At 250,810 gross tons, the Icon of the Seas is the most important cruise ship on the planet, able to carrying practically 10,000 passengers and crew members.
With 20 decks, 7 swimming pools, 9 scorching tubs, and 6 record-breaking slides this ship is nothing wanting spectacular.
It’s powered by liquefied pure gasoline, making it an eco-friendly choice as nicely, which is nice!
Though this ship is in a model new class of its personal (the Icon Class), it shares the “Neighborhood” idea launched in Royal’s Oasis Class ships like Marvel of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas..
Whether or not you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruise veteran, the Icon of the Seas affords one thing for everybody. From the luxurious cabins and suites to the various eating choices and thrilling points of interest, this ship is proving to be a large hit amongst our fellow cruisers.
As a selected fan of Royal Caribbean and every part they do, I can confidently say that the Icon of the Seas is a ship that you simply received’t wish to miss, and I can’t wait to take a cruise on it.
So let’s start by looking on the Icon of the Seas’ Neighborhoods.
The Icon of the Seas Neighborhoods
The eight Icon of the Seas Neighborhoods are:-
Aquadome – for lovers of water reveals and acrobatics, nightlife, and positive eating
Central Park – a inexperienced oasis in the midst of the ship
Chill Island – a three-deck slice of paradise on the excessive seas
Royal Promenade – the ship’s “city heart”
Surfside – the all-day vacation spot for younger households
Suite Neighborhood – paying for a little bit of luxurious comes with advantages!
The Hideaway – that includes the primary suspended infinity pool at sea
Thrill Island – for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers of any age
Every neighborhood on Icon has its personal theme, vibe, and points of interest.
Let’s have a look at every of those neighborhoods in flip and uncover what we must always anticipate to see in each.
Icon of the Seas “Aquadome” Neighborhood
On the entrance of the ship, you’ll discover some of the modern options of the Icon of the Seas, the AquaDome.
You is likely to be stunned to see that the Aquadome is on the reverse finish of the ship from the Oasis class AquaTheatres that preceded it. It’s a utterly new design that mixes two signature Royal Caribbean experiences: the Solarium and the AquaTheater.
The AquaDome is a surprising glass-enclosed area on the entrance of the ship that provides wonderful views of the ocean and the sky. It’s a multipurpose area that adjustments all through the day, from a calming oasis to a vibrant hotspot.
The area even options a tremendous waterfall that falls from the ceiling to the pool beneath.
The Aquadome options the next visitor expertise areas:-
The Overlook Bar
The Overlook bar might be discovered on deck 14 and can function a surprising 290-degree view from the entrance of the ship.
The bar options a big LED display that may apparently show totally different scenes all through the day, together with sunsets, fireworks, and cityscapes.
It’ll serve a wide range of drinks, from espresso and tea within the morning to cocktails and wine within the night. You too can get pleasure from some mild bites and snacks whilst you sip your beverage of selection.
The Overlook Pods
The Overlook Pods are what I feel, make the Overlook bar distinctive.
Consider every pod as a mini-lounge that may accommodate about 8-10 individuals. They embody contact screens for temper lighting and music.
The overlook pods must be good for a romantic date, a household outing, or a gaggle of buddies who wish to expertise one thing totally different.
The Icon of the Seas AquaTheater
After all, the AquaTheater dominates the Aquadome neighborhood.
At night time, the AquaTheater comes alive with wonderful reveals that may wow you with their creativity and talent. The pool can also be surrounded by fountains that may create totally different patterns and colours.
The theater additionally options two 60-foot-high diving platforms, 4 robotic arms, and a falling water function that add to the joy.
The performers can fly via the air utilizing winches and ropes, and even carry out simultaneous aerial stunts. The theater may also function an enormous LED display that may show photographs and movies to boost the present.
If the AquaTheater reveals are something like these which have been featured on the Oasis-class ships, then we are able to anticipate them to attraction to all ages and tastes, with a mixture of music, comedy, drama, and spectacle.
The Rye & Bean Espresso Lounge and Bar
It is a first-of-its-kind venue on the Icon and is designed as a Espresso-bar by day and Cocktail bar by night time.
