Royal Caribbean has really upped their cruising game with their latest ship, Icon of the Seas. It has a mind-blowing 6 slide water park , indoor AquaTheater and a suspended infinity pool. All on board one cruise ship ! Details were released this week about the newest member of the fleet, and they are astounding.
Icon Class Ship
Icon of the Seas is the first of her kind, the start of the new Icon Class She will not only be cutting edge, she will also be the largest cruise ship in the world. Focusing on family-friendly activities, along with amenities for every age, this 7,600 passenger ship is one for the record books (and the passport books).
What Makes Icon so.. .Iconic ?
Here are 7 activities that make this a must do ship for any cruise enthusiasts, or anyone for that matter.
- Crown’s Edge
A brand new activity coming to Icon of the Seas, combining a skywalk, rope course, and thrill ride. All in One ! This activity takes passengers on a rope course as they balance on shapes and pathways. And just like a walk in the park, except you’re walking off the side of the ship. With nothing below you but the ocean ! There’s a surprise at the end, that will push any thrill seeker to their limit.
- Category 6 Waterpark
Located in the ship’s Thrill Island Neighborhood, this isn’t just another waterslide on a cruise. This is a full-fledged water park on the cruise ship. With 6 record breaking slides, this is the water parks of water parks. Included in the park is the industry’s first mat-racing duo on Storm Chasers. The tallest drop slide at sea in Frightening Bolt. Pressure Drop, is the industry’s first open free-fall slide and don’t forget the family raft slides that can fit 4 guests each. With a waterpark this impressive it will sure to entertain everyone on those “at sea days”.
- AquaDome Neighborhood
Royal Caribbean introduced the Aqua-Theater on it’s Oasis Class cruise ships, but with this new fleet, they are stepping it up a notch. The AquaDome neighborhood has been born. Located at the very top of the Icon of the Seas, this area will feature restaurants, retail, bars, lounges and most importantly the AquaTheater. By moving the AquaTheater indoors this helps prevent any interruptions due to climate, it gives them complete control over the entire show. Bringing their guests shows the likes that have never been seen before. During the day guests will be able to lounge in the AquaDome and take in the amazing panoramic views.
- Surfside Neighborhood
Focusing on family at sea, Royal Caribbean has gone above and beyond on this latest ship. Somewhat similar to the Boardwalk area on the Oasis Class ships, this neighborhood focuses on family fun. Featuring Water’s Edge Pool and Splashaway Bay aqua park, along with a carousel, arcade, and children’s place place. You’ll also find kid-friendly dining, including unlimited soft-serve ice cream station. The goal of this neighborhood was to combine the of RCL’s family-friendly activities in on convienent location. Which is why the Adventure Ocean Kids programming and Social 020 teen club are located there as well.
- Expanded suites-only area
Following in the footsteps of other cruise lines, they are introducing a “ship within a ship” concept on the fleet’s newest vessels. Overall Icon of the Seas is taking this one step further than the concept introduced on Wonder of the Seas. The headline making neighborhood with its suites-only neighborhood complete with private deck, bar, plunge pool, lounge and restaurant. Especially since Icon of the Seas is taking it one step further. This new neighborhood will span 3 decks, including a two-level suite sun deck with private pool, whirlpool, and outdoor lounge spaces. Furthermore there will also be two, suite guests only, restaurants, including the Grove and Coastal Kitchen .
- Swim-up Bar
Royal Caribbean’s swim-up bar at Perfect Day at CocoCay and has been such a huge hit, its now going onboard Icon of the Seas. With the new Swim and Tonic swim-up bar located in the Chill Island neighborhood, your drink is just a swim away.
- First Suspended Pool at Sea
Firstly, Icon of the Seas is pushing design boundaries with their Vegas style pool suspended 8 decks above the Surfside neighborhood. This just might be the most unique pool concept in Royal Caribbean’s history. Surrounded in the neighborhood by a multilevel terrace with comfy seating, whirlpools, and a bar, this will be the place to hang out. This allows you to float your cares away while gazing out of the infinity edge and into the horizon. Either spend the day lounging on the full-size daybeds and party the night away with the resident DJ brings a new vibe when the sun goes down.
There is so much information that has been released about this new class of ship and the first in the fleet. You can see a great walk through on their YouTube video below. As always your favorite Enchanted Adventures Travel Advisor is here to help you plan your best getaway.
