Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas: Which Cruise Ship is Bigger?

Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are two of the largest cruise ships in the world. Both are operated by Royal Caribbean International and offer luxurious amenities to passengers. However, there has been some debate about whether Icon of the Seas will be bigger than Wonder of the Seas.

According to some sources, Icon of the Seas will be slightly larger than Wonder of the Seas. At 250,800 tons, Icon of the Seas will measure just 6% bigger than the current size leader in the cruise world, Royal Caribbean’s 1-year-old Wonder of the Seas. However, other sources suggest that the two ships are about the same size, with Wonder of the Seas being only a dozen feet shorter than Icon of the Seas.

Regardless of the size difference, both ships offer a wide range of amenities and activities for passengers, including multiple dining options, entertainment venues, and recreational activities. Whether one ship is better than the other will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Overview of Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest and most anticipated cruise ship, set to debut in Fall 2023. The ship is part of the Icon Class, which is Royal Caribbean’s first new class of ship since the Quantum Class debuted in 2014. The Icon of the Seas is being built by the Finnish shipbuilding company, Meyer Turku.

The Icon of the Seas is expected to be the largest cruise ship in the world, even larger than Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, which is currently under construction. The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is a cleaner and more efficient fuel than traditional diesel. The Icon of the Seas is also expected to have a number of other environmentally friendly features, such as advanced wastewater treatment systems and energy-efficient LED lighting.

The ship will have a total capacity of 5,498 passengers and will feature a range of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy. These include multiple pools, waterslides, a surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, a zip line, a mini-golf course, a full-size basketball court, and a fitness center. The ship will also have a variety of dining options, including specialty restaurants, casual eateries, and a buffet. Guests will also be able to enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music, and other entertainment throughout their voyage.

In terms of size, the Icon of the Seas will be 6% larger than the Wonder of the Seas, which is currently the largest cruise ship in the world. The ship will have a gross tonnage of 231,000 and will measure 1,188 feet in length. The Icon of the Seas will also be 20 decks tall and will have a maximum speed of 22 knots.

Overview of Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas is a cruise ship that is part of the Oasis Class of Royal Caribbean International. It is the fifth ship in the Oasis Class and the largest cruise ship in the world. The ship was built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, and was delivered to Royal Caribbean in March 2022.

Wonder of the Seas is 362 meters long, 66 meters wide, and 72 meters high. It has a gross tonnage of 236,857 and can accommodate up to 6,988 passengers and 2,200 crew members. The ship has 18 decks and features a variety of amenities and activities, including:

• 23 swimming pools and whirlpools
• A two-story Ultimate Abyss slide
• A zip line
• A rock climbing wall
• A mini-golf course
• A full-sized basketball court
• A casino
• A theater
• A spa
• A fitness center

Wonder of the Seas also offers a wide range of dining options, with more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges. The ship has a variety of staterooms, including suites, balcony rooms, and interior rooms.

The ship sails to a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Asia. Wonder of the Seas is known for its size, luxury, and innovative features, and is a popular choice for travelers who want to experience a unique and unforgettable cruise vacation.

Comparison of Size

Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are two of the largest cruise ships in the world. In terms of overall tons, Icon of the Seas is 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas, with an internal volume of 250,800 Gross Tonnes compared to Wonder of the Seas’ 236,857 Gross Tonnes. Icon of the Seas is also longer, with a length of 1,198 feet (365 metres), compared to Wonder of the Seas’ 1,188 feet (362 metres).

While both ships can hold about the same number of passengers based on double occupancy, Icon of the Seas has a higher guest and crew capacity. Icon of the Seas has a total capacity of 6,988 guests and crew, while Wonder of the Seas can accommodate 6,780 guests and crew.

Icon of the Seas has 20 decks in total, including 18 that passengers can access, making it the biggest cruise ship in the world. In contrast, Wonder of the Seas has 18 decks, including 16 that passengers can access. Both ships have a high number of cabins, with Icon of the Seas having 2,857 cabins and Wonder of the Seas having 2,867 cabins.

