Breaking down the key features, specs, and offerings that set Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas apart.
The first thing I did onUtopia of the Seaswas snap two slices of pizza pie . I was sharp-set after traveling all dawn , and Sorrento ’s , the pizza shop you ’ll find on many ship across Royal Caribbean ’s fleet , was just step away from where I was receive aboard . As I hunched over my home plate of steaming blistering Malva sylvestris and pepperoni , my luggage at my foot , it hit me : My journey on the second - largestcruise shipin the worldly concern was already off to a markedly dissimilar start than the one I assume onthe world ’s biggest sail shipsix months earlier .
When I first rushed into the lobby of the latter ship , Icon of the Seas , I stopped in my tracks within irregular of give the warm gleaming ofthe Pearl , the striking , A-one - sized sphere at the inwardness of the ship . The kinetic sculpture , which also serves as a major structural keep , is an engineering instauration alone to the ship — perhaps an picture in its own right .
On Utopia , there was no Pearl to be found . While my pizza continued to cool , I take in the immediate dispute in the ships ’ layouts and appearances . Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas have a foresightful list of similarities as both are late ship in Royal Caribbean ’s fleet , but at the same time , they ’re dramatically different . From that point on , I could n’t help oneself but compare the two behemoths as I go over the monolithic ship . After all , I was one of the first to know Utopia ahead of its maiden voyage on July 19 , and as well , am among the first to have sailed on both it and Icon . I can now offer a unique and special perspective .
Photos by Tony Merevick for Thrillist
If you ’re just beget into sail , it ’s not easy to understand the major differences among Royal Caribbean ’s ships . veteran cruisers know that ’s kind of the point — a consistent experience across different offerings from the same brand . So if you ’re consider these two floating household holiday machines for your next adventure , it ’s significant to consider what ’s important to you . Is bigger always better ? Not inevitably . Is a unforesightful itinerary ideal ? Not for everyone . I ’ll disclose it all down for you .
Let’s start with the size of Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas
Ships are generally order in size by their gross tunnage , a standard of their overall internal volume . For this reason , Icon of the Seas is far and out the biggest sail ship on the satellite with a earthy tonnage of 248,663 , compared to Utopia ’s 236,473 .
However , there are plenty of other ways to measure a cruise ship , include length , the number of staterooms ( rider cabins ) , and rider electrical capacity . When you look at these metric , Utopia is n’t that far behind Icon . In fact , Utopia feature somewhat more staterooms than Icon ( 2,834 versus 2,805 ) and a slimly greater passenger capacity at two-fold occupation , or when two people stay in the same room—5,668 versus 5,610 , respectively . Meanwhile , Icon is just 12 feet longer than Utopia , with the former measure 1,196.7 feet and the latter coming in at 1,184.8 .
It ’s worth noting that you likely wo n’t have the hazard to genuinely see how the ships liken in size of it side by side any time soon . Utopia and Icon have yet to meet up at the same port and likely wo n’t for another two years or so , according to a Royal Caribbean spokesperson . That ’s probably for the best , see how many citizenry would be pass the two vessel at the same metre .
A view of the Royal Promenade on Utopia of the Seas.|Photo by Tony Merevick for Thrillist
The difference is detectable from the inside , though . The plebeian field throughout Icon of the Seas sense more wide and aery than those aboard Utopia . A great exemplification of this is the Royal Promenade , a themed area , or “ neighbourhood , ” you ’ll discover on both ships that ’s part antechamber , part shopping mall , and also the main thoroughfare of the ship . Whereas this part of the ship feels cavernous and all-inclusive open on Icon , it struck me as a bit cramped aboard Utopia , particularly when debark from the ship on the last day . A few foot here and there make a world of difference when you think about how much stuff is crammed onto these ships .
Both ships boast multiple neighborhoods that are designed to have clear-cut offerings and vibes , but I found that navigate from one to another on Utopia of the sea was n’t as seamless — often requiring passing through an elevator bank or venue to get to one from another . Thanks to the additional place and openness on Icon , neighborhood often flow into each other with less friction , allow you to shift gear mechanism and exchange scene via a casual perambulation or a flight of stairs at most .
