The newly named Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, departs from Miami every Saturday. (Courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
Haters will hate the moment Royal Caribbean International (royalcaribbean.com) announces plans to (again) build not only the world's largest cruise ship, but one that will carry nearly 10,000 people. There would have been an expression that it would happen, but I wonder if they would have posted it on social media.
“Floating hellscape'' “Horror of the sea'' “Inhuman'' “Monster'' “Slow behemoth'' These icebergs formed by the Internet have everyone, including the harshest critics, 1,198 It was intended to sink the Icon of the Seas more than a year ago, without a single flip-flop on the ft. luxury liner.
Well, that's exactly what happened to this veteran cruiser, and now that his dropped jaw is back in place, I can strongly say that all hasty cyber cynics are wet. Icon of the Seas is not scary, terrifying, inhuman, monstrous, or oppressive. In addition to being a record-breaker in multiple categories, five times the size of the Titanic, it is an engineering marvel that lives up to the Royal Caribbean's heart-pounding claim of being the “best vacation in the world” It is…with an asterisk that I'll explain later.
Icon of the Seas boasts a record 250,800 gross tons and is a challenging industry first. From the largest water park at sea and the ship's first swim-up bar, to 28 different stateroom categories and the most elaborate stage productions this 63-cruise ship has seen, each milestone at sea features approximately 5,000 A recent preview cruise attended by a number of media outlets was shocking. and travel advisor. Given the good progress ahead of the Icon's first cruise on October 25, 2022, which sold out within 24 hours, the ship will accommodate 7,600 paying passengers in addition to its standard capacity of 2,350 crew members. Depending on the weather, we can expect smooth sailing. Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bailey said the first full week-long Caribbean route from Miami will not be scheduled until the summer. For now, the ship is scheduled to sail at about 80% capacity, which is a typical increase for new ships.
The fact that all the new features and enhancements seem to work so well right out of the shipyard is just as impressive as how easy the Megaship of all Megaships is to maneuver. Featuring a two-story shortcut, a two-story royal promenade with no dead ends, and a smart elevator that uses machine learning to lift guests up and down her 18 public decks, this new flagship is an intuitive full of innovative innovations. Dividing the ship into her eight “neighborhoods” facilitates guest flow, similar to the role “lands” play in Disney theme parks. Distributing passengers into neighborhoods debuted in Royal Caribbean's Oasis class in 2009. Its new icon Her class takes the concept to another level by not only making each area more distinctive, but also adding an element of surprise from bow to stern.
Icon of the Seas, like her two sister ships scheduled to launch in 2025 and 2026, is designed with the fleet's five new districts in mind. If she had to choose just one zone to represent, it would be Aquadome, named after the 363-ton device made primarily of glass and steel. Here on decks 14 and 15 is the next generation of water and air shows staged on Oasis-class ships, and it's spectacular. The lively show, aptly named “Aqua Action!'', takes full advantage of the amphitheater, which is a wonder in itself. Bringing the show indoors is better for the audience and the cast, some of whom are asked to jump off 60-foot platforms or perform rhythmic acts tethered above their heads. Nearby, unique eateries include Aquadome Market, the cruise line's first food hall, where made-to-order gyros and dessert crepes are worth the calories, and the macaroni and cheese bar isn't. Not… yours unless it’s bland and watery.
Watery and bland areas are the other four new areas. Thrill Island (Decks 16-17) is home to the fleet's flagship facilities such as the Flowrider surf simulator and Rock Wall, Crown's Edge where intrepid passengers literally walk on the plank and the Category 6 Honest Water adrenaline rush. His park has six slides. Chill Island (Decks 15-17) is home to four of the ship's seven pools, in addition to an industry-first swim-up bar. Surfside (Deck 7) is geared towards young families. The Hideaway (Deck 15) is an adults-only escape with a beach club atmosphere and paradise views from inside and outside the first suspended infinity pool at sea.
The three districts carried over from the Oasis ship have been reimagined on the icon, all for the better. The most luxurious category of staterooms is located within the Sweet Neighborhood, at the top of which is his 1,772-square-foot three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse that sleeps eight guests. There are multiple levels of slides, a wrap-around balcony, a Jacuzzi, areas for karaoke and movies, and even a patio with a ping pong table. Bad news: Sold out until 2024. Good news: There's still time to come up with $80,000. Better news: As of press time, starting in March 2025, his double room in the Inside Cabin (156 square feet) will be available at his low price of $1,200, plus taxes and fees. When he adds two benjamins, it comes with a balcony.
Rounding out the Icon's eight sectors, Deck 8's Central Park has 20% more greenery than the latest layout on Wonder of the Seas, currently the second largest ship in the world. Beautifully landscaped with approximately 31,000 plants, this personal favorite spot not only has more of the iconic greenery, but also features loose jazz and blues, a walk-up champagne bar, and lively entertainment on decks 5 and 6. The addition of a discreet shortcut to the Royal Promenade precinct adds to the vibrancy. The 362-foot-long, two-deck activity center is always busy with 15 restaurants, bars, and lounges. One of them is his Dueling Pianos, the cruise line's first double pianist bar, where his two ivory-tickling musicians respond to requests each night. Royal Caribbean, typically the industry leader, is seven years behind Holland America Line in this concept. Shocking, right? — but what's all-new on the iconic, vibrant Royal Promenade is The Pearl.
Talk about the wow factor. Visible just off the main gangway for maximum shock and awe, The Pearl is three stories tall, 50 feet in diameter, and is both an interactive artwork and an integral part of the ship's superstructure. This multi-sensory immersive feature boasts 3,600 kinetic panels that change color and mood, creating a sensation of water and light through reflective movement. A white staircase inside the sphere connects the lower level of the Royal Promenade with the popular Pearl Café. Pearl Cafe is his 24-hour restaurant serving sweet and savory snacks (included in price) and specialty coffee (not included in price).
Icon has more than 40 other eateries, more than half of which are first-time eateries. Meals at no extra charge can be a little sketchy on mainstream cruise ships, but what was served on the preview cruise was very good overall, including in the main dining room and the windjammer buffet. Icon's most exclusive dining experience is the Empire Supper Club, where you'll pay an additional $200 per person for an eight-course meal with an old New York feel, live music, and exquisite cocktails. The popular spot has just 40 seats each night, so be quick if you want to sample the Staten Island Spritz, Rockefeller Oysters, Wagyu Ribeye, and Big He Apple's luxurious “Chocolate He Beehive” made with real honey. Let's make a reservation.
From New York City to the Emerald City, Icon will host the first maritime production of “The Wizard of Oz.” The plotline remains unchanged, and there is still no place better for Dorothy than her hometown. But leave it to Nick Weir, the king of entertainment to push the limits of the Royal Caribbean, to come up with a fresh interpretation that shows the extraordinary heart, brains, and courage of the 90's captivating films. Minutes. Weir's flashy tastes are also on display in his new “Starburst: Elemental Beauty” ice show (on the largest rink on the water, of course) and his aforementioned Aqua action. This spectacular production features a first-of-its-kind cast of high divers, aerialists, synchronized swimmers, skateboarders, and robots.
Now, about that asterisk. The Icon of the Seas may feel spacious, but she's carrying nearly 10,000 people, much less a crew of cruisers you'd never imagine carrying. There is. For them, the “best vacation in the world” is one spent with as few people as possible. But for those of you who live by the mantra “the more the merrier” and “the bigger the better,” a new wonder of the world has recently set sail from Miami, and you'll want to come aboard.
