Blog

Ship Overview

Royal Caribbean does it once more with Icon of the Seas! One other record-breaking, game-changing vessel from the cruise line has simply set sail from Miami. We have been fortunate sufficient to sail on a 3-day preview cruise, adopted by the primary income crusing on this brand-new ship. With 10 days onboard, we coated each sq. inch, testing out all of the eating, bars, leisure, sports activities deck points of interest, and extra. And all we are able to say is WOW!

Admittedly, Icon of the Seas might be not for everybody however we definitely suppose that Royal Caribbean has fulfilled its promise of delivering “the first-of-its-kind mixture of the very best of each trip”.

At 250,800 GT, Icon of the Seas has 20 complete decks, 2805 staterooms, 2350 crew, 7 swimming pools, 9 whirlpools, 6 record-breaking waterslides, 8 neighborhoods, and over 40 eating places, bars, and lounges. At double occupancy, the ship accommodates 5,610 company. Icon of the Seas can also be Royal Caribbean’s most sustainable cruise ship but.

Nonetheless, to say that Icon of the Seas is simply an evolution of the Oasis Class could be underselling this new class of ships. Whereas there are some similarities, there are additionally fairly a number of variations. The decor, format, and design have all been taken to the subsequent degree.

Icon of the Seas boasts utterly new neighborhoods just like the family-centric Surfside, the adults-only The Hideaway, and the AquaDome; a totally refigured pool deck now known as Chill Island; an elevated, first-in-the-fleet 2-story Royal Promenade; the large Thrill Island for all the journey seekers; and the improved Central Park and Suite Neighborhood.

Chill Island incorporates a pool for each temper together with Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea, whereas Thrill Island options the biggest waterpark at sea, Class 6, and the brand new Crown’s Edge attraction. The Hideaway options the primary droop infinity pool at sea, and the AquaDome homes the reimagined AquaTheater.

Additional, the listing of recent eating, bars, and nightlife are infinite. Royal Caribbean has actually stepped up its recreation in relation to informal eats with additions just like the AquaDome Market, Basecamp, Pearl Cafe, and Surfside Bites. There’s additionally new additions to the specialty eating places together with the Empire Supper Membership and Pier 7, together with a brand new Izumi within the Park take-out window.

On the subject of bar, we love the 1400 Foyer Bar which opens the promenade to the outside for the primary time, the Bubbles walk-up champagne window in Central Park, the Dueling Pianos, the Rye & Bean espresso bar, and The Lemon Publish that includes all drinks made with lemonade. There’s additionally a brand new Desserted Milkshake bar, Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, an all-frozen Lime and Coconut bar, and The Grove for suite company.

Icon of the Seas additionally introduces the Overlook, a fancy leisure house on the entrance of Deck 15, together with a number of new cabin classes like infinite balconies and Surfside household staterooms.

In fact, there’s additionally new leisure throughout 4 signature levels, together with the not-to-be-missed Aqua Motion and The Wizard of Oz.

With all that being stated, a large ship requires our longest cruise evaluate so far. So, dive into our detailed day-by-day Icon of the Seas cruise evaluate under. Tell us within the feedback part when you’ve got plans to sail on this new Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Or, in the event you’ve already sailed too, tell us your opinions of Icon.

Name to E book Your Subsequent Cruise Now: 1-855-228-5584!

Icon of the Seas Cruise Overview – Day 1

Getting Again Onboard Icon of the Seas

Since we have been invited by Royal Caribbean on one of many preview sailings previous to this inaugural cruise, we opted to spend the few days in between in Florida versus touring again residence.

Requesting an Uber from our Fort Lauderdale lodge, we arrived at Terminal A in Miami round 10:30 AM. Whereas we did have a a lot later boarding time, we have been allowed to enter the Specific Lane (for individuals who have uploaded all mandatory paperwork forward of time) and proceed by way of the check-in and safety course of.

After making our manner upstairs, there was no ready in any respect, and we have been capable of instantly board the ship. Now, this isn’t all the time the case as boarding doesn’t often start till round 11 to 11:30 AM. However we fortunately boarded as quickly as we may.

Coming into the Royal Promenade on Deck 5, cruisers are first greeted with The Pearl. This massive kinetic construction is definitely the focus of this newly redesigned two-story neighborhood. It makes for an awesome picture op too.

Nonetheless, our first order of enterprise was reservations. Whereas one in all our professional cruise ideas is to all the time make eating and leisure reservations previous to the cruise, we forgot to take action amidst all our different travels. Once we did attempt to ebook through the Cruise Planner nearer to the sail date, every part was already bought out. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean does reserve further instances for individuals who need to make reservations as soon as onboard the ship.

We proceeded straight to the Field Workplace upon boarding, which was within the Attic on Deck 6 of the Royal Promenade. We have been capable of safe reservations for all of the leisure except for the comedy present. These included The Wizard of Ozwithin the Royal Theater, Aqua Motion within the AquaTheater, Starburst: Elemental Magnificence in Absolute Zero, and three headliner acts. The headliner entertainers on this Icon of the Seas cruise have been Mo5aic, Pete Matthews, and Earl Turner.

Subsequent up was securing some My Time Eating reservations.

