Icon of the Seas Joins Royal Caribbean Family
After 900 days of meticulous design and construction, Royal Caribbean International introduced the eagerly awaited Icon of the Seas to its cruise ship family. The grand celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.
The event marked the culmination of over seven years of dreaming and planning, bringing together more than 1,200 crew members and workers.
Icon of the Seas Officially Joins Royal Caribbean Fleet
Attending the event was Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer.
“Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience,” expressed Jason Liberty.
The five neighborhoods and three redesigned favorite activity areas are destinations in themselves, filled with a variety of experiences, live entertainment, restaurants and bars.
Icon of the Seas Five Neighborhoods
AquaDome: A day-to-night oasis with ocean views, AquaTheater shows, and unique dining experiences at AquaDome Market and Rye & Bean. Enjoy the 55-foot-tall water curtain and the transformative experience of this vibrant neighborhood.
Central Park: With more greenery and spirited than ever, Central Park has more ways to dine, drink, and be entertained. New experiences like Izumi and Chops Grille, along with Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues for live performances, add to the vibrant atmosphere.
The Hideaway: Tucked 135 feet above the ocean, The Hideaway neighborhood offers the first suspended infinity pool at sea. With 180-degree ocean views, a dedicated DJ and bar, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
Suite Neighborhood: Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas now claims the largest-ever suite neighborhood. This neighborhood spans four decks and features larger suites, the new Grove Suite Sun Deck with a private pool, whirlpool and dedicated Mediterranean dining.
There’s also the two-level Coastal Kitchen providing guests with expansive stunning views.
Surfside: The perfect neighborhood for young families includes splash zones like Water’s Edge pool, Baby Bay, and the Splashaway Bay aquapark. Surfside has its own dedicated dining options like Surfside Eatery, Pier 7, and family-friendly The Lemon Post bar.
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Enhanced Royal Caribbean Favorites
Royal Promenade: The heartbeat of Icon of the Seas, features more than 15 restaurants, bars, and lounges. Highlights include Dueling Pianos, the 1400 Lobby Bar, and favorites with a twist like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and Sorrento’s Pizzeria.
Thrill Island: The new center of Thrill Island features Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea and its six record-breaking slides. Crown’s Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride where adventurers swing 154 feet above the ocean.
FlowRider surf simulator is included of course. There’s also Lost Dunes minigolf course. Thirsty guests can enjoy snacks at Basecamp and indulge in over-the-top milkshakes at Desserted.
Chill Island: A three-deck paradise boasting four unique pools, including the lively Swim & Tonic and the serene Cove Pool. Live bands, DJs, and poolside spots like The Lime & Coconut and El Loco Fresh & Cantina Fresca make this a chill spot day and night.
First Royal Caribbean Ship to Run to Use LNG
Icon of the Seas is not just a groundbreaking cruise ship; it’s the first vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel.
Its dual-fuel engines, coupled with innovative energy efficiency initiatives and industry-leading environmental programs, include the debut of the first waste-to-energy plant at sea.
Boasting a remarkable 24% increase in energy efficiency compared to current ship design standards, Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s most eco-conscious ship yet.
Icon of the Seas Itineraries
For families and adventurers seeking the ultimate vacation, Icon of the Seas offers a year-round getaway. Embark on a 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise from Miami. Every voyage includes a thrilling and relaxing day at Royal Caribbean’s acclaimed private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
CocoCay introduces Hideaway Beach, Perfect Day’s first adults-only escape. This exclusive experience boasts a private beach, pools, dedicated spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music, and more.
Icon of the Seas is on the way to Cadiz, Spain for final touches before reaching its year-round home in Miami in January 2024.
