Icon Of The Seas Compared To Other Cruise Ships: Royal Caribbean’s Largest Ship At Sea

What Sets the Largest Cruise Ship in the World Apart

By Elise Fenwick  | Published on September 3, 2025

Icon of the Seas isn’t just another cruise ship — it’s a bold, modern cruise ship creating a new chapter in family vacations at sea. As the newest and biggest Royal Caribbean ship, Icon of the Seas is designed to redefine what’s possible on the water. From record-breaking thrills and expansive dining choices to brand-new neighborhoods crafted with families in mind, Icon of the Seas takes cruising to the next level.

In this guide, we’ll explore Icon of the Seas compared to other cruise ships and review everything that makes it unique. You’ll discover figures that make it Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, including size, neighborhoods, thrills, dining, entertainment and family features — all designed to help any passenger experience the perfect cruise vacation.

Ship Size And Capacity: Icon Of The Seas Compared To Other Cruise Ships

Icon of the Seas is more than big — it’s the largest cruise ship in the world. It brings unmatched space and energy to your vacation, providing guests with more room to explore, play and relax.

Size comparison of cruise ships:

ShipGross TonnageLength (ft)Guest Capacity (Max)Decks
Icon of the Seas250,8001,1967,60020
Utopia of the Seas236,4731,188~7,00018
Star of the Seas~250,8001,196~7,60020
Ovation of the Seas168,6661,141~4,90516

Leading the Royal Caribbean fleet by gross tonnage, guest capacity and overall experience, Icon of the Seas tops the list of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships and delivers on all fronts, from sweeping ocean views to onboard entertainment.

Explore the full Icon of the Seas deck plans to kickstart excitement, begin planning your perfect getaway and take a peek at other Royal Caribbean cruise ships in comparison.


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Ready to discover your next unforgettable escape? Explore Icon of the Seas itineraries and start planning your perfect getaway today.

Neighborhoods: Unique Spaces For Every Traveler

One of the defining features unique to Icon of the Seas is its neighborhood concept. Eight distinct neighborhoods create a “choose your own adventure” atmosphere on board, offering spaces designed for relaxation, excitement and family fun.

Highlights include:

Surfside Neighborhood: Designed exclusively for families with young kids, featuring splash zones, dining and activities all in one vibrant space.

AquaDome: Home to breathtaking ocean views and jaw-dropping shows.

Central Park: An open-air garden neighborhood filled with thousands of live plants.

While Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ships introduced signature neighborhoods like Central Park and Boardwalk, Icon of the Seas takes the concept further by offering a plethora of onboard activities, including dedicated family spaces and new venues tailored to next-level fun.

Discover what’s included with Icon of the Seas to understand why these neighborhoods make this ship a sea of adventure.

Icon of the Seas delivers on all fronts, from sweeping ocean views to onboard entertainment.

Entertainment: Next-Level Performances And Attractions

When it comes to entertainment, Icon of the Seas is in a league of its own. Guests can enjoy next-level entertainment that's included in the cruise. Experience immersive, climate-controlled venues and world-class shows that set it apart from other world-class fleetmates.

Signature highlights include:

AquaDome shows. Perched atop the vessel, the AquaDome is a fully enclosed, glass-domed venue where innovation meets artistry. With its massive morphing waterfall stage, panoramic ocean views and climate-controlled environment, it hosts day-to-night aquatic performances, including surprise fountain shows and high-diving stunts. In contrast to the open-air AquaTheater on Wonder of the Seas, AquaDome ensures every seat delivers comfort and visual impact, rain or shine.

Ice arena shows. Brace yourself for Absolute Zero℠, Icon’s show-stopping ice arena, the largest ever at sea. With 360° seating, every guest enjoys optimal viewing of awe-inspiring ice skating productions featuring double axels, supersized spins and dazzling special effects.

Broadway-scale productions. Icon of the Seas knocks it out of the park with expansive productions paired with high-tech staging and immersive set pieces that bring cinematic storytelling to life onboard.

Immersive, free entertainment. Many headline entertainment venues are included in your cruise vacation. From AquaDome performances and Absolute Zero ice shows to Broadway musicals, these are all featured in the ship’s free lineup of activities. Complimentary evening options don’t stop there. You’ll also find free fun like Spotlight Karaoke, The Attic comedy club, Lou’s Jazz ’n Blues, Music Hall concerts and more.

While Wonder of the Seas showcases the open-air AquaTheater. However, Icon of the Seas reimagines the experience indoors, where it features immersive special effects.  Guests will also find beloved Broadway-style favorites reimagined with larger stages and advanced multimedia technology.

Explore activities on Icon of the Seas to plan your entertainment-filled days on board.

Thrill Rides: Iconic Fun At Sea

Adventure seekers will find their ultimate playground on Icon of the Seas. With adrenaline-pumping attractions designed for cruisers of all ages, this Royal Caribbean ship is engineered for fun.

Standout features include:

Category 6 Waterpark. This is the largest water park at sea, featuring six record-breaking slides.

Pressure Drop. Explore the industry’s first open free-fall slide at sea.