On all ships within the fleet, Royal Caribbean provides conventional eating instances with an early and late seating and My Time Eating. With My Time Eating, you’ll be able to dine everytime you’d like throughout set hours, however you received’t have the identical desk and waitstaff every night. We’ve been choosing this extra not too long ago because the early seating is often too early for us and the late seating is simply too late.

Nonetheless, given the scale of this new ship, Icon truly provides greater than that simply two set dinner instances (which we didn’t understand forward of time). The normal eating instances are 5 PM, 6:45 PM, 8 PM, and eight:30 PM that are staggered throughout the three flooring of the MDR.

Nonetheless, we booked a 6:45 PM reservation every night except for tonight as a result of we had a pre-reserved specialty dinner.

A Extra Enjoyable Embarkation Day

Having already sailed three days on the ship, our conventional embarkation day routine was a bit of extra relaxed. One step forward of everybody else, we did stroll round gathering some further photographs and movies of venues we missed on the preview cruise.

We ultimately made our strategy to Park Cafe for lunch round 1:30 PM. There are such a lot of eating choices on Icon of the Seas, however a Royal kummelweck sandwich is all the time a go-to for Don. The lunch choices at Park Cafe are fairly just like different ships within the fleet with gadgets like sandwiches and a customized salad bar.

After lunch, we started our drink across the ship at The Lemon Publish. In any case, there are greater than 40 methods to dine and drink, so we would have liked to get began. The Lemon Publish is a brand new bar within the family-centric Surfside neighborhood (suppose substitute for the Boardwalk). This bar has a menu for the grown-ups together with one for the youngsters, with all drinks that includes lemonade in fact.

Settling into Our Balcony Cabin

Subsequent up, it was time to unpack and get settled in for this particular voyage. We had an ordinary oceanview balcony cabin on Deck 14, 14258. Whereas Icon of the Seas has launched a brand new cabin class, the infinite balcony, the ship does nonetheless have conventional balconies.

Whereas the remainder of the ship has actually been elevated when in comparison with different ships within the fleet, the cabins usually are not a lot totally different. The truth is, we have been anticipating a bit extra after crusing within the spacious balcony cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class of ships.

The cabin does have many extra energy shops, together with USB and USB-C. It additionally has a reworked toilet that includes a bathe with a glass door. Although, in relation to house and storage, this balcony cabin felt fairly common.

Time to Sail Away

With all these logistics out of the best way, it was time to benefit from the ship and sail away. We headed as much as The Hideaway, the adults-only space on the aft of the ship. Right here, we ordered some drinks off the signature menu and watched the ship off fireworks…even when it was nonetheless too mild to truly see most of them.

The Hideaway is eighteen+ and has a seaside membership vibe. It has a suspended infinity pool, whirlpools, terraced seating choices, a DJ, and even in-pool daybeds for hire. This turned out to be one of many busier spots on the ship throughout our cruise. The one downfall of this space is that it doesn’t have its personal devoted meals venue.

Following our sail away from Miami, it was time to alter up and prepare for dinner. Tonight, we have been eating in Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen with some fellow Royal Caribbean associates at 7 PM. However first, we needed to make a pitstop to buy some nice Icon of the Seas-branded Winery Vines shirts. How may we go these up?

Mangia!

On Icon of the Seas, Giovanni’s is present in a brand new location on the higher deck of the Royal Promenade. With an informal vibe, this venue is extra open and has an adjoining wine bar which additionally serves a small meals menu. That is one in all our favourite Royal Caribbean specialty eating places. And with extra folks, it meant extra meals to share.

The restaurant was a bit busy, so it took a couple of minutes to get seated and about two hours to finish our total dinner.

For appetizers, our desk ordered the Meatball Gigante, Italian Stromboli, Calamari & Polenta, and a Margherita Pizza. For entrees, I went with the Hen Parmigiana, and Don ordered the Osso Buco. We then completed off the evening with a cannoli and Go Bananas, together with our complimentary pictures of limoncello.

We did get pleasure from our meal, even when it wasn’t our greatest Giovanni’s eating expertise.

Rounding Out Our First Night on Icon of the Seas

Tonight was the one night of the cruise that we didn’t have a present reservation. Thus, we determined to take a look at Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues for a drink and a few tunes. One factor we love about Icon is that the bar menus have been refreshed and several other venues function specialty drinks.

Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues is a brand new venue on Icon of the Seas, situated in Central Park. It has an identical really feel to the Jazz on 4 golf equipment beforehand discovered on Oasis Class ships. Besides, this venue is extra open to the outside permitting company to get pleasure from music and drinks inside or outdoors. If you’re on the lookout for a spot to flee the crowds, this can be a great spot because it was by no means busy on our crusing.

After about an hour right here, it was time to maneuver on. We made our strategy to the Royal Promenade the place we grabbed two espresso martinis from the Schooner Bar whereas awaiting the Midnight Balloon Drop.

Exhausted at this level, the espresso martinis did nothing to maintain us awake. So, because the clock struck twelve and the balloons fell, we made the choice to name it an evening. Day 2 of this Icon of the Seas cruise was a sea day, and we had lots extra to do, eat, drink, and expertise.

Icon of the Seas Cruise Overview – Day 2

A Enjoyable Sea Day

This Icon of the Seas cruise had two preliminary sea days earlier than making our strategy to St. Kitts.

Given we had been going continuous not too long ago, we determined to chill out a bit in the present day. Whereas I acquired prepared, Don grabbed us our typical morning coffees from Pearl Cafe.

