Icon Of The Seas

The 2024-built Icon of the Seas cruise ship is RCI-Royal Caribbean’s first ICON-class vessel. She was delivered and inaugurated in January 2024 after postponements from Q2 2022 and Q3 2023 due to the COVID crisis. The liner is currently the world’s largest by volume/GT (~6% larger than Wonder OTS) and has three same-design sisterships—Star of the Seas (August 2025), Legend of the Seas (August 2026), and TBN4 of the Seas (2027).

“Project Icon” is the name of the passenger ship class ordered by RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (shipowner) from the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland.

The vessel (IMO 9829930) is Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001178) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is a US company, a trademarked brand, and a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group (RCG/shipowner). Founded in 1968, RCI currently holds over one-fifth of the global cruise market. RCI also operates RCG’s largest fleet by both vessel count and GT tonnage (ship size and capacity).

All RCI liners have names ending with “of the Seas.”

Each ICON-class ship has a passenger capacity of 5610 (lower berths) and a gross tonnage/volume of 250,800 GT, making the design Royal Caribbean’s—and the world’s—largest.

On May 5, 2022, an RCI spokesperson announced that the ICON class would surpass the OASIS class in both passenger capacity and volume, making Icon of the Seas the world’s largest passenger ship ever constructed. On October 20th, RCI revealed more details, including the exact volume (250,800 GT) and max capacity (9950/7600 passengers + 2350 crew). For comparison, the previously largest passenger ships (OASIS PLUS class) are ~227,000 GT with a max capacity of 8800 (6410 pax + 2390 crew).

Initially, the ICON design was announced with a passenger capacity of ~5200 and ~200,000 GT.

Decks and Cabins

Of all Icon of the Seas staterooms (2805 total in 28 grades), ~70% are balconies and over 80% accommodate three or more guests. The ship has 179 suites, 1815 balconies, 276 oceanviews (including 12 Panoramic), and 744 insides (534 Standard plus 214 Interior-Facing/Promenade View Balcony). There are 693 Infinite Balconies (615 Standard plus 78 Family). Wheelchair-accessible cabins total 50.

Icon OTS introduces 14 new RCI cabin categories: Inside Plus, Panoramic Ocean View (redesigned—both cabins and suites), Infinite Balcony, Family Infinite Balcony, Surfside Family Suite, Sky Junior Suite, Sunset Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft Suite, and the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

“Panoramic Ocean View” cabins and suites are located in the AquaDome Neighborhood and feature floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows.

“Infinite Balcony” accommodations are French-balcony style with drop-down, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows enclosing the terrace. These convertible staterooms transform the veranda into interior space (separated by accordion doors) at the push of a button. This category (as Edge Veranda Infinity) debuted on Celebrity Cruises’ EDGE-class ships.

“Family Infinite Balcony” cabins sleep six and include split bathrooms, a separate kids’ bedroom (with bunk beds), and an infinite balcony.

“Surfside Family Suite” is in the Surfside Neighborhood, sleeps four, has a separate kids’ bedroom (convertible to a lounge), and includes Royal Suite Class perks.

“Sunset Corner Suite” (a fleet first) comprises aft-facing staterooms (at the stern) with large wraparound terraces.

The “Ultimate Family Townhouse” is a three-deck suite designed for families, with private access to the Surfside Neighborhood and features such as an indoor dry slide, media room/cinema, karaoke room, and a huge terrace.

The three-deck Suite Neighborhood houses all top-tier staterooms. It features an exclusive two-deck sundeck and an expanded Coastal Kitchen (suite-only restaurant on two levels overlooking the AquaTheater). There is a larger exclusive sundeck (access for Star Class and Sky Class suites) with its own swimming pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi, plus a new suite-only casual dining venue (The Grove) offering Mediterranean specialties.

Suite categories (high to low) are Family Townhouse, Royal Loft, Icon Loft, Owner’s, Infinite Grand, Grand, Sunset Corner, Surfside Family, Sunset, Junior, and Panoramic (with windows).

ICON ships also feature a new (patented) crew-cabin layout with L-shaped beds.

The boat has 19 decks, of which 18 are passenger-accessible and 12 are with cabins.

RCI’s ICON-class vessels offer 40+ F&B concepts (including 23 fleet firsts) and 26 fleet firsts (features, amenities, technologies), including 15 water activities.

For detailed information on ICON-class technologies, see the ship’s Wiki page.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

RCI’s ICON class features the OASIS-class Central Park Neighborhood—an open-air, multi-deck interior space with live vegetation (trees, bushes, flowers). The fore-located Solarium spans two decks—an adults-only relaxation complex covered by a glass rooftop, with its own cafe/bistro, bar, thalassotherapy pool, large Jacuzzis, indoor sunbathing area (deckchairs, loungers, daybeds), and an outdoor sundeck.

