10 Things That Make Icon of the Seas the Most Exciting New Ship out There

by  Zachary Laks | Feb 6, 2024

I’m just off Royal Caribbean's sparkling new Icon of the Seas ship, and I’m thrilled to report that it has the most “wow factor” of any ship I’ve ever sailed (and I’ve been on over 20 cruises!). The largest cruise ship in the world earns its “iconic” name with just about every bell and whistle at sea. If you’re familiar with Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class — to date including the world’s largest cruise ships — this new ship (6% bigger than the last world’s largest, Wonder of the Seas) is the first in the new Icon Class. In short, Icon Class is everything you love about Oasis Class, but enhanced and upgraded to max effect. All that plus 40 restaurants and bars, eight neighborhoods (five of them new to the line), and seven swimming pools, won me over fast — I can’t wait to get back on it for another sailing. Here are the 10, well, most iconic things about Icon of the Seas.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Photo: Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

The Pearl, a three-deck sculpture that weighs more than a 747 plane

First impressions matter, and stepping onto Icon of the Seas and witnessing The Pearl in all of its glory will stay with me for a long time. Set right in front of the main entrance of the ship on the Royal Promenade, The Pearl is a three-deck dome that’s part sculpture and part high-tech art installation, with approximately 3,600 back-lit kinetic tiles that move in a seamless, soothing wave motion. A grand staircase welcomes guests inside The Pearl to marvel at the structure’s whimsical flow from all angles as well as excellent ocean views, and to enjoy coffee and light bites at 24/7 eatery Pearl Café.


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