Heading out to the pool deck round 9:30 AM, we have been shocked that it didn’t appear all that busy. Whereas we initially thought the extra sectioned off pool deck would create crowds, it was fairly the other. Unfold out over Decks 15-17, there are 4 swimming pools, a number of whirlpools, and 4 Lime and Coconut bars.

Deck 15 is what we’d think about the principle pool deck, with the Cove Pool on the portside and the Royal Bay pool on the starboard aspect. Each these pool areas nonetheless had loads of obtainable seating once we arrived. However we selected among the enjoyable new seating choices–a hammock web close to El Loco Recent.

We relaxed right here whereas absorbing the solar till lunch time. If you’re on the lookout for shade, the Cove Pool space is your greatest guess. Whereas the Royal Bay Pool is the biggest pool on the ship and options loads of in-pool loungers and surrounding seat choices.

Up on Deck 16 is the Swim & Tonic pool bar and close by casitas which can be found to hire. Then, there’s the Cloud 17 pool on Deck 17. Whereas this pool is the smallest, there’s loads of upgraded seating, and is essentially the most elevated space of the pool deck. The truth is, it was alleged to be the adults-only space till a final minute change by Royal Caribbean made The Hideaway the 18+ neighborhood.

The Hideaway is the fifth pool on Icon of the Seas, situated aft on Deck 15 close to Thrill Island. This adults-only house incorporates a suspended infinity pool, loads of tiered seating, and its personal bar with a signature drink menu.

We discovered The Hideaway and the Swim & Tonic have been continuously the busiest.

Time for Some Lunch

Throughout our preview cruise, we examined out among the upcharge gadgets on the Basecamp menu (situated in Thrill Island). These included the shrimp bao buns, waffle rooster nuggets, and cheese curds. These have been all fairly good, however we actually aren’t certain that they’re definitely worth the a la carte costs given there are such a lot of different complimentary meals decisions.

So, in the present day we determined to strive some free gadgets. We began with the pretzel bites and a scorching canine with tater tots. Personally, Don most well-liked the canine choices from the Boardwalk Doghouse on Oasis Class ships. From right here, we moved on to the close by El Loco Recent (situated in Chill Island).

This Mexican eatery is now on a number of ships within the Royal Caribbean fleet, and the model on Icon of the Seas was fairly commonplace. The venue options quesadillas, burritos, nachos, construct your personal tacos, and a customized salsa bar. Not one of the menu gadgets upset, and we nonetheless suggest this venue as an awesome complimentary lunch possibility.

A Formal Affair on Icon of the Seas

After lunch, we acquired some steps in strolling round this huge ship earlier than grabbing our afternoon coffees and heading again to our cabin for a bit of work and to ultimately prepare for the first formal evening of the cruise.

We have been truly shocked how many individuals have been dressed for the event. A bit atypical from different latest cruises, there have been plenty of tuxes and robes darting the promenade this night. We made certain to cease at one of many portrait studios close to The Pearl earlier than heading to dinner this night.

Tonight was the primary day we’d be eating within the Major Eating Room. With a My Time Eating reservation, we have been rapidly checked in and escorted to a desk close to the again of the restaurant on Deck 3. Our waitress Lyna was attentive and acquired us out and in of dinner in nearly 75 minutes.

Given this was the inaugural cruise, there was a particular menu this night, Dine Like an Icon, which featured lots of the choices from the standard Style of France menu.

For appetizers, we had a Caesar salad, cheese plate, and calamari. Don truly thought the calamari was higher than the model he had in Giovanni’s final evening. For entrees, Don loved a Maine lobster tail and roasted beef tenderloin, whereas I ordered the rooster sous-chef.

The lobster tail and beef tenderloin have been each well-prepared; although sadly, the waitstaff usually are not allowed to ship each choices to the desk on the identical time anymore. So, Don needed to get pleasure from his “surf and turf” individually.

We then rounded out the meal with creme brulee and apple cobbler for dessert.

An Night of Iconic Leisure

With a while to spare earlier than our reservation for The Wizard of Ozin the principle theater, we continued our “drink across the ship” in Highlight Karaoke. This menu is similar because the Music Corridor menu with one unique drink, Lavender Haze.

When teen karaoke started on this venue, we exited stage left and slowly made our strategy to the Royal Theater for our 9:30 PM displaying of The Wizard of Oz. This 90-minute manufacturing requires reservations and shouldn’t be missed throughout your Icon of the Seas cruise.

This re-telling of the traditional film options all of your favourite characters as Dorothy ventures over the rainbow.

Journey alongside the Yellow Brick street with Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion of their quest for the good and highly effective Oz, destroying the Depraved Witch of the West’s stunning wickedness alongside the best way.

The performers, set items, and technical results have been high notch! I loved it a lot that we watched it twice.

Following the efficiency, we popped into the Music Corridor to catch a little bit of Phoenix’s rock present. This two-story venue is extra harking back to the one discovered on Quantum Class ships. With a stage, dance ground, and two bars, this tribute band had the room up on their ft rocking out to the likes of Aerosmith, Journey, Bon Jovi, and extra.