The midship Sun Deck spans two levels and includes a large swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area. A series of columns (midship-aft) support the waterslides and the Ropes Course (US$90 per person).

The stern, as on the OASIS liners, is an open-deck area with cascading suite terraces.

Like all RCI ships, Icon also has a FlowRider (surf simulator aft-starboard on the top deck), the island-themed mini-golf course “Lost Dunes” (part of Thrill Island on Deck 16), Rock-Climbing Walls (at Adrenaline Peak), and the Absolute Zero Ice-Rink Arena (the fleet’s largest).

Curiously, Icon OTS’ 9-hole golf course (by AGS/Adventure Golf & Sports) is decorated with rock walls and features a large plane wing and three “marine artifacts” (two life-size bow and stern sections of a broken ship and a broken submarine).

Icon OTS has 10 new-to-RCI dining concepts out of 20 total venues, of which 11 are complimentary and nine are at a fee.

The retail shopping complex spans four decks (5-6-8-15) and groups 14 shops. Stores sell duty- and tax-free products: perfumes, cosmetics, fashion, accessories, watches, jewelry, liquor and tobacco, confectionery, games, and toys. A dedicated Tech Shop sells electronics, gadgets, batteries, headphones, walkie-talkies, and Nintendo 3DS consoles. The Splash Store sells sunscreens, skincare, and swim accessories. The Health Essentials Store offers toiletries and medicines.

Neighborhoods

Icon OTS has seven swimming pools (across five decks), nine outdoor Jacuzzis/whirlpools, and the fleet’s largest waterpark with six waterslides (including the largest at sea).

Pool operating hours:

• (Chill Island Neighborhood/Deck 15) Royal Bay Pool (starboard, with two Jacuzzis), Cove Pool (portside infinity/adults-only), and Hideaway Pool (aft/beach-club themed) are open 9 am–10 pm.
• (Chill Island Neighborhood/Deck 17) Cloud 17 Pool (adults-only solarium/sundeck, max 250 people, starboard, with a whirlpool) is open 8 am–7 pm.

Like the OASIS and OASIS PLUS ships, ICON ships have eight neighborhoods (themed decks): AquaDome, Central Park, Chill Island, Thrill Island, Royal Promenade, The Hideaway, Surfside, and Suite Neighborhood.

(Deck 5 and Deck 6) Royal Promenade is on two levels and houses staterooms plus 15 F&B venues (bars, lounges, cafes, restaurants), including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar; Pearl Cafe (similar to Cafe Promenade/open 24 hours; complimentary grab-and-go sandwiches, fresh-baked croissants, packaged salads, sweets, tea, sodas, specialty coffees); Campfire Cookie (patisserie); Sorrento’s Pizzeria (slices and daily specialty pies; draft beers); Point & Feather (104-seat English pub with darts and live acoustic guitar in the evenings; gin-based cocktails); Boleros (Latin-themed lounge with live music/85 seats); 1400 Bar (named after the hull number; live piano evenings; 67 indoor + 18 outdoor seats); Spotlight Karaoke Bar (106 seats); The Attic (comedy club/159 seats); Starbucks (coffee shop); Crown Lounge (fka Diamond Lounge & Bar/exclusive for Diamond and above); Dueling Pianos Bar (two baby grands); and Music Hall (two floors/decks 3-4). Also on the Royal Promenade are the four-deck-high The Pearl (sphere-shaped structure on decks 5-8) and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (107 seats).

The Pearl is a kinetic art sculpture providing multi-sensory experiences and hosting special “sound and sight” events. It is 14 m (45 ft) high, 16 m (52 ft) in diameter, and built from ~3000 computer-driven kinetic tiles. Natural phenomena such as rolling waves, breezes, shooting stars, and ocean surface patterns can be emulated. The tiles follow a Fibonacci-sequence arrangement, mirroring patterns seen in marine life. Movements are interactive and influenced by real-time sea data (tides and wind), allowing continual transformation.

Icon OTS’ Royal Promenade is 110 m/362 ft long and, unlike earlier designs, features floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed ocean views. On the lower level (Embarkation Area, starboard on Deck 5) is the “1400 Lobby Bar” (indoor/outdoor seating, juice-based beverages, and cocktails). The name references the ship’s hull number (1400).

(Deck 8) Central Park is 20% larger than on the OASIS ships, with thousands of live plants and live music performances, and houses several dining venues—Izumi Hibachi & Sushi (Asian/Japanese with Teppanyaki), Izumi in the Park (sushi to-go, sweets), Chops Grille (steakhouse), Park Cafe (casual for breakfast/lunch/dinner and late-night snacks/open 5:30–10 pm), Empire Supper Club (eight-course food hall), Trellis Bar (12 seats), Schooner Bar, Desserted (milkshake bar, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milkshake), Lou’s Jazz ’n Blues (71 indoor + 16 outdoor seats; nightly live performances; classic and crafted cocktails), and Bubbles (walk-up champagne bar with live music). Central Park is an outdoor relaxation zone within the ship’s interior.

