maiden voyage on January 27, 2024, and it calls Miami, Florida, its home port. It’s also Royal Caribbean’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it more eco-friendly than its predecessors.
This ship is also home to the largest waterpark at sea, the largest swim up bar, the first suspended infinity pool ever built on a cruise ship, and even the tallest waterfall at sea. It’s not just a ship—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code onboard Icon of the Seas?
Yes, but it’s pretty relaxed. During the day, it’s all about comfort. In the evenings, there’s a mix depending on where you’re dining or hanging out. Casual works fine in most places, but some venues lean toward smart casual. On formal nights, it’s your chance to dress up if you like—cocktail dresses, suits, or even tuxedos for the overachievers. You’ll see people in a mix of styles, so it’s more about what makes you feel good.
How far in advance can I book a cruise on Icon of the Seas?
You can book well over a year in advance. For example, Icon of the Seas opened for bookings in late 2022 for its January 2024 debut. It’s a good idea to book early, especially if you’re after a specific stateroom or want to take advantage of early-bird deals. Keep an eye on Royal Caribbean’s website or chat with a travel agent to lock in your trip.
Are there special packages or discounts available for families?
Yes, Royal Caribbean often runs deals like “kids sail free,” discounts for the third or fourth guest in a room, or bundles that include meals, drinks, and excursions. These offers change throughout the year.
Are gratuities included in the cruise price, or do I need to pay separately?
Gratuities aren’t included in the base price unless specified in your booking. Royal Caribbean automatically adds a daily service charge to your onboard account—18.50 USD per person, per day for regular staterooms and 21.00 USD per person, per day for suites. This covers your dining staff, room attendants, and other behind-the-scenes service pros.
You can prepay your gratuities before the cruise, which is a good idea if you want to lock in the current rate and budget ahead. If you’re booking through an Australian travel agent or Royal Caribbean’s Australian website, gratuities may already be included in your fare, so it’s worth checking at the time of booking.
For drinks and spa services, an 18% gratuity is automatically added at the time of purchase.