62 INTERIOR VIEW “ Icon of the Seas represents the ultimate family vacation with its combination of revolutionary experiences” Sascha Lang tells Alice Chambers about the iconic new Royal Caribbean International vessel that is breaking several first-at-sea records and more than living up to its name Icon of the Seas From the waterpark, swimming pool and glass roof at sea, to the world’s first open free-fall waterslide onboard a cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s first Iconclass vessel is packed with innovations. Icon of the Seas, which will debut in January 2024, will also boast a fivelevel pool deck, a promenade with over 15 restaurants, 28 suites for families with up to eight people, and a total of eight neighbourhoods for passengers to explore while onboard. “One of the main design pillars on Icon of the Seas is the unrivalled water views and experiences,” says Sascha Lang, vice president of architectural and design, and newbuild and innovations at Royal Caribbean International. “We wanted to bring our guests back to what surrounds them – the ocean – so with every interaction they have on the ship, there will always be a connection back to the water.” This is epitomised in the AquaDome, which will sit at the top and front of the ship, with wraparound ocean views and a waterfall as its centrepiece. This neighbourhood will feature a glass roof with seating areas around the edge so guests can sit, eat and look out onto the ocean, and a space for Royal Caribbean’s shows to place at its centre. “The original concept was ideated and drawn on a napkin by our chairman Richard Fain and it has developed into the standout feature onboard Icon,” says Lang. “We wanted to create a transformational entertainment venue and neighbourhood that gives guests a unique experience throughout the day and night. It’s an evolution of the AquaTheater that was first introduced as part of our Oasis-class ships.”
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