Royal Caribbean

The Boldest Ships in Cruise History: Exploring Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class

Iglu Cruise

24 Feb 2025 • 17 min read

Why You Should Cruise With Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class

It’s safe to say that Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ships are revolutionising modern cruising; among the largest ships sailing the high seas, these marvels of human engineering boast exclusive activities and amenities, groundbreaking entertainment offerings, and more eateries than anyone could ever hope to enjoy on a single itinerary – meaning, you’ll always be met with a sensational selection of restaurants to indulge in while sailing. We don’t know about you, but that all sounds pretty good, right?

If you’re wondering what makes an Icon Class cruise ship so special, which Royal Caribbean cruise ships even count as Icon Class cruise ships, and what you can expect when you embark on an adventure aboard one, you’ll be pleased to know that Iglu Cruise is here to help.

Below, we’re going to run through what a Royal Caribbean Icon Class cruise ship actually is, which ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet are Icon Class, and offer you some insight into the best restaurants, entertainment venues, and amenities you’ll find on each of these incredible ships.

Contents:

What Are Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships?
Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class: Three Extraordinary Ships
Top Dining Highlights on Icon Class Ships
Top Entertainment Highlights on Icon Class Ships
Top Activities on Icon Class Ships
Royal Caribbean Icon Class FAQs

What Are Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships?

Among the biggest cruise ships sailing right now, Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships are revolutionising modern cruising in an incredible way. With an abundance of dining options, entertainment, and activities to enjoy, these remarkable cruise ships carry thousands of passengers to some of the most stunning holiday hotspots around the world – and Perfect Day at CocoCay, one of the best cruise line private islands in the Caribbean.

With each ship split into several unique neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere and venues, Icon Class cruise ships boast some of the most impressive amenities available at sea and an incredible variety of onboard experiences to elevate your holiday with – whether you’re a thrill-seeker, or someone who prefers to spend your time at sea chilling out and sun-soaking. Expanding on everything excellent about Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class cruise ships – such as Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas – the Icon Class represents an evolution in modern cruising and sets a new standard for large-ship cruises.

From sensational Category 6 waterparks (which are the largest waterparks at sea right now) with waterslides and splash zones for everyone to enjoy, to groundbreaking live entertainment offerings in Absolute Zero and the AquaTheater, Icon Class ships bring breathtaking thrills, relaxing chills, and more to cruising, having so much to offer guests of all ages.

Onboard, you’ll find an impressive seven unique swimming pools, over 40 eateries to indulge in with a world of cuisine on offer, and an abundance of stylish suite-level staterooms to stay in alongside a selection of comfortable cabins. Boasting some of the best family cruises available, these ships are still an excellent option for travellers without children; however you want to spend your holiday at sea, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ships.

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If you want to whisk your family away on a Royal Caribbean adventure, you’ll find out more about the best ways to book for families right here!

Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class: Three Extraordinary Ships

But, you may be asking, which Royal Caribbean cruise ships sit within the incredible Icon Class? Well, currently, there are three Icon Class cruise ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet: Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas. Keep reading to find out more!

Icon of the Seas

The first Icon Class cruise ship to join Royal Caribbean’s remarkable fleet, Icon of the Seas embarked on its maiden voyage in 2024 and marked the start of an incredible adventure for Royal Caribbean and cruisegoers alike. Spanning 18 passenger decks, which are home to both 2,805 staterooms and eight distinct neighbourhoods, this ship is home to everything from an impressive surf simulator (FlowRider) and a rock-climbing wall (Adrenaline Peak) to a unique kinetic monument that weighs more than a Boeing 737 (The Pearl) and an ice rink where dazzling displays of skating skill are waiting (Absolute Zero).

You’ll also find over 40 eateries and entertainment venues on Icon of the Seas, a staggering amount, alongside seven swimming pools – one for every day of the week!