Utopia and Icon represent two markedly different classes of ship
Royal Caribbean ’s ship classes stand for their latest and greatest formula of what a cruise ship can be . When a new course is launched , the first ship arrange the phase for late ships in the year , which often make upon the original while still following the same format . Cruise ship of the same class often attend alike , are standardized in size , and deal several features that are representative of the course of instruction . They ’re like categories and eras at the same fourth dimension .
Utopia of the Seas is the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean ’s democratic Oasis class , first launch with Oasis of the Seas in December 2009 , which makes it the up-to-the-minute and greatest — and , in fact , the biggest — version of an Oasis class ship . The four other ship in this class are Allure of the Seas ( 2010 ) , Harmony of the Seas ( 2016 ) , Symphony of the Seas ( 2018 ) , and Wonder of the Seas ( 2022 ) . A seventh and presently unknown Oasis class ship is slate for 2028 .
ikon of the Seas is the first of Royal ’s new Icon class . Currently , the fellowship contrive to build three of these ships . The 2nd will be named Star of the Seas and will launch in 2025 , and the third is yet to be named and is set to start cruising in 2026 .
Utopia of the Seas follows the same design and format of previous ships in the Oasis class.|Photo by Tony Merevick for Thrillist
In other words , Utopia is the product of unnumberable enhancements and learnings based on precursors in its socio-economic class , while Icon is the start of a Modern category only .
That ’s not to say that Utopia and Icon are n’t like in a destiny of ways . tone aboard the latter and it wo n’t take long to recognize lover - favorite amenities , attractions , and designing element carried over from the Oasis class . In fact , Icon features many of the same neighborhoods that Oasis form fans will know , include Central Park , Royal Promenade , and the Suite Neighborhood .
Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas amenities by the numbers
A flavour at the numbers helps to break down many of the similarities and deviation between the two ship . Here ’s how they heap up in some key areas , like dining and pocket billiards .
Utopia of the Seas
Decks:18 total , 16 for passengersNeighborhoods:8Kids & Teen Venues:6Complimentary din Options:10Specialty Dining Options:12Bars:13Pools:5Waterslides:3
Icon of the Seas
Decks:20 total , 18 for passengersNeighborhoods:8Kids & Teen Venues:6Complimentary Dining Options:13Specialty Dining Options:14Bars:18Pools:7Waterslides:6
How many days are sailings on Utopia of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas?
Royal Caribbean marketplace Utopia as a weekender sail , or in their very promotional words , the “ world ’s bad weekend . ” you could book three- or four - night weekend itineraries , which regal Caribbean view as a lower barrier to entree options and , at long last , less of a loyalty to first - time squad car . Perhaps the main merchandising point for these sailing is that you could enjoy all the furnishing of an absolutely monumental ship and still be back home for work the following Monday . It ’s notable because big ship typically sail longer and further and this ship offers the rarefied chance to live a megaship — and a brand - new one at that — without dedicate an full hebdomad to it .
On the other handwriting , Icon of the Seas put up week - long journeys with seven - night westerly or eastern Caribbean itineraries .
Where does Utopia sail from?
Utopia of the Seas sail from its home port of Port Canaveral in Florida . The port is easy to get to via Orlando International Airport ( roughly an 60 minutes drive ) . Meanwhile , Icon of the Seas is based a stone ’s confound off from Royal Caribbean ’s corporate headquarters at PortMiami in Miami , Florida .
It ’s deserving noting , however , that the company routinely repositions its ship at new home ports after a while , so it ’s potential that both will deepen some Clarence Day , specially as newer ships are append to the fleet .
How do the Utopia and Icon destinations compare?
Because sailings aboard Utopia are only a few days by design , you ’re going to stop at fewer destinations along the means — sometimes only Royal Caribbean ’s private island in the Bahamas , Perfect Day at CocoCay , look on the itinerary you choose . If all you ’re looking for is a day of slurping piña coladas on the beach , some extra waterslides ( admit the marvelous waterslide in North America ) , and maybe a few shoring pleasure trip like snorkeling , then CocoCay will do the job … even if that intend that your intact vacation will be confined to Royal Caribbean property . They do a good job .
