By Amanda Mesa | Published on May 15, 2025
When comparing Utopia of the Seas℠vs. Icon of the Seas℠, you may find yourself spoiled for choice. The two newest — and biggest — cruise ships at sea offer plenty of thrilling attractions, dazzling entertainment, comfy accommodations and exciting restaurants. Rest assured that there's no wrong decision if you're trying to decide which of these ships to book for your next escape, whether you're traveling with friends, your significant other or the whole extended family.
That said, while they have several onboard amenities and activities in common, each ship offers unique experiences as well. To help you decide which of the two better aligns with your idea of the perfect getaway at sea, read on for a Utopia of the Seas℠vs. Icon of the Seas℠rundown that touches on each ship's activities, entertainment, restaurants, staterooms and amenities.
Top Daytime Activities
Utopia of the Seas℠, the sixth ship in the Oasis Class and the first of its kind to offer short getaways across the Caribbean, features all kinds of activities, including mainstays like the FlowRider® surf simulator, the Ultimate Abyss℠ slide and The Perfect Storm℠ waterslide. You'll also find a mini golf course where you can practice your putting skills while soaking up the views, as well as multiple rock-climbing walls, a zip line that will send you soaring across the ship and a play area for little ones chasing pint-sized thrills.
If it's a pool day you crave, you'll have two excellent swimming pools to choose from at the aft of the ship, plus the adults-only Solarium Pool where the vibe is always chill. And if you've booked a suite on board, you'll have access to the exclusive and serene Suite Sun Deck Pool.
Like Utopia of the Seas℠, Icon of the Seas℠ is home to a massive rock-climbing wall, though the latter's is bigger and even offers racing lines for competitive climbers. There's a mini golf course as well, with views that are just as memorable.
That said, if your perfect vacation involves spending plenty of time poolside, Icon of the Seas℠ may be the ship for you. It contains seven pools — each with its own unique atmosphere and amenities — to fill every one of your sea days with refreshing dips, sun-soaked snoozing and DJ-driven beats.
Top Icon Of The Seas℠ Activities
The Food Scene
The latest Oasis Class ship is home to more than 20 dining venues. One of my favorites is Izumi Hibachi & Sushi℠ in the ship's open-air Central Park® neighborhood. A great option for date nights and celebratory meals, this spot serves up Asian-inspired flavors with a hibachi show.
Another noteworthy spot is The Mason Jar℠ Southern Restaurant & Bar, a laid-back specialty venue that serves Creole-style lobster and crawfish gumbo as well as fried chicken and waffles. At Hooked Seafood℠ you can count on delicious New England-style favorites, including succulent Maine lobster rolls, just-shucked oysters and fluffy Maryland crab cakes.
One restaurant that only Utopia of the Seas℠ guests can access is Royal Railway℠ – Utopia Station℠. Touted as the most immersive dining experience at sea, this brand-new option is a full-blown culinary experience that begins with pre-dinner drinks and continues across multiple courses paired with virtual sights, sounds and more. Another exclusive to Utopia of the Seas℠, The Spare Tire℠ is a food truck that serves up handhelds and quick bites, including a zingy pulled pork sandwich and cheeseburger flatbread.
Like Utopia of the Seas℠, the first Icon Class ship offers a wide range of both specialty and complimentary dining options. Both are home to a Windjammer venue and a dining room where guests can enjoy a rotation of global fare for free. But only Icon of the Seas℠ has AquaDome℠ Market, the first-ever food hall in the fleet, featuring five food stands and incredible views. Basecamp℠ is another restaurant you can only find on board Icon of the Seas℠. This family-favorite spot makes it easy to grab kid- and parent-friendly snacks and sips. You'll find it in the middle of all the action in the ship's Thrill Island neighborhood.
Pier 7℠ is a highly anticipated eatery that's also making its debut on board Icon of the Seas℠. The menu here is all about beachy bites with California vibes. Think surf-and-turf tacos, tostadas piled with mango-lime shrimp and all kinds of shareable apps to dig into with friends and family. The brunch is equally tempting, with platters piled high with buttermilk pancakes.
