I sailed on Royal Caribbean's wildly hyped Icon of the Seas — see what it's like traveling on the world's largest cruise ship that can carry nearly 10,000 people

Brittany ChangJan 31, 2024, 21:06 IST

Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas set sail on its first official cruise on January 27.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas set sail from Miami on its first official cruise this month.
The world's largest cruise ship has over 40 restaurants and bars, seven pools, and a water park.

Introverts, look away: Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, set sail on January 27, marking a new era in the mega-cruise-ship boom.

The start of Icon's service has been a long time coming for the cruise brand and fans of massive ships. Royal Caribbean and Finland's Meyer Turku shipyard began constructing the behemoth vessel in 2021. A year later, the cruise line saw its largest booking day as reservations opened for the Icon of the Seas in October 2022.

Since then, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's president and CEO, has been touting the new ship as "the best-selling product in the history of our business." And for good reason: From its colossal size to its 40+ restaurants and bars, Icon overshadows almost all of its predecessors.

I joined the ship's complimentary, three-night preview sailing on January 20. Take a look at what it's like on the $2 billion floating resort designed to accommodate up to 9,950 people (2,350 crew and 7,600 guests).

Let’s start with the classic fan favorite: the pools.

The Icon of the Seas has seven pools, including one that royal Caribbean says is the largest at sea.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But Chill Island isn't Icon's crème de la crème.

Thrill Island has outdoor activities like a surf simulator.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Instead, it's Thrill Island – the go-to for all things, well, thrilling.

Crown's Edge is not for travelers with a fear of heights.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Not interested in spending a few milliseconds wondering if you’re about to plunge to your death?

This course puts a cheerfully nautical spin on mini-golf.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The neighboring six-slide water park is where guests will find the perfect mix of excitement and fun – without sweaty palms.

The water park has six slides, including what its operator is calling the tallest at sea.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The slides’ water was heated during my chilly day at sea.

Two of the water slides require at least two riders at a time.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If it’s not evident yet, the Icon of the Seas was designed to target families — so much so that an entire section of the ship is dedicated to children younger than six.

The Surfside neighborhood features an arcade, a water playground, and an all-day brunch spot where children eat for free.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If it’s not evident yet, the Icon of the Seas was designed to target families — so much so that an entire section of the ship is dedicated to children younger than six.

A giant pink flamingo statue grounds this quaint neighborhood, while the unlimited soft serve and churro stands keep families with a sweet tooth coming back.

Amenities like the arcade are pay-to-play.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Like me, travelers without youngsters may quickly learn to avoid these spaces.

Royal Caribbean says the Icon of the Seas is the first cruise ship to have a suspended infinity pool.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Central Park, a centerpiece on many of Royal Caribbean’s mega ships, isn’t adult-only.

Central Park is five decks tall and has four walls lined with live plants.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

This neighborhood has no loud activities, slides, or giant flamingos.

Dining venues like Central Park's Park Cafe are complimentary.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Central Park also has a live jazz club.

Lou's Jazz 'n Blues is one of several live music venues.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Good luck snagging a seat at the AquaTheater for a showing of the popular “Aqua Action!”

Entertainment on the Icon of the Seas includes a nighttime show at its water-based theater.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But if you’re partial to a marvelous musical moment, the primary (dry) theater also does a savory rendition of “The Wizard of Oz.”

"The Wizard of Oz" is accompanied by a16-piece live orchestra.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

After a full day of activities and shows, hungry guests have 21 restaurants at their disposal.

Hooked Seafood is one of several speciality restaurants on the new ship.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Be prepared to pull out your wallet for sushi, lobster, steak, and rabbit.

Speciality meals include raw oysters, lobster tails, and sashimi.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Icon offers plenty of other booze and cruise opportunities with 20 on-board bars.

The Central Park neighborhood is home to a small Champagne bar, Bubbles.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

AquaTheater’s neighboring Rye and Bean adds a tea and coffee-powered flair to cocktails, while Surfside’s Lemon Post flexes a lemonade stand-inspired drink menu.

One of the Lime and Coconut bars now includes a frozen cocktail menu.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

AquaTheater’s neighboring Rye and Bean adds a tea and coffee-powered flair to cocktails, while Surfside’s Lemon Post flexes a lemonade stand-inspired drink menu.

I frequently retreated to my stateroom to take a break from the overwhelming ship.

My ocean view balcony cabin had 50 square-feet of private outdoor space.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But even the cheapest windowless interior cabin can be costly.

The Pearl has about 3,600 moving tiles.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

At about $370 per person per day, sailing on Royal Caribbean's new product costs as much as some premium cruise lines.

The Icon of the Seas is now operating year-round seven-night cruises from Miami.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's wildly hyped Icon of the Seas &mdash; see what it's like traveling on the world's largest cruise ship that can carry nearly 10,000 people

Let’s start with the classic fan favorite: the pools.

But Chill Island isn't Icon's crème de la crème.

Instead, it's Thrill Island – the go-to for all things, well, thrilling.

Not interested in spending a few milliseconds wondering if you’re about to plunge to your death?

The neighboring six-slide water park is where guests will find the perfect mix of excitement and fun – without sweaty palms.

The slides’ water was heated during my chilly day at sea.

If it’s not evident yet, the Icon of the Seas was designed to target families — so much so that an entire section of the ship is dedicated to children younger than six.

A giant pink flamingo statue grounds this quaint neighborhood, while the unlimited soft serve and churro stands keep families with a sweet tooth coming back.

Like me, travelers without youngsters may quickly learn to avoid these spaces.

Central Park, a centerpiece on many of Royal Caribbean’s mega ships, isn’t adult-only.

This neighborhood has no loud activities, slides, or giant flamingos.

Central Park also has a live jazz club.

Good luck snagging a seat at the AquaTheater for a showing of the popular “Aqua Action!”

But if you’re partial to a marvelous musical moment, the primary (dry) theater also does a savory rendition of “The Wizard of Oz.”

After a full day of activities and shows, hungry guests have 21 restaurants at their disposal.

Be prepared to pull out your wallet for sushi, lobster, steak, and rabbit.

Icon offers plenty of other booze and cruise opportunities with 20 on-board bars.

AquaTheater’s neighboring Rye and Bean adds a tea and coffee-powered flair to cocktails, while Surfside’s Lemon Post flexes a lemonade stand-inspired drink menu.

I frequently retreated to my stateroom to take a break from the overwhelming ship.

But even the cheapest windowless interior cabin can be costly.

At about $370 per person per day, sailing on Royal Caribbean's new product costs as much as some premium cruise lines.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's wildly hyped Icon of the Seas — see what it's like traveling on the world's largest cruise ship that can carry nearly 10,000 people