Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship and has 27 places to eat.

More than half are included with your cruise fare, including a giant dining room, buffet, pizzeria, and taco bar.

On top of that, there are 12 spots which cost extra. These range from sushi bar, to steakhouse, to classic Italian.

I recently spent a week on Icon of the Seas, and tried to eat as many different dishes as I could in that time.

Because I'm always looking for a budget-friendly cruise, I also challenged myself to only eat at complimentary venues on this cruise.

Even with limiting myself to free dining, there were more options onboard than I had the chance to try on my 7-day cruise.

I thought the food onboard was the best of any Royal Caribbean ship I've tried before.

Of course, food is subjective, and different people have their own opinions when it comes to dining.  From my perspective, here's how I'd rate each venue I dined at.

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Main Dining Room

Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room is the complimentary, sit-down dining venue on all ships. It serves 6,000 guests in a three and a half hour time frame for dinner alone.

Dinner is the most popular meal to attend in the Main Dining Room, and I elected to dine there with the traditional dining option. This means we had a the same table assignment, dinner time, and waiters every night of the cruise.

The Main Dining Room has a set menu for its four-course dinners that varies for every day of the cruise.

Because of that, I was familiar with most of the meals and could compare them to the ones I've tasted on other Royal Caribbean ships.

We started with a selection of tasty bread buns and ordered an appetizer from the menu.

The appetizers were tasty, and the portion sizes were pretty large.

The main course was about equal to the ones I've tried on other ships, but it did come a lot faster and warmer than I'm used to. The speed of service and temperature of the food was a big improvement.

I also saw a lot more vegan options available in the Main Dining Room. 

I usually order vegan ice cream for dessert, but on previous ships, they've only had a few flavors available (mostly chocolate and vanilla). 

On Icon, however, they had unique vegan flavors of ice cream, like chocolate praline crunch.

Pros:

• The meals were fast and hot
• There's no work involved; waiters do it all

Cons: 

• Dinner lasts at least an hour
• It's a more formal setting

Windjammer

The Windjammer on Icon felt vastly improved compared to other ships I've been on. It seemed to have an endless choice of dishes available, and was huge.

The complimentary buffet was open for three meals a day, every day.

Whether you enjoy waffles, hamburgers, salads, curry, roast beef, fruit, or grilled vegetables, there's something for everyone to try a taste of.

I also thought that the meals were of much higher quality than on other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

One thing I always look for is Asian food, and I loved this Windjammer's selection of Asian food—from Indian curries to Chinese sweet and sour chicken.

My only complaint was that, while some of it was flavorful, none of the food was very spicy. However, I understand that they have to appeal to a wider audience.

On the last day of the cruise, they also laid out a delicious charcuterie spread of fruits, olives, meats, and cheeses.

Pros:

• A variety of high-quality food
• Freedom to self-serve and go back for more

Cons:

• There's the potential to spread germs
• The food isn't very spicy 

Read more: 12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room on your cruise

AquaDome Market

The AquaDome Market is an entirely new venue on Icon of the Seas, and I think they did an amazing job with it.

Located at the entrance to the ship's AquaDome, this dining location is a complimentary food hall—the first of its kind on a Royal Caribbean ship.

It features unique dishes at five distinct stalls: crépes, Asian food, mac and cheese, Mediterranean food, and sandwiches and salads.

I thought all of the food here was awesome, from the sweet crépes to Mediterranean bowls with chickpeas, to bacon mac and cheese.

The AquaDome Market was also conveniently open in the late afternoons when the Windjammer is usually closed and guests might be searching for a late lunch or snack.

Read more: I ate at every new restaurant on Icon of the Seas and here's how I would rank them

Pros:

• Strong variety of dishes
• Easy to split into a small snack or create a full meal

Cons:

• Not all of the food stalls will be open at the same time

Pearl Cafe

The Pearl Cafe is complimentary and located near the Pearl over the Royal Promenade, quickly became my favorite venue on board.

Because it's open all through the day and even late at night, the Pearl Cafe is a great, quick stop for coffee, snacks, drinks, or desserts.

Icon of the Seas upgraded the cafe with a wider variety of snacks and juices. I loved walking up to the open fridges and just picking out a snack.

