Royal Caribbean International recently revealed the first look at its highly anticipated Icon of the Seas, the “Icon of Vacations.” Arriving in late 2023, ahead of its January 2024 debut, the first Icon Class ship will be a travel industry first.

Debuting January 2024, Icon of the Seas’ all-encompassing lineup across eight “neighborhoods” includes Thrill Island; Surfside, made for young families; and The Hideaway.

“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.”

© Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean begins to spotlight what’s in store with the first look at eight “neighborhoods” that come alive day and night, including five brand-new adventures and three bold, returning favorites. Each one is a destination in and of itself, filled with an array of experiences, live entertainment and ways to grab a bite and a drink so everyone can make memories their way every day.

Thrill Island is where vacationers can test their limits, scale new heights and reach top speeds at the center of thrill. This lost island adventure is home to highlights like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides: Pressure Drop and its 66-degree incline make it the industry’s first open, free-fall slide; the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides at sea with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, cruising’s first mat-racing duo. Crown’s Edge comprises part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, culminating in a surprising and shocking moment that will see travelers swing 154 feet above the ocean.

Among the seven pools on board, four are in Chill Island, a three-deck slice of paradise. There’s a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views: the vibrant Swim & Tonic, the line’s first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea; Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool. Also, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.

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Surfside is a neighborhood made for young families from end to end, where adults and kids ages 6 and under will want to stay and play all day. Grownups can soak up the endless views at Water’s Edge pool, as they keep an eye on the kids at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Only steps away are dining options, places to lounge, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean and Social020 for teens.

Tucked away, The Hideaway lies 135 feet above the ocean and combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the center of it all, surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, a variety of seating and a dedicated bar.

AquaDome is perched at the top of Icon, offering a transformational experience unlike any other. A tranquil oasis by day, guests can take in wraparound ocean views and an awe-inspiring waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink. By night, it becomes a vibrant place complete with restaurants, bars and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows at AquaTheater. This signature entertainment venue takes cutting-edge technology to new heights, with a transforming pool, four robotic arms and state-of-the-art projection.

The cruise line raises the bar even further with each of its signature neighborhoods: a grander Royal Promenade features its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafés, bars and lounges; a more lush and livelier Central Park has more ways to dine and be entertained; and the largest Suite Neighborhood is three decks of luxury, offering a multilevel suite sun deck; The Grove, with a private pool, whirlpool and dining; and a two-story Coastal Kitchen.

© Royal Caribbean International

More returning favorites include experiences like new takes on mini golf at Lost Dunes; rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak; and Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean’s largest ice arena. Other favorites include dining venues such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar on the Royal Promenade and the Asian-inspired Izumi in Central Park.

There are new room layouts made for families of three, four, five and more, like the Family Infinite Balcony and Surfside Family Suite, with kids’ alcoves tucked away from the adults. There’s also the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with its own white picket fence and mailbox.

Icon will sail year-round, with seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, where adventurers can create their ideal vacation day. In store is everything thrill and chill, from Thrill Waterpark’s 13 waterslides to Coco Beach Club, featuring the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas. When Icon arrives, the cruise line will debut the island’s adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, with an expansive pool, private cabanas with pools and unmatched views of the ocean.