I was one of the first guests on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas — these are the 9 things you should know about what it's like on the world's largest cruise ship

Brittany ChangJan 27, 2024, 18:27 IST

I attended one of Icon of the Seas' preview cruises and spent most of my three nights lost and overwhelmed by its size and amenities. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will begin its first seven-night sailings in January
The new world's largest cruise ship has unprecedented features like a six-slide water park.

I was one of the first guests to sail on Royal Caribbean's newest vessel: The $2 billion Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship.

Yes, it was giant. Yes, I've never seen anything like it. And yes, it was a sensory overload. (I think I need a vacation from this vacation.)

The Icon of the Seas ship is unlike any existing floating resort. As the first ship in Royal Caribbean's new Icon class, the 250,800-gross-ton vessel overshadows virtually all of its predecessors — in size and in the number of water slides, pools, dining venues, and stateroom options.

Ahead of its January 27 debut, Royal Caribbean invited me on a complimentary, three-night preview sailing. Unfortunately, I spent most of my time lost and overwhelmed.

To prevent this for yourself, these are the nine things you should know before your 2024 Icon of the Seas vacation.

1. If you have a dinner or show reservation, start heading over much earlier than expected.

The Icon of the Seas can accommodate almost 10,000 people including crew.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

2. Thankfully, the most coveted activities are located in the same section.

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

3. You’re probably underestimating the number of children you’ll see on the ship.

The Icon of the Seas has seven pools. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If you fear young children, steer clear of Surfside.

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

4. The ship has a handful of adult-only spaces.

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

5. Some of Icon’s amenities have a luxury price tag.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse can accommodate up to eight guests.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If you have the cash to ball out on the 1,772-square-foot townhouse, why not splurge a bit more for the $200-per-person dinner?

Empire Supper Club features live music and a cocktail pairing.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

6. You could still blow past your vacation budget without splurging on these luxuries.

El Loco Fresh is the ship's complimentary Mexican-inspired buffet.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If you’re a drinker, you’ll be buzzing to see Icon’s 20 bars and nightlife venues.

The Overlook is one of many watering holes.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

7. Speaking of — booze plus cruise no longer equals piña coladas and mai tais by the pool.

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

8. Your cabin could be smaller than expected.

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

I’m not sure a family of four could peacefully coexist in this little stateroom.

The ocean view balcony cabin had a small bathroom that only accommodates one person at a time. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

9. The nighttime entertainment is diverse for a cruise line that follows the typical “dinner-and-a-show" model.

"The Wizard of Oz" is one of the ship's six shows.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I regret not packing 3 items on a road trip. Together, they would've cost less than $75 and made living in a campervan easier.

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I was one of the first guests on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas &mdash; these are the 9 things you should know about what it's like on the world's largest cruise ship