Icon of the Seas Ship Review
We took Icon of the Seas on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. As the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, it offered an incredible variety of neighborhoods, dining venues, entertainment, and activities. Despite its massive size, the ship is thoughtfully designed, making it surprisingly easy to navigate.
From the moment we stepped onboard, we were impressed by the attention to detail and the number of experiences available. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, there's something for everyone on this ship. We were also amazed by the cleanliness of the ship and the exceptional service provided by the crew throughout our vacation.
Dining
Dining was easily one of the highlights of our cruise, with an incredible variety of complimentary and specialty restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed several meals in the Main Dining Room, where both the food and service were consistently excellent, making it a great choice for breakfast and dinner.
For specialty dining, Izumi Hibachi was one of our favorite experiences. The chefs were entertaining, and the food was cooked to perfection, making it a meal that was just as fun as it was delicious.
One of the most memorable evenings of the cruise was at the Empire Supper Club. This upscale dining experience combines a multi-course gourmet menu with expertly paired cocktails and live jazz entertainment, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a classic New York supper club. Every course was beautifully presented, and the attention to detail—from the service to the food and music—made it one of the most unique dining experiences we've ever had at sea. While it comes at a premium price, it's an experience we would recommend for anyone celebrating a special occasion or looking for an unforgettable evening onboard.
We also loved the convenience of AquaDome Market, which offered a variety of quick-service concepts perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a casual snack. The diverse selection meant there was always something new to try without needing a reservation.
No matter where we dined, the quality of the food consistently exceeded our expectations. With so many dining options available, we never felt like we were repeating the same meals, making every day onboard a new culinary adventure.
Cabins
We stayed in a balcony cabin and found it to be comfortable, modern, and well-designed. Although the cabin wasn't the largest we've stayed in, it offered plenty of storage, making it easy to stay organized throughout the cruise.
The location of our cabin was convenient, with easy access to many of the ship's neighborhoods while still providing a quiet place to relax after a busy day.
Entertainment
Entertainment on Icon of the Seas is truly next level. Every venue offered something different, from Broadway-style productions to live music and comedy.
The standout performances for us were:
- The Wizard of Oz production in the Royal Theater.
- The dinner entertainment in the Empire Supper Club.
- Aqua Action!, the spectacular AquaTheater show featuring high diving, acrobatics, and incredible special effects.
There was always something happening around the ship, and we never ran out of entertainment options.
Pools
The pool areas on Icon of the Seas are some of the best we've experienced at sea. With multiple pools spread across different neighborhoods, it was easy to find the perfect atmosphere, whether we wanted a lively social scene or a quieter place to unwind.
One of our favorite spots was Hideaway, the adults-only neighborhood featuring an infinity pool overlooking the ship's wake. It offered a fun yet relaxing atmosphere with plenty of seating, music, and beautiful ocean views.
We also spent time at Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea. This unique pool was a great place to cool off while enjoying a cocktail without ever leaving the water. The lively atmosphere and convenient bar service made it one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon.
Spa
The Vitality Spa was one of our favorite places to relax and recharge throughout the cruise. One feature we especially appreciated was the fresh smoothie and juice bar located just outside the spa. It was a great place to grab a healthy drink before or after a treatment, adding to the spa's wellness-focused atmosphere.
Another unique offering was the availability of IV therapy, providing guests with an option to rehydrate and recharge while onboard. Whether you're looking to recover after a long travel day, stay refreshed during your vacation, or simply indulge in a wellness experience, it's a modern amenity that sets the spa apart from many others at sea.
The spa staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and the facilities were exceptionally clean and well maintained. Whether you're booking a massage, relaxing in the thermal suite, enjoying a fresh smoothie, or taking advantage of the wellness services, the Vitality Spa offers a relaxing retreat that's well worth adding to your cruise experience.
Bars
Icon of the Seas offers an impressive selection of bars and lounges, each with its own unique atmosphere.
One of our favorite spots was Dueling Pianos, where the talented musicians created an interactive and entertaining evening. We enjoyed the Trellis Bar in Central Park for a before dinner cocktail. We also enjoyed The Pearl Café for specialty coffee and light snacks, along with several outdoor bars that were perfect for enjoying tropical drinks while taking in the ocean views. We were disappointed in the Playmakers Sports Bar location.
Whether you prefer live music, handcrafted cocktails, or a quiet place to relax, you'll have no trouble finding a favorite spot onboard.
Pros
- Beautifully designed ship that's surprisingly easy to navigate.
- Outstanding variety of complimentary and specialty dining.
- Incredible entertainment, including Aqua Action! and The Wizard of Oz.
- Multiple pools and neighborhoods for every travel style.
- Plenty of bars, lounges, and live entertainment.
- Great mix of family-friendly attractions and adults-only spaces.
Cons
- Walking distances can be significant because of the ship's size.
- The basket storage system in the staterooms.
- The Playmakers Sports Bar location.
Overall Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Would we sail again? Without hesitation. Icon of the Seas delivers an exceptional cruise experience with world-class entertainment, outstanding dining, innovative neighborhoods, and activities for every type of traveler. It sets a new standard for family cruising while still offering plenty of relaxing spaces for adults, making it one of the best cruise ships we've ever sailed.