Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships – 5 Reasons to Sail

Think bigger pools, bigger thrills, bigger entertainment and more ways to eat your way around the world. Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships aren’t just somewhere to sleep between destinations. They’re destinations in their own right.

If you thought cruising couldn’t get any bigger, bolder or more exciting, think again. Royal Caribbean has taken everything people love about a cruise holiday and turned the volume right up with its groundbreaking Icon Class.

We’re talking record-breaking waterslides, neighbourhoods designed around different holiday vibes, incredible restaurants, jaw-dropping entertainment and accommodation that makes even the fanciest hotel room look twice.

With the Royal Caribbean Icon Class ships taking cruising to another level, there’s never been a better time to discover what makes these incredible vessels so special.

We’ve narrowed it down to five big reasons why the Royal Caribbean Icon Class deserves a spot on your cruise wish-list.

1. Explore the Neighbourhoods of Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships

Ever struggled to decide between a family adventure, a relaxing beach escape or a lively city break? Well, Royal Caribbean has basically said, why choose!

Each of the Royal Caribbean Icon Class ships features eight distinct neighbourhoods, giving guests plenty of ways to enjoy their time onboard. Each has its own atmosphere, attractions and places to eat, drink and unwind, meaning there’s always somewhere new to explore.

Fancy a bit of greenery? Central Park brings a slice of nature onboard, complete with thousands of real plants, open-air walkways, restaurants and places to enjoy a drink. It’s a world away from the usual cruise ship corridors.

For something a little livelier, the Royal Promenade is the beating heart of the ship, packed with bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment. Meanwhile, the AquaDome combines spectacular ocean views with impressive performances and dining venues.

Travelling with little ones? Surfside is designed with families in mind, bringing together splash zones, family-friendly dining, play areas and attractions that keep younger cruisers entertained.

And if your idea of a holiday involves considerably fewer children and considerably more cocktails, The Hideaway is an adults-only retreat with a suspended infinity pool and beach club atmosphere.

There’s also Thrill Island for the adrenaline junkies, Chill Island for poolside relaxation and an exclusive Suite Neighbourhood for guests looking for something extra special.

Basically, eight neighbourhoods mean eight different ways to holiday, all without leaving the ship.

2. The Biggest Thrills on Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships

If your idea of a sea day involves sitting around waiting for the next port, think again. There’s no shortage of things to do on Royal Caribbean Icon Class ships, especially if you love a little adventure.

Let’s start with Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. Featuring six record-breaking waterslides, it’s home to everything from high-speed drops to twists, turns and stomach-flipping adventures.

Still fancy pushing your luck? Crown Edge takes things to another level with a thrilling combination of skywalk and aerial challenge, suspended 154 feet above the ocean. Not one for anyone with a fear of heights!

But it’s not all about the adrenaline. The ships also feature an incredible selection of pools, with seven pools and multiple whirlpools offering everything from family splash sessions to adults-only relaxation.

Take a dip in Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, grab a drink at the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar or head to The Hideaway for an infinity pool with seriously impressive ocean views.

There’s plenty more to keep active cruisers busy, too. Have a go on the FlowRider surf simulator, challenge your travelling companions to a game of mini golf, scale the climbing wall or hit the sports court.

And for younger guests, Surfside and Splashaway Bay offer dedicated spaces packed with water-based fun, while Adventure Ocean keeps the little cruisers entertained with age-appropriate activities.

Whether you’re chasing your next adrenaline rush or just chasing the sunshine, there’s a pool, activity or attraction with your name on it.

3. Dining Experiences on Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships

Let’s face it. No great holiday is complete without some seriously good food. Thankfully, the Icon Class ships have taken that very seriously. Food is a big part of the experience on Royal Caribbean Icon Class ships, with an incredible choice of restaurants and bars.

Fancy something quick and casual? Grab a slice at Sorrento’s, tuck into Mexican favourites at El Loco Fresh or head to the AquaDome Market, where different food stalls serve up a variety of international flavours.

For something a little more substantial, there’s the Windjammer buffet, family-friendly Surfside Eatery and the Main Dining Room, where you can enjoy a different menu throughout your cruise.

But if you’re looking to make dinner a little more of an occasion, there’s plenty to choose from.

Enjoy freshly prepared sushi and theatrical teppanyaki at Izumi, tuck into Italian favourites at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen or dress up for an unforgettable evening at one of the ships’ signature Supper Clubs.

And then there’s Legend of the Seas, which takes things even further with its impressive 28 dining options. Its standout additions include Royal Railway – Legend Station, an immersive dining experience inspired by the ancient Silk Routes, and Hollywoodland Supper Club, bringing a touch of old-school glamour to dinner.

