Icon of the Seas — Attraction in Miami

I recently had the pleasure of sailing on the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas from May 3 to May 10, 2025, and I can confidently say it was one of the most phenomenal vacations of my life! With nearly 7,600 passengers on board, I was initially apprehensive about the size of the ship, and the experience far exceeded my expectations.

While we had to cancel our stop at Labadee for safety reasons, the ports we did visit were delightful. St. Maarten's beautiful beaches and vibrant culture were a perfect backdrop for relaxation, while Ponce offered a rich history and charming architecture.

The ship itself is massive, with an abundance of activities to keep everyone entertained. The Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade was a highlight, offering a fun atmosphere to catch sports and enjoy arcade games. For dining, Chops Grille served fabulous steaks that were nothing short of spectacular. Izumi was another standout, delivering a phenomenal hibachi and sushi experience.

For a quick bite, the Pearl Cafe was a great option, always stocked with grab-and-go items near the peril. The Windjammer Cafe's first-day seafood buffet was astronomical and set the tone for the culinary delights ahead. However, in my opinion, Hooked Seafood was the best restaurant on the ship. The fresh seafood, great wine selection, and attentive staff made for an unforgettable dining experience, especially with its convenient location next to the Aquadrome show.

Basecamp is perfect for casual bites like burgers and hot dogs and is conveniently located near the slides and miniature golf. The Central Park area provided a serene escape, reminiscent of New York’s Central Park, and was a lovely place to unwind amidst the bustling ship atmosphere.

Whether you want to ice skate, play laser tag, or engage in sports like basketball and pickleball, there's truly something for everyone. Many guests chose to stay on the ship during port days to fully enjoy the extensive amenities available.

Everything is managed through the Sail Pass, which I found convenient. I recommend purchasing the Deluxe Drink Package and the VOOM Surf + Stream Package, especially if you're traveling with others. This way, you can add additional devices instead of opting for individual packages.

While the WOW band (wristband) was handy for opening my room door, I found it a bit tricky when ordering drinks at the bars. The Sail Pass was much easier for drink orders. There’s a 15-drink limit per 24 hours with the Deluxe Drink Package, and I didn't find it strictly enforced, allowing for a bit more flexibility.

There are two Starbucks locations on the ship—one on Deck 5 that charges you and one near the Pearl Cafe that’s complimentary with the Deluxe Drink Package. The Bolero Latin Bar was my favorite evening spot with its vibrant live bands and energetic dance floor on Deck 6.

Swim & Tonic was a highlight, with the fantastic Raymond and Lawrence keeping the vacation vibes alive. Deck 6 offered numerous bars, including The Attic, Dueling Piano, and The Schooner Bar, while Deck 5 featured the 1400 Lobby Bar and Spotlight Karaoke.

The Overlook AquaDome Bar on Deck 15 is not to be missed, with its stunning lounge and cocktail offerings. I enjoyed the espresso-themed cocktails at Rye & Bean, while El Loco Fresh & Cantina Fresca offered delicious margaritas, tacos, and burritos in the Chill Island area.

The ship is so expansive that I honestly couldn't experience everything in just eight days and seven nights! The Deserted Milkshake Bar in Thrill Island was a delightful treat, and the Hideaway Bar with its infinity edge pool was the perfect adults-only retreat.

Overall, I found the Royal Caribbean Oasis Class to be the ultimate way to cruise. I’m already planning my next trip aboard the Star of the Seas! This cruise was a phenomenal vacation for my family, and I highly recommend the Icon of the Seas for anyone looking to explore the Caribbean. Just plan ahead and prepare for an adventure with little time for rest—you won't want to...

It's BIG!!! The neighborhoods are really cool, each with their own offerings. Love their use of technology, food was pretty great.

Washy-washy!

We went on the 2nd sailing, guest count was limited to 5500 so the ship wasn't technically fully booked.

Heads up: If your balcony window or door is open, the AC automatically shuts off. The old school balcony is what we opted for, so I can enjoy some outside air while my wife napped in air conditioned, dark silence.

PROS: Neighborhoods! More food variety, dedicated family area, larger showers,

There are really cool pods in the aquadome!

Entertainment was good for the most part.

Food had more variety that I'm used to seeing on Royal, really enjoyed that. Many places to have breakfast, etc.

Shows were easy to get reservations to, good system in place.

Great gym, walking / running track was awesome.

Water slides are a must-do!

Mini golf is an awesome design!

Elevators get people moved around more efficiently.

Staff was excited and friendly!

CONS: Many pools - but they're all essentially narrow, wading pools. People reserving the good outdoor loungers is still a thing. I wish they'd establish a system and get in the middle of this. Hideaway pool was always full - again, it's just a wading pool. The infinity edge is really beautiful, though!

Hot tubs - People camping in hot tubs is still an issue too. It was crowded.

Pods - Same issue, one couple will sprawl out their belongings in a 12 person pod and make it "full".

Main Dining - It's no longer really a nice "date night dinner". No dress code enforced, people with tiny cutoff shorts and fishnet stockings, shorts and ball caps, etc. - service is painfully slow which leaves you sitting for a long time with no food or drink refills. We just stopped going and had a better time out and about on the ship.

LOTS of unattended and out of control children running all over the mini golf course.

Floor plans might be a bit misleading when reserving your stateroom. We booked a room overlooking Central Park, mid ship. But.... There's actually a large structure going across the middle, so our room was in a corner and didn't feel as open as we'd hoped.

Ports - Cocoa Cay is their beautiful, manicured private island, and it was our best experience. The other ports of call on this cruising has you plowing through vendors that jump out at you while insisting they're not pushy, with some great excursions but not a lot to...

Our family had an exceptional cruise experience on the Icon of the Seas. We stayed in a Family Infinite Oceanview Balcony Stateroom, and it was ideal for our family, which includes two tall teenagers. The room provided ample space and comfort for everyone.

Activities: The activities offered were outstanding. There was always something exciting to do, ensuring that no one ever felt bored. However, I do have one minor critique: the climbing wall. It is not in the best location, as it gets too hot in the afternoon and had to be closed down during those hours. This wasn’t an issue on the Oasis-class ship, so it’s something to consider for future designs.

Dining: The main dining room was somewhat disappointing. The food was lukewarm and tasted like it had been reheated in a microwave. While the staff was friendly and attentive, I would recommend avoiding the main dining room despite it being included in the cruise package. On a brighter note, the Windjammer and Park Cafe maintained their usual high standards, and the new Pearl Cafe was a delightful addition, replacing the Cafe Promenade.

Ship Design: The design of the Icon of the Seas is impressive. The ship is spacious and incorporates a lot of advanced technology, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Entertainment: The waterslides were a highlight, offering plenty of fun for the whole family. If I had to suggest an improvement, it would be to add one or two more slides to enhance the experience even further.

Overall, the Icon of the Seas provides a fantastic family-friendly cruise with plenty of activities and beautiful staterooms. Despite some minor issues with dining and the climbing wall, we thoroughly enjoyed our...