While I don’t really understand how the cruise industry survived the recent pandemic (and their consistent bouts in recent years with the Norwalk virus – washy! washy!), there seems to be no stopping the ongoing drive to offer bigger ships, more activities, and just more of everything.

Every major line seems to be adding new ships, more amenities (private islands with multiple activities are becoming the norm on Caribbean itineraries), and just “plus-ing” every aspect of their travel offerings.

Just take a look at Royal Caribbean.  They recently announce their newest class of ship – the Icon class, and the first offering out of the gate will be the flagship Icon of the Sea, beginning service in 2024.

To say that this beast is big is an understatement.  The Icon of the Seas is 1,198 feet long (almost a quarter of a mile), weighs 250,800 gross tons, has 20 decks (18 for passengers), and can accommodate up to 7,600 guests (at maximum capacity).  Add in 2,530 crew members, and that’s almost 10,000 people on a single sailing vessel.  For comparison, the RMS Titanic was only 853 feet long, had 7 decks, and could hold 3,547 passengers and crew (I know, not the best comparison, but you get the idea).

It contains seven distinct “neighborhoods”, each designed with a specific entertainment or relaxation purpose in mind.  It boasts the largest waterpark at sea (six water slides), seven pools, nine whirlpools, a “Central Park” (with trees), an ice arena, mini-golf course, surf pool, and over 20 restaurants and eateries.

Good grief!

Sure, there’s a lot going on, but is a cruise ship of this size right for your vacation?  What will the availability be like?  Will it be fun to stand in line on the top deck of a ship with literally thousands of others to ride a water slide?  Is it even possible to try and experience everything the ship has to offer (especially when you count port days)?  Will it be a relaxing vacation, or a “mission” to get as much in as possible?

I’m sure Royal Caribbean has a quick and snappy answer, but is bigger better?  Will I get good service, or feel like I’m being corralled like a Hereford steer from activity to activity?  I don’t know.  With a ship this size, I can feel my stress level rising already – just the opposite of what a vacation is supposed to be.  Sounds like a lot of planning and timing – the last thing I want to do on my days off.

Granted, this ship has a lot of “wow” factors, and if that’s what you’re looking for, by all means sign up for a cruise offering from Royal Caribbean as soon as you can.  It certainly does have a hell of a lot going on.

To see a complete run down on the Icon of the Seas, check out their YouTube announcement video below – and hang on to something.  It’s pretty mind-blowing.

Bon Voyage!