Icon of the Seas has arrived – discover what awaits passengers on board.

The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated Icon of the Seas, is set to embark on its maiden voyage this weekend, ushering in a new era of cruising. The ship, the first in the new Icon Class, has already generated record bookings for the brand and promises a plethora of attractions for every member of the family.

Icon of the Seas will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, Florida, with each cruise including a visit to the line’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The ship, standing at an impressive 20 decks high, nearly 1,200 feet long, and weighing 250,800 gross tons, can accommodate 5,610 guests at double occupancy.

The vessel is designed with eight distinct neighborhoods, five of which are entirely new. Thrill Island boasts the Category 6 water park, billed as the largest at sea, along with Crown’s Edge, where guests can walk 154 feet above the ocean along the brand’s massive logo. Other activities on board include the FlowRider surf simulator, mini golf, and rock climbing.

For relaxation, the three-deck Chill Island features four of Icon’s seven pools along with loungers, providing a perfect setting to unwind. A special highlight is the towering pink flamingo statue at the entrance to Surfside, the ship’s first neighborhood designed for young families. Here, parents can relax at Water’s Edge Pool while kids enjoy Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. The area also includes an arcade, a carousel, and more.

Hideaway on Deck 15 provides a child-free zone for passengers aged 18 and over, featuring a suspended infinity pool at the ship’s aft and whirlpools, accompanied by a DJ supplying a soundtrack. The AquaTheater in the new AquaDome, an enclosed steel and glass structure at the front of the ship, will host the “Aqua Action!: Range of Emotion” show, combining high diving with aerial dance, skateboarding, and more.

Icon of the Seas offers a culinary adventure with over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, half of which are new to the Royal Caribbean lineup. New dining experiences include AquaDome Market, the cruise line’s first food hall serving Mediterranean fare, sweet and savory crepes, and more. Other additions are Izumi in the Park, a sushi and street food walk-up window, and Empire Supper Club, a 38-seat venue offering a multi-course meal, cocktail pairings, and live jazz.

Guests can enjoy a variety of new cocktails and mocktails, debuting at venues like 1400 Lobby Bar, Rye & Bean, and Swim & Tonic, the cruise line’s first swim-up bar at sea. Icon also features familiar eateries such as the Windjammer buffet, steakhouse Chops Grille, and Izumi.

Icon of the Seas stands out not only for its impressive scale but also for its spacious interiors. The ship’s Royal Promenade offers ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and the elevator banks provide ample room, enhancing the overall sense of spaciousness. The Pearl, serving as part support structure and part art piece with thousands of kinetic tiles, adds a unique touch to the ship’s design.

Amid high demand, Icon of the Seas commanded higher fares in the lead-up to its debut, with prices varying based on sailing date, stateroom category, and other factors. The ship’s maiden voyage is set to mark a significant milestone in the cruise industry, and passengers can look forward to an extraordinary experience on board the world’s largest cruise ship.