I especially kept coming back for the portable containers of hummus, ranch, and vegetables; the perfect quick bite for me to sit down and eat or take back to my room.

Pros:

• Quick, easy place to grab a snack
• Open at all hours and has a fun view of the Promenade

Cons:

• A lot of plastic is used, so not very environmentally friendly
• You usually won't find non-dairy milk here

Park Cafe

The Park Cafe is somewhat of a hidden gem onboard Icon, and I heard about it from a crew member at the Pearl Cafe.

He recommended eating at the complimentary venue for breakfast, and I am so glad I took his advice.

Located in the beautiful, sunny Central Park, the Park Cafe is a free venue that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner—including the popular Kummelweck sandwiches!

I tried both breakfast and lunch at this location and thought the food was pretty regular.

However, there were a lot of choices available (especially if you like pastries for breakfast or sandwiches for lunch) and Central Park is the perfect location for a meal.

Pros:

• Beautiful atmosphere and location, sometimes with live music!
• Lots of complimentary food and snacks

Cons:  

• Most of the food here wasn't stellar
• There weren't many gluten-free options

Read more: The 10 Essential Dishes to Eat on Icon of the Seas

El Loco Fresh

El Loco Fresh is Royal Caribbean's venue for Mexican cuisine, and it's also included in your cruise fare.

They serve grab-and-go food like burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and salsa.

I loved the bright, fun decorations of this venue, and the easy access to the pool decks onboard.

However, my travel buddy and I thought the food was nothing special.

While I love Mexican food at home, the selections I tried at this venue were tasteless and chewy.

Perhaps I made a mistake in grabbing the pre-made packs of food and should have built my own meal instead, where I would have the ability to add all the sauces and seasoning I desired.

Pros:

• Easy access from the pool decks
• Hot grab-and-go food

Cons:

• The pre-made food wasn't very flavorful 
• Only a small selection of dishes available

Sorrento's

Sorrento's pizza is a Royal Caribbean staple.

This free pizza place is the perfect late-night stop when you need a bite to eat or are craving something warm and cheesy.

Although this venue is fun and convenient, I'm of the opinion that there's nothing special about the pizza itself.

The crust is thin, and the top develops a layer of oil.

I was riding in the elevator one night when I saw a boy holding a plate covered with napkins. 

When we asked why he had napkins over his food, he took them off to reveal a few slices of Sorrento's pizza.

"The pizza's too oily, so I'm tryna get it off," he said.

Sure enough, three of the napkins were soaked through with oil.

For the record, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley went on record to say his favorite food on Icon of the Seas was a slice of pepperoni pizza from Sorrento's.

Pros:

• Open late into the night
• Endless, yummy pizza

Cons:

• Can have long lines at certain times
• The pizza is very oily 

Happy Mothers Day! All the moms out there deserve a big hug, thank you, and hopefully a new cruise booking too.

The next new Royal Caribbean cruise ship is on her way to completion.

Utopia of the Seas began her sea trials this week, which is a major milestone in the construction of any cruise ship.

On May 7, Utopia of the Seas departed from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France for a 5-day sea trial during which the ship will sail more than 1,000 miles. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Slashes Prices on Icon of the Seas' New Ropes Course by Almost 75%
• Royal Caribbean will hire 10,000 workers this year to meet booming demand
• I tried the Miami hotel everyone says is the best pre-cruise option. It was comfortable, but my stay had some issues
• I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why the surging hype is real
• Empty cruise ship is sailing without passengers and it's a more relaxed atmosphere for crew members
• I spent $2800 for 7 nights in a 157-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my tiny cabin
• I got to blow this cruise ship's horn on Odyssey of the Seas. Here's how I did it.
• Can you upgrade your room after final payment on my cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 533rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available!

With a special guest, Emma, we discuss how to approach planning a European cruise for the first time.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

10 Fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 10 Fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship shore excursion

How can you stay safe while trying a new tour in a foreign location?

Royal Caribbean cruises take you to fascinating ports of call, but it still takes preparation and an alert awareness to protect yourself.

Here are some extra tips before your next cruise ship shore excursion.

9 easy ways to save money on a European cruise

A cruise to Europe could be cheaper than you'd think.

With these easy ways to save money on your cruise, you can customize your experiences for any budget.

