Icon of the Seas debuted in January 2024 as the lead ship of Royal Caribbean's Icon class and, at 248,663 gross tons, is one of the two biggest cruise ships afloat (her sister Star of the Seas measures the same). She carries 5,610 guests at double occupancy and up to 7,600 when every bunk is filled, so expect a busy, high-energy ship with a lot of children on board during school breaks.
The layout is split into neighborhoods. Thrill Island holds the Category 6 waterpark, Surfside is a dedicated area for young families, The Hideaway is an adults-leaning beach club with a suspended infinity pool, and the AquaDome at the bow mixes a glass-roofed water theater with bars and dining. The Royal Promenade runs through the middle of the ship beneath The Pearl, a large kinetic art structure.
Highlights
Category 6 waterpark
Six waterslides on Thrill Island, including the Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter raft slides, all included in the fare.
AquaDome
A glass-domed space at the front of the ship with the AquaTheater for high-dive and acrobatic shows, plus bars and restaurants with ocean views.
Surfside
A neighborhood built for families with young kids, with a splash area, carousel and casual eateries close together.
The Hideaway
A terraced beach-club deck with a suspended infinity pool hanging over the side of the ship.
Seven pools
Pools are spread across several neighborhoods, so you can usually find a quieter one away from the main deck.
Best for
- Multigenerational families who want everything on one ship
- First-time cruisers who want the newest big-ship experience
- Thrill seekers and waterpark fans
Good to know before you book
- With up to 7,600 guests, popular shows and specialty restaurants fill up; book what you can in the Royal Caribbean app before sailing.
- Outdoor attractions such as the waterslides close when winds are high, so have an indoor backup plan for blustery sea days.
- The 20-deck figure is the ship's total deck count, not all of which hold guest areas.
- Royal Caribbean's ship page lists Perfect Day at CocoCay on Icon itineraries, so plan for at least one private-island beach day.
Where Icon of the Seas sails
Deployments change by season and year. Recent and announced itineraries include:
Regions: Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Bahamas
Home ports: Miami
Icon of the Seas questions
How big is Icon of the Seas?
Icon of the Seas measures 248,663 gross tons and is about 1,197 feet long. She carries 5,610 guests at double occupancy and up to 7,600 at full capacity, with about 2,350 crew.
Where does Icon of the Seas sail from?
Icon of the Seas is based at PortMiami and sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, typically with a call at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Is Icon of the Seas good for toddlers?
Yes. Surfside is a neighborhood designed around families with young children, with a splash area, carousel and casual dining close together, which cuts down on long walks across the ship.
Sources and fact-checking (last checked October 14, 2026)
We write our own guides and check hard facts like fleet sizes, ship specs and published fees against these sources. Cruise lines change things often, so we re-confirm details in every quote. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