Departing from Miami, Florida, Icon of the Seas sails to stunning ports of call in both Eastern and Western Caribbean; on the itineraries available aboard this ship, you’ll have the chance to explore sun-soaked islands like St. Maarten and St. Thomas alongside incredible Mayan ruins in Cozumel, the idyllic Roatan Island, and more – all while enjoying a Perfect Day at CocoCay, a Bahamas-based destination where you’ll find seven beaches, nine dining spots, a zipline, and so much more to explore.

Icon of the Seas Key Stats

Entered Service: 2024
Guest Capacity: 5,610 (Max: 7,600)
Number of Cabins: 2,805
Crew: ~ 2,350
Gross Tonnage: 248,663

Top Icon of the Seas Itineraries:

Star of the Seas

Debuting with Summer sailings from Port Canaveral in 2025, Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and a vessel continuing the expansive large-ship experience Icon of the Seas offers Royal Caribbean cruisers.

Much like Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas spans 18 passenger decks, boasts eight distinct neighbourhoods, and features seven unique swimming pools for you to soak in. You’ll also find popular Royal Caribbean attractions like FlowRider, Adrenaline Peak, and Crown’s Edge – a skywalk-slash-ropes course which is also available on Icon of the Seas – onboard alongside a Category 6 waterpark, the Lost Dunes adventure golf course, and more.

However, while a sister ship to Icon of the Seas and largely similar, Star of the Seas is not an identical twin and there are a few things that make this ship unique.

Star of the Seas boasts an expanded selection of dining options, with some venues found on Icon of the Seas overhauled for the newer vessel. Beyond this, the children’s facilities and activities onboard have been built upon and expanded – both to offer younger children even more options when it comes to fun in the sun, and to expand to older children. While all the major facilities will still be available, expect new opportunities for excitement in Splashaway Bay, Playscape, and Surfside – neighbourhoods and areas focused on the younger cruisers onboard.

While starting voyages in Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas also offers a fantastic selection of Caribbean cruises to destinations like Cozumel and Roatan Island alongside St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and more. You’ll also be able to take advantage of incredible cruise and stay packages in Orlando, giving you the chance to spend some time in Universal Studios Florida, alongside visits to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Star of the Seas Key Stats

Enters Service: 2025
Guest Capacity: 5,160 (Max: 7,600)
Number of Cabins: 2,805
Crew: ~ 2,350
Gross Tonnage: ~ 250,800

Top Star of the Seas Itineraries:

Legend of the Seas

The newest addition to Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, Legend of the Seas is preparing to deliver an exciting action-packed cruise experience from Summer 2026 – and new destinations mean even more of you will have the chance to experience everything excellent about Icon Class cruise ships.

Much like the aforementioned ships, you’ll find an impressive array of entertainment options and amenities onboard Legend of the Seas; bars like The Lime and Coconut, Boleros, and Cantina Fresca will be joined by groundbreaking venues like Absolute Zero, the AquaTheater, and The Pearl. You’ll find thrills waiting for you with FlowRider and Adrenaline Peak, chills with the adult-only Hideaway neighbourhood and Royal Bay Pool, and an iconic family holiday that everyone can enjoy.

Legend of the Seas will also see Royal Railway - Legend Station introduced, an innovative dining experience that will whisk you away on an adventure along ancient Silk Routes, with each course accompanied by stunning digitally-rendered vistas of the destination they represent. An adventure for all ages and appetites, you can expect to enjoy dishes from China, India, Italy, and more here.

You’ll also find familiar restaurants like Sorrento’s and Coastal Kitchen available alongside the comprehensive Adventure Ocean youth programme and Social 020 – a popular teen hangout. While some of the venues onboard will feature some changes from what you’ll find aboard Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas features familiar favourites everyone can enjoy.

What makes Legend of the Seas unique, though, is the fact that it's going to offer a season of Mediterranean cruises in Summer 2026, making it the first Icon Class cruise ship to sail outside of the Caribbean and Central America. Initially offering sailings departing from Rome and Barcelona in Summer 2026, Legend of the Seas will then offer Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral for Winter 2026; with stunning sun-soaked cities, amazing ancient ruins, and a rich cultural experience waiting, these European cruises aren’t to be missed!

