Staggering Pool Numbers on Royal Caribbean’s Huge New Ship

Royal Caribbean International is building hype for its upcoming innovative ship, Icon of the Seas, and for good reason.

The new ship will be the largest ever built, and the latest details of its pools are certainly worth the excitement, as they will offer a range of aquatic experiences and record-breaking statistics.

Seven Pools With Record-Breaking Numbers on Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is already slated to have outstanding water features onboard, including first-at-sea and record-breaking waterslides in the biggest waterpark at sea, as well as the amazing AquaDome space for the cruise line’s signature high dive shows.

Even just the basic swimming pools onboard, however, have been reimagined and thoughtfully planned to appeal to all types of cruisers, and are being designed with even more record-breaking features in mind.

With seven different pools onboard, guests could potentially enjoy a different way to splash every day of a 7-night cruise and never visit the same pool twice.

Royal Bay – 40K Gallons of Water

The most astonishing of the pools is sure to be Royal Bay, located starboard on deck 15, which will be the largest pool ever at sea, with 40,000 gallons of splashtastic fun. Raised whirlpools surround Royal Bay, and dozens of in-water loungers give everyone a relaxing place to chill out.

Hideaway – 135 Feet Above the Ocean

For the ultimate in beach club vibes with a resident DJ and unparalleled views, guests will want to check out the Hideaway pool, also on deck 15, aft of the ship.

This is the first ever suspended infinity pool at sea, 135 feet above the ocean, ensuring great sunset and water views from its lounging platforms.

Water’s Edge – 1st Family-Focused Pool at Sea

Families will especially enjoy Water’s Edge, the pool in the family-focused Surfside neighborhood on deck 7. Conveniently located with Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, this pool offers a great place to relax while keeping an eye on the youngsters.

Cove Pool – 180-Degree Views

For a more serene way to splash, guests can enjoy the more intimate Cove Pool, portside on deck 15. This smaller pool will have a completely different atmosphere than Royal Bay on the other side of the deck, and will instead offer 180-degree views, in-water loungers, and shaded spaces for more relaxation.

Cloud 17 – 16 and Up Only

Adults wanting a bit of a secluded retreat will be sure to try out Cloud 17, starboard on deck 17 and just steps away from The Lime and Coconut bar.

This infinity pool is part of the adults-only space for cruisers ages 16 and older, ensuring a quieter vibe. Nearby, a cantilevered whirlpool offers great views of the excitement on lower decks.

Swim & Tonic – 52 In-Water Seats

A first for any ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Swim & Tonic features the largest swim-up bar at sea and 52 in-water loungers for every way to chill. Located portside on deck 16, the pool includes its own whirlpool and easy access to The Lime and Coconut, and is part of the overall “Chill Island” neighborhood.

Grove Suite Sun Deck Pool – 2 Decks of VIP

An elevated pool exclusively for guests in the Suite Neighborhood, this relaxing pool is located on deck 18 with ample loungers and seating nearby, so everyone has space to relax. A private hot tub offers another watery way to relax in the Suite Neighborhood.

Even More Aquatastic Fun

If the sheer number and variety of pools isn’t enough for Icon of the Seas to make a splash, guests won’t want to miss the six different waterslides on board in the Category 6 waterpark in Thrill Island on Deck 16, or the nine whirlpools spread throughout the ship, or even the fan-favorite FlowRider surf simulator, also on deck 16, starboard side.

Guests who want to stay dry while enjoying water views will have amazing opportunities at Crown’s Edge, a first-of-its-kind combination rope’s course, high plank skywalk, obstacle course, and zip line poised 154 feet above the ocean.

For even higher views, adventurous guests can take on Adrenaline Peak, the cruise line’s signature rock climbing wall, which will offer the highest vantage point on the vessel, located portside on deck 16.

Icon of the Seas will begin welcoming as many as 5,610 guests per sailing (double occupancy) in January 2024, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami.