Enchantment of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

What's the main difference between Enchantment of the Seas and Icon of the Seas?

The biggest difference boils down to age and scale. Enchantment of the Seas launched in 1997 and belongs to Royal Caribbean's Vision class, while Icon of the Seas is their newest mega-ship that debuted in 2024.

Icon absolutely dwarfs Enchantment in size – we're talking 248,663 gross tons compared to Enchantment's 82,910 tons. That's nearly three times larger! Icon stretches about 86 meters longer and sits 32 meters wider than its older counterpart.

Think of it like comparing a cozy beach house to a massive resort complex. Both have their charm, but they offer completely different experiences.

How do the prices compare between these ships?

Your wallet will definitely notice the difference. Enchantment typically runs much more budget-friendly than Icon. For example, a 5-night cruise in an oceanview balcony cabin on Enchantment might cost around $997 per person, while a comparable week-long cruise on Icon can easily run over $2,200 per person.

The price gap makes sense when you consider what you're getting. Icon's the shiny new toy with all the latest bells and whistles, while Enchantment offers solid cruise fundamentals without the premium price tag. It's honestly refreshing to find a quality cruise option that won't break the bank.

Which ship offers better onboard amenities and activities?

This depends entirely on what you're after. Icon of the Seas is basically a floating mega-resort with cutting-edge restaurants, bars, theaters, and water attractions. The Royal Promenade is wider with ocean views, and everything feels more spacious and modern.

But here's where Enchantment surprises people – its pool deck actually offers more room to breathe. You'll find one main pool area with two standout bars: a huge shaded pool bar and the ocean-facing Oasis Bar. The atmosphere feels more relaxed and less like you're competing for space.

Icon definitely wins on variety and innovation, but Enchantment takes the crown for that peaceful, traditional cruise vibe that many people still crave.

What about dining options on both ships?

Icon of the Seas comes packed with specialty restaurants and diverse dining venues that showcase Royal Caribbean's latest culinary concepts. Being their newest ship class, it features cutting-edge dining experiences you won't find on older vessels.

Enchantment sticks with the tried-and-true approach – main dining rooms, buffet options, and specialty restaurants that have stood the test of time. The food quality remains solid, and honestly, sometimes simpler is better. You won't feel overwhelmed by choices, and the dining rooms tend to be less crowded.

Specialty Dining Considerations

Both ships offer specialty dining for an extra fee, but Icon's options are more extensive and modern. Enchantment's specialty venues might feel familiar if you've cruised before, but they deliver consistent quality without the premium pricing you'll see on newer ships.

Which ship is better for families with kids?

Both ships cater well to families, but in different ways. Icon of the Seas markets itself as the "ultimate family vacation" with water slides, innovative kids' areas, and entertainment designed for multiple generations.

Enchantment actually holds its own here. The ship appeals strongly to families, especially those with younger children who might get overwhelmed by Icon's massive scale. The smaller size means kids can navigate more independently, and parents don't need to walk miles between activities.

Plus, families on tighter budgets will appreciate Enchantment's lower cruise fares, leaving more money for shore excursions and onboard extras.

How do the cabin accommodations compare?

Enchantment offers 1,142 cabins across 11 passenger decks, including 58 suites with balconies. The cabins feel typical for Royal Caribbean's Vision class – comfortable but not groundbreaking.

Icon's accommodations benefit from 27 years of cruise ship evolution. Cabins tend to be more thoughtfully designed with modern touches and better storage solutions. The sheer variety of cabin categories gives you more options to find something that fits your needs and budget.

That said, you'll pay significantly more for Icon's newer cabin designs. Sometimes a perfectly functional cabin on Enchantment beats an expensive upgrade, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and ports.

Which ship offers better entertainment?

Icon of the Seas showcases Royal Caribbean's latest entertainment technology with state-of-the-art theaters and shows designed specifically for the ship. The production values are impressive, and the variety keeps everyone entertained.

Enchantment's entertainment feels more intimate. The smaller theaters create a cozy atmosphere where you actually feel connected to the performances. While the shows might not have Icon's flashy production values, they deliver solid entertainment without feeling overwhelming.

Evening Activities

Both ships offer plenty of nightlife options, but Icon's bars and lounges span a much wider range of themes and atmospheres. Enchantment keeps things simpler with well-executed classics that don't require a map to navigate between venues.

What about the overall cruise experience and atmosphere?

Icon of the Seas delivers that "wow factor" from the moment you step aboard. Everything feels bigger, newer, and more impressive. The ship buzzes with energy and activity, perfect for travelers who want to be amazed by the vessel itself.

Enchantment offers something increasingly rare in modern cruising – a relaxed pace where you can actually unwind. The smaller passenger capacity means less crowding, shorter lines, and a more intimate atmosphere. You'll actually recognize faces by the end of your cruise.

The choice really comes down to whether you want a cruise ship that feels like the main attraction, or one that serves as a comfortable base for your vacation adventures.