Icon of the Seas also has a higher gross tonnage and a higher number of passenger decks. It is important to note that while Icon of the Seas is larger than Wonder of the Seas, both ships are massive and offer a wide range of amenities and activities for passengers to enjoy during their cruise.

Historical Context

The cruise industry has been growing rapidly over the past few decades, with new ships being launched every year. The size of these ships has also been increasing, as cruise lines try to outdo each other in terms of amenities and passenger capacity. In 2009, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas was launched, becoming the largest cruise ship in the world at the time. However, this record was broken in 2018 with the launch of Symphony of the Seas, which was even larger than Oasis of the Seas.

In 2022, Royal Caribbean launched Wonder of the Seas, which became the largest cruise ship in the world, surpassing Symphony of the Seas in size. Wonder of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 236,857 and can accommodate up to 6,988 passengers. It features a wide range of amenities, including a water park, a casino, a theater, and multiple dining options.

Now, in 2023, Royal Caribbean is set to launch another new ship: Icon of the Seas. This ship is generating a lot of buzz due to its size and features. According to some reports, Icon of the Seas will be even larger than Wonder of the Seas, making it the largest cruise ship in the world. However, there is some debate over whether this is actually the case.

Some experts have pointed out that Icon of the Seas is only 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas in terms of overall tonnage. Additionally, while Icon of the Seas will have a higher passenger capacity than Wonder of the Seas, the difference is relatively small. These experts argue that, while Icon of the Seas will be an impressive ship, it may not actually be significantly larger than Wonder of the Seas.

Implications of Size Differences

The size difference between the Icon of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas has several implications for passengers and the cruising experience.

Passenger Capacity

While both ships hold about the same number of passengers based on double occupancy, the Icon of the Seas is larger in terms of overall tons. This could mean that the ship has more space for amenities, larger staterooms, and more public areas. However, it’s important to note that a larger ship may also mean more passengers overall, which could lead to longer lines and more crowded spaces.

Amenities and Entertainment

The larger size of the Icon of the Seas may allow for more amenities and entertainment options. For example, the ship may have more restaurants, bars, and lounges, as well as larger theaters and more expansive pools and water parks. However, it’s important to note that the Wonder of the Seas is also a large and impressive ship, with plenty of amenities and entertainment options of its own.

Port Access

One potential drawback of a larger ship is that it may have limited access to some ports. While both the Icon of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas are likely to visit many of the same ports, there may be some destinations that the larger ship cannot reach due to size restrictions. This could limit the itinerary options for passengers on the Icon of the Seas.

Ultimately, the size difference between the Icon of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas may have both positive and negative implications for passengers. While a larger ship may offer more amenities and entertainment options, it may also be more crowded and have limited port access.

Future of Cruise Ship Design

Cruise ships have come a long way since their inception. From being mere vessels to transport passengers from one destination to another, they have now evolved into floating hotels with a plethora of amenities and activities. With each new ship, cruise lines are pushing the boundaries of design and technology to provide passengers with an unforgettable experience.

The future of cruise ship design is exciting and promising. Cruise lines are investing heavily in research and development to create ships that are not only bigger but also more efficient, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced. The use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is becoming increasingly common. Cruise lines are also exploring new materials and construction techniques to make ships lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient.

In terms of design, cruise lines are focusing on creating more open and flexible spaces that can be easily adapted to meet the needs of passengers. The use of modular and movable walls, furniture, and fixtures is becoming more prevalent to allow for customization and flexibility. The integration of technology is also a key aspect of future cruise ship design. From virtual reality experiences to smart cabins and wearable technology, cruise lines are looking to enhance the passenger experience through the use of technology.

Overall, the future of cruise ship design is bright. Cruise lines are investing heavily in research and development to create ships that are not only bigger but also more efficient, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced. With the integration of renewable energy sources, flexible and open spaces, and innovative technology, the cruise industry is poised to provide passengers with an unparalleled experience.