Here are the five options available as of this authorship :
The destinations are limited , but at least there ’s an option to bypass CocoCay and the Bahamas and spend a daytime in Cozumel . Last clock time I was there , I did some of the best snorkel diving of my life at Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park . The shallow waters are arresting , the fish are vivacious and ample , and I even find out a few stingrays glide by while exploring a starfish sanctuary .
An aerial view of Perfect Day at CocoCay and the tallest waterslide in North America, Daredevil’s Peak.|Photo by Tony Merevick for Thrillist
As for Icon of the Seas , the list of destination admit in the various itineraries is long , with highlight in both the eastern and western Caribbean , including : Nassau , Perfect Day at CocoCay , Puerto Rico , St. Thomas , St. Kitts & Nevis , Honduras , and many more .
What are the key differences in food and drink options?
There ’s no shortage of restaurants and other places to grab food on either ship . Both are packed to the gill with gratis dining options , including the independent dining room and Windjammer snack bar , along with several more elevated speciality dining options that do with an upcharge . You ’d be challenged to regain a common area on these ship outside of the hall and elevator bank where food is n’t in visual modality , which is always gracious .
When it occur to gratuitous dining , both ship have the classic , include : Sorrento ’s , for pizza Park Cafe , for snap and go pungency ; Sprinkles , for sparkler cream ; El Loco Fresh , for Mexican ; and the principal dining room . In totality , there are 10 places for all - inclusive eats on Utopia and 13 on Icon .
The ships also share quite a few eating house concepts in the specialty dining category , which will bring to the cost of your sail . That is , if you ’re unforced to bounce for them when there are so many great spots offering costless grub on these ships . The main dining room ( included on both Utopia and Icon ) in particular is not to be overlook with its three - course meals and fancy cruise ship atmosphere . I ’ll never forget the surf ‘ northward turf I savored there and I could n’t get enough of the hearty chicken parmesan I had on another social function . I ’m not huge on counter , but masses also rave about Windjammer , a staple fibre on Royal Caribbean ship . Personally , I think it ’s best for breakfast because I can never have enough cured bitch hashish .
The “view” from inside the replica train car in Royal Railway: Utopia Station, an immersive dining experience.|Photo by Tony Merevick for Thrillist
If you are down to pay up for an upgraded meal ( you ’re on vacation , after all ) , you ’ll get eatery like Hooked Seafood ( stock seafood fare ) , Izumi ( hibachi and sushi ) , Giovanni ’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar ( get quick for ruby sauce ) , Chops Grille ( steak ) , Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade ( pub chow ) , and others on both ship . And both ships also have a Starbucks located in the Royal Promenade .
So yes , there are many similarities . However , each ship offer unique high-minded dining experiences worth noting .
On Utopia of the Seas , the marquise culinary attraction is Royal Railway : Utopia Station , an immersive food and entertainment experience that essentially set you on a caravan ride through the American West of the 1800s … while aboard the cruise ship . You literally dine at a table inside of a replication steam train with high - res screen “ windows ” displaying a practical landscape that simulates a move railroad train . There are even actor that move about the car as character in the story . And , of course , the computer menu is themed accordingly with western - inspired dish and cocktails .
If surf ‘n turf is on the menu in the main dining room on a Royal Caribbean cruise, get it.|Photo by Tony Merevick for Thrillist
While onboard , I toured the train car and try some of the food for thought and drink , and I can see how it ’d be a thrilling repast for folk music of all ages , but especially kid . It ’s deserving noting , however , that seating is limited to just 48 people per night . It run $ 120 per adult and $ 60 per child .
Icon ’s flagship dining oblation is similarly exclusive , but not quite as immersive . Empire Supper Club is a glamourous , upscale restaurant right off of the Central Park neighborhood of the ship . The little , yawl ‘ 20s - themed venue serves just 38 hoi polloi per Nox . Diners are treated to sultry alive jazz performance while taking in an eight - row repast where — get this — every dish is mate with a cocktail instead of wine-colored . It ’s effete . It ’s boozy . It ’s also $ 200 per mortal .
You ’re not go to go athirst on these ships . Like ever . One of my best-loved things to do in short after embarkation is grabbing a pepperoni cut at Sorrento ’s . And if you ’re advert out near the pool and waterpark on one of these ship , build up yourself with some quick chicken quesadilla at El Loco Fresh before your next rhythm of margs .
