Explore the latest addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Icon of the Seas, alongside the second largest ship, Wonder of the Seas! Get ready for a comparison that’s sure to impress as we dive into what sets these giant vessels apart. Get ready to be wowed!
Remember when Wonder of the Seas wowed us all as the world’s biggest cruise ship? Well, brace yourself because Royal Caribbean has outdone itself yet again with something even more massive and magnificent coming in 2024.
The massive Icon of the Seas is finally sailing this year! It’s not just any cruise ship, it’s the biggest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and globally. With loads of fun stuff to do and delicious food to eat, it’s gonna be an unforgettable trip for anyone lucky enough to hop on board soon.
Sure thing! Even though Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are both huge and amazing, they’ve got their unique features. These differences might help you decide which one suits you best for your next cruise adventure.
Yep, Wonder of the Seas belongs to the Oasis class, while Icon of the Seas kicks off Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class. And that’s just the beginning of how they’re different from each other.
Wondering which one to book? Let’s compare Icon of the Seas with Wonder of the Seas to help you decide.
Is Icon of the Seas Larger Than Wonder of the Seas?
As we talked about earlier, Wonder of the Seas is huge, but Icon of the Seas takes the crown. It’s even bigger, with two extra decks, 10 feet more length, and 69 extra rooms. Let’s compare the two.
| Stats | Icon of the Seas | Wonder of the Seas |
| Gross Tonnage | 250,800 | 235,600 |
| Length | 1,198 | 1,188 |
| Passenger Decks | 18 | 16 |
| Maximum Passenger Capacity | 7,600 | 7,084 |
| Passenger Capacity at Double Occupancy | 5,610 | 5,734 |
| Cabins | 2,805 | 2,874 |
| Crew Capacity | 2,350 | 2,300 |
Here’s something interesting: Icon of the Seas is bigger than Wonder of the Seas in terms of gross tons and decks. But surprisingly, it doesn’t fit more passengers when it’s full, even though it’s bigger.
So, at double occupancy, Icon of the Seas fits about 100 fewer people. But when it’s fully packed, it can handle around 600 more passengers than Wonder of the Seas.
What’s the takeaway? Seems like Royal Caribbean anticipates more folks staying in suites on Icon of the Seas, probably with more than two people sharing one room.
In the end, it looks like Royal Caribbean aimed to amp up the excitement, choices, and luxury on Icon of the Seas, rather than just making it bigger for more passengers.
Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas: Construction Cost
Icon of the Seas was constructed at Meyer Turku in Finland, and it cost a staggering $2 billion, making it one of the priciest ships ever built. Plus, it runs on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).
In contrast, Wonder of the Seas was built for $1.35 billion, which is a bit less but still impressive. It was constructed at Chantiers de L’Atlantique in France.
Nearly a decade back, plans for the Wonder of the Seas, the fifth Oasis-class ship, were set. But, thanks to the curveballs of the Covid-19 pandemic, its construction hit some bumps. Originally due in early 2021, it finally set sail from Florida in early 2022.
Back in 2016, Royal Caribbean got the ball rolling on their new ship, Icon of the Seas. It took a while, with construction starting in 2021 and finishing up in late 2023. Now, it’s all set for a grand debut in Miami in January 2024, ready to cruise the Caribbean for the year ahead.
Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas: Neighborhoods
Royal Caribbean likes to organize their ships into neighborhoods, kind of like different districts. On Icon of the Seas, there are eight neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and activities.
- AquaDome
- Central Park
- Chill Island
- Royal Promenade
- Surfside
- Suite Neighborhood
- Thrill Island
- The Hideaway
Wonder of the Seas also has eight neighborhoods, but they’re not identical to those on Icon of the Seas. Wonder of the Seas introduces some fresh neighborhoods while enhancing others they both share. Here are Wonder of the Seas’ eight neighborhoods:
- Central Park
- Royal Promenade
- Suite Neighborhood
- Boardwalk
- Pool and Sports Zone
- Entertainment Place
- Youth Zone
- Vitality Spa and Fitness
What’s in store for you? Well, imagine this: Central Park on the ship is like having a cozy indoor garden. It’s filled with cool spots for fun and delicious food, kind of like the heart of the ship.
Just like other ships, the Royal Promenade on each vessel is bustling with things to do. You can stroll around, grab a bite at the restaurants, or check out the shops. But on Icon of the Seas, there’s a special touch with its Iconic Pearl feature.
In both ships, the suite neighborhoods are just what they sound like – areas reserved exclusively for suite guests. It’s like a VIP corner where they can relax in privacy, with their own pools and dining spots away from the crowds.