Legend of the Seas Key Stats

Enters Service: 2026
Guest Capacity: 5,160 (Max: 7,600)
Number of Cabins: 2,805
Crew: ~ 2,350
Gross Tonnage: ~ 250,800

Top Legend of the Seas Itineraries:

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Thinking about a Royal Caribbean cruise, but not sure where in the world you want to travel? Check out the following for some destination inspiration: Mediterranean vs Caribbean - Cruise Destination Focus

Top Dining Highlights on Icon Class Ships

Dining on Royal Caribbean cruises is always an exciting experience, and Icon Class ships build on that already-excellent experience with an incredible array of restaurants and eateries for you to enjoy while onboard. From casual poolside spots perfect for finger food and light bites throughout the day to formal restaurants where elegant evening meals are on the agenda, there’s a dining option for every occasion onboard and a wonderful world of cuisines await.

Of the staggering selection of options available on Icon Class cruise ships, of which there are over 40 to choose from, the following are among the highlights:

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Confidently delivering a dialled-up Asian-inspired dining experience in the Central Park neighbourhood, this stylish spot serves a sensational selection of flavourful Japanese dishes – from fresh sushi and seafood to teppanyaki prepared tableside, and so much more. A specialty restaurant open throughout lunch and dinner, with Izumi in the Park offering a similar selection of incredible dishes through an all-day window, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to enjoy a meal here.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

A welcoming Italian restaurant with a variety of Old World classics to choose from, and a comprehensive wine list meaning you’ll always find the perfect pairing, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is a dining venue where everyone will find something they can indulge in. You’ll find some familiar favourites on the menu, like hand-tossed pizzas and moreish meatballs, alongside new and exciting flavours to discover; open throughout lunch and into dinner, there’s always time for a delightful dish here.

El Loco Fresh

If you’re looking for flavourful Mexican fare while at sea, El Loco Fresh delivers just that all day. A casual fast food spot that’s included in your base fare aboard Royal Caribbean Icon Class cruise ships, this dining option delivers everything from stuffed breakfast burritos and loaded nachos at lunchtime to sensational savoury tacos and a dessert menu to die for. With outside seating and the option to grab-and-go, El Loco Fresh is the perfect place to pick up something tasty while enjoying the sunshine and exploring all the entertainment options on offer on the upper decks.

Chops Grille

A traditional American steakhouse with a twist, Chops Grille is a hallmark Royal Caribbean restaurant also available on Icon Class cruise ships. Open for both lunch and dinner, you’ll find a fantastic selection of flavourful main meals available here alongside succulent sides and indulgent desserts; serving everything from tender filet steaks and fresh lobster to truffle French fries and tangy key lime pie, Chops Grille is authentic, exciting, and easily one of the best dining options onboard.

Empire Supper Club (exclusive to Icon of the Seas)

An exciting evening of entertainment awaits in Empire Supper Club, a unique dining experience inspired by the glamour of the American Jazz Age. Here, you’ll enjoy a mulit-course meal of modern interpretations on traditional American fare alongside carefully-selected libations, which complement each course, and incredible live jazz performances. Available at an additional cost, Empire Supper Club is a dining experience unlike anything else available onboard; an exciting evening of entertainment and fantastic food awaits!

Lincoln Park Supper Club (exclusive to Star of the Seas)

Inspired by the glamour of 1930s Chicago and the Jazz Age in America, Lincoln Park Supper Club is a sophisticated dining experience with intimate jazz entertainment accompanying a meal of modern interpretations on traditional American fare – with unique cocktails carefully crafted to complement each course. Available at an additional cost, this is a decadent dining experience that goes beyond the flavourful food on your plate; you’re in for an unforgettable evening when you dine here.