Of course, we can’t forget the bars. From live music and jazz lounges to lively cocktail spots and poolside drinks, there are plenty of places to raise a glass.

One thing’s for certain. You might need to loosen your belt a notch or two before heading home.

4. Entertainment on Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships

Think you’ve seen everything cruise ship entertainment has to offer? The Icon Class ships would like a word. Entertainment is another area where Royal Caribbean Icon Class ships really raise the bar.

Forget simply catching a show before heading back to your cabin. These ships bring together spectacular performances across water, ice and stage, alongside live music, comedy, game shows and late-night entertainment.

The AquaTheater is one of the biggest showstoppers, combining high-diving performances, aerial acrobatics and incredible water effects to create spectacles you’ll be talking about long after your cruise.

Then there’s Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea, where talented performers take to the ice for spectacular skating shows.

If Broadway-style productions are more your thing, the Royal Theater delivers impressive productions and much-loved shows. Icon of the Seas features The Wizard of Oz, while Legend of the Seas brings the magic of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory onboard.

And when the curtain comes down, the entertainment certainly doesn’t stop.

Enjoy live performances at Music Hall, sing along at Dueling Pianos, catch some jazz at Lou’s or grab the microphone at Spotlight Karaoke.

There’s also comedy, themed parties, game shows and plenty of opportunities to keep the night going.

Travelling with teenagers? Social020 gives them their own dedicated hangout, while younger guests can enjoy age-appropriate activities through Adventure Ocean.

Early nights? Not on these ships. You’ve got far too much to fit in.

5. Accommodation on Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships

After all that excitement, you’ll need somewhere pretty special to put your feet up. Luckily, the Icon Class ships haven’t forgotten about the importance of a little downtime.

There’s an impressive choice of accommodation onboard, with everything from comfortable interior staterooms and ocean-view cabins to spacious balcony rooms and luxurious suites.

One of the standout innovations is the Infinite Balcony, which uses a clever design to bring the ocean-view experience into your living space. Prefer a traditional balcony? Those are available too.

Travelling with the family? The Surfside Family Suites and Family Infinite Balcony staterooms offer clever layouts designed to give everyone a little more room.

And then there’s the Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas. This three-level, two-bedroom suite sleeps up to eight guests and comes complete with an in-suite slide, private patio, whirlpool and plenty of space for family fun.

Yes, you read that correctly. There’s a slide in your suite!

For guests looking to turn the luxury up another notch, the Suite Neighbourhood offers exclusive spaces, dedicated facilities and elevated experiences throughout the ship.

Of course, sometimes the best holiday activity is doing absolutely nothing. That’s where the onboard spa and fitness facilities come in, offering opportunities to unwind with a treatment, recharge in a relaxing space or squeeze in a workout with ocean views.

Whether you’re after a cosy cabin, a family-friendly hideaway or a seriously luxurious suite, there’s an option to suit your style of sailing.

Because after a day of making memories, you deserve somewhere pretty special to recharge.

So, Which Icon Class Ship Will You Choose?

From record-breaking attractions to incredible dining, the Icon Class has changed the game. These ships bring together everything you could want from a cruise holiday. And there’s even more to come!

With four ships planned for the fleet, there’s plenty of choice. Each offers its own experiences, itineraries and exciting places to explore.

Here’s where you can find them.

Icon of the Seas – Miami & Galveston

Meet the ship that started it all! Icon of the Seas sails from Miami on unforgettable Caribbean adventures. From August 2027, she’ll also call Texas, home. Expect 6–8-night Western Caribbean itineraries packed with sunshine, island escapes and plenty of onboard fun.

Star of the Seas – Port Canaveral

Fancy adding a little Orlando magic to your cruise? Star of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral, making it ideal for combining cruising with a theme park adventure. Her 7-night Caribbean itineraries deliver sunshine, stunning destinations and plenty of reasons to stay onboard.

Legend of the Seas – Europe & Fort Lauderdale

You don’t need to cross the Atlantic to experience Icon Class magic. Legend of the Seas brings the action closer to home. Sail from Barcelona or Rome on Mediterranean adventures. Or head to Fort Lauderdale for a Caribbean escape. There’s plenty of choice, wherever your holiday mood takes you.

Hero of the Seas – Miami (Coming August 2027)

Just when you thought things couldn’t get bigger, along comes Hero of the Seas! Arriving in August 2027, she’ll bring nine pools, 28 dining venues and even more ways to have fun. Expect brand-new waterslides and incredible family attractions, too.

Sailing from Miami, Hero will offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. There’s also a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The family holiday competition is about to get tougher!

Ready to Make Your Icon Class Adventure Happen?