Happy (almost) Halloween! I don't have any bad Halloween themed puns to include here, just the latest Royal Caribbean news to catch up on before you hit up the neighborhood for candy.

You can now book a cabin on Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas sailings from Miami are now available for booking on Royal Caribbean's website.

It appears the maiden voyage in late January 2024 is already sold out, but you can book other cruises through April 2025.

Icon of the Seas will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean News

• 7 of the most cutting-edge features coming to Icon of the Seas
• More people just booked Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship than ever before
• Royal Caribbean updates: first ship uses renewable fuel, Galveston & more
• Allie live blogged her Odyssey of the Seas Mediterranean cruise 
• Save up to 35% on pre-cruise purchases with Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner sale
• Get up to 25,000 rewards points from American Express with this new offer

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

One of the most common questions asked is if someone that has only done big ships will enjoy a smaller ship.

This week's podcast episode is a dive into what you should know about venturing away from Royal Caribbean's biggest ships and trying a small ship.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Is Allure of the Seas the "worst" Oasis Class ship?

Allure of the Seas is the only Oasis Class cruise ship that doesn't have waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss, and many other ship wide enhancements, so does that make Allure a bad choice?

Often there are comments posted online about how Allure of the Seas feels outdated, so is that really the case?

Jenna sailed on Allure of the Seas to see for herself how the ship stacks up.

The secret crew-only areas on a cruise ship

Have you ever wondered what the crew areas of a crew ship look like?

Guests aren't allowed to ever go to these areas of the ship, which leaves a lot of people wondering what it's like there.

Bryan James works on Wonder of the Seas and shared a glimpse of what his cabin and crew restaurants, laundry, and stores look like.

How to communicate with other friends and family on your cruise

Whether your kids, siblings, friends, or neighbors on the same cruise as you, there's going to be a need to send a message while on a ship. So what's the best way to do communicate with someone on a cruise ship?

We've got a list of common and useful ways of doing being able to easy contact someone, with each method coming with pros and cons. 

How to plan a Royal Caribbean cruise on any budget

Royal Caribbean cruises are affordable vacations for guests of pretty much any budget, which makes them an attractive way to vacation.

Whether you are going all out, counting every last penny, or looking for a reasonable value, there are options that should fit into any family spending plan.

Here is a look at tips and tricks for how to plan a memorable cruise vacation on a low, moderate, and high budget.

While Icon of the Seas may have dominated the cruise news cycle over the last week, there's other Royal Caribbean news you should know about!

Given how large a company Royal Caribbean is, there's plenty of moving parts and we wanted to make sure you were up to date with all of this week's remaining Royal Caribbean news.

If you ever have a news tip, feel free to email it to [email protected] for possible inclusion in a future update!

First U.S. cruise ship begins using renewable diesel fuel

Navigator of the Seas is the first major cruise line in the United States to use a renewable diesel fuel.

Not only is Navigator the first ship, but Royal Caribbean Group is now the first major cruise line operator to sail a cruise ship from a U.S. port with this new kind of fuel.

The renewable fuel being used by Navigator of the Seas contains less carbon than traditional marine fuels. While this fuel is produced from renewable raw materials, the production process for this fuel makes it molecularly identical to traditional marine gas oil — creating a "drop in" fuel that can be safely used with the ship's existing engines.

Royal Caribbean will continue using lower carbon fuel to meet part of the Los Angeles-based ship's fuel needs as it evaluates the feasibility for long-term use. The cruise line's goal is to expand its usage to other ships across the fleet. 

For the trial, Royal Caribbean Group has partnered with World Fuel Services to supply the renewable fuel to Navigator of the Seas. The Jankovich Company will deliver the fuel on behalf of World Fuel Services to the ship while at the Port of Los Angeles. Once fueled, Navigator of the Seas will set sail to Mexico.

In addition to testing the use of biofuel aboard Navigator of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Group is set to debut the cruise industry's first hybrid-powered ship in summer 2023, as part of Silversea Cruises newest class of ships, the Nova class.

Royal Caribbean Group is also working to reduce emissions while at port by investing in shore power on its ships and collaborating with key cruise ports for its use.

This is in addition to a previously announced deal to bring shore power to PortMiami and a new zero-energy cruise terminal in the Port of Galveston, Texas.

