Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas arrived in Miami on Wednesday.
In 2024, the mega-ship will operate seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Here’s everything you should know about the new world’s largest cruise ship.
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A highly anticipated newcomer towers along the hustle, bustle, and traffic of Miami’s busy coast. And for good reason: PortMiami’s newest 1,198-foot-long resident was recently crowned the world’s largest cruise ship .
On Tuesday, Royal Caribbean’s recently completed Icon of the Seas arrived at the popular cruise port, one of the busiest in the world. In just two weeks, the behemoth vessel will begin its first year of revenue cruises from the Florida hot spot to the Caribbean and the cruise line’s private island.
It’s been a long time coming for both its operator and its fans. Royal Caribbean revealed the Icon of the Seas’ amenities in October 2022. Since then, the internet has been abuzz about the ship — with both excitement and disgust.
Here are the 10 details you should know about the massive floating resort, from its wild amenities to its controversies.
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1. Let’s start with the obvious — the Icon of the Seas is now the world’s largest cruise ship.
The Icon of the Seas arrived in Miami on Wednesday. Royal Caribbean International
The 250,800 gross-ton ship dethroned its predecessor, the Wonder of the Seas , when it joined Royal Caribbean’s fleet in late 2023. The 20-deck Icon can accommodate up to 9,950 people, specifically 7,600 guests.
2. Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley called it the “best-selling” ship in the cruise line’s history.
The ship has amenities like a water park and a smaller children’s water play area. Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean experienced its largest booking day when reservations opened for the behemoth vessel in October 2022. The cruise operator and Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard had only begun construction on the over $2 million vessel about one year prior.
3. Not everyone is a fan.
Royal Caribbean’s early rendering of the Icon of the Seas shows an overwhelmingly colorful ship. Royal Caribbean International
In July 2023, images of the Icon of the Seas circulated on X. It quickly became a divisive topic on the social media platform, incurring titles like a “monstrosity” and “hell on water.”
But this isn’t stopping Royal Caribbean from building big. The cruise operator has already announced its next Icon class ship, the Star of the Seas .
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4. The Icon of the Seas is anticipating plenty of travelers despite its haters.
The family infinite balcony cabin has a staircase that leads up to the upper bunk, as per a photo of it under construction and Royal Caribbean’s rendering. Brittany Chang/Business Insider
The ship has 2,805 staterooms across 28 cabin categories, 14 new to the brand. This includes the unique family infinite balcony cabin , grounded by an alcove with a bunk for children.
5. The 7,600 travelers can dine and drink at the 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges.
The Icon of the Seas will have a Hooked Seafood outpost. The pictured entrée is from the same venue on the Wonder of the Seas. Brittany Chang/Business Insider
These options include a swim-up bar, a food hall, and a Starbucks. However, only about half of the 21 dining venues are complimentary.
6. There are several incentives to spend big on an Icon vacation.
The new ship has seven pools and nine hot tubs. Royal Caribbean International
Just boarding the ship won’t be cheap. Icon of the Seas’ fares start at $1,910 per person for an interior cabin.
In general, the larger the ship, the more room for pay-to-play amenities .
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On this newcomer, travelers who’ve spent more cash to book a suite will have access to an exclusive suites-only “neighborhood.” On top of this, guests must purchase beverage and specialty dining packages to try all the food and beverage options.
7. The Surfside neighborhood, one of eight, could be the go-to for young families.
Surfside, as shown in this rendering, has snack windows serving treats like doughnut holes and fried chicken. Royal Caribbean International
This boardwalk-like space has a carousel, arcade, and children’s water play area.
8. The ship is part floating hotel, part water park.
Thrill Island is lined with colorful water slides, as shown while the ship was under construction in Finland. Brittany Chang/Business Insider
Royal Caribbean has been touting the Thrill Island neighborhood’s waterpark as the largest on a cruise ship. If that’s not enough, the operator says one of its six water slides will also be the tallest at sea.
The ship also has seven pools, including a suspended infinity option. Instead of the typical centralized pool deck, these swimming holes are scattered throughout different areas of the ship.
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9. Meet every nervous traveler’s worst nightmare — the Crown’s Edge.
Crown’s Edge is the cruise ship’s exhilarating ropes course, as shown in a rendering and a photo of it under construction. Brittany Chang/Business Insider, Royal Caribbean International
This rope course, which could leave participants suspended over 150 feet above the water, is not for the faint of heart.
Too overwhelming? Like many mass-market cruise ships , the Icon has a surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and mini-golf course as well.
10. Like other Royal Caribbean ships , onboard entertainment includes a show at the water-based AquaDome theater.
AquaDome is home to the Icon of the Seas’ water show. Brittany Chang/Insider
A robotic arm, a waterfall, and projections will play a role in this unique performance.
10 Things to Know About Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas
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