European cruises don't have to break the bank, and a few adjustments, there are countless ways to save money.

4 mistakes I saw other people make on Icon of the Seas—and 2 mistakes I made

Calista recently sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, but she noticed it takes some adjustment from everyone.

To make the most of your cruise on the world's largest vessel, it's important to prepare and learn from others' mistakes.

From what to pack to how to use the elevators, here are 6 mistakes you shouldn't make.

Royal Caribbean saved a passenger's life

Crew members on Ovation of the Seas saved a passenger's life after he had a cardiac arrest.

Thanks to the swift response of crew members, they successfully stabilized the patient and coordinated with the US Air Force for a medical evacuation via helicopter.

The passenger's daughter posted her thanks to the medical professionals, saying she is "in awe" of Royal Caribbean's response.

You've probably heard lots about Icon of the Seas by now, but what makes the ship so highly celebrated?

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship this month on a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing.

I wanted to see exactly why this ship has been so hyped over the past few months, and if all the praise is deserved.

Initially, I expected the ship to feel like a bigger version of an Oasis-Class ship, with tons of amenities and huge crowds.

Other than knowing about the ship's size and focus on providing a fun experience for younger families, I didn't know what to expect.

But by the end of the sailing, I think I was just as impressed as everyone else. Icon of the Seas felt more like a mix between an Oasis-Class and a Quantum-Class ship.

Yes, she's big, but the vessel has more to offer than just size.

From the moment you step on board, it's evident that Royal Caribbean wanted to improve upon previous problems while creating an entirely new class of ship.

Read more: 14 improvements Royal Caribbean developed just for Icon of the Seas

What justifies all the hype around this ship is that the improvements and new ideas are well-designed, well-executed, and extremely celebrated throughout your time onboard.

The size makes you feel like you're not on a cruise ship at all

Of course, Icon's size cannot be overlooked.

Since the vessel debuted, I've seen graphics and photos of how large the ship is. However, it's hard to comprehend once you're onboard.

Especially with the wide-open public spaces, it hardly feels like you're on a cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas feels more like a small city.

Part of her novelty is that you can almost forget you're floating in the ocean (until you glance outside, that is).

I think Royal Caribbean wanted to lean into this aspect because, at the beginning of the cruise, they announced that there wouldn't be any daily event announcements or updates from the captain.

Without a direct connection to the bridge, the ship felt less like a cruise ship and more like a theme park.

I won't say that everyone will enjoy this aspect, but it made for a unique and interesting experience that you can't get anywhere else.

Read more: First look Inside the World's Biggest Cruise Marvel, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

The ship's design is the perfect mix of elegant and fun

When I first walked up the gangway, and onto deck 5, I was immediately struck by the bright colors and cheerful style of decoration.

This is most evident in Surfside neighborhood, an area focused on families with young kids that pops with neon colors and bright pinks and blues.

However, all areas around the cruise ships are filled with these vibrant colors.

I even mentioned it to our stateroom attendant, and she agreed.

"It's so cheerful!"

However, the playful colors were combined with elegant designs onboard.

For example, art pieces were in every corner of the ship.

The Pearl brought a smooth, graceful atmosphere to the Royal Promenade.

The entire design of the ship, from decorations to layout to art pieces, perfectly mixed the vibe of young and old, fun and elegant.

Read more: I took the inaugural cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship. It was a giant party, but not everything was totally ready

Extra space, stairs, and seating helped move crowds along

The biggest difference I noticed from other large Royal Caribbean ships I've sailed on was the lack of crowds.

Of course, you could still tell there were a large amount of people onboard. But the ship's layout ensured that no one would ever be squished into one place, and we never ran into any traffic jams.

I noticed that high-traffic areas, like the Royal Promenade and the Windjammer, were built a little wider than usual, helping to create space for a large amount of people.

There was also a ton of seating everywhere on the ship, so everyone found a place to sit and rest.

I also really liked the large amount of central staircases onboard, such as in the Royal Promenade, going up to Central Park, or down to Surfside neighborhood.

Lastly, the destination elevators helped to alleviate crowds as well.

These all helped to ease foot traffic and calm crowds.

The ship was intentionally celebrated

Excitement is contagious, and I think that's another part of why Icon has been so heavily hyped.