Royal Caribbean Group schedules third quarter business update

Royal Caribbean Group announced it has scheduled a conference call with investors to discuss its third quarter results and provide a business update.

The call is scheduled for 10am Eastern Time on Thursday, November 3, 2022.

The call will be available on-line at the company's investor relations website, www.rclinvestor.com.

Local artist partners with new Royal Caribbean cruise terminal

When Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal in Galveston opens next month, you'll see art sourced from local artists.

Royal Caribbean wants to celebrate local art and culture, so they teamed up with Houston-based Piper Faust Public Art to assemble a slate of Texas artists to consider for this unique opportunity. They picked a design concept by the husband-and-wife team of Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture.

The Galveston Beach Trio sculpture, which is forged in stainless steel and lost-wax bronze, will welcome guests at the cruise line's new terminal facility.

The larger-than-life sculpture depicts a musical trio inspired by the rich musical heritage of the historic port city. Galveston has been home to musicians like Grammy Award-winning bass-baritone singer and songwriter Barry White, as well as local artists like Joyce Fields, who played piano for nearly 20 years at Sunday brunch at the historic Hotel Galvez, and Joe Pena, the guitarist known as the Granddaddy of Galveston Rock and Roll.

Joshua Carroll, vice president of Destination Development at Royal Caribbean Group, talked about this new deal, "Our passion lies in sharing the world's incredible destinations with our guests, allowing them to experience cultures from around the world, including the places from which their travels begin."

"Showcasing the history and culture of Galveston was our top priority in establishing this art installation in our new terminal, and we're thrilled to partner with Brad Oldham Sculpture to bring this vision to life."

Royal Caribbean's new terminal opens on November 9, 2022.

A lot of people want to sail on Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship. So much so, it broke the cruise line's high water mark.

Royal Caribbean just set a record for how many cruises people booked in a single day when it put Icon of the Seas on sale.

The cruise line reported the single largest booking day in its entire history when reservations opened for the the first Icon Class ship.

As of the publishing of this article on Thursday, all of Icon's inside, balcony, and suite cabins were all listed as sold out for the inaugural sailing. The only category left was ocean view cabins, and I could only find one cabin to choose from.

The inaugural Icon of the Seas sailing is a seven-night cruise from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean on January 27, 2024.

Royal Caribbean has been riding a wave of excitement for its new ship ever since they revealed what Icon of the Seas will look like and what sort of features guests can enjoy onboard.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley was astonished by the high demand, "The enthusiasm and excitement for Icon are undeniable in more ways than one."

"The incredible response we have received from our loyal guests, vacationers new to cruising, crew members and travel partners continues to come in, and this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to share more of what Icon has in store in the coming months."

Royal Caribbean wants to lure families away from land vacations

Icon of the Seas is more than just the new biggest cruise ship in the world: it's a shot across the bow to all the typical family vacation destinations on land.

Icon of the Seas will be the first in a new class of cruise ship that has placed a greater emphasis on family travelers.

The ship will break records along the way with its 250,600 gross ton size, making it larger than the current holder of that record, Wonder of the Seas.

Part of why Icon will be bigger is to allow more families to enjoy the ship. You'll find more cabins that have extra capacity to accommodate third or fourth passengers in the room so that parents with children can sail together.

Moreover, the ship has an entire neighborhood dedicated to young families with the Surfside neighborhood, which is an outdoor pool and splash area.

Royal Caribbean wants Surfside to be a destination for families that they can spend most of their day at, with splash areas for babies and kids, pools and lounge spaces for parents, family-friendly eateries and shops, and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups.

While speaking to reporters last week, Mr. Bayley said the ship is all about moving deeper into the family market, "We’re really focused on family and as you move into Icon, our focus on family is probably at the highest level it’s ever been."

"We know that every single week, throughout the whole year, we have a significant percentage of young families that sail with Royal Caribbean. It skews on the big Caribbean cruises and it skews on products that are connected to a drive-in home market, but that market is quite powerful."

"Young families is a big market and we think it’s an under-served market."

To that point, Icon of the Seas is a move to attract people who like to take the kind of family vacation where everyone of all ages can have a good time while being together.

Mr. Bayley talked about this importance when designing the ship, "The beauty of Icon is that its size, scale and the totality of the combination of the neighborhoods and the experiences that we offer fit all of our demographics within what we call the multi-generational family space."

