Icon of the Seas

The T-Rex of Cruise Ships is finally here

If you have heard the word “cruise” before, there is a good chance that you have also heard about Icon of the Seas. “It’s like five Titanics into one ship!”. “You could put a space station on top of it!”. “It’s the same size as Kansas!” Well, some of those details might be a tad bit exaggerated, but let’s just say that Icon of the Seas is really big. How big, you might ask? It’s the biggest cruise ship in the world, with a tonnage of 248,663, compared to Utopia's 236,473. Utopia was already huge. Icon takes that a step further.

There’s a lot to see and do on Icon of the Seas. It features over 10 complimentary restaurants, 20 specialty restaurants, 7 swimming pools, 6 different shows, and a wide variety of entertainment options, including laser tag, escape rooms, movie theaters, mini golf, sports courts, a carousel and much more. Phew, that’s a lot. Now, does that also translate into an awesome cruise experience? Let’s check it out.

What we like about Icon of the Seas

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It’s easy to see what’s to love about Icon of the Seas, right? Let’s just say that you’ll never get bored while onboard. In fact, there’s so much to see and do that you probably won’t be able to experience it all on your first trip… or even your second. From multiple Broadway shows to six pools, plus countless entertainment and dining options, Icon has something for everyone, no matter their age. Whether you’re a toddler or a longtime traveler, you’ll find something aboard that suits your taste.

I have to say that the shows are one of the best parts about Icon of the Seas. You get The Wizard of Oz, which is actually a show that could very well be on Broadway and runs for 90 minutes. Just to keep things in perspective, the movie is only ten minutes longer! It’s a beautiful show that is mostly made for adults, with great costumes and puppets. There are also shows in the open in the AquaPark and also an Ice skating show, so it’s cool that there are a lot of variations and stages to keep things original.

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The ship is also beautiful . The top deck looks amazing with its many swimming pools, and you can practically see the ocean from anywhere. What’s really cool is that even the top deck has multiple levels, with some whirlpools appearing as if they’re suspended in the air. From there, you also get a great view of the main garden, called Central Park. It feels like you’re in a fantasy land, surrounded by pools, lounges half submerged in water, plenty of trees, and a vibrant combination of colors.

This is a great ship for those traveling with family and children. As mentioned earlier, there’s something for everyone. It’s also perfect for seasoned cruisers who have sailed with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian and are looking for something new. Icon takes it a step further with its diverse neighborhoods and innovative entertainment options.

The rooms are also good, and most are designed with families in mind, making them great for parties of four. The rooms themselves are typically smaller than on other Royal Caribbean ships, but they offer more storage space, and the bathrooms are bigger. Hey, I will take a bigger bathroom over a bigger room, I need plenty of space for a nice bath after a full day riding waterslides. 

What we don’t like about Icon of the Seas

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Being a real Godzilla of the seas means that some things might not be as smooth as we’d hoped. Icon of the Seas is probably not the ship for those seeking peace and quiet. It’s loud and busy, with people everywhere you look. Perhaps the hype around the ship plays a part, but there are so many guests aboard that it can be hard to find a seat near the pools. You’ll also see kids running around, and expect lines at most restaurants during peak hours. If you’re traveling alone or just with your significant other, you might want to consider another cruise.

The biggest issue with Icon of the Seas is how expensive it can be. This is expected, given that we’re talking about the largest cruise ship in the world, which has been incredibly hyped. A 7-night Caribbean cruise aboard Icon of the Seas costs around $1,500/$1,600 per night, while the same duration aboard Wonder of the Seas is about $1,270. That means Icon of the Seas is roughly 25% more expensive than Wonder of

 the Seas, another amazing ship, and that’s before adding taxes. Icon of the Seas also launched in 2024, so we might need to wait a few years until prices lower a bit.

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I’d also say that Icon of the Seas is best suited for experienced cruisers. Sure, there are plenty of amazing entertainment options onboard, but if you’re not a frequent cruiser, you can still have a lot of fun on ships like Utopia of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas. In fact, Icon of the Seas might even feel a bit overwhelming for first-time cruisers.

So, does this ship get a thumbs up? Absolutely. There’s a lot to see and do, with a variety of restaurants and buffets to suit all tastes. This ship is designed for families and children, and you’ll have a blast if you plan your next vacation here. However, it does get very crowded, and you will need to make reservations in advance for shows and many activities. If you don’t mind a more crowded and expensive experience, but one that offers essentially a theme park on the high seas, you can’t go wrong with Icon of the Seas.

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