Once you step past this area, it’s like crossing into a whole different vibe. Imagine a lively boardwalk scene, full of games, colorful lights, and tons of fun stuff happening, all on Wonder of the Seas.
Imagine you’ve got your typical pool and sports area, where you can splash around and play some games. Then there’s Entertainment Place, where all the fun stuff like the theater and casino hangs out. Kids have their own spot called the Youth Zone with cool stuff like the Adventure Ocean kids club and arcade. And of course, there’s a space just for relaxing and getting fit at the spa and fitness center.
On Icon of the Seas, there’s this cool new spot called the AquaDome. It’s got the AquaTheater, like on other Royal Caribbean ships, but it’s also a hotspot for nightlife with bars and restaurants.
They’ve renamed the ship’s pool area to Chill Island. It’s got four pools (you’ll find three more elsewhere) and some bars to grab a drink while you relax.
Thrill Island is all about water fun, featuring six exciting water slides. When the ship launches, it’s set to have the tallest drop slide ever on a cruise ship and some unique ones too, like a mat-racing duo slide and an open free-fall slide.
Surfside is perfect for families, with kiddy pools, sports courts, and activities for the kids. If you need some peace, head to The Hideaway. It’s a calm spot with an infinity pool and a bar, ideal for a relaxing break.
Staterooms
Like I mentioned before, Icon of the Seas is bigger than Wonder of the Seas. But get this, even though it can’t hold as many people with just two to a room, it’s got more space overall. That means they’re all about those fancy suites and rooms where more than two folks can bunk together.
So, what’s up with the rooms? Well, on Icon of the Seas, they’ve got some fresh stateroom options for Royal Caribbean cruisers. Check out these new ones onboard:
- Inside Plus staterooms
- Panoramic Ocean View staterooms
- Family Infinity Balcony staterooms
- Surfside Family View interior cabins
- Infinite Ocean View balcony cabins
- Infinite Central Park View balcony cabins
Think of an Inside Plus stateroom as your cozy hideaway, just a notch fancier. And those Panoramic Ocean View rooms? They’re nestled right in the heart of AquaDome, offering stunning views.
Our Infinite Ocean View balcony cabins offer something special you might not have seen before on Royal Caribbean. Picture this: a glass wall separates your balcony from your room. But get this – you can lower or raise that wall! That means your space feels bigger, airier, and oh-so perfect for soaking in those ocean views.
Check out our Family Infinity Balcony rooms! You get those awesome infinity balconies where you can blend indoor and outdoor vibes. Plus, they’re perfect for more family members. And in the new Surfside area, we’ve got Family View interior cabins, giving you a fresh twist on boardwalk views.
Other staterooms on Icon of the Seas include:
- Standard interior cabins
- Spacious interior cabins
- Central Park View interior cabins
- Ocean view cabins
- Ocean view balcony cabins
- Ocean view large balcony cabins
- Central Park balcony cabins
Staterooms on Wonder of the Seas include:
- Studio single cabins
- Virtual balcony interior cabins
- Spacious interior family cabins
- Promenade view interior cabins
- Boardwalk and Central Park interior cabins
- Boardwalk and Central Park balcony cabins
- Ocean view cabins
- Family ocean view cabins
- Spacious balcony cabins
- Ultra-spacious family balcony cabins
These rooms are easy to understand. Promenade, Boardwalk, and Central Park cabins sit right in those areas of the ship, with balconies overlooking the action instead of the sea. And if you’re in a virtual balcony room, you’ll get real-time views of the ship’s exterior, no matter where you are.
Our super roomy family balcony cabins are perfect for up to six people, with a cozy 270 square feet indoors and an extra 80 square feet outside for some fresh air. If you prefer without the balcony, our spacious interior family cabins offer the same comfort. Balcony cabins accommodate four, giving you 180 square feet inside and a breezy 55 square feet outside.
The family cabins by the ocean are super cool – they’re almost like a mini-suite with two bedrooms, one tucked behind a divider. And hey, if you’re cruising solo, those studio cabins are perfect and easy on the wallet too.
Suites
These new ships have awesome suite choices. Check out what’s aboard Wonder of the Seas:
- The Ultimate Family Suite
- Junior suites
- Grand suites
- AquaTheater suites (with either one or two bedrooms)
- Owners suites
- Crown Loft suites
- The Royal Loft
Remember that amazing Ultimate Family Suite on Wonder of the Seas? Well, it’s even better on Icon of the Seas! Check out the sweet suite options below:
- The Ultimate Family Townhouse
- Surfside Family suites
- Junior suites
- Sunset Junior suites
- Sky Junior suites
- Sunset suites
- Panoramic suites
- Infinite Grand suites
- Owner’s suites
- Grand suites
- The Royal Loft
- Icon Loft Suites
You might recognize a few suites from previous Royal Caribbean ships, but there are some new ones too. Take the Surfside Family suites, for instance. They’re a fresh addition, perfect for families who love the Surfside neighborhood vibe.