Hollywoodland Supper Club (exclusive to Legend of the Seas)

A decadent evening of gourmet cuisine, sultry live jazz, and daring cocktails awaits in Hollywoodland Supper Club, an experience exclusive to Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas. An elegant celebration of the golden age of cinema, this immersive dining experience boasts indulgent courses paired with the perfect song and enjoyment from your first Champagne toast to the after-dinner libations. Here, your appetite is in the spotlight and an unforgettable evening awaits.

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If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your onboard experience, this quick guide to Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society goes through all the benefits this excellent loyalty programme offers.

Top Entertainment Highlights on Icon Class Ships

The entertainment available on Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ships is exciting, breathtaking, and utterly unmissable; whether you’re looking for dazzling acrobatic displays, lively musical performances, or stage productions worth shouting about, Icon Class ships always deliver – both, throughout the day and into the evening after a busy day ashore.

Below, you’ll find a handful of highlights from the expansive entertainment offerings available on Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruises.

Absolute Zero

Royal Caribbean’s biggest ice arena yet, Absolute Zero is a truly incredible entertainment space where the whole family can enjoy something special. With all-star performers delivering awe-inspiring ice skating shows, a digitally-mapped environment helps these talented skaters tell incredible stories in new and exciting ways. An evening of entertainment at Absolute Zero is certainly not to be missed; and, during the day, you’ll have the chance to stick on some skates and take to the ice yourself!

AquaTheater

Inside the stunning AquaDome, the AquaTheater is an entertainment opportunity unlike anything else available at sea; home to magical fountain shows and breathtaking ocean views during the daytime, awesome aquatic acrobatics take centre stage when evening rolls around. With an epic waterfall and dazzling light displays enhancing each and every performance, you’ll remember the incredible athletics of the talented performers here for a long time.

Dueling Pianos

A unique bar space where two talented pianists go ‘key-to-key’ throughout the evening with high-energy piano performances, Duelling Pianos is innovative evening entertainment you won’t want to miss. Found in the Royal Promenade aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships, you’ll find a catalogue of modern hits and classic tunes performed here, with sing-alongs and banter all adding to the experience. Spending an evening here sipping on something sweet is always a good idea.

Lou’s Jazz ‘N Blues

Found in the open-air Central Park neighbourhood aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ships, Lou’s Jazz ‘N Blues is a bouncing bar where the atmosphere is always inviting. With a talented house band bringing the blues, performing soulful classics and pop with a jazzy twist, and a menu of cocktails paying homage to legends of the genre, this lively location is always worth visiting when evening rolls around onboard.

Music Hall

No two nights will sound the same when it comes to the Music Hall, an impressive entertainment space featuring intimate lounge seating, a spacious dance floor, pool tables, and a well-stocked bar. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy exciting live music performances from talented bands, DJ sets worth dancing to, and more every evening. One of the best places for entertainment after dark on Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ships, there’s always a fun evening to be had here.

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Refreshments and live entertainment go hand-in-hand on a Royal Caribbean Icon Class cruise ship, and you can find out more about the Royal Caribbean drinks packages right here.

Top Activities on Icon Class Ships

Exploring incredible destinations and embarking on immersive shore excursions ashore are always among the most exciting aspects of a cruise adventure, but Icon Class ships are a playground full of fun activities and thrilling things to do; so, even if you’re stuck at sea during your sailing, you’re in for an unforgettable day with Royal Caribbean.

Of all the remarkable recreational activities on offer aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships, the following are among the highlights:

Crown’s Edge

A dramatic skywalk-slash-ropes course over the side of the ship, Crown’s Edge is a truly thrilling experience that will test your courage while giving you a unique perspective of the incredible Icon Class ship you’re sailing on – and the blue waves crashing against the hull below. If you’re looking for some excitement while at sea, you’ll certainly find that here – if you can conquer your fears, that is!

