Jewel of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

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

The biggest difference comes down to size and generation. Icon of the Seas is absolutely massive - we're talking about the world's largest cruise ship at 250,800 gross tons, while Jewel of the Seas weighs in at a much more modest 90,090 gross tons. Icon launched in 2024 with all the latest bells and whistles, whereas Jewel has been sailing since 2004 (though she got a nice refresh in 2017).

Think of it this way: if Jewel is your comfortable family sedan, Icon is the luxury RV with every gadget imaginable.

How do the passenger capacities compare?

Icon of the Seas can pack in up to 7,600 passengers when every bed is filled, though the standard double occupancy sits at 5,610. Jewel maxes out around 2,702 passengers, with 2,191 in double occupancy.

That's a pretty significant difference in crowd levels. Icon feels more like a floating city, while Jewel offers a more intimate cruise experience where you're not constantly navigating through massive crowds.

Which ship has better amenities and activities?

Icon of the Seas Features

Icon really goes all out with cutting-edge amenities. You'll find the world's largest waterpark at sea called Thrill Island, complete with six water slides. The Aquadome is this incredible glass dome where you can watch diving performances and shows. There's also an ice skating rink called Absolute Zero, plus a suspended infinity pool at the Hideaway beach club that's honestly pretty mind-blowing.

The ship boasts seven pools total, the largest swim-up bar at sea, and a 670-meter jogging track. It's like they took every cruise ship feature and cranked it up to eleven.

Jewel of the Seas Features

Jewel takes a more traditional approach, but that doesn't mean boring. She's got those gorgeous glass elevators with ocean views, the Coral Theatre for entertainment, and solid dining options like Chops Grill. The facilities feel more spread out and relaxed, which some people actually prefer.

Since Jewel is Panamax-sized, she can transit the Panama Canal, opening up some really scenic itinerary options that Icon simply can't access.

What about dining options?

Icon of the Seas wins on sheer variety and upscale options. With that many passengers to feed, they've packed in numerous dining venues ranging from casual to premium specialty restaurants. The newer ship means more innovative food concepts and modern kitchen facilities.

Jewel offers several solid dining venues with international cuisine and Italian specialties. While not as extensive as Icon's options, the quality remains consistently good, and you won't feel overwhelmed trying to pick where to eat.

Which ship is more environmentally friendly?

Icon of the Seas takes the lead here with some impressive green technology. She's Royal Caribbean's first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and distillate fuel, running on six multi-fuel Wärtsilä engines. This setup significantly reduces emissions compared to traditional cruise ship engines.

Jewel operates on conventional engines, which is pretty standard for ships built in the early 2000s.

How do the itineraries differ?

This is where ship size really matters. Jewel's smaller footprint means she can access ports that Icon simply cannot. You'll find Jewel doing Panama Canal transits and visiting smaller Caribbean ports, plus longer scenic routes to Northern Europe and New England.

Icon primarily sticks to major Caribbean ports that can handle her enormous size. While the destinations might be more limited, the onboard experience is so packed with activities that port days almost feel secondary.

What's the price difference?

Jewel of the Seas generally runs more budget-friendly, targeting the mainstream cruise market. You're getting solid value without breaking the bank.

Icon commands premium pricing - and honestly, you'd expect that from the world's largest, newest cruise ship loaded with luxury amenities. The cost reflects all that cutting-edge technology and those jaw-dropping features.

Which ship is better for families?

Both ships work well for families, but in different ways. Icon's Surfside family neighborhood and massive waterpark make it feel like a floating theme park. Kids will have endless entertainment options, though parents might struggle to keep track of everyone in such a large space.

Jewel offers a more manageable family experience. The ship's smaller size means kids can't wander too far, and the family-friendly amenities don't overwhelm younger passengers. Sometimes less really is more, especially with smaller children.

Should I choose Jewel of the Seas or Icon of the Seas?

Choose Jewel of the Seas if you want:

• A more intimate, classic cruise experience
• Access to unique itineraries including Panama Canal transits
• Better value for money
• Less crowded common areas
• A relaxed pace without sensory overload

Choose Icon of the Seas if you want:

• The ultimate "floating resort" experience
• Cutting-edge amenities and record-breaking features
• Maximum variety in dining and entertainment
• Bragging rights about sailing on the world's largest cruise ship
• Modern environmental technology

The truth is, both ships deliver excellent Royal Caribbean experiences - they just cater to completely different cruise styles. Your choice really depends on whether you prefer the excitement of endless options or the comfort of a more traditional cruise experience.