Voyager of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas

Stepping aboard Voyager of the Seas, you'll immediately feel a sense of classic cruise comfort with a lively, refreshed energy. Refurbished in 2019, this vessel, originally launched in 1998, carries 3,258 passengers across 14 decks, offering a familiar yet exciting environment. The ship's layout encourages exploration, with a focus on active fun and social spaces. It maintains a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere, making it easy to navigate and feel at home. The vibe here is about enjoying well-loved Royal Caribbean staples and a genuinely fun, accessible cruise experience.

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas, a mega-ship launched in 2023, is a floating resort designed to be the ultimate family destination. With 20 decks and a capacity for 5,610 passengers, it offers an expansive, innovative, and visually stunning environment. The ship is divided into eight distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and activities, creating a sense of discovery around every corner. The overall vibe is one of constant excitement and choice, where groundbreaking thrills and serene retreats coexist, all centered around a bold, modern resort style that truly aims to impress.

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas cultivates a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that balances activity with opportunities for relaxation. With a crew of 1,176 attending to 3,258 passengers, the ship maintains a good guest-to-crew ratio, contributing to attentive service without feeling overly crowded. The energy is lively, especially around the FlowRider, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and the Royal Promenade, which buzzes with shops and cafes. It's a ship where families, couples, and friends can easily find their rhythm, whether it’s engaging in a laser tag battle or enjoying a quiet moment in the adults-only Solarium.

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is a bustling, high-energy environment, a true family resort at sea, accommodating 5,610 passengers with a substantial crew of 2,350. The atmosphere is meticulously crafted across its eight neighborhoods, from the splashy fun of Surfside to the tranquil adults-only Hideaway. Despite its large capacity, the ship's thoughtful design aims to distribute crowds, though popular areas like the AquaDome Market can get busy. It's a social and engaging ship, perfect for those who thrive on constant stimulation, diverse activities, and a lively, celebratory mood with plenty of opportunities for both shared and individual experiences.

Voyager of the Seas

Dining on Voyager of the Seas offers a mix of complimentary and specialty options. The Main Dining Room spans three decks, providing a classic, elegant experience with rotating international menus, including dishes like Moroccan spiced ahi tuna or veal osso buco. For casual meals, Windjammer Marketplace serves a global buffet, while Café Promenade is open 24 hours for quick bites. Specialty options like the traditional American steakhouse Chops Grille, family-style Italian at Giovanni's Table, and Japanese fusion at Izumi offer refined experiences for an additional charge, catering to diverse tastes with quality ingredients.

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas elevates dining with over 40 ways to eat and drink, ensuring an incredible choice for every palate. Complimentary options range from the expansive Windjammer Marketplace and the new AquaDome Market food hall to family-focused Surfside Eatery and Pearl Cafe with ocean views. Specialty dining is a highlight, with new venues like the upscale Empire Supper Club, the casual California cuisine of Pier 7, and the New England-style Hooked Seafood. Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi also return, providing diverse culinary journeys, many with al fresco settings, catering to a wide array of preferences.

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas delivers a robust entertainment lineup. The La Scala Theatre hosts Broadway-style productions and guest entertainers, while Studio B transforms into an ice-skating rink for captivating shows and laser tag in Battle for Planet Z. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the FlowRider surf simulator and The Perfect Storm waterslides (Typhoon and Cyclone). For evening relaxation and socializing, venues like the Schooner Bar offer live piano music, the English Pub has pop-up performances, and the Viking Crown Lounge provides panoramic views with dancing. There's also Casino Royale, outdoor film nights, and various themed parties.

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas sets a new benchmark for entertainment and nightlife, featuring groundbreaking attractions and immersive venues. The AquaTheater presents gravity-defying aqua shows like "Aqua Action!" and "Pirates vs. Mermaids," while Absolute Zero hosts spectacular ice-skating productions like "A New Spin on Storytime." Thrill Island boasts the Category 6 waterpark and the adrenaline-pumping Crown's Edge. Evenings come alive with Dueling Pianos, the intimate comedy club The Attic, and live music at Lou’s Jazz 'n Blues. The Music Hall offers cover bands and dancing, ensuring a dynamic and diverse array of after-dark options for every mood and preference.