Even though it's been a few months since the ship's inaugural sailing, crew members and cruisers were still extremely excited about being onboard.

Wherever we went, staff welcomed us, saying: "Have an Iconic cruise!"

My cruise embarked the day after Royal Caribbean's partnership with Hard Rock Casinos was announced, so we were greeted at the port with live music, dancers, and free T-shirts!

Throughout the cruise, I saw everyone wearing their "Hard Rock 'n' Royal" T-shirts. A common uniform is a great way to build camaraderie, so this move also added to the energy onboard.

Not only that but on night one, the ship's cruise director, Gemma Hugo, made a speech to everyone gathered on the Royal Promenade for the balloon drop.

She made everyone solemnly swear to have fun and eat tons of food while onboard.

Such intentionality and care lends itself to an infectious air of excitement.

A focus on families with young children creates a playful atmosphere

Even as someone who doesn't have kids, I could tell that Icon of the Seas was the perfect ship for families with young children.

A lot of fun areas focused on families with young kids, like the Surfside neighborhood, water slides, and even a playground on deck 15.

Icon of the Seas provides an awesome family experience, and I could tell when I was onboard.

Kids were included in tons of events onboard, like silent discos or being allowed to compete in trivia games.

One night in the Main Dining Room, I saw a waiter bring two kids a lobster folded out of dinner napkins! They were overjoyed.

I loved how much kids were included in the fun onboard—it lent a vibrant, playful atmosphere to the cruise.

Seeing babies dance at the silent parties and children sing at "finish the lyric" challenges genuinely warmed my heart.

Cruise ships offer exciting shore excursions to unique areas, but how can you make sure they’re safe?

Royal Caribbean cruises have the appeal of taking you to multiple exciting ports of call, from the gorgeous landscapes of Alaska to the ancient ruins of Greece. 

But when you’re traveling to a new and foreign location, safety is always a top priority.

Ensuring that you have a safe, enjoyable experience during your shore excursions takes some careful preparation.

While most shore excursions come with safety in mind and experience tour guides, being smart and proactive is the best way to stay safe.

Especially if you have special concerns (like pregnancy or a disability), are traveling alone, or haven’t been on a cruise before, some extra research and preparation will help you stay protected throughout your cruise.

Here are our top tips for safely taking a cruise ship shore excursion at any port of call.

1. Book through the cruise line

One of the simplest ways to tour a port of call is by purchasing a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean.

Although more expensive, shore excursions sold through Royal Caribbean have been carefully reviewed.

The tour groups and guides have been vetted.

Not only that, but the cruise ship will also wait for your excursion if it runs late.

You’ll be perfectly safe from being left behind in a foreign place!

Read more: 8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted

2. Research extensively beforehand

Before you even purchase your preferred shore excursions, take your time to research each aspect of the experience.

Investigate each port of call you’ll be visiting. Even if you have multiple stops in the same country, don’t assume that they’re all the same.

Research will tell you about the safety level, available activities, the landscape, weather, and other important information.

You’ll also need the specific details for your shore excursion: the price, duration, activity level, and dress code.

Knowing all this beforehand helps prepare you for a safe and fun experience.

Read more: Is Royal Caribbean still going to Labadee, Haiti?

3. Don’t be afraid to speak up

I was on a cruise that stopped at Cozumel, Mexico, and was walking through the busy tourist port, when an older man approached me and offered me an already-opened bottle of beer.

When I politely refused, he started to insist that I drink, saying it didn’t matter if I was underage.

I firmly said no, and kept quickly walking.

Can you imagine what might have happened if I had gotten nervous, hadn’t said no, or even agreed to drink the beer?

Being firm, smart, and unafraid to speak up when something seems wrong is a key way to protect yourself.

Of course, you want to be aware of cultural differences, and be careful that you don’t degrade any local customs.

Read more: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

But your safety is what’s important here, so speak up if something feels wrong! 

Trust your intuition, and don’t let anyone make a sucker out of you.

4. Listen to your tour guide

Your shore excursion’s tour guides will be the best source of knowledge about your port of call.

They are extremely trained and experienced in doing exactly what you need: keeping you safe while giving you a fun experience!

Listen to their safety briefings, which will involve important information about safety, meeting points, and any potential hazards.