Central Park’s garden includes 21,000+ live plants, multi-deck metal columns and green walls (vines and ferns), pathways, ambient recordings (birds, insects, animals), and seasonal flora (flowers, shrubs, trees). Signage provides detailed information on trees and plants.

Empire Supper Club is a 1930s NYC-themed restaurant with two evening seatings (6 pm and 8:30 pm) and an eight-course American menu, each course paired with wine by the glass or cocktails (created for RCI by Tony Abou-Ganim). It is RCI’s most elegant venue and the first to combine food and music; a resident three-piece band performs a different song for each course. The Supper Club has 38 seats (max one seating per night) and costs ~US$200 per person.

“Izumi in the Park,” introduced on ICON-class ships, is a sushi-to-go bar with a pick-up window (11:30 am–10:30 pm) offering sushi, spicy beef gyoza, and sweets (bubble waffles, ice-cream cones). A sushi bento box can be ordered to enjoy elsewhere onboard.

Suite Neighborhood spans three decks (forward on 16-17-18) and features a two-deck exclusive sundeck (with swimming pool and Jacuzzi on deck 18) and two exclusive restaurants (Star- and Sky-suite guests only)—The Grove (38-seat alfresco buffet with Mediterranean dishes/on deck 18) and Coastal Kitchen (154 seats, the fleet’s first on two levels/on decks 16-17).

(Deck 15/aft) The Hideaway is a beach-club-themed pool deck with a suspended infinity pool (the first at sea) and a surrounding two-deck, tiered outdoor lounge with Jacuzzis, a dedicated poolside bar (Hideaway Bar), and varied seating. Windjammer Marketplace (complimentary Lido buffet; breakfast, lunch, dinner; two indoor bars) is also here. Two types of daybeds (in-pool and ocean-view, each for 2–4 people) can be reserved. Amenities include four bottled waters, four towels, one bottle of champagne (in an ice bucket with four souvenir glasses), a side table, and beverage service by dedicated staff. In 2024, In-Pool Daybeds cost US$250/350 (port/sea day) and Ocean-view Daybeds cost US$200/300 (port/sea day).

(Deck 15/forward) AquaDome is covered by a glass dome (transparent roof with 220-degree views via floor-to-ceiling windows). It features the largest-at-sea waterfall, transforming in the evenings into the AquaTheater. By day, AquaDome is a serene relaxation complex with F&B options; by night, it becomes RCI’s signature AquaTheater (now redesigned, smaller, and indoors), hosting high-diving aquatic and aerial acrobatic shows. The theater has a transforming deepwater pool, advanced multimedia (lights, sound, smoke, 3D flying projections), stage lifts, and four robotic arms. New in AquaDome is Rye & Bean (coffee shop/bar).

AquaDome Market is a complimentary food hall with five stands—Feta Mediterranean (Greek cuisine; pitas and Mediterranean bowls; separate beverages bar including beer and wine by the glass), Mac’s (macaroni and cheese pizza with toppings like smoked gouda, BBQ sauce, slow-roasted pulled pork), Toast & Garden (salads, sandwiches), GNGR (Asian dishes), and Crème de la Crêpe (sweet and savory French crêpes)—with made-to-order choices. Open for breakfast (from 7 am), lunch (11:30 am), and dinner. Beer and wine by the glass are extra (table service).

Near the AquaTheater entrance is Royal Bling (retail) selling RCI-branded merchandise (keepsakes/jewelry—rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets). Among the items is a US$100,000 gold-adorned chalice that confers unlimited onboard beverages for life to its owner.

Note: The OASIS liners’ outdoor AquaTheater (stern) is replaced on ICON boats by a family-themed activity deck. AquaDome includes Hooked Seafood (specialty restaurant) and Celebration Table (an upgraded Chef’s Table/VIP dining experience/12 seats; floor-to-ceiling windows; four rotating menus—American, Italian, Asian, Seafood), plus the bow-facing Overlook Lounge (in front of the AquaTheater) providing 160-degree ocean views. The two-floor Overlook Lounge (decks 14-15) seats 164 (112 chairs + 52 pods).

(aft on Deck 7) Surfside Neighborhood (a fleet first) is designed for young families—adults and kids under six. Surfside offers family staterooms, Water’s Edge (infinity pool), a carousel, Splashaway Bay (kids’ aquapark with a slide), Baby Bay (toddler waterpark with splash pool), Adventure Ocean (children’s clubs), Social020 (teen complex with video games, movies, dancing, classes, contests), Challenger’s Arcade (classic and new games), The Lemon Post Bar (family bar with alcoholic cocktails and mocktails), a complimentary soft-ice-cream station, Sugar Beach (candy shop, gourmet ice cream), and three dining venues—Surfside Bites (11 am–5 pm takeaway window; grab-and-go burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon-sugar donuts), Surfside Eatery (family buffet for breakfast and lunch; buffet + sit-down in the evening with pancakes, cookies, fresh fruit, pasta with sauces), and Pier 7 (specialty; kids eat free).

