How Royal Caribbean Icon-Class Ships Are Redefining Modern Cruising
Discover Cutting-Edge Cruise Ship Experiences
By Anthony Basile | Published on January 5, 2026
When you're in the mood for not just a family vacation but the ultimate family vacation, you have to think big. That's where the Icon Class of Royal Caribbean ships thrives, offering the kinds of adventures you can't find anywhere else, on land or at sea.
These are ships that combine distinctive neighborhoods, premium dining experiences, action-packed activities and glitzy entertainment venues, all designed to ensure you and your family enjoy every moment. With three Icon-Class ships to choose from, you have options regarding where and when you sail. Whatever you pick, though, the voyage is poised to become a highlight of your family's year.
What Defines An Icon-Class Ship?
The Icon Class is named after the original ship of the class, Icon of the Seas®. Star of the Seas℠ and Legend of the Seas℠ have since joined that ship.
Launched in 2024 and later, these ships represent the cutting edge of cruise vacations. The ships' designers have poured their efforts into building distinctive and unique experiences, amenities and entertainment offerings. Taken together, they represent a true achievement that has to be seen to be believed.
The world-class options on the Icon-Class ships begin with the staterooms where voyagers spend their downtime. These ships have the largest suite neighborhoods in the whole Royal Caribbean fleet, for example, with four decks of beautifully designed suites in multiple categories.
Once you're ready to venture beyond your stateroom and take in some activities, the attractions on board fall into a few general categories, so no matter what mood you're in, you'll find something to do.
- ● Dining attractions of every cuisine and description, which means everything from hot dogs by the pool to a dressed-up gourmet dinner.
- ● Experiences that include full-scale water parks, as well as relaxing hangout spaces for families, teens or couples.
- ● Entertainment taking in all genres. The Icon Class is home to classics like the Dueling Pianos℠ live music bar, along with truly unique spectacles like the AquaTheater.
If you think strolling between eight distinct neighborhoods and having all these curated options in each one doesn't sound like a typical vacation, you're right. The core idea of Icon Class is to redefine the cruise experience for adventure-seeking families.
Meet The Icon-Class Ships
Icon-Class ships follow the same general style, but each one has its own character and trademark amenities, and each takes voyagers on journeys from a specific set of ports. Getting to know each ship can help you envision what kind of adventures you might have on board.
Icon Of The Seas
Launching in 2024, Icon of the Seas introduced the world to the attractions of the Icon Class and redefined what it means to take a cruise vacation. Its eight neighborhoods of amenities set a new standard for what's possible. Icon of the Seas sails from Miami and takes families on Caribbean voyages that include the private island paradise Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Star of the Seas
Building on the success of Icon of the Seas and doubling down on all the attractions that made Icon Class so beloved, Star of the Seas was designed to redefine the world's best family vacation. Sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida, Star of the Seas provides a luxurious way to see the Eastern and Western Caribbean, depending on the voyage.
Legend of the Seas
Legend of the Seas represents a further extension of Icon-Class cruising around the world. Depending on the season, you'll be able to find Legend of the Seas sailing from ports in Europe, in addition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Opening up new vistas for family travel is even more exciting when you're doing it on board an Icon-Class ship.
Sail on board Legend of the Seas.
It's worth adding that the Icon Class story is just beginning. There are plans to launch a fourth vessel in the class soon, adding exciting new destinations.
Icon Class: Neighborhoods
What does it mean to divide a cruise ship into neighborhoods? It's more than just a way of saying that there's a lot of space on board, or plenty to do. It's a philosophy that makes it easier and more fun to navigate the ship, finding a space where you and your family can have the exact experience you're craving at that moment.
Here's what you can expect in all the neighborhoods on an Icon-Class ship:
- ● Surfside®: The Surfside neighborhood is all about family fun. It's home to Splashaway Bay℠, a play area specifically designed for younger kids, along with fun and casual dining options like the Surfside Eatery℠, Surfside Bites℠ and Pier 7®. The Adventure Ocean® Youth Program is right nearby, too.
- ● Thrill Island: More action-packed than the family-focused Surfside, Thrill Island is home to Category 6 Waterpark, the Adrenaline Peak℠ climbing wall and the Sports Court. The eateries of choice are Basecamp® and the Windjammer Marketplace buffet nearby.
- ● The Hideaway®: Sometimes, when the kids are off having fun with their own activities, it's time for the adults to relax with a cocktail. That's what The Hideaway is for. It's an adults-only neighborhood where you can swim, socialize and soak up the beach club atmosphere.
- ● Chill Island℠: Chill Island offers more open water than you'll find on any non-Icon-Class ship. It's home to numerous distinctive pools for splashing or soaking, along with the Swim & Tonic℠ swim-up bar.
- ● AquaDome®: The AquaDome neighborhood is headlined by the AquaTheater, the setting for stunning performances. It's also where you can find Hooked Seafood℠, AquaDome Market and the Rye & Bean® bar.
