Icon of the Seas: The Ultimate Multigenerational Cruise Experience

At the grand naming ceremony of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas in January, all eyes were on soccer superstar Lionel Messi, but the heart of the celebration truly focused on something even more remarkable: multigenerational families. Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, took the time to highlight families spanning multiple generations—those who have returned year after year to sail with Royal Caribbean, as well as those who work on the ship across generations. It’s clear that Icon of the Seas was designed with families in mind, and consensus says they nailed it.

A Ship Designed for Every Age

At the heart of Icon of the Seas is its Surfside neighborhood, the first-ever area specifically designed to cater to families with young children. Surfside makes sure no child feels left out, eliminating the possibility of toddler meltdowns when they are told they're “too young” for certain attractions. Parents can also relax without worrying about disrupting other guests, thanks to this family-centric area. Surfside features three water experiences, the Playscape play area, a beach-themed carousel, an arcade, and even dining spots like The Lemon Post Bar and the family-friendly Surfside Eatery. It’s a place where families with young kids can play, eat, and unwind without any hassle.

But Surfside isn’t the only thing Icon of the Seas has to offer. This ship has something for kids of all ages, from the Adventure Ocean kids' program to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. There are seven swimming pools, including the first suspended infinity pool at sea, and for thrill-seekers, the Crown’s Edge experience—an exhilarating zipline that soars 154 feet above the ocean.

Entertainment for the Whole Family

The entertainment options onboard are just as diverse as the activities. Families can enjoy an ice spectacle at the Absolute Zero theater or catch a one-of-a-kind show that blends diving, skateboarding, and robotics at the AquaDome. And for the entire family, a Broadway-caliber production of The Wizard of Oz is playing in the Royal Theater. The variety of entertainment onboard ensures that every member of the family, from toddlers to grandparents, will have a fantastic time.

Accommodations That Cater to All Generations

Royal Caribbean has also taken multigenerational travel into account when designing staterooms. The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a standout option, the first of its kind at sea. Spanning three levels, it can accommodate families of up to eight people and includes a private patio with direct access to Surfside, an in-suite slide, a cinema space, a karaoke setup, and two balconies. In addition to the townhouse, there are a variety of suites and connecting rooms, some of which overlook the Surfside area, making it easy for families to stay together while also having enough space to spread out.

Don’t Forget the Adults

While Icon of the Seas is undeniably family-focused, Royal Caribbean didn’t forget its adult guests. With more than 40 restaurants and lounges, the ship offers dining and entertainment options for every taste. For example, Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea, is located in the adult-centric Chill Island area, providing the perfect spot for relaxation with a drink in hand while overlooking the beautiful ocean.

The Ultimate Family Vacation at Sea

Icon of the Seas truly lives up to its promise of combining “the best of every vacation.” From its family-friendly Surfside neighborhood to its wide range of entertainment and dining options, there’s something for everyone aboard. And the best part? It’s only the beginning—Star of the Seas, the sister ship, is set to launch in summer 2025, offering even more opportunities for multigenerational families to enjoy the ultimate vacation at sea.

With its thoughtful design, incredible offerings for every age group, and world-class amenities, Icon of the Seas is a game-changer for families looking to vacation together on the high seas and a perfect choice for your fabulously fun performance cruise!

Excited to Plan Your Dance Studio’s Perfect Cruise Getaway on Icon of the Seas?Let’s make it happen! Fill out our performance cruise inquiry form today, and let’s create a personalized cruise experience for your dance families that they will never forget.