Whereas we do get pleasure from this band, we’ve seen them a number of instances now, so we determined to maneuver on after a few half hour. Our ultimate cease of the night was the 1400 Bar. This new bar situated on Deck 5 of the Royal Promenade options nods to shipbuilding and the cruise line’s historical past with a specialty drink menu like no different. It’s additionally the primary time the promenade has ever been open to the outside.

You should definitely strive the Fourteen Hundred with its signature citrus bubble. Sure, this drink in addition to many of the different specialty drinks on the ship are all included within the Deluxe Drink Package deal.

Ending our “nightcap”, it was time to name it an evening. Day 3 of this Icon of the Seas cruise was one other sea day.

EXCLUSIVE RATES: Get Offers When Reserving Your Icon of the Seas Cruise Now!

Icon of the Seas Cruise Overview – Day 3

Experiencing the New Surfside Neighborhood

In prep for our go to to St. Kitts tomorrow, we needed to flip the clocks one hour forward final night. This meant we misplaced an hour of sleep. Taking our time to prepare, get pleasure from our morning espresso, and get a bit of work finished, we lastly headed off round midday time to get pleasure from extra of this nice ship.

First on the agenda was making an attempt brunch at Pier 7. Pier 7 is a brand new informal, beachside eatery discovered within the Surfside neighborhood. This specialty restaurant is an up-charge with a menu of a la carte gadgets. The excellent news for households is that children eat free off the menu right here.

There are two totally different menus at Pier 7, one for brunch and one for dinner. Whereas many of the starters and desserts are the identical, the entree picks do fluctuate. Thus, we’d subsequently find yourself testing out dinner right here later within the cruise.

For brunch, we ordered the buttermilk pancake board to separate, then the fish tacos and rooster tenders for our meals. The fish tacos have been good, however the rooster tender meal was extraordinarily salty. We additionally don’t suppose the pancakes have been definitely worth the $11 charge. Whereas good, it was harking back to one thing you would get without spending a dime on different cruise strains.

Following brunch, we took a while to walk the brand new Surfside neighborhood. Whereas this space is particularly designed for households with younger youngsters, it’s nonetheless price a go to even in the event you don’t have youngsters. Suppose The Lemon Publish bar, Pier 7 specialty restaurant, further informal eating choices, and acquainted favorites just like the seaside carousel, an arcade, and Sugar Seaside with cotton sweet.

There’s additionally the Water’s Edge Pool adjoining to Splashaway Bay so the adults can chill out whereas the youngsters play.

Dinner and a Present on Icon of the Seas

Afterwards, we additionally checked out the brand new laser tag, the Rise of Poseidon, within the Absolute Zero ice rink. This ice rink is the biggest at sea, and the laser tag course seemed huge as properly. This exercise is complimentary, however company have to be 5 years previous and not less than 40 inches to take part. We have been shocked at how lifeless this exercise was because it’s often fairly busy on different ships.

We didn’t have time to strive the brand new course as Don had a number of work conferences this afternoon. As a substitute, we headed again to the room for a number of hours, ultimately altering up for dinner and one other night round Icon of the Seas. However first, how may we go up admiring the attractive sundown from the pool deck.

Dinner tonight was again in the principle eating room at 6:45 PM. Tonight was Italian Evening. I ordered the arancini, rooster parm, and lemon curd tartlet. Don ordered the mushroom risotto, NY strip steak, and tiramisu. These picks have been on par with a typical Royal Caribbean foremost eating room expertise.

Service was fast once more this night, taking nearly 75 minutes. Out of dinner round 8 PM, we determined to slowly make our manner as much as the AquaDome as we had a 9:15 PM reservation for Aqua Motion.

I grabbed some seats within the venue whereas Don ordered us some espresso martinis from the close by Rye & Bean Bar. A professional tip is that you just CAN arrive to the AquaTheater early to get seats so long as you could have a reservation. About 45 minutes earlier than showtime, workers will scan your keycard to make sure that you do have a reservation.

A One-of-a-Type Aqua Present

Sadly, this new present just isn’t but full. We noticed about half-hour of the manufacturing, and what we did see was wonderful. This one-of-a-kind interpretation of a stay motion film options revolutionary expertise, extremely expert acrobatics, and acquainted songs from in style films like Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean.

The gifted solid contains aerial acts, synchronized swimmers, and Olympic degree excessive divers, alongside a 55 foot water curtain, projection mapping, and robotic arms. The present is even billed as having skate boarders as a part of the solid. Although, this half was not prepared but. The second present, Pirates vs. Mermaids, received’t be prepared for some time both.

Following the present, we met up with some associates on the Level & Feather Pub. This Royal Caribbean staple nonetheless options stay acoustic guitar music and a wide array of beers, together with some new cocktails on the menu.

Listening to music and chatting for about an hour and a half, we determined to name it an evening round 11:30 PM as we had an early tour in St. Kitts tomorrow.

Icon of the Seas Cruise Overview – Day 4

A Morning in Scenic St. Kitts

Day 4 of this Icon of the Seas cruise was our first port of name in St. Kitts. Given we hadn’t been to this Caribbean island in fairly some time, we booked a shore tour with the cruise line. The Scenic Rail and Sail tour had a gathering time of 8 AM within the Royal Theater.

We set an alarm for six AM, so we may take our time preparing and have some morning espresso and continental breakfast gadgets from the Pearl Cafe earlier than heading ashore. The Pearl Cafe is definitely an improve to the standard Cafe Promenade discovered on different ships within the fleet.

