Icon of the Seas is 6% larger than Symphony of the Seas with 20 decks vs 18, featuring Category 6 waterpark vs Perfect Storm slides, AquaDome vs AquaTheater location, and 8 neighborhoods vs 7. Icon offers more modern amenities and family-focused design while Symphony provides proven Oasis-class experience at potentially lower prices.
My teenager rolled her eyes when I suggested Icon over Symphony, claiming ‘bigger doesn’t mean better.’ After spending an entire day in just the AquaDome neighborhood – between the shows, food hall, and Overlook views – she admitted Icon’s layout actually made more sense than Symphony’s traditional design.
Want to know everything about the world’s largest cruise ship? Our complete Icon of the Seas Guide covers it all. Or see our complete guide to Symphony of the Seas.
Size Really Does Matter: The Numbers Behind the Giants
While both ships tower over most vessels on the seas, Icon’s extra 6% translates to meaningful differences in your cruise experience. Icon measures 365 meters long compared to Symphony’s 362 meters, but the real difference lies in gross tonnage – Icon clocks in at 250,800 GT versus Symphony’s 228,081 GT.
| Ship Feature | Icon of the Seas | Symphony of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 250,800 GT | 228,081 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 7,600 | 6,680 |
| Crew Members | 2,350 | 2,200 |
| Decks | 20 | 18 |
| Neighborhoods | 8 | 7 |
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Eight Neighborhoods vs Seven: Why That Extra Space Changes Everything
Symphony’s seven neighborhoods follow the proven Oasis-class formula: Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place, and Youth Zone. Icon takes this concept further with eight distinct areas that feel less cramped and more purposefully designed.
Icon’s eighth neighborhood, the AquaDome, serves as the ship’s crown jewel. This isn’t just another entertainment venue – it’s a 55-foot-tall glass dome housing restaurants, bars, and the most spectacular shows at sea. The AquaDome’s Overlook provides Instagram-worthy views that Symphony simply can’t match from its traditional AquaTheater location.
The AquaDome Advantage
Here’s what cruise veterans know: Icon’s AquaDome operates as three venues in one. During the day, it’s a casual dining and relaxation space. Evenings transform it into an entertainment venue with water shows featuring 30-foot-high dives. Late night, the space becomes an adults-only retreat with specialty cocktails and panoramic ocean views.
Category 6 Waterpark vs Splashaway Bay: The Ultimate Water Battle
Icon of the Seas water slides represent the next generation of cruise ship aquatic entertainment. The Category 6 waterpark spans multiple decks and includes six waterslides, including the industry’s first family raft slides at sea.
Symphony’s Perfect Storm area features three waterslides: the Cyclone, Typhoon, and Supercell. While thrilling, these slides represent older technology compared to Icon’s innovations.
Category 6 Breakdown
- Storm Surge: Two racing slides with translucent tubes extending over the ocean
- Hurricane Hunter: The longest waterslide at sea, stretching 218 feet
- Pressure Drop: Features the industry’s first open free-fall slide on a cruise ship
- Splash Summit: Four family-friendly slides including the first-ever family raft slides at sea
Symphony’s Splashaway Bay offers excellent family fun with smaller slides, water cannons, and splash zones. However, it feels dated compared to Category 6’s cutting-edge attractions.
Ultimate Family Townhouse vs Traditional Family Suites
Icon introduces the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three-level accommodation that redefines cruise ship living. These townhouses span 2,000 square feet across three floors, featuring a white picket fence entrance that opens onto the Central Park neighborhood.
Ultimate Family Townhouse Features
- Lower Level: Living room with pull-out sofa and entertainment center
- Middle Level: Master bedroom with king bed and ensuite bathroom
- Upper Level: Kids’ room with bunk beds and gaming area, plus second bathroom
- Outdoor Space: Private balcony with Central Park views
Symphony’s largest family accommodations include the Ultimate Family Suite with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a separate kids’ room with bunk beds. While spacious at 1,346 square feet, they lack the townhouse’s unique three-level design and direct neighborhood access.
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Dining and Entertainment: Where Modern Meets Proven
Icon features 28 dining options compared to Symphony’s 23, but numbers don’t tell the complete story. Icon’s restaurants integrate better with neighborhood themes, creating more immersive dining experiences.
Icon’s Standout Dining
- AquaDome Market: Food hall concept with multiple vendors under the glass dome
- Hooked Seafood: New England-style seafood house exclusive to Icon
- Izumi in the Park: Sushi restaurant relocated to Central Park for al fresco dining
Symphony maintains Royal Caribbean classics like Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table, with consistent quality that veterans appreciate. However, Icon’s dining venues feel more innovative and Instagram-ready.
