Are you planning your next Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering which ship to choose? Two of their newest ships, Icon of the Seas and the upcoming Utopia of the Seas, are both excellent choices.
In this article, we’ll look at the similarities and differences between these two ships. We’ll compare the dining experiences, entertainment options, and physical dimensions. This article will help you find out which of these ships is best suited for your next cruise.
Utopia of the Seas, set to sail on July 19, 2024, is the latest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. It is equipped with luxurious amenities such as gourmet restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and expansive spa facilities.
The Icon of the Seas had its maiden voyage on January 27, 2024, and is the world’s largest cruise ship. This ship includes attractions like the largest water park at sea, a theater with live performances, and an adults-only area.
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Size
Gross tonnage
GT (gross tonnage) is used to measure a ship’s overall volume. With a GT of 227,700, Utopia of the Seas is similar in size to Harmony and Oasis of the Seas. The Icon of the Seas, at 248,663 GT, is the biggest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, and 21,663 GT larger than Utopia of the Seas.
Length
The Utopia of the Seas has a length of 1,188 ft. (362 m), while the Icon of the Seas has a length of 1,197 ft. (365 m). So, there isn’t much of a difference.
Beam (width)
The Utopia of the Seas has a beam (width) of 217 ft. (66 m), while the Icon of the Seas has a beam of 159 ft (48 m). To put it into perspective, the Utopia of the Seas has a beam (width) that is approximately 33% wider compared to the Icon of the Seas.
Draft
The draft is the distance from the waterline to the lowest part of a ship’s hull. This determines the minimum water depth needed for the ship to float without touching the bottom.
The Utopia of the Seas has a draft of 30 ft. (9 m), while the Icon of the Seas has a slightly larger draft of 30.3 ft. (9.25 m).
Decks
The Utopia of the Seas has 18 decks:
- Decks 2 & 3: Tendering facilities, a hospital, and cabins.
- Decks 4 & 5: Entertainment Place, a casino, Studio B, Promenade, lobby, shops, and a spa.
- Decks 6 to 8: Boardwalk, AquaTheater, gym, helideck, and Central Park.
- Decks 9 to 14: Mostly cabins. Deck 12 has the Bridge, and Deck 14 has kids’ facilities.
- Decks 9 to 11: Cabins
- Decks 15 to 18: Lido, pools, waterslides, sports areas, teen spaces, FlowRider, Ultimate Abyss, and exclusive suites.
The Icon of the Seas has 20 decks:
- Decks 2 & 3: Crew areas, tendering facilities, essential cabins, dining venues, a music hall, and a hospital.
- Decks 4 & 5: More cabins, dining areas, a casino, shops, a gym, and the Royal Promenade.
- Decks 6 to 8: Royal Promenade, Surfside, Splashaway, and Central Park.
- Decks 9 to 14: Cabins and wellness areas, including the bridge and two spas.
- Decks 15 to 18: AquaDome, AquaTheater, pools, suites, a mini golf course, Thrill Island, and sports areas.
- Decks 19 & 20: Sundecks and a Category 6 waterpark.
Passenger Capacity
The Utopia of the Seas can hold up to 6,988 passengers at maximum capacity. The Icon of the Seas can accommodate 5,610 passengers and up to 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity.
Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas: Ship Size Comparison
| Feature | Utopia of the Seas | Icon of the Seas |
| Length | 1,188 ft. (362 m) | 1,197 ft (365 m) |
| Gross tonnage | 236,860 | 248,663 |
| Beam (width) | 217 ft. (66 m) | 157 ft. (48 m) |
| Draft | 30 ft. (9 m) | 30.3 ft. (9.25 m) |
| Decks | 18 | 20 |
| Passenger capacity | 6,988 passengers | 7,600 passengers |
| Crew capacity | 2,290 | 2,350 |
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Neighborhoods
Both Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas share several neighborhoods, including The Royal Promenade, The Suite Neighborhood, and Central Park. However, both ships also have distinctive neighborhoods that set them apart from each other.
Neighborhoods on Utopia of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas offers three neighborhoods not found on Icon of the Seas: The Boardwalk, The Entertainment Zone, and The Pool & Sports Zone.
The Boardwalk neighborhood on Utopia of the Seas is a lively, family-friendly area inspired by traditional seaside piers and boardwalks. It offers a range of attractions and activities designed to entertain guests of all ages. With its classic carousel, dining options, and shops, this neighborhood provides a fun experience for the entire family.
The Entertainment Zone neighborhood on Utopia of the Seas is filled with various activities and venues to keep guests engaged throughout their cruise. This area features a comedy club, a theater for live performances, and a casino, making it perfect for evening activities and social gatherings.
The Pools & Sports Zone neighborhood is known for its two resort-style pools and an adults-only Solarium Pool. For those seeking thrills, the neighborhood includes the FlowRider surf simulator, the Ultimate Abyss—the longest dry slide at sea—and a mini-golf course with an underwater theme.
Neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas
On Icon of the Seas, you’ll find five neighborhoods not found on Utopia of the Seas: Surfside, Chill Island, Thrill Island, The Hideaway, and the AquaDome.
