Our Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, visited the mega cruise herself to review how it holds up to reality.
What is the Icon of the Seas and is it the largest cruise ship in the world?
The Icon of the Seas is a member of Royal Caribbean’s 28 cruise ship fleet and will be the lead ship of the Icon Class, the largest cruise ship class to ever be constructed.
Weighing a whopping 250,800 tonnes and measuring 365 metres, the floating city is the largest cruise ship in the world and even bigger than the Titanic (which weighed 46,000 tonnes and was 269 meters long).
Icon of the Seas will be followed by the launch of its sister ship, Star of the Seas, in the summer of 2025.
How much does an Icon of the Seas ticket cost and how do I get one?
Tickets for the cruise went on sale on October 25, 2023. Talking to the Sun in October 2023, president and CEO of Caribbean Cruises said:
Read more on Icon of the Seas
“We are confident a family of four will be able to enjoy a seven-night cruise with all their food and entertainment included for around £2,663 in total with lots of special offers including kids sail free.”
As of January 22, 2024, a seven-night cruise on the Icon of the Sea can average between £1,484 to £2,216 per person, depending on the booking.
The cabin type can also affect the ticket price.
For a 7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Icon of the Seas trip, the cabin prices are as follows:
- Interior – from £1484 per person
- Outside View – from £1707 per person
- Balcony – from £1943 per person
- Suite – from £2556 per person
While there are still bookings available for the launch date, these are limited and going quickly.
When does the Icon of the Sea launch?
The supercruise launches on January 27, 2024, and will set sail from Miami, USA.
The Royal Caribbean website even features a countdown to keep track of it.
On January 10, 2024, Icon of the Seas arrived at the port for the first time to undertake inaugural events such as the Naming Ceremony and technical adjustments before the official launch.
Miami will be the home port of the Icon of the Seas from January 2024 towards April 2026.
What is the itinerary of the Icon of the Seas?
The Icon of the Seas offers week-long itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
All trips include a visit to CocoCay, Bahamas, a private island owned by the Royal Caribbean Group which is perfect for a beach getaway. The Island includes turquoise beaches, as well as a massive pool.
Those going on the Eastern Caribbean roundtrip will stop at, at least two of these locations:
- Basseterre, St Kitts
- Philipsburg, St Maarten
- Nevis Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
Passengers who select the Western Caribbean roundtrip will get to tour:
- Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
- Roatan, Honduras
- Cozumel, Mexico
What is the capacity of the Icon of the Seas?
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas features a staggering capacity of 7,600 guests with 28 different cabin types to choose from
There are 20 decks, 7 pools, 9 whirlpools and 6 water slides for them to enjoy themselves in.
The cruise will feature eight unique neighbourhoods for passengers to explore, including five new ones to the Royal Caribbean: AquaDome, Thrill Island, Chill Island, Surfside and The Hideaway. Guests can expect everything from an ice arena and a sunken private ship.
Over 40 dining, bar and nightlife venues will make it difficult for guests to decide where to eat.
In September 2023, TV host Daniel Ashville exclusively told The Sun about his tour of the ship.