Icon of the Seas is the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class
It comes a week after the 7,600-passenger vessel was unveiled in Miami, the ship’s soon-to-be homeport, where it will sail a range of eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.
“The enthusiasm and excitement for Icon are undeniable in more ways than one,” said Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International.
“The incredible response we have received from our loyal guests, vacationers new to cruising, crew members and travel partners continues to come in, and this is just the beginning.”
The new ship features a range of firsts for the brand across eight “neighbourhoods”, giving it the line’s “biggest-ever” focus on families.
The icon will sail year-round on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami. Each cruise will visit the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and a mix of destinations such as Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, Saint Maarten; and Basseterre, Saint Kitts.
The mask mandate becomes optional on sailings from the U.S. and Puerto Rico on Feb. 25.
The company said it expects unvaccinated children to continue wearing masks indoors and in crowded settings. Masks are required for all children while at the Adventure Ocean youth program. Guests under 2 do not have to wear a mask at any time.
Masks are also optional at the company’s private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. Royal Caribbean said that at other ports, guests are advised to follow local regulations. Masks should also be worn at the cruise terminal during the boarding and screening process, as well as during disembarkation. Guests under 2 do not have to wear a mask at any time.
As for sailings in Europe, which are set to start this spring, Royal Caribbean said it has yet to determine its health and safety protocols for cruises in that region, with news coming soon.
After a 17-month pause, the Oasis of the Seas is back in cruise service for Royal Caribbean International.
Sailing on its first post-pandemic commercial cruise later today, the first Oasis-Class vessel is launching service from Bayonne, in the New York region.
Based in New York the first time, the vessel is now offering a series of seven-night voyages to the Bahamas.
Through the end of October, Oasis is making weekly visits to Nassau, Port Canaveral and Perfect Day at CocoCay – Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
After the New York program, the Oasis is repositioning to Miami for the winter season. Through December, the vessel is sailing alternate itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including stops in Mexico, Honduras, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico.
One of the world’s largest cruise ships, the 2009-built Oasis of the Seas has a capacity for over 5,400 guests.
Built-in Finland, the vessel introduced a groundbreaking design that is highlighted by features such as Central Park, a park with real plants, surrounded by shops and restaurants.
The vessel also has its public areas divided into seven different zones, known as neighbourhoods. Each one of them has a different appeal, with unique attractions. The BoardWalk, for instance, reproduces a seaside pier, with a carousel, carnival games, retail outlets and eateries.
The Oasis of the Seas was also the first ship to feature a dancing-waters theatre, a zip-line and a moving bar.
After a two months period in drydock, the ship emerged with new additions, such as the tallest slide at sea – Ultimate Abyss; The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides; a reimagined Caribbean pool deck; and new kids and teens spaces.
The Oasis of the Seas is the 14th Royal Caribbean ship to resume service since the COVID-19 pandemic operational pause.
Wetravel2u's Weblog 