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An overview of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas – plus a quick guide to all restaurants and facilities onboard.
Imagine a floating city, a marvel of modern engineering and design, offering every conceivable luxury and amenity. That’s what you can expect from the Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first sea voyage, this colossal vessel promises an experience unlike any other. Picture yourself lounging by one of the many pools, indulging in gourmet cuisine, or being mesmerized by world-class entertainment.
The Icon of the Seas isn’t just a ship; it’s a destination in its own right. The adventure is more about what’s onboard than the shores you stop at – so this ship is particularly good for those who want to enjoy all the delights of cruising, rather than see the world!
Below, I’ve shared a few things about what makes this ship truly iconic – as well as a quick guide and overview of the onboard facilities and restaurants. Bon voyage…
How big is the Icon of the Seas?
First things first, let’s talk about size. The Icon of the Seas isn’t just big; it’s massive. Imagine a floating city, complete with all the amenities you could ever dream of. This cruise ship stretches an astounding 364.75 metres (1,196.7 ft) in length. That’s nearly four football fields laid end-to-end!
When it comes to weight, the Icon of the Seas tips the scales at a staggering 248,663 gross tons.
The ship technically has 20 decks (although Deck 20 is really just the water park slides) and an incredible 2,805 staterooms.
This sheer size allows for an incredible range of activities, dining options, and entertainment venues, all housed within a single ship. It’s like a theme park on water!
How many people does Icon of the Seas hold?
Now, you might be wondering, with all that space, how many people can actually fit on this giant ship? The Icon of the Seas has the capacity to hold up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy.
But that’s not all! To ensure everyone has a seamless and enjoyable experience, the ship is staffed by a dedicated crew of around 2,350 members. This means that no matter where you are on the ship, there’s always someone ready to assist you, whether you’re ordering a cocktail, need directions to the spa, or just want a friendly chat.
What class of ship is Icon of the Seas?
The Icon of the Seas belongs to the new Icon Class of ships by Royal Caribbean. This class represents the latest in cruising innovation, blending cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices and unparalleled luxury.
Icon Class ships are designed to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, featuring advancements like fuel cell technology and waste-to-energy systems. But beyond the tech, the real magic of the Icon Class lies in its design and amenities. These ships offer unique features such as the first-ever waterpark at sea, expansive multi-level neighbourhoods, and immersive entertainment experiences that push the boundaries of what’s possible on a cruise ship.
Restaurants on the Icon of the Sea
Here’s the list of all the restaurants onboard the Icon of the Seas. I’ve divided the list into those restaurants which are included with your cruise fee, and those that have an extra charge.
Each one offers a unique culinary experience, so there’s something to satisfy every palate…
Complimentary Restaurants
- Main Dining Room: Elegant dining with rotating menus and multiple courses.
- Windjammer Cafe: Buffet with a wide variety of international dishes.
- Aquadome Market: Food hall with five different food stands.
- Park Café: Casual bites, sandwiches, and salads.
- Basecamp: A variety of complimentary snacks.
- Pearl Cafe / Café Promenade: 24-hour café with sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
- Sorrento’s Pizza: Authentic New York-style pizza by the slice.
- Surfside Eatery: Casual buffet in the Surfside Neighborhood
- El Loco Fresh: Casual Mexican fare with tacos, burritos, and more.
- Coastal Kitchen: Upscale cuisine – only for suite guests.
- The Grove: Mediterranean mezes and upscale al fresco dining (only for suite guests).
- Room Service: 24/7 (delivery fee and gratuity charge applies)
Specialty Restaurants (Extra Charge)
- Empire Supper Club: An eight-course tasting menu offering a taste of old New York.
- Celebration Table: Intimate, multi-course dining experience with wine pairings.
- Chops Grille: Traditional American steakhouse offering prime cuts.
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: Classic Italian dishes and fine wines.
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: Japanese cuisine with a focus on hibachi and sushi.
- Izumi in the Park: Takeaway window for Japanese cuisine on the go.
- Hooked Seafood: Fresh seafood with a New England twist.
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: Pub food with a sporty vibe.
- Pier 7: Beachside bites with a laid-back vibe.
- Starbucks: Multiple coffee kiosks throughout the ship.
Facilities on the Icon of the Seas
Pools
- Royal Bay Pool: The largest pool at sea.
- Cove Pool: A serene, infinity-edge pool.
- Cloud 17 Pool: An adults-only retreat.
- Water’s Edge Pool: Family-friendly and located near the Splashaway Bay water park.
- Swim & Tonic: The first swim-up bar at sea.
- Hideaway Pool: A suspended infinity pool with a beach club vibe.
- AquaDome Pool: A unique indoor pool with stunning ocean views.
Outdoor Recreation
- Water Park: Featuring slides, splash zones, and more.
- Surf Simulator (FlowRider)
- Zip Line
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Mini Golf Course
- Sports Court: Basketball, volleyball, and more.
Entertainment & Activities
- Theatre Shows: Broadway-style performances and original productions.
- AquaTheater: High-dive shows and aquatic performances.
- Ice Skating Shows: Spectacular ice skating performances.
- Casino Royale: Slot machines, poker, blackjack, and more.
- Live Music Venues: Various bars and lounges with live performances.
- Nightclubs and Dance Clubs
Wellness & Relaxation
- Vitality Spa: Full-service spa with massages, facials, and treatments.
- Fitness Center: State-of-the-art gym with classes.
- Solarium: Adults-only retreat with pools and hot tubs.
- Jogging Track
Shopping & Retail
- Duty-Free Shops: Luxury brands, jewellery, apparel, and more.
- Souvenir Shops
Family & Kids
- Adventure Ocean: Kids club with activities for different age groups.
- Teens Club: Dedicated space and activities for teenagers.
- Nursery: Services for infants and toddlers.
- Arcade: Video games and interactive experiences.
Additional Facilities
- Conference Center: Meeting rooms and event spaces.
- Library and Card Room
- Art Gallery
- Photo Gallery
- Internet Café and Wi-Fi
- Laundry Services
- Medical Center
Final Thoughts
The Icon of the Seas is not just a ship; it’s a destination in itself. From its monumental size to its incredible passenger capacity and innovative class design, it sets a new standard for what a cruise can be.
Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or indulge in luxury, the Icon of the Seas promises an unforgettable journey.
So, are you ready to set sail on the world’s largest cruise ship? Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage!
More blog posts about cruising:
7 Reasons to take a Solo Cruise
Useful Tips for People Taking a Cruise Solo
Ultra Luxury Cruising for the First Time
Have you taken a cruise on the Icon of the Seas? Would you like to? Scroll down to leave a comment with your thoughts!
