Icon of the Seas profile

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL


ICON OF THE SEAS

​PROFILE

SUMMARY

 Icon of the Seas is a massive cruise ship.  Indeed, she entered service in 2024 as the largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage.

This ship was the first ship in Royal Caribbean's Icon class. (Sister ships include Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas (II)).  While larger than Royal's preceding Oasis class, Icon is more of a step larger than a leap.   In fact, Icon is only about 8 feet longer than Symphony of the Seas and is not as wide. At double occupancy, the ships have similar numbers.  Of course, since 80 percent of Icon's cabins can accommodate three or more guests, at full capacity, Icon can host significantly more guests.  Nonetheless, passengers who have enjoyed the popular Oasis-class ships should not feel intimidated by the headlines about Icon's size. 

Icon offers a casual, resort-style, cruise experience. Among other things, she has seven pools, six slides and a large waterpark.  In short, she is family-friendly.

Like the Oasis ships, Icon is divided into "neighborhoods" - themed-areas offering different experiences.  However, Icon's set of neighborhoods is not the same set as on the Oasis class.  While favorites such as Central Park and the Royal Promenade appear on Icon, there are also new concepts combining dining, leisure and entertainment. 

The neighborhood concept helps with passenger flow.  Different concepts appeal to guests' differing tastes and interests.  Consequently, everyone is not at the same place at the same time.   This helps to reduce crowding.

Icon has more than 40 dining venues including both complimentary and extra-tariff specialty options.  Thus, there is lots of choice.

Along the same lines, there are numerous entertainment venues.  There is a traditional theater and an ice rink - a Royal Caribbean favorite.  In addition, there is an aua theater located under the 350-ton Aquadome at the forward end of the ship.  There is a casino and various bars and lounges.   

The ship has a hybrid fuel system.  Its engines can be powered by LNG or by traditional diesel fuel.  The engines create electricity that power the motors that propel the ship and which power its hotel operations. 

ESSENTIAL STATISTICS

THE BASICS

CLASS:                       Icon
BUILDER:                 Meyer Turku (Finland)
ENTERED SERVICE:  January 2024
LINE:                           Royal Caribbean International
​Registered:                   The Bahamas

SIZE

TONNAGE:                    248,663 g.r.t.
LENGTH:                        1,196 feet.
BEAM:                            159 feet.
DRAFT:                           30 feet.

SPEED:                          22 knots
                                         26 maximum                        
PROPULSION:             3 rotating pods
BOW THRUSTERS:    Five                           
POWER PLANT:        Hybrid (Diesel, LNG)

PEOPLE

CAPACITY:           5.610  passengers (double occupancy),
                                7,600 (total).
CREW:                          2,350   
OFFICERS:                  International

Profile and review - Royal Caribbean International - Icon of the Seas