(aft on Deck 16) Thrill Island is adventure-themed with outdoor activities. It houses Crown’s Edge (extra-fee) and “Category 6” (the largest at-sea waterpark, ~1580 m2/17,010 ft2) served by the Basecamp Bar. The park groups six slides—industry’s tallest (Frightening Bolt/14 m/46 ft), longest (Storm Chasers), and fastest (Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter): Pressure Drop (free-fall, 66-degree incline), Storm Chasers (dual mat-racing), and Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter (suspended dual raft-racing; max four riders per raft). Crown’s Edge (another fleet first) combines a glass-bottom skywalk (midship-portside), ropes course, zip-line, bumper cars, water slides, and a thrill element where the skywalk floor drops and guests swing 154 ft/47 m above the sea.

The outdoor Basecamp Bar offers complimentary food plus premium à-la-carte items and beverages. The venue operates 11 am–10 pm; the bar opens at 9 am. Fast-casual choices include smash burgers, fried chicken-nugget waffles with honey, and crispy shrimp bao buns.

Deck 20 is the Category 6 Waterpark entry level for the slides. Minimum-height/maximum-weight requirements: Frightening Bolt and Pressure Drop (55 in/265 lb), Storm Chasers (42 in/265 lb), Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter (48 in without parents, 55 in with parents/595 lb).

The midship Chill Island spans three decks (15-16-17) and houses four of the ship’s seven pools, served by the poolside bar “Swim & Tonic.” Chill Island features the Royal Bay Pool (largest at sea), Cove Pool (infinity-edge), Sprinkles (complimentary ice-cream bar), and Cloud 17 (adults-only sundeck with a Smoking Area and a Jacuzzi). It is also served by The Lime & Coconut (four locations, including the fleet’s first frozen-cocktail bar) and Swim & Tonic.

Swim & Tonic is RCI’s first swim-up bar (adults-only, capacity 12). It sits in a shallow pool with floating loungers and is adjacent to a hot tub and a sunbathing area with loungers.

The following dining venues serve the adventure-themed top decks: El Loco Fresh (complimentary grab-and-go Mexican; 11 am–7 pm), Cantina Fresca (complimentary Mexican-themed bar/food and drinks), AquaDome Market (complimentary food hall), and Hooked Seafood (specialty), positioned below Sports Court (deck 16).

In addition to 22 lifts/“destination elevators” (in the forward and aft atriums) and all staircases, an escalator connects decks 2-4-5. An interior staircase (midship-aft) directly links three neighborhoods—Royal Promenade (decks 5-6), Surfside (deck 7), and Central Park (deck 8).

Destination elevators move guests more efficiently between decks, reducing crowding. At each bank, digital panels let passengers select a floor and assigned car; inside the elevators there are no buttons, leading to fewer intermediate stops.

The Main Dining Room (MDR) spans three levels (decks 3-4-5) aft. The MDR offers a different three-course menu each night (themed cuisines) and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Royal Theater is the main show lounge over three decks (forward on 3-4-5). The venue doubles as a cinema and hosts daily activities (trivia, bingo, enrichment lectures). Evenings feature Broadway-style, grand-scale productions and aerial performances. Two nightly grand shows—early (8 pm) and late (10 pm)—align with dining sittings. Signature shows include “Hairspray” (musical comedy with commentary on early-1960s race relations) and “Flight” (history of aviation). For Icon OTS, “The Wizard of Oz” (2011 musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber) was developed and is presented 3–4 times weekly. Other offerings include rotating Headliners (tribute bands) and popular game shows (e.g., “Love and Marriage”). Royal Theater has its own bar (waiter service during shows).

Absolute Zero (decks 4-5) is the fleet’s largest ice-skating arena (complimentary). Daytime 45-minute sessions (max 50 guests) include ice-skating, ice games, hockey, demos, and adult scavenger hunts. Evenings feature an RCI original professional ice show. Equipment is provided; reservations aren’t required, but tickets must be obtained in advance. “The Fight for Atlantis” (laser tag) is also played here.

Icon OTS offers a Royal Escape Room for team-based puzzle gaming. Groups solve a series of clues within a set time limit to uncover the room’s secret plot.

The two-level wellness complex (decks 12-14) includes Vitality Spa, Vitality Cafe (breakfast and lunch), and To Dry For (blow-dry bar for quick hairstyling with beverage service). Vitality Spa groups ShipShape Spa, YSPA (teen spa), Beauty Salon, treatment rooms (massages and therapies), Razul Room (mud treatments), Medispa (Botox), Jacuzzi Room, and Thermal Suites (heated ceramic beds, saunas, steam rooms, rainforest showers).