Within the morning, you may get pleasure from a wide range of espresso drinks, from cappuccinos and lattes to chilly brews and nitro brews. You too can seize some pastries, muffins, or sandwiches to start out your day.
Within the night, Rye & Bean will remodel right into a energetic cocktail bar that serves espresso cocktails and different coffee-infused libations. You may strive drinks like an Espresso Martini, Irish Espresso, or my private favourite, a Chocolate Martini! The bar may also serve some mild snacks.
Hooked Seafood Restaurant
I really like a Chocolate Martini as an Aperitif, so after my chocolate repair on the Rye & Bean, what higher place to dine than Hooked Seafood?
This specialty eating venue will serve up New England-style seafood dishes that I’m positive will make your mouth water.
On the Oasis-class ships, Hooked Seafood has a assorted menu that options appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. A number of the highlights embody the “Messy Fish” Sandwich, “Drunken” Mussels, and “The Captain’s Platter”..
Icon of the Seas Central Park Neighborhood
In the event you liked the modern Central Park areas on the Oasis class ships, then you’re going to love this space much more.
It is a inexperienced oasis in the midst of the ship, the place you may stroll amongst 1000’s of actual crops, take heed to stay music and revel in new and assorted eating choices. You’ll really feel such as you’re in an city park, however with ocean views.
After all, it’s all nicely and good having fun with the floor-to-ceiling crops and hen tune, however what in regards to the venues in Central Park?
Izumi Hibachi and Sushi Restaurant
The Izumi Hibachi and Sushi restaurant affords a wide range of Japanese dishes, from recent sushi and sashimi to teppanyaki and ramen.
Izumi Hibachi is greater than only a restaurant, it’s a present. You may watch the expert cooks put together your meals proper in entrance of you on the new grills. You’ll be amazed by the cooks’ knife abilities, aptitude, and humor.
You may select from totally different mixtures of meat, seafood, and greens, or strive the chef’s particular.
In the event you favor a extra quiet and intimate setting, you may head to the sushi bar.
Chops Grille Restaurant
I’ve to confess it. I’m biased. If any restaurant I dine in incorporates a Filet Mignon, then I can’t resist it. I’m sorry! Chops Grilles is a regular eating function on all of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, so I’m already an enormous fan. In the event you love steak, that is the place to go!
This restaurant affords a wide range of traditional American dishes, from prime steaks and seafood to salads and desserts.
Trellis Bar
The Trellis Bar is positioned in the midst of Central Park and is surrounded by 1000’s of actual crops, making a pure and enjoyable environment.
The bar options an iconic trellis roof that enables pure mild to filter via, which ought to give it a comfy and romantic really feel. You might be in New York!
Park Cafe
In case you are seeking to keep away from the hustle and bustle of the Windjammer at lunchtime, the Park Cafe within the Central Park neighborhood makes an ideal different.
This cafe affords a wide range of snacks, sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. You may seize a fast chunk to eat or get pleasure from a leisurely meal. You too can order espresso, tea, juice, or soda to go along with your meals.
Bubbles Champagne Bar
I’ve fond recollections of the Champagne Bars within the previous Sovereign class ships. These had an ideal setting on the backside of the Atrium, and as a Diamond member, I might seize a free glass there at Completely satisfied Hour there, simply earlier than dinner.
So I’m trying ahead to utilizing my free Diamond-member drinks vouchers on the new Bubbles Champagne bar at central park.
Royal Caribbean describes this as a walk-up window bar – “simply seize and go”. Hmmm. Undecided how that may work with out the drinks package deal LOL
Lou’s Jazz and Blues Bar
This bar area will apparently resemble a New York or New Orleans Jazz Membership and can function a stay band.
It seems to be like this bar will function each inside and out of doors seating within the park space itself. I’m fairly enthusiastic about this one, as I really like listening to stay music in a bar surroundings.
Chill Island Neighborhood on Icon of the Seas
Chill Island is described as “a three-deck slice of paradise” and I can see why. That is the place you will discover 4 out of the seven swimming pools on the ship.
Royal Bay Pool
That is the most important swimming pool at sea and dominates the neighborhood on the right-hand aspect (starboard) of deck 15.
