Cruise Ships
Royal Caribbean, Icon of the Seas
Context
The Team
Provider & Integrator
Icon of the Seas Elevates Guest Experience with Professional Sound System
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas set sail in January 2024 as the largest and most advanced cruise ship ever built. With 20 decks, a $2 billion budget, and a capacity for 5,610 guests, this groundbreaking vessel required a cutting-edge audio solution to deliver world-class entertainment across its many venues. From the AquaTheater to the Royal Theater and numerous lounges, the ship was designed to offer a variety of immersive experiences. To meet these demands, Royal Caribbean partnered with L-Acoustics and Control AV to design and install a professional sound system that would enhance the entertainment experience for every guest onboard.
The Challenge
Creating an audio experience for Icon of the Seas posed several significant challenges. The ship features 18 distinct venues, each with its own acoustical requirements, ranging from intimate karaoke rooms to the expansive Royal Theater. The design, installation, and integration of sound systems needed to accommodate a wide range of performances, including Broadway-style productions, live music, and cinematic events. Additionally, the unique spaces aboard the ship, such as the AquaTheater with its 55-foot water curtain and the ice arena Absolute Zero, presented additional technical difficulties due to their size, layout, and environmental conditions.
The Solution
To meet these challenges, Control AV, an L-Acoustics Certified Provider, installed over 400 professional L-Acoustics loudspeakers throughout the ship. The Royal Theater was equipped with the L-ISA Hyperreal Immersive technology, incorporating 52 Kiva II enclosures in a seven-array system alongside SB18i subs, A10 enclosures, and 72 additional speakers for delays and fills. This immersive audio setup elevated the theater experience, providing clear, enveloping sound for large-scale performances like The Wizard of Oz. Other notable installations included the AquaTheater, which utilized a combination of A15i Focus, X12, and ultra-compact X4i speakers, and Absolute Zero, where an A Series system powered productions on the ship’s ice rink.
According to Amir El Yordi, President of Control AV, “This cutting-edge technology provides guests with a level of immersion typically found only in top-tier land-based entertainment venues. This project signifies a pinnacle in maritime entertainment technology.”
The Result
The result of this large-scale installation is an unparalleled sound experience for guests throughout Icon of the Seas. Whether enjoying the live orchestra in the Royal Theater or taking in the breathtaking performances in the AquaTheater, passengers are treated to pristine, immersive audio. The professional sound system designed by Control AV and L-Acoustics not only overcame the challenges of delivering high-quality sound in diverse spaces but also ensured that Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas delivers on its promise of offering the best entertainment experience at sea. As Scott Wakelin, L-Acoustics Global Director of Business Development, noted, “Those who have been fortunate enough to have spent their leisure time on Icon will certainly say that it offers the best of everything, including sound.”
Project Photos
A standout innovation is the introduction of the groundbreaking L-Acoustics L-ISA system in the ship’s Royal Theater, elevating the acoustic experience to unprecedented levels at sea,” said Amir El Yordi, President of Control AV. “This cutting-edge technology provides guests with a level of immersion typically found only in top-tier land-based entertainment venues. This project signifies a pinnacle in maritime entertainment technology. We are thrilled to contribute to the success of Icon of the Seas, enhancing the experience for guests with our innovative AV solutions.
Amir El Yordi
President, Control AV
Tech Brief
Royal Theater:
- 52 Kiva II enclosures in a seven-array system
- 6 SB18i subs
- 2 A10 enclosures
- 52 coaxial X8 speakers
- 20 5XT speakers for delays, surrounds, and fills
- L-ISA Hyperreal Immersive technology for immersive audio
Absolute Zero Ice Arena:
- 18 A15i Wide speakers
- 4 A15i Focus speakers
- 4 A10i Wide speakers
- 6 X12 speakers
- 12 KS21i subs
Royal Promenade:
- 17 A10i Wide speakers
- 16 Syva Sub speakers
- 4 self-powered 108P speakers
- 2 X8 speakers
AquaTheater:
- 6 A15i Focus speakers
- 10 X12 speakers
- 16 X8 speakers
- 19 X4i ultra-compact enclosures
- 4 KS21i subs
- SB18 IIi subs
Crew Bar and Disco:
- X8 speakers
- SB15m subs