Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas debuted in January 2024 as the first Icon-class ship with the cruise line. It remains one of the largest cruise ships in the world.
We took the most commonly asked questions about the ship, organized them by category and answered them below.
And we will keep adding questions and answers to this post as they come up.
Consider this an FAQ just for Icon of the Seas. And if you have one to add, be sure to leave a comment below.
Ship Comparison:
One of the most commonly asked questions about Icon is in relation to how big it is. To try to imagine the size, many are asking how it compares to other ships or landmarks.
Is Icon of the Seas bigger than Wonder of the Seas?
Yes, it is slightly larger by gross tonnage. Gross tonnage (GT) is a measurement of volume, not weight. The GT of Wonder of the Seas is 236,857 while Icon of the Seas comes in at 248,663 GT.
Passenger capacities are similar between the ships, with around 5,610 at double occupancy on Icon and 5,734 on Wonder. Wonder of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world until Icon of the Seas launched.
Is Icon of the Seas bigger than Titanic?
For some reason, people often like to compare any new cruise ship to the Titanic. But it’s not really a fair comparison in the era of modern cruise ships. First of all, Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage more than 5 times greater than the Titanic.
Also, Icon is 1,197 feet long (approximately 365 meters), while the Titanic was 882 feet in length. Icon also has 20 decks compared to the Titanic’s 10.
Onboard Amenities:
Does Icon of the Seas have a casino?
Yes, there is actually an escalator that will take passengers to the Casino Royale from the Royal Promenade. Passengers can pay in cash or with the Sea Pass cards or even with WOWbands. Smoking is allowed in Casino Royale but there is also a non-smoking section.
Does Icon of the Seas have bumper cars?
No, there are no bumper cars on the ship. Bumper cars can be found on Quantum-class ships with Royal Caribbean.
Does Icon of the Seas have solo cabins?
No, there are no designated solo/studio cabins on Icon of the Seas.
Does Icon of the Seas have a solarium?
No. Instead of a traditional solarium, Royal Caribbean has created other adult-only areas on the ship, including the Hideaway. The Overlook in the AquaDome offers front-facing glass views and chill vibes with comfy seating.
Does Icon of the Seas have a zipline?
Yes and no. There is no traditional zip line like on Oasis-class ships, but the Crown’s Edge on the ropes course sends guests flying out over the side of the ship.
Does Icon of the Seas have an AquaTheater?
Yes, the signature AquaTheater is housed in the impressive 82-ft tall AquaDome with 673 glass panels at the front of the ship (as opposed to the aft location on Oasis-class ships).
Does Icon of the Seas have a Central Park?
Yes, Central Park is one of the 8 neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas. It features more than 33,000 plants and has a more colorful, vibrant feel than Central Parks on other Royal Caribbean ships. There are shops, food options, Izumi in the Park, Park Cafe, and Chops Grille (with an updated menu).
Does Icon of the Seas have an ice skating rink?
Yes, absolutely. Absolute Zero is the name of the ice-skating rink area on Icon. It hosts ice-skating shows and is open for passengers to free skate throughout the cruise.
Does Icon of the Seas have a bowling alley?
No, there is no bowling alley on the ship.
Is there an adult-only area?
Yes, the Hideaway neighborhood serves as the main adult-only area (replacing the Solarium concept found on Oasis-class ships). Plans for Cloud 17 as the adult space were changed prior to launch.
Does Icon of the Seas have Johnny Rockets?
No, Johnny Rockets is not among the restaurants on the ship.
Does Icon of the Seas have an escape room?
Yes, the Royal Escape Room can be found on deck 6. Reservations are required and there is an additional cost.
Does Icon of the Seas have WOWbands?
Yes, Royal Caribbean’s wearable technology, the WOWbands, is available on Icon of the Seas.
Does Icon of the Seas have Wonderland?
No, the Wonderland dining venue found on Oasis- and Quantum-class ships is not on Icon.
Is there a pickleball court on board?
Yes, the sports court on Icon can be configured into two pickleball courts.
Technical Specs:
How long is Icon of the Seas?
1,197 feet (365 meters). To put it into perspective, the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet tall (not counting the antenna).
How much did it cost to build?
The estimated building cost of Icon of the Seas is approximately $2 billion. It was the most expensive cruise ship built by Royal Caribbean at the time of its debut.
How many passengers can Icon of the Seas hold?
Approximately 5,610 guests at double occupancy, with a maximum capacity listed around 7,600. About 2,350 crew members work aboard the ship.
Dining:
What restaurants are on Icon of the Seas?
The ship offers more than 20 unique dining options, including specialty venues, casual spots, and room service. Here’s the current lineup:
- Complimentary Dining Options:
- Main Dining Room
- Windjammer Café
- AquaDome Market (the fleet’s first food hall)
- Park Café
- Basecamp
- Café Promenade / Pearl Café
- Sorrento’s
- Surfside Eatery
- El Loco Fresh
- Room Service
- Specialty Restaurants:
- Empire Supper Club (Central Park)
- Celebration Table (AquaDome)
- Chops Grille (Central Park)
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
- Izumi Hibachi and Sushi / Izumi in the Park
- Hooked Seafood
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Pier 7
- Starbucks
Unique Features:
What is The Pearl on Icon of the Seas?
The Pearl is a stunning 3-deck-high LED sculpture that greets guests as they enter the Royal Promenade. It’s a popular photo spot with a staircase running through the middle and the Pearl Café located right behind it.
Which port will Icon of the Seas sail from?
Icon of the Seas currently sails 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of PortMiami, Florida, with stops that often include Perfect Day at CocoCay. The ship is scheduled to reposition to Galveston, Texas, in August 2027, where it will offer a mix of 6-, 7-, and 8-night sailings to the Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay through at least early 2028.
Origin and Class:
Which country made Icon of the Seas?
It was built in Turku, Finland, at the Meyer Turku shipyard.
What class is Icon of the Seas?
It is the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s new Icon Class. Sister ships include Star of the Seas (which entered service in 2025) with additional Icon-class vessels on the way.
Crew and VIPs:
Who is captain of Icon of the Seas?
Captain Henrik Loy was the ship’s first captain. He was raised in Bergen, Norway, and has been with Royal Caribbean for over 25 years. Like many large ships, captain assignments can rotate over time.
Who is the godmother of Icon of the Seas?
Rather than a traditional godmother, soccer legend Lionel Messi served as the “Icon” of Icon of the Seas and officiated the naming ceremony in Miami.
Current/Future Plans:
Icon of the Seas is currently offering regular 7-night sailings out of PortMiami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The ship is scheduled to reposition to Galveston, Texas, in August 2027 for 6- to 8-night Caribbean itineraries and is expected to remain there at least through early 2028.
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