Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is set to redefine the world of cruising, offering an unparalleled sea experience. When it debuted in early 2024, it claimed the title of the largest cruise ship in the world.
This giant of the ocean promises something for everyone, from adventure seekers to those looking for ultimate relaxation.
This article details Icon of the Seas’ impressive capacity, length, and overall experience.
The World’s Largest Cruise Ship
At a time when cruise ships were growing larger and more luxurious, Icon of the Seas took the crown as the largest ship ever built.
It is the newest addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet and part of their innovative Icon Class, setting a new benchmark for the cruise industry. Measuring a staggering 365 meters (1,198 feet) in length, this ship is longer than four football fields!
The sheer scale of the ship refers to its length and the number of passengers it can accommodate.
The Icon of the Seas holds up to 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity when counting guests and crew, the average guest capacity is slightly lower, around 5,610 guests.
With a crew of over 2,350 members, the number of people onboard can exceed 9,000. This remarkable size means more entertainment, dining, and relaxation options than any cruise ship in history.
Is Icon of the Seas the Biggest Ship in the World?
Yes, Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship ever built. It surpasses the previous titleholder, another Royal Caribbean vessel, Wonder of the Seas, which measures about 362 meters and holds a maximum of 7,084 passengers.
While Wonder of the Seas is a marvel in its own right, Icon of the Seas takes this luxury to the next level with more innovations, amenities, and space for its passengers.
The Icon’s larger size allows it to include unique attractions that you won’t find anywhere else, like an enormous water park, complete with water slides, splash zones, and the world’s first infinity pool on a cruise ship. But more on that later!
How Many Guests Does Icon of the Seas Hold?
Icon of the Seas has an astonishing passenger capacity.
At full capacity, Icon of the Seas can hold 7,600 guests, but it typically accommodates 5,610 passengers. The additional capacity comes into play when extra berths are utilized in family-friendly staterooms.
The ship will host over 2,350 staff members in terms of crew, ensuring that guests enjoy unparalleled service throughout their voyage.
With such a massive passenger capacity, the ship offers a variety of stateroom types and sizes. From cozy interior cabins to ultra-luxurious suites, Icon of the Seas caters to a broad spectrum of passengers, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Some staterooms even feature incredible ocean views or overlook the ship’s many attractions, such as the boardwalk area, pools, and the water park.
Features and Attractions: A Floating City
Icon of the Seas is much more than a cruise ship; it’s a floating city brimming with amenities and entertainment options. The scale of its onboard offerings is staggering. Whether you want to relax, dine, shop, or seek adventure, this ship has it all. Here are some of the standout features:
- AquaDome
One of the ship’s signature features is the AquaDome, a revolutionary space at the front of the ship. By day, this area offers 360-degree ocean views, making it the perfect place to relax with a drink in hand. By night, it transforms into an entertainment venue featuring dazzling water shows and performances.
- The World’s Largest Water Park at Sea
The Icon of the Seas boasts the largest water park ever installed on a cruise ship, complete with six water slides, splash zones, and pools that cater to all ages. Its adrenaline-pumping attractions are sure to satisfy thrill-seekers, while others can relax in the quieter pools, like the infinity pool, with breathtaking ocean views.
- Thrill Island
For the adventurers onboard, Thrill Island is the place to be. This area is designed to feel like a remote island packed with high-energy activities, including ziplines, rock climbing walls, and, of course, water slides. It’s an adrenaline junkie’s dream come true.
- Suite Neighborhood
For those who seek exclusivity and luxury, Icon of the Seas introduces the Suite Neighborhood, a luxurious section of the ship reserved for suite guests. This area includes its own private pool, lounge, and restaurant, offering a more intimate experience away from the hustle and bustle of the ship.
- Central Park
An innovative feature found on some Royal Caribbean ships, Central Park is a serene, open-air space lined with tropical trees and lush greenery. It offers a tranquil setting for guests to take a stroll, dine in specialty restaurants, or enjoy live music performances in the evening.
- Bars, Restaurants, and Walk-up Eateries
Dining options are plentiful with a ship as large as Icon of the Seas. More than 20 restaurants and eateries include upscale dining venues, walk-up casual spots, and international cuisine options.
Some standout dining experiences include Wonderland, offering whimsical culinary adventures, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. For those looking to enjoy a drink, there are numerous bars spread throughout the ship, each offering unique views, craft cocktails, and refreshing drinks.
How Much Will It Cost to Sail on Icon of the Seas?
The cost of sailing on Icon of the Seas will vary based on the season, type of stateroom, and the length of the voyage.
However, for a standard 7-night Caribbean cruise, prices are expected to start around $1,200 per person for an interior cabin. The cost can increase significantly for ocean-view rooms, balcony staterooms, and suites, with some of the most luxurious suites costing upwards of $10,000 for a week-long voyage.
It’s important to book early, as Icon of the Seas is expected to be a popular choice for families, couples, and groups, especially at the beginning.
What Are the 3 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World?
As of 2024, the three largest cruise ships in the world are all part of Royal Caribbean’s fleet:
- Icon of the Seas – 365 meters long, capacity of 7,600 passengers at full capacity.
- Wonder of the Seas – 362 meters long, capacity of 7,084 passengers at full capacity.
- Symphony of the Seas – 362 meters long, with a capacity of 6,680 passengers at full capacity.
Each of these ships represents the pinnacle of engineering and innovation in the cruise industry, and Icon of the Seas stands tall as the ultimate leader, offering more space, more attractions, and more amenities than its counterparts.
Sailing Out of Miami
Icon of the Seas will primarily sail from Miami, offering itineraries that explore the Caribbean. Miami, known as the world’s cruise capital, serves as the perfect home port for this new ship.
Guests can expect itineraries that visit popular destinations like Cozumel, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
A New Era for Cruise Lines
With the Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has set a new standard for cruise ships, pushing the boundaries of what a floating city can offer.
From its world-class water park to its diverse dining options and innovative design, the ship offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to lounge by the pool, explore exotic islands, or seek adventure on the seas, Icon of the Seas is a destination in itself.
