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Icon Of The Seas

Former names: icon1, mayer turku nb-1400.

Cruise line Royal Caribbean

• Miami (Florida)

Icon Of The Seas current position

Icon Of The Seas current location is at Gulf of Mexico (coordinates 23.45557 N / -83.02683 W) cruising at speed of 19.8 kn (37 km/h | 23 mph) en route to Coco Cay. The AIS position was reported 23 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Icon Of The Seas

Icon Of The Seas current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Western Caribbean Perfect Day . Prices start from USD 1482 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 31 Aug, 2024 and ends on 07 Sep, 2024 .

Specifications of Icon Of The Seas

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Icon Of The Seas Itineraries

Icon of the seas review, review of icon of the seas.

The 2024-built Icon of the Seas cruise ship is RCI-Royal Caribbean's first ICON-Class vessel delivered and inaugurated in January 2024, being postponed from 2022-Q2 and 2023-Q3 due to the COVID crisis. The liner is currently the world's largest by volume/GT-tons (~6% bigger than Wonder OTS ) and has three same-designed sisterships - Star Of The Seas (2025-Q2), TBN3 of the Seas (2026-Q2), and TBN4 of the Seas (2027).

"Project Icon" is the name for a passenger ship class ordered by RCG-Royal Caribbean Group/shipowner to Meyer Merf's Shipyard in Turku Finland .

The vessel (IMO number 9829930) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311001178) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is a US company, trademarked brand, and subsidiary owned by Royal Caribbean Group (RCG/shipowner). RCI was established in 1968 and currently has over 1/5 of the worldwide cruise market. RCI also has RCG's largest fleet by both vessel number and GT tonnage (ship sizes and capacities).

All RCI liners have names ending with "of the Seas".

Each vessel from the ICON series has passenger capacity 5610 (lower berths) and GT tonnage/volume 250800 tons, making the design Royal Caribbean's/world's largest.

On May 5, 2022, an RCI spokesperson announced that the ICON class will be bigger (in both passenger capacity and volume) than the OASIS class, which makes Icon of the Seas currently the world's largest passenger ship ever constructed. On October 20th, RCI revealed more details, including the vessel's exact volume (250800 GT-tons) and max capacity (9950/7600 passengers + 2350 crew). For comparison, the previously largest passenger ships (OASIS PLUS class) have GT ~227000 tons and max capacity 8800 (6410 pax + 2390 crew).

Initially, the ICON ship design was announced with passenger capacity ~5200 and GT tonnage ~200K.

Decks and Cabins

Of all Icon of the Seas staterooms (2805 total, in 28 grades), ~70% are balconies and over 80% accommodate 3 or more people. The ship has 179x suites, 1815x balconies, 276x oceanviews (including 12x Panoramic) and 744x inside cabins (534x Standard plus 214x Interior-Facing/Promenade View Balcony). Infinite Balconies are 693 (615x Standard plus 78x Family). Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 50.

Icon OTS has 14 new for RCI cabin categories - Inside Plus, Panoramic Ocean View (redesigned/both cabins and suites), Infinite Balcony, Family Infinite Balcony, Surfside Family Suite, Sky Junior Suite, Sunset Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft Suite, and the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

"Panoramic Ocean View" cabins and suites are in the AquaDome Neighborhood and all are with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows.

"Infinite Balcony" are "French Balcony" cabins with drop-down panoramic/wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows enclosing the terrace. These accommodations are designed as convertible, transforming the veranda into an indoor space (within the cabin/separated by accordion doors) at the push of a button. This category (as Edge Veranda Infinity) debuted on Celebrity Cruises ' EDGE-class ships.

"Family Infinite Balcony" cabins accommodate 6 people and are with split bathrooms, a separate kids' bedroom (with bunk beds), and an infinite balcony.

"Surfside Family Suite" is in the Surfside Neighborhood, accommodates 4 people, has a separate kids' bedroom (convertible into a lounge room) and its occupants receive Royal Suite Class perks.

"Sunset Corner Suite" (fleet's first) represents aft-facing staterooms (located at the stern) featuring large wraparound terraces.

The "Ultimate Family Townhouse" is a 3-deck/level suite designed for families. The stateroom is with private access to Surfside Neighborhood and features an indoor dry slide, media room/cinema, karaoke room, huge terrace.

The 3-deck Suite Neighborhood houses all the top-tier staterooms. It features an exclusive 2-deck Sundeck and an expanded Coastal Kitchen (suite-only restaurant on 2 levels, overlooking the AquaTheater). There is a larger exclusive sundeck (accessed only by Star Class and Sky Class suites) with its own swimming pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi, plus a new, suite-only casual dining venue (The Grove) offering traditional Mediterranean cuisine specialties.

The suites are in categories (high to low grade) Family Townhouse, Royal Loft, Icon Loft, Owner's, Infinite Grand, Grand, Sunset Corner, Surfside Family, Sunset, Junior, and Panoramic (with windows).

ICON ships also have a new (patented design) crew cabin type with an L-shaped bed layout.

The boat has 19 decks , of which 18 are passenger-accessible and 12 with cabins.

RCI's ICON-class vessels have 40+ F&B concepts (including 23 fleet-firsts) and 26 fleet-firsts (features, amenities, technologies) including 15 water activities.

For detailed information on the RCI's ICON ships as technologies see the ship's Wiki page .

Shipboard facilities and amenities

RCI's ICON class features the OASIS class' Central Park Neighborhood - an inside-the-ship, open-air, multi-deck space whose base level is fitted with live vegetation (trees, bushes, flowers). The design also includes the fore-located Solarium - a 2-decks spanning adults-only relaxation complex (covered by a glass rooftop) with its own cafe/bistro, bar, thalassotherapy pool, large Jacuzzies, indoor sunbathing area (deckchairs, loungers, daybeds), an outdoor sundeck.

The Sun Deck (positioned midship) is on two levels and fitted with a large swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area. A series of columns (midship-aft) support the waterslides and the Ropes Course (costs US$90 per person).

The stern (like on the OASIS liners) is open-deck and with cascading suite terraces.

Like all RCI boats, Icon also has a FlowRider (surfing simulator positioned aft-starboard on top deck), the island-themed Mini-Golf Course "Lost Dunes" (part of the Thrill Island on Deck 16) and Rock-Climbing Walls (at Adrenaline Peak), Ice-Rink Arena (Absolute Zero/fleet's largest).

Curiously, Icon OTS' 9-hole golf course (designed and installed by AGS/Adventure Golf & Sports) is decorated with rock walls and features a large plane wing, three "marine artifacts" (two parts of a broken ship/life-sized bow and stern sections, and a broken submarine).

Icon OTS has 10x new for RCI dining concepts out of 20x total different venues, of which 11x are complimentary and 9x are at fee.

Icon ship's retail shopping complex spreads across four floors (decks 5-6-8-15) and groups a total of 14 retail shops. The onboard stores sell duty- and tax-free priced products like perfumes, cosmetics, fashion clothing and accessories, watches, jewelry, liquor and tobacco, confectionery, games and toys. Additionally, a dedicated Tech Shop sells electronics, gadgets, batteries, headphones, walkie-talkies, Nintendo 3DS gaming consoles. The Splash Store sells sunscreens, skincare products, swim accessories. The Health Essentials Store sells toiletries and medicines.

Neighborhoods

Icon OTS has 7x swimming pools (scattered across 5 decks), 9x outdoor Jacuzzies/whirlpools, and the fleet's largest waterpark with 6x waterslides (including the largest at sea).

Next are listed pools' operational/opening hours.

• (Chill Island Neighborhood/Deck 15) Royal Bay Pool (starboard, with 2x Jacuzzies) and Cove Pool (portside infinity pool/adults-only), Hideaway Pool (aft/beach club-themed) are open between 9 am and 10 pm.
• (Chill Island Neighborhood/Deck 17) Cloud 17 Pool (adults-only solarium/sundeck, max 250 people, starboard-positioned, with a whirlpool) is open between 8 am and 7 pm.

Like the OASIS and OASIS PLUS ships, the ICON ships have 8x neighborhoods (themed decks) which are named AquaDome, Central Park, Chill Island, Thrill Island, Royal Promenade, The Hideaway, Surfside, and Suite Neighborhood.

( Deck 5 and Deck 6 ) Royal Promenade Neighborhood is on two levels and houses staterooms plus 15x F&B venues (bars, lounges, cafes, restaurants) including Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Pearl Cafe (similar to Cafe Promenade/open 24-hours, offers complimentary grab-and-go food/sandwiches, fresh-baked croissants, packaged salads, sweets, beverages/tea, sodas, specialty coffees), Campfire Cookie (patisserie), Sorrento's Pizzeria (pizza by the slice, fresh-baked specialty pies/different each day, also selling draft beers on tap), Point & Feather (104-seat English pub hosting dart tournaments and live acoustic guitar performances in the evenings, serves a selection gin-based cocktails), Boleros (Latin-themed bar lounge with live music performances/85 seats), 1400 Bar (named after the ship's hull number/offering live piano music in the evenings/capacity 67 indoor + 18 outdoor seats), Spotlight Karaoke Bar (106 seats), The Attic (comedy club lounge/159 seats), Starbucks (coffee shop), Crown Lounge (fka Diamind Lounge ^ Bar /exclusive venue for Diamond and above members), Dueling Pianos Bar (with 2x Baby Grand pianos), Music Hall (on 2 floors/decks 3-4). On Royal Promenade are also the 4-deck-high The Pearl (sphere-shaped structure positioned midship on decks 5-6-7-8) and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (107 seats).

The Pearl is a unique kinetic art sculpture providing multi-sensory experiences and housing special "sound and sight" events. It has height 14 m (45 ft), diameter 16 m (52 ft), and is constructed from ~3000 computer-driven kinetic tiles. At this unique facility can be emulated natural occurrences like rolling waves, gentle breezes, shooting stars, and the dynamic ocean surface. The tiles' arrangement follows a Fibonacci sequence, mirroring patterns observed in marine life. The Pearl's movements are interactive and influenced by real-time data (tidal and wind) from the sea, allowing it to continually transform, mirroring the current environmental conditions.

Icon's Royal Promenade has length 110 m/362 ft, and unlike RCI's previous Royal Promenade design has floor-to-ceiling windows providing unobstructed ocean views. Also, on the lower level (in the Embarkation Area starboard on Deck 5) is the "1400 Lobby Bar" (with indoor/outdoor seating, serves juice-based beverages and cocktails). The Lobby Bar's name has the ship's hull number (1400).

( Deck 8 ) Central Park Neighborhood is 1/5th larger than on the OASIS ships (with thousands of live plants and live music performances) and houses several dining venues - Izumi Hibachi & Sushi (Asian/Japanese restaurant also offering Teppanyaki - food cooked on an iron griddle), Izumi in the Park (sushi to-go, sweets), Chops Grille (steakhouse), Park Cafe (casual restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner, and also for late-night snacks/open 5:30-10 pm), Empire Supper Club (8-course-meal food hall), Trellis Bar (12 seats), Schooner Bar, Desserted (milkshake bar also serving Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milkshake), Lou's Jazz 'n Blues (71 indoor + 16 outdoor seats/live performances nightly, classic and crafted cocktails), Bubbles (walk-up champagne bar with live music). Central Park is an outdoor relaxation zone (within the ship's interior).

Central Park's garden houses 21000+ live plants and features multi-deck-high metal columns and green walls (covered in vines and ferns), several pathways, recordings of various species (birds, insects, animals) played, live seasonal plants (flowers, shrubs, trees). Signage boards provide detailed information on all Central Park's trees and plants.

Central Park's Empire Supper Club is a 1930s NYC-themed restaurant with two evening seatings (at 6 and 8:30 pm) and an 8-course menu. The cuisine is American and each course is paired with a beverage (wines by the glass or cocktails/created exclusively for RCI by Tony Abou-Ganim). Empire Supper Club is RCI's "most elegant restaurant" and the first dining venue combining food with music. The resident 3-piece band performs a different song during each course. The Supper Club has 38 seats (max capacity/one seating per night) and costs ~US$200 per person.

Part of Central Park, on ICON-class ships was introduced "Izumi in the Park" - Izumi's sushi-to-go/takeaway food bar with a pick-up window. Open between 11:30 am -10:30 pm, the venue offers sushi, spicy beef gyoza, sweets (bubble waffles, ice cream cones). A sushi bento box can be ordered and eaten elsewhere onboard.

Suite Neighborhood spans 3 floors (forward on decks 16-17-18) and features a 2-floor exclusive sundeck (with swimming pool and Jacuzzi/on deck 18) and two exclusive restaurants (for Star- and Sky Suite passengers-only) - The Grove (38-seat alfresco buffet restaurant serving popular Mediterranean dishes/on deck 18) and Coastal Kitchen (capacity 154 seats, fleet's first on 2 levels/on decks 16-17).

( Deck 15 /aft) The Hideaway Neighborhood is a beach club-themed pool deck with a suspended infinity pool (the first at sea), and a surrounding 2-deck terrace/tiered outdoor lounge with Jacuzzies, a dedicated poolside bar (Hideaway Bar) and a variety of seating. Here is also the Windjammer Marketplace (complimentary Lido buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, dinner/has 2 indoor bars). Two types of daybeds (in-pool and oceanview, each for 2-4 people) can be reserved for The Hideaway Pool. Daybed amenities include 4x bottled waters, 4x towels, 1x bottle of champagne (in an ice bucket, with 4x souvenir glasses), a side table, and beverage service by dedicated staff. For season 2024, The Hideaway's In-Pool Daybeds cost US$250/350 (port day/sea day) while the Oceanview Daybeds cost US$200/300 (port day/sea day).

( Deck 15 /forward) AquaDome Neighborhood is fully covered by a glass dome (transparent roof with unobstructed 220-degree outside views via floor-ceiling/wall-to-wall windows). AquaDome features the largest-at-sea waterfall (transforming in the evenings into AquaTheater) which waters fall right from the ceiling. During the day, AquaDome serves as a relaxation complex with a serene ambiance and various food and beverage options (restaurants and bars). In the evening, AquaDome transforms into a "nightlife zone" housing RCI's signature entertainment venue AquaTheater (redesigned, smaller-sized and indoor/glass-covered on ICON ships) hosting high-diving aquatic and aerial acrobatic shows. The AquaTheater has a transforming deepwater swimming pool and is fitted with modern technologies including multi-media equipment (superior light-sound-smoke effects, 3D flying projections), stage lifts, 4x robotic arms. A new for RCI venue in the AquaDome is Rye & Bean (coffee shop/bar).

AquaDome Market is a complimentary food hall with 5x different stands - Feta Mediterranean (Greek cuisine/fresh-baked pitas and Mediterranean bowls, with a separate bar for beverages/including beers and wine by the glass), Mac's (fresh-baked macaroni and cheese pizza, with toppings like smoked gouda, BBQ sauce, slow-roasted pulled pork), Toast & Garden (light fare/salads, sandwiches), GNGR (Asian dishes), and Creme de la Crepe (sweet and savory French crepes/thin pancakes), with made-to-order choices. AquaDome Market is open for breakfast (7 am), lunch (11:30 am) and dinner. Extra cost beers and wines by the glass (table service).

Near Aquatheater's entrance is Royal Bling (Retail Shop) selling Royal Caribbean-logoed/RCI-branded merchandise (keepsakes/jewelry rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc). Among the store's merchandise is a US$100,000 gold-adorned chalice, the owner of which enjoys unlimited onboard beverages for life.

Note: OASIS liners' outdoor AquaTheater (positioned at the stern) is replaced on the ICON boats with a family-themed activity deck. AquaDome has two dining venues - Hooked Seafood (seafood restaurant) and Celebration Table (an upgraded Chef's Table/VIP dining experience/12-seats, floor-ceiling windows, 4x different menus - American, Italian, Asian, Seafood) plus the bow-facing Overlook Lounge (in front of the AquaTheater) that provides 160-degree ocean views. The 2-floor Overlook Lounge (decks 14-15) is an indoor observation lounge with capacity 164 seats (112 chairs + 52 pods).