The two-level Fitness Center (decks 5-6) comprises a complimentary gym (Life Fitness cardio/resistance equipment), an aerobics studio, and private training rooms. Equipment includes free weights, machines, treadmills, steppers, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and a Kinesis wall. Morning/afternoon health seminars and wellness presentations are scheduled (free; timeshare events).

The Music Hall (dance lounge/disco introduced on QUANTUM-class) spans two decks (3-4) and provides live band performances daily and DJs in the evenings.

Signature RCI restaurants on Icon OTS also include Wonderland, Celebration Table (Chef’s Table/Deck 15), and Johnny Rockets.

Icon OTS’ grand-show venues are three—Royal Theater, AquaDome, and Absolute Zero (Ice-Skating Arena).

AquaDome shows: “Aqua Nation!” and “Pirates vs Mermaids.”

Absolute Zero ice-skating shows: “Starburst” and “Once Upon a Time.”

Royal Theater evening productions (90 minutes): “Effectors” (superhero-themed), “Wizard of Oz” (musical), and “SHOWBAND! Live. Music. Now.” (16 musicians—strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion).

On the Royal Promenade, RCI’s traditional family parade “Ships Ahoy!” is hosted. Unlike previous ships with a Royal Promenade, Icon OTS features a dog statue instead of a classic car.

On the ICON ship, RCI introduced 60 new cocktails.

Family-themed activities

Icon OTS is Royal Caribbean’s first liner with a dedicated “family ambassador.”

Called “Admiral Awesome,” this host leads family-focused events, including Surfside’s “Larger-than-Life Family Festival” (live music, dancing, giant outdoor games—darts, ring toss, dice, bowling), the “Steel Pan Family Jam” (guided instrument play), the Big Shark Block Party (dancing to kids’ songs like “Baby Shark” and “Baby Beluga”), and “Once Upon a Bedtime Story” (outdoor bedtime stories).

The “family neighborhood” offers two complimentary venues throughout the day—“Surfside Bites” (grab-and-go) and “Surfside Eatery” (buffet; Windjammer alternative)—while “Pier 7” (specialty) serves à-la-carte breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner (kids eat free). The Lemon Post Bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails/mocktails. The Soft Ice Cream station is complimentary; Sugar Beach sells gourmet ice cream and sweets.

Surfside also features two outdoor water playgrounds—Splashaway Bay (kids’ aquapark with a slide) and Baby Bay (toddler splash pool)—as well as Adventure Ocean (children’s clubs), the Social020 teen complex, and Challenger’s Arcade (coin-operated games).

Notably, Icon OTS is RCI’s first vessel with a Chief Dog Officer—“Rover,” a five-month-old female golden retriever—who boarded in Ponce (Puerto Rico) with Alison Hubble (Chief of Staff).

Crew Neighborhood (staff and crew cabins and facilities)

RCI’s ICON ships have a four-deck Crew Neighborhood (housing 2350 people) featuring redesigned (patented) crew cabins with L-shaped bed layouts. Crew staterooms are all double-occupancy (max two persons) and fitted with a TV, writing table, electric sockets (with USB ports), storage, privacy curtains, fixed lower and upper beds (upper accessed via stairs), and laminate flooring.

Another novelty is The Clubhouse—forward crew lounge with full bar service, massage chairs, ping-pong and foosball tables, billiards, and four LCD Virtual Windows showing real-time outside views.

New crew-only facilities include a Beauty Salon (hairstyling and barber), Store, Game Room, and Gym. The Crew Buffet Restaurant has porthole windows and, alongside the traditional cold/hot stations, live-cooking stations.

A Messhall (multipurpose venue) hosts crew training sessions as well as celebrations and dance parties.

Each ICON-class ship has 23 galleys/kitchens (serving 27 dining venues) and 425 chefs. Most food and beverages are sourced from the homeport; the rest are locally sourced in ports of call. Stores are sufficient for three consecutive voyages (21 days).

Itineraries

Icon of the Seas’ itinerary program was officially revealed on October 20, 2022. RCI opened bookings for loyalty members on Oct 24 and to the general public on Oct 25.

Icon OTS’ maiden voyage departed Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024.

She is scheduled to operate alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries (7-day roundtrips from Miami), all calling at CocoCay, Bahamas. Additional ports include Philipsburg (St. Maarten), Basseterre (St. Kitts), Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas, USVI), Coxen Hole (Roatán, Honduras), and Mexico’s Cozumel and Costa Maya.

In September 2023, bookings opened for the ship’s 2025–2026 voyages. The 7-day roundtrip Miami itineraries include “Eastern Caribbean & CocoCay” (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas) and “Western Caribbean & CocoCay” (Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras).