Surfside on Icon of the Seas is a lively neighborhood perfect for families. It offers a fun-filled environment where kids and adults can enjoy activities together. This area includes Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, and the Water’s Edge pool, ensuring plenty of water fun. Dining options like Pier 7 provide delicious beachside bites, and The Lemon Post Bar offers separate menus for kids and adults.
Chill Island is the perfect place to unwind on Icon of the Seas. This three-deck neighborhood features multiple pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea (as of 2024). It’s the ideal retreat for those who want to swim, play, grab a drink, or simply lounge and relax.
Thrill Island on Icon of the Seas is all about excitement and adventure. This neighborhood boasts the Category 6 waterpark with six waterslides and the Crown’s Edge ropes course. You’ll also find a climbing wall called Adrenaline Peak and the Lost Dunes mini-golf course. If you want something sweet, try the delicious high-end milkshakes at Desserted, which is right by the pool.
The Hideaway is a unique, secluded area on Icon of the Seas designed for relaxation. It features a suspended infinity pool that offers stunning ocean views. With its beach club vibe and various lounging and dining options, it’s a great place to unwind and relax.
Icon of the Seas also features the AquaDome, a multi-purpose area for entertainment, meals, and relaxation. At the front of the ship is the AquaTheater, an amphitheater-style space where you can watch spectacular high-diving shows and other performances.
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Poolside Activities
Both Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas offer a wide variety of poolside and water-related activities. Each ship features numerous pools, including adults-only areas and a mix of general access and exclusive pools. This variety ensures that every guest can find a spot to suit their preferences. Additionally, both ships offer hot tubs, waterslides, and the FlowRider surf simulator.
Icon of the Seas has seven pools and nine hot tubs, including the Royal Bay pool, the largest pool at sea. The ship is also known for ‘Category 6’, which is the largest waterpark at sea. This thrilling area features six different waterslides, from free-fall slides to family raft slides, suitable for all ages.
Utopia of the Seas, on the other hand, only offers three waterslides. One of its slides, the Ultimate Abyss, is the longest dry slide at sea. It provides an exhilarating descent from the upper decks to the Boardwalk below. Utopia also includes several pools and hot tubs, including many exclusive access areas.
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Entertainment and Recreation
Both ships provide a wide range of entertainment options, including theaters that host Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy clubs, and nightclubs. You’ll also find ice-skating rinks on both ships where you can enjoy world-class performances.
On the Icon of the Seas, you’ll find the AquaDome—a dome-shaped, glass-enclosed space atop the ship, measuring over 355,000 sq ft. Here, guests can watch Olympic-level high divers and aerialists showcase their skills. Also unique to the ship is Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, located in Central Park. This spot provides a relaxing environment where guests can enjoy live jazz and blues.
Meanwhile, the Utopia of the Seas continues to charm with its classic AquaTheater, where guests can watch divers and synchronized swimmers perform against a backdrop of the open sea. It also offers unique experiences like live music at the Music Hall and a taste of Southern hospitality at The Mason Jar, where delicious BBQ and live country music create a lively atmosphere.
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Thrills and Excitement
Both Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas offer a variety of activities that are perfect for anyone looking for fun. On both ships, you can surf the waves on the FlowRider, play a round of mini golf, climb up the rock climbing walls, or enjoy a game on the sports courts. If you love music, you can sing your heart out at Spotlight Karaoke, and if you’re into games, check out the arcade. For some action-packed fun, try your hand at laser tag, which is available on both ships.
While both ships have plenty to offer, each one has its own unique attractions as well. On Icon of the Seas, you can find thrilling water rides at Category 6 waterpark and a daring skywalk and zipline at Crown’s Edge. There’s also Social020, a special area just for teens. Meanwhile, Utopia of the Seas offers its own excitement with The Perfect Storm water slides and Studio B, where you can ice skate or watch a live show. There’s also an
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Cabins
Both Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas offer a range of room options, from affordable to luxurious, catering to various budget levels. They both have the standard Royal Caribbean room classes: interior, ocean view, balcony, and royal suite class.
Utopia of the Seas cabin overview
Utopia of the Seas offers an exclusive cabin known as The Solarium Suite, which provides 280-degree views and a spacious, luxurious hotel-like environment. This suite includes three bedrooms, accommodating up to 10 guests, and features an in-suite cinema, karaoke station, corner balcony with table tennis, a private whirlpool, and a two-story slide.
Other high-end cabins on the ship include the Ultimate Family Suite, Royal Loft Suite, and the Spacious AquaTheater Suite with a large balcony.
Utopia of the Seas also has new, larger interior cabins, some featuring simulated views through Virtual Balconies and others offering real views of Central Park or the Promenade.
Icon of the Seas cabin overview
The Icon of the Seas is renowned for its Ultimate Family Townhouse, one of the largest and most luxurious suites offered by Royal Caribbean. This impressive suite, which can cost over $70,000 for a seven-night cruise, features an in-suite slide, karaoke machine, backyard, indoor cinema, and more. It also has direct access to the exclusive Surfside area, making it perfect for families. Spanning three decks, the townhouse offers stunning balcony views.