(aft on Deck 7 ) Surfside Neighborhood (fleet-first) is specifically designed for young families - adults and kids aged under six. Surfside houses family-type staterooms as well as a swimming pool (Water's Edge/infinity pool), a carousel, Splashaway Bay (kids' aquapark with a slide), Baby Bay (waterpark for toddlers, with a splash pool), Adventure Ocean (children's clubs/indoor facilities for age-appropriate supervised activities), Social020 (teen-only complex hosting activities like playing video games, watching movies, dancing, various classes, fun contests), Challenger's Arcade (classic and new games), The Lemon Post Bar (family bar with a great selection of both alcoholic cocktails and mocktails), soft ice cream station (complimentary), Sugar Beach (candy shop, gourmet ice cream), plus three dining venues - Surfside Bites (open 11 am-5 pm/takeaway food bar with a pick-up window; offers grab-and-go burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon sugar donuts), Surfside Eatery (family buffet for breakfast and lunch, buffet+sit-down venue in the evening/ offers pancakes with chocolate chips, fun cookies, fresh fruits, pasta with various sauces) and Pier 7 (Supper Club/specialty restaurant but kids eat for free).

(aft on Deck 16 ) Thrill Island Neighborhood is adventure-themed and dedicated to outdoor activities. It houses Crown's Edge (activity zone at fee/costs extra) and "Category 6" (aquapark, currently the largest at sea/covering a total area of 1580 m2/17010 ft2) and is served by the Basecamp Bar. The water park groups 6x slides - ranked the industry's tallest (Frightening Bolt/height 46 ft / 14 m), longest (Storm Chasers), and fastest (Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter). The slides are named "Pressure Drop" (free-fall slide/incline 66-degrees), Storm Chasers (dual mat-racing slide) and "Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter" (suspended dual raft-racing slides/max capacity 4x riders per raft). Crown's Edge zone (another fleet-first) combines a glass-bottomed skywalk (positioned off the superstructure's midship-portside), a ropes course, zip-line, bumper cars, water slides, and a thrill ride as in a surprising moment the skywalk's floor drops and guests start swinging 154 ft / 47 m above the sea.

The outdoor Basecamp Bar offers complimentary food plus premium a la carte-priced items and beverages. The venue is open between 11 am and 10 pm, while its bar for beverages opens at 9 am. Fast food choices include smash burgers, fried chicken nugget waffles with honey, crispy shrimp bao buns.

Deck 20 is Category 6 Waterpark's entry level for the slides. The waterslides' min-height/max-weight requirements are as follows: Frightening Bolt and Pressure Drop (55 inches/265 lbs), Storm Chasers (42 inches/265 lbs), Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter (48 inches without parents, 55 inches with parents/595 lbs).

The midship-positioned Chill Island Neighborhood spans 3 decks (15-16-17) and houses 4x (of the ship's 7x) swimming pools and is served by the poolside bar "Swim & Tonic". Chill Island has the largest on-a-cruise liner swimming pool (Royal Bay Pool), Cove Pool (infinity-edge), Sprinkles (complimentary ice cream bar), the Cloud 17 (adults-only sundeck with a Smoking Area and a Jacuzzi), and is served by The Lime & Coconut Bar Lounge (with four locations, including the fleet-first frozen cocktail bar) and Swim & Tonic.

Swim & Tonic is RCI's first shipboard swim-up bar (capacity 12 people). It is in a shallow swimming pool (with floating loungers) and adjacent to a hot tub and a sunbathing area (with loungers).

The following dining venues serve both adventure-themed top decks - El Loco Fresh (complimentary grab-and-go Mexican food/open 11 am - 7 pm), Cantina Fresca (complimentary Mexican-themed bar/food and beverages), AquaDome Market (complimentary food hall) and Hooked Seafood (specialty restaurant) positioned below Sports Court (deck 16).

Besides the 22x lifts/"destination elevators" (positioned in the forward and aft atriums) and all staircases, an escalator interconnects decks 2-4-5. An indoor staircase (positioned midship-aft) directly connects three neighborhoods - Royal Promenade (decks 5-6), Surfside (deck 7) and Central Park (deck 8).

Destination elevators allow passengers to move more efficiently between decks for reduced crowding and better passenger flow. In front of the lifts, there are digital panels to select which floor to go to and which lift to take. Inside the elevators there are no panels/buttons to push, meaning fewer stops on every deck.

The Main Dining Room/MDR is on 3 levels (decks 3-4-5) and is traditionally positioned aft. The MDR has a different 3-course menu each night of the voyage (with differently-themed cuisine) and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Royal Theater is the main show lounge spreading over 3 floors (forward on decks 3-4-5). The venue doubles as a cinema and also hosts daily scheduled activities (like trivia games, bingo, enrichment lectures) while in the evenings are presented Broadway-style, grand-scale music, dance and show productions, as well as aerial acrobatic performances. The theater presents nightly 2 grand shows - early (at 8 pm) and late (at 10 pm) to match the assigned dining room sittings. Both are full-length production shows with professional performances (singing, dancing, acting, live band music) by the ship's resident entertainment staff. Signature shows are "Hairspray" (musical comedy / original Broadway production themed on humor and commentaries on early 1960's race relations) and "Flight" (themed on the history of flying). Specifically for Icon OTS was developed "The Wizard of Oz" (2011-created musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber) presented on the ship 3-4 times weekly. Other theater entertainment options are the rotating Headliners (tribute band show) and popular game shows (like "Love and Marriage"). Royal Theater has its own bar for refreshments (waiter service during the shows).

Absolute Zero (decks 4-5) is an Ice-Rink Arena and RCI fleet's largest ice-skating stadium (complimentary show lounge/theater). Daily, Absolute Zero is operated with 45-min sessions (max 50 guests per session) for ice-skating, ice games, hockey, demonstrations, adult scavenger hunts. In the evenings, there is a live RCI original production show (professional ice show). Absolute Zero is a complimentary venue (equipment is provided) and reservations are not required but tickets must be obtained in advance. Here is also played "The Fight for Atlantis" (laser tag game).

Traditionally for RCI, Icon OTS has the Royal Escape Room that provides adventure gaming experiences (team-building exercises). Gaming at the Royal Escape Room involves a group of players who must solve a series of puzzles by using clues, hints and group strategy. The team is given a set time limit to solve the secret plot hidden within the room.

The 2-level wellness complex (decks 12-14) consists of Vitality Spa, Vitality Cafe (open for breakfast and lunch), and To Dry For (blow-dry bar for quick beauty fixes/hairstyling, with a beverage service). Vitality Spa groups ShipShape Spa, YSPA (teen spa), Beauty Salon, treatment rooms (for massages and treatments), Razul Room (mud treatments), Medispa (botox treatments), Jacuzzi Room, Thermal Suites (heated ceramic beds, saunas, steam rooms, rainforest showers).

The 2-level Fitness Center (decks 5-6) consists of a Gymnasium (complimentary, with Life Fitness equipment for cardio/resistance training), Aerobics Studio (for classes), and private training rooms. The Gym has modern bodybuilding and training exercise equipment (free weights, weight machines, treadmills, steppers, ellipticals, stationary bikes, Kinesis wall). In the mornings/afternoons are scheduled health seminars and wellness presentations (free of charge/timeshare events).

The Music Hall (dance lounge/disco nightclub introduced on QUANTUM-class RCI boats) is a 2-level venue (decks 3-4) and provides live music entertainment (band performances daily and DJs in the evenings).

Signature RCI restaurants available on Icon OTS are also Wonderland, Celebration Table (Chef's Table/Deck 15), and Johnny Rockets.

Icon OTS' venues hosting grand shows are three - Royal Theater, AquaDome, and Absolute Zero (Ice-Skating Arena).

AquaDome's shows are titled "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs Mermaids".

Absolute Zero's ice-skating shows are titled "Starburst" and "Once Upon A Time".

Royal Theater's grand productions (90-min evening shows) are titled "Effectors" (themed on superheroes), "Wizard of Oz" (musical) and "SHOWBAND! Live. Music. Now." (stage performances by 16 musicians/string, woodwind, brass, percussion).

On the Royal Promenade is hosted RCI's traditional family-themed parade "Ships Ahoy!". Unlike on all previous RCI ships with a Royal Promenade, Icon OTS' Royal Promenade has a dog statue instead of a classic car/vintage automobile.

On the ICON ship, RCI introduced 60 cocktails (new for the company).

Family-themed activities

Icon OTS is Royal Caribbean's first liner to have a dedicated "family ambassador".

Called "Admiral Awesome", the professional employee hosts different family-themed events. Among these events are Surfside Neigborhood's "Larger-than-Life Family Festival" (live music, dancing, supersized/giant outdoor games - dart-throwing, ring tossing, dicing, bowling), the "Steel Pan Family Jam" (playing on instructional instruments), the Big Shark Block Party (dancing to popular kids songs like "Baby Shark" and "Baby Beluga") and Once Upon a Bedtime Story (reading outdoor/on open deck of original bedtime stories).

The "family neighborhood" has two complimentary dining venues open throughout the day - "Surfside Bites" (grab-and-go) and "Surfside Eatery" (buffet restaurant/Windjammer's alternative), while the casual "Pier 7" (Surfside's specialty restaurant) serves a-la-carte-priced food for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The Lemon Post Bar has an impressive selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails/mocktails. While the Soft Ice Cream station is complimentary, the candy shop Sugar Beach sells gourmet ice cream and sweets.

The Surfside Neighborhood also houses two outdoor water playgrounds - Splashaway Bay (kids' aquapark with a slide), and Baby Bay (waterpark for toddlers, with a splash pool), as well as the ship's Adventure Ocean complex (children's clubs/indoor facilities for age-appropriate supervised activities), Social020 complex (for teenagers), Challenger's Arcade (coin-operated machine games).

Curiously, Icon OTS is RCI's first vessel with a Chief Dog Officer - the "family dog" Rover (5-month-old female golden retriever) who boarded the ship in Ponce (Puerto Rico) with Alison Hubble (Chief of Staff).

Crew Neighborhood (staff and crew cabins and facilities)

RCI's ICON ships have a 4-deck Crew Neighborhood (housing 2350 people) featuring redesigned (new/patented) crew cabins with an L-shaped bed layout. Crew staterooms are all with double occupancy (each accommodates max two persons) and fitted with TV, a writing table, electric sockets (with USB ports), storage spaces, privacy curtains, fixed lower and upper beds (the latter is accessed via stairs), and laminate flooring.

Another novelty is The Clubhouse - forward located crew lounge with full bar service, fitted with massage chairs, ping pong and foosball tables, and billiards, as well as 4x LCD Virtual Windows providing real-time outside views.

Also new are the crew-only Beauty Salon (hairstyling and barber services), Store, Game Room, and Gym. The Crew Buffet Restaurant has porthole windows and, along with the traditional cold and hot food stations, also has live cooking stations.

There is also a Messhall (multipurpose room/entertainment venue) where can be hosted crew training sessions as well as celebrations and dance parties.

Each ICON-class ship has 23 galleys/kitchens (serving 27 dining venues) and 425 chefs. Most food/beverage supplies are sourced from the homeport, the rest are locally sourced (in call ports). The stored supplies are enough for 3 consecutive voyages (21 days).

Itineraries

Icon Of The Seas itinerary program was officially revealed on October 20, 2022, and RCI opened Icon OTS' cruises for booking on Oct 24th (for loyalty program members) and Oct 25th (to the general public).

Icon OTS' Maiden Voyage started from homeport Miami Florida on January 27, 2024.

The ship is currently scheduled to operate alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries (7-day roundtrips from Miami), all visiting CocoCay Bahamas . The voyages' call ports include Philipsburg (St. Maarten) , Basseterre (St Kitts) , Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas, US Virgin Islands) , Coxen Hole (Isla Roatan, Honduras) , Mexico's Cozumel and Costa Maya .

In September 2023 were opened for booking the ship's 2025-2026 voyages. The 7-day roundtrip Miami itineraries included "Eastern Caribbean & CocoCay" (Puerto Plata Dominicana, San Juan Puerto Rico, Philipsburg St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie St Thomas) and "Western Caribbean & CocoCay" (Costa Maya and Cozumel Mexico, Isla Roatan Honduras).

Photos of Icon Of The Seas

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RCG-Royal Caribbean Group projects 40% earnings increase for 2024

The combined fleet of RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, and Silversea (collectively operated by Royal Caribbean Group/RCG) served 7.6...

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Other Royal Caribbean cruise ships

• Adventure Of The Seas
• Allure Of The Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Brilliance Of The Seas
• Enchantment Of The Seas
• Explorer Of The Seas
• Freedom Of The Seas
• Grandeur Of The Seas
• Harmony Of The Seas
• Independence Of The Seas
• Jewel Of The Seas
• Liberty Of The Seas
• Mariner Of The Seas
• Navigator Of The Seas
• Oasis Of The Seas
• Odyssey Of The Seas
• Ovation Of The Seas
• Quantum Of The Seas
• Radiance Of The Seas
• Rhapsody Of The Seas
• Serenade Of The Seas
• Spectrum Of The Seas
• Star Of The Seas
• Symphony Of The Seas
• Utopia Of The Seas
• Vision Of The Seas
• Voyager Of The Seas
• Wonder Of The Seas

Icon Of The Seas Wiki

On October 10, 2016, Meyer Turku Oy (Finland) and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group signed the MoU agreement (memorandum of understanding) and officially announced the building order for two vessels under the project name "ICON". The units are LNG-powered (by liquified natural gas), employ fuel cell technology, and are classified by DNV GL (Hovik Norway-headquartered international ship registrar and classification society). The MoU ceremony was attended by Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO), Jan Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO) and Harri Kulovaara (Finnish naval architect, RCCL's Maritime and Newbulding's Executive Vice President).

The ICON shipbuilding order with Meyer Werft Turku was contingent upon the completion of contractual conditions, including documentation and financing.

Royal Caribbean also trademarked the name "Icon of the Seas", which has been suggested as the indication to the name of the first unit from this series. On October 17, 2016, the company filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the "Icon of the Seas" ship name.

On June 27, 2017, Royal Caribbean filed for new trademarks on "Joy of the Seas" (serial number 87507232) and "Apex of the Seas" (serial number 87507244). The cruise company registered the trademarks in September 2014. However, both were abandoned one year later, on September 14, 2015. The registration came days after trademarking Spectrum of the Seas .

On July 2, 2019, was ordered the third ICON unit, scheduled for delivery in 2025. The signing ceremony was signed by Richard Fain (RCCL's Chairman and CEO), Jan Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO), and Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO).

In 2019, the Finnish shipbuilder Mayer Turku had an order book listing the following cruise ships planned for deliveries in:

• 2019 ( Costa Smeralda /GT 180K)
• 2020 ( Carnival Mardi Gras /GT 180K)
• 2021 ( Costa Toscana /GT 180K)
• 2022 ( Carnival Celebration /GT 180K, ICON 1/GT250K)
• 2023 ( TUI Mein Schiff 7 /GT 110K)
• 2025 (ICON 2/ Star Of The Seas /GT 250K)
• 2026 (ICON 3/TBN/GT 250K)

ICON ships have volume ~250800 GT-tons and DWT deadweight ~13500 tons. ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD is registered as the shipowner and management company.

Liquefied natural gas was envisioned as the primary fuel for the ICON-class ships, which decreases CO2 (carbon dioxide) and completely eliminates soot particles, nitrogen oxide (NOX), and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions. On Royal Caribbean's ICON ships was introduced fuel cell technology, which combined with hull air lubrication means the vessels are among the most fuel-efficient ever built.

RCI's ICON liners run primarily on LNG but also on distillate fuel (MDO/marine diesel oil), in order to accommodate itineraries with call ports without LNG-support infrastructure. The design includes shoreside power capabilities allowing the main engines to be shut down while the boats are docked/berthed in ports fitted with such equipment. During the port stay, all the electricity needed for onboard operations/hotel services is provided by the city's power grid.

Before the new ships' debut, testing of fuel cell technology began on the existing OASIS-class vessels, while larger fuel cell projects were tested on QUANTUM-class units (while under construction).

ICON is the first new ship class/design by RCG since 2018 - when debuted Celebrity Cruises ' new EDGE class with Celebrity Edge . RCG continued to expand RCI's fleet with newbuilds from the existing and popular OASIS- and QUANTUM-class liners.

The vessel's construction officially started on June 14, 2021, with the steel-cutting ceremony (yard/hull number 1400) held at Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku Finland . The ceremony was attended by Richard Fain (RCG's Chairman and CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO), and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO). The same yard also built RCI's first two OASIS-class boats - Oasis OTS (2009) and Allure OTS (2010).