On October 10, 2016, Meyer Turku Oy (Finland) and RCG–Royal Caribbean Group signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) and officially announced the order for two vessels under the project name “ICON.” The units are LNG-powered (liquefied natural gas), employ fuel cell technology, and are classified by DNV GL (the Høvik, Norway–headquartered international ship registrar and classification society). The MoU ceremony was attended by Michael Bayley (RCI’s President and CEO), Jan Meyer (Meyer Turku’s CEO), and Harri Kulovaara (Finnish naval architect, RCCL’s Executive Vice President, Maritime & Newbuilding).

The ICON shipbuilding order with Meyer Turku was contingent upon the completion of contractual conditions, including documentation and financing.

Royal Caribbean also trademarked the name “Icon of the Seas,” which was suggested as the name of the first unit in the series. On October 17, 2016, the company filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for “Icon of the Seas.”

On June 27, 2017, Royal Caribbean filed new trademarks for “Joy of the Seas” (serial number 87507232) and “Apex of the Seas” (serial number 87507244). The company had registered these trademarks in September 2014; however, both were abandoned on September 14, 2015. The registration activity came days after trademarking Spectrum of the Seas.

On July 2, 2019, the third ICON unit was ordered, scheduled for delivery in 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by Richard Fain (RCCL’s Chairman and CEO), Jan Meyer (Meyer Turku’s CEO), and Michael Bayley (RCI’s President and CEO).

In 2019, the Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku had an order book listing the following cruise ships planned for delivery:

• 2019 (Costa Smeralda/GT 180K)
• 2020 (Carnival Mardi Gras/GT 180K)
• 2021 (Costa Toscana/GT 180K)
• 2022 (Carnival Celebration/GT 180K, ICON 1/GT 250K)
• 2023 (TUI Mein Schiff 7/GT 110K)
• 2025 (ICON 2/Star of the Seas/GT 250K)
• 2026 (ICON 3/TBN/GT 250K)

ICON ships have a volume of ~250,800 GT and deadweight of ~13,500 tons. ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD is registered as the shipowner and management company.

Liquefied natural gas was envisioned as the primary fuel for the ICON-class ships, reducing CO₂ (carbon dioxide) and completely eliminating soot particles, nitrogen oxide (NOx), and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions. Royal Caribbean’s ICON ships also introduced fuel cell technology which, combined with hull air lubrication, makes the vessels among the most fuel-efficient ever built.

RCI’s ICON liners primarily run on LNG but can also operate on distillate fuel (MDO/marine diesel oil) to accommodate itineraries with ports lacking LNG infrastructure. The design includes shoreside power capabilities, allowing the main engines to be shut down while the ship is berthed in equipped ports. During port stays, all electricity for onboard operations/hotel services is supplied by the city’s power grid.

Before the new ships’ debut, fuel cell technology was tested on existing OASIS-class vessels, while larger fuel cell projects were trialed on QUANTUM-class units (during construction).

ICON is RCG’s first new ship class/design since 2018, when Celebrity Cruises debuted the EDGE class with Celebrity Edge. RCG continued expanding RCI’s fleet with newbuilds from the existing and popular OASIS- and QUANTUM-class lines.

The vessel’s construction officially started on June 14, 2021, with the steel-cutting ceremony (yard/hull number 1400) held at Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland. The ceremony was attended by Richard Fain (RCG’s Chairman and CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI’s President and CEO), and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku’s CEO). The same yard also built RCI’s first two OASIS-class ships – Oasis OTS (2009) and Allure OTS (2010).

All blocks (hull and superstructure sections/201 total) were fabricated in Germany (at Neptun Werft in Rostock) and transported on heavy-lift barges to Finland for assembly.

The keel-laying for the first ICON-class ship (hull/Meyer Turku yard number NB-1400) was initially planned for October 2019. The sisterships were allocated the following IMO/hull numbers – “Apex of the Seas” (9829942/NB-1401) and “Joy of the Seas” (9888560/NB-1402).

Meyer Turku works with 1,000+ suppliers from various countries. Cruise ship cabins are modular (prefabricated and later assembled at the shipyard) and made by the subsidiary Piikkio Works Oy, which has a factory in Piikkio, Finland (approx. 20 km/13 mi east of Turku). Public spaces are also prefabricated (then assembled during drydock) by the subsidiary Shipbuilding Completion Oy (in Turku). Technology design and engineering services are provided by ENGnD Oy (Rauma, Finland).

In May 2021, the first hull blocks of Icon OTS (fabricated at Neptun Werft, Rostock, Germany) were loaded onto barges and shipped to Finland for drydock assembly (welded together). Meyer Turku also constructed RCI’s mega-liners Oasis OTS (2009) and Allure OTS (2010).