- ● Central Park®: A mighty green space on a ship is a truly breathtaking sight, and that's exactly what you get in Central Park, an open-air area for strolling, socializing and dining aimed at adult voyagers.
- ● Royal Promenade: The Royal Promenade is a picturesque galleria of shops, restaurants, bars and even a comedy club that runs down the heart of an Icon-Class ship.
- ● Suite Neighborhood: The suite neighborhood on an Icon-Class ship takes up multiple decks, with an exclusive restaurant just for suite guests.
Icon Class: Dining
As you explore the neighborhoods of an Icon-Class ship, you'll get hungry in a hurry due to all the delicious smells wafting from the ship's restaurants. Any kind of cuisine or type of experience you're looking for, you'll find it.
A non-exhaustive list of restaurant highlights includes:
- ● Izumi Hibachi & Sushi℠: A Japanese-style grill where chefs prepare teppanyaki dishes at your table with theatrical flair. Also, try Izumi in the Park®'s bento boxes in Central Park.
- ● Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: A family-friendly, guest-favorite Italian eatery that serves up beloved savory dishes.
- ● Sorrento's Pizza: Another Italian spot, one based on the art of serving the perfect slice of pizza. It's open late, so you can come in at the end of a long and eventful day.
- ● AquaDome Market: An international marketplace in the AquaDome neighborhood, with food stalls where you can sample several cuisines in one trip — every member of the family can get their choice.
- ● Windjammer Marketplace: A buffet ready to serve any culinary wish. Royal Caribbean ships of all kinds have Windjammer venues, but the buffets on Icon-Class vessels are the largest in the fleet.
- ● Celebration Table: A place to dine in a personal lounge with VIP level service, where your family will enjoy American, Italian, Asian or seafood fixed menus. This is a truly leveled-up experience.
- ● Pier 7: A spot for coastal California delights, located right in the center of Surfside, so you can dine during breaks in the sun and fun.
- ● Unique Supper Club experiences: Luxe venues that serve multi-course meals. Each ship has its own: Icon of the Seas has the Empire Supper Club®, Star of the Seas has the Lincoln Park Supper Club℠ and Legend of the Seas has the Hollywoodland Supper Club℠. Legend of the Seas also offers a Royal Railway℠ immersive dining experience that simulates a supper train.
Icon Class: Thrills And Entertainment
Icon-Class cruise ships are defined by the sheer volume of things to do. When you're on board, you and your family are always just a moment away from discovering another fascinating experience.
Some of the activities to look for include:
Action:
- ● Category 6 Waterpark: The biggest waterpark at sea, this is a topline attraction on all Icon-Class ships. It offers six unique waterslides and must be seen to be believed.
- ● Crown's Edge®: A treat for the thrill-seekers, Crown's Edge is an over-water experience that lets you feel what it's like to be 17 stories (154 feet) above the ocean.
- ● Splashaway Bay: This family-friendly water area provides a chance for everyone to play in the water together, making the most of a sunny day.
- ● Royal Bay℠: The biggest pool at sea, Royal Bay is another place where the whole family can spend an afternoon, floating or splashing in 40,000 gallons of water.
- ● The Hideaway: When family time is over, the adults can relax in the infinity pool at The Hideaway while a DJ spins the latest tunes.
Entertainment:
- ● Swim & Tonic: Another spot for adult guests to chill, Swim & Tonic is a swim-up bar where warm water and cool cocktails combine.
- ● Dueling Pianos: A place to come sing along with the performers and the whole crowd, Dueling Pianos is a live-music bar with a party atmosphere.
- ● Absolute Zero®: One of the many superlatives associated with Icon-Class ships, Absolute Zero is the biggest ice rink at sea and the setting for breathtaking skating shows.
- ● AquaTheater: The AquaTheater is the place to witness mind-bending aquatic acrobatics, as performers dive from a 55-foot-tall waterfall.
- ● Lou's℠: A classy jazz club in Central Park, Lou's is the spot for cool tunes and perfectly mixed drinks.
- ● Rye & Bean: A nightspot where adult guests can relax through the evening and sip espresso martinis.
Book Your Next Icon-Class Cruise Vacation
Booking a family vacation on board an Icon-Class ship is travel at the highest possible level. Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas exist to bring guests a level of amenities that hadn't been seen until they debuted. Upgrades are available to suites, which come with an extra set of experiences solely for suite guests, adding an extra layer of excitement to the voyage.
Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today
Related Articles
Icon Of The Seas Compared To Other Cruise Ships: Royal Caribbean’s Largest Ship At Sea
READ MORE
5 Show-Stopping Performances To Catch On Icon Of The Seas
READ MORE
New Technology On Cruise Ships: How Icon Of The Seas Is Making Waves
READ MORE
Kid-Friendly Restaurants On Icon Of The Seas
READ MORE