Cove Pool
Cove Pool might be discovered on the alternative aspect of deck 15 (port aspect) and incorporates a “disappearing edge” taking the pool proper as much as the aspect of the ship. It’s not fairly an infinity pool, but it surely has the same impact.
Swim & Tonic
Head upstairs to deck 16 left (starboard) and also you’ll discover the splendidly named Swim & Tonic pool. This pool options the primary swim-up bar on a Royal Caribbean ship and appears wonderful!
Cloud 17 Pool
On deck 17 you’ll discover the fourth pool within the neighborhood, Cloud 17 is the adults-only space on Deck 17. Now I’m hoping the identify is simply to mirror that “excessive within the clouds” feeling you’ll get on this space and has nothing to do with the close by smoking space LOL
Identical to the Cove Pool, this pool with have the identical modern “disappearing edge” impact looking onto the ocean.
The Lime and Coconut
You may’t really chill poolside till you will have that good cool drink in your hand, proper? Nicely, fortunately there are 4 separate Lime and Coconut bar venues within the Chill Island neighborhood.
Cantina Fresca
On the lookout for a bit extra Mexican Vibe than Caribbean? Then Cantina Fresca on deck 15 will be capable to remedy your Margherita repair.
El Loco Contemporary
Sticking with the Mexican theme, and proper subsequent door to Cantina Fresca, is the El Loco Contemporary that may remedy each potential Taco Bell craving at Sea.
Don’t neglect, nevertheless, that in case you don’t have that Mexican craving, the Windjammer is just a bit stroll from right here.
Royal Promenade Neighborhood
This neighborhood is the guts of the ship, that includes a bustling promenade stuffed with retailers, eating places, and bars. Let me check out at among the highlights.
Music Corridor
The Music Corridor is a two-story lounge (decks 3 and 4) that hosts stay music performances each night time.
With a dance flooring and a bar, it’sa good place to unwind after a protracted day at sea.
The Music Corridor options totally different genres of music each night time, from rock to jazz to pop, so there shall be one thing for everybody.
Royal Theater
The Royal Theater is the ship’s important theater, the place visitors can get pleasure from Broadway-style reveals, stay music, and comedy acts. With snug seating and state-of-the-art sound and lighting programs, it’s best to all the time make some extent of catching the headline reveals right here..
On line casino Royale
As Royal’s fleet has bought larger the On line casino has bought wilder and now actually resembles a little bit little bit of Las Vegas on the ocean! Icon of the Sea’s On line casino will certainly not disappoint!
Absolute Zero
Absolute Zero is the ship’s Ice-Skating rink and one other record-breaker. Will probably be the most important ice skating rink at sea.
In addition to that includes gorgeous Ice reveals, Absolute Zero may also host “Laser Tag: The Battle for Atlantis” an action-packed, glow-in-the-dark journey.
Sorrento’s
Sorrento’s is the ship’s pizzeria, serving up scrumptious genuine New York-style pizzas made to order. With a wide range of toppings to select from, visitors can create their very own good pizza.
Starbucks
For individuals who want their caffeine repair, Starbucks is conveniently positioned on the Royal Promenade. Friends can get pleasure from their favourite espresso drinks and snacks whereas taking within the energetic environment of the promenade.
Highlight Karaoke
Highlight Karaoke is the ship’s karaoke bar, the place visitors can sing their hearts out to their favourite songs. With an enormous number of songs to select from and a energetic environment, it’s positive to be successful with visitors.
1400 Foyer Bar
The 1400 Foyer Bar is known as after the distinctive hull variety of the ship. What makes this bar fairly totally different is that it’s the first venue to open up the Royal Promenade to the outside with an ocean-facing terrace. This sounds actually thrilling and I can’t wait to see it.
Level and Feather
Level and Feather is the British-themed pub on the Royal Promenade. With a brand new type open format, visitors can get pleasure from a “correct” pint whereas watching stay music performances.
The Pearl
The Pearl is one thing fairly totally different from any function we’ve seen on Royal Caribbean ships. It’s a sphere-shaped stairway that goes from deck 5 to eight. Nonetheless, what makes this stairway such a function is the sphere itself is a multi-media show.
It makes use of comparable know-how to the surface show on The Sphere live performance venue in Las Vegas.