Big spaces and new features

While the Surfside family neighborhood has garnered a lot of attention, Royal Caribbean did not spare on innovation.

There are eight neighborhoods across the ship, which Royal Caribbean thinks will offer something for guests of all ages.

Chill Island has a variety of pools to consider, including the first swim-up pool and bar at sea.

Nearby Thrill Island features the largest water park ever built on a cruise ship, with a record six waterslides.

Adults can find solace in the new Cloud 17 area reserved just for guests 16 and older.

And then there's The Hideaway, which has a suspended infinity pool that aims to offer a resort pool vibe.

Launching in January 2024

Whether you were part of the record setting day or are considering booking now, you're still going to need to wait a while before Icon of the Seas enters service.

Icon of the Seas is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.

She is expected to be delivered to Royal Caribbean sometime in late 2023, and then engage in a series of trials before prepping the ship to welcome customers onboard.

Royal Caribbean will base the new ship in Miami until at least mid-2025.

Looking for more information on Icon of the Seas? Check out our latest articles on this new cruise ship:

• Ultimate guide to Icon of the Seas cabins & suites
• Royal Caribbean reveals spectacular design for new Icon of the Seas cruise ship
• 7 of the most cutting-edge features coming to Icon of the Seas

Before you head out to trick or treat, you might be able to save money on a drink package or shore excursion.

Royal Caribbean will routinely offer sales on pre-cruise items every few weeks in an effort to bump sales, while at the same time offering potential discounts on popular items.

In almost all cases, buying a package or add-on before the cruise will save you money compared to waiting to book it onboard. It's quite rare for the price onboard to be cheaper than if you had pre-purchased.

It's a good idea to check the final price rather than looking at what percentage off is being advertised.

The Halloween Sale is valid on purchases made between October 26, 2022 – Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

It applies to all sailings between October 30, 2022 – August 31, 2023 (excluding Spectrum of the Seas and charter sailings).

Here is what is included during the sale:

Beverage: Up to 40% off

• Classic Soda Beverage Package: 30% Off onboard prices
• Classic Soda Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Over 30% Off onboard prices
• Water Bottle Pacakage: 40% off onboard prices.
• San Benedetto Water Cans: 40% off onboard prices.
• Evian Water Bottles: 40% off onboard prices.
• Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship
• Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Discount varies by ship.
• Refreshment Package: Discount varies by ship.

Shore Excursions: Up to 25% off

• Shore Excursions: Discount varies by ship.

Internet: Up to 50% Off

• VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.
• VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.
• The Key: Discounts varies by ship

Dining: Up to 50% Off

• Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 9N sailings: Discount varies by ship

Gifts & Gear: Up to 20% Off

• Anniversary Decorations with Champagne
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Chocolate Cake & Strawberries
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Vanilla Cake & Strawberries
• Inky Beach Set
• Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe)
• Inky Travel Set
• Red Wine and Cheese
• Royal Caribbean Beach Towel
• Strawberries with Champagne
• White Wine and Cheese
• Anniversary Decorations
• Happy Birthday Bright Style
• Winter Blanket

Photo Packages: Up to 65% off

• Photo Packages: From 5 - 100 Print and/or Digital Options: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: Private Photo Session: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: All Digital: Discount varies by ship.

Spa: Up to 30% Off

• Spa Packages: Discount varies by ship.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

More helpful information

• Should you buy pre-cruise purchases now or wait to buy it onboard?
• 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How much should I budget for a cruise?

If you carry an American Express credit card, you should check to see if you have a new offer to get a lot of money back for simply booking a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Amex Offers are an area at the bottom of the page when you log into the American Express site, where you can earn all sorts of statement credits for buying things from certain vendors.

Select card members may see an offer to get up to 25,000 bonus rewards points for booking a new Royal Caribbean cruise.

The exact offer seems to vary depending on who the cardholder is, but if you have an American Express card, it is worth checking out if the offer is for you. 

Since there are many types of American Express cards, not all of them may offer it.

Like all Amex Offers, there is specific language about how you can redeem this offer:

"Offer valid on cruise bookings made online at royalcaribbean.com, by calling 1-866-562-7625 or booked through your Travel Professional. Reservations must be booked on US website only. Purchases must be made in US dollars. "

"Excludes onboard purchases, e-gift card and physical gift card purchases made online, transfers/transportation to the ship, MGM Resort International Joint Vacation and Royal Wedding Packages. Excludes Celebrity Cruise, TUI Cruises and Silversea brands."