This Cafe serves Starbucks brewed espresso which IS included within the Deluxe Beverage Package deal and the Cafe Choose Espresso card. Nonetheless, the licensed Starbucks location one deck down IS NOT included. The Pearl Cafe additionally provides an upgraded collection of meals gadgets all through the day, together with new grab-and-go choices.

Assembly within the theater as scheduled, our group was one of many first numbers known as. Heading ashore, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than we have been escorted to a catamaran to start the primary portion of the tour. This roughly 90-minute scenic sail was simply that. We handed remnants of sugar mills, historic estates, and Brimstone Hill Fortress alongside the southwest coast with Mount Liamuiga seen within the distance as properly.

We then took a brief bus trip to the boarding location for the scenic prepare trip. This portion of the tour was additionally roughly 90 minutes. These customized rail vehicles are two-levels, with the highest degree being open-air. This railway was constructed over a century in the past to hold sugar cane from plantations to factories. Each parts of the tour did embody complimentary drinks.

Whereas the shore tour was certainly “scenic”, I suppose we have been anticipating a bit extra. We arrived again to the port round 1:30 PM, the place we rapidly browsed a number of retailers on the best way again to the ship.

Extra Firsts on Royal Caribbean

Again onboard, it was time to get pleasure from some lunch on the new AquaDome Market. That is yet one more new complimentary eating spot on Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has positively stepped up its recreation in relation to informal eating choices. Although, we now have to confess that Carnival’s newer ships nonetheless win with choices like Man’s Burgers, Shaq’s Huge Hen, and BlueIguana Cantina.

Nonetheless, the AquaDome Market is Royal Caribbean’s first meals corridor, taking nods from Virgin Voyages’ The Galley or Norwegian Prima/Viva’s Indulge Meals Corridor. This market options 5 meals stalls together with: Creme de la Crepe, GNGR, Toast and Backyard, Mac’s, and Feta Mediterranean. These stalls serve up fast service gadgets like crepes, small Asian dishes, sandwiches, and mac ‘n cheese.

We examined out the crepe station on our preview cruise, and it was successful. Immediately, Don ordered a gyro from Feta, whereas I did some rooster teriyaki from GNGR and mac ‘n cheese. All of those picks have been nice. Whereas everybody raved in regards to the Monte Cristo sandwich from Toast and Backyard, we thought this was the weakest of the meals stalls.

Now, it was time to burn a number of energy. We walked across the ship for a bit and likewise examined out the brand new Misplaced Dunes mini-golf course in Thrill Island. Having our fill of the Caribbean solar, we retreated to our cabin with our afternoon coffees in hand to chill off, chill out, and bathe up for dinner.

A Return Go to to Pier 7

Tonight, we have been assembly a good friend at Pier 7 for dinner. After having sampled brunch at this venue, we have been hoping for a extra favorable meal as we actually wished to love this new specialty restaurant. Fortunately, our menu picks delivered. We positively loved this meal far more than brunch, and the choices have been extra on par with what we’d think about worthy of the upcharge.

All menu picks at Pier 7 are a la carte, so the invoice can add up rapidly although. We began with the rooster lettuce cups. Then, I ordered the Surfer’s Membership for my meal, and Don did a Buddha Bowl. For dessert, we cut up the Caramel Waffles. Our good friend ordered the Ahi Tuna and Korean Fried Hen. The consensus on the desk was that every part was nice.

Following dinner, we continued our “drink across the ship” at Boleros. Even this Latin-themed bar has a brand new spruced up cocktail menu and decor. It’s additionally in a brand new location on Deck 6 of the Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas.

One other Night on Icon of the Seas

After spending about an hour right here having fun with our drinks and people-watching, we made our strategy to the theater for the 9:30 PM headliner present, Mo5aic. If you happen to’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean earlier than, you’ve doubtless seen this act. This a cappella group is in contrast to some other as all the sounds heard are produced by the quintet’s voices. There aren’t any devices, although it would sound prefer it. I’m a fan of this group so was glad to see them on the leisure lineup.

Following this present, we darted over to The Attic for Royal Caribbean’s model of the Liar’s Membership. This recreation present is often successful, however this one wasn’t as humorous as typical. So, we stayed for a few half hour after which determined to name it an evening.

Tomorrow was one other port of name in St. Thomas.

Icon of the Seas Cruise Overview – Day 5

A Daring Morning on Icon of the Seas

Day 5 of this Icon of the Seas cruise was our second port of name in St. Thomas. Given it was a quite brief cease and we nonetheless had a lot to cowl on the ship, we made the choice to remain onboard in the present day.

Up round 7:30 AM, Don set off for our morning espresso and breakfast from Pearl Cafe. We had a 9:30 AM reservation for Crown’s Edge. This one-of-a-kind attraction is an element ropes course, half zipline, and all thrill trip perched 154 ft above the ocean.

Not like comparable experiences just like the plank on some NCL ships or the ropes programs on some Carnival ships, this attraction is an up-charge. For our crusing, it was $39 on a port day and $49 on a sea day. This worth does embody a brief video of the expertise for cruisers to share on social media. Nonetheless, given all the expertise is barely about 90 seconds, we don’t actually suppose it’s price that up-charge.