All blocks (hull+superstructure sections/201 total) were made in Germany (at Neptun Werft in Rostock ), then transported/tugged on heavy-lift barges to Finland for assembly.

The keel-laying for the first Icon-class ship (hull/Mayer Turku yard number NB-1400) was initially planned for October 2019. For the sisterships were allocated the following IMOs/hull numbers - "Apex of the Seas" (9829942/NB-1401) and "Joy of the Seas" (9888560/NB-1402).

Meyer Werft Turku works with 1000+ suppliers from various countries. Cruise ships' cabins are modular (prefabricated and later assembled at the shipyard) and made by the subsidiary Piikkio Works Oy, which has a factory in Piikkio Finland (approx 20 km / 13 mi to the east of Turku City). Cruise ships' public spaces are also prefabricated (and later drydock-assembled) and made by the subsidiary Shipbuilding Completion Oy (in Turku). Technology design and engineering services are provided by the company ENGnD Oy ( Rauma Finland ).

In May 2021, the first hull blocks of Icon OTS (fabricated at Neptun Werft Shipyard, Rostock Germany ) were loaded onto barges and shipped to Finland for drydock assembly (welded together). Meyer Turku also constructed RCI's mega-liners Oasis OTS (2009) and Allure OTS (2010).

In late-December 2021, to Meyer Turku were towed/barged by 4x tugboats the first pre-assembled in Poland (at Gdansk Shipyard ) hull blocks, with weights 37-67 tons. Their assembly/the ship's physical construction officially started with the keel-laying ceremony held on April 5, 2022. The special event was attended by Jason Liberty (RCG's new President and CEO), Richard Fain (RCG's Chairman), Bernard Meyer (Meyer Group's Chairman), Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO), Olli Jantunen (Meyer Turku's Head of Department and ICON-class Project Manager).

The DOBEL Film Laminated Steel used for the vessel's construction (approx 350,000 m2/~3,8 million ft2) was delivered by Metalcolour Group (1974-founded company specializing in the production of high-quality, film-laminated and pre-coated/painted steel and aluminum plates). Metalcolour Group has subsidiaries/production plants in Sweden, Denmark and Singapore.

The vessel was launched/floated out from drydock on December 9, 2022. The construction process in Finland involved ~2600 workers from 20+ different nationalities, including shipyard employees and subcontractors,

The Baltic Sea trials were successfully completed in the period June 18-22, 2023. Conducted by 450+ people (crew, shipyard- and contract workers) the 4-day sea trials were to assess the hull, to evaluate all technologies and equipment (engines, propulsion/thrusters, navigation system/full-stop, steering), various machinery, electronics, lifeboats, as well as noise and vibration levels. The second sea trials are planned for December 2023, for pushing the vessel to its limits before the official delivery to RCI in January 2024.

Icon OTS' Master is Captain Henrik Loy ( Bergen Norway -born, with RCI since 1997).

In September 2023, RCI signed a partnership with Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co KG (1879-founded, Hamburg -based company) for managing the retail shopping venues on Icon OTS. The ship's shopping complex spreads across four floors (decks 5-6-8-15) and groups a total of 14 retail shops. The onboard stores sell duty- and tax-free priced products like perfumes, cosmetics, fashion clothing and accessories, watches, jewelry, liquor and tobacco, confectionery, games and toys. A dedicated Tech Shop sells electronics, gadgets, batteries, headphones, walkie-talkies, Nintendo 3DS gaming consoles. The Splash Store sells sunscreens, skincare products, swim accessories, while the Health Essentials Store sells toiletries and medicines. In 2023, besides Icon OTS, RCI had contracts with the German company for the retail venues onboard the fleetmates Wonder OTS , Odyssey OTS and Independence OTS .

In October 2023 was extended the 2019-signed contract with SOMEC Group's subsidiary SOMEC Navale(1995-founded, Italian company). The EUR 19,4 million contract was for the supply and installation of all glass structures (including windows and railings on open decks and balconies, and motorized blinds embedded in all sliding windows) for both ICON ships (Icon OTS and Star OTS).

Icon OTS was officially delivered to RCI from Meyer Turku on November 27, 2023. The delivery documents were signed by Jason Liberty (RCG's President and CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO) and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku Oy's CEO).

In December 2023, RCI announced that Icon OTS' christening ceremony (in PortMiami) will be led by Lionel Andres Messi (aka Leo Messi/1987-born Argentine footballer) serving as the ship's godfather.

Each of RCI's ICON ships has a powerplant based on six Wartsila marine engines (dual fuel) running on both diesel and LNG/liquified natural gas. The powerplant's total output is 67,5 MW (90520 hp). The ship also has installed hydrogen-based fuel cell technology using seawater to generate electricity and fresh water. Icon OTS became RCI's first vessel to use the new technology.

Icon OTS' first engine (No 2) was powered for the first time on March 15, 2023, at 11 am (10 am UTC). Also in March was published the "The Top Deck Challenge" video about the construction works related to open deck and water installations, including the top deck's facilities (waterpark/slides and the swimming pools).

The next "teaser" video was YouTubed by RCI on September 22, 2022.

ICON-class are LNG-powered ships, each having two LNG fuel tanks (for storing liquefied natural gas, manufactured at Meyer Neptune) each with capacity 307 tons and length 27,4 m (90 ft). Fuel tanks, like the engines and other large machinery, are installed into the hull blocks assembled at Meyer Turku.

RCI's ICON-class ship technologies also include shore power connectivity (using the port's/city's power grid electricity for onboard services while berthed) and an advanced WHRS (waste heat recovery system) that generates power using waste heat from the main engines and the output gases. Cold temperatures from the LNG tanks are utilized by the onboard cooling systems. The lighting is entirely LED. The underwater hull's exterior is with a specialized coating (anti-fouling paint) to slow the growth of and facilitate the detachment of marine organisms.

The ICON ships debut the Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis technology - an innovative (the first-at-sea) waste-to-energy plant. The technology turns solid waste (food/bio) into fuel (used to power the desalinization plant) while the remaining by-product (pelletized carbon) is supplied to farmers as fertilizer.

These RCI vessels are also outfitted with bigger-capacity water treatment systems (evaporators and reverse osmosis plants) to support the increased freshwater consumption (for the hotel operations and at all water facilities/pools, slides, etc). Curiously, ~93% of the needed freshwater is produced onboard.

RCI's Icon OTS construction update teaser (released in May 2022) showed a huge white sphere installed midship on top deck. The spherical object weighs 175 tonnes, has diameter 50 ft (15,2 m), height 46 ft (14 m) and consists of 578 aluminum panels. In late-June RCI's President (Michael Bayley) called the big white ball "The Pearl".

In early-June 2022, RCI trademarked 6x names for facilities/venues on Icon OTS - The Orb, The Oyster, The Gem, The Jewel, The Pearl, The Star. In September was trademarked "Icon of Vacations".

On June 15, 2022, RCG signed with Eagle LNG Partners LLC (Eagle LNG) a contract for providing LNG (liquefied natural gas) and bunkering services to RCI liners, the first of which is Icon OTS. The gas supply is sourced from Eagle LNG's facilities in JAXPORT-Jacksonville Florida , shipped throughout the Caribbean and bunkered by Eagle LNG-owned newbuild vessels.

Another fleet-first facility is the "AquaDome". Positioned above the Wheelhouse, this is an AquaTheater (redesigned concept but) similar to OASIS- and QUANTUM ships' Solarium. The glass roof structure/dome weighs 367 tons and is comprised of 12 modules made of different materials (glass, steel, aluminum panels).

Icon OTS also has a hull (painted in baby blue) with a parabolic bow and vertical stern (also fleet's firsts) both creating a curved indentation in the hull's bottom. The parabolic bow design increases the vessel's overall stability (by shifting the gravity center forward) and also makes it less prone to heeling or capsizing. Like on all large newbuild cruisers, the hull is fitted with Wartsila's air lubrication system that reduces frictional resistance by creating a coating of microbubbles on the flat bottom.

For the vessel's construction were used ~14,5 km / 9 mi of electric cables.

In the period March 10 - April 4, 2023, RCI launched the new "Artist Discovery Program" allowing artists from around the world to submit original works to be later displayed on Icon OTS. RCI also commissioned Caribbean artists to create 9x large-scale murals displayed within 3x locations: Suite Neighborhood, Royal Promenade Neighborhood, and at the main ship entrance. Each mural received an RCI grant varying between USD 20K-100K.

During the drydocking in Cadiz Spain (Dec 5-23, 2023), the Central Park received 10,000+ live plants. The drydocking was also for final adjustments and technical works, including on the boxcoolers (heat exchangers) and sea chests (recesses in the hull), as well as repairs to the propulsion system (an ABB Azipod).

In May 2024, on Icon OTS were installed a total of 153 dishwashers from Hobart Corporation (1897-founded, Troy Ohio-headquartered manufacturing company owned by Illinois Tool Works Inc). The equipment included  82x under-counter machines, 42x hood-type, 15x utensil washers, 9x large conveyors and 7x rack-type washers. According to the company, ~90% of all cruise ships in the world are equipped with Hobart dishwashers.

Inaugural itineraries (2024)

Icon Of The Seas cruises (as itineraries) were officially revealed on October 20, 2022, and opened for booking on Oct 24th (for loyalty program members) and Oct 25th (to the general public).

Icon OTS left Europe (departed from Cadiz Spain ) on December 22, 2023, repositioning to the Caribbean. The liner was carrying only service staff (crew members, shipyard workers, contractors, RCI shore teams.  The 7-day Transatlantic crossing included an overnight in Algeciras (Dec 23-24) and a technical stop in Ponce Puerto Rico (arriving January 2, 2024) for passing regulatory inspections and crewing, as well as bunkering/fueling and provisioning, and loading and offloading of equipment. In Ponce, the yard workers were disembarked and flown back home. Icon OTS stopped overnight at CocoCay (Jan 8-9th) to allow the startup crew to rest and party before the arrival in PortMiami (Jan 10th, at 12:08 UTC).

Leaving roundtrip out of Miami, before the official inaugural sailing (Jan 27th), Icon OTS had several shakedown/test cruises. During the passenger-free voyages, company employees (crew and service staff) acted as guests, to test/adjust the onboard procedures. The last test cruise (Jan 20-23) was attended also by Royal Caribbean executives, VIP guests, travel agents and media representatives. The voyage ended with the naming ceremony (Jan 23rd, in PortMiami) led by the ship's godfather Lionel Messi.

The next tables show the Maiden Voyage and the inaugural season's itineraries in the Caribbean, with homeporting in Miami (Florida USA) .

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 7-day "Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise" (with St Kitts Island) - prices started at USD 2260 per person with double occupancy

(inaugural) 7-day "Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise" - from US$ 1560 pp

(inaugural) 7-day Eastern Caribbean with St Maarten Island (from U$1320 pp)

(inaugural) 7-day Western Caribbean with Roatan Island - from US$1190 pp

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What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Here’s what you need to know about every Celebrity Cruises ship.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is among our readers' favorite mega-ship ocean lines — coming in at No. 1 in 2022 and No. 2 in 2023 as part of our World's Best Awards (WBA) — and it's easy to see why. This WBA Hall of Fame honoree truly shines with its sophisticated, tasteful decor and sleek onboard spaces, including swanky lounges, dazzling bars, gourmet specialty restaurants, and contemporary suites. Almost all Celebrity ships, except the three Xpedition-class vessels, offer standard amenities like casinos, retail shops, spas, and Broadway-level shows and entertainment. There's also the adults-only Solarium and The Retreat, the latter of which is reserved exclusively for suite guests. Paul Brady , Travel + Leisure ’s news director and cruise expert, told us, “Because its ships offer so much to do, Celebrity is a fantastic choice for families, who can choose from a huge array of well-designed staterooms and suites. Groups of friends, too, will find much to like, thanks to the brand's fantastic dining (and drinking) options.”

Meet the Expert

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on all things cruise.

Kari Becker is a travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels.

With a fleet of 16 ships, it can be tricky to determine which Celebrity ship is best suited for your specific needs.Travel advisor Kari Becker of Marvelous Mouse Travels explains, "Whatever your taste, there is a perfect Celebrity cruise to meet your needs." She continues, telling T+L, "There are three main classes: the Edge, Solstice, and Millennium classes, all with unique features, benefits, and advantages." The Millennium-class ships are smaller which, per Becker, may "offer a more personalized experience." Solstice is the largest class of Celebrity's fleet, says Becker. "When designed, these ships focused on innovation, with unique spaces including a real grass lawn, and unique onboard experiences, such as glass-making classes." Last but not least is Celebrity's Edge class. Per the pro, the ships in the line's newest class are "the largest of the fleet, offering more space for additional experiences and restaurants, including a massive pool deck, floating platform at sea (aptly called the Magic Carpet), and Rooftop Garden." All in all, she says, "The Edge series is for guests looking for transformative cruising and splendor with countless gourmet restaurants and immersive entertainment." 

Ahead, we’ve listed every Celebrity ship currently in service — complete with their notable amenities, launch year, guest capacity, and other need-to-know insights — to help you determine which vessel is best for your next voyage.

Celebrity Ascent

Inaugural Year: 2023

Ship Class: Edge 

Ship Capacity: 3,260 passengers

Celebrity’s newest ship is also its flashiest — in the best way possible. The Celebrity Ascent offers an expanded Retreat area (exclusive to suite guests), complete with a 40-percent-larger two-story sundeck, and the swanky Sunset Bar, which is 180 percent larger. Beyond The Retreat, there are 32 bars, restaurants, and lounges, a lush Rooftop Garden, an adults-only Solarium, the three-level Eden restaurant and entertainment venue, and the Magic Carpet, a floating platform that reaches 13 stories above sea level. Finally, stay in one of the Iconic Suites, the largest in the Celebrity fleet, for the ultimate splurge. 

Celebrity Beyond

Inaugural Year: 2022

Celebrity Beyond is nearly identical to Celebrity Ascent . Both Edge-class sister ships have the same spectacular amenities and features, including a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center that’s sure to impress wellness-seekers, who will also be happy in one of the AquaClass Sky Suites, which offer in-room yoga mats and fitness equipment. It’s also worth noting that these suite guests also enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite and a dedicated spa concierge. Don’t miss the adults-only Solarium, the Rooftop Garden, the aforementioned Eden, or the Magic Carpet, which offers the best views at sea.

Paul Brady was onboard the Beyond in October 2022. “My stateroom, 9164, was a Sky Suite, with a king bed facing a private terrace and a clever roll-open mirror that let natural light into the spacious bathroom. Dining at the Daniel Boulud restaurant Le Voyage was one highlight — with seven courses — but so too were casual cocktails at Sunset Bar, with its touch of Moroccan design influence courtesy of Nate Berkus, who dreamed up the multi-level lounge,” said Brady of his experience.  

Celebrity Apex

Inaugural Year: 2020

Ship Capacity: 2,910 passengers

The second Edge-class ship, Celebrity Apex, made its grand debut in 2020. It boasts an abundance of stylish onboard spaces, including the Rooftop Garden and the adults-only Solarium. Access to the exclusive Retreat area is reason alone to book one of the contemporary suites. Other highlights include the dazzling three-story Grand Plaza, where you’ll find the aptly named Martini Bar, one of 29 bars, lounges, and restaurants aboard Apex , along with the orange-hued Magic Carpet, which offers live music and a full bar 13 feet above sea level.  

“I was fortunate to snag one of just a handful of Royal Suites on the ship, 12105, which had the look of a chic coastal Florida cottage, elevated with pops of bright green, geometric tiling, and contemporary art on the walls. The bathroom, with a deep soaking tub and spacious shower, rivaled any I’ve seen at land-based resorts,” said Brady of his November 2021 sailing. “Same with the Grand Plaza at the heart of the ship, a gathering place with a hotel lobby vibe in the best possible sense — and a glitzy Martini Bar.”

Read More : 9 Best Cruises for Couples

Celebrity Flora

Inaugural Year: 2019

Ship Class: Xpedition 

Ship Capacity: 100 passengers

Cruise the Galapagos in style aboard Celebrity Flora , which made its maiden voyage in 2019. The vessel was designed with sustainability in mind: It's built with natural materials and features anchorless technology to protect the seabed. Certified naturalists from Galapagos National Park are on board to help guests gain a better understanding of the region for an educational trip. The ship also offers a once-in-a-lifetime glamping experience, which includes dinner and drinks, a naturalist-guided stargazing session, accommodations in a cabana-turned-double bed, and a private breakfast. Plus, with its all-suite accommodations, the small ship has a mega-yacht feel.

