Icon of the Seas represents Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ship, launching in 2024 with a massive 250,800 GT and capacity for up to 7,600 passengers across 20 decks. The ship sets multiple records with seven pools and six waterslides, offering superior passenger-to-space ratios and cutting-edge amenities designed for the ultimate family vacation experience. As part of the new Icon Class, it features expanded water parks, zip lines, and enhanced dining options that push the boundaries of cruise ship innovation.
Harmony of the Seas, built in 2016, remains an impressive vessel at 226,963 GT accommodating up to 6,410 passengers on 17 decks as part of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class. While approximately 10% smaller than Icon, Harmony pioneered many breakthrough features including the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and 20 dining venues with specialty restaurants like Jamie's Italian. Both ships utilize neighborhood layouts to manage crowds effectively, though Icon of the Seas offers more space per guest and represents the next generation of mega cruise ship design beyond Harmony's already impressive offerings.
Specialty Dining Options
Harmony of the Seas
Icon of the Seas
Complimentary Dining Options
Harmony of the Seas
Icon of the Seas
Amenities
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Icon of the Seas
Frequenty Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Harmony of the Seas and Icon of the Seas?
The most striking difference between these two Royal Caribbean giants is that Icon of the Seas represents a completely new generation of cruise ships. Built in 2024, Icon belongs to the brand-new Icon Class, while Harmony of the Seas, launched in 2016, is part of the established Oasis Class family.
Icon of the Seas currently holds the title as the world's largest cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 250,800 GT and can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity. Harmony of the Seas, though impressive in its own right, is about 10% smaller at 226,963 GT with a maximum capacity of around 6,410 passengers.
The age gap means Icon benefits from eight years of shipbuilding innovations and guest feedback that Royal Caribbean incorporated into its design. You'll notice this in everything from the layout to the technology integration.
Which ship offers more space per passenger?
Icon of the Seas provides a better passenger-to-space ratio despite carrying more people. This might seem counterintuitive, but the ship's larger size translates to more room per guest, potentially creating a less crowded feeling throughout your cruise.
Both ships use Royal Caribbean's smart "neighborhood" design concept, which divides the massive vessels into distinct zones. This approach helps break up crowds naturally and gives you different experiences as you move around the ship. However, Icon's newer design refines this concept even further.
The extra space on Icon becomes particularly noticeable in common areas, dining venues, and around the pool decks - areas where crowding can really impact your vacation enjoyment.
How do the water attractions compare between the two ships?
Here's where the competition gets interesting. Icon of the Seas absolutely dominates with record-breaking aquatic features - it boasts seven pools (the most of any cruise ship) and six waterslides, setting new industry standards.
Harmony of the Seas shouldn't be underestimated though. It was actually the first Oasis Class ship to feature waterslides, including the famous Ultimate Abyss - the tallest dry slide at sea. The Perfect Storm waterslides and surf simulators have thrilled countless guests since 2016.
Icon of the Seas Water Features:
- Seven pools total
- Six waterslides
- Dedicated kiddie splash zones
- Multiple surf simulators
- Expansive water park area
Harmony of the Seas Water Features:
- Three pools
- Ultimate Abyss dry slide
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Surf simulators
- Various splash areas
Icon clearly wins on quantity, but Harmony's attractions have proven their staying power with consistently positive guest reviews.
Which ship is better for families?
Icon of the Seas was specifically designed with families in mind, and it shows. The ship features more kid-friendly zones, expanded splash areas, and a greater variety of age-appropriate activities. The sheer number of pools means less competition for space, and the newer design incorporates lessons learned from years of family cruising feedback.
That said, Harmony of the Seas has been delighting families since 2016. The ship offers escape rooms, mini golf, basketball courts, and entertainment that appeals to various age groups. Many families have fantastic experiences on Harmony - it's just that Icon takes family cruising to the next level.
Both ships feature zip lines, rock climbing walls, and Broadway-quality entertainment, so you really can't go wrong with either choice for a family vacation.
What about dining and entertainment options?
Harmony of the Seas offers 20 dining venues, including specialty restaurants like Jamie's Italian and the creative Wonderland restaurant. The ship features a 1,400-seat theater hosting Broadway shows like "Grease."
Icon of the Seas expands on this foundation with even more dining variety and enhanced entertainment venues. The newer ship benefits from Royal Caribbean's latest partnerships and culinary innovations, though specific details about restaurant counts weren't as widely publicized during its launch.
Both ships deliver impressive entertainment lineups with Broadway-quality shows, but Icon's newer venues incorporate the latest in staging technology and acoustic design.
How do the ships compare in terms of innovation and technology?
Harmony of the Seas was cutting-edge for its time, featuring energy-saving technology like bubble drag reduction and waste heat recovery systems. These innovations helped establish new efficiency standards for mega cruise ships.
Icon of the Seas represents eight years of technological advancement beyond Harmony. While specific environmental features weren't as heavily marketed, the ship incorporates newer systems and likely improved efficiency measures throughout its design.
The guest-facing technology on Icon is noticeably more advanced, from cabin features to mobile app integration and digital services throughout the ship.
Which ship offers better value?
This depends largely on what you value most. Harmony of the Seas, being the older ship, often comes with lower cruise fares while still delivering an exceptional vacation experience. You're getting proven attractions and amenities that have satisfied guests for years.
Icon of the Seas commands premium pricing as the newest and largest ship in the fleet. You're paying for the latest innovations, more space, and record-breaking features.
Consider that Harmony has had years to work out any operational kinks, while Icon is still in its early operational phase. Both represent excellent value in their own ways - it just depends on whether you prioritize saving money or experiencing the absolute latest in cruise ship innovation.
Final thoughts on choosing between the two
Your choice ultimately comes down to personal priorities. If you want the newest, largest, and most innovative cruise experience available, Icon of the Seas delivers that in spades. The extra space, record-breaking amenities, and cutting-edge design justify the premium pricing for many travelers.
However, Harmony of the Seas remains an outstanding choice that has delighted countless guests. The ship offers incredible value with proven attractions, excellent dining, and entertainment options that continue to receive rave reviews.
Both ships will provide an unforgettable vacation experience - Icon just happens to be the more expensive, newer option with additional bells and whistles.