When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, cruise lines arguably faced the greatest impact. After all, who wanted to gather on a boat with thousands of other strangers for a week? Royal Caribbean, though, decided they would take ample time to develop their newest monster, “Icon of the Seas.”
The project began in 2016, when shipbuilders in Finland and Royal Caribbean embarked on a journey to initially build two ships under project “Icon.” In June of 2021, steel-cutting for the ship’s backbone began. After months of assembly, transport across Europe, and confirmations about a name, the ship sailed on its first trial run in June of 2023. This past November, Royal Caribbean retrieved the Icon of the Seas before facilitating its maiden voyage from Miami just a few weeks ago.
Royal Caribbean is no slouch when it comes to sea bound masterpieces. Originating in 1968, the cruise line developed its fleet over time to appeal to vacation goers and imitate a resort feeling across the oceans. Their ships are separated in six classes, the newest being the Icon Class. In fact, the “Star of the Seas” will be formally introduced in 2025, acting as the second of three ultimate installments in this branch. Next, the Quantum Class, with five ships. These vessels were the most innovative of their time during the mid to late 2010s. Think bumper cars, Broadway-style shows, restaurants, and showrooms, to name a few extravaganzas. The Oasis Class holds similar ships with the Quantum class, featuring bustling scenes and amusements for all ages, from water slides to ziplines. The Radiance Class offers smaller cruises, while the Freedom Class contains ships that pioneered onboard surfing simulators and miniature golf courses. The Voyager Class’ vessels introduced bars, cafes, and shops in a promenade fashion aboard the cruises. Finally, the Vision Class. With beginnings in the 90s, these ships feature the least number of amenities, but make up for it in the destinations to which these boats venture.
Yet, the Icon of the Seas reigns as king. On board, one can find anything. At 250,800 tons, this mega ship is unparalleled in amusements, amenities, and services. A run through the facts: seven distinct pools, a functional water park with six slides, a splash zone for younger kids, miniature golf, zip lines, and basketball courts. These occupy just the top decks. Meandering within the ship, one will find bars, lounges, restaurants, shops, and casinos. The pros seem insurmountable, providing a rich vacation experience for every person on board. But with the ships vast size, it is inevitable that Royal Caribbean will push to fill as many cabins as possible. With as many as 7,600 passengers at once, one simply will have trouble finding peace. Add two thousand crew members and we approach ten thousand individuals in the middle of the ocean together.
In fact, the ship is so large that there are eight neighborhoods on board. There is AquaDome, an underwater themed location that features views by day and acrobatic shows by night. Central Park resembles a garden area, containing restaurants and bars. Chill Island features the pools and swim-up bars, while Thrill Island houses slides, a free-fall drop, and ropes course. For younger folks, they will find plenty of fun at Surfside with water cannons and splash parks. The Hideaway caters to adults with its infinity pool and rather secluded ambiance. The Suite Neighborhood features space for “suite” guests, including a separate pool, hot tub, and two-level restaurant. The Royal Promenade rounds out the list. This is the ship’s main drag, an access point for the casino, shopping, dining, and gathering places like The Pearl.
It is evident that this ship succeeds in breadth, but whether one can find depth in experience and memories aboard is a feeling we will keep an eye out for in the exciting, introductory voyages of the Icon of the Seas. Hopefully, some of us Pirates can embark on this iconic cruise too.