Icon Of The Seas℠ Dining
Bars and Nightlife
Utopia of the Seas℠ makes it easy to raise a glass no matter where you are on the ship. One of the coolest spots on board is the Pesky Parrot℠, a new bar you'll only find on this Oasis Class cruise ship. Located on the always bustling Royal Promenade, this tropical hangout is known for its refreshing fruit-based sips made with rum, tequila or gin. If you prefer frozen cocktails, you'll have several to choose from — each one more colorful and delicious than the last.
More of a wine person? Head to Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar for exceptional vintages in a cozy, intimate setting. Or sip your go-to ice-cold drafts while watching your favorite sports teams compete at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade.
When the sun sets, you can take your pick from a stacked lineup of after-hours fun on board, including epic sing-along sessions at Spotlight℠ Karaoke and sizzling salsa to the sounds of a live Latin band at the vibrant nightclub, Boleros. (Pro tip: The mojitos at Boleros are some of the best I've tasted.)
Casino Royale℠ is also a great option for around-the-clock thrills, and the one you'll find on Utopia of the Seas℠ has around 30 table games and over 370 slot machines. Or you can catch up with friends at the new Bell & Barley, an old-school British pub with a dizzying selection of brews, spirits and UK-inspired cocktails. Want some late-night laughs? Stop by The Attic for plenty courtesy of a lineup of standout stand-up comedians.
Icon of the Seas℠ easily matches Utopia of the Seas℠ when it comes to nighttime fun. You can opt for a grand old time at the new Dueling Pianos℠, a first-of-its-kind bar in the fleet, featuring master pianists going head-to-head on the keys. There's also Lou's Jazz 'n Blues℠, another Icon of the Seas℠ exclusive inspired by the legendary jazz clubs of New York and Chicago. This intimate, elegant venue hosts a rotating cast of incredible musicians playing everything from ragtime to soulful ballads.
Yet another concept you'll only find on board Icon of the Seas℠ is Rye & Bean℠, sure to be a favorite among cocktail and coffee lovers alike. The cozy watering hole features crave-worthy caffeinated creations, plus spirited riffs like espresso martinis. And at Music Hall, you're guaranteed an extraordinary concert by a leading cover band. Sometimes it's classic rock, sometimes it's disco, sometimes it's pop — but it's always a great time.
Like Utopia of the Seas℠, Icon of the Seas℠ is home to The Attic comedy club and Boleros, granting you even more opportunities to make memories after the sun sets.
Icon Of The Seas℠ At Night
Staterooms and Suites
There are 2,834 comfortable staterooms on board Utopia of the Seas℠, making it just a little larger than Icon of the Seas℠ (which has 2,805 staterooms). Utopia of the Seas℠ also introduces three new room categories, including Solarium Suites located in the ship's Solarium wing and offering 280-degree panoramic views for up to four guests, Sky Junior Suites that accommodate up to eight guests and newly designed interior staterooms that maximize space and comfort.
When it comes to Utopia of the Seas℠ amenities, the Royal Loft Suites have been reimagined to include spa tubs in the main bathrooms and connecting doors to Crown Loft Suites. And for the pinnacle of comfort and luxury, there's the Ultimate Family Suite. Big enough to accommodate up to 10 guests with plenty of room to spare, this dreamy haven has an in-suite cinema and karaoke station, private whirlpool, three huge bedrooms and a two-story slide.
Icon Of The Seas℠ Staterooms
Itineraries and Ports
With so many incredible activities, restaurants and nightlife on both Utopia of the Seas℠ and Icon of the Seas℠, the ship you end up choosing may come down to the itineraries that best fit your schedule and needs. If you don't have many days to work with, Utopia of the Seas℠ may offer the most convenient sailings, with three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and Royal Caribbean's private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Icon of the Seas℠, on the other hand, may be the better choice if you're looking to spend a week on vacation. It offers seven-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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Getting There
Explore Our Most Affordable Itineraries
Ready to start planning an unforgettable getaway on board Utopia of the Seas℠ or Icon of the Seas℠? Find an itinerary that sparks your wanderlust.
