From the world’s biggest waterpark on water to an infinity pool suspended over the ocean, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will take cruising to a whole new level. Rose Dykins reports
The next-generation Icon of the Seas cruise ship from Royal Caribbean International will be a hedonistic behemoth, accommodating 7,600 passengers and featuring six giant waterslides, seven swimming pools and 20 decks, which have earned it the unfortunate nickname of “the Human Lasagne“.
When it takes to the water in 2024, cruisers will be able to choose from a wide variety of cabins and explore innovative “neighbourhoods” including a beach retreat, a sprawling resort area, and the first suspended infinity pool at sea at the Hideaway.
At the front of the ship will be the AquaDome, which will transform from a tranquil oasis in the daytime to a vibrant theatre at night. Underneath will be a 155ft waterfall and four robot arms for aerial highwire shows.
Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, says: “With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love. From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea.”
Categories include the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which spans three decks and has its own slide, white picket fence and mailbox; Infinite Balcony rooms with a retractable window that turns floor-to-ceiling glass into a balcony; and Sunset Corner suites with vast terraces overlooking the rear of the ship.
Stopping at ports including Cozumel (Mexico), Philipsburg (St Maarten) and Basseterre (St Kitts), each cruise will pay a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
“Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritising experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise. It’s this first-of-its-kind combination that makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is here.”