Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is known for its large cruise ships, packed with activities from morning until night. Guests can enjoy shows, pools, water rides, dining options, and family-friendly spaces all in one place. The cruise line visits many popular ports across the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and Asia. Rooms range from simple inside stays to large suites. It’s a good pick for families, couples, and groups who like action, fun, and easy planning at sea. Service stays friendly, and schedules feel easy to follow.
Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas is a popular comparison for travelers choosing a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Both ships are huge and packed with shows, pools, dining spots, and family spaces, yet the onboard feel is not the same. Icon brings newer areas and updated layouts, while Oasis keeps a familiar style many guests love. For a full Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas comparison, read the article for features, dining, and activities.
Ship Size: Icon of the Seas vs. Oasis of the Seas
Ship size is a big reason many people compare Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas. Icon of the Seas holds the title of the largest cruise ship in the world, with more decks and wider open spaces across the ship. Oasis of the Seas still feels massive and easy to move around, yet Icon offers extra room for pools, walkways, and family areas. Guests who enjoy space often notice the difference during busy sea days.
| Ship Name | Gross Tonnage | Number of Decks |
|---|---|---|
| Icon of the Seas | 248,663 | 20 |
| Oasis of the Seas | 226,838 | 18 |
Capacity of Passengers: Icon of the Seas vs. Oasis of the Seas
Passenger capacity plays a big role when comparing Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas. Icon of the Seas carries more guests than any other Royal Caribbean cruise ship, which means more families, larger crowds, and busier public areas during peak times. Oasis of the Seas hosts fewer passengers, so some areas may feel less packed. Travelers who care about crowd levels often look closely at passenger capacity before booking Icon of the Seas vs. Oasis of the Seas cruise comparison.
| Details | Icon of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Class | Icon | Oasis |
| Gross Tonnage | 248663 | 226838 |
| Length | 1198 feet | 1187 feet |
| Beam Width | 216 feet | 215 feet |
| Passenger Decks | 18 | 16 |
| Passengers (Double Occupancy) | 5600 | 5400 |
| Crew Members | 2350 | 2181 |
| Passenger to Crew Ratio | 2.4 | 2.6 |
| Space Ratio per Passenger | 45 | 40 |
Onboard Entertainment: Icon of the Seas vs. Oasis of the Seas
Onboard entertainment is a big highlight when people compare Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas. Icon of the Seas brings newer show spaces, large-scale productions, family-friendly shows, and tech-focused performances made for all ages. Oasis of the Seas focuses on classic Royal Caribbean entertainment with Broadway-style shows, ice skating shows, live music, and comedy acts. Both cruise ships keep nights busy, though Icon feels more modern while Oasis delivers familiar shows many guests already enjoy. Here is the deep dive into exactly what makes the entertainment on these two ships feel so different.
| Feature | Icon of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Theater Headliner | The Wizard of Oz: This show uses massive LED screens and 3D flying tech that sends characters zooming over the crowd. | Cats: A legendary Broadway production with amazing makeup and costumes, though the plot is a bit polarizing. |
| Aqua Shows | The AquaDome: It’s an indoor glass dome with a 55-foot waterfall and robotic arms. It feels like a futuristic circus. | The AquaTheater: This is an open-air stage at the back of the ship. Watching divers jump under the stars is a classic vibe. |
| Ice Skating | Absolute Zero: This is a huge circular ice rink. The shape means the skaters can go faster and you get a better view. | Studio B: A traditional square rink. It’s a bit smaller but still hosts great ice shows and glows in the dark laser tag. |
| Waterpark | Category 6: The biggest waterpark at sea with 6 record breaking slides, including a terrifying open-air freefall. | The Perfect Storm: Features three high speed twisting slides (Typhoon, Cyclone, and Supercell) that are plenty of fun. |
| Family Zone | Surfside: A dedicated neighborhood just for families with young kids. It has its own pool, splash park, and eateries. | The Boardwalk: Features a hand carved carousel, arcade, and Johnny Rockets. It feels like a classic seaside pier. |