Celebrity Edge

Inaugural Year: 2018

Ship Capacity: 2,918 passengers

This sophisticated ship — the first in Celebrity’s Edge class — changed the game following its 2018 debut. What’s more, Edge was the very first Celebrity ship to feature the Magic Carpet, the multifunctional Eden, and the Infinite Veranda Staterooms, which, with the touch of a button, transform your living space into your very own private balcony.

Related: 10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts

Celebrity Reflection

Inaugural Year: 2012

Ship Class: Solstice 

Ship Capacity: 3,046 passengers

The fifth, final, and largest Solstice-class cruise ship, Celebrity Reflection , will impress even the pickiest of travelers with its onboard activities, amenities, and spaces, including a total of 22 bars, restaurants, and lounges. In addition to The Retreat (reserved exclusively for suite guests) and The Solarium (adults-only), Reflection — along with all Solstice-class ships — boasts the Lawn Club. Located on the top deck of the ship, this chic outdoor space (which is outfitted with real grass, no less), is perfect for sipping cocktails, enjoying a leisurely lunch, listening to live music, lounging in a cabana, or playing a game of bocce or croquet. The adults-only Persian Garden area at the spa is a favorite amongst wellness enthusiasts.

Celebrity Silhouette

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Capacity: 2,902 passengers

Celebrity Silhouette is elegant in every sense, from the aptly named Grand Foyer — with its marvelous marble floors, extravagant staircase (which is prime for photo opportunities), and the first panoramic oceanview glass elevators at sea — to stylish lounges like The Hideaway or the natural light-filled Sky Lounge. While suite guests gain exclusive access to The Retreat, anyone can relax in one of the swanky pool areas or the laid-back Lawn Club. Then, when hunger — or thirst — calls, passengers can take their pick of over 20 food and drink options.

Celebrity Eclipse

Inaugural Year: 2010

Ship Capacity: 2,852 passengers

An impressive modern art collection, an expansive spa, a half-acre lawn, and top-notch dining: Find all this and more aboard Celebrity Eclipse , which debuted in 2010. This Solstice-class vessel also boasts an onboard nightclub, popular among party-centric travelers, a striking Grand Foyer, and, last but not least, the Solstice Club. Located at the highest point of the ship, the Solstice Club is a haven for R&R with its canopy lounge beds — and it’s also a popular spot for morning yoga or evening stargazing sessions.

Related: 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Celebrity Equinox

Inaugural Year: 2009

Refurbished in 2019, Celebrity Equinox exudes cool. On board this stylish ship, guests can sip cocktails in style at one of several hip bars, including the Martini Bar and Slush, enjoy a picnic lunch or practice their golf swing at the half-acre Lawn Club, or soak up the sun at the adults-only Solarium or the plush lounge-lined pool area. Finally, guests should consider booking a suite to access Luminae, a swanky restaurant that serves decadent dishes designed by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud.

Celebrity Solstice

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Capacity:  2,852 passengers

The first ship in Celebrity’s Solstice class currently cruises Alaska and the Pacific Coast in style. Here, you’ll find the lush Lawn Club, the adults-only Persian Garden thermal suite, and the glam Grand Foyer. Additional highlights include the Solstice Deck, an onboard nightclub, and a slew of bars and lounges, including the wine-centric Cellar Masters, where oenophiles can learn about – and taste — a wide variety of vinos from across the globe. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Hot Glass Class, featuring professional-led glass-blowing demos.

Read More : 10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

Celebrity Xploration

Inaugural Year: 2007

Ship Class: Xpedition

Ship Capacity: 16 passengers

With a passenger capacity of just 16, the Xploration is Celebrity’s smallest ship. As such, cruisers can expect an intimate onboard ambiance. When not out and about exploring the Galapagos, guests can hang in the lounge, relax in their suite (some with private balconies), and soak up some rays — or stargaze — on the hot tub-equipped sundeck.

Celebrity Constellation

Inaugural Year: 2002

Ship Class: Millennium 

Ship Capacity: 2,184 passengers

This 22-year-old Celebrity ship offers a more refined, subdued atmosphere compared to the line’s newer ships, which boast flashier features like the Magic Carpet. The Rooftop Terrace area serves as a restaurant, bar, and outdoor movie theater, complete with cozy furnishings coupled with mouthwatering bites and sips. Meanwhile, the adults-only Persian Garden area in the spa is ideal for wellness-seeking cruisers.

Celebrity Summit

Inaugural Year: 2001

Ship Capacity: 2,218 passengers

Celebrity Summit, which cruises Alaska and the Caribbean, technically dates back to 2001; however, in 2019, it received a $75-million refurbishment to bring it a little more in line with Celebrity’s newest ships, including 2018’s Celebrity Edge . Expect stylish spaces galore, including the Sunset and Martini bars, plus a sleek Rooftop Terrace where cruisers can catch outdoor flicks while basking in the ocean views.

Read More : 25 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation

Celebrity Xpedition

Ship Class: Xpedition  

Ship Capacity: 48 passengers

Last refurbished in 2018, Celebrity Xpedition was purposely built to cruise the Galapagos. The immersive onboard experience includes nightly lectures by certified naturalists from Galapagos National Park, who will be on board the entire sailing. Enjoy postcard-worthy views from the Panorama Deck, or take a dip in the hot tub on the Sunrise Deck. Passengers can choose from a handful of elegant rooms and suites; however, those who want their own balcony will need to spring on the latter.

Celebrity Infinity

Inaugural Year: 2000

Ship Capacity: 2,170 passengers

Celebrity Infinity is a favorite among laid-back cruisers — primarily couples and adult friend groups. Popular onboard hangout spots include the adults-only Solarium, the buzzy Rooftop Terrace, and, for suite guests, The Retreat. The ship also has a handful of specialty dining restaurants (in addition to complimentary ones, of course). Le Petit Chef is well worth the added fee thanks to a combination of gourmet eats and exhilarating entertainment complete with tabletop animations.

Read More : 10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

Celebrity Millennium

Inaugural Year: 1999

Ship Class: Millennium  

Don’t sleep on Celebrity’s oldest ship, which includes a handful of fan-favorite amenities and spaces such as The Retreat, the Solarium, the Rooftop Terrace, and the Grand Foyer. Last refurbished in 2019, Millennium now features a more contemporary design aesthetic, similar to what you’d find on the newer ships. There are also more than 15 bars and restaurants on board.

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Home » Cruise » Royal Caribbean » Icon of the Seas » We Just Returned from the First Cruise on Icon of the Seas, the Largest Cruise Ship in the World

We Just Returned from the First Cruise on Icon of the Seas, the Largest Cruise Ship in the World

Discover what it is really like on the world's largest cruise ship with our Icon of the Seas cruise ship review from the first sailing.

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We are no stranger to mega-ships. Heidi and I have sailed on the world’s largest cruise ships from all the major cruise lines. So, we thought we knew what to expect boarding Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.  Well, this new mega-ship certainly surprised us. Find out why with our Icon of the Seas cruise ship review.

NOW LIVE: OUR COMPLETE ICON OF THE SEAS CRUISE REVIEW

Our Complete Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship Review Scorecard

We were fortunate to spend 10 days sailing on the brand-new Icon of the Seas. With all this time, we saw all the shows, tested the new food and beverage offerings, and finally figured out how to get around this 250K+ GT mega-ship.

First stepping onboard the cruise ship for our 3-day preview cruise, we quickly realized that Icon of the Seas was not just an enhancement to the Oasis-class ships. This vessel does share several layout features found on the previous record-breaking class of ship from Royal Caribbean . Yet, Icon of the Seas has a unique personality all her own. She improves upon several of the features we love about cruising with Royal Caribbean and adds many new amenities and attractions as well, putting her in a league of her own.

Our 7-day inaugural sailing had about 5500 passengers, which is essentially double occupancy. So, even though we were worried about crowds, there were never any issues. This surprised us, as we were initially concerned that the ship’s design would inevitably not disperse passengers as planned and lead to crowding.

While there are bound to be busy areas on any mega-ship, Icon of the Seas dispersed crowds even better than we imagined. While that might differ with another 1,500 cruisers onboard when sailing at full capacity, we suspect there will not be significant issues like other cruise ships from competitor brands .

The enhanced neighborhood concept, with these areas designed to be “inhabitable all day”, really eases any pain-points that you might expect on a cruise ship with so many passengers. While other cruise lines have decks with featured amenities or “zones”, Royal Caribbean was the first to introduce completely themed neighborhoods.

And, on Icon of the Seas, these neighborhoods provide even more amenities, including options for food and drinks, allowing cruisers to spend an entire day in one of the eight distinct areas. Given they are so distinct, cruisers can gravitate towards whichever neighborhood fits their mood on any given day. Families can choose to chill or thrill together or perhaps explore their own interests for part of the day.

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One neighborhood on Icon of the Seas to get an extensive upgrade is the pool deck. This new cruise ship boasts seven pools, all with a unique vibe and design. These pools are also scattered around the ship, with Decks 15, 16, and 17 comprising what you would typically think of a pool deck.

The most popular pool on our sailing, at least for adults, was the Hideaway on Deck 15. The Hideaway is one of the eight neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas.

With an entrance from Thrill Island on Deck 16, this aft pool area features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Even though the pool didn’t officially open most days until 9 or 10 am, many of the sun loungers on the terraced sundeck were claimed by early morning. There are also daybeds that are available for rent here.

Like any cruise ship, the aft is the most desirable location. So, spending a day at sea with a drink from the Hideaway Bar and some wake views is pretty iconic.

Four additional pools can be found in the Chill Island neighborhood. The Cloud 17 pool is on Deck 17. It’s located forward on the starboard side and offers plenty of padded loungers and a small infinity pool. The Deck 16 Swim and Tonic was another popular spot, as it’s Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea. Still, we were able to grab drinks one afternoon without much hassle. Here, cruisers can relax in the pool or on one of the in-pool loungers.

On Deck 15, there’s the record-breaking Royal Bay Pool on the starboard side. Given its large footprint, two whirlpools, and several in-pool chairs along with a variety of other lounge options, this popular pool never felt overwhelmed with cruisers.

There’s also the secluded Cove Pool on Deck 15 for those seeking a little shade. Once again, this infinity pool is surrounded by numerous seating options in the shade along with some bright and funky furniture lining the portside of this deck.

Not to mention, the Water’s Edge pool is in the Surfside neighborhood, and there’s a private pool for those in suites up in The Grove on Deck 18 forward.

Families with little kids will have the Surfside Neighborhood on Deck 7 all to themselves. Aft on this deck is Splashaway Bay. Designed for kids six years or younger, this is a popular water feature on many Royal Caribbean ships. For the adults, the Water’s Edge pool is behind this splash pad. This pool offers amazing aft views for you to enjoy while your little ones enjoy their own water playground.

Finding a spot at one of the pools was never an issue on our sailing. In fact, we were surprised at how many loungers were still available by noontime on a sea day . Whether cruisers are craving some sun or shade, the new Chill Island offers a variety of options.

Sports Deck

Like many aspects of Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean took its typical sports deck to new heights. The newly themed Thrill Island includes many staples found on other ships in the fleet along with some firsts at sea.

Of course, there is your typical sports court suspended above Deck 16. This unique design opens up the aft of the ship, enabling more public venues and improving passenger flow.

Below the court on the portside is the Lost Dunes mini-golf. This intricately themed mini-golf is complimentary and open most of the day. We gave the course a test match and had a fun afternoon putting around. We don’t have to mention who won.

Adrenaline Peak is the rock climbing wall on the ship. It is in a different location from the Oasis class. Actually, the design and layout reminded us more of the Quantum class .

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Royal Caribbean cruise ship without a FlowRider. Tucked away on the starboard side, this surf simulator faces inward towards the ship. On most vessels in the fleet, the FlowRider is outward facing towards the ocean.

Though, the highlights of Thrill Island are the two new attractions.

The Crown’s Edge is Royal Caribbean’s attempt at a ropes course on one of its ships. This up-charge activity is set to a theme where adventurers need to escape from Thrill Island. The big draw is when the floor drops from beneath you and you zip line over the edge of the ship.

While it is fun, other cruise lines offer more intricate courses, with more exhilarating experiences (in our opinion), for free.

Lastly, the crown jewel of the sports deck is the Category 6 waterpark. Of course, I had to test all the slides for this Icon of the Seas cruise ship review.

With the cruise line positioning Icon as the “best of every vacation,” the complimentary water park is certainly a direct competitor to theme parks on land. With 5 unique attractions, these slides are undoubtedly the best at sea. They have plenty of re-ride ability.

Thankfully, Category 6 is separate from the pools. So, cruisers wanting a more relaxing pool day don’t have to worry about this attraction.

During our cruise, the waterslides had small lines. But, the cruise line claims that it can process 1500 passengers in about an hour. So, you shouldn’t be waiting all day, even during summer vacation, to experience the best waterpark at sea.

If you are looking for the biggest thrill, I suggest you head straight for Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea.

Complimentary Dining

Royal Caribbean boasts that there are over 40 ways to eat and drink on Icon of the Seas . Of course, we made sure to try all of the restaurants during our sailing.

Along with new concepts, there are many returning favorites. When it comes to casual eats, El Loco Fresh still serves up Tex-Mex nachos, burritos, and tacos on the pool deck until around 8 pm.

Likewise, the Park Café in Central Park still features breakfast sandwiches, a bagel bar, salad bar, and the Royal Kummelweck sandwich. This casual restaurant has a new upscale look and feel with comfy seating, making it look more like a trendy cafe than a cruise ship quick service restaurant. What’s new is that Park Café now offers tapas in the evenings like mini meatballs and meat and cheese plates.  

Icon of the Seas’ upgraded 24-hour spot is the Pearl Café. Finally, Royal Caribbean has significantly improved its menu at the onboard coffee shop. The new steak and cheese breakfast sandwich and barbecue chicken biscuit were vast improvements over the small bites typically found at the Café Promenade on other Royal Caribbean ships. This venue also features new grab-and-go items.

Pearl Café still serves Starbucks Coffee, which is included in the Royal Caribbean drink package or the Café Select Coffee card . The licensed Starbucks location one deck down is NOT included.

Not to mention, the overall vibe of the Pearl Café is much different. The area is open with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, comfy seating options, and plenty of outlets. So, cruisers can relax or do a little work while enjoying some coffee and snacks throughout the day.

Additionally, there is the new Basecamp on Deck 16. Some of the quick bites at this Thrill Island location are complimentary like the pretzel bites, tater tots, or a hot dog. But, the menu also has up-charge items, like a smash burger for $11, waffle chicken nuggets for $7, and shrimp bao buns for $8. While good, we are not sure if they are worth the up-charge.  

Now, our favorite addition to the dining lineup on Icon of the Seas is the AquaDome Market. Five unique stations are open most of the day from 10:30 am serving a variety of casual fare. Of course, we tested all the small bites here for this Icon of the Seas cruise ship review. And they were all great.

We appreciated the perfectly sized portions and fresh food quality. It was tough to pick out a favorite. But, I was fond of the gyros from Feta Mediterranean, the ginger beef from GNGR, and the strawberry Nutella crepe. Heidi liked the chicken from GNGR and the mac & cheese as well.

In the Surfside neighborhood, there are two more casual, complimentary dining options. The Surfside Eatery is a family-forward buffet. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there is a dedicated kids menu and some options for the adults. Some of the fan favorite items include the lasagna bites and taquitos. However, of all the dining on the ship, this was our least favorite.

But you can’t go wrong with popcorn chicken or a pizza toastie at the nearby Surfside Bites. This takeout window also has burgers, hotdogs, and irresistible cinnamon churros. This venue is open most days until 6 pm.

Pro Tip: grab some soft serve ice cream from the nearby Sprinkles and top it with two churros. Trust us!

Of course, the Windjammer Marketplace is still available on Icon of the Seas as well. This staple Royal Caribbean buffet offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the cruise. Also, it wouldn’t be a Royal Caribbean ship without Sorrento’s serving up slices of pizza into the early morning hours.

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Bars and Lounges

Royal Caribbean has also elevated its beverage program along with all the new dining. Icon of the Seas has nearly twenty bars , including 10 new establishments. Of course, we made sure to pop into each venue to try at least one signature cocktail. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean did not change the drink prices on Icon of the Seas . So, most specialty cocktails are covered in the beverage package.

