- Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas cruise ship offers impressive amenities like an indoor waterfall and waterpark, attracting families and kids.
- The ship’s size, at 1,198 feet long and 20 decks tall, raises concerns about being overwhelming and safe, but Royal Caribbean remains confident in its popularity.
- While the ship offers a wide range of amenities and entertainment options, some drawbacks include cramped cabins, average dining options, and a crowded atmosphere.
Additional Coverage:
- I was one of the first guests on Royal Caribbean’s $1,800-per-person Icon of the Seas. Nothing prepared me for what it was like on the world’s largest cruise ship. (businessinsider.com)
Royal Caribbean’s massive Icon of the Seas cruise ship has garnered a lot of attention, but my experience on board left me overwhelmed. The ship, which boasts impressive amenities like an indoor waterfall and a waterpark, is hard to ignore. While families and kids may enjoy the ship, I found myself retreating to my cramped cabin for some peace and quiet.
At 1,198 feet long and 20 decks tall, the Icon of the Seas stands out at Miami’s cruise terminal. It will be homeported there for a year of seven-night cruises. The ship’s size raises questions about whether it is overwhelming and safe. Royal Caribbean, however, is not concerned about negative opinions, as many people are excited about the ship.
The CEO and president of Royal Caribbean, Michael Bayley, has called the Icon of the Seas the best-selling product in the company’s history. The ship offers a wide range of amenities, including a water park and various dining options. I had the opportunity to explore the ship while it was still under construction, but nothing could fully prepare me for my three nights on board.
During my time on the ship, I explored the various neighborhoods and amenities. For families with young children, Surfside offers a kid-friendly environment with playgrounds and an arcade. Meanwhile, Thrill Island provides thrilling experiences like water slides and a high ropes course. As an adult, I sought refuge in the adult-only outdoor lounge and enjoyed the water park and golf course on Thrill Island.
While the amenities were impressive, I found the ship to be overwhelming and crowded. The elevators often glitched, and the constant noise and visual stimulation were a lot to handle. The dining options on board were average, and some of the food fell short of expectations. The cabins, despite being on the world’s largest cruise ship, were cramped and lacking in luxury.
Despite these drawbacks, the ship offers a range of entertainment options, including shows like “Aqua Action!” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Families with children will find plenty to keep them entertained, but the ship may not be the best fit for solo adult travelers seeking a quieter experience.
Overall, the Icon of the Seas is an action-packed cruise ship that will appeal to families looking for a fun-filled vacation. Its massive size and abundance of amenities make it a unique option in the cruise industry. The ship will continue to sail to destinations like Mexico and Royal Caribbean’s private island throughout 2024, with fares starting at $1,775 per person.