| Adults Only | The Hideaway: This is a Vegas style beach club at the back of the ship with a suspended infinity pool and a DJ. | The Solarium: A peaceful, glass enclosed space at the front of the ship. It’s much quieter and great for reading. |
| Main Hub | Royal Promenade: Spans two decks and has massive windows to the sea. It feels open and bright with a pearl center. | Royal Promenade: A single level "indoor mall" street with shops, pubs, and the famous Rising Tide Bar. |
| Live Music | Dueling Pianos & Lou’s Jazz: Features a high energy piano bar where the crowd picks the songs and a soulful jazz club. | Music Hall & Jazz on 4: A two-story rock venue for tribute bands and an intimate, dark jazz lounge. |
| Thrill Factor | Crown’s Edge: Part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride where you dangle 154 feet above the ocean. | The Ultimate Abyss: A 10-story dry slide that drops you from the top deck down to the Boardwalk in seconds. |
Dining: Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas
Onboard dining on Icon of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas shows how Royal Caribbean has shaped food choices for different cruise guests. Icon of the Seas dining feels newer and wider in range, with fresh ideas, more casual spots, and dining made for families and groups. Oasis of the Seas dining stays closer to classic Royal Caribbean style, with many well-known restaurants and a strong focus on variety. Both ships include main dining rooms, buffet areas, and specialty dining, but the experience feels different once you sit down and start eating.
| Dining Category | Icon of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Main Buffet | Windjammer: Massive layout with stations to prevent long lines. It has huge windows for great views while you eat. | Windjammer: The classic buffet experience. It’s great but can feel a bit more crowded during peak breakfast hours. |
| Quick & Free | AquaDome Market: A true food hall with 5 stalls serving crepes, mac and cheese, gyros, and Asian bowls. | Park Cafe & Dog House: Known for the famous Kummelweck roast beef sandwich and a variety of gourmet hot dogs. |
| 24/7 Bites | Pearl Cafe: Replaces Cafe Promenade with better seating and elevated grab and go sandwiches and salads. | Cafe Promenade: The go to spot for late night pizza, small sandwiches, and coffee in the heart of the ship. |
| Specialty Steak | Chops Grille: Features an open kitchen and a butcher’s display so you can see the chefs at work. | Chops Grille: A dark, elegant, and quiet classic steakhouse tucked away in the trees of Central Park. |
| Italian Style | Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen: Located on the Royal Promenade. It’s high energy with a focus on pizzas and pasta. | Giovanni’s Table: Often found in Central Park, offering a more traditional and rustic Italian family dining vibe. |
| Mexican Food | El Loco Fresh: Huge outdoor spot with a massive salsa bar and plenty of seating near the pools. | El Loco Fresh: Great for quick tacos and burritos, usually located near the sports court and zip line. |
| Family Dining | Surfside Eatery: A buffet built specifically for kids with options like "hidden veggie" pasta and pancakes. | Johnny Rockets: Located on the Boardwalk for a 1950s dinner with shakes and burgers. |
| Exclusive Hits | Empire Supper Club: An 8 course meal with live jazz and cocktail pairings. It’s the fanciest spot on the ship. | 150 Central Park: A high end, multi course experience focusing on seasonal ingredients and fancy plating. |
| Sushi & More | Izumi in the Park: A walk-up window for sushi and taiyaki ice cream, plus the full sit-down restaurant. | Izumi: A traditional sit-down spot for hibachi and sushi, but no quick walk-up window for snacks. |
| Seafood Vibe | Hooked Seafood: Located inside the AquaDome with views of the show. Great for oysters and lobster rolls. | Hooked Seafood: Usually located at the front of the ship with massive windows looking over the ocean. |
Accommodations: Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas
Picking the right room on a cruise ship makes a huge difference in how much you enjoy your trip. Oasis of the Seas set the bar years ago with its cool split balconies that look over Central Park or the Boardwalk. It’s a classic setup that still feels fresh today. Icon of the Seas takes those ideas and makes the rooms much bigger and smarter. You’ll find more space for families and new types of balconies that turn your whole room into an outdoor porch with the touch of a button. While Oasis feels like a cozy city hotel, Icon feels like a modern beach resort with way more options for big groups.