Keep in mind you do not have to spend the qualifying amount in one transaction. Rather, you can do it over the course of many transactions, but the offer kicks in once the aggregate total exceeds the threshold for the offer.

It can be redeemed once, and is open to only U.S.-issued American Express Cards.

You must take advantage of the offer by 12/31/2022.

Typically, Amex offer statements appear on your statement within a day or two, it can sometimes take several days for the statement credit to hit your account. 

How much are 25,000 AmEx Membership Rewards Points worth?

Getting 25,000 points sounds great, but what kind of a benefit is that to you?

There are many ways to possibly redeem your points, especially depending on which American Express card you have.

According to a NerdWallet analysis, AmEx points value is between 1 cent when used to book travel directly and 2 cents when transferred to partners.

The Points Guy estimates Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each.

Using your points for airfare is typically the best value, while redeeming them for cash to erase eligible charges from your statement is widely considered a poor value.

How to activate the offer

Before you can utilize an Amex Offer, you generally have to activate it on your account, so before paying for anything, be sure to do that. By using your credit card at a qualifying merchant, you can instantly take advantage of the discount, credit or bonus by using your American Express card there.

Simply log into your American Express account on their website or via their app.

Look for the Amex Offers & Benefits section, which is usually located towards the bottom of the main page.

Categorized under "Travel", you should see the Royal Caribbean offer there.

Pro tip: This offer can be activated for each card, so if your spouse has a shared card, you could activate the offer for their card and "double dip".

How to use this if you use a travel agent

You may notice in the fine print for this offer it states you can use a travel professional with this offer, which means you can still support your favorite travel agent.

You could simply book this offer with them, or book it on your own and transfer it to the agent immediately afterwards.

Even after booking a cruise with Royal Caribbean directly, you have up to 30 days to transfer it to a travel agent after initial booking. It must be outside of Final Payment and the booking is not paid in full.

I would recommend informing your travel agent what you are doing first, so they can be prepared for the necessary paperwork to transfer it to them.

All you have to do is complete this online form and the booking gets transferred to the agent.

You can now book a room on the world's next largest cruise ship in the world.

Icon of the Seas sailings from Miami are now available for booking on Royal Caribbean's website, beginning with January 2024 sailings.

The inaugural sailing is listed as January 27, 2024 and sailings are available to book from January 2024 through April 2025.

Icon of the Seas will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean International President & CEO Michael Bayley talked about the significance Icon of the Seas represents to both Royal Caribbean and the cruise industry, "Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation."

"Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritizing experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise. It’s this first-of-its-kind combination that makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is here."

Royal Caribbean not only has cabins to book on Icon of the Seas that follow the traditional four types of categories (inside, oceanview, balcony and suite), but there are 28 unique categories, offering some of the most spacious rooms Royal Caribbean has ever designed.

With a gross tonnage of 250,800 gross tons, the ship is 365 meters long, and it features a total of 20 decks and 2,805 staterooms to accommodate up to 5,610 guests at double occupancy.

ou will find 82% of rooms have a high occupancy of 3 or more guests, which is more than double the Oasis Class ships.

Icon of the Seas will be home to seven pools, a 55-foot indoor waterfall, the largest waterpark at sea and much more.

New neighborhoods

Similar to the Oasis Class ships, Icon of the Seas will have eight distinct neighborhoods that have unique experiences that will draw you to each one, such as entertainment, dining choices, or activities.

Thrill Island – 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. Living on the edge takes new meaning with Crown’s Edge. Part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, it culminates in a surprising, shocking moment that will see travelers swing 154 feet above the ocean.

Chill Island – Among the seven pools on board, four are in this 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. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.

Surfside – Introducing a neighborhood made for young families from end to end, where adults and kids ages six 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.  

The Hideaway – Tucked away, this neighborhood 135 feet above the ocean combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and the uninterrupted ocean views only a cruise can offer. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the center of it all, and it’s surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, a variety of seating and a dedicated bar.

AquaDome – Perched at the top of Icon, what’s in store is a transformational place unlike any other. In 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 great for a night out, complete with restaurants, bars and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheater. The signature entertainment venue takes artistry and cutting-edge technology to new heights, with a transforming pool, four robotic arms, state-of-the-art projection and more.

