Introducing the Vacation Icon: Royal Caribbean Unveils Icon of the Seas

A new era of vacation begins. Royal Caribbean International has unveiled the first look at the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas , the Icon of the Vacation. The first Icon Class ship, which will see the light of day in late 2023 before her debut in January 2024, will be the first to combine the best of vacations in the travel industry. From beach retreat to resort getaway to theme park adventure, with Icon, every type of family and adventurer can realize their version of the ultimate family vacation. Travelers can book their iconic adventure on Royal Caribbean's website on Tuesday, October 25. Members of the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program will have special access on Monday, October 24.

"With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love," said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. "From the moment you step on board, each experience is specifically designed to offer you the best vacation anywhere on land and sea. With Icon of the Seas, we've taken this to a new level and created the ultimate family vacation."

Whether "family vacation" means a getaway with family, couples or friends, Icon's full range of experiences includes a variety of firsts and favorites for everyone. There are adrenaline-pumping activities, including the largest water park at sea, and unparalleled ways to relax with more ocean views and pools – one for each day of the week – than ever before. Plus a mix of over 40 new and existing dining, bar and nightlife options and cutting-edge entertainment.

" Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love vacations," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "Now more than ever, families and friends prioritize experiences where they can come together and enjoy their adventures together or on their own. We set out to create a vacation that makes all of that possible in one place for thrill seekers, enthusiasts relaxation and everything in between, without compromise.This first-of-its-kind combination makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is already here.”

Royal Caribbean begins to highlight what's in store with your first look at eight neighborhoods that come to life day and night, including five all-new adventures and three returning favorites. Each one is a destination unto itself filled with experiences, live entertainment, and ways to snack and drink, so everyone can make memories their way every day.

Ways to play in five new neighborhoods

Thrill Island – Vacationers can test their limits, scale new heights and reach top speeds in the thick of the excitement. This lost island adventure is home to highlights such as Category 6, the largest water park at sea, with six record-breaking slides: Pressure Drop and its 66-degree incline make it the industry's first free-fall open slide; the 14 meter high Frightening Bolt, the highest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first offshore family slides with four passengers per raft; and Storm Chasers, the cruise ship's first mat racing duo. Living on the edge takes on new meaning with Crown's Edge, which, from the catwalk, part of the ropes course and the attraction,

Chill Island – Among the seven pools on board, four are found in this three-deck piece of paradise. There's a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views: the vibrant Swim & Tonic, the line's first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool in the sea; Cloud 17, an adults-only haven; and the serene Cove Pool, with its infinity edge. In addition, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean's first frozen cocktail bar.

Surfside – Introducing a neighborhood made for young families through and through, where adults and kids six and under will want to stay all day. Adults can enjoy the endless views at Water's Edge Pool, while keeping an eye on the kids at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Just a few steps away are dining options, places to lounge, a bar, the signature carousel, a game room, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teens.

The Hideaway – This neighborhood 40 meters above the ocean combines the good vibes of beach clubs from around the world and the uninterrupted views of the ocean that only a cruise ship can offer. The first suspended infinity pool in the sea is at the center of it all, and is surrounded by a multi-tiered sundeck with hot tubs, a variety of seating, and a dedicated bar.

AquaDome – Perched atop Icon awaits a transformative venue like no other. During the day, in an oasis of tranquility, guests can enjoy views of the ocean and a stunning waterfall while enjoying a bite or drink. At night, it becomes a vibrant place to go out, with restaurants, bars and the cruise line's water shows at the AquaTheater. This iconic entertainment venue takes state-of-the-art art and technology to new levels, with a transforming pool, four robotic arms, state-of-the-art projections and much more.

Ways to play through three familiar and favorite neighborhoods

The cruise line raises the bar even higher with each of its iconic neighborhoods: The largest Royal Promenade boasts its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafes, bars, and lounges ; the lusher and livelier Central Park has more ways to dine and be entertained; and the largest Suite Neighborhood neighborhood has four deluxe decks and offers a multi-level sun deck – The Grove – with a private pool, hot tub and dining area, and a two-story coastal kitchen. Other returning favorites include experiences like new adaptations of miniature golf at Lost Dunes, climbing Adrenaline Peak, and Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean's largest ice rink,

With 28 ways to stay, the staterooms are also diligently designed for each type of guest. With more options, sea views and space. There are new designs for families of three, four, five and more, such as the Family Infinite Balcony and the Surfside Family Suite – with spaces for the children separated from the adults – and the Ultimate Family Townhouse with three floors, with its own fence and mailbox. As for the views, the best are those of the first Sunset Corner Suites and the AquaDome's Panoramic Ocean Views.

The debut of the Icon Class also introduces what's new and Royal Caribbean's next step towards a clean energy future. Icon will be the cruise line's first ship with fuel cell technology and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest marine fuel. Together with other measures such as connection to the shore power grid and waste heat recovery systems, the new ship will be Royal Caribbean's most sustainable to date.

The bold new vacation standard extends to the second home of Icon's heart: the crew. Where they live and work has been reimagined with a more intuitive design, amenities, rooms and activities, including a new proprietary stateroom created by the crew for the crew.

Iconwill sail year-round on a 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacation from Miami. Each cruise will visit Royal Caribbean's top-rated private island destination, Perfect Day in CocoCay, Bahamas, where adventurers can create their ideal vacation day. There are all kinds of thrills and sensations on the cruise, from the 13 slides at Thrill Waterpark, including the highest in North America, to the Coco Beach Club, featuring the first overwater cabanas in the Bahamas, and Up, Up & Away, a helium balloon adventure. When Icon arrives, the cruise line will debut the island's adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, with an expansive pool, private pool cabanas and unparalleled views of the ocean's nuances. Vacationers will also visit jewels of the Caribbean such as Cozumel (Mexico)