Royal Caribbean continues to redefine what a cruise vacation looks like, and its newest generation of ships goes far beyond the traditional ocean voyage. Several of the company’s mega-ships now feature a full waterpark, a real ice-skating rink, and more than 20 restaurants, creating an experience that feels closer to a floating resort than a cruise ship.
Two classes in particular, the Icon Class and the Oasis Class, are behind this shift. These ships have quickly become some of the most talked-about vessels in the world thanks to their scale, entertainment, and headline-grabbing features.
A Full Waterpark at Sea
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, launched in 2024, introduced Category 6, the largest waterpark ever built on a cruise ship. It includes:
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Six record-breaking waterslides
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Open-air plunge drops
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Multi-person raft slides
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Family slides and splash zones
This isn’t a small pool deck add-on; it’s a complete waterpark designed to rival shore-based attractions. Guests can spend hours on slides without ever leaving the ship, making it one of the most unique features at sea.
Oasis-class ships, including Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas, also feature The Perfect Storm water slide trio plus surf simulators, giving them one of the most recognizable sports decks in the world.
A Real Ice-Skating Rink Onboard
One of Royal Caribbean’s most surprising features is its ice-skating venue, Studio B, found on every Oasis-class ship.
Passengers can:
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Watch live ice shows
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See professional figure skaters perform
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Skate during open sessions
This makes the Oasis-class fleet the only group of cruise ships with full indoor ice arenas, a feature that continues to amaze first-time guests.
More Than 20 Restaurants and Dining Venues
Dining options are one of the biggest selling points of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships. Both Icon and Oasis-class vessels offer 20+ dining and bar venues, including:
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Signature restaurants like Chops Grille and Izumi
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International cuisines
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Fast-casual options and cafés
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Specialty desserts and snack stops
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Multiple lounges and entertainment bars
Whether guests want sushi at sea, fresh seafood, high-end steak, or casual pizza, these ships offer more dining variety than many resorts on land.
A Floating City With Neighborhoods
One of the most innovative features of the Oasis-class ships is their neighborhood layout. This includes:
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Central Park — a live garden area with real trees and plants
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Boardwalk — inspired by seaside attractions
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Royal Promenade — a full indoor avenue with shops and restaurants
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Pool & Sports Zone
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Entertainment district
With thousands of passengers onboard and a layout divided into walkable districts, these vessels genuinely function like floating cities.
The Future of Mega Cruise Ships
With the success of the Oasis and Icon-class ships, Royal Caribbean continues to push boundaries in maritime engineering and onboard attractions. As travelers demand more immersive experiences, the cruise industry is moving toward larger, more entertainment-driven ships.
These mega-ships set a benchmark for what future vacations at sea will look like: more activities, more dining, and more innovative spaces, All on a single floating resort.