A grander Royal Promenade features its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges.

A more lush and livelier Central Park has more ways to dine and be entertained.

The largest Suite Neighborhood is four decks of luxury, offering a multilevel suite sun deck – The Grove – that has a private pool, whirlpool and dining, and a two-story Coastal Kitchen.

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals spectacular design for new Icon of the Seas cruise ship

Icon of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Turku Shipyard shipyard in southwestern Finland.

This is the first of the Icon Class ships, with two other Icon Class ships on order.

Her delivery was pushed back from 2022 to 2023 due to the global health crisis. 

Royal Caribbean expects to take delivery of the ship in late 2023 and then put the ship through a series of tests before she is ready for paying passengers.

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news.

The big news this week was Royal Caribbean revealing Icon of the Seas to the public.

For the first time, we got to see what the new cruise ship looks like, as well as the major features onboard.

Designed with families in mind, Icon of the Seas will have 8 neighborhoods, including four new neighborhoods: Surfside, Thrill Island, Chill Island, and The Hideaway.

Icon of the Seas will be the biggest cruise ship in the world and begin sailing from Miami in late January 2024.

Your first chance to book a cruise will be on Tuesday, October 25, while Crown & Anchor loyalty members will be granted early access to bookings on Monday, October 24.

More Icon of the Seas

• Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites
• The Ultimate Icon of the Seas Dining & Lounges Guide

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

What does Matt think of Icon of the Seas?

Matt shares his thoughts on Royal Caribbean's big reveal on this week's podcast episode, including a first-hand report of what happened at the media event held at Royal Caribbean headquarters.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 5 cruise ship shore excursions I tried and instantly regretted

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 5 cruise ship shore excursions I tried and instantly regretted — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

If you're going on a cruise with kids, then we have all the best tips and tricks to help you have a fabulous cruise.

When you go on a cruise with your family, it can mean a mix of ages and even generations, and we wanted to focus on the sort of things families should know before they go on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Whether you are taking your own kids or going with someone else's, here are the top 50 best tips for cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean.

Odyssey of the Seas live blog

Allie is live blogging from Odyssey of the Seas this week!

She's sailing a 12-night Holy Land cruise aboard one of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ships that includes three days in Israel, along with stops in Limmasol (Cyprus), Santorini (Greece), Rhodes (Greece) and Chania (Greece).

Follow Allie's adventure every day with her live blog posts.

Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site

Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner is where you book add-ons like shore excursions, drink packages, specialty restaurants, and internet packages. It’s your go-to place to see what is available on your upcoming cruise.

If you’re new to Royal Caribbean, the Cruise Planner can feel a bit overwhelming at first. 

Here’s our Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site.

Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, offers guests a variety of room options spanning 28 unique categories, offering some of the most spacious rooms Royal Caribbean has ever designed. 

There are new categories of cabins, new neighborhoods, and views never offered before on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Over 50% of Icon’s room types are new to the cruise line, including 8 new Suite categories and rooms designed specifically with families in mind. 

Plus, more than 82% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will accommodate 3 or more guests, opening a broad array of accommodation options for families, and more than 70% of all rooms will have balconies.

There are 2,805 staterooms on Icon of the Seas:

• 179 suites
• 1,815 balcony staterooms
• 276 ocean view staterooms
• 535 interior staterooms

Within each of those categories, there are numerous sub-categories. The 535 interior rooms encompass more than just standard interior rooms, as there are also Interior Plus, Spacious Interior, Central Park View, and Surfside Family View cabins. 

Icon of the Seas cabin guide

When planning your vacation on the largest ship in the world, you must consider what stateroom you'd like to make your home away from home for the week. 

Your budget may simplify the decision and force you to confine your search to standard staterooms instead of suites. Similarly, you may know off the bat that you're a balcony person, effectively eliminating any interior or ocean view rooms. 

To help you select your cabin on Icon of the Seas, we've created a guide that tells you how large each stateroom is, as well as the cabin's occupancy and any fun facts. 

Speaking of fun facts, Royal Caribbean increased the size of the shower in every stateroom onboard Icon. They also added an integrated bench to every standard shower, which means it's part of the shower and does not fold up or down.