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas offers 1,800 cabins, including 569 large cabins, with options spanning interior, oceanview, balcony, and suites. Interior cabins are 160 sq. ft., with some Royal Promenade view interiors at 167 sq. ft. and others featuring 'virtual balconies.' Oceanview cabins range from 160 sq. ft. to Panoramic (191 sq. ft.) and Spacious (211 sq. ft.). Balcony cabins provide 162 sq. ft. indoors with a 42 sq. ft. balcony. Suites range from Junior Suites (277 sq. ft.) with bathtubs, to the expansive Royal Suite (1,260 sq. ft. with a 196 sq. ft. balcony) which includes a whirlpool. While well-maintained, cabins feature standard amenities with US and European outlets, lacking modern USB ports.

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas boasts 2,805 cabins across 28 subcategories, with over 80% designed for three or more guests, reflecting its family focus. Standard cabins feature a subdued modern palette, with comfortable king-convertible twin beds, ample USB and North American outlets, and sufficient storage. A significant innovation is the prevalence of infinite balconies (windows that drop down) and larger family-specific cabins, such as the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony (509 sq. ft. with 107 sq. ft. balcony) and the unique Ultimate Family Townhouse (1,772 sq. ft. over two levels with a slide and a backyard). Suites are categorized into Sea, Sky, and Star tiers, offering escalating perks and exclusive access to areas like Coastal Kitchen and The Grove Suite Sun Deck.

Voyager of the Seas

On Voyager of the Seas, the service is generally attentive and friendly, with a crew-to-guest ratio that allows for personalized interactions. The onboard style is classic Royal Caribbean, having been refreshed during its 2019 refurbishment to incorporate modern touches while retaining its familiar charm. The ship’s public spaces, from the elegant Main Dining Room to the bustling Royal Promenade and the retro R Bar, contribute to a casual yet engaging atmosphere. There's a clear emphasis on ensuring guests feel welcome and comfortable, whether they're seeking active fun or a relaxed moment, embodying a reliable and enjoyable cruise experience.

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas, as a brand-new vessel, offers an elevated and highly efficient service experience, supported by its extensive crew. The onboard style is definitively premium resort, with innovative design elements and a vibrant aesthetic across its eight neighborhoods. From the sleek AquaDome to the lush Central Park, every space is meticulously crafted to enhance the guest experience. Suite guests benefit from exclusive Royal Genie service and dedicated lounge access, ensuring a highly Personalized journey. The overall style is modern, dynamic, and geared towards delivering a seamless, high-quality vacation, where every detail is considered to maximize enjoyment and comfort for its diverse passenger base.

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas offers a diverse range of itineraries that appeal to different preferences. Its Alaska Adventure and Experience cruises provide opportunities for breathtaking scenery and shore excursions like snorkeling and scuba diving. For those seeking warmer climes, the ship sails to the South Pacific and offers various Mexico cruises, including stops in Ensenada, Cabo, and Mazatlan. Additionally, shorter Brisbane Getaways and longer Transpacific cruises offer unique options. The ship's robust activity set makes it suitable for itineraries with ample sea days, ensuring guests are constantly entertained regardless of the destination.

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas primarily focuses on the Caribbean, with itineraries centered around Perfect Day at CocoCay and other Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations. This emphasis allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the ship's extensive onboard offerings, complemented by a visit to Royal Caribbean's private island, which itself boasts multiple waterslides and diverse activities. The shorter durations of many of these cruises, typically 7 nights, are ideal for families looking for a concentrated, action-packed vacation experience where the ship's innovative features are a major draw, rather than just a means to reach a destination.