Escape Room
The Escape Room is a difficult puzzle sport the place visitors should work collectively to unravel clues and escape earlier than time runs out. With totally different themes to select from, it’s a enjoyable and thrilling exercise for teams of buddies and households.
Diamond Lounge
The Diamond Lounge is an unique lounge for Diamond and above members of the Crown and Anchor Society. With snug seating, it’s an ideal place to discover a quiet spot to calm down.
The Attic
The Attic is Royal Caribbean’s comedy membership. On Marvel of the Seas I by no means missed this if there was a comic on. It’s an ideal environment – I like it!
Dueling Pianos
Now that is very thrilling. My one and solely expertise of a Dueling Piano bar was on the “New York New York” resort in Las Vegas. I keep in mind it being one of many highlights of my trip and the place was completely leaping!
I can’t wait to see what Royal Caribbean does right here. Will the Dueling Pianos be a nightly occasion? Will it be capable to maintain that vitality each night time? Let’s wait and see.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar serves scrumptious pasta dishes and positive wines. With a sublime environment and attentive service, it’s the proper place for a romantic dinner.
Schooner Bar
That is my favourite bar on any Royal Caribbean ship! The Schooner Bar is a nautical-themed bar that serves up traditional cocktails and stay music performances from the resident pianist. With snug seating and a comfy environment, it’s the proper place to unwind after a protracted day at sea.
It’s additionally often the venue for the trivia quizzes – however get there early if you would like a seat!
Bolero’s
Bolero’s is the ship’s Latin-themed bar, serving up scrumptious Mojitos and stay music performances. With a energetic environment and a dance flooring, it’s the proper place to salsa the night time away.
Playmakers Sports activities Bar and Arcade
Playmakers Sports activities Bar and Arcade is the ship’s sports activities bar, that includes a wide range of TVs displaying stay sports activities video games. With a number of arcade video games and a menu of traditional pub meals, it’s the proper place to catch a sport with buddies.
Surfside Neighborhood
This space is designed with younger households in thoughts and it’s designed to be an all-day neighborhood. It’s filled with actions and eating choices that may preserve everybody entertained all through the day.
Journey Ocean
Journey Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s Children and Teenagers exercise program.
Social 020
For youngsters, the Social 020 is an unique hangout space the place they’ll take heed to music, watch motion pictures and play the newest consoles. This space is restricted to 13 to 17-year-olds.
Arcade
The Arcade is one other thrilling venue in Surfside, providing a variety of traditional and trendy arcade video games for all ages. With this being the latest ship within the fleet, it’s positive to function among the newest state-of-the-art arcade video games.
Surfside Bites
The proper spot to seize a fast snack. The venue affords a variety of scrumptious snacks, together with burgers, scorching canines, and extra.
Surfide Eatery
For a extra substantial meal, Surfside Eatery is the place to be. The eatery affords a variety of scrumptious dishes, from traditional American fare to worldwide delicacies.
Sugar Seaside
Sugar Seaside is a candy spot for these with a candy tooth. The venue is predicted to supply an enormous vary of scrumptious desserts and treats, together with ice cream, sweet, and extra. I’m wondering if it can embody a reduction code on your native dentist LOL
Pier 7
Pier 7 is one more bar – I’m dropping rely of what number of there are on board! Pub crawl, anybody?
The Lemon Put up
Sure, you will have guessed it. We’ve got one more bar! Nonetheless, this time The Lemon Put up is themed after a lemonade stand and can function each a “kid-friendly” menu in addition to grownup drinks.
Carousel
There may be nothing fairly extra surreal than seeing a fairground carousel on a cruise ship. Royal Caribbean by no means disappoints.
Playscape
Playscape is a child’s playground that’s good for getting the little blighters to burn off some vitality LOL. Whether it is something just like the Playscape space on Marvel of the Seas, the youngsters will completely love this.
Splashaway Bay
Splashaway Bay is a child’s water park with water slides, splash pads, and different water-based actions.
Watersedge Pool
Watersedge Pool is the pool that may adjoin Splashaway, so an ideal place for the adults to calm down whereas maintaining a tally of the youngsters.
Suite Neighborhood
The Suite neighborhood is an expensive retreat solely for suite visitors.