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony (IB) [NEW CABIN ONBOARD ICON]

View: Ocean view
Occupancy: 6
Room size: 285 square feet
Convertible balcony size: 50 square feet
Bedrooms: 1.5
Number of cabins: 78

The Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony stateroom is a brand new concept that combines families' need for additional space, as well as the new infinite balcony. 

In the cabin, you will find a Scrabble game on the wall for family fun, a split-compartment bathroom, and a separate alcove with bunk beds for kids. 

In fact, there are two televisions for each bunk bed, which means no fighting over who controls the remote! 

Spacious Infinite Ocean View Balcony (I1, I3) [NEW CABIN ONBOARD ICON]

View: Ocean view
Occupancy: I1, I3 = 4
Room size: 200 square feet
Convertible balcony size: 50 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 419

This cabin has a private ocean view infinite balcony that allows you to expand your indoor living space or invite in the sea breeze with the touch of a button. 

Note this design strays from the traditional concept of a balcony, so you will not be able to physically step outside. 

Ocean View Large Balcony (C3, C5)

View: Ocean view
Occupancy: C3 = 4; C5 = 3
Room size: 204 square feet
Balcony size: 65-70 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 84

Connecting Ocean View Balcony (CB)

View: Ocean view
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 204 square feet
Balcony size: 50 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 86

These rooms connect via a private foyer in front of both rooms.

Ocean View Balcony (D1,D2,D3,D4,D5)

View: Ocean view
Occupancy: 

• D1, D3 = 4
• D2, D4 = 2
• D5 = 3

Room size: 204 square feet
Balcony size: 50 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 738

Infinite Central Park View Balcony (IF) [NEW CABIN ONBOARD ICON]

View: Central Park View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 200 square feet
Balcony size: 50 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 196

This infinite balcony cabin allows you to expand your indoor living space or let fresh air inside at the touch of a button. When you press the button, the upper panel slides down below the lower panel creating a balcony, with the top open and the lower glass remaining.

Note that these cabins overlook the redesigned Central Park, which is home to the cruise line's first-ever walk-up Izumi window and indulgent Empire Supper Club. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas Central Park: What to expect

Central Park View Balcony (F1, F5)

View: Central Park View
Occupancy: F1 = 4, F5 = 3
Room size: 196 square feet
Balcony size: 50 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 42

Surfside Family View Balcony (H3, H5) [NEW CABIN ONBOARD ICON]

View: Surfside View
Occupancy: H3 = 4, H5 = 3
Room size: 196 square feet
Balcony size: 50 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 172

Read more: Icon of the Seas Surfside neighborhood: What to expect

Panoramic Ocean View (L5)

View: Ocean view
Occupancy: 3
Room size: 258 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 12

Ocean View (N1, N4, N5)

View: Ocean view
Occupancy: 

• N1 = 4
• N4 = 2
• N5 = 3

Room size: 160-187 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 264

Central Park View Interior (U5)

View: Central Park View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 187 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 45

These staterooms are located mid-ship on Deck 9. 

Surfside Family View Interior (T5) [NEW CABIN ONBOARD ICON]

View: Surfside View
Occupancy: H3 = 4, H5 = 3
Room size: 187 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 20

These staterooms are located on Deck 8 in the aft of the ship. 

Spacious Interior (R3, R4)

View: Interior
Occupancy: R3 = 4, R4 = 2
Room size: 178 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 192

Interior Plus (Q2) [NEW CABIN ONBOARD ICON]

View: Interior
Occupancy: 2
Room size: 157 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 203

This is the perfect room for someone who prefers an interior room but wants more storage space.

Interior (V4)

View: Interior
Occupancy: 2
Room size: 156 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 75

Icon of the Seas Suites

Icon of the Seas offers the Royal Suite Program. This upgraded suite experience is broken down into three tiers based on which suite you book. 

The Sea Tier suites (i.e., Sunset Junior Suites and standard Junior Suites) are the most exclusive, meaning you won't have access to The Grove Sun Deck or Coastal Kitchen for breakfast or lunch. 

