Explorer of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

What's the size difference between Explorer of the Seas and Icon of the Seas?

The size difference between these two Royal Caribbean ships is absolutely massive. Icon of the Seas towers over Explorer of the Seas in nearly every dimension imaginable.

Icon weighs in at roughly 250,800 gross tons compared to Explorer's 137,308 tons – that's almost double the size. The length difference is equally impressive, with Icon stretching 1,198 feet versus Explorer's 1,020 feet. But here's where it gets really dramatic: Icon is significantly wider at 216 feet compared to Explorer's 157-161 feet.

What does this mean for passengers? Icon can accommodate 5,610 guests at double occupancy, while Explorer maxes out around 3,938 passengers. You're looking at about 45% more space per person on Icon thanks to its newer, more efficient design.

How do the ages and technologies of these ships compare?

Explorer of the Seas launched in 2000, making it a 24-year-old vessel that's seen multiple refurbishments, including major updates completed in 2023-2025. It represents the tried-and-true Voyager-class design that helped establish Royal Caribbean's reputation.

Icon of the Seas, on the other hand, just hit the water in 2024. It's Royal Caribbean's newest baby and represents the cutting-edge Icon-class – essentially the company showing off everything they've learned over the past quarter-century.

The technology gap is exactly what you'd expect. Explorer has received tech upgrades over the years, but Icon was built from the ground up with modern cruise innovations, enhanced connectivity, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems that simply weren't possible when Explorer was designed.

What entertainment and dining differences should passengers expect?

Entertainment Options

Explorer offers classic Royal Caribbean entertainment with the Palace Theatre hosting various productions and traditional cruise ship activities. You'll find solid entertainment that has satisfied millions of passengers over two decades.

Icon takes entertainment to an entirely different level. We're talking about eight distinct neighborhoods, the spectacular AquaDome with water shows, and licensed productions like "The Wizard of Oz." The ship features Absolute Zero ice shows and entertainment venues that simply don't exist on older ships.

Dining Experiences

Explorer provides traditional cruise dining with restaurants named after famous explorers – Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco de Gama, and Christopher Columbus. The dining is good, familiar, and exactly what many cruisers love about the Royal Caribbean experience.

Icon's dining scene reflects 24 years of culinary evolution. The AquaDome Market offers enhanced casual dining, while new supper clubs and specialty restaurants provide options that weren't even concepts when Explorer was built.

Which ship is better for families?

Both ships welcome families, but they cater to different family cruising styles.

Explorer works wonderfully for families seeking a classic cruise experience. The ship offers standard kids' clubs, family-friendly activities, and that comfortable "this is how cruising should feel" atmosphere that many multi-generational families appreciate.

Icon was specifically designed as the "ultimate family vacation" experience. The kids' clubs are bigger and better, covering ages 0-10 with expanded programming. With seven pools, water park features, and those eight neighborhoods to explore, families with active kids will find more variety and space to spread out.

The crew-to-passenger ratio also favors Icon at 2.4 compared to Explorer's 2.8, meaning potentially more attentive service during busy family moments.

How do the itineraries and homeports differ?

Explorer typically sails from Bayonne, New Jersey, or Port Canaveral, offering flexibility for East Coast travelers. This can be a huge advantage if you live in the Northeast or want to avoid Miami's sometimes chaotic port experience.

Icon calls PortMiami home, sailing from Terminal A. This positions it perfectly for Caribbean itineraries, though it means dealing with one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

The itinerary options often depend more on seasonal positioning than the ships themselves, but Explorer's multiple homeport options can provide more convenient departure points for some travelers.

What about the overall cruise experience and value?

Explorer of the Seas Experience

Explorer delivers reliable, proven cruising. After 24 years and recent refurbishments, this ship knows exactly what it is – a solid, enjoyable cruise experience without unnecessary complications. The smaller size means shorter lines, easier navigation, and a more intimate feel despite still being a large ship.

Many experienced cruisers actually prefer Explorer's size. It's big enough for variety but small enough that you won't spend your vacation walking marathons between activities.

Icon of the Seas Experience

Icon represents Royal Caribbean's vision of cruising's future. Everything is bigger, newer, and designed based on decades of passenger feedback. The ship offers more dining options, more entertainment choices, and more space to find your perfect spot.

However, with 5,610 passengers, Icon can feel crowded during peak times. The ship's size, while impressive, means longer walks between venues and potentially longer waits for popular attractions.

Value Considerations

Explorer typically costs less to sail, making it attractive for budget-conscious travelers who still want the Royal Caribbean experience. The recent refurbishments mean you're not sacrificing too much in terms of modern amenities.

Icon commands premium pricing as Royal Caribbean's flagship, but you're paying for the latest innovations and that "world's largest cruise ship" experience. Whether that's worth the extra cost depends entirely on your priorities and budget.

The choice between these ships ultimately comes down to what kind of cruise experience speaks to you – proven classic comfort or cutting-edge cruise innovation.