Set Sail on the World's Largest Cruise Ship: Our Icon of the Seas Experience
- Jason Martin
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Royal Caribbean has really raised the bar. Again. If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate vacation—equal parts luxury, adventure, relaxation, and fun for all ages—then it’s time to meet Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. I just returned from a fantastic week aboard this engineering marvel, and I’m here to tell you: it absolutely lives up to the hype.
There were ten of us in our party ranging in age from 12 to 65. Half of our group were in the 12-19 years of age range. Icon of the Seas had a special way of bringing us all together, but also giving us all our own space at times.
Why Icon of the Seas is Making Waves
This ship isn’t just a cruise—it’s a floating city, and currently holds the title of the largest cruise ship in the world. It’s hard to grasp the scale until you’re on board, but picture this: eight distinct neighborhoods, seven pools, more than 20 places to eat, and activities that would make even a theme park jealous. From sunup to well past sundown, there’s something for everyone—and every type of traveler.
One-of-a-Kind Amenities at Sea
Icon of the Seas breaks new ground in every category. Here's just a taste of what you’ll find:
Thrill Island: Home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, featuring six record-breaking slides. Yes, we tried them. Yes, they’re as exhilarating as they sound.
Surfside: A dedicated neighborhood for young families with splash areas, kid-friendly eateries, and nonstop energy.
AquaDome: Think gravity-defying shows in a soaring glass dome over the ocean.
The Hideaway: An infinity pool suspended 135 feet above the ocean, exclusive to adults.
Central Park: An open-air garden with real trees and quiet vibes, perfect for a morning coffee or evening stroll.
Surfside makes its debut as a neighborhood on Icon of the Seas.
Dining, Drinks, and Delight
Foodies rejoice: the options are endless. Whether it was grabbing tacos at El Loco Fresh, indulging in upscale dining at Empire Supper Club, or snacking by the pool with deliciousness from the AquaDome MarketPlace or BaseCamp, every meal was an experience. We only ate at the traditional buffet twice during our week - there are soooo many other options!
My personal favorite? The variety of casual lounges and bars scattered across the ship—from classic piano bars to sleek rooftop spots, there was always a perfect place to unwind. And yes, I did manage to make a visit to alllll of the bars and lounges! It's research...errrr SEAsearch.
And the drinks? Whether you’re craving a handcrafted cocktail, local draft, or fresh mocktail, the bartenders on Icon don’t disappoint. Each of the bars and lounges on board have their own unique cocktails along with "the usuals". Having the unlimited drink package is a MUST for this cruise!
Activities for All Ages
What impressed me most was how effortlessly the ship catered to all generations. Our teens and pre-teens had a blast—they made friends quickly and loved the independence to explore, swim, play, and hang out in the teen zones. They had just the right balance of structure and freedom.
Meanwhile, adults could enjoy:
Adults-only pools and whirlpools
The serene Cloud 17 sundeck
Full-service spa
Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and live music nearly every night
Entertainment that Rivals Las Vegas (or Even BROADWAY!)
From jaw-dropping high dives at the AquaTheater to ice skating performances and full-scale productions in the Royal Theater, the talent on board was top-tier. Some nights we couldn’t choose what to see, so we split up and compared notes later. I was very impressed with The Wizard of Oz. This was a phenomenal rendition of a well known classic and was so well done! The special effects were fantastic! The show at the Aqua Theater and the ice skating show were spectacular as well.
A Word About the Elevators
You wouldn’t think elevators would be a blog-worthy highlight—but on Icon, they are. The smart elevator system is one of the best uses of tech I’ve seen at sea. Instead of overcrowded, slow elevators, this system grouped passengers going in the same direction and had us moving efficiently and without stress. For a ship of this size, that’s no small feat.
You call your elevator by selecting the deck number on one of several keypads in the elevator lobby. The display assigns you an elevator ABCDEFGHI or J. Once that elevator arrives you are whisked away to your floor. There is no floor selection while onboard the elevator.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a complete, immersive experience. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, Icon of the Seas offers something unforgettable for every type of traveler.
Our itinerary included a day at Perfect Day at Cococay which is Royal Caribbean's private island. The merging of Icon of the Seas and Perfect Day at Cococay on the final day of our cruise? Chef's kiss! I highly recommend choosing an itinerary with this must-see private destination. It easily ranks on my list of top ten favorite places on earth!
Ready to plan your own once-in-a-lifetime journey? Trust me—you’ll want to be able to say you sailed the world’s largest cruise ship. Contact us at JMart Travels and let’s start planning your adventure today! World-class adventures, hometown care.
📧 info@jmarttravels.com📞 812-351-0513🌐 www.jmarttravels.com
Pro Tip: Book early for the best cabin options—and don’t forget to pack your sense of wonder!
Comments