Take note of any guidelines they give you.

When you’re in any unfamiliar or remote area, listening to experts is the best way to keep yourself safe.

If you do experience any problems or feel unsafe at any time, let your guide know that you need help.

5. How to keep your money safe on excursions

You're probably going to need cash during your shore excursion, whether to pay the tour, tip someone, or purchase souvenirs.  So how do you keep that safe, especially when you're on a beach or snorkeling trip?

As a tourist, try to keep a low profile, and don't wear jewelry or hold large amounts of cash. 

Your best bet is to treat valuables, such as cash, like you would normally at home.  Keep it in a wallet, and ensure it's out of sight in either your pants, purse, or backpack.

If you prefer, there are various types of waterproof wallets you can purchase. A simple dry pack that can fit your cash, identification, SeaPass card, and a credit card is all you need (Note, this link is an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use).

No matter where you store your cash, keep it out of sight. Put valuables in a bag, and then cover it up so a passerby cannot see it easily. 

If you're somewhere where pickpocketing is a concern, you can carry valuables in a hidden pocket worn under your clothing.

6. Stay with your tour group

For additional safety, try to stay with your group. 

Traveling with a larger group—one of whom is an experienced tour guide—ensures that no one can single you out or take advantage of you.

While some tours do have opportunities for you to explore along, try not to wander too far.

There’s safety in numbers. 

Not only that, but a Royal Caribbean shore excursion will consist of other people on the same cruise ship, and who likely speak the same language as you. They’re a great source of help if you run into any problems.

Even when in a big group, make sure you also stay vigilant of your surroundings!

7. Respect local laws and customs

This is where doing research ahead of time really comes in handy.

To keep yourself safe, you need to understand the context of where you are traveling.

What is considered polite and respectful? What should you wear? Who should you speak to—and who should you not?

Familiarizing yourself with the local traditions and laws ensures that you don’t accidentally do anything considered disrespectful or offensive.

You are a visitor to this country, so make sure that you educate yourself and respect all cultural differences.

Read more: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

8. Get an Internet connection

While this isn’t required—and it’s certainly trickier when you’re in a new country—having Internet access can really ease your mind when it comes to personal safety.

You have an easy way to do immediate research. You’ll have access to Google Translate, local maps, and a way to call or text anyone if you’re in an emergency.

There are a few ways you can get an Internet connection when you’re off the cruise ship in a foreign country.

You can try to find a restaurant or cafe that has free WiFi. Many areas understand that tourists may need Internet access, and they’ll be happy to provide it to you if you purchase something.

You could also buy a SIM card to get local data. These are sold everywhere, such as in airports or near currency exchanges.

If you need an e-SIM, there are several ways to buy them online. I like to use the app Airlo, which allows you to buy an e-SIM for any country and choose a specific timeline for it to be activated.

After crew members assisted a passenger who was having a heart attack, the US Air Force rescued a man in the open Pacific Ocean last Tuesday.

No one wants the worst to happen while on a cruise ship, but this week's events show that Royal Caribbean staff is well-prepared.

User ChedderCheeseCheetah posted to the Royal Caribbean sub Reddit page that staff onboard Ovation of the Seas saved her dad's life.

"My dad had a cardiac arrest onboard the Ovation two days ago and RC staff responded immediately with excellent CPR and successfully resuscitated him with an AED, stabilized him, and kept him alive for 36 hours," she wrote.

The user shared on Reddit that her dad made it to the hospital safely. 

"[He is] safe and stable but still critically ill."

She credits the cruise line's crew members for making a difference. Without the quick response from Royal Caribbean crew members, ChedderCheeseCheetah's dad may not be alive today.

She commented that she wanted to sing their praises publicly because of this.

"I am just in awe of Royal."

Ovation of the Seas was hundreds of miles from land when the cardiac arrest occurred

Ovation of the Seas was on a 9-night one-way cruise from Honolulu, Hawaii to Vancouver, Canada when the medical emergency happened.

Built-in 2016, she has a capacity for a total of 4,905 guests and 1,500 crew members.

She became the first Quantum Class ship to offer cruises to Alaska in 2019. Ovation of the Seas is also the newest Royal Caribbean ship to cruise to Alaska.

