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Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Cruise
Royal Caribbean International

If you’re looking for an exhilarating vacation aboard a cruise ship that also doubles as the largest at-sea waterpark, Royal Caribbean’s newly unveiled Icon of the Seas may be right for you.

The extravagant vessel is currently under construction, but it is already making a splash on social media for its over-the-top amenities, such as the world’s tallest drop slide, the first suspended infinity pool with a swim-up bar, six water slides, and an AquaDome and theater, among others. 

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Royal Caribbean said the vessel will be the largest cruise ship ever built, with capacity to host 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy (nearly 10,000 people with crew members). The ship’s maiden voyage is scheduled for January 2024. 

@cruisehive Check out the latest update from Icon Of The Seas. #royalcaribbeancruise #cruiseship #cruisenews #cruises #cruisetok #cruisehive #iconoftheseas ♬ original sound – Cruise Hive

“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group said in a news release, adding that, “From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.”  

The massive ship will also be equipped with 18 passenger decks, seven pools, nine whirlpools, and seven themed areas packed with restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and other amenities. Cruise-lovers can pre-book their vacation for the Icon of the Seas starting Oct. 25 on Royal Caribbean’s website, and Crown & Anchor loyalty members will have special access to book on Oct. 24.  

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Meet the Writer

A native of Queens, New York, Alina has a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications from Baruch College and enjoys writing about culture, tech, travel, and lifestyle. Prior to joining the Cheapism team, Alina worked as a U.S.-based correspondent for Vision Times and interned for several media outlets during college. In her free time, Alina loves to try out as many new restaurants as she can, go on scenic hikes with friends, tackle a hot yoga class, or spend hours going down a Wikipedia/Reddit rabbit hole. Always looking for ways to stretch her money, Alina loves to stay updated on money-saving tips and helpful life hacks that make everyday chores more manageable. You can reach her at [email protected].