The Ultimate Family Townhouse is like a deluxe version of the original Ultimate Family suite from a few years back. It’s packed with awesome stuff for families, like a theater and even an in-suite slide.
Icon Loft suites are great for up to four people with two floors and plenty of privacy. The Infinite Grand suites have an awesome new balcony, while Panoramic suites are located in the cool AquaDome area.
Dining Venues
Got a go-to Royal Caribbean spot you love hitting up whenever you cruise? Well, good news! Both Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas have classic faves from Royal Caribbean, plus some exciting new eats. But here’s the scoop: the dining choices aren’t exactly the same on both ships. Let me break it down for you.
| Restaurant/Dining Option | Featured on Icon of the Seas? | Featured on Wonder of the Seas? |
| 150 Central Park | No | Yes |
| AquaDome Market | Yes | No |
| Basecamp | Yes | No |
| Café Promenade | No | Yes |
| Celebration Table | Yes | No |
| Chops Grille | Yes | Yes |
| Coastal Kitchen | Yes | Yes |
| Dog House | No | Yes |
| El Loco Fresh | Yes | Yes |
| Empire Supper Club | Yes | No |
| Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Hooked Seafood | Yes | Yes |
| Izumi Hibachi & Sushi | Yes | Yes |
| Izumi in the Park | Yes | No |
| Johnny Rockets | No | Yes |
| Main Dining Rooms | Yes | Yes |
| Park Café | Yes | Yes |
| Pearl Café | Yes | No |
| Pier 7 | Yes | No |
| Solarium Bistro | No | Yes |
| Sorrento’s Pizza | Yes | Yes |
| Starbucks | Yes | Yes |
| Sugar Beach | Yes | Yes |
| Surfside Bites | Yes | No |
| Surfside Eatery | Yes | No |
| The Grove | Yes | No |
| The Mason Jar | No | Yes |
| Vitality Café | No | Yes |
| Windjammer Café | Yes | Yes |
| Wonderland | No | Yes |
Both Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas keep the Royal Caribbean classics in their dining lineup. You’ll find your usual suspects like the main dining room, buffet (Windjammer Café), Sorrento’s Pizza, Starbucks, Wonderland for a tech twist, Giovanni’s for Italian, Chops for steak, and Izumi for Japanese bites.
On the flip side, both ships have some exclusive spots you won’t find on the other. Like on Wonder of the Seas, there’s Johnny Rockets for that classic boardwalk vibe, Vitality Café for healthy bites near the spa, The Mason Jar for a taste of the South, and the Dog House for quick poolside snacks.
Icon of the Seas introduces some fresh picks like AquaDome Market, a cool food hall; Empire Supper Club, a fancy spot with a 1920s vibe; and Izumi in the Park, where you can grab sushi through the window.
There are more fresh picks to try, like Celebration Table for parties, Pearl Café for relaxed bites, Basecamp for theme park-like fun, The Grove for Mediterranean flavors, and Pier 7 for brunch all day. Icon of the Seas really amps up the foodie game.
Bars and Lounges
You’ll discover plenty of places to grab a drink on both Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. Some are brand new, some are hidden inside restaurants, and some are classic spots you find on all Royal Caribbean ships, like the cozy English pubs and the lively Playmakers sports bar.
| Bar/Lounge Option | Featured on Icon of the Seas? | Featured on Wonder of the Seas? |
| Bionic Bar | No | Yes |
| Boleros | Yes | Yes |
| Cantina Fresca | Yes | Yes |
| Diamond Club | Yes | Yes |
| English Pub | Yes | Yes |
| Playmakers Bar & Arcade | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Bar | Yes | No |
| Rising Tide Bar | No | Yes |
| Schooner Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Solarium Bar | No | Yes |
| Suite Lounge | No | Yes |
| Swim & Tonic Pool Bar | Yes | No |
| The Attic | Yes | Yes |
| The Hideaway Bar | Yes | No |
| The Lime & Coconut | Yes | Yes |
| Trellis Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Wipeout Bar | No | Yes |
| Vue Bar | No | Yes |
| 1400 Lobby Bar | Yes | No |
| Basecamp Bar | Yes | No |
| Bubbles | Yes | No |
| Casino Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Dueling Pianos | Yes | No |
| Giovanni’s Wine Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Lou’s Jazz n’ Blues | Yes | No |
| Rye & Bean | Yes | No |
| The Grove Bar | Yes | No |
| The Lemon Post | Yes | No |
| The Overlook | Yes | No |
| Music Hall | Yes | No |
On Icon of the Seas, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to drinks! Picture this: sipping cocktails at the swim-up bar, grabbing a cold one at the poolside bars, or enjoying a fancy drink at the cool lounges with live music like Lou’s Jazz n’ Blues. And don’t forget the bars in the fancy new restaurants onboard.
