Royal Caribbean Reveals The Engineering Behind Icon of the Seas Pools

The sea has always been at the heart of any cruise adventure, and Royal Caribbean International is taking this affinity to a whole new level with its latest masterpiece, the Icon of the Seas. In a captivating video as part of their ‘Making an Icon’ series, the cruise line unveils the intricate engineering behind the ship’s magnificent pool decks. Discover how their talented engineers managed to bring thousands of tons of water onboard to create a truly breathtaking aquatic wonderland. Set to embark from Miami, Florida in early 2024, this ship promises an unparalleled cruise experience.

Engineering a Water Wonderland at Sea

Chill Island and The Hideaway redefine the concept of a typical pool deck. Located at the top and mid-section of the ship, Chill Island offers a multi-level oasis dedicated to relaxation. As Jennifer Goswami and Emily Rodriguez at Royal Caribbean explain, “Chill Island was designed with the diverse mindsets of our guests in mind. It’s a place for lounging by the pool, enjoying live Caribbean music, or sipping refreshing drinks at the Swim Up Bar, Swim and Tonic. The Hideaway, on the other hand, exudes the vibe of a trendy day club or beach club, featuring an incredible infinity pool.” Both areas were meticulously crafted to enhance guests’ connection with the ocean, employing advanced nautical technology to amplify the experience. The sheer scale of these pool decks is remarkable, featuring an astounding 62% more water surface area than today’s largest cruise ships, spread across seven distinctive pools.

Dive into the Unforgettable Pools of Icon of the Seas

The Icon of the Seas was designed with the ambition of incorporating more pools than ever before. The challenge was, of course, the colossal amount of water required, ranging from 500 to a thousand tons. According to Harry Kulovaaro, VP of Maritime and Newbuilding, “It’s the vast size of the ship that allows us to create incredible experiences. With a larger canvas, we have the opportunity to include more pools. While most ships may have a few hundred tons of water in their pools, we decided to go above and beyond with between 500 and a thousand tons of water.”

The crown jewel of these pools is the Royal Bay, the largest pool ever to grace the seas, spanning 5,813 square feet of water. This multi-level marvel offers an array of aquatic adventures within its boundaries. The highlight of Royal Bay is its wading area, that gradually deepens as you venture further. Complemented by hot tubs and built-in seating arrangements, Royal Bay guarantees an unforgettable swimming experience.

Swim and Tonic, the ship’s swim-up bar, offers another exciting feature. Here, guests can enjoy handcrafted gin and tonics without ever leaving the pool. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with lively music and a whirlpool, creates an unrivaled party ambiance. As Royal Caribbean puts it, “Swim and Tonic on Icon of the Seas will be our first true swim-up bar. Expect an all-day party vibe with a DJ nearby, designed for dancing. On the shallower end of the pool, you’ll find a whirlpool. Swim and Tonic will truly be a unique space.”

For those seeking tranquility, the Cove Pool provides a haven of serenity. Perched right on the edge of the ship, this pool allows guests to relax in the water while gazing out into the vast expanse of the ocean. For an even more exclusive experience, the Suite Neighborhood offers a private pool and hot tub exclusively for guests staying in Star- or Sky-level suites. Located at the aft of the ship, guests will find the world’s first suspended infinity pool at sea, a part of the beach club experience in the Hideaway. With its panoramic views of the ocean’s wake, this pool offers an unparalleled vista, especially during sunset.

Aside from the alluring swimming pools, guests can indulge in a myriad of poolside activities. From casual bites to refreshing drinks and tropical vibes, Chill Island and the Hideaway offer a wide range of entertainment. With four different bars on the pool deck and new food booths serving diverse cuisines, there’s no shortage of culinary delights to satisfy every palate.

And that’s not all! Icon of the Seas also boasts the largest waterpark ever constructed on a cruise ship, the Category 6 Waterpark. With an abundance of pools and a multitude of amenities, this ship guarantees an unforgettable vacation experience.

Embarking on a Thrilling Journey

Icon of the Seas will embark on weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, visiting beautiful destinations such as Phillipsburg, St Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis; Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Perfect Day at CocoCay. The inaugural sailing of this monumental vessel is scheduled for January 27, 2024, with Miami serving as its homeport until April 2025.

Featuring an array of pools, innovative culinary offerings, and a plethora of activities, Icon of the Seas sets the stage for an unforgettable vacation. Stay tuned for the next episode of ‘Making an Icon,’ where Royal Caribbean unveils the crew’s very own neighborhood, an area no guests will ever witness.