| Room Category | Icon of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Balcony | Infinite Verandas: These rooms have a window that drops down halfway to create a balcony space inside your room. | Traditional Balconies: You have a glass door that slides open to a private outdoor deck with chairs. |
| Interior Views | Central Park & Surfside: You can get a balcony that looks over the lush gardens or the kid friendly Surfside area. | Central Park & Boardwalk: Rooms look out over the trees or the carousel and the AquaTheater. |
| Family Suites | Ultimate Family Townhouse: A three story house on the ship with its own slide, cinema, and backyard. | Ultimate Family Suite: A two story room with a slide, air hockey table, and a private popcorn maker. |
| New Family Rooms | Family Infinite Balcony: Features a separate alcove with bunk beds for kids, so everyone has their own space. | Family Interior/Ocean View: These are larger standard rooms but usually don't have separate sleeping nooks. |
| Suite Sun Decks | The Grove: A massive, two story private sun deck with its own pool and Mediterranean dining spot. | Suite Sun Deck: A nice private area for suite guests with loungers and a bar, but it’s only one level. |
| Bathroom Design | Modern Upgrades: Most rooms feature integrated showers with benches and more storage for toiletries. | Classic Style: Features the standard circular shower stalls with curtains or glass doors and basic shelving. |
| Tech Features | Smart Room Controls: You use a tablet or app to change the lights, temperature, and blinds from your bed. | Standard Controls: Uses traditional wall switches for lights and a manual thermostat for the air. |
| Solo Travelers | Studio Rooms: Specifically built for one person, so you don't have to pay a double occupancy fee. | Limited Studios: Only a few rooms exist for solo travelers, and they often sell out very fast. |
| Luxury Level | Star Tier Suites: Includes the Royal Loft and Icon Loft with floor to ceiling windows and amazing views. | Royal Loft Suites: Big two story suites with a piano and a huge balcony, but fewer total suite categories. |
Bars and Drinks: Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas
Bars and drinks on Icon of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas show two different sides of Royal Caribbean nightlife. Icon of the Seas brings fresh bar ideas, more open spaces, and drink spots made for social time with friends and family. Oasis of the Seas focuses on classic cruise bars that many guests already know and enjoy. Both ships offer a wide drink menu, popular cocktail bars, live music lounges, and drink packages, but the style and feel change from ship to ship.
| Bar Category | Icon of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| The Party Hub | Dueling Pianos: Two pianists take requests and battle it out while the whole crowd sings along. | Music Hall: A huge venue for live bands and tribute acts with plenty of room for dancing. |
| Classic Pub | Point and Feather: An English pub on the promenade with live guitar music and a huge dart area. | Globe and Atlas: A cozy, wood filled pub that feels like a traditional London spot for a pint. |
| Outdoor Sips | The Lime and Coconut: Spread across three decks with a tropical vibe and frozen signature drinks. | The Lime and Coconut: A two story colorful bar right in the middle of the pool deck action. |
| The "Wow" Bar | The Overlook: Located inside the AquaDome with pods you can sit in to look at the ocean. | Rising Tide Bar: An elevator bar that moves slowly up and down between three decks while you drink. |
| Sophisticated Drinks | 110 20: A high-end cocktail bar near the supper club that uses fancy tech to mix drinks. | Vintages: A quiet and dark wine bar with a massive list of bottles and some great tapas. |
| Jazz and Blues | Lou’s Jazz 'n Blues: An indoor-outdoor spot in Central Park that plays soulful live music. | Jazz on 4: A small, intimate club with a dark and moody vibe that feels like a secret city bar. |
| Robot Servers | Bionic Bar: Two robotic arms shake and stir your drinks while you watch on a screen. | Bionic Bar: The same cool robot tech found on the promenade for a quick, futuristic drink. |
| Hidden Gems | Bubbles: A walk-up champagne window in Central Park for a quick glass of fizz while you walk. | Trellis Bar: A classic outdoor bar tucked into the trees of Central Park for a quiet evening. |
| Sports Fans | Playmakers: A massive sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs, arcade games, and great wings. | Playmakers: Located on the Boardwalk with outdoor seating and a great view of the carousel. |
Itineraries: Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas
The itineraries on Icon of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas focus mainly on the Caribbean, but each ship offers a different travel style. Icon of the Seas itineraries center on shorter trips with big destinations and long port days, making them great for guests who want a packed cruise schedule. Oasis of the Seas itineraries offer more variety, with short trips, longer cruises, and visits to a wider range of ports. Both ships visit popular islands and private destinations, but the pace and route planning feel different.
