If you ever have the opportunity to climb aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, run, don’t walk.
Many of the most luxurious cruise ships out there are basically floating cities. However, as the largest ship in the world, Icon of the Seas certainly has the right to stake its claim as the best in the biz.
1. The Overlook
Once you’re settled in, you simply must relax and unwind at The Overlook. It’s a special kind of place that will remind you you are, indeed, on vacation.
With huge, expansive glass windows every way you turn, you can kick back in your own private pod, a lounger, or even a daybed. With an umbrella drink from the Overlook Bar in-hand, this will quickly become your favorite place when you’re not soaking up the fresh air.
2. The Pearl
Royal Caribbean makes it known that the world is about to be your oyster with this statement piece of functional art. It’s one of the first things you see when you’re welcomed aboard and, boy, is it showstopping.
It’s a portal from the Royal Promenade to the Pearl Cafe, a gorgeous little eatery where you can snack on small bites like sandwiches and sweets, paired with coffee or tea.
3. The AquaDome
Most ships have auditoriums to take in a show or two at night or during your days at sea. In true style, however, the Icon of the Seas takes even this simple gesture up a notch.
Inside the AquaDome, you’ll find Hooked, a fabulous seafood restaurant. Or, if you’re not in the mood for a formal sitdown dinner, you can stroll the AquaDome Market, visiting an array of vendors with specialty dishes on offer.
Finally, you have AquaTheater where you can take in one of the most spectacular shows of your life. It’s Cirque du Soleil, but with a seaside twist. We’re talkin’ aerial acrobatics, dancing, high diving, and more.
4. Dueling Pianos
After you’ve enjoyed a night or two in the AquaTheater, you might want to enjoy a night beside the dueling pianos.
Royal Caribbean has placed two glossy red baby grands in the Royal Promenade where entertainers delight the crowds night after night with fantastic live music and a unique comical twist.
To maximize your options with regard to entertainment, fine dining, and drinks packages, be sure to review our 30 cruise hacks you must know before setting sail.
5. Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues
If a night beside the dueling pianos is your kind of fun, then Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues will also deliver. It’s a romantic little jazz club, lounge, and restaurant.
Their house band will transport you to New Orleans and New York, all in a single night. If you don’t make it in time to snag a table, fear not. You can also sit in any one of the nearby areas and listen to the tunes as they float through the air.
6. Chill Island
Remember how we said this is truly a floating city? Well, the Icon of the Seas’ multi-deck pool area confirms this.
Across the whole ship, there are seven pools in total. But, Chill Island is where all the fun happens, with hot tubs, hammocks, chair swings, and several different options for a world-class margarita or two.
7. Thrill Island
Once you’ve started the party at Chill Island, consider a trip over to Thrill Island. In true Icon fashion, it’s also the largest waterpark at sea. Kids and adults of all ages will get a thrill out of these slides.
After you’ve lost your stomach from the freefall drop slides, you’ll definitely want to head over to the FlowRider, a surfing simulator. Nearby, there’s also a mini-golf course, a rock climbing wall, as well as a zip line. Incredible for a cruise ship, right?
8. Crown’s Edge
It’s worth diving a little deeper into one of the main attractions in Thrill Island – Crown’s Edge. It’s a mix between an obstacle and ropes course.
While there, you’ll navigate a series of suspended platforms that hang off the side of the ship. When you reach the final platform, it might surprise you when it drops you off the edge and sends you flying across a zip line over the ocean and back onto the ship.
Thrill seekers unite at this activity within Thrill Island. Just note that it’s not a free ride, coming in at $90 per person.
9. Swim & Tonic
Is that not the cutest name? If a margarita is more in line with what will make you smile on this trip, then you might want to dip out of Chill Island and head over to Swim & Tonic.
It’s a swim-up bar that’s eager to wash all your cares away with its floating drink menus and submerged loungers. Between the Overlook and Swim & Tonic, there’s nothing else you need to fully relax during your days at sea.
10. The Hideaway
Chill and Thrill Island are packed full of family fun. Swim & Tonic is for some good ol’ fashioned adult relaxation.
But, there’s also The Hideaway. It’s an adults-only retreat with hot tubs, lounging areas, and a huge bar. With a frozen pina colada on tap, the live music will go hand in hand for a moment of blissful relaxation.
11. Izumi Restaurant
You can enjoy a delicious sushi dish on board most of the Royal Caribbean’s ships at their line of Izumi restaurants. To no surprise, the Icon of the Seas’ Izumi is of another level, with every kind of sushi dish on offer.
If you have a packed night, however, and don’t want to sit and eat, you can take away some sushi at Izumi in the Park, an open window that offers plenty of to-go items.
12. The Ultimate Family Townhouse
We’ve talked about all the fun to be had onboard the ship. Now, we have to talk about the largest, most fascinating suite on the ship: the Ultimate Family Townhouse.
Complete with an in-suite slide to take you from one level to the next, it’s safe to say the kiddos may never see something like this ever again.
You’ll also have your own private wraparound balcony, a whirlpool, table tennis, lounge areas to watch movies, and a private entrance to one of the fun-filled neighborhoods, Surfside.
The Icon of the Seas Is Everything and More
Royal Caribbean has outdone itself and deserves every last accolade for this stunning feat. Talk about a moving island come to life.
Whether you’re in the mood to sit back and relax or get your adrenaline pumping, they’ve thought of it all on this ship.
With a variety of stops along the way, including Puerto Rico and St. Kitts, you’re in for one of the best vacations of your life.
We’re here to help you prepare with these cruise essentials to pack. We hope to see you onboard this actual icon of the sea some sunny day!