At the naming celebration for Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas in January, all eyes were on the official “Icon of the Icon”: superstar soccer player Lionel Messi. But it’s telling that Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, spent a good part of the ceremony calling out multigenerational families, including three generations of a family that has returned to sail with Royal Caribbean over the years, as well as several generations who work on the ship.
There’s little doubt that Royal Caribbean set out to build the ultimate multigenerational ship and, after sailing on Icon myself in January, I can attest that they more than delivered on that goal.
Something for Everyone
At the heart of Icon’s new offerings is the Surfside neighborhood, billed as the first area specifically designed for families with young kids “to stay and play all day.”
The neighborhood eliminates the chance of a toddler meltdown when they are told they are “too young” for other attractions, as well as giving parents of young children a place where they can relax without worrying about bothering other guests. Surfside includes three water experiences; the Playscape in Surfside play area; a beach-themed carousel; an arcade; and spots for food and drinks, such as The Lemon Post Bar, the Surfside Eatery family buffet and more.
The new Surfside neighborhood gives families with young children a place to stay and play.
Credit: 2024 Royal Caribbean internationalSurfside is in addition to the many other options for kids of all ages onboard Icon. These include the Adventure Ocean kids’ program; Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea; seven swimming pools, including the first suspended infinity pool at sea; and the Crown’s Edge experience, a zipline that sails off the side of the ship 154 feet above the ocean.
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Icon also features entertainment for all ages, including ice spectacles in the Absolute Zero theater; shows that combine diving, skateboarding and robotics in the only-on-Icon AquaDome; and a Broadway-caliber production of “The Wizard of Oz” in the Royal Theater.
Royal Caribbean continues this focus on families in its stateroom offerings, which is highlighted by the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse. Spanning three levels, the townhouse is for families of up to eight, and it includes a private patio with an entrance to Surfside, an in-suite slide, a cinema space, a karaoke set up, two balconies and more. This is in addition to suites with a range of connecting options, including ones that overlook Surfside.
The Ultimate Family Townhouse features an indoor slide.
Credit: 2024 Royal Caribbean internationalWhat makes Icon of the Seas the best choice for multigenerational groups, however, is that Royal Caribbean did not forget the needs of its adult guests, even while it was being so innovative in its family offerings. With more than 40 restaurants and lounges onboard, there is a choice for every type and taste. Take Swim & Tonic, for example — Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea, located in the ship’s adult-focused Chill Island area.
With so many options for all members of the family, Icon of the Seas lives up to its goal of combining “the best of every vacation.” Plus, the good news for travel advisors is that its sister ship, Star of the Seas, is due in summer 2025, giving clients even more ways to have the ultimate family vacation at sea.