Category 6 Waterpark

Royal Caribbean’s largest waterpark at sea, Category 6 is home to six thrilling waterslides for you to tackle during your time here; with dramatic freefall slides available alongside family-friendly raft rides and mat racing slides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Whilst this is an incredible attraction in isolation, this waterpark is a stone’s throw from other swimming pools and splash-zones onboard, making a day in the sunshine on an Icon Class cruise ship an incredible experience.

FlowRider

A fast-flowing surf simulator, FlowRider is the perfect place to practice your surfing technique while at sea – or, just to see how long you can keep upright! With stadium seating surrounding the simulator, your friends and family can cheer you on while you tackle the rushing water with a boogie board beneath you. If you’re eager to learn more about carving the open ocean with a surfboard, you’ll be able to grab some lessons at an additional cost.

Adrenaline Peak

Found in the Thrill Island neighbourhood aboard Icon Class cruise ships, Adrenaline Peak is the ultimate rock climbing adventure, and home to Royal Caribbean’s highest vantage point yet. With several difficulty levels to choose from, and racing lanes for those of you looking for some friendly competition while climbing, everyone onboard will have the chance to tackle Adrenaline Peak; there’s nothing better than enjoying the sensational sights from above after beating this craggy course.

Spotlight Karaoke

A stylish entertainment venue where you’ll have the chance to take centre stage and belt out a banging tune, or enjoy a sing-along with friends and family in a bookable private room, Spotlight Karaoke is always a fun time. Whether you’re a huge fan of show tunes, only interested in charting hits, or a connoisseur of all the classics, you’ll always end your night on a high note here.

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If you want to make the most of your time onboard, you can find out more about what activities are included on a Royal Caribbean cruise right here!

Royal Caribbean Icon Class FAQs

Is Icon Class bigger than Oasis Class?

Yes, they are! Icon Class cruise ships are quite a bit bigger than Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class cruise ships. While Icon Class ships are roughly 251,000 tonnes with a maximum capacity of over 7,500 guests, Oasis Class ships are around 230,000 tonnes and have a maximum capacity of roughly 6,300 guests. Icon Class is the largest cruise ship class ever constructed.

How many decks do Icon Class cruise ships have?

Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ships have 20 decks, with 18 passenger decks accessible to all the guests onboard. You’ll find suites and staterooms on 12 of these decks.

What are the neighbourhoods found on Icon Class cruise ships?

On Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ships, the following neighbourhoods are found:

Thrill Island
Chill Island
Surfside
AquaDome
The Hideaway
The Royal Promenade
Central Park
Suite Neighbourhood

Of these neighbourhoods, The Hideaway is an adult-only retreat onboard and the Suite Neighbourhood (also known as The Grove) is an area exclusively available to suite-level guests.

Are Icon Class cruise ships suitable for the whole family?

Yes, Icon Class cruise ships are excellent for families; however, they’re also a fantastic option for groups of friends, couples, and solo travellers too!

On Icon Class ships, you’ll find a wide range of entertainment options and activities suitable for guests of all ages, alongside a comprehensive youth programme for younger guests and adult-only areas for older guests to escape to.

When it comes to accommodation, you’ll find an impressive selection of family friendly staterooms to choose from – whether you’re looking for some outside space, separate bedrooms, or something a little more fun for the little ones. Among the stylish staterooms and suites available, the following are fantastic for families:

Connecting Ocean View Balcony
Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
Family Ocean View Balcony (exclusive to Legend of the Seas)
Icon Loft
Royal Loft
Sunset Corner Suite
Surfside Family Suite
Surfside Family View Balcony
Surfside Family View Interior
Ultimate Family Townhouse

*Ocean View Balcony, Royal Loft Suite, and Ultimate Family Townhouse*

Book Your Icon Class Holiday with Iglu Cruise Today!

So what are you waiting for? Book your Royal Caribbean getaway with us today aboard one of these spectacular ships and look forward to a cruise of a lifetime. With so many different cruise deals to choose from, you won’t want to miss out!