The 1400 Lobby Bar is the new hip watering hole on the Royal Promenade. This trendy and modern space serves up signature cocktails themed after the different Royal Caribbean ships with the Fourteen Hundred in honor of the Icon-class. This bar is the perfect addition to the completely redesigned 2-story Royal Promenade.

Chill Island has 4 Lime and Coconut bars, including the brand-new frozen bar featuring poolside favorites like a Miami Vice. Of course, the other three locations still shake up favorites like the signature Lime & Coconut drink. The first swim-up bar in the Royal Caribbean fleet is the Swim and Tonic. This pool bar serves unique cocktails like the Iconic Gin and Tonic and the Limoncello Tonic.

The new Hideaway neighborhood has an upscale outdoor bar too. The Hideaway Bar boasts lux outdoor furniture and a signature drink menu with new favorites like the Oh Mai Gawd and Bae at the Beach.

Margaritas and mezcals are on the menu at Cantina Fresca on Chill Island, conveniently found near El Loco Fresh. Cruisers can also get some liquid courage from the rum-based specialty cocktails at the Basecamp Bar in Thrill Island.

Further, the new AquaDome neighborhood is home to a few bars too. These include the Overlook Bar with the signature Overlook Spritz. The new Rye and Bean coffee bar serves espresso-infused cocktails and other coffee drinks. The espresso martinis here are a must, especially as a pre-show drink.

While some Royal Caribbean ships have jazz clubs, Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues on Deck 8 in Central Park is an entirely re-imagined space. With a sultry, smooth vibe and specialty cocktails like a hurricane and jazzy saz, it is a relaxing departure from other bars on the ship. Cruisers also have the option of enjoying the music inside the venue or outdoors in the Park.

Or, they can enjoy the scenic surroundings of Central Park with a glass of champagne from Bubbles, the new champagne bar takeout window. There is also the spruced-up Trellis Bar. This venue offers the standard beverage menu, with a new tapas menu that is available for an upcharge.  

The family can grab a drink at the Lemon Post on Deck 7. All drinks feature flavored lemonade, with a wide selection of adult concoctions, like the Shade thrower, along with zero-proof offerings for the little ones.

Inside, the loyal Royal cruisers will find a typical lineup of bars and lounges. Though, some are in new locations. The Schooner Bar overlooks the two-story promenade on Deck 6 starboard side. Recently, Royal Caribbean updated this classic bar’s menu. Luckily, Heidi’s favorite lavender daiquiri is still available, along with the new toasted marshmallow old fashioned to go along with the nightly live piano music.

Likewise, Boleros remains on the Royal Promenade but is now found on Deck 6 across from the Schooner Bar. The Boleros menu has received a minor update as well. The Point and Feather is the newly updated English pub. This venue features a variety of ales and lagers, some new cocktails, and the same great live music.

Venues like Spotlight Karaoke, the Music Hall, and even the new Dueling Pianos all feature the same musically-inspired menu. However, each one has a signature cocktail to enjoy during the nightly performances.

Overall, we liked the variety of venues and drink menus. While some bars were more popular than others, this was primarily due to the live entertainment. Even when the venues were busy, we never waited too long to get a drink from the bar or a roaming server.

Along with distinct cocktails, many Icon of the Seas’ venues are home to live music and performances in the evenings.

Boleros features Latin dance music and alternates between a duo or a band. Phoenix rocked out the Music Hall with classic rock tribute shows. This venue was also home to a DJ and some parties and other activities later in the evening on select nights.   

Kevin Phillip was the pub acoustic performer. With his Scottish accent and lineup of typical hits and sing-alongs, this was a rowdy good time most nights. The new open design of the pub incorporates more promenade seating without interfering with the passenger flow in this often busy area.

Brand new to the cruise line is the Dueling Pianos bar. While Royal spent only a few minutes thinking about what to call the venue, they obviously did their homework. This lounge quickly became the most popular nighttime spot. The venue is open to the promenade, so those without seats can still peek in and enjoy the show.

Cruisers must arrive early to get a seat and sing along with Tim and Sarah during one of their several sets throughout the cruise. If you are a night owl, you will have a better shot at getting a seat during the 11 pm or midnight shows. But, the wait is worth it, as both performers kept the crowd crooning all night long.  

Despite this new addition, the Schooner Bar is still home to classic piano music. Andy C. offered relatively standard renditions each evening. While new, we were surprised that the jazz club was never all that busy, even though it had some great cocktails and live band music.

Out in Central Park, there was often live music in the evenings as well. With either strings or an acoustic guitar, these soothing tunes provided a lovely backdrop as cruisers enjoyed the surroundings with a drink and good company.

The Attic, newly relocated to the second floor of the Royal Promenade, has comedy shows on most nights of the cruise.

While Royal Caribbean typically has two comedians, this special sailing featured three, including our favorite, Simeon Kirkiles. Reservations can be made pre-cruise or once onboard. However, we went standby later in the cruise and had no issues getting into one of the shows.

Of course, a Royal Caribbean cruise wouldn’t be complete without parties and parades. Along with the embarkation day Midnight Balloon Drop, there was also the Ships Ahoy parade as well as a family-friendly and adult-oriented Hush Silent party, among other events.

Signature Entertainment

For us, Royal Caribbean offers the best entertainment in the industry. The cruise line has long pushed the envelope, offering Broadway productions and unique entertainment stages. While not debuting any new venues on Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has enhanced several of its still one-of-a-kind stages.

The most significant change to the Icon class is relocating the AquaTheater to the top of the ship on Deck 15 forward in the AquaDome neighborhood. While we were skeptical of this change, after experiencing the ship, we think it better utilizes the space. Plus, there’s no longer a need to cancel shows due to rain.

For now, there is one featured production, Aqua Action. This intense diving and aqua show attempts to replicate an action movie utilizing state-of-the-art pools, lifts, and robots. A second show Pirates vs. Mermaids will debut at a later date.

During our sailing, Aqua Action was only a little over half done. Still, it featured amazing performances by high-divers, synchronized swimmers, dancers, and aerial artists. The digitally enhanced dome added a layer of storytelling and immersion into this fast-paced, meticulously choreographed show. It certainly can not be missed.

Likewise, the Studio B ice rink found on several Royal Caribbean ships has been transformed into the new Absolute Zero. It does take a little searching to find this venue all the way aft on Deck 6. Cruisers must walk through a shop and then Playmakers to find the entrance.

Absolute Zero is now the largest ice rink at sea and features a new circular design with better sight lines. This venue is home to two signature shows. Starburst: Elemental Beauty brings the basic elements of the universe to life through an intricate mix of ice dancing, skating, and special effects. There is also the family-friendly Once Upon a Time: The King’s Royal Ball.

In the main theater, there is the Wizard of Oz. This Broadway adaption of the classic story perfectly fits this family-focused cruise ship. The state-of-the-art theater brings all aspects of the original to life. From a tornado whipping through the theater to flying monkeys and strolls down the yellow brick road, this is one of the best full-scale productions at sea.

The cruise line is still preparing for its second theater show, Showband. Thus, during our cruise, there were a variety of headliner acts. Many of these entertainers will be familiar to regular Royal Caribbean cruisers, like Mo5aic.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed all the entertainment and recommend cruisers reserve all available live entertainment pre-cruise . We believe these spectacles will amaze you even if you are not a show person.

Onboard Activities

It is not a surprise that the largest cruise ship in the world offers a variety of activities. Most of what you can find on the Cruise Compass, the ship’s daily list of activities, is typical of any cruise line.

There were a variety of trivia and competitions throughout the day. From general trivia to sports, music, geography, and movies, these sessions happened each day of the cruise. Some predictable games included morning trivia at 10 am in the Schooner Bar. Later in the day, there was trivia at 5 in The Attic.

Various editions of Name that Tune or Finish that Lyric game shows occurred throughout the week. Themes ranged from one hit wonders to 90s hits, country, and everything in between. Many of these competitions were family-focused and often occurred in Dueling Pianos or Spotlight Karaoke.

Across the various venues, there were other activities staff-led events. In Absolute Zero, there were sessions of open skating. All cruisers need is socks and long pants, and the cruise line provides the rest. There is also laser tag, usually on sea days. The Rise of Poseidon inflatable course is the biggest we’ve seen.

Organized scavenger hunts, riddle challenges, and puzzles also made the list of regular activities throughout the week. Of course, there’s also the seaside carousel and an arcade found in the Surfside neighborhood.

On the outdoor decks, along with open play, there were volleyball competitions, basketball free-throw challenges, pickleball, table tennis, and baggo, among other sports events.

Yes, there were also the pool deck favorites including a Sexy Legs competition and the Belly Flop contest occurring in the Royal Bay Pool.

We enjoy game shows, but while several were offered, they were at off-times. For instance, the very popular Love and Marriage game show occurred at 3 pm on a sea day. Others, including Family Feud and Majority Rules, were game shows we could not catch due to showtime conflicts. We did attend the Liar’s Club and the always-a-good-time Crazy Quest.

Trying to get everything done in one week is nearly impossible with so much going on around the ship. So, this is the one area that we often skipped on in lieu of other events.

But, if you are just looking to relax, there are plenty of areas to do so as well. Perhaps the most beautiful spot on Icon of the Seas is the new Overlook. All the way forward on Deck 15, this posh space features 220′ views and plenty of comfy furniture including the first-of-their-kind pods at sea. It’s a great place to chill with a book or a drink anytime of day.

Main Dining Room

The main dining room is one area Royal Caribbean didn’t change much on Icon of the Seas. The three-story MDR is on Decks 3-5 aft. From layout to décor and menu, this dining room felt like any Royal Caribbean mega-ship.

The dining room featured daily breakfast and lunch on two of the sea days. A relatively new offering in the main dining room is a sea day brunch on the first sea day, Day 2. This menu isn’t just a mix of lunch and breakfast; it offers unique dishes that cruisers can enjoy from 8:30 am to noon.

For dinner, the main dining room did offer the new themed menus . Since our last Royal Caribbean cruise, these menus have been slightly tweaked. For instance, the cheese plate is back on the menu.

We ate dinner here a total of three evenings. During the first formal night, there was a special menu which was a slightly altered version of the Taste of France menu. We also dined here on the Taste of Italy and the Bon Voyage nights.

Overall, food quality was what we have come to expect from Royal Caribbean main dining room experiences. My NY strip was cooked medium rare and well-seasoned. It was one of the best steaks in any main dining room. Likewise, I enjoyed the braised lamb on the final night. Further, you can’t go wrong with lobster tails, and Heidi always enjoys the turkey dinner.

The food was always delivered well-plated and at the appropriate temperatures. The service from our waitress Lyna was on point as well. We were in and out of dinner in about 75 minutes each evening.

However, there is one new restriction. The cruise line still allows guests to order multiple starters, entrees, and desserts. But servers can only deliver one dish at a time.

So, when I wanted the mushroom risotto entrée alongside my steak, I couldn’t have them on the table simultaneously. Or, when getting the lobster and beef tenderloin, I had to eat them separately instead of as my own “surf and turf”. This seemed silly to me.

Pre-cruise, the options for traditional dining were 5:30 PM or 8 PM. Since neither of those times worked for us, we selected My Time Dining and then made reservations for most nights at the same time, 6:45 pm.  We sat in the same section with the same server, so it was almost like traditional dining anyway.

During our cruise, the main dining room seemed relatively empty. With all the new complimentary venues open later, we suspect that more cruisers will skip on the MDR. We are a prime example as Heidi is adamant that we always go to the main dining room dinner. Yet, on this trip, we had two casual dinners as there was just so much to try.  Never mind all the specialty restaurants.

Specialty Dining

Along with the weeklong maiden voyage, Heidi and I spent three days onboard a preview cruise. Across those 10 nights, we dined at four specialty restaurants. While several new dining concepts exist for complimentary venues, there are only a couple new specialty restaurants.  

Among the new specialty dining venues we tried was Pier 7. Located on Deck 7 in the Surfside neighborhood, this casual specialty restaurant serves brunch on sea days and dinner every night.

We tried brunch and dinner, and the latter was our clear favorite.

At night, some standouts were the lettuce wraps, Korean fried chicken, and the Buddha bowl. Also, the caramel waffle is a delectable ending to the meal.

This a la carte venue is priced from $6 to $18 per dish. The dinner menu was a step above included dining. However, the breakfast items like pancakes and eggs looked like something you would get on other cruise lines for free. The pancake board was definitely not worth the $11 up-charge.

Plus, cruisers on the unlimited dining plan only receive a $20 credit when choosing to eat at this restaurant. Though, one positive note is that kids under 12 eat free here off the menu.

During the preview cruise, we dined at Chops Grill. This signature steakhouse located in Central Park did not disappoint. My crab cake had a crispy crust with a moist stuffing filled with crab meat. For an entree, I opted for one of the new iconic cuts. The wagyu filet was tender and cooked to the ideal medium rare temperature. Though, these cuts do come at an up-charge to the standard cover charge to dine here.

Then, on the first evening of the inaugural cruise, we dined with friends at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. This venue is now found on the second level of the Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas.

With some extra people, we didn’t feel bashful ordering several appetizers. The pizza here is always a safe bet, with a thin handcrafted crust and just the right combination of toppings. The stromboli and the meatball were also favorites at our table.

For entrees, Heidi went with the chicken parmesan, and I did the osso buco which were similar to our previous dining experiences at this venue. Then, it was on to dessert. The Go Bananas is a dessert stromboli, combining Nutella and bananas. The cannoli was filled with sweet ricotta reminiscent of similar offerings in Boston’s North End.

Finally, we dined with a friend at Izumi Sushi towards the end of our weeklong cruise. We are fans of Asian cuisine, and the mix of small and large plates that we shared here were on point. The fried rice, dumplings, and udon noodles served up the pan-Asian flavors we have come to expect from this Royal Caribbean staple. I also tried the spicy crispy tuna roll which was not my favorite. Next time, I would go with something different.

Other specialty restaurants on Icon of the Seas include Playmakers Sports Bar, the Empire Supper Club, Izumi Hibachi, and Hooked Seafood. The Empire Supper Club features an elevated menu paired with cocktails and live music. It is a set menu, so we opted not to dine here given Heidi’s picky palette.

Not to mention, there are a few snack locations with up-charge items as well. Besides Basecamp already mentioned above, there’s Izumi in the Park and the Desserted Milkshake Bar. Of the two, we preferred Izumi in the Park. This takeout window serves sushi and delicious bubble cones.

While the milkshakes at Desserted are Instagram-worthy, they are quite pricey. We would opt to spend our money on the bubble cone from Izumi over the milkshake here.

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We stayed in a traditional balcony cabin, cabin 14258. While Icon of the Seas debuts a new type of cabin for Royal Caribbean, the infinite balcony , there are still regular balcony staterooms on the ship.

Our midship stateroom was closer to the aft elevator bank on the ship’s portside. Given all of the enhancements and trendy design of the public venues, we were surprised by the stateroom.

While Royal Caribbean added more luxurious finishes and updates to most aspects of the ship, the staterooms received only some minor updates. For the most part, the cabin’s layout and function were identical to other ships in the fleet.

Immediately upon entering our room, the bathroom was to the right on the midship wall. The bathrooms were redesigned, offering a rectangular shower with a glass door and a seat. This new layout was a nice change from the tubular showers found on most other Royal Caribbean vessels. This shower also utilized the inward-facing hinges found on Excel class ships in the Carnival fleet and Prima class on NCL ships .

Similar to sister brand Celebrity Cruises’ Edge class , the cabins on Icon of the Seas maximize interior space. The mirror hides the safe and additional shelves for storage, which are in addition to the closet and desk drawers.

Our closet was tucked around the corner from the bathroom. It had a clothes bar with some metal storage cubbies below. We used these to store shoes but really wished they were on a sliding track of some sort. When it comes to closet setup and storage space, the Quantum class is still our favorite layout for Royal Caribbean ships.

The desk and sofa followed, with the bed next to our balcony. Once again the desk and sofa were pretty typical. The one added feature were the most power outlets that we’ve ever seen in a cruise cabin. There was the usual line-up of power options on the desk, along with two USB-C ports. There was also a USB port on each side of the bed and one power outlet near the bed.

Additionally, the cruise line added small shelves and more USB outlets tucked around the corner from the desk. This was the perfect place to store electronics and served as a charging station throughout the week.