On the flipside, it does take some time to gear up with a jumpsuit, helmet, and harness, then watch the security video. So, if this attraction have been free, cruisers would doubtless get pissed off by the strains or incapability to expertise it. Thus, perhaps a smaller price ticket or a reservation system could be a superb compromise.

Nonetheless, we are able to now say that we’ve conquered the Crown’s Edge and have video to show it.

Subsequent on the agenda was lastly testing out the Class 6 waterslides. In fact, I might be capturing the movies of Don driving these slides and NOT partaking myself.

This largest waterpark at sea options 6 record-breaking slides. One tower consists of Scary Bolt and Storm Chasers. Scary Bolt is the tallest drop slide at sea. At 46 ft tall and 282 ft lengthy, you’ll propel by way of a 360’ loop as soon as the ground drops out from beneath you. And Storm Chasers is the primary mat-racing duo at sea.

The opposite tower consists of Stress Drop, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge. Stress Drop is the primary open free-fall slide at sea with a 66’ incline. Hurricane Hunter is a raft slide with two water curtains, and Storm Surge is the primary suspended household raft slide at sea.

Friends should be not less than 48 inches to trip any of those slides and there are weight restrictions as properly.

Of all of the slides, Don’s favourite was Scary Bolt.

A Extra Enjoyable Afternoon

With all of the thrills out of the best way, it was time to go again to our cabin to get some work finished. One of many advantages of getting a “actual” balcony is that we are able to take our laptops outdoors to work and benefit from the contemporary air, whereas nonetheless conserving our room cool with the air-con. Sadly, the AC will shut off when the window is open in an infinite balcony cabin.

Taking a break round 2 PM for a late lunch, we headed right down to Central Park. Our plan was to check out Izumi within the Park and the bar bites at Trellis Bar. However, contradictory to what the app stated, we have been advised that the bar bites have been solely obtainable within the evenings. So, Don grabbed some sushi from the Izumi takeout window (a la carte costs), and I acquired a sandwich from Park Cafe. We couldn’t assist making an attempt a bubble cone for dessert too.

Izumi within the Park is a good addition to the fast service eating choices.

Whereas right here, we FINALLY met Rover!

Now, it was time to proceed our “drink across the ship”, checking the Trellis Bar off our listing then heading as much as the Lime and Coconut on the pool deck. The Lime and Coconut on the starboard aspect of Deck 15 has some nice seating choices across the nook (heading in the direction of the AquaDome Market). It was fairly windy in the present day, so seating was plentiful.

Grabbing our afternoon coffees, we caught a little bit of the parade on the Royal Promenade earlier than heading again to our cabin.

A Low Key Dinner

In lieu of the principle eating room, we determined to strive extra of the informal choices across the ship for dinner this night.

First, we began with some tapas on the Trellis Bar. Whereas the drink menu stays the identical at this venue, there at the moment are a la carte meals gadgets. We opted for the mac & cheese poppers and the crab cake fritters. Just like what we’ve been saying about lots of the different “bites” across the ship, they have been actually good, however undecided that we’d pay these costs once more.

Subsequent up was a return go to to the Surfside Eatery. We sampled this household buffet throughout our preview cruise and weren’t impressed. Since we heard so many individuals raving in regards to the picks right here, together with the taquitos and lasagna bites, we wished to provide the venue a second likelihood.

There are some distinctive gadgets that children will doubtless get pleasure from, and there may be an ice cream bar right here. However given the venue isn’t too busy, we predict the meals is simply sitting underneath the warmth lamps too lengthy. None of our picks have been contemporary and even that heat.

Whereas it’s a good possibility for households chilling on this neighborhood, the Windjammer is certainly the higher buffet alternative for these on the lookout for an informal dinner.

Whereas within the neighborhood, we popped into Sugar Seaside. This sweet retailer not has an ice cream sundae choice however quite serves cotton sweet. With an affordable worth, how may I resist?

Extra Drinks and Exhibits

Nonetheless with a while earlier than our 9 PM headliner reservation, we headed as much as the Overlook. This forward-facing space of the AquaDome is probably essentially the most stunning on the ship. It options 220’ ocean views from floor-to-ceiling home windows, loads of comfortable furnishings, a bar, and the primary of their form pods at sea.

This bar has the usual drink menu with one signature cocktail, the Overlook Spritz, which was fairly tasty.

Whereas the AquaDome is greatest recognized for the AquaTheater exhibits, the remainder of this neighborhood shouldn’t be ignored. The Overlook, Rye & Bean bar, and AquaDome Market are nice additions to Royal Caribbean.

Round 8:30 PM, we made our strategy to the Royal Theater for tonight’s headliner present with Pete Matthews. We’ve doubtless seen this comic juggler on one other Royal Caribbean ship earlier than however couldn’t keep in mind. Now, we’ll keep in mind that he’s excessive vitality, however there isn’t a complete lot of juggling labored into the present.

After the present, we grabbed one other drink on the 1400 Foyer Bar. We actually appreciated the vibe at this bar and suppose it’s an awesome addition to the fleet. From right here, we simply so occurred to catch the Ships Ahoy parade as soon as once more.

Whereas we did see the Dueling Pianos throughout our preview cruise, we had but to see them this journey. However to no avail, the venue was packed once more tonight so we known as it an evening as an alternative. The Dueling Pianos is a good addition, nevertheless it’s the one spot the place we actually felt the crowds on Icon of the Seas. If you wish to see the present, plan to reach early to get seats.

