Royal Caribbean saw historic bookings for its upcoming mega cruise ship currently under construction see inside one of its unique family staterooms
Brittany Chang
- Royal Caribbean's upcoming world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is under construction.
- The ship was about 70% complete when reporters were invited to visit in mid-May.
Royal Caribbean isn't shy about its intention of targeting traveling families for its upcoming Icon of the Seas mega cruise ship.
But unlike other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean isn't just setting up a fancy water park and fun children clubs to entice this demographic. It's also turning traditional staterooms into getaways that could have children asking their parents to spend their entire vacation in bed.
And some have already been booked up fast. When reservations first opened for the nearly 1,200-foot-long ship, Royal Caribbean saw its strongest booking day in the company's history. And within a few hours, its first sailing was almost sold out. For scale, the ship can accommodate up to 7,600 guests.
To shuttle all of these travelers, the over $2 billion Icon of the Seas has 28 different cabin designs that make up the 2,805 staterooms. Of these 28 designs, 14 that are new to the brand, including the family infinite ocean view balcony stateroom.
The cruise line gave reporters a sneak peek of this new stateroom category during a tour of the ship under construction in mid-May.
The staterooms are still being prefabricated in another factory ahead of the ship's January 2024 debut.
But many are already beginning to take shape, including the uniquely family oriented hotel room at sea.
Most basic cruise staterooms include the typical amenities found in traditional hotel rooms and often nothing more.
But this new family infinite ocean view balcony stateroom has a unique charm designed to appeal to children.
Up to six people can share this 335-square-foot room.
Source: Royal Caribbean
This square footage includes a separate colorful "alcove" complete with a bunk bed, televisions, and small storage units, according to renderings of the room.
Think of it as a "kids' hideaway" to give children some space from their parents, Krissia Larios, a design associate with Royal Caribbean Group, told reporters.
When we visited the stateroom mid-construction, this children's nook was already taking shape.
The soccer net-like barrier on the top bunk was already in place, the joint bookshelf and staircase looked finished …
… and the two beside televisions were already mounted.
All that was missing from the renderings were some decor pieces, the bedding, and the chalkboard.
Past this alcove, the two-part bathroom is also unique to the stateroom.
It's divided into two rooms: one with a shower and the other with a toilet.
While it doesn't make for a particularly large bathroom, this split design gives users more privacy.
Past this, the room starts looking more like a typical cruise stateroom.
When it's complete, there will be a bed in front of a television, a sofa across from a desk, and a large glass wall at the end of the room.
The sofa can pull out into another bed.
During the media tour, the closet, furniture around the bed, and metal mattress platform were already in place …
… while the sofa, desk, and some decor had already been set up.
It may be called an " infinite balcony" stateroom, but there's no traditional balcony with a glass sliding door.
Instead, the windows can be opened with the push of a button to bring in fresh air.
Someday, this space will be filled with lounge chairs. For now, there's still a tarp on the ground.
Next year, the ship will bring travelers on seven-night cruises from Miami to the Caribbeans and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
If you're interested in this unique stateroom, it currently starts at over $2,000 per person for the seven-day sailings.
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