In late December 2021, four tugboats towed/barged to Meyer Turku the first pre-assembled hull blocks from Poland (from Gdansk Shipyard), weighing 37–67 tons. Their assembly—and the ship’s physical construction—officially began with the keel-laying ceremony on April 5, 2022. The event was attended by Jason Liberty (RCG’s new President and CEO), Richard Fain (RCG’s Chairman), Bernard Meyer (Meyer Group’s Chairman), Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku’s CEO), and Olli Jantunen (Meyer Turku’s Head of Department and ICON-class Project Manager).

The DOBEL Film Laminated Steel used for the vessel’s construction (approx. 350,000 m²/~3.8 million ft²) was supplied by Metalcolour Group (founded in 1974, specializing in high-quality film-laminated and pre-coated/painted steel and aluminum plates). Metalcolour Group has subsidiaries/production plants in Sweden, Denmark, and Singapore.

The vessel was launched/floated out from drydock on December 9, 2022. The construction process in Finland involved ~2,600 workers from 20+ nationalities, including shipyard employees and subcontractors.

The Baltic Sea trials were successfully completed June 18–22, 2023. Conducted by 450+ people (crew, shipyard, and contractors), the four-day sea trials assessed the hull; evaluated technologies and equipment (engines, propulsion/thrusters, navigation system/full-stop, steering), machinery, electronics, and lifeboats; and measured noise and vibration levels. The second sea trials were planned for December 2023, to push the vessel to her limits before official delivery to RCI in January 2024.

Icon OTS’ Master is Captain Henrik Loy (Bergen, Norway–born, with RCI since 1997).

In September 2023, RCI signed a partnership with Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG (founded 1879, Hamburg-based) to manage the retail shopping venues on Icon OTS. The ship’s shopping complex spans four decks (5–6–8–15) and includes 14 retail shops. Onboard stores sell duty- and tax-free products such as perfumes, cosmetics, fashion and accessories, watches, jewelry, liquor and tobacco, confectionery, games and toys. A dedicated Tech Shop sells electronics, gadgets, batteries, headphones, walkie-talkies, and Nintendo 3DS consoles. The Splash Store offers sunscreens, skincare, and swim accessories, while Health Essentials stocks toiletries and medicines. In 2023, besides Icon OTS, RCI had contracts with the German company for retail on Wonder OTS, Odyssey OTS, and Independence OTS.

In October 2023, RCI extended the 2019 contract with SOMEC Group’s subsidiary SOMEC Navale (founded 1995, Italian). The EUR 19.4 million contract covers the supply and installation of all glass structures (including windows and railings on open decks and balconies, and motorized blinds embedded in all sliding windows) for both ICON ships (Icon OTS and Star OTS).

Icon OTS was officially delivered to RCI by Meyer Turku on November 27, 2023. The delivery documents were signed by Jason Liberty (RCG’s President and CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI’s President and CEO), and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku Oy’s CEO).

In December 2023, RCI announced that Icon OTS’ christening ceremony (in PortMiami) would be led by Lionel Andrés Messi (aka Leo Messi/1987-born Argentine footballer) as the ship’s godfather.

Each RCI ICON ship’s power plant is based on six Wärtsilä marine engines (dual-fuel models 3×14V46DF and 3×12V46DF) running on both diesel and LNG. The power plant’s total output is 46.03 MW. Additional propulsion power is 84 MW produced by 3× ABB Azipods (each 20 MW) and 5× Wärtsilä WTT-45 transverse bow thrusters (each 4.8 MW). The ship is also fitted with hydrogen-based fuel cell technology using seawater to generate electricity and fresh water. Icon OTS became RCI’s first vessel to implement this technology.

Icon OTS’ first engine (No. 2) was started for the first time on March 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. (10:00 a.m. UTC). Also in March, RCI published “The Top Deck Challenge” video about construction works related to open-deck and water installations, including the top-deck facilities (waterpark/slides and swimming pools).

ICON-class ships are LNG-powered, each with two LNG fuel tanks (manufactured at Meyer Neptun) for storing liquefied natural gas, each with 307-ton capacity and length 27.4 m (90 ft). Fuel tanks—like the engines and other large machinery—are installed into the hull blocks assembled at Meyer Turku.

RCI’s ICON-class technologies also include shore power connectivity (using the port/city power grid for onboard services while berthed) and an advanced WHRS (waste heat recovery system) that generates power using waste heat from the main engines and exhaust gases. Cold temperatures from the LNG tanks are utilized by onboard cooling systems. Lighting is entirely LED. The underwater hull is coated with specialized anti-fouling paint to slow marine growth and facilitate its detachment.

The ICON ships debut Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis technology—an innovative, first-at-sea waste-to-energy plant. The technology turns solid (food/bio) waste into fuel (used to power the desalination plant), while the remaining by-product (pelletized carbon) is supplied to farmers as fertilizer.