Other suites include the Surfside Family Suite, offering easy-access and views of the Surfside neighborhood. The Infinite Grand Suite is another cabin, perfect for those looking for expansive views and a convertible balcony that brings the outside in.
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Dining and Culinary Experiences
Utopia of the Seas has 22 restaurants, with 11 complementary and 11 requiring an extra fee. Icon of the Seas features 24 dining options, including 12 complimentary and 12 specialty dining venues. Utopia of the Seas has 23 bars, while Icon of the Seas has 16 bars.
Both ships offer a variety of dining options, including the Main Dining Room, Windjammer Café, Coastal Kitchen, Park Café, El Loco Fresh, Sorrento’s, and several specialty restaurants. You’ll also find diverse cuisines such as American, Mexican, Italian, Asian, and seafood on both ships.
Utopia of the Seas dining overview
Windjammer Café is a versatile buffet restaurant with stunning views. It offers a wide variety of international and American dishes, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal at any time of day, from breakfast to dinner.
Sorrento’s brings a taste of New York with its classic and inventive pizzas. Whether you’re craving a classic slice or a gourmet pizza, this pizzeria has you covered. Chops GrilleSM & Trellis Bar is known for its expertly prepared steaks and seafood. Start with drinks at the Trellis Bar before enjoying your meal.
For a different taste, visit Izumi in the Park for freshly made sushi and other Asian dishes. For a fun, nostalgic experience, Johnny Rockets offers classic American comfort food like juicy burgers and creamy milkshakes. A new addition is Royal Railway – Utopia Station, a restaurant designed like a classic train car with immersive sights and sounds.
Icon of the Seas dining overview
The Aquadome Market is the first food hall in the Royal Caribbean fleet, with five different stands with a variety of global cuisines. From Mediterranean pitas to Korean dishes, it’s a culinary journey in one place. Coastal Kitchen, exclusively for suite guests, combines the fresh flavors of California with Mediterranean cuisine, providing an upscale yet casual dining experience.
El Loco Fresh is a vibrant spot for Mexican cuisine, offering freshly made burritos, tacos, and salsas. Known for its lively atmosphere and high-quality ingredients, it’s a favorite for quick and delicious meals. For a luxurious experience, the Empire Supper Club in Central Park offers an eight-course menu featuring premium American cuisine.
Chops Grille, an upscale steakhouse in Central Park, is known for its premium cuts of meat, including wagyu beef and bone-in tomahawks. The open kitchen also allows guests to watch the chefs at work. Izumi Hibachi and SushiSM offers a dynamic dining experience with fresh sushi and teppanyaki prepared at your table, with the option to dine al fresco in Central Park for the first time.
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Construction & Cost
The Icon of the Seas, constructed by Meyer Turku in Finland, was completed in June 2023. It took about 2 to 2.5 years of construction work, with an estimated cost of $2 billion. It is the first Royal Caribbean ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest fuel available for cruise ships. The construction involved the installation of a 363-ton glass and steel dome, one of the heaviest lifts for a cruise ship.
Meanwhile, the Utopia of the Seas is nearing completion in France by Chantiers de l’Atlantique and is also expected to have taken a similar time frame for construction. The cost to build Utopia of the Seas is not known yet. It’s expected to be lower than that of Icon of the Seas as it’s smaller and follows the design of other ships in the fleet, like Wonder of the Seas.
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Technological and Environmental Features
Both the Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas can be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), a form of natural gas mainly composed of methane that has been cooled to liquid form. However, Utopia of the Seas will be the first in its class to be fully powered by LNG. The Icon of the Seas uses six multi-fuel Wärtsilä engines, capable of running on both distillate fuel and LNG, generating a total of 67,500 kW of energy. Both ships feature powerful, computer-controlled propulsion systems for precise movements and adjustments.
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Which Should You Choose?
Both ships are great choices for those who have previously sailed with Royal Caribbean or similar lines. Whether you’re looking to keep the kids entertained, enjoy some relaxation, or simply take in the scenic views, both ships will get the job done.
Utopia of the Seas will start with shorter itineraries, making it great for those who prefer quick trips or are new to cruising. As an Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas will feel quite familiar if you’ve sailed on other ships in the same class. This can be great for those looking for a predictable experience.
Icon of the Seas focuses on 7-night itineraries, making it perfect for those who prefer longer cruises. As the first ship in the Icon-class, it has new and innovative features, such as unique neighborhoods and activities not found on other Royal Caribbean ships. This makes it great for cruisers seeking new and exciting experiences.
Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas – FAQ
Will Utopia of the Seas be the biggest ship?
No, Utopia of the Seas will not be the biggest ship. Instead, it will be the second largest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. The title of the biggest ship will go to the Icon of the Seas, with a gross tonnage of 250,800 GT.
What class of cruise ship is the Utopia of the Seas?
Utopia of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. This class is known for its large ships with plenty of amenities and attractions.
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