Royal Caribbean International has revealed a first look at the Icon of the Seas, the first Icon Class ship scheduled to be delivered in late 2023 ahead of a January 24 debut.

“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group’s president and CEO. “From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.”

Bookings open on Royal Caribbean’s website on October 25. Crown & Anchor loyalty members will receive early access on October 24.

Royal Caribbean says that whether “family vacation” means getting away as a family, couple or friends, Icon’s lineup features a variety of firsts and favourites for everyone.

There will be adrenaline-pumping thrills, including the largest waterpark at sea, and many ways to relax with more ocean views and seven different pools – one for each day of the week. The ship will also feature a blend of more than 40 new and returning dining, bar and nightlife options.

“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

“Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritizing experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise.”

The ship will feature eight distinct ‘neighbourhoods’, including five new concepts. Each one is a destination in and of itself filled with an array of experiences, live entertainment and ways to grab a bite and a drink.

Here’s a look at the five new neighbourhood concepts on Icon of the Seas:

Thrill Island – This ‘lost island’ adventure will be home to highlights like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides: Pressure Drop and its 66-degree incline make it the industry’s first open free-fall slide; the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides at sea with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, cruising’s first mat-racing duo. Crown’s Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, culminating in a shocking moment that will see travellers swing 154 feet above the ocean.

Chill Island – Among the seven pools on board, four are in this three-deck Caribbean resort-style area. There’s a pool for every mood: the Swim & Tonic, the line’s first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, staking a claim as the largest pool at sea; Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.

Surfside – Designed for young families, this is a place where adults and kids ages six and under can stay and play all day. Grownups can soak up the endless views at Water’s Edge pool, as they keep an eye on the kids at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Only steps away are dining options, places to lounge, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teens.

The Hideaway – This neighbourhood is tucked away 135 feet above the ocean. It promises beach club vibes along with the uninterrupted ocean views only a cruise can offer. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the centre of it all, and it’s surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, a variety of seating and a dedicated bar.

AquaDome – Perched at the top of Icon, the AquaDome will be a tranquil oasis by day, where guests can enjoy wraparound ocean views as they enjoy a bite or drink. By night, it will be transformed, with restaurants, bars and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows at the AquaTheater. The entertainment venue will feature a transforming pool, four robotic arms, state-of-the-art projection and more.

Three returning neighbourhood favourites:

A grander Royal Promenade will feature floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges. A “more lush and livelier” Central Park will offer more ways to dine and be entertained, while the largest-ever Suite Neighbourhood will deliver three decks of luxury, including a multilevel suite sun deck – The Grove – with a private pool, whirlpool and dining, and a two-story Coastal Kitchen.

Icon will feature 28 different accommodation options designed for every type of vacationer. There are new layouts made for families of three, four, five and more, like the Family Infinite Balcony and Surfside Family Suite – with kids alcoves tucked away from the adults – and the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse.

The debut of Icon Class will also mark the next steps in Royal Caribbean’s journey toward a clean-energy future. Icon will be the cruise line’s first ship with fuel cell technology and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest-burning marine fuel. Along with other applications, such as shore power connection and waste heat recovery systems, RCI says the new ship will be the cruise line’s most sustainable to date.

Icon crew members will enjoy an enhanced experience too. Where they live and work has been reimagined with more intuitive design, amenities, room and activities, including a new, patented stateroom created by crew for crew.

Icon will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas.