Six senior UK travel agents recently embarked on Royal Caribbean’s newest vessel, Icon of the Seas. Their unanimous praise suggests the ship is set to redefine the multi-generational holiday experience.
The agents participated in the ship’s naming ceremony in Miami alongside football icon Lionel Messi, further enhancing the grandeur and excitement surrounding the event. Their observations indicate a broad appeal, making it a promising addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
An Exceptional Multi-Generational Holiday
Described as the ‘ultimate multi-generation holiday,’ Icon of the Seas is poised to capture the family travel market. This sentiment is echoed by Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel Group, who stated that the ship ‘has something for everyone.’
The vessel’s design and amenities aim to cater to travellers of all ages, making it ‘very easy to sell,’ according to the agents, who plan to leverage their experiences to attract more customers in the UK.
Innovative Entertainment Options
Icon of the Seas offers a variety of entertainment options that rival some of the best land-based experiences. Caroline Donaldson, Product and Commercial Director at Barrhead Travel Group, highlighted the ship’s production of ‘Wizard of Oz’ as a standout feature.
‘It rivalled any West End show I’ve seen,’ Donaldson remarked, noting the 16-piece orchestra and modern twist on the storytelling. Anthony Blackmore, Founder and Director at Cruise365, shared similar sentiments, describing the show as ‘brilliant.’
Family-Friendly Facilities
Royal Caribbean has placed a strong emphasis on family-friendly amenities on Icon of the Seas.
The ship features child-centric attractions like water slides, a mini-golf course, and a children’s club. Paul Hunter, Head of Product at Cruise1st, praised these facilities, particularly the Surfside neighbourhood and casual dining options.
‘Children and families are the future of the cruising industry,’ Hunter said, underscoring the importance of these amenities for attracting multi-generational travellers.
Luxurious Accommodations
For families seeking luxury, the Icon of the Seas does not disappoint. Sandra Corkin, Managing Director of Oasis Travel, was particularly impressed with the Suite Neighbourhood and family staterooms, which offer unique accommodations not seen on other ships.
‘Even for our more discerning customers, they have their own pool deck, restaurant, and bar,’ Corkin noted, highlighting the exclusive features designed to cater to high-end travellers.
Unique Attractions
Icon of the Seas boasts several unique attractions that set it apart from other cruise ships. Anthony Blackmore participated in the Crown’s Edge attraction, a ropes walkway and aerial obstacle course suspended 18 decks above the sea, describing it as ‘amazing.’
Jacqueline Dobson also highlighted the Royal Promenade, a two-level area featuring the Pearl, a new central feature with floor-to-ceiling windows. ‘It’s fantastic during the day because of all the shops and great in the evening for its entertainment options,’ she said.
Positive Market Prospects
According to the agents, the multi-generational appeal and extensive amenities of Icon of the Seas make it an easy sell in the UK market. ‘A lot of people are travelling together a lot more post-pandemic,’ Paul Hunter observed, noting the increasing trend of extended families holidaying together.
This shift in travel behaviour aligns perfectly with the ship’s offerings, positioning it as a strong contender in the competitive cruise industry.
The launch of Icon of the Seas by Royal Caribbean marks a significant milestone in the cruising industry, particularly for multi-generational family travel.
With its extensive range of amenities and attractions, the ship is well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of its passengers, ensuring widespread appeal and strong market performance.
