Wanna know what it’s like sailing on the world’s biggest passenger ship? Read on:
Fun, anyone?
Seen the wall-to-wall ads for Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas and wondered if it’s for you? For many couples and families, Icon will provide a giant cruise-load of fun, with lots of bars, restaurants, pools, and activities to explore, plus a stop at the best of the cruise lines’ private islands, CocoCay.
Some favorites:
the reconsidered two-story lobby/Royal Promenade anchored by the Pearl installation,
the oasis-like Central Park in the middle of the ship with bars and restaurants in an open-air garden setting, now connected to the Promenade,
the Overlook bar tucked back behind the AquaTheater,
and the Hideaway adults-only pool and bar setup on the back of the ship. [All of these are seen below.]
Royal’s suites offer something really special for those willing to pay up, but all of the ship’s cabins get an upgrade. My standard balcony cabin stole some welcome design cues from Celebrity’s fleet with sleek and occupant-friendly furnishings, an eye-pleasing aesthetic, and storage and plugs everywhere. Overall, the ship feels brighter, from the rooms to the public spaces, and bigger. [See below, a sampling of Icon’s suites.]
For families, the Surfside neighborhood has been revamped with more to do, see, buy, and eat, including a carousel and large splash area for kids. And the big kids’ waterpark features 5 slides, a FlowRider, and the new Crown’s Edge experience that slings you (briefly and safely) over the side of the ship. [See these below.]
The new AquaDome.
For Mom and Dad, there’s always a bar close at hand offering something different and cool (see the signature cocktail that comes in a bubble at 1400), and the new food market by the AquaDome mimics Virgin’s food hall concept for fun anytime a la carte dining. The Windjammer buffet and traditional dining room, standard across Royal’s fleet, are here as well.
America’s favorite coffee-flavored liquor.
So, for the right travelers, Icon can be a blast. But those seeking a quieter, smaller-scale, or more luxe experience will find lots of other options to love, like sister cruise line Silversea’s ships that are a tenth the size of Icon. A good cruise experience is all about the right fit—and a good travel agent can help you find the right one. To discuss and book the cruise that’s the right fit for you and your crew, contact me. I promise: there’s a cruise for almost everyone.