| Travel Detail | Icon of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Home Port | Miami, Florida: It sails out of the brand-new Royal Caribbean terminal all year. | Varies: It often sails from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale but also heads to New York and Europe. |
| Typical Trip Length | 7 Night Vacations: It almost always sticks to weeklong Saturday or Sunday departures. | 3 to 7 Nights: You can find shorter weekend hops or full week long journeys. |
| Eastern Caribbean | Stops at places like St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Expect lots of beach time and shopping. | Visits similar spots but often adds in stops like San Juan, Puerto Rico. |
| Western Caribbean | Heads to Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Great for ruins and snorkeling. | Follows a similar path but might visit Falmouth, Jamaica more frequently. |
| Private Island | Every single sailing stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay. You get the full island experience. | Most sailings stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, but some European or special routes skip it. |
| European Summer | Not Available: This ship stays in the Americas to keep the waterpark running in the sun. | Mediterranean Routes: It often spends summers in Spain and Italy visiting places like Rome and Barcelona. |
| Northeast Sailings | No: It’s too big for many northern ports and built for warm weather only. | Cape Liberty, New Jersey: It sometimes sails from the NYC area to the Bahamas or Canada. |
| Perfect Day Access | Includes visits to Hideaway Beach, the new adults only area on the private island. | Standard access to the island, though it can be crowded when two ships are there. |
Cruise Cost: Icon of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas
Cruise costs on Icon of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas can vary depending on the time of year, cabin type, and how early you book. Icon of the Seas tends to be slightly higher in base fares because it is newer and has extra features, larger staterooms, and more dining options included. Oasis of the Seas usually has more flexible pricing with options for shorter or longer trips, making it easier to find deals. Both ships offer drink packages, specialty dining, and shore excursions that add to the overall cost, so it’s important to check what’s included when comparing prices.
| Cost Category | Icon of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Fare | $1,700* to $2,400* is the typical starting range for a standard 7-night cruise. | $700* to $1,200* is the usual starting price for a full week on this classic ship. |
| Interior Room | You will likely pay at least $1,100* per person for a room without a window on this ship. | Deals often drop as low as $550* per person during the slower sailing months like September. |
| Balcony Room | A standard balcony usually starts around $2,400* per person because demand for the new design is so high. | You can snag a balcony for about $950* per person on many Caribbean routes this year. |
| Drink Package | Daily rates for the deluxe package often hover between $80* and $115* per person. | Prices stay a bit lower with daily rates often landing between $65* and $90* per person. |
| Dining Package | An unlimited dining pass can cost over $400* for the week given the new high-end spots. | You can often find a 3-night dining deal for roughly $120* to $150* per person. |
| Family Townhouse | This massive three story suite can run anywhere from $20,000* to $75,000* for a single week. | The top tier suites are still expensive but usually max out around $15,000* for a week. |
| Gratuities | Expect to pay about $18.50* per person each day for standard rooms and slightly more for suites. | The daily service charge remains the same at $18.50* per person to cover the hard-working crew. |
| Wi-Fi Access | One device for the whole week will usually cost you about $180* to $210* if bought early. | Internet packages are priced similarly, but you might see a better "buy one get one" offer here. |
Final Words
When you compare Icon of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, both ships have strong points but offer different experiences. Icon of the Seas is newer, with modern dining, lively bars, and family-friendly spaces that feel fresh and exciting. Oasis of the Seas has a classic cruise style, with familiar dining, popular bars, and flexible itineraries that suit guests looking for variety. Cruise costs on Icon of the Seas are slightly higher, while Oasis of the Seas offers more options for shorter trips and budget planning.
In the end, both ships deliver strong Royal Caribbean experiences, and your choice comes down to the type of cruise experience you enjoy, the destinations you want to visit, and the style of onboard life you prefer.