Bartenders at The Pesky Parrot nimbly rotate through the bar’s menu of sweet tropical drinks and spirit-forward sippers.|Photo by Tony Merevick for Thrillist
As with intellectual nourishment , it ’s hard to find a dapple on the ship where there ’s not something to drink just a few steps away on both of these vessels . I write extensively about my week - long bar crawl through Icon of the Seas ’s 18 bars and drinkable concepts . I spare my liver and did n’t go quite as hard on Utopia of the Seas , but I did get a look at all 13 of its ginmill , including a young concept sole to the ship , The Pesky Parrot .
Pesky , as I ended up calling it , is a tiki stripe that focuses on and highlights spirits from the Caribbean , including a new personal favorite of mine , Angostura 5 - Year Rum . The drink bill of fare will fill most drinkers , but specially those who love a angelic tropical drink . The Painchiller , a rummy - found frozen potable , for example , comes with an edible candy wheat . That ’s not to say you ca n’t find strong , look - forward drink here . I ordered the I - land Negroni — Aviation knock rummy , Lillet Blanc , and Ananas comosus amaro liqueur — and it was a deeply pleasant sip . And , I after ventured off the menu with a delicious rummy - based previous fashioned using the aforementioned Angostura rum .
I had n’t had that much fun at a cruise ship streak since Rye & Bean on Icon of the Seas , which is home to the ship ’s espresso martini machine and a smattering of other coffee - infused cocktail . regrettably , Utopia of the Seas has no such commodious espresso martini on tap ( you may still order them like you normally would at most of the bars , though ) .
Sea days mean splashing around at a pool party on the upper decks, or lounging in the shade. Up to you.|Photo by Tony Merevick for Thrillist
Bottom line : If you end up on these ship , The Pesky Parrot and Rye & Bean are required drinking .
Utopia of the Seas’s pools and waterpark vs. Icon’s
This one ’s easygoing : If you ’re a waterslide partisan , you have to get on Icon of the Seas . Category 6 , the ship ’s monumental main waterpark , features six sliding board and all of them are described with superlatives — the tallest free fall slide at ocean , the first family raft slide at sea , and the first duo mat racing slides at ocean , just to name a few . This is the go - to waterpark on a cruise ship . On top of that , Icon has a whole separate H2O ballpark dedicated to kids as part of the Surfside neighborhood .
Then again , Utopia ’s selection of slides is n’t anything to sneeze at — with three slides to keep you ( or your kids ) busy on a long ocean day . Utopia ’s underground arm in this fight , however , is the Ultimate Abyss , the world ’s longest dry slide ( no piddle ; you go down it on a gym mat ) at ocean . If you ’ve seen pictures of the ship ’s aft , then you ’ve probably noticed the tangle of imperial tubes that span almost every deck above pee on the ship . This is it . The duel slides span a banging 259 foot from start to finish , and take you from the sixteenth pack of cards to the 6th deck in just 19 s . The addition of rolling wave , which help you maintain speed , about halfway down the slide were an added thrill that made me audibly chortle out of surprise / fun / fear . The only downside of the Ultimate Abyss is that you have to take the lift back up 10 decks to do it again .
When it come to puddle , Icon has Utopia flap again , with its extensive selection of seven pools with alone vibraharp versus Utopia ’s collection of five pools . Do n’t get me wrong , five pools is plenty . You ’re not going to contend to cool down off in the water . However , I will say that it would have been courteous to have an eternity consortium suspended above the back end of the ship like the stunning one in The Hideaway adult - only neighborhood of Icon , but alas , that ’s roughly where the Ultimate Abyss is located on Utopia .
How do Utopia and Icon prices compare?
You ’re looking at Royal Caribbean ’s two biggest and new cruise ship , so get ready to husk out .
sail aboard Icon of the Seas start at about $ 3,000 for two adults in an interior stateroom , while sailings aboard Utopia — which , again , are shorter — start at roughly $ 1,200 for two adult in an interior way . These prices include an ongoing 60 % discount at the time of this writing . Keep in brain those price are before upcharges like the drink package , speciality dining , souvenirs , on - shore excursion , and other expense that will sure come up along the way .
