Royal Caribbean, Icon of the Seas

Context

The Team

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