If you're looking for the "ship-within-a-ship" feel, you'll want to consider splurging on a Sky or Star Tier suite, such as the brand-new Infinite Grand Suite, Surfside Family Suite, Icon Loft, or Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

Star Class

Ultimate Family Townhouse (UL) [NEW SUITE ONBOARD ICON]

View: Ocean View + Surfside View
Occupancy: 8
Room size: 1,772 square feet
Balcony size: 751 square feet

• Balcony (main level): 410 sq. ft. 
• Balcony (second level): 90 sq. ft. 
• Backyard: 251 sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 2
Number of cabins: 1

Royal Loft (RL)

View: Ocean View + Chill Island View (Deck 17)
Occupancy: 6
Room size: 1482 square feet
Balcony size: 705 square feet
Bedrooms: 2
Number of cabins: 1

Two-deck-high stateroom with panoramic ocean views of Icon and the ocean. Dining area with wet bar and piano.  

The private balcony features a whirlpool and dining area with a bar and sink.

Icon Loft (IL) [NEW SUITE ONBOARD ICON]

View: Ocean View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 656 square feet
Balcony size: 151-183  square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 7

Two decks high with panoramic views. The master bedroom is on the second level. The bathroom includes a shower for two people. 

You'll find a balcony with a dining area.

Sky Class

Owner's Suite (OS)

View: Ocean View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 658 square feet
Balcony size: 190  square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 8

The Owner's Suite has a dedicated bedroom area with a door. Stone entry bathroom with tub, shower, and two sinks.

Living room with table and a sofa that converts to a double bed.

There is a private balcony with a table and chairs.

Sunset Corner Suite (SN) [NEW SUITE ONBOARD ICON]

View: Ocean View & Surfside View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 380-480 square feet
Balcony size: 280-360  square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 10

Royal Caribbean's internal research revealed that guests wanted to see the ship's wake, so this type of cabin was created. Wrap-around balcony with endless views from the aft of the ship.

Stone entry bathroom with tub and shower with two sinks.

Living area with table and sofa that converts to a double bed.

Sunset Suite (SS) [NEW SUITE ONBOARD ICON]

View: Ocean View & Surfside View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 390 square feet
Balcony size: 96-120 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 6

The draw of this suite is the floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to the balcony. As the name suggests, this suite guarantees some epic sunset views. 

There's a full bathroom with a tub and two sinks. The living area has a sofa that converts to a double bed.

Infinite Grand Suite (IG) [NEW SUITE ONBOARD ICON]

View: Ocean View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 431 square feet
Convertible balcony size: 102 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 6

This is the only suite with an infinite balcony that extends into the interior living space.

This cabin also has a split-compartment bath.

Grand Suite (GS)

View: Ocean View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 431 square feet
Balcony size: 108 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 10

You'll find floor-to-ceiling views, with the living room that has a sofa bed that converts to a double bed.

Panoramic Suite (VP)

View: Ocean View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 370-440 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 10

These suites are located within the AquaDome and feature a full bathroom with a tub, a seating area with a sofa, and panoramic views with an extended seating area.

Sky Junior Suite (JY) [NEW SUITE ONBOARD ICON]

View: Ocean View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 322 square feet
Balcony size: 80 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 8

This is the first Junior Suite that has Sky Class benefits and is located within the Suite Neighborhood. You'll enjoy perks like all-day access to The Grove and Coastal Kitchen, exclusive Concierge access, and priority departure and dining reservations. 

There are floor-to-ceiling benefits, with a dressing area in the bedroom and a full bathroom with a tub.

Surfside Family Suite (SF) [NEW SUITE ONBOARD ICON]

View: Surfside View
Occupancy: 4 (2 Adults & 2 Kids)
Room size: 269 square feet
Balcony size: 53 square feet
Bedrooms: 1.5
Number of cabins: 42

This suite was designed with families in mind so everyone has their own space. You'll find a kids' nook with a pullout sofa. 

There is a split bathroom and a private balcony that overlooks the brand-new Surfside Neighborhood, where families are encouraged to stay and play all day. 

Sea Class

Sunset Junior Suite (JT) [NEW SUITE ONBOARD ICON]

View: Ocean View & Surfside View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 320-330 square feet
Balcony size: 115-130 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 4

The Sunset Junior Suite has panoramic views and a corner balcony. At over seven feet tall, the ceiling is the tallest of all the Junior Suites. 

Compared to standard Junior Suites, these staterooms have a much larger balcony, perfect for soaking up as much of that fresh Caribbean air as possible. 

Junior Suite (JS)

View: Ocean View
Occupancy: 4
Room size: 322 square feet
Balcony size: 80 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Number of cabins: 66

Floor-to-ceiling ocean views are available in this Junior Suite. You'll find these staterooms located at the forward of the ship on Decks 9, 10, and 11.  

