I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why bookings are surging to record highs

Brittany ChangMar 21, 2024, 01:14 IST

Royal Caribbean International is increasingly targeting multi-generational families. Its new world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is a "great example" of this, the cruise line's president and CEO told investors in February.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Royal Caribbean has been increasingly targeting multi-generational families.
The cruise line's president and CEO said its new Icon of the Seas mega-ship is a "great example" of this.

Royal Caribbean has a secret to its smashing success.

No, it's not its cruise ships' waterparks or Broadway shows.

It's you, your parents, and your young children. Or, as the industry calls it, "multi-generational families."

In 2023, Royal Caribbean's bookings hit an all-time high ahead of the launch of its newest Icon of the Seas ship.

And interest has yet to wane: The three strongest booking weeks in the company's history were at the start of 2024 and "wave season," when cruise lines like to roll out flashy discounts to incentivize reservations.

Sure, its achievement is in line with the rest of the mass-market cruise industry.

Many cruise lines have a successful 2023 with record bookings and increasing fares.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Great timing: More people want to cruise with their kin now.

Plenty of guests posed in the colorful open-air lounge.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Royal Caribbean says these travelers are its bread and butter.

Icon of the Seas can accommodate 9,950 people including crew and guests.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

On paper, it’s easy to see how the world’s largest cruise ship appeals to young children.

The ship has a "waste-to-energy" system that uses organic waste to generate enough energy to power the waterpark. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But if you pay close attention, you might notice the little designs and amenities that make it a great option for parents and grandparents too.

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

Activities like the rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, and Crown’s Edge thrill “ride” are all near the water park.

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

Or, they can head to the adult-only infinity pool and bar, located just behind the mini-golf course and water park.

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

Like most cruise ships, bars surround the 1,198-foot-long, 20-deck vessel.

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

But just because your toddler can't drink doesn't mean you can't either.

Lemon Post has an outdoor lounge where parents can watch over their children as they play on the water playground.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Even one of the ship’s seven pools has a swim-up bar.

One of Thrill Island's pools has a swim-up bar.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

To my surprise, the cruise ship’s shows could also delight travelers of all ages.

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

Fortunately, the shows on Icon of the Seas were good.

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

And I have no doubt even the most bored kid would also love “Aqua Action!”

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

In terms of dining, parents and their parents could be charmed by the ship’s plushest offering, the Empire Supper Club.

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

The ship’s seemingly never-ending access to alcoholic beverages and the opportunity for fine dining could appeal to most parents and grandparents.

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

So far, the decision to target these diverse ages has been paying off: The new ship has been a massive success.

Icon of the Seas' ocean-view balcony cabin.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

And these high rates don’t seem to impact reservations. Bookings for the new vessel have also been “phenomenally strong,” Liberty said.

Icon of the Seas is homeported in Miami for 2024.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Step aboard Virgin Voyages' adults-only, luxury cruise ship, which has 17 decks, a tattoo parlor, and a playground for grown-ups

Cookies on the Business Insider India website