These RCI vessels are also fitted with higher-capacity water treatment systems (evaporators and reverse osmosis plants) to support increased freshwater consumption (for hotel operations and all water facilities/pools, slides, etc.). Approximately 93% of the needed freshwater is produced onboard.

RCI’s Icon OTS construction update teaser (released May 2022) showed a huge white sphere installed midship on the top deck. The spherical object weighs 175 tonnes, has a diameter of 50 ft (15.2 m), a height of 46 ft (14 m), and consists of 578 aluminum panels. In late June, RCI’s President Michael Bayley dubbed the big white ball “The Pearl.”

In early June 2022, RCI trademarked six names for Icon OTS facilities/venues – The Orb, The Oyster, The Gem, The Jewel, The Pearl, The Star. In September, “Icon of Vacations” was trademarked.

On June 15, 2022, RCG signed a contract with Eagle LNG Partners LLC (Eagle LNG) to provide LNG and bunkering services to RCI liners, beginning with Icon OTS. The gas is sourced from Eagle LNG’s facilities in JAXPORT–Jacksonville, Florida, shipped throughout the Caribbean, and bunkered by Eagle LNG-owned newbuild vessels.

Another fleet-first facility is the “AquaDome.” Positioned above the Wheelhouse, this redesigned AquaTheater concept is similar to the Solarium on OASIS- and QUANTUM-class ships. The glass roof structure/dome weighs 367 tons and comprises 12 modules made of glass, steel, and aluminum panels.

Icon OTS also features a baby-blue hull with a parabolic bow and vertical stern (both fleet firsts) creating a curved indentation in the hull bottom. The parabolic bow enhances overall stability (by shifting the center of gravity forward) and makes her less prone to heeling or capsizing. As on all large newbuilds, the hull is fitted with Wärtsilä’s air-lubrication system, which reduces frictional resistance by creating a microbubble layer along the flat bottom.

Approximately 14.5 km/9 mi of electric cables were used in her construction.

Between March 10 and April 4, 2023, RCI launched the new “Artist Discovery Program,” allowing artists worldwide to submit original works for display on Icon OTS. RCI also commissioned Caribbean artists to create nine large-scale murals displayed in three locations: Suite Neighborhood, Royal Promenade, and the main ship entrance. Each mural received an RCI grant ranging from USD 20K to 100K.

During drydocking in Cádiz, Spain (Dec 5–23, 2023), Central Park received 10,000+ live plants. The drydocking also enabled final adjustments and technical works, including on the box coolers (heat exchangers) and sea chests (recesses in the hull), as well as repairs to the propulsion system (an ABB Azipod).

In May 2024, Icon OTS received a total of 153 dishwashers from Hobart Corporation (founded 1897, Troy, Ohio; owned by Illinois Tool Works Inc.). The equipment included 82 under-counter machines, 42 hood-type, 15 utensil washers, 9 large conveyors, and 7 rack-type washers. According to the company, ~90% of all cruise ships worldwide are equipped with Hobart dishwashers.

Inaugural itineraries (2024)

Icon of the Seas’ itineraries were officially revealed on October 20, 2022, and opened for booking on Oct 24 (for loyalty program members) and Oct 25 (to the general public).

Icon OTS left Europe (departed Cádiz, Spain) on December 22, 2023, repositioning to the Caribbean. She carried only service staff (crew members, shipyard workers, contractors, RCI shore teams). The 7-day transatlantic crossing included an overnight in Algeciras (Dec 23–24) and a technical stop in Ponce, Puerto Rico (arriving January 2, 2024) for regulatory inspections, crewing, bunkering/fueling, provisioning, and loading/offloading equipment. In Ponce, yard workers were disembarked and flown home. Icon OTS stopped overnight at CocoCay (Jan 8–9) to allow the startup crew to rest and celebrate before arrival in PortMiami (Jan 10 at 12:08 UTC).

Before the official inaugural sailing (Jan 27), Icon OTS operated several shakedown/test cruises. During these passenger-free voyages, company employees (crew and service staff) acted as guests to test and adjust onboard procedures. The final test voyage (Jan 20–23) was attended by Royal Caribbean executives, VIP guests, travel agents, and media, and concluded with the naming ceremony (Jan 23 in PortMiami) led by godfather Lionel Messi.

The next tables show the Maiden Voyage and the inaugural season’s Caribbean itineraries, with homeporting in Miami (Florida, USA).

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 7-day “Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise” (with St. Kitts) – prices started at USD 2,260 per person, double occupancy.

(inaugural) 7-day "Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise" - from US$ 1560 pp

(inaugural) 7-day Eastern Caribbean with St Maarten Island (from U$1320 pp)

(inaugural) 7-day Western Caribbean with Roatan Island - from US$1190 pp

Godspeed!