Royal Caribbean

Icon of the Seas

The largest and newest ship in the fleet — built around distinct 'neighborhoods' so a waterpark day, a quiet adults-only pool day, and a family day all feel like different ships.

Class: Icon Class
Launched: 2024
Guests: ~5,610
Typically sails: Eastern Caribbean

Best for

Families
First-time cruisers
Ship-focused vacations

Less ideal for

Small-ship seekers

Compare with another ship

What makes it different

Why choose this ship

Fully enclosed glass-domed AquaDome stages shows regardless of weather
Pressure Drop is the industry's first open free-fall slide at sea
Absolute Zero ice arena is the largest at sea, with 360-degree seating
Seven pools are included in the fare, one reserved for suite guests

Worth knowing

Watch outs

Things that may matter depending on your travel style — not criticisms.

Crown's Edge skywalk attraction carries a separate fee
Specialty restaurants, arcade games and FlowRider lessons carry extra charges
Central Park is an open-air neighbourhood, so weather affects it
Very large ship — around 5,610 guests on board

Facilities and activities

On board

7 poolsWaterpark: Category 6 waterpark with 6 record-length slides, in the Thrill Island neighborhood

Entertainment

AquaDome with aerial/water shows
Royal Promenade
Surfside family neighborhood

Family facilities

Surfside neighborhood built for families with young kids
Splash-pad areas

Adults-only areas

Hideaway (adults-only pool deck)

Spa & wellness

Notable facilities

6-slide Category 6 waterpark (Thrill Island)
8 distinct neighborhoods
Adults-only Hideaway pool
Largest pool at sea

Choosing a room

Cabins

Compare room options for your party.

Ultimate Family Townhouse sleeps eight across three levels with an in-suite slide
Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony sleeps six, with connecting rooms available
Surfside Family Suites sleep four, two adults and two children
Interior, ocean view and standard balcony rooms each sleep up to four

Climate suitability

Indoor & outdoor

What is under cover and what is open to the weather — worth reading for Alaska and northern Europe.

AquaDome is fully enclosed, glass-domed and climate controlled
Royal Promenade is an interior galleria with shops, restaurants, bars and a comedy club
Absolute Zero ice arena gives a large indoor show venue included in the fare

Dining at a glance

Food styleStrong

Food & Dining

Food Strength

VERY GOOD

One of this ship's strengths.

Strong overall reputation for food, though details vary by ship.

How we rate food ▾

Food Strength is an editorial comparison across cruise ships generally — not just within this cruise line.

This dining assessment reflects broader Royal Caribbean patterns where ship-specific evidence is limited. Individual venues and experiences vary by ship.