Royal Caribbean International has revealed the first look at its newest ship, Icon of the Seas.

The ship, which will become the world’s biggest cruise ship when it sets sail in January 2024 and the first in the line’s new Icon class, has been described as the “travel industry’s first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation”.

On board, it will have eight neighbourhoods, as they are known, five that are new to Icon of the Seas.

These will include Thrill Island, a lost island adventure that will feature Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, and Surfside, a neighbourhood made for young families.

The AquaDome is also new. During the day this will be a “tranquil oasis”, said Royal Caribbean, transforming at night to a  “vibrant place great for a night out… and marquee aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheatre”.

Icon of the Seas will sail seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries from Miami when it launches.

Every cruise will include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean taking ‘bold’ steps

Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty said: “With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love.

“From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea.

“With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.”

Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley added: “Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation.

“Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritising experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures.

“We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise.

“It’s this first-of-its-kind combination that makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is here.”