Category 6 Water Park

Royal Caribbean — Activities & Sports

Quick Answer: Category 6 is the largest water park at sea, featuring 6 record-breaking waterslides including Frightening Bolt (the tallest at sea at 46 feet). Named for the theoretical Category 6 hurricane, this water park delivers intense thrills with slides ranging from family-friendly rafts to terrifying trap-door drops. All slides are complimentary.

Best For: Waterslide enthusiasts, families with older kids, teens, thrill seekers, and anyone who wants bragging rights for riding the tallest slide at sea.

Key Facts

  • Slides: 6 record-breaking waterslides
  • Tallest: Frightening Bolt (46 ft)
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Location: Thrill Island, Icon Class
  • Requirements: Height restrictions apply

Six slides. Six records. One unforgettable water park.

Category 6 takes cruise ship water parks to another level entirely. Each of the six slides holds a record—tallest, longest, fastest—making this collection of attractions unlike anything else at sea. From the vertigo-inducing Frightening Bolt to the family-friendly Storm Surge, there's a ride for different thrill levels. Return to the Restaurants hub →

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Special Accommodations

Accessibility Notes: Waterslides require physical ability to climb stairs and position for riding. Height and weight restrictions apply for safety. The water park viewing areas are wheelchair accessible. Staff can provide information on individual slide requirements.

Where You'll Find It

Category 6 water park is located in the Thrill Island neighborhood at the aft of Icon Class ships. The distinctive slide towers are visible from the pool deck and surrounding areas.

Tips for Short Lines

  • Early Morning: Go at 8 AM when it opens
  • Port Days: Many guests go ashore
  • Evening: Lines drop before closing
  • Avoid: Sea day 11 AM - 4 PM (peak crowds)

Ships with Category 6

The Logbook — Real Guest Soundings

Depth Sounding: First-person account edited for clarity.

5 ★ out of 5 Icon of the Seas • Family Cruise

Category 6 Review: Worth the Price of the Cruise

Introduction. My teenage sons (14 and 16) declared Category 6 the best part of our entire cruise. They rode every slide multiple times and still wanted more. As someone who likes waterslides, even I was impressed.

Frightening Bolt

The tallest slide at sea lives up to its name. Standing at the top looking down 46 feet is genuinely terrifying. The drop is fast and intense. My 14-year-old went 8 times; I went twice—that was enough for me!

Pressure Drop

The trap door slide. You stand in a chamber, the floor drops, and you freefall into the slide. The anticipation is almost worse than the drop. Exhilarating and scary in equal measure.

Storm Surge

This was our family slide—all four of us in one raft. Exciting without being terrifying, great for the whole family to experience together. We did this one multiple times.

Conclusion

Category 6 is the real deal. These aren't typical cruise ship slides—they're theme park quality. If your family loves water parks, Icon is the ship for you. Rating: 5/5.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are the waterslides free?

Yes, all six Category 6 waterslides are complimentary. Just meet the height requirements.

What is Frightening Bolt like?

Frightening Bolt is the tallest waterslide at sea (46 feet). It's an open-air speed slide with a steep drop. Intense and exhilarating.

How long are the lines?

Lines vary. Early morning and port days have shorter waits (5-15 min). Sea day afternoons can see 30-45 minute waits for popular slides.

Is there a kids' section?

Storm Surge (42" min) is the most family-friendly option. Younger kids who don't meet height requirements have Splashaway Bay nearby.

Do I need to bring anything?

Just your swimsuit. Leave loose items in your stateroom or a locker—they can't be worn on slides for safety reasons.

Sources & Attribution