Introducing an Icon: designing the world’s largest cruise ship

There was a time span of seven years from the first design phase to the debut of the 365-m 20-deck ship which has 2,805 cabins.

Mr Lang says, “We are the only cruise line in the industry to have an inhouse newbuild team who lead the design process, collaborate and manage with several design consultant partners, from conception to the moment the ship welcomes guests for the first time. There are currently 42 members of the team, each specialising in their respective fields from naval architecture to interior design.”

The Icon class is the first that has been designed from start to finish utilising Royal Caribbean’s Innovation Lab adjacent of the line’s corporate headquarters in PortMiami.

“The Innovation Lab takes the ship design process to new heights by bringing the best creative minds and the latest technology together under one roof,” adds Mr Lang. “The space allows us to experiment internally as well as with vendors, architects, designers and other industry leaders. The virtual reality and animation technology housed in the Lab creates full-scale, 3D and larger-than-life views of the shipbuilding process and experience ideas in real time, enabling us to design more effectively and efficiently.”

Describing the interior design process, he continues, “Each neighbourhood is designed with an interior to match the purpose behind the space. For example, the family focused Surfside is filled with bright, eye-catching colours and imagery that complete the adventure aesthetic. With each of our ships, we pay close attention to the flow of guests, ensuring the layout of the ship encourages guests to spread out and explore. On Icon of the Seas, guests will explore the borderless connectivity of our neighbourhoods. For example, from Royal Promenade you can walk to Surfside or up to Central Park which are connected with stairs, giving you the feeling of walking through a city neighbourhood without using the lift cores.”

Tailormade art curation also played a big part in the design process, with a strong focus on matching artwork to each neighbourhood.

“At the Pearl Cafe, for example, you will explore a life-size bowhead whale hanging in the space, visible from outside through the three-storey glass supercove,” adds Mr Lang. “At the Surfside entrance, families will be greeted by a huge flamingo in slippers alongside an incredible flamingo mural above, which kids love. Between the funnels is a massive 3D installation, the Kaos star, which shines over the open deck.”

For the first time, the line has also partnered with Caribbean artists from different islands who have created installations or murals in key locations throughout the ship.

The 28 room categories, including staterooms for families of six and more, offer more choices than ever before. These include the new Family Infinite Balcony cabin, for up to six, with a split design bathroom and bunk alcove ‘hang out’ space for youngsters. Icon of the Seas also has a three-storey Ultimate Family Townhouse, for up to eight, with a private patio and entrance to the Surfside neighbourhood.

Elsewhere, the Caribbean-themed bar Lime & Coconut has evolved into the line’s largest-ever offering with four bars across the three levels of Chill Island.

Also new are the Overlook and Overlook Pods in the AquaDome neighbourhood, comprising an elevated lounge and ‘nooks at sea’ where passengers can lounge with a drink while enjoying the views.

The ship has more water features than any other vessel in the fleet, and the AquaDome is the largest single structure of glass and steel ever to be lifted onto a cruise ship.

“It took engineering and design to a whole new level,” continues Mr Lang. “On our Oasis-class ships, the AquaTheatre is located aft and on lower decks. On Icon of the Seas, the AquaTheatre can be found on the forward end at the top decks which added further complexity due to impacts on weight and stability. Fortunately, we have an experienced team with specialised suppliers who could innovate and collaborate successfully to bring our vision to life, a revolutionary feat.

Summing up, Mr Lang says, “The driving force of what we do at Royal Caribbean is to deliver the best holidays we possibly can and, when we set out to create Icon of the Seas, we simply wanted to make the world’s greatest holiday. Over the course of seven years, our expert teams of designers, industrial engineers, architects, marine architects and an array of artistic teams have been working together to make this bold and game-changing vision a reality. Our incredible newbuild design team has gone above and beyond co-ordinating the design to ensure our guests will have the best family vacation that’s ever been developed.

In addition to our internal team, we partner with the shipyard, their vendors and suppliers from around the world alongside architects and designers that we bring in. It is truly a dream team and the passion and dedication I have seen from everyone involved is unmatched, a true winning team.”

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