Prepare To Geek Out Over The Amenities On Royal Caribbean’s New Icon of the Seas

The diversity of passions that make a family unique is exactly what can make planning a family vacation such a challenge. One kid may love nothing more than zooming down waterslides all day while another craves air-conditioned indoor fun like laser tag and arcade games. Grown up interests can also differ wildly, whether you go gaga for Broadway-style theater and live music or you dream of spa treatments and sinking into a hot tub with a good book. That’s why Royal Caribbean’s brand new mega-ship Icon of the Seas — arriving January 2024 — is such a game-changer when it comes to how we travel with our families.

Icon of the Seas is a destination unto itself, with more fun, food, and family attractions on board than any other cruise ship — or hotel, or resort, or heck, even most cities — out there. No matter if your fam’s vacation vibe is thrills and chills or rest and relaxation, Icon of the Seas has what you need.

Keep scrolling for our favorite Fatherly-approved amenities designed for keeping your crew entertained, engaged, and excited during your most iconic trip yet.

1. A Neighborhood Made For You

Icon of the Seas’ Surfside neighborhood is designed to be the exclusive domain of families, featuring tons of different activities all brilliantly connected by crossover bridges and pathways so families can easily move from place to place together.

Splashaway Bay is perfect for water-loving youngsters, with smaller waterslides, a splash bucket, fountains, and wading areas. With safe, toddler-friendly depths, Baby Bay is made for the littlest splashers. Water’s Edge is an adults-centric pool where you can unwind with in-pool loungers and shaded spaces while still keeping a close eye on the kiddos. Add in plenty of good eats and beverages for all ages (hello, DIY mocktail station!) within reach, and you get a one-stop shop for all the family fun you can imagine.

2. 7 (!) Unique Pools To Choose From

Icon of the Seas doesn’t just have pools — they’ve got a verified pool scene. Sailing on this ship means you get a pool for every day of the week, featuring standouts like 40,000-gallon Royal Bay with margarita-glass-shaped whirlpools, The Hideaway, a suspended infinity pool with 180-degree ocean views that must be seen to be believed, Swim & Tonic, the impeccably named swim-up bar complete with whirlpools, shaded areas, and in-water loungers, and Cloud 17 and Cove Pool, serene adults-only options for when you’re craving a little me-time in the midst of a packed vacation.

3. The Largest Waterpark At Sea

With six slides spread out over 17,000 square feet, the instantly legendary Category 6 is the largest waterpark at sea (I’m sensing a theme here...). Kids and grownups alike can test the limits of their bravery on the open free fall Pressure Drop and Frightening Bolt slides, go head to head on Storm Chasers, the first mat racing duo on a cruise ship, or make it a family affair with heart-pounding group raft slides Hurricane Hunter and Storm Surge.

4. After-Hours Entertainment Galore

You already know all the ways to spend a day onboard this ship, but there are just as many epic options for after dark. With two dozen clubs, bars, and venues on board, you’ll get the ultimate dose of things to do once the sun goes down. From theater and stand-up comedy, to dueling baby grand pianos and live jazz, Icon of the Seas has entertainment for everyone, even a cool-as-hell sports bar so you never have to miss a big game.

5. Date Nights With Childcare Included

With complimentary kids programs for every age, a week full of date nights at sea awaits you and your partner. Enjoy romantic dinners in world-class specialty restaurants like the all-new Empire Supper Club, stay up late listening to live music, or simply stroll hand-in-hand among the live trees and plants in Central Park, all while your kids make new friends in one of the many kids programs available on board.

At the award-winning Adventure Ocean, kids of all ages can unleash their imaginations among whimsical rooms and climbable creations. The Adventure Ocean Theater gives mini stars the chance to act in plays with other performers their age. Teens have the option of joining in pre-planned events or just hanging in the teens-only lounge, where they can enjoy some chill time when they need a break from their families (parents of teens — you know what I mean).

6. Heart-Pounding Thrills

Adrenaline lovers already know they can go rock climbing on Icon of the Seas, but the thrills don’t end there. Royal Caribbean has upped the ante with its new Crown's Edge experience — equal parts skywalk, ropes course, and obstacle course. You and your kids will travel 154 feet above the open ocean — if you dare — with a big finish that will have you suspended over the water only by a harness.

7. A Private Island Just For You

Every sailing on Icon of the Seas includes time spent on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s one-of-a-kind private island full of zip lines, swim-up bars, and private beach retreats. Spread across 120 acres of stunning island landscape, there’s an activity for everyone in your group, from Up, Up & Away, a helium balloon that brings vacationers 450 feet in the air, to Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean complete with a kid-friendly entry, three swim-up islands, a swim-up bar, and the option to opt in to your own personal cabana with attendant service. It’s the ultimate cherry on top of a family experience you’ll never forget.