We were pleasantly surprised with the balcony size. While some cruise lines have reduced their balcony sizes on newer ships, this one was deeper than expected. The two chairs, small table, and ottomans made it the perfect place to do a little work in the afternoon or to watch our sail away from ports. Given our room location, support beams did partially block the view though.

Overall, the cabin was functional. We were able to unpack all our clothes and gear for the week using a few of our trusted cruise cabin hacks . Still, we expected the cabin to feel more like Norwegian Prima’s balcony staterooms, which we would argue are the best for a contemporary cruise line.

One of the biggest concerns travelers have with large ships is service. They are worried about not being able to escape the crowds or waiting in long lines for food and drinks. But, we are happy to report this was not the case. The Icon of the Seas’ service was excellent.

Whether it was Hari or Oliver in the Pearl Café or one of the servers at the Lime and Coconut, most of the crew were cheerful and talkative. Service at the casual restaurants was also prompt and attentive. Even at peak dining times, most of these quick service venues were manageable, and finding seats took minimal work.

We had My Time Dining with the same waitstaff team during our three visits. Our waitress, Lyna, remembered our names and food preferences after just one visit visit. Meals were perfectly paced, with our three courses typically taking about 75 minutes.

As mentioned, we dined at a few specialty restaurants too, and service was equally impressive. However, these dinners all took two hours. Even when members of our party indicated they had a show reservation, the server couldn’t speed up our dinner.

Corbett, our stateroom attendant, worked around our schedule to make up our room daily. Like many contemporary cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has reduced servicing rooms to only once a day though.

Given this was a new ship and we expected to find some kinks, we really didn’t. Most venues had adequate staffing, and crew members seemed genuinely happy and excited to be working on this new ship. The cruise line certainly has many of its A-team onboard, and it shows.

We can honestly say that the only venue where we felt the crowds was Dueling Pianos. With a little planning, and making reservations prior to the cruise, you hardly realize that you are on the largest cruise ship in the world!

Even the smart elevator design worked flawlessly, in comparison to some other cruise lines that have attempted this.

Overall Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship Review

Heidi and I were skeptical about going on this Icon of the Seas cruise. Would Royal Caribbean still be able to deliver a memorable cruise experience on an even larger ship? Luckily, based on our experience during the inaugural cruise, we can say a resounding “yes”.

From the dining to the entertainment and service, along with the pool deck and sports deck amenities, Icon of the Seas delivered a distinctly Royal Caribbean experience. Yet, the ship was not simply a super-sized Oasis-class ship. Icon of the Seas has more upscale décor, as well as more open space and new neighborhoods. This made the ship feel familiar but different.

The itinerary is less critical because there is so much to do and see on the ship. But our Icon of the Seas cruise was an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. We sailed to St Thomas, St. Kitts, and Perfect Day at CocoCay . Given the ship is a destination in itself, we reserved most of our port days to do and see more of Icon of the Seas. Though, the new adults-only Hideaway Beach at CocoCay made for a great ending to our cruise.

While we had some initial reservations, we can honestly say that Royal Caribbean delivered on its promise of creating the “the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation”. We think this ship makes a great vacation for multi-generational families, yet couples like ourselves can still carve out their own oasis away from all the kids.

Mega-ship cruise fans will definitely want to book a cruise on Icon of the Seas. Or, you can secure your spot now on her sister ship, Star of the Seas, for when she sets sail from Port Canaveral in 2025.

Do you agree with our Icon of the Seas cruise ship review? Do you plan to sail on this new Royal Caribbean ship class soon? Drop us an anchor below with your thoughts on this largest cruise ship in the world.

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I enjoyed your review. There is only one sentence I wish you would edit. When talking about the pools you say the parents can rest in a seat with a drink while a child can paddle near by.

The life guards are excellent but not baby sitters . If a child is in the water the parent should also be in water . A child suffered brain injury at a Disney cruise when a parent turned away to get sun screen.

Children need to be closely supervised. This is the flaw of the mega ships that are encouraging both families and a party atmosphere .

Thankyou for your comprehensive review.

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Icon of the Seas vs Ascent

The Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas is a fairly new ship, being built in 2024. Icon of the Seas is the first in a whole new class of ships by Royal Caribbean that's designed to provide the "ultimate family vacation." It is currently the largest cruise ship in the world. It's 1 year newer than the Ascent , which was built in 2023. The Celebrity Ascent features many of the new additions seen on the Celebrity Beyond including more outdoor space, a more grand central atrium, and an improved Rooftop Garden.

Comparison Overview

Number of passengers, food and restaurants.

• Bars and Drinks

Pools and Hot Tubs

Ship features and activities, cruise costs, onboard costs.

The Icon of the Seas is considered an extra large size ship. Coming in at 1,198 feet long and 216 feet wide, it's roughly the length of 3.3 football fields, as wide as 4.1 tractor-trailers and the same height as a 18-story building. Compared to the Celebrity Ascent, the Icon of the Seas is 78% larger in terms of overall tons.

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas holds 72% more passengers than the Ascent based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, or what we call the "Space Ratio," the Icon of the Seas has more space per person compared to the Ascent. This means that you might have a bit more space to yourself on the ship, although there still could be some crowded areas like buffets, pools, etc.

The Icon of the Seas uses a neighborhood layout to break up large crowds across the ship, often making it feel less crowded.

Food is a big part of any cruise, and the ship you choose can make a huge difference in your food experience.

The Icon of the Seas has 29 different dining options like Surfside Eatery , El Loco Fresh , and Playmakers . Of those options, 14 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 15 options have an additional fee.

The Ascent has 10 fewer dining venues. Some of its popular venues are Magic Carpet , Eden Cafe , and Raw on 5 . 8 of these restaurants are complementary and the other 11 have an additional fee.

If you like having a variety of places to eat, the Icon of the Seas might be a better choice. It has 53% more dining options than the Ascent.

If you're looking to avoid extra money while on board, the Icon of the Seas might be a better choice then the Ascent. More of the dining options are included in the base cruise fare, potentially saving you money.

In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. Both ships serve the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship. Most Royal Caribbean ships also have Coke Freestyle machines where you can make 100 different flavor combinations.

There are also plenty of bars available on these ships. You can check out recent the bar menus for the Icon of the Seas and the Ascent below.

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day for 7 days in a pool, a cruise isn't for you. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas has a total of 7 pools and 9 hot tubs. Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools and 1 of the hot tubs are adults only. 1 of the pools and 1 of the hot tubs are exclusive access, which means there's either an extra charge to access them or you need to book a certain class of cabin to have access to them.

Celebrity Ascent has fewer pools than the Icon of the Seas and fewer hot tubs. There are more exclusive pools and hot tubs on the Ascent. If you don't mind paying for exclusive access to areas in order to have less crowds, this might be a better choice.

Both ships have lots of activities to keep you busy throughout your cruise. Below you'll see a list of some of the major features on these ships. On the Icon of the Seas, 80% of the activities below are included in the cruise fare. On the Ascent, only 67% of the activities are included, meaning you might spend more money while on board.

Royal Caribbean is considered a mainstream cruise line. Mainstream cruise lines cater to a variety of guests, hoping to provide something for everyone. These typically cost about $100 - $350 per person per day.

Celebrity, on the other hand, is a premium cruise line. Premium cruise lines typically offer upscale food, accommodations, and service. These typically cost about $150 - $400 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year. To get a good idea of how the pricing compares, visit the cruise line's website to price out the separate cruises or consult a travel professional.

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you compare onboard prices to see if you might spend more on a specific ship.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, which means the pricing for many things will vary per sailing. The daily gratuities and tip are consistent across the fleet, but the pricing for the drink package, internet, and excursions will change. The only way to know your price is to consult the Royal Caribbean cruise planner once you're booked.

Celebrity Cruise Lines offers an "All Included" program. Guests who book a cruise using this promotion will have wifi and alcohol included. Some sailings are available without this program so pay attention when booking. Typically prices are lower if they don't include "Always Included." The wifi and alcohol package are the base levels and can be upgraded for an additional cost.

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Icon of the Seas Reveal: What Is Included in a Cruise with Royal Caribbean?

Revealing all the best things to do on icon of the seas..

By  Amanda Mesa | Published on December 8, 2022

Icon of the Seas℠ is in the position to be a game changer to vacations. Brimming with complimentary ways to fill every single moment of your cruise getaway with  epic travel thrills , endless relaxing chill vibes , as well as world-class dining and iconic wows that showcase awe-inspiring entertainment including the magnificent AquaDome. With so many exciting things to look forward to, you may be wondering what cruise foods and vacation activities are included in a cruise on the first Icon Class ship. 

For starters, there's the largest water park at sea that's home to six record-breaking waterslides, an aqua park for kiddos that offers buckets of fun, an adults-only pools that goes long on beach-club vibes and never-before-seen culinary concepts across the ship's various neighborhoods. I'm most looking forward to the seven pools onboard, including the largest pool at sea and the largest swim-up bar. And that's barely scratching the surface of what the first-ever Icon Class ship has to offer.

What is (Free) Included in a Cruise on Icon of the Seas?

So, you're excited and ready to book a trip on the biggest ship to ever set sail. First things first: What is included on a cruise vacation on Icon of the Seas℠ ? There are so many wow-worthy things to do on Icon of the Seas from dining to entertainment, many of which are included in your cruise fare. That said, coming up with a game plan on how to fill every moment onboard can be overwhelming. Here's a pro-tip: Start by understanding what is included in the cruise price and what experiences are available for an additional fee. If you're trying to stick to a budget, knowing what's free onboard will simplify your vacation-planning process.

Here's an insider's guide to what is included onboard Icon of the Seas vs. what is considered extra.

Vacations thrills Included in Your Cruise

A cruise vacation is a great opportunity to go outside your comfort zone and try something new with thrilling activities like Category 6 . Located in the Thrill Island neighborhood of the ship, Category 6 is a sprawling water park that encompasses six ground-breaking waterslides, including the tallest waterslide on the seas, the first open free-fall waterslide on a cruise, the first family raft slide on a ship and exhilarating mat racers, just to name a few. The best part? Guests can ride any and all of the slides as many times as they like for free.

If you're like me, then it wouldn't be a vacation without getting your adrenaline pumping. The FlowRider * is a returning favorite to Icon of the Seas℠ . This huge surf simulator funnels 30,000 gallons of rushing water to create the perfect swells all day, every day. It's one of the top free things to do on any ship that has one onboard, including the first Icon Class cruise ship. You can choose to tame the waves — and try to keep your balance — upright on your feet or hit the water boogie-style on your belly. Rides are complimentary for cruise guests, though you can also reserve lessons with an instructor for a fee.

The Rock Climbing Wall is one of my favorite cruise activities. It's known for yielding some of the best views at sea, too. Located on Deck 16 in the Thrill Island neighborhood, Icon of the Seas takes rock climbing to the next level with Adrenaline Peak. It's the ultimate rock climbing experience: a thrilling, pulse-pumping scramble to a vantage point that will wow you. It even has racing for speed climbers. Adrenaline Peak is totally free for cruise guests; anyone ages six years or older is welcome to harness up and head to the top as many times as they like.

Discovering what is included on a Royal Caribbean cruise with Icon of the Seas℠ brings fun family-friendly activities to the next level. For example, the Lost Dunes for example is one of the best mini-golf courses at sea and it's included in your cruise fare. Tee up with your friends or family and putt putt your way across this nine-hole course complete with shipwrecks and fallen palms as obstacles — you'll find it's par none, and it's completely free. Challenge your family to a friendly contest: Whoever shoots a hole-in-one gets treated to ice cream.

There's no better place than the Sports Court to keep your family's competitive side going. Onboard Icon of the Seas℠ , this large play space offers a variety of different team activities, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball and dodgeball. You don't need to make a reservation or pay a fee to enjoy the Sports Court at any point during your cruise — just keep in mind that equipment is subject to availability and is first come, first served.

If you're cruising with your children, there's no shortage of activities and attractions to excite little ones onboard Icon of the Seas℠ . Like Playscape, a place for kids to slide, climb and play. There's also the cruise ship's beach-themed carousel, which doubles as a great photo opp. Both attractions are included in your cruise fare.

On a beautiful sunny day, head to Splashaway Bay, an aqua park for pint-sized cruisers. It's designed exclusively with tots to tweens in mind and offers plenty of cool interactive water features and mini waterslides just for little ones. Think water cannons, fountains, splash pools and more. There's also Baby Bay for your littlest adventure seekers. And of course, admission is included in your cruise fare.

Seven Pools, Endless Ways to Catch Your Rays

That’s right — seven. Each pool has its own unique vibe, and every one is free for cruise guests (though one is exclusively for Suite Guests…more on that later). So let’s take a tour of all the picture-perfect places to plunge. First stop is  the Hideaway Pool — the only suspended infinity pool at sea, you can soak up ocean views surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with its own resident DJ, whirlpools, a variety of seating and a dedicated bar. Then there's Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water, plenty of in-water loungers and raised whirlpools that offer beautiful ocean views. If you love a swim-up bar — and who doesn’t? — grab a seat at Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar in the Royal Caribbean® fleet.  Water's Edge Pool has everything families need to make a splash with the little ones right in the heart of Surfside. And on the flip side, Cloud 17 is a chill adults-only pool you can pair with a poolside drink from The Lime and Coconut. Finally,  the Cove Pool is located portside and directly facing the wide-open sea, offering stunning views and a laid-back vibe perfect for a day spent reading or listening to your favorite podcast.

What is Included on a Cruise for Suites Guests?

What is included on a cruise for suites guests? If you're staying in a Sky or Star suite, you can also access the  Suite Neighborhood for additional perks and activities included with your cruise suite. Or, head to Grove Suite Sun Deck , a casual outdoor venue with its own exclusive pool just for suite guests.

Fun Things to Do on Vacation, the List is Endless

Since Icon of the Seas is the biggest ship to ever set sail, you won't run out of things to do. In fact, any guest can access any neighborhood onboard Icon of the Seas℠ for free, including Thrill Island , Chill Island , the Royal Promenade, Surfside and the Hideaway.

Another of my favorite cruising activities is catching the onboard entertainment, which is always free for cruise guests. Catch scene-stealing original productions that combine high-diving feats and aerial stunts at the AquaTheater, or watch as world-class ice skaters show off their skills at Absolute Zero . I love to make a date night out of it, with a fancy onboard dinner beforehand.

Wondering which restaurants are free on Icon of the Seas?

 Wondering which restaurants are free on Icon of the Seas? There are several dining options where every bite is complimentary. This includes the casual, family-friendly Surfside Eatery buffet and Surfside Eatery, your go-to for sweet and salty snacks. If you're staying in a suite, there's Coastal Kitchen and the Grove.

One of my favorite free restaurants onboard is Sorrento’s, a guest-favorite pizza spot that serves up cheesy goodness by the slice. It’s open late, too, making it a perfect stop after a late-night whirl on the dance floor. For casual, complimentary bites all day, every day, I like Pearl Café. A first for the cruise line, this gorgeous space is open 24 hours a day and serves up great coffee, pastries, snacks and sandwiches with a side of dazzling sea views. Park Café is another great free option if you’re craving deli-style comfort foods, including the signature “Kümmelweck” roast beef sandwich.

Prefer to taste your way around the world? Windjammer Marketplace offers a rotating selection of international fare served buffet-style during breakfast, lunch and dinner. And at Aquadome Market, the fleet’s first-ever food hall, you can choose between global options like Chicken Teriyaki with Snow Peas, fresh pitas and Mediterranean-style faves and more across five different food stands.

Another free guest favorite returning to Icon of the Seas is El Loco Fresh, known for its crazy-good burritos, tacos and other hearty Tex-Mex options. At Basecamp, you can choose from all kinds of crave-worthy, familiar faves like soft pretzel bites, hotdogs, and smash burgers. And of course, I can’t leave out the main dining room. Every night, this expansive, chic venue serves up elaborate multi-course feasts — at no additional cost. With so many incredible free dining options to choose from, you can enjoy literally every meal onboard without spending a dollar over your cruise fare.

What Is Available for an Additional Fee on Icon of the Seas?

Now that you know all of the wonderful entertainment, attractions, dining and more that is complimentary on Icon of the Seas, what is not included in your cruise fare? The following restaurants and attractions are open to guests sailing onboard Icon of the Seas, but you'll have to pay an additional fee to access them.

