Get Latest Business News from All Over the World 24/7 throughout the Year: Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise ship is almost finished construction — see what it looks like now compared to what the cruise line is promising

A collage of the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Aqua Dome under construction compared to renderings of the venue — Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will begin revenue sailings in January 2024.
Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

Icon of the Seas — Royal Caribbean's next world's largest cruise ship — will begin sailing in January 2024.
Meyer Turku shipyard will deliver the Icon of the Seas to Royal Caribbean in October.
See what the ship looks like about 70% complete compared to what Royal Caribbean has been promising.

Royal Caribbean International's upcoming Icon of the Seas is still under construction ahead of its January 2024 debut but some spaces are already starting to resemble the renderings that captivated cruise fans in 2022.

When complete, the over $2 billion project will be the first ship in Royal Caribbean's new Icon-class. And ahead of its first revenue sailings, the vessel has already drummed up plenty of attention from travelers eagerly planning next year's vacation.

In late October 2022, over a year after construction first began, Royal Caribbean gave the public a glimpse of the ship and its amenities. Soon after, this set off a frenzy of interest. And when reservations finally opened five days later, the cruise line experienced its best booking day in the company's history.

In mid-May, Royal Caribbean and shipyard Meyer Turku invited reporters to tour the floating resort, which will be complete in October.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas's exterior while under construction and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

As of now, it's over 70% finished. But the final aesthetic finishes that will make the vessel look more like a cruise ship won't be installed until the final 10%.

A collage of the rendering of the family infinite ocean view balcony stateroom with what the children's "annex" looks like now under construction — Brittany Chang/Insider

Despite this, several of the neighborhoods are already taking shape and looking more like the renderings that captivated travelers in October 2022.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas _ and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

Let's take a closer look at how its current state compares to what Royal Caribbean has promised guests.

One of the most striking neighborhoods (so far) is the Aquadome, a buzzing destination held together by a large glass dome that took the shipyard two years to build.

In a few months, this indoor venue will become a go-to for dining, drinks, and entertainment.

Here, travelers can grab a coffee or an espresso martini at Rye and Bean …

… or catch an aqua show at the cruise line's signature Aqua Theater.

A collage of the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas AquaTheater under construction compared to renderings of the venue — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

There will also be plenty of walkways for travelers to take in views of the ocean and elevated lounge pods, the latter a first for the brand.

Like the name implies, Central Park will be an open-aired walkway with thousands of plants.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Central Park neighborhood and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

Compared to areas like the Aquadome, this leisurely walkway will likely be more laid back, the home of several bars including one with live music

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Central Park neighborhood bar and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

Trellis Bar, a recognizable watering hole on other Royal Caribbean ships, will serve up cocktails and small bites …

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Central Park neighborhood's Trellis Bar and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

… while Bubbles will be a destination for beverages like champagne.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Central Park neighborhood's Bubbles and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

Where Central Park is a quiet and more adult getaway, Thrill Island will be a mecca for children looking for, unsurprisingly, a thrill.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Thrill Island's Category 6 water park and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

Here, there will be an island and wreckage-themed mini golf course …

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Thrill Island's Category Thrill Island's mini golf course and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

… a large rock climbing wall with views of the ocean, a surf simulator …

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Thrill Island's Category rock climbing wall and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

… and Crown's Edge, a suspenseful (literally) "skywalk" that will send adrenaline junkies out over 150 feet above the sea.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Thrill Island's Category Crown's Edge and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

Thrill Island's crown jewel will be Category 6, which Royal Caribbean says will be the largest water park at sea.

Here, guests can indulge in a free-fall water slide, racing slides, and share a raft with their family down another slide.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Thrill Island's Category Thrill Island and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

While Thrill Island is action-packed, think of Surfside as a Central Park for families with younger children.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas's Surfside eateries and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

Like Central Park, Surfside is an outdoor walkway.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas's Surfside arcade and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

But here, there are food options like snacks, an all-day brunch, a buffet …

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas's Surfside and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

… and a restaurant with menus for both adults and children, including kid-friendly "mocktails."

It'll also be where families can find dance parties, bedtime stories, and festivals ...

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas's Surfside water park and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

… as well as an arcade, a carousel, and a small water play area.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas's Surfside carousel and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

Back inside, if you're nursing a sunburn and need a break — maybe a drink — indoors, the Royal Promenade is filled with options.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade with bars and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

The indoor neighborhood will be lined with expansive windows and 15 restaurants and bars.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade with a dueling piano bar and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

This includes an English pub, a karaoke bar, and the new-to-brand Dueling Pianos.

While the Suites neighborhood won't be accessible to all guests — like the name implies, it's only for travelers staying in suites — this neighborhood is already well underway.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas' suite neighborhood with a pool and bar and dining tables and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

These higher-paying guests will have access to exclusive amenities like a bi-level sun deck and a private restaurant.

A collage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas' suite neighborhood with lounge chairs and outdoor dining and Royal Caribbean’s rendering of the space. — Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

The ship and its future guests will embark on seven-night roundtrip sailings starting January 2024 from Miami to the Caribbean and Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.