Icon of the Seas Cruise Overview – Day 6

A Work Day on Icon of the Seas

Day 6 of this Icon of the Seas cruise was our final sea day, and Don just about had work conferences all day in the present day. The excellent news was that we additionally gained an hour of sleep, turning our clocks again one hour to get again onto ET time.

Up round 7 AM, we acquired prepared for the day and grabbed some breakfast within the Windjammer. The truth is, this was the primary time I had stepped foot within the Windjammer within the 9 complete days that we had been on the ship. For somebody who hates buffets, Icon provides so many alternate options, each fast service and sit-down, that you just actually can go the entire cruise with out having to eat right here.

The picks have been fairly typical, and there was an omelet station which is all the time a professional for me. Additionally, it was not very crowded in any respect, and there have been loads of empty tables.

Whereas Don labored his full time job within the cabin, I sat on the balcony organizing and modifying our hundreds of photographs and movies from the journey.

We took a noon break to get some steps in across the pool deck and seize lunch. We headed again to the Surfside neighborhood, this time for Surfside Bites. Surfside Bites is a complimentary takeout window serving gadgets like popcorn rooster, burgers, and churros. These acquired a thumbs up from us. Our professional tip is to add the churros to a bowl of soppy serve from the close by Sprinkles.

Again to the cabin, Don re-joined work conferences whereas I wrote some extra for our weblog. This was our agenda for the remainder of the afternoon. Fortunately, it was quite windy and funky so we didn’t really feel like we have been lacking out on an excessive amount of.

Having fun with Extra of the Onboard Leisure and Eating

Round 4 PM, I signed off for the day to take a look at the second ice present in Absolute Zero. This largest ice enviornment at sea acquired a makeover on Icon of the Seas. Now round, there are higher sight strains, and the house simply feels extra open.

The one odd function is attending to the venue. It is advisable to stroll by way of a store and Playmakers on Deck 6 then descend a flight of stairs to enter Absolute Zero.

The signature manufacturing right here is Starburst: Elemental Magnificence which we’d be seeing on Day 7. However in the present day, there was a second present which didn’t require reservations, As soon as Upon a Time: The King’s Royal Ball.

This family-friendly present featured lots of your favourite fairy story characters. Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, Little Purple Using Hood, the Huge Dangerous Wolf, Hansel and Gretel, Humpty Dumpty, and extra all take the stage is that this whimsical skating efficiency. Whereas a bit tacky, it was nonetheless a superb time.

Assembly again up with Don who had lastly completed his work day, it was time for our 5:30 PM dinner at Izumi. This specialty restaurant is a Royal Caribbean staple however has been relocated to Central Park on Icon of the Seas. The venue additionally feels greater and has extra hibachi tables. Whereas we love hibachi, tonight we have been assembly a good friend for dinner within the sushi a part of the restaurant.

Fortunately, Izumi does provide extra than simply sushi. You may also buy gadgets a la carte or as a prix fixe menu which incorporates one small plate, two giant plates, and a dessert. I ordered the fried rice and yaki udon with grilled rooster. Don ordered the pork dumplings and spicy crispy tuna rolls. This expertise lived as much as our earlier visits and every part was flavorful.

Then Extra Drinks and Laughs

Following our 2-hour dinner, we strolled across the ship watching some free skate in Absolute Zero and grabbing a drink in Playmakers. Seeing that the standby line for the comedy present wasn’t too lengthy, we determined to hop in. We noticed the comedians on the preview cruise, however this was the one present we have been unable to safe a reservation for on this cruise.

Fortunately, we made it in proper earlier than they minimize off the road. This cruise featured three comedians, all of which we’ve seen a number of instances earlier than. Simeon Kirkiles is a Royal Caribbean fan-favorite. The opposite two comedians have been Paul Ogata and Al Romas; of the 2, we positively discover Paul Ogata funnier. It looks as if Al Romas hasn’t modified up his set in years.

Exiting the comedy present, we bumped into associates at Giovanni’s Wine Bar. Thus, we grabbed a drink right here then ultimately made our strategy to the Schooner Bar for an additional spherical alongside some stay piano music earlier than calling it an evening.

Tomorrow was our ultimate day of the cruise and a go to to Excellent Day at CocoCay.

BOOK NOW: Get Unique Provides on Icon of the Seas Cruises!

Icon of the Seas Cruise Overview – Day 7

A Excellent Day in CocoCay

Day 7 of this Icon of the Seas cruise was our ultimate port of name in Excellent Day at CocoCay. We had initially bought tickets to Hideaway Seaside, the brand new adults-only space on the island. Nonetheless, our good friend knowledgeable us that he had a Hideout Cabana which we have been welcome to hitch. We have been simply capable of cancel our tickets at Visitor Companies a number of days prior.

With an arrival of 9 AM, it was a little bit of a wrestle getting off the bed this morning. Although, we managed to prepare, seize some espresso and breakfast at Park Cafe, and make our manner onto the island round 9:15 AM.

We walked round this personal house taking photographs and movies of the seaside, infinity pool, eating spots, and bars earlier than settling in on the cabana.

Coco Seaside Membership and Hideaway Seaside each have very totally different vibes, and it was a combined opinion amongst us which we appreciated higher. Although, when evaluating costs, Hideaway Seaside seems cheaper than Coco Seaside Membership.