Special Restaurants that are Worth the Extra Cost

The Surfside and Thrill Island neighborhoods are home to some incredible specialty restaurants. At Basecamp, you can refuel between adventures, choosing among a variety of food windows popping out delicious provisions. At Pier 7, you can look forward to plenty of relaxed vibes paired with beachside bites — think mango shrimp tostadas and surf 'n' turf tacos. Though these restaurants are not complimentary offerings, they are absolutely worth a visit, especially if you're one to crave tacos at any moment.

Perfect for birthdays and celebrations, the menu at Desserted is all about extravagant milkshakes piled high with all your favorite toppings. Here, you can enjoy frothy classics inspired by old-school soda parlors or, for adults, boozy concoctions and spirited sweet treats. Located on Deck 16, it's the perfect spot to indulge à la carte. This decadent menu has me convinced to purchase a Specialty Dining Package to enjoy a discounted rate.

Unique Cruise Experience Extras on Icon of the Seas

Aptly named, Icon of the Seas has some iconic offerings onboard. Be sure to check out Swim & Tonic , the largest swim-up bar at sea. Admission is free if you want to hang out and wade in the water, though alcoholic beverages will cost you extra unless you purchase a Specialty Beverage Package . The package is a great deal, and it includes beers, wines, and other vacation libations at bars such as the Lemon Post.

If you're craving some game time, you can hit up the arcade, located in the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood . It's well-stocked with classic games and some cool new favorites that will delight children and adults alike. Play until your heart's content — just keep in mind that games are not included in your cruise fare.

Now that you know everything that's included in your Icon of the Seas cruise, you can start planning an unforgettable escape on the first-ever Icon Class cruise ship.

Written By AMANDA MESA

Amanda has written for Royal Caribbean since 2017. She also covers travel, lifestyle, food and beverage for Indulge Magazine, the Miami Herald and PureWow. She's traveled extensively around the world, enjoys building unforgettable itineraries and loves introducing readers to lesser-known destinations.

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Inside the $52,000/Week Suite on Celebrity Cruises’ New Ship

With the debut of their newest cruise ship Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Cruises’ new Iconic Suite takes comfort to a whole new level.  This 2,581 square foot suite (including the balcony) has a capacity of six and is nearly sold out for the ship’s maiden season in the Caribbean.

During a two night preview cruise on Celebrity Edge, Cruise Fever was able to take a tour of Celebrity’s new Iconic Suites.  There are just two of them on the cruise ship and prices ranges from $19,999 per person to $39,999 per person for the cruise over New Year’s Eve.   The average price is around $26,000 per person (based on double occupancy) for a week long cruise to the Caribbean with 3rd and 4th guests coming in at $2,299 each. You even have your own butler to take care of your every need.

Here is an inside look at the two bedroom Iconic Suite that’s 1,982 sq. ft. in size and comes with a nearly 700 sq. ft. balcony.

The spacious master bedroom has a king size Cashmere Collection bed and offers a killer view with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ship’s bow.

View from behind the bed in the master bedroom.

A bathroom fit for a king! The master bathroom is larger than many of the cabins on the ship.  A huge jetted tub sits in the center of the room between a large shower and toilet area. His and her vanity sinks sit at opposite ends of the bathroom.

The main living room area of the Iconic Suite has a 65″ TV with surround sound..

The second bedroom has a king size bed and a full bathroom.

There is a dining room table that seats six in case you want to eat your meals in your suite.

View Prices on Cruises on Celebrity Edge

Our friend Mike from Affluent Journeys put together a nice walk through video of this Iconic Suite that can be seen below.

Amenities included with Iconic Suite

• Exclusive access to The Retreat Sundeck
• Exclusive access to The Retreat Lounge
• Exclusive access to Luminae at The Retreat
• Premium Beverage Package
• Unlimited internet access
• Two complimentary bottles of alcohol
• Mixers for cocktails
• Minibar, replenished daily
• In-room beer, soda, and water
• Peloton cycle in your suite by request
• Tote bag designed by Nate Berkus
• Welcome bottle of Perrier-Jouët
• Afternoon tea hosted in The Retreat Lounge
• Premium Frette terry bathrobes, slippers
• Premium Frette towels
• Daily delivery of delectable delights
• In-suite specialty coffee
• Pillow menu upon request
• Bottled water daily
• Premium CO Bigelow bath amenities
• Shoeshine service
• Use of golf umbrella and marine binoculars
• Butler for unpacking, reservations, more
• Priority ship check-in
• Priority debarkation service
• Priority tender service in ports of call
• Onboard Destination Concierge
• Reserved theater seats for evening chic
• Laundry service
• Twice-daily housekeeping service
• Makeup and turndown services
• Unlimited complimentary specialty dining
• Room-service breakfast by Luminae

Complete video tour of Celebrity Edge:

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The vessel carries 2,918 guests at double occupancy, 3,373 guests at maximum occupancy and 1,320 crew members. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across  Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Beyond

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and over 1,400 crew members. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink.

One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. There is also no shortage of unique entertainment options; these range from acrobatic shows to juggling mixologist performances. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck.

Staterooms offer amenities like plush bathrobes, comfortable Cashmere mattresses and flat-screen TVs; many also come with private verandas. For a one-of-a-kind experience, splurge on a room in The Retreat. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit.

Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including Italy, Mexico and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Celebrity Beyond, if you're lucky, your drink might be poured by Captain Kate McCue herself during the nightly flair bartender show at the Grand Plaza Martini Bar. Make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers at double occupancy, 3,385 at maximum occupancy and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman . 

Celebrity Silhouette

Introduced in 2011 and fully refurbished in February 2020, Celebrity Silhouette is one of the largest ships in the fleet and features a nearly 1-to-3 crew-to-guest ratio. Its latest renovation reimagined the lounges across the ships, updated the staterooms and added new boutiques and spa treatment rooms. The ship holds 2,902 passengers at double occupancy, 3,324 passengers at maximum occupancy and 1,285 crew members.

Silhouette offers plenty of onboard activities, from enrichment seminars to comedy shows. While kids can play on video game consoles or at the sports courts, adults can sip libations at the Passport Bar and Craft Social. 

As far as dining goes, the ship is home to 12 restaurants and cafes, half of which are specialty venues that require reservations and extra fees. Cuisine ranges from casual bites at the pool grill to sushi and Italian fare.

Along with a variety of food options, Celebrity Silhouette offers a range of stateroom selections, with 85% of its cabins offering verandas. Cruisers can choose from Inside, Ocean View and Veranda rooms, while those who opt for one of seven Suite categories receive more space and perks like butler service and priority check-in. 

Celebrity Silhouette sails to destinations in Canada, New England, the Caribbean and Europe. 

Celebrity Solstice

Last refreshed in early 2023 (and first launched in 2008), Celebrity Solstice offers a sushi restaurant and the Retreat Lounge. Daytime activities range from spa treatments to golf putting to art classes. Young passengers ages 3 to 17 can also participate in Camp at Sea activities. 

As far as dining goes, Celebrity Solstice boasts 10 restaurants, close to half of which are specialty spots that require an extra fee. Guests were pleased with the cuisine variety, and with a nearly 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ration, the ship makes service a priority.

When it comes to lodging, 81% of Solstice's cabins feature verandas. Guests can choose from Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite category cabins, all with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Those who spring for an AquaClass cabin receive additional amenities, like an upgraded room service menu. Travelers will also have access to Starlink high-speed satellite internet. The ship carries 2,852 passengers at double occupancy, 3,148 at maximum occupancy and 1,284 crew members.

Celebrity Solstice sails to Hawaii , the Pacific, Asia and Alaska.

Celebrity Equinox

The Equinox was introduced in 2009 and underwent a full renovation in June 2019. It offers a mix of classic Celebrity amenities and unique activities. The ship features 18 premium retail shops, a half-acre Lawn Club and the Hot Glass Show, where professional artists demonstrate glassblowing techniques. Updates include the new Retreat sundeck and lounge, luxurious bedding and all-new amenities. The ship holds 2,852 passengers at double occupancy, 3,148 passengers at maximum occupancy and 1,290 crew members.

Recent cruisers appreciated the variety of dining options on the ship, which include 10 eateries ranging from light fare at Spa Café to craft beer and comfort food at the Craft Social Bar to a frozen cocktail bar on the pool deck. Other highlights include the spa and enrichment programs like cooking demos and dance lessons.

In terms of accommodations, 85% of the ship's staterooms offer verandas. Cabin categories include Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite rooms, and all are appointed with flat-screen TVs, 24-hour room service and sitting areas. Suites offer extra perks like afternoon appetizers and butler service. Past cruisers assured that even if you don't splurge on a butler-serviced room, you'll still receive individualized attention, as everyone from the room stewards to the restaurant servers were friendly and helpful. 

Celebrity Equinox offers a variety of itineraries in Antarctica, the Caribbean, South America, Europe and more.

Celebrity Eclipse

Launched in 2010 and scheduled for refurbishment in spring 2025, the 2,852-passenger Eclipse is one of Celebrity's largest vessels. About 85% of Eclipse's accommodations include verandas, and cruisers who splurge on suites and AquaClass staterooms receive butler service and access to exclusive specialty dining. All cabins offer interactive flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. The ship holds 2,852 passengers at double occupancy, 3,148 passengers at maximum occupancy and 1,286 crew members.

As far as activities go, travelers can stay active at the Lawn Club, lounge by three pools, participate in hot glass classes and shop at a variety of upscale boutiques. In the evenings, cruisers can enjoy theme parties, comedy acts and Broadway-style shows. Meanwhile, kids programming (geared toward guests ages 3 to 17) is available through Camp at Sea. 

When it comes to dining, past cruisers praised the variety of casual and formal choices. The ship offers 10 eateries, including four specialty venues where reservations are required and additional charges apply. From the room stewards to the restaurant servers, Celebrity Eclipse's staff was also a point of praise among recent guests.

Celebrity Eclipse offers itineraries in the Caribbean, Canada, the Mediterranean, Bermuda and more.

Celebrity Summit

First introduced in 2001,  Celebrity Summit was most recently renovated in March 2019. The ship carries 2,218 passengers at double occupancy, 2,599 passengers at maximum occupancy and 1,027 crew members.  Celebrity Summit offers unique activities like a rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie screen. The renovation added new staterooms, lounge areas and more. Cruisers looking for some R&R can retreat to the spa, the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor solarium. Meanwhile, children ages 3 to 17 can participate in pool games and Xbox tournaments at Camp at Sea.

When it comes to dining, there are nine venues on board, including a handful of specialty spots (for an added fee) serving up creative cuisine ranging from French to Italian fare. While some recent cruisers noted long lines and average food at the buffet, most travelers were in agreement when it came to the wait staff and room stewards: service was prompt and friendly.

Speaking of rooms, Summit offers the same four cabin categories found on other Celebrity ships (Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite). About half of the cabins on board feature balconies. Cruisers will find flat-screen TVs, bathrobes and 24-hour room service in all staterooms.

Celebrity Summit sails in the Caribbean, Alaska and more. 

Celebrity Millennium

The Celebrity Millennium debuted in 2000 and was fully refurbished in February 2019. The renovation added brand-new staterooms, updated the ship's design and technology, debuted a new lounge area and more.  The vessel carries 2,218 passengers at double occupancy, 2,593 at maximum occupancy and 1,024 crew members.

When it comes to dining, Celebrity Millennium offers nine restaurants, ranging from the Tuscan Grille steakhouse to Sushi on Five (both require an extra fee). Standard eateries include Blu and the Main Restaurant. The ship also offers an array of bars and lounges.

While there is programming for children, most of the activities on board are geared toward adults. Enrichment includes wine and food pairing workshops, art classes and pickleball. The ship also features a rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie screen.

Celebrity Millennium sails to destinations in Asia. 

Celebrity Infinity

Launched in 2001 and most recently refurbished in October 2018, Celebrity Infinity boasts updated suites, an Italian steakhouse and a rooftop terrace. Other highlights include a wine bar and Le Petit Chef, an interactive augmented reality luxury cuisine experience. The ship is set to be fully refurbished in the near future; improvements will include brand-new staterooms, elevated technology, new lounge areas and more. The vessel carries 2,170 passengers at double occupancy, 2,593 passengers at maximum occupancy and 1,024 crew members.

Infinity offers a total of nine dining venues, ranging from a casual pool grill to four specialty restaurants that require reservations and an additional fee. While recent cruisers felt that specialty dining was worth the cost, many noted that food quality was hit or miss in the main dining room.

When it comes to activities and entertainment, kids ages 3 to 17 can participate in youth clubs while adults get treatments at the spa or learn a new skill through a variety of enrichment courses.

As for accommodations, cruisers can choose from four lodging options: Inside, Ocean View and Veranda staterooms and Suites. For more luxury, passengers can upgrade to an Aqua or Concierge Class suite. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, small sitting areas and 24-hour room service.

Celebrity Infinity sails throughout the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean and Mexico. The ship also has transatlantic voyages.

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Celebrity Beyond

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Godmother of Celebrity Beyond

Simone Biles

Simone Biles, 19-time World Champion and seven-time Olympic Medalist has added another very special title to her decorated career – godmother for Celebrity Beyond℠. In her role as Godmother, Biles named Celebrity Beyond – the gold standard ship and most luxurious vessel in the Celebrity fleet – at the official ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on November 4, 2022.

Captain Kate McCue Takes the Helm of our Most Revolutionary Ship Yet

From the edge to beyond.

A trailblazing ship gets a trailblazing leader. Captain Kate McCue, America’s first female cruise ship captain, takes the helm of Celebrity Beyond℠, the third ship in our groundbreaking Edge® Series. The dynamic and decorated captain leads us into a new era of luxury travel on a ship brought to life by a dream team of icons, including multi-award-winning designer Kelly Hoppen, CBE, as well as celebrated designer Nate Berkus, and Global Culinary Ambassador chef Daniel Boulud.

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Welcome to a place where you can experience all the things you’ve been missing for so long. Only now, those things are even better than you’ve imagined. This is a place where the possibilities are as endless as the views. where you can disconnect entirely while you reconnect with each other-and the world. This place is Celebrity Beyond℠.

The Third ship in our revolutionary Edge® Series takes our innovative outward-facing design further than ever, creating an even closer connection between you, the sea, and every exciting place on the horizon. Unwind in expanded open-air spaces. Savor fine dining that rivals anything you’d find on land. And discover even more ways to relax and renew.

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I went aboard Celebrity Cruises' newest cruise ship — see what it's like inside the $1 billion Apex

• Celebrity Cruises' latest ship, the Celebrity Apex, has begun its inaugural US sailings from Florida.
• The $1 billion ship was initially set to debut in March 2020 but was delayed amid COVID-19.
• See inside the Apex, which has an adults-only pool, a martini bar, and a gym with Pelotons.

Leisure travel levels are quickly creeping back to pre-COVID-19 levels as borders continue to reopen and pent-up demand for travel remains high.

As a result, several major cruise lines have seen strong bookings into the future, with some itineraries selling out in record time.

Source: CNBC , Insider

To usher in the return of the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean Group's Celebrity Cruises has launched its latest luxury ship — the Celebrity Apex — in the US after over a year of delays.

The ship was once set to make its grand debut in March 2020.

But after a year of no sailing, the summer of 2021 provided a glimmer of hope for the company and its ship: The Apex began operating several Greek Island itineraries.

And now, the luxury ship is finally in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has already begun bringing eager passengers to a variety of warm weathered Caribbean destinations.

Let's take a look inside the over 1,000-foot long ship, a $1 billion investment — a spokesperson told Insider in an email — in the sustained success of the cruise industry.

The 16-deck Apex is manned by almost 1,320 crew members.

These crew members then serve a little over 2,900 guests, all of whom will stay inside Apex's almost 1,470 staterooms and 176 suites.

All staterooms have a king bed and a touchscreen that controls features like the temperature, lights, and shades.

But those with deeper pockets and finer taste might want to opt for the more ultra-luxurious accommodations, which include the Iconic and Penthouse Suites.

The former is the largest suite on all Celebrity ships and includes a terrace with a hot tub, a bedroom with sweeping views of the ocean, and an in-suite Peloton.

And what would be a luxury cruise without a variety of food and beverage options?

… which range from the "casual country club atmosphere" Sunset Bar ...

Source: Celebrity Cruises

… to the classic cruise ship buffet …

… to an outdoor grill-forward eatery.