The Grove
The Grove is a two-story solar deck (decks 18 and 19) that incorporates a personal pool and scorching tub.
The world may also function an unique Bar and a separate eating room. No names or particulars about these areas have been revealed as but.
The Hideaway Neighborhood
This space is positioned aft of the ship on deck 15, and it guarantees to be a novel and thrilling area for visitors to unwind and revel in some gorgeous views.
The Hideaway Pool
The primary attraction of The Hideaway is the suspended infinity pool that hangs 65 ft over the Surfside neighborhood, seven decks beneath it.
This pool is the primary of its sort on any cruise ship, and it guarantees to be an unbelievable expertise for visitors.
The design of the pool is supposed to supply improbable views of the aft of the ship, and it’s positive to be a well-liked spot for rest and enjoyable within the solar.
The Hideaway Bar
The Hideaway Bar is supposed to painting a Seaside membership vibe – suppose Mykonos or Majorca. It’s distinctive wrap-around design will provide wonderful views out to sea.
Thrill Island
As quickly as I heard about Thrill Island on Icon of the Seas, I knew this wasn’t going to be any extraordinary ship.
This journey park on the aft of Deck 16 is residence to a wide range of thrilling points of interest that folks of all ages can get pleasure from. From the most important waterpark at sea to the tallest waterslide to sail, Thrill Island has all of it.
Class 6: Largest Waterpark at Sea
One other record-breaker from Royal Caribbean. Class 6 is the most important waterpark at sea with six separate waterslides.
One of the vital thrilling points of interest at Class 6 is The Strain Drop, the primary open freefall waterslide at sea. Riders will expertise a heart-pumping drop earlier than plunging into the water beneath. Oh and simply to make clear – don’t fear, that’s not into the Sea LOL
Crown’s Edge
Crown’s Edge is one other thrilling attraction at Thrill Island. This aerial journey course is described as being “good for these seeking to take a look at their stability and agility”.
You’ll stroll out onto a platform suspended over the ocean and full a problem that mixes a skywalk and zipline-type journey.
With my vertigo, there may be completely zero probability of me being seen right here!
Adrenaline Peak
That is the Icon of the Seas climbing wall. Climbing partitions function (I feel) on all of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, however this attraction has been redesigned for Icon with racing lanes to permit you to compete with buddies. See who can fall off first LOL
Basecamp
Basecamp is Thrill Island’s eating space and bar, giving quick access to meals and refreshments for cruisers utilizing that space.
Desserted Milkshake Bar
For these with a candy tooth, the Desserted Milkshake Bar is a must-visit. This retro-inspired milkshake bar affords a wide range of scrumptious treats, together with traditional milkshakes and sundaes.
Misplaced Dunes
As a golfer myself, I’ve by no means understood the large attraction that there appears to be for mini-golf on Royal Caribbean ships. It’s clearly not going away as this will get a chief piece of actual property on Icon of the Seas.
Flowrider
One other Royal Caribbean staple is the Flowrider. That is the wonderful surf simulator that’s each hilarious and wonderful to observe, relying on who’s on the journey on the time.
Different Areas of the Ship to Discover and Go to
When cruising on the Icon of the Seas, there shall be loads of different areas to discover and go to past the eight neighborhoods. Listed below are among the different areas of the ship that I’m excited to take a look at:
Vitality Spa
After a day of exploring ports comparable to St. Maarten or Costa Maya, I’ll be trying ahead to some rest on the Vitality Spa. With a wide range of remedies and providers, together with massages, facials, and acupuncture, it’s the proper place to unwind and pamper your self.
To Dry For
In the event you’re on the lookout for a brand new coiffure, To Dry For is the place to go. This salon affords haircuts, blowouts, and styling providers for each women and men. It’s the proper spot to prepare for an evening out at one of many ship’s many eating places or bars. And what an ideal identify, proper?
Vitality Cafe
Situated proper subsequent to the Vitality Spa, the Vitality Cafe is the proper spot to seize a wholesome snack or drink. With smoothies, salads, and different nutritious choices, it’s an effective way to refuel after a exercise or spa remedy.
