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The inaugural cruise on Jan. 27 is actually more expensive, but inside and ocean-view cabins are sold out. On Aug. 30, the lowest price for an Icon of the Seas sailing was $2,058 per person, based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin. With 20 decks (18 of them accessible to guests), Icon of the Seas can seem vast and overwhelming.
things I loved (and 4 I hated) about my vacation on the world's biggest cruise ship
The ship also has installed hydrogen-based fuel cell technology using seawater to generate electricity and fresh water. The Baltic Sea trials were successfully completed in the period June 18-22, 2023. The second sea trials are planned for December 2023, for pushing the vessel to its limits before the official delivery to RCI in January 2024. The units are LNG-powered (by liquified natural gas), employ fuel cell technology, and are classified by DNV GL (Hovik Norway-headquartered international ship registrar and classification society).
Family-themed activities
"Family Infinite Balcony" cabins accommodate 6 people and are with split bathrooms, a separate kids' bedroom (with bunk beds), and an infinite balcony. Speaking of vibes, if you're looking for a secluded place to drink (as in, not the swim-up pool bar), few will top the Overlook Pods, perched just behind the AquaDome. The ship's riff on Broadway-approved "Wizard of Oz" — 16-piece live orchestra and flying bed included — delighted me, a hater of most musicals.
More Royal Caribbean
Royal Theater is the main show lounge spreading over 3 floors (forward on decks 3-4-5). The theater presents nightly 2 grand shows - early (at 8 pm) and late (at 10 pm) to match the assigned dining room sittings. Both are full-length production shows with professional performances (singing, dancing, acting, live band music) by the ship's resident entertainment staff. Signature shows are "Hairspray" (musical comedy / original Broadway production themed on humor and commentaries on early 1960's race relations) and "Flight" (themed on the history of flying).
RCI's Icon OTS construction update teaser (released in May 2022) showed a huge white sphere installed midship on top deck. The spherical object weighs 175 tonnes, has diameter 50 ft (15,2 m), height 46 ft (14 m) and consists of 578 aluminum panels. In late-June RCI's President (Michael Bayley) called the big white ball "The Pearl". Metalcolour Group has subsidiaries/production plants in Sweden, Denmark and Singapore.
POOL HOP NONSTOP
Be sure to check out Swim & Tonic, the largest swim-up bar at sea. Admission is free if you want to hang out and wade in the water, though alcoholic beverages will cost you extra unless you purchase a Specialty Beverage Package. The package is a great deal, and it includes beers, wines, and other vacation libations at bars such as the Lemon Post. Now that you know all of the wonderful entertainment, attractions, dining and more that is complimentary on Icon of the Seas, what is not included in your cruise fare? The following restaurants and attractions are open to guests sailing onboard Icon of the Seas, but you'll have to pay an additional fee to access them.
WELCOME TO MIAMI: ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ICON OF THE SEAS ARRIVES FOR THE FIRST ... - Royal Caribbean Press Center
WELCOME TO MIAMI: ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ICON OF THE SEAS ARRIVES FOR THE FIRST ....
Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Icon of the Seas will only have two types of ocean-view rooms with a window but no balcony. Its new Panoramic Ocean View rooms are within the AquaDome, offering floor-to-ceiling windows rather than the standard picture window. They will also be larger than the standard balcony cabin at 258 square feet (compared to 160 to 187 square feet). Icon of the Seas will showcase new dining venues and updated spins on guest favorites.
The itinerary is less critical because there is so much to do and see on the ship. But our Icon of the Seas cruise was an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Given the ship is a destination in itself, we reserved most of our port days to do and see more of Icon of the Seas.
Royal Promenade
Additional attractions include an adults-only pool, an infinity pool and hot tubs sprinkled throughout the area. The pools and hot tubs are positioned along the edges of the ship, so guests can take in the sea views while soaking in the water. Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships feature multiple "neighborhoods" — themed areas of the ship with a mix of attractions and dining, drinking and shopping venues. Icon of the Seas takes that concept to the next level with eight neighborhoods, including three returning areas from its sister ships and five that are exclusive to its new class of ships. A cruise vacation is a great opportunity to go outside your comfort zone and try something new with thrilling activities like Category 6.
The 20-deck high ship comes in at 250,800 tons will be more than 6% bigger than Wonder of the Seas and able to hold up to 7,600 passengers. Icon of the Seas will also be 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas. On Deck 5, you'll find Sorrento's Pizza, Starbucks, Spotlight Karaoke and the Point & Feather pub. You'll also find The Pearl, the ship's iconic indoor sphere that functions as an artistic stairway, and the outdoor running track encircling it all. The area will be home to Royal Caribbean's first double-pianist bar, Dueling Pianos.
Or, head to Grove Suite Sun Deck, a casual outdoor venue with its own exclusive pool just for suite guests. If you're cruising with your children, there's no shortage of activities and attractions to excite little ones onboard Icon of the Seas℠. There's also the cruise ship's beach-themed carousel, which doubles as a great photo opp.
From expansive balconies that invite the sea breeze to our most over-the-top family accommodations — our range of spacious rooms is designed with family comfort in mind. This is your week to enjoy everything you’ve ever loved about every vacation — all rolled into one. With a kid-approved sprawling aquapark, a pool just for grownups, plus plenty of bites to fuel up for bolder bonding — your whole crew will never want to leave.
All the way forward on Deck 15, this posh space features 220′ views and plenty of comfy furniture including the first-of-their-kind pods at sea. It’s a great place to chill with a book or a drink anytime of day. Inside, the loyal Royal cruisers will find a typical lineup of bars and lounges. The Schooner Bar overlooks the two-story promenade on Deck 6 starboard side. Luckily, Heidi’s favorite lavender daiquiri is still available, along with the new toasted marshmallow old fashioned to go along with the nightly live piano music. Chill Island has 4 Lime and Coconut bars, including the brand-new frozen bar featuring poolside favorites like a Miami Vice.
Of course, we made sure to pop into each venue to try at least one signature cocktail. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean did not change the drink prices on Icon of the Seas. So, most specialty cocktails are covered in the beverage package.
The ship has put special emphasis on catering to young families. However, its myriad attractions will provide entertainment for cruisers of all ages and interests. Icon's go-to neighborhood for adrenaline-pumping activities will be Thrill Island. Found on decks 16 and 17, it's home to all the wild top-deck attractions Royal Caribbean is known for — as well as some new thrills. Additional shopping venues are sketched in on the ship's deck plans, but Royal Caribbean has yet to reveal what stores will set up shop along the park's winding paths. Royal Caribbean offers three tiers of suites, and each subsequent tier comes with increasing Royal Suite-class perks and amenities.
Some predictable games included morning trivia at 10 am in the Schooner Bar. This intense diving and aqua show attempts to replicate an action movie utilizing state-of-the-art pools, lifts, and robots. While Royal Caribbean typically has two comedians, this special sailing featured three, including our favorite, Simeon Kirkiles. However, we went standby later in the cruise and had no issues getting into one of the shows. With his Scottish accent and lineup of typical hits and sing-alongs, this was a rowdy good time most nights. The new open design of the pub incorporates more promenade seating without interfering with the passenger flow in this often busy area.
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