Royal Caribbean continues to grow with even larger cruise ships, and now that Icon of the Seas is part of the fleet, many will wonder how the giant vessel compares with the second largest in the fleet. That’s why we’re taking you on a wow factor with Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas!
Wonder of the Seas made headlines when it debuted just a few years ago as the largest cruise ship in the world. However, as Royal Caribbean frequently does, the cruise line has something even bigger and better to follow Wonder of the Seas, in 2024.
Icon of the Seas sets sail for the first time this year and it’s been long-awaited as not only the next, biggest cruise ship in Royal Caribbean International’s fleet, but in the world. It’s also one of the line’s (and world’s) most extravagant and impressive cruise ships to date. Seemingly endless entertainment and dining options await cruisers who snag a spot on this ship in the coming months.
However, while both Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are impressive, new and overall mammoth, there are differences between the two ships — differences that may sway you to book a cruise on one over the other. Wonder of the Seas is, of course, an Oasis-class ship, while Icon of the Seas introduces a new class of ships for Royal Caribbean, the Icon class, and that’s just where the differences start. So, what can you expect and which should you book? Here’s everything to know about Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas.
Is Icon of the Seas Larger Than Wonder of the Seas?
As mentioned, while Wonder of the Seas is big in every sense, Icon of the Seas surpasses it, as the latest and greatest biggest cruise ship in the world at two decks higher, 10 feet longer, and 69 more staterooms. Here’s how the two measure up.
| Stats | Icon of the Seas | Wonder of the Seas |
| Gross Tonnage | 250,800 | 235,600 |
| Length | 1,198 | 1,188 |
| Passenger Decks | 18 | 16 |
| Maximum Passenger Capacity | 7,600 | 7,084 |
| Passenger Capacity at Double Occupancy | 5,610 | 5,734 |
| Cabins | 2,805 | 2,874 |
| Crew Capacity | 2,350 | 2,300 |
You might notice something a little weird, though. While Icon of the Seas is, yes, technically larger than Wonder of the Seas by gross tons, with more passenger decks, it doesn’t have a higher passenger capacity at double occupancy.
Instead, the passenger capacity at double occupancy is decreased by about 100 people. However, the passenger capacity at maximum occupancy is larger on Icon of the Seas, by about 600 people.
What does this mean? Well, it means Royal Caribbean is likely expecting more suite stays on Icon of the Seas, with more than two passengers staying in a single accommodations option.
Overall, it seems like Royal Caribbean really focused on providing more fun, more options and more luxury to love in Icon of the Seas, versus simply just making a bigger ship to hold more people.
Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas: Construction Cost
Icon of the Seas was built at Meyer Turku in Turku, Finland and was one of the most expensive ships to build, ever, at a whopping $2 billion. She is also powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).
Wonder of the Seas, in comparison, cost $1.35 billion to build, substantially less, yet still impressive. Wonder of the Seas was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France.
As the fifth Oasis-class ship, Wonder of the Seas was ordered nearly a decade ago, before construction began in 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic did impact the ship’s construction, delaying the delivery date, originally slated for early 2021. The ship was, instead, delivered in early 2022, when it began sailing out of Florida.
Icon of the Seas was similarly ordered in 2016, as the very first in a new class of ships for Royal Caribbean. Construction for Icon of the Seas began in 2021, wrapping up in late 2023. A January 2024 christening and debut in Miami kicks off the ship’s upcoming year spent sailing the Caribbean.
Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas: Neighborhoods
Royal Caribbean’s ships are split into neighborhoods — areas of the ship designed around a certain theme, and often dedicated to a certain type of activity. Icon of the Seas features eight neighborhoods, including:
- AquaDome
- Central Park
- Chill Island
- Royal Promenade
- Surfside
- Suite Neighborhood
- Thrill Island
- The Hideaway
Wonder of the Seas actually features eight neighborhoods as well, but the neighborhoods aren’t the exact same as those you’ll find on Icon of the Seas. Icon of the Seas features a few new neighborhoods, while also improving upon a few of the shared neighborhoods. Wonder of the Seas’ eight neighborhoods include:
- Central Park
- Royal Promenade
- Suite Neighborhood
- Boardwalk
- Pool and Sports Zone
- Entertainment Place
- Youth Zone
- Vitality Spa and Fitness
So what can you expect in each of these options? Well, among the ship’s shared neighborhoods, Central Park offers an indoor green space. Lush and airy, it’s a central hub in which you can find entertainment and dining venues.
Similarly, each ship’s Royal Promenade is likewise a hub of activity, where you can go to people watch or find your way to the various venues along the promenade, including restaurants and retail. However, Icon of the Seas does feature that Iconic Pearl feature.
Both ships’ suite neighborhoods are exactly what they sound like: a neighborhood specifically designated for suite guests. Here, the ship’s VIP cruisers enjoy a bit of privacy from the rest of the cruising masses, with their own private pools and restaurants.
This is where the ships’ shared neighborhoods end. On Wonder of the Seas, you also have the boardwalk neighborhood, with its true boardwalk feel, with games, bright lights and plenty of activity.
The pool and sports zone is what you’d expect, with the ship’s pools and sports courts. Entertainment Place is likewise self-explanatory, housing the theater and casino, among other entertainment venues. The Youth Zone houses the ship’s children’s programming, including the Adventure Ocean kids club, arcade, and teen club. Lastly, the ship’s spa and fitness center get their own neighborhood.
On Icon of the Seas, the AquaDome is a new neighborhood that encompasses the AquaTheater, which you may have seen on past Royal Caribbean ships. It also, though, offers a bit of a nightlife location, with bars and restaurants.
Chill Island is the new name for the ship’s pool area. There are four pools here (though you’ll find three elsewhere on the ship). There are also several bars in the pool area.
Thrill Island offers more water-themed fun, with six new water slides. When the ship debuts, it will boast the tallest drop slide on a cruise ship to date, as well as a few “first” water slides for a cruise ship, such as a mat-racing duo slide and an open free-fall slide.
Surfside is all about families. This is where you’ll find the kiddy pools, but also the sports courts and children’s programming. The Hideaway is just that — a tranquil spot where those looking for something quieter can escape. There’s an infinity pool here, plus a bar.
