If Royal Caribbean’s Icon class ships feel more like floating cities than traditional cruise ships, that’s because they are — with neighborhoods designed to deliver different vibes, activities, and moods in one massive vessel. Each zone is tailored so you can find your kind of fun (or chill).

Here’s your guide to the neighborhoods on Icon-class — what makes each one special, and which ones you’ll want to explore first.

🏘️ The Neighborhood Lineup

According to Royal Caribbean and commentary sources, Icon-class ships are divided into eight themed neighborhoods:

AquaDome (NEW)
Thrill Island (NEW)
Chill Island (NEW)
The Hideaway (NEW)
Surfside (NEW)
Central Park
Royal Promenade
Suite Neighborhood

Let’s walk through each one — what you’ll find, who it’s for, and why you’ll want to spend time there (or maybe bypass).

🌟 Neighborhood Highlights & Vibes

1. AquaDome

This is one of the showstopper “wow” spaces on Icon class. It’s located toward the bow and features a dramatic glass dome, combining aquatic shows, lounge spaces, and sweeping ocean views.

What to expect: A double-purpose performance and lounge zone. In one mode, it’s daytime light-filled seating and perch spots. In another, it’s an amphitheater for aerial and aquatic shows (think dramatic water + performance).
Why visit: If you love combining spectacle with lounge ambiance, AquaDome is a must. It’s also one of the signature features people mention when talking about Icon class.
Tip: Get a seat early for evening performances; daytime visits are great for views and relaxing.

2. Thrill Island

For adrenaline lovers, Thrill Island is your go-to. It houses record-breaking water slides, high-speed thrills, and bold attractions.

What to expect: The largest waterpark at sea (called Category 6 on Icon) with multiple slides, plus zip lines, surf simulators, and active pursuits.
Why visit: When you want to feel the wind, speed, and splash. It’s great for families, teens, and thrill-seekers.
Tip: Ride early in the day (before crowds), and bring quick-dry gear — you’ll want to move fast between rides.

3. Chill Island

If Thrill is “go big,” Chill is “slow down and soak it in.” This is where you rest, lounge, and let the gentle parts of the sea take over.

What to expect: Pool decks, whirlpools, bars, relaxing balconies, sunbathing zones, comfy lounges.
Why visit: Perfect for sea days or recovery after a long day of excursions.
Tip: This is your “slow morning” or “lazy afternoon” zone. Grab a float or book the spa nearby and ease into Chill Island rhythms.

4. The Hideaway

This is the adults-only retreat: secluded, serene, and set apart from the bustle.

What to expect: Infinity-edge pools with wake views, tiered sun decks, lounge areas, and a bar (some sound that food service might be more limited)
Why visit: When you’ve earned peace and want to sip something quiet while gazing at the ocean wake.
Tip: Choose a cabin near upper decks to minimize vertical travel. Use this as your escape zone in the later hours or during quiet times.

5. Surfside

Icon’s freshest neighborhood — built especially for families with young kids. Think boardwalk energy reimagined for the next generation.

What to expect:
• Kid splash zones (Splashaway Bay) and baby-friendly zones
• Family-only buffet (Surfside Eatery), grab-and-go (Surfside Bites)
• Specialty dining (Pier 7) for more upscale family meals
• Arcade, carousel, playful decor, and bright beachy vibes
• Water’s Edge pool (an infinity pool at the stern) for a dramatic backdrop
Why visit: If you're cruising with children or want an environment that’s kid-forward but still comfortable for adults.
Tip: It replaces where the Boardwalk used to be on Oasis-class ships, so comparisons are natural.

6. Central Park

The evergreen heart of the ship. Royal Caribbean has continued the tradition of inserting a green, open-air “garden” zone inside. On Icon Class, it’s back with even more flair.

What to expect: Lush landscaping, café seating, live music, shaded walkways, restaurants flanking the “park.”
Why visit: For peace, beauty, strolling, or a quiet coffee mid-voyage.
Tip: Stay close to this zone if cabin privacy and lower noise are priorities — it tends to have calmer foot traffic.

7. Royal Promenade

The ship’s internal “main street” — where shops, bars, restaurants, and activity zones converge. It stretches lengthwise through the ship.

What to expect: Dining venues, cafés, shops, entertainment acts, and general hustle-and-bustle. It’s how Icon connects traffic flow between neighborhoods.
Why visit: For variety, people-watching, and a hub for getting from one part of the ship to another.
Tip: Cabins adjacent to this may have more ambient noise — but also easy access to everything.

8. Suite Neighborhood

This is the exclusive enclave for suite guests — an elevated, more private space with its own amenities.

What to expect: Private pool, bar, lounge, maybe dining areas, and more upscale touches (sun decks, quieter lounges).
Why visit: If you’re in a suite, this is your premium hideaway.
Tip: Even if your cabin isn’t a suite, peeking this zone (if allowed) can give you ideas for upgrades or future cruises.

Which Neighborhood Fits Your Vibe?

If you love… Spectacular shows + lounge wow Spend time in… AquaDome

If you love… High-energy thrills & slides Spend time in… Thrill Island

If you love… Sunny lounging and sun-soaked hours Spend time in… Chill Island

If you love… Peace, privacy, and rest time Spend time in… The Hideaway

If you love… Family time, water play & kid zones Spend time in… Surfside

If you love… Quiet strolls and green space Spend time in… Central Park

If you love… Shopping, cafes, and central bustle Spend time in… Royal Promenade

If you love… Quiet luxury and elevated service Spend time in… Suite Neighborhood

Pro Tips & Considerations

Traffic flow matters. The midship-to-aft areas may see more foot traffic, so choosing a cabin a deck or two removed gives you buffer.
Sound zones shift. Even peaceful neighborhoods can carry noise at night (live music, bar hours).
Peak times vary. Mornings or early evenings are best to visit popular neighborhoods (Thrill, AquaDome, Surfside) with fewer crowds.
Cabin-side mapping helps. If your room overlooks a neighborhood (like a Surfside balcony), consider how that view influences privacy, light, and sound.
Balance your walk. The ship is huge — if you like minimal walking, staying near a central neighborhood (Promenade / Central Park) can reduce transit.

The Neighborhoods of Icon Class Ships: Your Guide to Ship Zoning That Feels Like a City at Sea