The Celebrity Apex has 29 eateries, bars, cafes, and lounges …

The new ship also has a Celebrity first: the Craft Social Bar, a craft beer and sports bar.

But if you're more of a cocktail aficionado, there's the Martini Bar, which sits at the heart of the ship under the glow of the LED chandelier in the Grand Plaza.

Or try the Eden Bar, a cocktail bar extension of the Eden Restaurant, one of the cruise ship's seven specialty restaurants.

If you're looking to pay a little more for specialty dining, there's also a raw bar called Raw on 5, the Fine Cut Steakhouse …

… and French bistro-themed Le Grand Bistro, to name a few specialty options.

The latter also doubles as the restaurant for Le Petit Chef and Family …

… which uses overhead projectors to display an animated storyline onto the dining table before every course.

Besides these few eateries, the ship has four main restaurants that come with the base price of the cruise: Cosmopolitan (American), Cyprus (Greek) …

… Normandie (French), and Tuscan (Italian).

If you're tired of indulging during long days out at sea, the Apex has several venues that can keep passengers entertained.

This includes the Theatre, which is lined with 23-foot-tall curved LED screens and laser projectors ...

… and the Club, which is conveniently located right next door.

The Club serves as the venue for on-board activities like game shows, archery, and, of course, clubbing.

If you take the elevator up a few decks, you'll hit the resort deck, which has the Rooftop Garden, an outdoor lounge with a large screen for movies, …

… an open-aired pool and whirlpools ….

… and the adults-only Solarium, a covered swimming hole under a transparent roof.

If you're looking for a view of the ocean but don't want to lounge by the pool, head to the Magic Carpet. Just make sure you know which deck it's on.

As the name might suggest, the Magic Carpet is a suspended open-aired platform that can move vertically to other decks of the ship.

Here, you can find a bar and lounge.

But when it moves down to the second deck, the platform doubles as a tender dock at ports of calls, as shown below.

If you're looking for the thrill of losing (or winning), money, try your luck at the casino, which is lined with over 2,015 slot machines.

But if you'd rather get a quick workout in, you can jog around the track …

... use one of the gym's Pelotons, or try an F45 training class.

The latter two are located inside the spa, which also has amenities like a hair salon and barber shop.

There are plenty of spaces that are accessible by all passengers, but some venues — like a sundeck, lounge, and restaurant by a multi-Michelin starred chef — are reserved for guests who've booked a stay under the more exclusive "Retreat" segment.

Interested in cruising on the Apex?

The Apex still has some available staterooms and suites on its Fort Lauderdale to Caribbean itineraries, which will continue into April 2022.

These sailings start at about $520 per person for the five-night Bahamas cruise in January 2023.

This price then jumps to over $3,000 per person for a nicer stateroom on the seven-night Bahamas, Belize, and Mexico sailing from December to January.

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Celebrity Cruises ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest — the complete list

Are you looking for the most venue-packed Celebrity Cruises ships at sea? If so, you'll want to get on one of the biggest Celebrity Cruises ships.

The biggest Celebrity cruise ships are, as you might expect, the Celebrity ships with the most onboard restaurants, bars, showrooms and decktop pool zones. They also have the biggest casinos and spas among ships in the Celebrity cruise fleet and the most cabins and suites — as well as the most variation in cabin and suite types.

With room for 3,000 passengers or more, the biggest Celebrity ships are like floating versions of the big resorts you find on land in places like Orlando or Las Vegas, although they're not quite as large as the very biggest resorts on land or sea (for the latter, you'd probably want to try a Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises vessel). If you're in the "bigger is better" camp when it comes to a resort experience, the biggest Celebrity Cruises ships are the Celebrity ships for you.

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Still, Celebrity doesn't just operate large vessels. The Miami-based cruise brand also markets several relatively small cruise ships that carry just 2,000 or so people and have a much more intimate feel. In some cases, these vessels are 35% smaller than the biggest Celebrity cruise ships. They are ships that, notably, have fewer decktop activities and interior venues than the biggest Celebrity cruise ships.

These smaller Celebrity cruise ships are best for vacationers who like a more intimate, less crowded resort experience.

Related: The 4 types of Celebrity Cruises ships, explained

Celebrity also operates three even smaller vessels — much smaller; they carry just 16 to 100 people — in the Galapagos year-round. These three vessels make up what is essentially an entirely different business for Celebrity than the mainstream, big-ship cruising that is at the core of the company.

Celebrity is essentially two cruise lines in one: a big-ship brand with 12 vessels that carry 2,000 to 3,000 passengers and sail around the world, and a Galapagos cruisetour operator with three very tiny vessels. We include all of the vessels in this guide.

To make sure you end up on the right Celebrity ship for you, it pays to study which Celebrity cruise ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking.

Here, every Celebrity ship currently in operation is ranked from biggest to smallest.

1. Celebrity Beyond

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 141,420 tons Passenger capacity: 3,260

2 (tied). Celebrity Apex

Maiden voyage: 2020 Size: 130,818 tons Passenger capacity: 2,910

2 (tied). Celebrity Edge

Maiden voyage: 2018 Size: 130,818 tons Passenger capacity: 2,908

4. Celebrity Reflection

Maiden voyage: 2012 Size: 125,366 tons Passenger capacity: 3,046

5. Celebrity Silhouette

Maiden voyage: 2011 Size: 122,210 tons Passenger capacity: 2,886

6 (tied). Celebrity Eclipse

Maiden voyage: 2010 Size: 121,878 tons Passenger capacity: 2,850

6 (tied). Celebrity Equinox

Maiden voyage: 2009 Size: 121,878 tons Passenger capacity: 2,850

6 (tied). Celebrity Solstice

Maiden voyage: 2008 Size: 121,878 tons Passenger capacity: 2,850

9 (tied). Celebrity Constellation

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 91,000 tons Passenger capacity: 2,170

9 (tied). Celebrity Summit

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 91,000 tons Passenger capacity: 2,158

9 (tied). Celebrity Infinity

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 91,000 tons Passenger capacity: 2,170

9 (tied). Celebrity Millennium

Maiden voyage: 2000 Size: 91,000 tons Passenger capacity: 2,137

13. Celebrity Flora

Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 5,739 tons Passenger capacity: 100

14. Celebrity Xpedition

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 2,842 tons Passenger capacity: 48

15. Celebrity Xploration

Maiden voyage: 2007 Size: 320 tons Passenger capacity: 16

What is the biggest Celebrity Cruises ship?

The biggest Celebrity cruise ship is Celebrity Beyond, which measures 141,420 gross tons. It's also the newest Celebrity cruise ship. It debuted less than two years ago, in April 2022.

What is the smallest Celebrity Cruises ship?

The smallest Celebrity cruise ship is the super-tiny Celebrity Xploration. Based in the Galapagos, it measures 320 tons, just a tiny fraction of the size of Celebrity Beyond, and it holds just 16 passengers.

Or, to put it another way, Celebrity Xploration holds fewer passengers than a lifeboat on Celebrity Beyond.

Are bigger Celebrity Cruises ships coming?

Not right now. Celebrity Cruises currently has two new cruise ships on order. However, each of the vessels is projected to be roughly the same size as the recently unveiled Celebrity Beyond — about 141,000 tons.

That size estimate can change, of course, as construction on the ships draws closer to completion. Celebrity might add elements to the ships that increase their size.

The first of the two ships on order, Celebrity Ascent, is due to start sailing in December 2023. It will be followed by an as-yet-unnamed vessel in 2025.

The two Celebrity Cruises ships on order will be the fourth and fifth ships in Celebrity's Edge-class series of vessels that began debuting in 2018. The first three ships in the series are Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond.

The Edge-class vessels are being built at the giant Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

Related: 5 things to love about Celebrity Beyond

What's the difference between bigger and smaller Celebrity Cruises ships?

The biggest Celebrity cruise ships have room for more onboard venues and attractions than smaller Celebrity ships. That makes them more alluring for vacationers who prefer a big resort experience with lots of options as compared to a stay at a smaller resort.

On Celebrity's biggest vessel, Celebrity Beyond, for instance, you'll find an expanded "resort-within-a-resort" area for suite passengers called The Retreat that isn't on the smaller vessels in the same Edge-class series or on other smaller ships in the Celebrity fleet. It offers a new two-story sun deck with hot tubs, lounge chairs and private cabanas that are open exclusively to passengers staying in suites.

Celebrity Beyond also has 179 more cabins than its smaller sister vessels, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge, which each have 1,467 cabins. As a result, it holds 3,260 passengers at double occupancy. That's up from a 2,910-passenger capacity at double occupancy for Celebrity Apex and a 2,908-passenger capacity at double occupancy for Celebrity Edge.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Celebrity ship

Celebrity's smaller Millennium-class ships, by contrast, only carry about 2,100 passengers at double occupancy. As a result, they have a more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships.

That makes the latter vessels a good choice for someone who wants to try Celebrity but isn't eager to travel with big crowds. The smaller ships in the Celebrity fleet thus appeal to a subset of Celebrity fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these Celebrity loyalty perks

Celebrity's three very small Galapagos-based vessels have the most intimate feel of all. They are like tiny little boutique hotels that float.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
• The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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• Summer Sale - 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
• Free Caribbean Veranda Upgrades
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select Bahamas and Caribbean sailings.

Celebrity Cruises App

Seamless, intuitive, convenient. our app makes unparalleled vacations possible..

APP FEATURES

Book your cruise.

Search, find and book your next vacation right in our Celebrity Cruises app. This brings your cruise experience full circle, from booking, to planning, to enjoying all that we have to offer, in the convenience of your mobile device.

CHECK IN ON THE APP AND BOARD FASTER

Scan your passport, take a security photo, choose an arrival time, and answer the health questions for faster boarding.

SET SAIL WITH SAVINGS

Elevate your onboard experiences with exclusive pre-cruise special offers on dining, shore excursions, drink and internet packages, and spa services.

STAY CONNECTED

Remember to connect to the ship's Guest Wi-Fi once onboard to use all of the app's features, chat with family and friends, and activate or purchase an internet plan.

DISCOVER NEW INTERESTS

There's so much to see and do. Browse the daily planner and add events to your personal in-app calendar.

SAVOR THE FLAVORS

Browse restaurants, preview the menus, and reserve world-class dining experiences.

RELIVE YOUR VACATION

View, purchase, and download your cruise photos from My Photos right in the app.

Available on Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Reflection.

TAKE CHARGE OF EXPENSES

Track your onboard spending and enjoy easy account access.

Learn about products, services, and experiences we think you'll love.

CAPTAIN'S CLUB

View your loyalty tier, club points, and membership benefits or sign up to become a member.

LEARN ABOUT SAFETY

View important safety information and start your guest safety briefing.

YOUR VACATION AT A GLANCE

Download the Celebrity Cruises app to check in for your cruise, plan your activities, and get to know the ship before you set sail.

Once onboard, connect to the ship’s Guest Wi-Fi to access all the app features. No internet purchase required. In-app purchases available.

Download Only

Already Booked?

What to know before you go on your cruise.

What is the Celebrity Cruises app? Who can use it?

The Celebrity Cruises app makes it easier for you to plan and manage your vacation. Before your cruise, take advantage of pre-cruise savings on beverage and internet packages, shore excursions, spa services, specialty dining, and more.

Once onboard, connect to the ship's Guest Wi-Fi to access all the app features. Make dining reservations, book shore excursions, chat with friends and family, view activities and entertainment, and access your onboard account. Explore deck maps, view venues and their operating hours, access menus, and much more.

Good to know:

The Celebrity Cruises app is available for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The app is available in English.

The App is not supported on tablets.

To create a Guest Account and use all the app features, guests must be at least 13 years of age (in most countries). Guests in Austria must be at least 14 years old, and in Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, and Lithuania the minimum age is 16.

How much does the Celebrity Cruises app cost?

You can download the Celebrity Cruises app at no charge from the App Store or Google Play, and use the app at no cost onboard. No internet purchase required. In-app purchases available.

When can I download the Celebrity Cruises app?

We suggest downloading prior to your sail day, so you can save time at the terminal. Use the app to check in for your cruise, set up your arrival time, and upload your proof of vaccination. You can also download the app at no charge onboard.

How do I download the Celebrity Cruises app and log in pre-cruise?

You can download the Celebrity Cruises app at no charge from the App Store or Google Play. Then launch it and sign in using your guest account credentials. If you don't have an account, you can create one right in the app.

How do I download the Celebrity Cruises® app onboard?

1. Connect to your ship's guest Wi-Fi network.

2. Open a browser and type “login.com”’ to get to our home page.

3. Tap the App Store icon (for iOS devices) or Google Play icon (for Android devices) to install the app.

Do I have to purchase an Internet package to use the Celebrity Cruises app onboard?

No internet package is required. You can use the app onboard at no charge by connecting to your ship's guest Wi-Fi network.

Can I use the same login to access my Guest Account on the Celebrity Cruises app and website?

Yes, you can use the same username and password to log into both the Celebrity Cruises app and website. You can create a Guest Account at any time; however, we recommend that you create an account prior to your cruise so you can take advantage of pre-cruise savings on specialty dining, beverage and internet packages, shore excursions, spa services, and more, and use the app to check in for faster boarding.

What do I do if I am locked out of my account?

You will be locked out of your account after ten failed sign-in attempts.

You can reset your password using the "Forgot Password?" option on the sign-in screen.

Do I need to have a reservation for an upcoming cruise to use the Celebrity Cruises app?

No. Anyone who downloads the app can use it to view upcoming itineraries for our entire fleet, activities happening onboard our ships, videos about Celebrity Cruises and our family of cruise brands, and more, even if you don't have a reservation for a sailing. Just log in to your account or create a new account to access the app features.

What reservations and purchases can I make with the Celebrity Cruises app before my cruise?

Before your cruise, you can purchase internet and beverage packages, spa services, book specialty dining and shore excursion reservations, schedule your Celebrity Select Dining seating times, as well as select entertainment and onboard activities.

Once onboard, you can also modify or purchase an internet package, book specialty dining and shore excursion reservations, and schedule your Celebrity Select Dining seating times.

For a smooth departure day, schedule your departure time, luggage and transportation requests in the app. You'll receive notifications with the details, including and leading up to your departure time.

Is the Celebrity Cruises app available for all ships?

Yes, our app is available on all ships in the fleet; however, some features vary across different ships.

Do I need to have an internet package to use the Celebrity Cruises app onboard? How do I connect to the ship Wi-Fi?

No, you do not need an internet package to use the app onboard. Simply connect to your ship’s Guest Wi-Fi to use the app for free without an internet package.

The easiest way is to connect to the ship's Guest Wi-Fi is via your phone Settings once onboard. Once you’re connected, you can continue to use the app or purchase and activate an internet package.

Can I modify reservations or pre-cruise purchases with the Celebrity Cruises app?

Some reservations and pre-cruise purchases can be modified in the app before you sail.

For dining or shore excursions, you can either remove a Guest or cancel the entire reservation (within the cancellation policy). For further modification, such as changes in date, time or party, you can either cancel and rebook the reservation, or visit Guest Relations once onboard.

For beverage and internet packages, no modifications can be made in the app, but you can cancel and book a different package.

Will my existing reservations be reflected on the app?

Yes. Once you're signed into your account, all of your reservations display on the app.

Where can I find information on a certain voyage day’s information and activities?

Want to get an early start on your cruise plans? We don't blame you. You can find out information about your cruise in the Celebrity Cruises app by browsing to and selecting a reservation, and then tapping the ship icon or calendar icon at the top of the screen. Activities start coming together a couple of weeks before your cruise, so check back as your voyage nears.

Do you have deck maps on the app?

Yes. Deck maps are available on the app to tap through each deck, or tap on the deck link from any activity in the Daily Planner to see its location.

Can I chat with my family and other guests on the app?

Yes, Guest chat is available at no charge while onboard, as long as you're connected to the ship's Guest Wi-Fi network. Guests sailing in the same stateroom will automatically be connected to chat. You can also invite other people to chat.

*App not available on Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration or Celebrity Xpedition .

Can I find visa requirements for my cruise on the Celebrity Cruises app?

Not yet, but that information is available on the  Travel Documents FAQ page .

If I don’t know my loyalty number, can I look it up in the Celebrity Cruises app?

If your loyalty number is already associated with your account, it’s available in the app. Find it in the account information within your profile.

See all Celebrity Cruises App FAQ's here.

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