Suite neighborhood benefits

Suite guests can experience Royal Caribbean's largest Suite neighborhood yet, including The Grove Suite Sun Deck, Suite Lounge, and exclusive dining options.

The Grove Suite Sun Deck is an exclusive outdoor deck dedicated to Sky and Star Class Suite guests which features a pool, whirlpool, and al fresco restaurant: The Grove.

Star Class Benefits

• Complimentary gratuities
• Complimentary internet
• Expedited boarding and departure
• Reserved premium seats in select entertainment venues
• Priority entrance to many onboard activities
• Suite Lounge access
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
• Exclusive access to Royal Genie Service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen and The Grove
• Complimentary specialty restaurants
• Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package
• Complimentary Refreshment Package
• Still and sparkling water replenished Daily
• Complimentary minibar stocked with Coca-Cola, beverages, and water
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Luxury mattresses and pillows
• Frette linens
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Sky Class Benefits

• Concierge service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen and The Grove
• Specialty bottled water upon arrival
• Complimentary internet 
• Priority boarding and departure
• Priority dining reservations
• Suite Lounge access
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Sea Class Benefits

• Dinner at Coastal Kitchen
• Royal Caribbean bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Suite neighborhood

Royal Caribbean has dedicated space on Icon of the Seas specifically for suite guests with its Suite Neighborhood.

Reserved for those staying in a suite, the Suite Neighborhood has special amenities unavailable to other guests onboard.

The Grove Suite Sun Deck is an upgraded pool deck exclusively for Star & Sky Class Suite guests. Of course, there's also a suite lounge with suite concierge services available.

Icon of the Seas will have two dining venues just for suite guests. Coastal Kitchen has been expanded to two stories, and a brand new casual dining venue called The Grove has been added, featuring Mediterranean cuisine.

Ultimate Family Townhouse

For the most over-the-top VIP stay, the Ultimate Family Townhouse takes family vacations to the max – spanning across three different levels with an in-suite slide, cinema, and patio with exclusive entrance to Surfside Neighborhood.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a sprawling adventure-filled pad with three levels of incredible surprises. Guests of all ages can plunge down the slide into the coolest living room ever, where hidden nooks wait to be explored.

The cinema room sets the stage for unrivaled movie nights and karaoke sing-offs with a popcorn machine and monster-themed daybed. The private patio level is sure to be the new favorite hang spot for table tennis competitions, with all the fun and splash of Surfside just steps away.

The whole family enjoys Royal Suite Class Star status that unlocks exclusive experiences, like a personal Royal Genie, priority access everywhere onboard, and so much more.

This room is 1,772 square feet with a wrap-around balcony on the second level and a private balcony off the main bedroom The main bedroom and kids’ bedroom reside on the second level.

Accessible Suites and Staterooms

There are 10 accessible categories on Icon of the Seas, totaling 50 accessible cabins.

Accessible Categories

• Icon Loft (922 square feet, up to four guests)
• Surfside Family Suite (386 square feet, up to four guests, 2 adults and 2 kids)
• Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony (616 square feet, up to six guests)
• Spacious Infinite Central Park View Balcony (374 square feet, up to four guests)
• Ocean View Balcony (381 square feet, up to four guests)
• Spacious Infinite Ocean View Balcony (374 square feet, up to four guests)
• Surfside Family View Balcony (365 square feet, up to four guests)
• Ocean View (278 square feet, up to three guests)
• Interior (285 square feet, up to three guests)
• Junior Suite

Amenities for Accessible Staterooms

• Elevator in 2-level Icon Loft
• 5-foot wheelchair turning radius
• Roll-in Showers
• Showers offer a handheld showerhead and a bench
• Wider doors

Cabin technology

All cabins on Icon of the Seas will have several amenities that enhance the experience with technology.

The Royal Caribbean app on Icon of the Seas will have a digital key feature, which allows you to open your cabin door with your phone instead of a SeaPass card. You can also control the television with the app, as well as the cabin lights and temperature.

You'll find mood lighting in all cabins, with lights being able to be set to:

• All on
• 50% on
• All off
• Set to morning (lights on gradually)
• Evening (low lights)
• Movie or night (lights turn off gradually)