We just returned from a three day preview sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s brand new Icon of the Seas. Let me just say that this ship is amazing! Royal Caribbean has totally knocked it out of the park with this ship. I have always been a fan of the Oasis Class ships (Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and soon arriving Utopia of the Seas). The Icon of the Seas is everything I love about Oasis Class, but on steroids. Now, when I say that, don’t be misled. The Icon really isn’t that much bigger than the Oasis Class. Here is a quick comparison:
Oasis of the Seas | Wonder of the Seas | Icon of the Seas | |
Gross Tons | 226,838 | 235,600 | 250,800 |
Length | 1,187 feet | 1,188 feet | 1,198 feet |
Width | 215 feet | 211 feet | 213 feet |
Double Occupancy Guests | 5,602 | 5,734 | 5,610 |
Decks | 18 (16 guest) | 18 (16 guest) | 20 (18 guest) |
Staterooms | 2,801 | 2,867 | 2,805 |
So, as you can see, the Icon is not that much larger than Oasis Class at all. It does however feel a lot larger. The spaces have really been opened up, especially the promenade area. Gone are the promenade view staterooms. They are replaced by other public spaces (bars, entertainment areas). Royal Caribbean has also opened the promenade area to views of the ocean which brings in more light and makes the space feel wide open.
While we were onboard, we were able to view a number of different stateroom types and we made sure to visit each neighborhood on board. There are eight of them on Icon of the Seas:
Aquadome: a tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot by night with restaurants, bars, wraparound ocean views and entertainment in the next-level AquaTheater. Behind the Aquadome is the Overlook, which is an incredible spot for lounging, looking out at the amazing forward views, or enjoying a cocktail at the bar.
Central Park: A real park and all that comes with it, including more than 33,500 plants. With a new live music venue, windows with champagne and sushi, and even an all-new dining experience that pairs eight courses with music, wine and more, evolving what’s become an all-time favorite was anything but a walk in the park.
Chill Island: Four of the seven pools on board are in this three-deck slice of paradise. There’s one for every mood, each with prime ocean views, from the vibrant Swim & Tonic - the cruise line's first swim-up bar at sea - to Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea. The lineup also includes Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat, and the serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including the brand's first frozen cocktail bar.
Royal Promenade: The next generation of Royal Promenade comes together with revolutionary feats in engineering, architecture and design to create a place with experiences for everyone day and night. From the neighborhood’s first ocean views to the seamless connection between two floors of 15-plus new and returning restaurants, bars and lounges, alongside dedicated areas for kids and teens, shows, activities like ice skating, and more, it’s the place to be and be seen.
Surfside: A neighborhood made for young families from end to end, Surfside is where adults and kids ages six and under can stay and play all day. There are three water experiences, including a pool for the grownups, and steps away are dining options, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teens.
Suite Neighborhood: Just steps away from your room, discover a retreat with upscale amenities exclusively for suite guests. Soak up rays on the two-story Grove Suite Sun Deck or take a tranquil dip in the private pool and hot tub. Savor upscale cuisine at two restaurants for VIPs only. Indulge in the casual elegance of Coastal Kitchen or al fresco Mediterranean bliss at The Grove. And at the Suite Lounge, enjoy bites and cocktails over jaw-dropping views right into the heart of the revolutionary AquaDome.
The Hideaway: An adults only (18+) area floating in mid-air eight stories up, the first suspended infinity pool at sea brings beach club vibes to the back of the ship at this adults-only paradise. Spend the day sipping bubbly champagne cocktails while the DJ spins relaxing beach beats until after the sun goes down. And whether you’re popping bottles from your full-sized daybed in the middle of the water or kicking back at the wraparound bar — every view is the best view at The Hideaway.
Thrill Island: Vacationers can scale new heights and reach top speeds with adventures that run the gamut, including Category 6 waterpark, the largest waterpark at sea; the daring Crown’s Edge experience; and returning favorites like the FlowRider surf simulator and new takes on mini golf at Lost Dunes and rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak.
There really is something for everyone on board this ship. Whether you are looking for a quiet, relaxing place to just hang out in or an action packed family fun spot to keep the kids entertained, you can find it all on Icon of the Seas.
The demand is high for this ship, and the current rates reflect that. If you are flexible in your travel dates, we might be able to find some great block space pricing that could literally save you thousands. If you are ready for your Icon of the Seas adventure, send me an email or give me a call and let me help get you onboard!
Kathy Freer
Dream Vacations Freer & Associates
888-882-5793
470-735-3778
321-735-0202
kfreer@dreamvacations.com
www.MemorableVoyages.com
www.kfreer.dreamvacations.com
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