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Royal Caribbean

On a shipyard tour, Icon of the Seas boasts innovative design, record-breaking size, and family-focused activities

Just when you think Royal Caribbean has hit the limits of cruise ship design, they take it a step further.

The cruise line’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas, is set to launch in January 2024 as the world’s largest cruise ship. Boasting record-breaking activities, unbelievable scale, and family-focused design, she will be a force to be reckoned with in the cruise industry.

Comparing Carnival's Excel-class and Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class cruise ships

Are you someone that believes bigger is always better when it comes to cruising?

Larger cruise ships typically feature the latest and greatest when it comes to technology, entertainment, staterooms and dining options. More space onboard allows for a cruise line to squeeze more amenities and offerings for guests.

These days, cruise lines are continuing to construct mega cruise ships that are essentially floating cities with distinct neighborhoods. You can also find multiple classes of suites available and endless things to do and eat onboard.

Guide to Icon of the Seas cruise ship: pricing, things to do, and more

Icon of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s first cruise ship from it’s brand-new Icon class, which makes her the first new type of vessel for the cruise line in nearly a decade.

Debuting in early 2024, Icon of the Seas will take the new title of largest cruise ship in the world. Once complete, the brand-new vessel for Royal Caribbean will clock in at 250,800 gross tons, making her 6% bigger than Wonder of the Seas, which is currently the biggest cruise ship in the world.

Royal Caribbean ships by size

Known for having the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines at sea. In fact, they have held the title of largest cruise ship in the world since Freedom of the Seas' debut in 2006! 

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye vs. Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay: Which is better?

Did you know that these two industry-changing cruise lines have private islands of their very own? In fact, Norwegian Cruise Line has two private islands; Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye. while Royal Caribbean recently invested about $250 million dollars in 2019 to improve and renovate their private island - CocoCay, turning it into Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Disney and Royal Caribbean announced new beach resorts: here's how they compare

Both Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line have announced that they will be opening new beach resorts in the Bahamas in 2024 and 2025. The exact dates have yet to be released. 

Disney's Lighthouse Point will be located on the island of Eleuthera, while Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club will be on the western end of Paradise Island in Nassau. At just about 700-acres, Lighthouse Point is the larger of the two destinations. In comparison, Royal Beach Club is only about 17-acres. 

The suite life: Royal Caribbean vs Celebrity Cruises. Which is better?

Booking a suite is a nice splurge that brings several extra perks. Bigger cabins, access to select venues, free drinks, and wi-fi are some of the major benefits cruises get to enjoy in these upgraded cabins. 

The suite experience varies by cruise line, and we tried both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises to see how they compare. 

Both provided a great cruise experience, but there were some differences between the two. Was it worth it, and which was better ?

10 Things I liked more about Royal Caribbean than Norwegian Cruise Line

Two of the biggest names in the cruise line industry are Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line. 

These two cruise lines have a lot of similarities, but they also have a lot of differences that prospective guests should consider. 

You can book a day pass to this exclusive beach club in the Bahamas for $185, and it’s every bit as dreamy as you can imagine

For those looking for an elevated experience while at Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, look no further than the Coco Beach Club. 

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Guide to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International, which was formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line when it was founded in 1968 in Norway, is one of the most popular cruise lines today. Having held the title of largest cruise ship in the world since 2006, they're known for their innovative ships filled from head-to-toe with thrilling activities.

They've also got some of the best entertainment at sea, with their Oasis Class ships allowing guests to watch Broadway-style musicals and high-diving acrobatic spectaculars at the AquaTheatre. 

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