It’s the biggest story in cruising… and not just because a new world’s largest cruise ship is set to arrive. Officially 100 days from today — January 27, 2024 — Icon of the Seas is set to make its debut with paying passengers.
The ship marks the first of Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class and comes in at a staggering 250,800 gross tons, nearly 1,200 feet in length, and with the ability to carry more than 7,500 guests at max capacity.
The ship, however, is making waves for more than just its size. In short, the ship’s design and offerings are unlike anything else out there.
From the Aquadome sitting at the front of the ship to the massive Category 6 waterpark at the back, there is simply no mistaking this ship for any other at sea. On board will be eight different neighborhoods, ranging from classics like Central Park (an actual outdoor park with plants and trees) to new spots like Surfside — a completely new spot dedicated to families with small kids.
Want to play outside? We mentioned the waterpark that’s complete with six slides, but there are also seven different swimming pools. That includes one pool with a swim-up bar, which is a new feature to the cruise line.
Royal Caribbean also says Icon of the Seas will offer “40 ways to dine and drink,” and we count 22 of those being places to eat with a number of restaurants that aren’t on any other ship in the fleet.
The cruise line is so confident the ship will be a hit that a second ship in the class — Star of the Seas — has already been announced.
But first, Icon of the Seas has to make its debut.
As mentioned, the first passenger sailing will be January 27. That inaugural cruise departs Miami on a 7-night trip to St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and CocoCay before returning to Florida.
If you want to be the first to sail and make cruise history, then there is still limited room available. The Royal Caribbean website shows balcony and suite cabins available, starting at an eye-watering $3,459 per person.
For comparison, Oasis of the Seas departs Miami the following day on a 7-night cruise of its own. Balcony cabins on that trip are available starting at just $1,048 per person.
In other words, it seems clear that the excitement and demand to be the first to sail on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship in 100 days is running high.
More on Icon of the Seas:
- 7 (BIG) Reasons Everyone Is Talking About Royal Caribbean’s New Ship
- Is Icon of the Seas Worth It? How Much More You’ll Pay to Sail Royal Caribbean’s Amazing New Ship
- Icon of the Seas: What to Know About Royal Caribbean’s New Ship (Read Before Booking)