Wonder of the Seas has all those cozy spots you’d expect on a Royal Caribbean ship, plus some cool extras. Imagine sipping cocktails at the Solarium bar or watching robots mix your drinks at the Bionic Bar. Icon of the Seas may have skipped the Solarium, but Wonder’s got you covered for unique hangouts.
Activities and Entertainment
Both these ships are packed with fun! Apart from pools, slides, and shows, you’ll find tons of other cool stuff like:
- Arcade
- Casino
- Carousel
- Mini-golf course
- Sports court
- Rock-climbing wall
- Comedy Club
- Escape Room
- Ice skating
- Laser tag
- Karaoke
On Icon of the Seas, you get a cool ropes course called Crown’s Edge where you can walk high up over the sea. But on Wonder of the Seas, they’ve got a zip line instead. Besides that, both ships pretty much have the same fun stuff to do.
Pools and Waterslides
Both ships offer loads of ways to enjoy the sun and play in the waves. They’ve got the FlowRider surf simulator, waterslides, and hot tubs. But, some things make each ship unique.
On Wonder of the Seas, they’ve got The Perfect Storm waterslides, a fan favorite on many Royal Caribbean ships. Plus, there’s the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. And if you love swimming, they’ve got five pools and four hot tubs in total.
Icon of the Seas takes fun to the next level with six epic waterslides. There’s Pressure Drop, where you’ll feel the thrill of a free fall; Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide onboard; Storm Chasers, where you can race your friends; and Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter, perfect for family rides. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at sea.
Icon of the Seas brings the ultimate relaxation with seven pools and nine hot tubs. Dive into the Royal Bay Pool, our biggest yet! Plus, we’ve got a unique infinity pool in The Hideaway. And don’t miss out on Splashaway Bay, where the kids can splash and play all day long in the Surfside area.
AquaTheater and AquaDome
Both ships have the AquaTheater, but only Icon of the Seas has the AquaDome. Plus, its AquaTheater got some cool upgrades.
Icon of the Seas has its AquaDome in the new AquaDome neighborhood. With upgraded tech, the shows are even more immersive and impressive.
Shows
If you love watching shows while cruising, don’t miss out on the onboard theater entertainment! Whether you pick Icon of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas, make sure to squeeze in some time for a show during your vacation.
Wonder of the Seas has a variety of shows to enjoy! From AquaTheater performances to ice-skating shows, there’s something for everyone. Catch musical reviews in the theater and smaller, music-focused shows in cozy spots like the lounges, happening regularly.
On Icon of the Seas, there’s a range of shows to enjoy! Dive into two AquaDome spectacles, live music gigs, and an ice-skating extravaganza. Plus, don’t miss enchanting theatrical performances like “Once Upon a Time: The King’s Royal Ball” and the timeless favorite “The Wizard of Oz.”
Which Ship is Better?
Deciding between Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas? Well, it all boils down to what floats your boat! Your choice will depend on what you like best. But hey, I’ll give you the lowdown on both to help you make up your mind.
If you’re all about cruising and you’re itching to hop aboard the newest, coolest cruise ships before anyone else, then Icon of the Seas is calling your name. It’s been causing a stir for good reason! Everyone who loves to travel, especially on cruises, is buzzing with excitement to experience what Royal Caribbean has cooked up this time. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out.
If you’re a fan of cruising with Royal Caribbean, especially on their newer ships like Wonder of the Seas, you might be itching for something fresh. Well, Icon of the Seas is here to satisfy that craving for adventure.
If you’re not keen on diving into the big crowds rushing to board Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas could be your ticket. It’s still fresh and packed with excitement, so you won’t be sacrificing fun. Plus, you get to skip the masses, which is definitely a bonus.
So, when comparing Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, let’s talk about where they’re headed. Sure, the ship itself is cool, but where it takes you matters too. Think about if you’d prefer cruising in the Mediterranean, chilling in the Western Caribbean, or soaking up the vibes in the Bahamas. Plus, consider if you fancy a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Keep in mind, getting to the departure spot and exploring ports might add to your expenses.
No matter what, both ships are great picks for all sorts of travelers. Whether you’re cruising solo, with your partner craving luxury and fun, or a family wanting an unforgettable adventure, there’s something for everyone onboard. Plenty of entertainment, dining, and activities await.