Value Proposition: New vs Proven
Symphony typically costs 15-25% less than Icon for comparable itineraries and stateroom categories. This price difference reflects Icon’s newness and enhanced features, but Symphony offers proven entertainment, reliable service, and the same Royal Caribbean DNA.
Consider Symphony if you prioritize value and appreciate tried-and-true experiences. Choose Icon for cutting-edge amenities and bragging rights about sailing the world’s largest cruise ship.
Insider Tips for Choosing Between These Giants
Book Icon If:
- You’re traveling with teenagers who need constant stimulation
- Your group includes thrill-seekers who want the latest waterslide technology
- You value unique accommodations like the Ultimate Family Townhouse
- Social media documentation is important to your vacation
Choose Symphony If:
- You’re a first-time Royal Caribbean cruiser wanting proven experiences
- Budget considerations outweigh having the absolute latest features
- You prefer slightly less crowded pools and venues
- Your family enjoys classic cruise ship entertainment
Here’s what cruise insiders know: both ships can feel overwhelming on embarkation day. Download the Royal Caribbean app and study the deck plans before boarding. Mark must-do activities and make reservations immediately after checking in.
The Crowds Factor: What Size Really Means
Icon’s additional 920 passengers compared to Symphony might seem daunting, but the extra space generally compensates for crowd density. However, popular venues like Category 6 and the AquaDome can become congested during sea days and bad weather.
Pro tip: Visit headline attractions during port days when many passengers go ashore. You’ll find shorter lines for waterslides and better photo opportunities in signature spaces.
Comparing Icon to Other Royal Caribbean Ships
Understanding how Icon stacks against the entire fleet helps contextualize your choice. Check out our detailed comparisons: Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas, and Icon of the Seas vs Harmony of the Seas.
👉 👉 Book direct: Get exclusive deals on your next Icon of the Seas Cruise
Bonus Tips From Cruise Aficionados
Icon-Specific Strategies
- AquaDome Timing: Visit during dinner hours (6-8 PM) for the best photo opportunities without crowds
- Category 6 Hack: The waterpark typically opens 30 minutes after most passengers finish breakfast – arrive early for no-wait slide access
- Townhouse Booking: These suites book up fastest, often selling out within hours of opening for sale
Symphony Advantages
- Perfect Storm Peak Times: Less crowded than Icon’s Category 6, making it easier to ride multiple slides quickly
- Dining Reservations: Easier to secure than Icon’s popular new restaurants
- Suite Upgrades: Higher likelihood of complimentary upgrades due to less demand
Technical Innovations: Icon’s Engineering Marvels
Icon represents Royal Caribbean’s most advanced engineering, featuring improved waste management, energy efficiency, and stabilization systems. The ship’s LNG fuel system reduces environmental impact while providing smoother operation in rough seas.
Symphony, while slightly older in design, benefits from Oasis-class refinements developed over multiple ship builds. This translates to fewer operational hiccups and more predictable service delivery.
Common Questions and FAQ
Which ship has better WiFi coverage?
Icon features Royal Caribbean’s latest VOOM internet technology with faster speeds and better coverage throughout the ship, including outdoor deck areas where Symphony sometimes struggles with connectivity.
Do both ships visit the same ports?
Both ships primarily sail Caribbean itineraries from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but Icon’s routes focus more heavily on Royal Caribbean’s private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay, while Symphony offers more varied port selections including some Eastern Caribbean stops.
Are the adult-only areas significantly different?
Icon’s Solarium feels more spacious and features better integration with dining options, while Symphony’s adult retreat offers more traditional cruise ship spa-style relaxation with proven amenities that many passengers prefer.
Which ship is better for multi-generational families?
Icon’s Ultimate Family Townhouse and enhanced kids’ programming make it superior for large family groups, but Symphony’s more predictable layout and slightly calmer atmosphere often work better for grandparents and mobility-impaired family members.
How do the specialty dining costs compare?
Icon’s newer specialty restaurants typically cost $5-15 more per person than Symphony’s equivalent venues, but Icon often includes more elaborate presentations and unique menu items that justify the premium pricing.
Which ship has better entertainment options for teenagers?
Icon wins decisively with Category 6 waterpark, larger arcade spaces, and more social media-worthy venues, while Symphony’s teen areas feel smaller and less exciting by comparison to modern cruise ship standards.