Frightening Bolt. Experience the tallest drop slide on any cruise ship.

Surfside splash pad and pools. These mini-adventures are designed specifically for younger guests and their families.

FlowRider surf simulator. Test your skills against the waves.

Crown’s Edge. Is it a skywalk or a rope course or just a thrilling adventure? A step onto this adrenaline-inducing walkway could leave you literally hanging as the floor is more than likely to suddenly collapse beneath you, leaving you dangling high over the ocean.

Adrenaline Peak. Get your chalk and start climbing. This rock-climbing adventure keeps your heart pumping with excitement and activity.

Sports court and mini-golf course. These adventures are perfect for calmer, family-friendly competitions that appeal to the calmer folk in the group.

While ships like Harmony of the Seas feature the popular Perfect Storm slides, Icon of the Seas takes family thrills to another level with a full-scale water park on board. Whether you’re racing down slides or riding the waves, every family member can find their next favorite adventure.

Dining: Culinary Experiences For Every Taste

With over 20 dining venues, Icon of the Seas satisfies every craving, from quick snacks to elegant dinners. Families will especially love the kid-friendly dining options located near activity hubs, making it easy to grab a bite between adventures.

Dining highlights include:

AquaDome Market: A food hall featuring five distinct stalls offering global flavors.

Surfside Eatery: Casual dining crafted for families with young children.

● Pearl Cafe: Quick snacks and coffee 24/7 in a high-tech space connected to Icon’s innovative Pearl atrium.

Surfside Bites: Grab-and-go favorites designed for fun family pit stops.

While Oasis Class ships are celebrated for their outstanding specialty dining, and Icon of the Seas builds on that legacy with outstanding variety in one place, making it easier than ever for every guest, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies, to find their favorite spot.

Suites And Staterooms: Elevated Luxury

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or with the whole family, Icon of the Seas delivers stunning accommodations with next-level comfort.

Unique room offerings include:

Infinite Ocean View Balconies: A new twist on the classic balcony room, with seamless glass walls and panoramic ocean views.

Ultimate Family Townhouse: A sprawling three-level suite complete with its own mailbox, slide and private entrance to the Surfside Neighborhood.

Icon of the Seas, compared to other cruise ships like Odyssey of the Seas, introduces imaginative accommodations created specifically for multigenerational family vacations.

Kid-Friendly Amenities: A Family Vacation Revolution

From toddlers to teens, Icon of the Seas sets a new standard for family-friendly cruising. In addition to the Surfside neighborhood, guests will find engaging spaces designed for every age.

Family favorites include:

Splashaway Bay: Water fun for younger kids with colorful spray features and playful fountains.

Adventure Ocean: A reimagined youth program that keeps kids entertained while parents relax.

Social 020: A teen-only space with games, music and hangouts tailored for older kids.

While other Royal Caribbean ships offer youth programming and pools, Icon of the Seas is the first to provide entire neighborhoods and signature venues dedicated to families. It’s a one-stop destination for creating unforgettable family memories for every family member.

Destinations And Itineraries

Icon of the Seas is currently charting exciting itineraries through the Caribbean, including visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay — a private island destination packed with thrills, pools and beaches.

Caribbean itineraries: Featuring both eastern Caribbean and western Caribbean sailings, Icon of the Seas focuses on sun-soaked adventures and vibrant port destinations.

Perfect Day at CocoCay: A must-visit destination exclusive to Royal Caribbean, combining water park thrills and relaxing beach retreats.

When exploring the Icon of the Seas compared to other cruise ship options with global exploration in mind, consider that Radiance Class ships such as Brilliance of the Seas offer itineraries in Alaska and Europe. For travelers interested in how Utopia of the Seas compares to Icon of the Seas, it's helpful to note that both feature Caribbean-heavy schedules, with Icon offering more exclusive onboard attractions for families and adventurers alike.

Icon of the Seas: Set Sail on a Seriously Grand Adventures

As Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, Icon of the Seas brings together the most neighborhoods, the biggest water park at sea and next-generation entertainment. Icon of the Seas is the perfect ship for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, or simply looking for the grandest adventure at sea, Icon of the Seas delivers more of everything you love about cruising.

Whether you prefer intimate ships like Brilliance of the Seas or the expansive adventures of Icon, Royal Caribbean offers the right fit for every vacation style. Here, you’re sure to have the adventure of a lifetime.

Ready to discover your next unforgettable escape? Explore Icon of the Seas itineraries and start planning your perfect getaway today.

Written By
ÉLISE FENWICK

Élise is a Canadian travel writer and content specialist with a passion for adventure, nature and cultural exploration. From backcountry camping in the Rockies to snowshoeing through winter wonderlands and discovering ancient ruins across the Middle East, she’s explored every province of Canada and beyond. Whether climbing rock faces, hiking through forest trails or soaking in remote hot springs, Élise brings a curiosity-driven lens to every journey. With extensive experience crafting compelling stories, she’s always seeking the next adventure, especially when it’s one the whole family can enjoy.

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