We have been on our fair share of cruises… but no cruise has swept us off our feet quite the way Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, The Icon of the Seas, did!
After all, The Icon of the Seas is not just a cruise ship! It’s a floating utopia, a testament to luxury, adventure, and family fun. With 20 decks, 2805 staterooms, and a plethora of unmatched features, this ship promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into some fun facts about this ship and everything we learned when onboard for the inaugural sailing!
Fun Facts About Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas
- There’s a new addition to the crew – a Chief Dog Officer, Rover!
- Largest cruise ship in the world with 20 decks (18 available for guests) and 8 distinctively themed neighborhoods.
- Home to the largest waterpark at sea, called Category 6, which includes six uniquely designed waterslides.
- 7 swimming pools and 9 whirlpools, featuring the largest pool at sea and a swim-up bar.
- Infinity pool with breathtaking views which is a new feature for the Oasis line.
- New, more efficient elevator system and color-coded door placards to make it more clear where you are on the ship.
- The Royal App has gotten some royal updates including room controls for temperature and more
- The new connecting staterooms have one main door with a little lobby area which is an amazing update for families. There is also a new suite – the Ultimate Family Townhouse that looks epic!
- 30+ dining and drinking venues, including eleven complimentary restaurants and nine premium options.
- Speaking of that, there’s a Starbucks onboard!
Everything You Need to Know Before Sailing on the Icon of the Seas
The Itinerary
On the Icon, you can sail for a 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventure from Miami. The journey includes stops across the Caribbean and a day at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
This island offers the perfect mix of thrills and chills including a waterpark and pristine beaches. It also features the first adults-only escape, Hideaway Beach, offering a private beach, pools, exclusive cabanas, and live music.
Need help finding the perfect Icon of the Seas itinerary for your next vacation? Get in touch with one of our amazing travel agents at Best Day Ever Vacations. We offer our planning services at NO COST to you! Fill out our contact form here.
Icon of the Seas Deck Tour
The Icon of the Seas, with its grandeur and state-of-the-art design, stands as a true icon of maritime luxury. Its 20 decks house 2805 staterooms, each meticulously designed to offer unparalleled comfort.
Breaking It Down Floor By Floor
- Deck 3:Staterooms, Medical Center, Music Hall
- Deck 4: Staterooms, Music Hall, Royal Theatre, Casino Royale, Dining Room
- Deck 5: Fitness Center and Running Track, Royal Theatre, The Promenade (and Starbucks!), The Pearl, Dining Room, Absolute Zero
- Deck 6: Fitness Center, Escape Room, Crown Lounge, The Attic, Dueling Pianos, The Pearl Cafe, Giovanni’s, Boleros, Schooner Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar, Adventure Ocean (kids club), Social 020 (teen club)
- Deck 7: Staterooms, Surfside Neighborhood (including Arcade, Sugar Beach, Carousel and more), Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, Water’s Edge Pool, The Ultimate Family Townhouse suite
- Deck 8: Central Park Neighborhood with upscale restaurants and bars
- Deck 9-11: Staterooms
- Deck 12: Staterooms (including the Sunset Corner Suites which are said to have some of the best views of any cruise suite!) and The Vitality Spa
- Deck 14: The Overlook, Staterooms, The Vitality Spa
- Deck 15: Aquatheatre, Table Tennis Courts, Chill Island Neighborhood (including The Cove Pool, The Royal Bay Pool, and Whirlpools), Windjammer Marketplace, The Hideaway Neighborhood (including Hideaway Pool, Whirlpools, and Hideaway Bar)
- Deck 16: Suites, Coastal Kitchen, Crown’s Edge Skywalk and Obstacle Course, Staircase up to Slides and Slides exits (trust me, this comes in handy when looking for kiddos to come down!), Desserted Milkshake Bar, Lost Dunes Mini Golf, Flowrider
- Deck 17: Suites, Cloud 17 (adults-only pool area), Sports Court
- Deck 18-19: The Grove Suite Sun Deck (exclusive to Sky Class and Star Class Suite guests)
- Deck 20: Water Slides!
Waterpark and Pools
Our family loves a good thrill, so waterslides and unique attractions are a big part of why we love cruising. The slides are part of the ship’s most anticipated neighborhood, Thrill Island.
In the Icon’s case, water is a central theme, with 7 pools and 9 whirlpools offering a variety of aquatic experiences. But it’s the six record-breaking waterslides that are the crown jewels! There are 2 raft slides, the first ever open free fall slide at sea, dual mat slides to race each other on, and the tallest water slide at sea with a 360-degree loop. We had so much fun riding all of them, especially the raft slides (everything is more fun when you can do it together)!
Neighborhoods of Adventure and Relaxation
I love the concept of “neighborhoods”. We have been on a few Royal Caribbean Cruises with the same thing and it gives the cruise some personality. Each neighborhood on the Icon, from Central Park to Chill Island, boasts a distinct vibe and assortment of experiences.
The neighborhoods provide separation between areas that lean more towards activities for adults and family-friendly areas. They have specifically built Surfside to be a fun spot for little ones. Jack and Liv loved this area! We rode the carousel so many times.
Here are the neighborhoods:
- Aquadome
- Central Park
- Chill Island
- Royal Promenade
- Surfside
- Suite Neighborhood
- The Hideaway
- Thrill Island
The Food
As a family that loves to dine, we’re thrilled that The Icon has over 30 dining and drinking options. From casual bites at Basecamp to over-the-top milkshakes at Desserted, every meal promises to be an experience in itself.
Here are some spots we loved on our recent cruise:
- El Loco Fresh: Serving up quick and delicious tacos, burritos, and an assortment of salsas.
- Desserted: A unique milkshake bar, serving over-the-top milkshake creations.
- Solarium Bistro: A healthier and relaxed dining option with a focus on fresh, light dishes.
- AquaDome Market: This food hall-style eatery in AquaDome offers different stations with distinct cuisines.
The Entertainment
The Icon of the Seas doesn’t hold back in its entertainment offerings. With performances spanning air, ice, water, and theater stages, each day and night is filled with mesmerizing shows and activities.
The Icon of the Seas features a newly designed Aqua Theater and the largest ice arena at sea, both are so cool!
We are counting down the days and getting more and more excited to see what Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has to offer! We are brimming with excitement to share our experiences with you all upon our return. Expect to hear all the juicy details, from the adrenaline-pumping adventures on Thrill Island to the tranquil moments at Hideaway Beach.
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