Windjammer Market
For a extra informal eating expertise, the Windjammer Market affords all kinds of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From worldwide delicacies to traditional consolation meals, there’s one thing for everybody. Plus, with views of the ocean, it’s a ravishing spot to get pleasure from a meal.
The Windjammer Market might be discovered on all of Royal Caribbean’s fleet and all of them get very busy! Simply be ready for it and actually, you will discover a seat.
Coastal Kitchen
In the event you’re on the lookout for a extra upscale eating expertise, Coastal Kitchen is a superb choice. With a concentrate on recent, native elements, the menu options dishes impressed by the Mediterranean and past. Plus, as a set visitor, I’ll have entry to this unique restaurant.
Sports activities Courtroom
For these seeking to keep energetic whereas on board, the Sports activities Courtroom is a superb choice. With basketball, volleyball, soccer, and (yay!) pickleball. there are many alternatives to get shifting.
Retail Alternatives Galore!
You might have observed that as I used to be going via the varied neighborhoods I didn’t point out any of the shops. Suffice to say, there are many retailers on this ship! In the event you like a little bit of retail remedy at Sea, then you’re going to love this ship.
When dID Icon of the Seas Launch?
On January 27, 2024 for its Inaugural Cruise, Icon of the Seas left on a round-trip cruise from its residence port of Miami and heading to St Kitts, St Thomas, and Cococay.
Icon of the Seas was initially scheduled to be delivered within the second quarter of 2022, however because of the Covid-19 pandemic, her building plans had been delayed by a yr.
Icon of the Seas is the primary of three LNG-powered (liquefied pure gasoline) ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
How can I guide a cruise on Icon of the Seas?
Reserving a cruise on Icon of the Seas is an easy course of that may be accomplished on-line.
To guide a cruise on Icon of the Seas, both contact your most popular Journey Agent or comply with these steps:
Go to the Royal Caribbean web site and navigate to the “Discover a Cruise” part.
Enter the specified dates, vacation spot, and ship (on this case, Icon of the Seas).
Browse the accessible sailings and choose the one that most closely fits your preferences.
Select a stateroom class and choose any extra packages or facilities.
Enter passenger info and cost particulars to finish the reserving.
It’s necessary to notice that pricing and availability for Icon of the Seas cruises could differ relying on the crusing date, stateroom class, and different elements. It’s all the time a good suggestion to check costs and choices throughout a number of sailings to seek out one of the best deal.
Will costs for Icon of the Seas come down?
Many individuals are questioning whether or not costs for this extremely anticipated cruise ship will finally come down. The costs are comparatively excessive proper now as it’s the latest addition to the fleet and it’s the most important! Everyone needs to expertise it.
Whereas it’s unimaginable to foretell the long run with certainty, there are a couple of elements that counsel that costs could certainly turn into extra inexpensive sooner or later.
The preliminary launch of a brand new cruise ship is all the time a significant occasion, and cruise strains have a tendency to cost their cabins at a premium throughout this time. Because the preliminary pleasure round Icon of the Seas dies down, it’s possible that costs will turn into extra cheap.
After all, it’s additionally price noting that the value of a cruise is affected by a variety of things, together with the time of yr, the size of the cruise, and the cabin class. It’s potential that some vacationers could possibly discover extra inexpensive choices by reserving throughout much less well-liked instances or by selecting a much less luxurious cabin class.
the Icon of the Seas Exceeded Our Expectations
I adopted the event of Icon of the Seas since particulars had been first launched by Royal Caribbean. I actually imagine this ship is already proving to be a game-changer within the trade.
For me, it’s the wonderful and modern swimming pools, the newly mixed Solarium and Aquatheatre areas, and the unbelievable record-breaking at-sea waterpark that makes this ship completely irresistible.
Royal Caribbean did some heavy advertising and marketing of the ship and even secured the providers of Lionel Messi, essentially the most embellished participant in soccer historical past. He was appointed the “Icon of the Icon”.
I’ll be reserving….as quickly as the costs begin to come down 😉 (Hey I’m a canny Scot, keep in mind!).
And don’t fear, in case you miss out on the inaugural Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas season, the subsequent Icon-class ship, shall be launching in 2025 ( Star of the Seas named in an official launch from Royal Caribbean). Thrilling instances forward!
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