Read more: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2024

The unnamed man who suffered the cardiac arrest was onboard celebrating his upcoming 40th wedding anniversary with his wife.

At the time, Ovation was located in the middle of the sea, with no time to sail to land.

The patient had to be stabilized by medical staff and then evacuated off the ship via helicopter.

After his evacuation, the wife remains onboard and will have to wait until the ship disembarks in Vancouver.

The rescue was coordinated by the United States Coast Guard and Air Force

The Reddit user ChedderCheeseCheetah reported that, after her father's cardiac arrest, medical staff onboard Ovation of the Seas resuscitated and stabilized him, then placed him in a medical coma for the helicopter recuse.

Once the US Coast Guard could get within range of the ship, they were able to send a helicopter to lift the father to a hospital in California.

ChedderCheeseCheetah said the United States Coast Guard and Air Force worked together to coordinate and complete the medical evacuation.

Videos show the evacuation involved a military-grade Pave Hawk helicopter and a C130 to refuel it in the air.

That way, the helicopter could fly hundreds of miles out to sea and back.

This rescue involved complex coordination between Royal Caribbean, USCG, and USAF. It is an impression accomplishment that the evacuation could take place to save this man's life.

Reddit user jpchopper added that the evacuation was "no small thing... and it's an even bigger accomplishment that they were able to coordinate all of this in 2 days."

ChedderCheeseCheetah also said she found it "funny but not funny" that her father is an Army combat veteran.

"[He] would be beside himself with pride at the job well done by our military men and women for this rescue. And he would have loved the helicopter ride if he hadn’t been medically sedated for it."

Many users resonated with the heartwarming story 

Many Redditers commented, sending their prayer to the poster's father and applauding Royal Caribbean staff members.

"I got the chills reading this," HurryAdventures8335 said. "It’s so amazing that everything turned out okay."

The Reddit post also served to connect passengers who are currently on the Ovation of the Seas cruise.

Mfhicks wrote to the original poster: "I am so glad you have shared this! My uncle sat with him [in the Main Dining Room] throughout the week and was very concerned when he wasn’t there a couple of days ago. 

"We would love to keep up with his progress and offer any assistance possible."

Users also pointed out that, in addition to the fast medical response, Royal Caribbean is doing its part to reimburse passengers on the current sailing and the next for the cruise ship delays.

"This couldn’t be cheap for Royal because they are reimbursing passengers for missed flights and hotel stays. They are doing the right thing and willing to absorb a loss for it," pharmecist commented.

At the time of this article, Cruise Mapper showed Ovation close to the North American West Coast, making its way to Vancouver.

The cruise ship's arrival at port was delayed by nearly 12 hours.

Guests booked on Ovation's next sailing also commented on Reddit that their cruise had been delayed.

I spent seven nights on Icon of the Seas and noticed cruisers making some avoidable mistakes.

Icon is Royal Caribbean's newest ship and exemplifies the cruise line's effort to go above and beyond and solve problems on previous ships.

Because of that, the ship is full of innovations and designs, and it can be hard to get used to.

On my cruise, I witnessed people making silly mistakes—and I made a few myself!

Read more: 14 improvements Royal Caribbean developed just for Icon of the Seas

Whether you're a veteran cruiser or new to this type of travel, Icon requires some new adjustments.

To make the most of your experience on the largest cruise ship in the world, here are some mistakes you can learn from.

Take this as a guide to what not to do when you get onboard.

Mistakes I saw other people make

Getting into any elevator

Icon of the Seas debuted a new elevator system for Royal Caribbean.

Instead of pressing an up or down arrow, and choosing your floor once you enter the elevator, you select your specific destination on tablets outside the elevators.

The tablet then tells you which elevator to wait at (a letter from A-L) and when the elevator arrives, it takes you directly to your deck.

I witnessed a couple of people still adjusting to this elevator system.

Once, I saw a lady walk right onto an elevator without choosing her destination floor. 

I’m not sure if she knew which direction the elevator was going, but I knew she would be stuck with no way to choose her floor from the inside.

She mostly likely had to get out at the next stop, select her destination on a tablet outside, and then enter the indicated elevator.

Not wearing shoes in public

This seems like common sense, but some guests can get carried away with the air of casual relaxation on a cruise ship.

