Icon Of The Seas vs Utopia Of The Seas: Which Royal Caribbean Cruise Is Best?

2 Jul 2025

If you're dreaming of a sun-drenched getaway with waterparks, fine dining, and floating neighbourhoods, Royal Caribbean has two show-stopping ships for you to choose from: Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. But which one should you book for your next big vacation?

Both vessels are among the largest cruise ships in the world and boast incredible features, from adrenaline-pumping waterslides to elegant supper clubs.

In this guide from the Slingo Lifestyle Blog, we compare the two ships across several key areas to help you pick the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise.

Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas: A Brief Overview

Icon of the Seas

Launched in 2024, Icon of the Seas is the first ship in Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class. With a gross tonnage of 250,800, it currently holds the title of the largest cruise ship in the world. It sails primarily on seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami, offering a week-long escape packed with entertainment, activities, and luxury.

Icon is known for its modern design, innovative features like The Pearl kinetic sculpture, and the largest waterpark at sea. It offers eight neighbourhoods, including the luxurious Suite Neighbourhood, and plenty of complimentary and speciality dining.

Utopia of the Seas

Debuting in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas is the sixth and final Oasis-class ship. Slightly smaller than Icon in gross tonnage (236,473 GT), Utopia focuses on shorter cruises from Port Canaveral, typically three- to four-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Utopia is all about weekend fun, making it a great option for first-time cruisers or those after a quick tropical escape. It maintains many of the beloved Oasis-class features with a few upgrades, including immersive dining venues and lively entertainment options.

Explore another Oasis class ship, Symphony of the Seas in our comparison guide: Symphony of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas.

Which Cruise is Best: Icon of the Seas vs Utopia of the Seas

Ship Size and Passenger Capacity

Icon of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 248,663
Length: 1,198 ft
Double occupancy: 5,610 passengers
Staterooms: 2,805

Icon is the first of its class and is designed for sprawling, week-long voyages. It feels open and airy, thanks to its modern architecture and clever layout, including wide Royal Promenade corridors and seamless transitions between neighbourhoods.

Score: 9/10

Utopia of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 236,857
Length: 1,188 ft
Double occupancy: 5,668 passengers
Staterooms: 2,834

Utopia is slightly more compact but still massive. Some guests may find areas like the Royal Promenade feel tighter, especially during embarkation and disembarkation. Despite this, it's still among the largest cruise ships in the world.

Score: 8/10

Rooms and Cabins

Icon of the Seas

Icon offers a diverse range of accommodation, from standard interior rooms to sprawling family suites. Unique options include:

Ultimate Family Townhouse
Surfside Family Suites
Spacious Balcony Rooms

These rooms are well-designed, family-friendly, and feature modern amenities and layouts.

Score: 9/10

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia features classic Royal Caribbean stateroom categories, such as interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite. While still luxurious, it doesn't offer as many of the next-gen layouts seen on Icon.

Score: 7.5/10

Dining Options and Bars

Icon of the Seas

Icon offers:

13 complimentary dining options
14 specialty dining restaurants
18 bars and lounges

Notable venues include:

Empire Supper Club for an immersive dining experience
Chops Grille and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen
Hooked Seafood for fresh ocean fare
Creative cocktail bars with frozen cocktails and mixologist-led experiences

Score: 9.5/10

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia offers:

10 complimentary dining options
12 speciality restaurants
13 bars

Its culinary focus is more casual and fast-paced, suited for shorter stays. Highlights include:

Royal Railway – Utopia Station, a train-themed immersive dining venue
The Mason Jar and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

Score: 8.5/10

Activities and Entertainment

Icon of the Seas

Icon is packed with high-energy experiences:

Category 6: The largest waterpark at sea
The Hideaway: An adults-only beach club
Absolute Zero ice arena
Surfside neighbourhood for families
Nightlife, Broadway-style shows, and live music venues

Score: 10/10

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia focuses on bolder bonding in shorter timeframes:

3 waterslides
Splashaway Bay and Perfect Storm
Casino Royale, comedy clubs, and poolside movies

While action-packed, Utopia is more limited by cruise duration.

Score: 8/10

Costs and Pricing

Icon of the Seas

Longer voyages and bigger experiences come at a cost. Expect to pay more per night compared to other ships in the fleet. However, for a full week of adventure, it delivers tremendous value.

Score: 7.5/10

Utopia of the Seas

Shorter cruises and a slightly smaller ship mean lower prices and less time off work. Utopia offers an excellent entry point into cruising with Royal Caribbean.

Score: 9/10

Icon of the Seas vs Utopia of the Seas: The Verdict

Final Verdict

If you're after a week-long luxury vacation with everything from the tallest waterslides to immersive dining, Icon of the Seas is the winner. But for a quick and energetic escape that doesn’t compromise on fun, Utopia of the Seas is a brilliant choice.

Whichever of the two vessels you pick, one thing is certain: Royal Caribbean knows how to deliver unforgettable adventures at sea.

Find The Trip Of A Lifetime With Slingo

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FAQs

How big is Utopia of the Seas?

Utopia of the Seas clocks in at a gross tonnage of 236,473, making it one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It's the sixth and final ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, and it stretches just under 1,188 feet in length.

Basically, it's a floating city, with all the restaurants, bars, pools, and thrills you'd expect from a weekend on the water.

How many passengers can Utopia of the Seas hold?

At double occupancy, Utopia of the Seas can host around 5,668 guests. But if every stateroom is fully booked, it can carry up to 7,958 passengers, plus crew! It’s built for big energy, bold fun, and plenty of room to relax in between.

Where does Utopia of the Seas travel to?

Utopia sets sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, and focuses on shorter three- to four-night getaways to the Bahamas, including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise.

It’s the ultimate pick for anyone after a quick escape with beach clubs, frozen cocktails, and non-stop entertainment.

How big is Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship in the world, weighing in at a jaw-dropping 250,800 gross tons. The ship spans over 1,190 feet and is the first in the all-new Icon Class, a next-gen ship packed with record-breaking features like Category 6, the tallest waterslide at sea, and the largest waterpark ever built on a cruise.

How many passengers can Icon of the Seas hold?

At double occupancy, Icon of the Seas accommodates 5,610 guests, but when fully booked, the cruise liner can carry over 7,500 passengers. That’s a lot of sun-seekers, and plenty of space to spread out, thanks to eight unique “neighbourhoods” onboard.

Where does Icon of the Seas travel to?

Icon sails out of PortMiami and offers seven-night cruises to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Expect island-hopping adventures to places like Cozumel, Mexico, and St. Maarten, as well as stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you're after the full weeklong getaway with everything under one floating roof, this is your ship.