Having fun with Our Hideout Cabana

Hideaway Seaside feels greater and is certainly extra full of life…suppose Oasis Lagoon pool space minus the youngsters. There are additionally two meals huts, one serving gadgets just like the Snack Shacks across the island and the opposite serving pizza and empanadas. We have been capable of get pleasure from many of those picks from the privateness of our cabana.

Hideaway Seaside additionally has two totally different cabana choices. The Hideout Cabanas can accommodate 8 company and have unique entry to a personal infinity pool. The Hideaway Cabanas are the cheaper possibility. They will nonetheless accommodate 8 company however are situated beachside. Whereas they don’t have their very own personal infinity pool, these company can nonetheless benefit from the space’s bigger infinity pool with the close by DJ.

Personally, we LOVED the Hideout cabana; although, they’re dear. It was additionally the proper climate, so we stayed right here till nearly 3 PM.

Let’s Get It All Completed

Making our manner again to the ship, we had a number of extra gadgets to test off our to-do listing. Surprisingly, we had not stepped foot within the Swim & Tonic pool all week. So, now was the time. We have been already in bathing fits, and it wasn’t busy in any respect. We loved some signature cocktails within the in-pool loungers earlier than shifting on to our subsequent order of enterprise.

Within the title of analysis, we needed to take a look at out the brand new Desserted Milkshake Bar. These milkshakes are fairly dear and are NOT included within the beverage package deal or eating package deal. We tried the Stranded Burro and Oreoasis. Whereas the Stranded Burro is the extra loopy, over-the-top possibility full with a mini pinata (and the costlier possibility), we thought it was quite bland. The Oreoasis received as our favourite…however but once more, most likely not definitely worth the $14 upcharge.

With our bar crawl nearly completed, we determined to seize a margarita from Cantina Fresca whereas nonetheless outdoors. In any case, it will simply assist to drown our sorrows earlier than the subsequent job at hand…packing!

Since we had been touring for 2 weeks now, we had fairly a bit of bags. Whereas we sometimes full self-assist disembarkation, we determined to place a few of our baggage out tonight so we had much less to hold off the ship tomorrow morning.

This meant packing and showering up for the night took us proper to time for supper.

Our Remaining Night on Icon of the Seas

Tonight was our ultimate night within the MDR. I get pleasure from this Bon Voyage menu because it options the turkey dinner. I surrounded this entree with a cheese plate to start out and the chocolate brownie for dessert. Don ordered the shrimp cocktail, braised lamb, and apple cobbler.

As soon as once more, all of the picks stay as much as our earlier MDR expectations. The meals was served heat, and the service was fast. We like that the cheese plate is completely again on the menu as properly.

Out of dinner by 8 PM, the final bar on our listing was Dueling Pianos. Whereas the musicians weren’t enjoying but, we have been capable of scoot in to not less than order a drink. Though, they didn’t have the substances to make the signature cocktail right here– the Snap, Crackle, Pop. So, I went with the Metalliquor and Don did the Jack and Diane.

From right here, it was on to Absolute Zero to see the 9:15 PM displaying of Starburst: Elemental Magnificence. With a narrative line paying tribute to components of the periodic desk, nice use of projection mapping and lighting, and gifted performers, I actually loved the present. Although, Don most well-liked among the ice exhibits on different ships over this one.

To spherical out a unbelievable 10 days on Icon of the Seas, we ended the night with the late evening comedy in the principle theater. Too drained to seize a ultimate drink of the cruise, we known as it an evening when the present ended.

Icon of the Seas Cruise Overview – Disembarkation

Time to Go Residence

Disembarkation day, the saddest day of this Icon of the Seas cruise!

With our baggage tags scheduled to be known as at 7:15 AM, we set a 5:30 AM alarm so we may bathe, end packing, and get some breakfast.

Prepared and fueled for our day of journey, we exited our cabin round 7:30 AM. With the brand new good elevator design, we weren’t certain what to anticipate. Whereas we hadn’t had any points all week, disembarkation day is all the time a take a look at of the elevators. And to our shock, the primary elevator allotted for us certainly had room for us and our stick with it luggage.

From right here, it was right down to the promenade to get scanned off the ship, by way of the terminal to choose up our baggage, and thru the CBP facial recognition very quickly. Securing an Uber did take a short time, and the chaos on the airport actually made us respect Royal Caribbean’s clean disembarkation course of.

Whereas some cruise strains haven’t figured it out, Royal Caribbean sometimes does an awesome job…even disembarking passengers on the biggest cruise ship on the planet!

Checking our luggage and getting by way of the TSA pre-check line on the Fort Lauderdale airport took over an hour. Fortunately, it was clean crusing from there. Our flight took off with none delays and we have been again residence by mid afternoon.

Now, it’s time to arrange and proceed sharing every part about our time onboard this Icon of the Seas cruise. We’re residence for about 3 weeks earlier than we set off on our subsequent collection of travels. Coming quickly is Carnival Jubilee, Solar Princess, and a Viking Seine River cruise. So, keep tuned!

Feedback

Did you get pleasure from our Icon of the Seas cruise evaluate? Do you could have plans to sail on this largest cruise ship on the planet? Drop us an anchor under to share your ideas on Royal Caribbean’s latest mega-ship.