Things to Know About Icon of the Seas

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Photo by Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas sailed its maiden voyage on January 27, 2024, and with that, the world's largest cruise ship officially went into service. This 250,800-ton colossus has 20 decks and 2,805 staterooms, allowing it to accommodate 7,600 guests and 2,350 crewmembers. It features more than 20 dining options, eight distinct neighborhoods, and plenty of activities for young ones. For the older crowd, the ship has nightclubs, comedy shows, and a casino, made possible for parents thanks to late-night childcare. Hop onboard to learn what makes Icon of the Seas a one-of-a-kind experience.

8 Unique Neighborhoods

Photo by Royal Caribbean

• Surfside

Reminiscent of a beach town, Surfside is like a dream for families. Small children will enjoy Splashaway Bay, an area with water guns, slides, a drench bucket, and a playground, while the youngest members wade in the shallow depths of Baby Bay. Other child-friendly attractions include a carousel, arcade, and the Adventure Ocean play center. Teenagers have their own space, too. A great way to meet friends, Social020 is an age-appropriate club with games, music, and more. Last but not least, the Water's Edge Pool is an adult swimming and lounging area within eyeshot of the children's play zone. Overlooking the stern of the ship, this pool provides magnificent views of the sea.

Photo by Royal Caribbean

• Thrill Island

The largest waterpark at sea, Category 6 is one of Icon of the Sea's claims to fame. It's home to the free-fall phenomenon that's Pressure Drop, the mat-racing wonder of Storm Chasers, and the 46-foot-drop of Frightening Bolt. The less daring will enjoy the family-style designs of Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, but those on the other end will prefer Crown's Edge - a combined ride and obstacle course that dangles over the ocean. Other thrills include a sports court, rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, and mini-golf course.

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Photo by Royal Caribbean

• The Hideaway

Chill and tranquil, The Hideaway is a space restricted to adults. Guests of this neighborhood will enjoy tropical music from an on-site DJ, an infinity pool with gorgeous views, and cocktails from an exclusive bar. To relax, there are plenty of pool chairs and full-size beds.

Photo by Royal Caribbean

• Chill Island

Spanning three decks, Chill Island has four unique pools. Royal Bay Pool is the largest of its kind, with raised and ground-level pools and partially-submerged beach chairs. Swim & Tonic is a party, with a hot-hits DJ and swim-up bar, while Cove Pool is similar to The Hideaway, with an infinity edge and lounging chairs. Secluded from the world, Cloud17 is yet another pool boasting an incredible view and The Lime and Coconut Bar.

Photo by Royal Caribbean

• AquaDome

AquaDome lays claim to the AquaTheater, which hosts two of the best shows at sea. Aqua Action is a stunt spectacular performed under a shapshifting waterfall, and Pirates vs. Mermaids is a family-friendly battle to see who is King of the seas. With a wraparound deck on the top of the ship, it'sa beautiful spot for eating, drinking, and hanging out.

Photo by Royal Caribbean

• Suite Neighborhood

Available only for suite guests, Suite Neighborhood is spread across four decks. Amenities include a sundeck, pool, hot tub, and two exclusive restaurants: Coastal Kitchen and The Grove.

Photo by Royal Caribbean

• Central Park

Similar to a city street, Central Park is lined with lush plants and live performers. As you stroll through, you'll be greeted with a jazz club, bar, champagne window, and sushi counter.

Photo by Royal Caribbean

• Royal Promenade

This lively neighborhood is Icon of the Sea's most bustling entertainment hub. It's home to a Dueling Piano bar, Spotlight Karaoke, The Attic comedy club, and Absolute Zero - an ice rink where guests can skate or watch shows. Passengers can enjoy a variety of bars, like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and Point & Feather English pub. Other places to eat and drink are The Pearl Cafe, Sorrento's, and 1400 Lobby Bar.

Dining & Drink Options

Photo by Royal Caribbean

*Starred restaurants cost extra/have paid options*

• * 1400 Lobby Bar: shipbuilding-inspired cocktails

• AquaDome Market: food hall with five unique stands

• * Basecamp: burgers, chicken nuggets, pretzel bites, etc.

• * Boleros: Latin dance bar

• * Bubbles: champagne window

• * Cantina Fresca - margaritas and Mexican beers

• * Celebration Table: seafood, American, Asian, and Italian cuisine

• * Chops Grille: steakhouse

• Coastal Kitchen: Pacific Coast/Mediterranean fusion (available only for suite guests)

• * Desserted: milkshake bar

• * Dueling Pianos: piano bar

• El Loco Fresh: Mexican cuisine

• * Empire Supper Club: American cuisine

• * Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: Italian cuisine

• * Hooked Seafood: lobster, crab cakes, etc.

• * Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: vegetables, fried rice, sushi rolls, chicken, etc.

• * Izumi in the Park: walk-up-window with sushi rolls

• * Lou's Jazz & Blues: live music bar

• Main dining room: varying selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options

• * Music Hall: bar with a dance floor, live music, and pool tables

• Park Cafe: sandwiches, salads, etc.

• * Pier 7: brunch and beached-inspired cuisine

• * Playmakers Sports Bar : wings, nachos, etc.

• * Point & Feather: English pub

• * Rye & Bean: coffee and coffee-based cocktails

• * Schooner Bar: piano bar

• Sorrento's: pizza

• * Spotlight Karaoke: karaoke bar

• Sprinkle's: ice-cream

• * Starbucks: coffee and pastries

• * Sugar Beach: candy, cupcakes, fudge, etc.

• Surfside Bites: burgers, hot dogs, desserts, etc.

• Surfside Eatery: casual buffet

• * Swim & Tonic: swim-up bar

• * The Attic: comedy club and bar

• The Grove: Mediterranean cuisine (available only for suite guests)

• * The Lemon Post: cocktails and mocktails

• * The Lime and Coconut: poolside cocktails

• * The Overlook Bar: cocktail lounge

• The Pearl Cafe: sandwiches, salads, etc.

• * Trellis Bar: wine, Aperol Spritz, etc.

• Vitality Cafe: juices and smoothies

• Windjammer: omelets, pastries, paninis, etc.

Please note: Any extra cost on activity-themed bars (karaoke/comedy/etc.) refer only to alcohol and not entry.

Other Notable Features

• The Casino Royale, featuring more than 370 slot machines and 30 table games

• Spa & fitness center with a gym, running track, exercise classes, and pampering services

• Childcare services including after-hours at an additional cost

• Beverage packages for soda, juice, alcohol, and packs of water

• A Royal Escape Room with a 60-minute timer

• Royal Theater, currently showing The Wizard of Oz and Showband!

Room Types

Photo by Royal Caribbean

Icon of the Seas has four stateroom types that range in size, location, and affordability. From least to most expensive, these include interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite. The non-suite rooms come with multiple choices as listed below.

• 5 Interior Options: Interior, Interior Plus, Spacious Interior, Central Park View Interior, Surfside Family View Interior

• 2 Ocean View Options: Ocean View, Panoramic Ocean View

• 8 Balcony Options: Surfside Family View Balcony, Central Park View Balcony, Ocean View Balcony, Connecting Ocean View Balcony, Ocean View Large Balcony, Infinite Central Park View Balcony, Infinite Ocean View Balcony, Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony

Suites also come with multiple options, which are broken into the following tiers:

• 2 Sea Tier Options: Junior Suite, Sunset Junior Suite

• 8 Sky Tier Options: Surfside Family Suite, Sky Junior Suite, Panoramic Suite, Grand Suite, Infinite Grand Suite, Sunset Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Owner's Suite

• 3 Star Tier Options: Icon Loft, Royal Loft, Ultimate Family Townhouse

The Sea, Sky, and Star tiers each come with unique privileges. The most basic tier, Sea, includes dinner at Coastal Kitchen, plush bathrobes to use onboard, a pillowtop mattress, an espresso coffee maker, and luxury bathroom amenities. The Sky tier comes with all this plus Suite Neighborhood and Grove Suite Sun deck access, concierge service, all-day access to Coastal Kitchen and The Grove Restaurant, specialty bottled water, free internet, priority dining reservations, and Suite Lounge access. The final tier, Star, comes with everything Sea and Sky does plus Royal Genie service, free specialty restaurants, a free deluxe beverage and refreshment package, daily still and sparkling water, and complimentary gratuities.

Destinations

Icon of the Seas sets sail from Miami, Florida and currently has seven cruise options.

• Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day 1 (7 nights): Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

• Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day 2 (7 nights): Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

• Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day 3 (7 nights): Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

• Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day 4 (7 nights): Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

• Eastern Caribbean Cruise (7 nights): Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Labadee, Haiti

• Western Caribbean & Perfect Day (7 nights): Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

• Western Caribbean & Perfect Day 2 (7 nights): Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

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As you can see, Icon of the Seas is truly something special, and in general, cruises are a cheap way to travel. The dates through 2025 are booking quickly, so if you're interested, this is an opportunity you need to jump on now. Payment plans are available through Affirm and Royal Caribbean, with deposits starting at $250 per person. If you decide to stay for a bit before hopping on the ship, check out the top things to do in South Beach, Miami. Bon Voyage!