Starting off 2024 with the inaugural sailing of their biggest class of ship yet, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas has made its inaugural arrival in Miami, Florida. The arrival of Icon of the Seas in Miami was celebrated with a series of festive activities including fireboat salutes and aerial banner displays. This spectacle was witnessed by local residents, Royal Caribbean fans, and company executives and employees, with Icon of the Seas to be a mainstay in its ports for likely many years to come.
Royal Caribbean aim for Icon of the Seas to not just be a cruise ship, but seen as a novel concept in family vocations. Merging aspects of beach retreats, resort escapes, and theme park adventures – the ship features eight district ‘neighbourhoods’, each offering their own unique attractions, activities and dining opportunities. Among the activities are the six waterslides at Category 6, and the ‘Crown’s Edge’, situated 154 feet above the ocean. For those seeking relaxation, the ship offers seven pools, including a first-of-its-kind suspended infinity pool at sea. Beyond these, Icon of the Seas provides over 40 dining and drinking venues, entertainment spanning air, ice, water, and theatre performances, and a neighborhood specifically designed for families with young children.
From January 27, Icon of the Seas will embark on 7-night journeys either through the Eastern or Western Caribbean, starting from Miami. These voyages will feature visits to picturesque Caribbean destinations and ‘Perfect Day at CocoCay’, Royal Caribbean’s private island resort in The Bahamas. January 2024 will also see the introduction of Hideaway Beach on CocoCay, an adults-only area offering a private beach, pools, specialized food and drink options, cabanas, and live music, enhancing the overall vacation experience.
At the moment, Icon of the Seas and other planned ‘Icon-Class’ ships are set to only be located in the United States. However, here’s hoping that those of us in Europe, South-East Asia and Australia / New Zealand get the opportunity to enjoy some of Royal Caribbean’s larger class of ships in the future – especially regarding the latter where Brisbane has a giant new international cruise terminal, and with ‘Perfect Day in Lelepa’ on the horizon.
Want to see more about the making of Icon of the Seas? Over the months, Royal Caribbean has released a 15-episode ‘Making An Icon’ series, providing insights from those behind the conceptualisation of the cruising monolith.