It’s easy to go in between the pool and lunch, or the hot tub and your afternoon snack.

When you go from the pool deck to a dining area, however, it’s important to wear a cover-up over your swimsuit and make sure that you have shoes on.

I was entering the Windjammer for lunch when I saw the Washy-washy crew member turn away a young boy.

“I can’t let you in without shoes on,” he said.

I turned around and, sure enough, the boy was barefoot.

He had to walk away and find shoes before he was allowed to enter the dining venue.

Leaving children unattended 

Icon of the Seas provides an awesome family experience, and I could tell when I was onboard.

Even though I don’t have children, I noticed a lot of fun areas focused on families with young kids, like the Surfside neighborhood, water slides, and even a playground on deck 15.

However, not every area is intended for children, and parents should still be mindful of where their children are and what they are doing.

I was in the gym when I saw a child wander into and start playing with the free weights. With no parents in sight, he started jumping on the machines and grabbing random weights.

I was worried that he might fall or drop something and hurt himself!

I’m not sure where his guardians were—maybe they had no idea their son had slipped away—but they should have been mindful of where he was.

The gym does not permit any children under 12, and guests under 16 are supposed to be accompanied by an adult.

While the families with young children lent a vibrant and playful atmosphere to the cruise, I didn’t think it was safe to leave kids unattended around the cruise ship.

Not bringing a water bottle

My travel buddy said they most regretted not packing a water bottle on this cruise.

It would have been helpful to carry drinks from the dining venues back to our stateroom, or out of the ship when we left on excursions.

I always pack a large Hydroflask water bottle on my cruises, and it helps me stay hydrated.

If you don't pack a water bottle, you'll have to resort to carrying cups of water around or paying extra for plastic water bottles.

Mistakes I made

Purchasing a shore excursion without looking for a better price

Before my cruise, I went onto Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. 

I decided to buy the cheaper shore excursions that I saw offered there on the website.

Since I love birds, I was excited to see an aviary tour on Costa Maya, Mexico, offered for $59 per person. I bought it without a second thought.

When we arrived at the tour, the guide walked us just a few steps into the port and guided us into the aviary.

At the aviary itself, I saw that tickets were being sold for only $14 per person.

My heart dropped with regret.

If I had just waited until we got to the port and walked up to the aviary myself, I could have saved $45!

Read more: 8 things I love about Icon of the Seas (and 3 I didn't)

Forgetting to pack sunglasses

It's not easy to remember to pack everything you need—especially for longer cruises—but I wish I'd made more of an effort.

I forgot to pack sunglasses on my cruise and realized my mistake as soon as I got onboard.

Whether I was sitting at the pool, walking around the deck, or even sitting inside a sunny area, I found myself squeezing my eyes shut to protect myself from the sun.

Even though I knew the cost would be high, I gave in and started to peruse the shops onboard, looking for any pair of sunglasses at all.

A saleslady asked my budget and I told her I would pay up to $50 for them, thinking that already it was a steep price to pay for the $10 pairs I had left behind.

However, she let me know they didn't have anything in my price range and proceeded to show me sunglasses ranging from $119-$150.

I was so frustrated that I walked out of the store, and had to wait until we stopped at a port to buy some new, cost-effective sunglasses.

Packing isn't always easy, but this mistake was a further reminder of what I already knew: if you leave anything behind, it won't be worth it to buy onboard.

InterContinental Miami is one of the top pre-cruise hotels in Miami, so I decided to try staying there.

We always recommend you fly into the city your cruise leaves from the night before embarkation day. This ensures that any delays won't impact your cruise, since the ship won't wait for you.

A quick Google search will show you that many cruisers recommend InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel located in downtown Miami just 0.7 miles (a 7-minute drive) from the cruise port. 

InterContinental Miami is listed on TripAdvisor as the second-best hotel close to the port of Miami, with a total of 4.5 stars.

In preparation for my Royal Caribbean cruise out of Miami, I decided to give the hotel a try.

I booked a classic room with one king bed and an ocean view. 

The total cost (for two guests staying for one night) was $349.17, plus a $37.29 resort fee due upon arrival.

I had a late flight and arrived to the hotel's bright glass doors at11:00 P.M.

While I didn't expect anyone to help me with my bags, a valet stopped me and told me that someone would come to help.

I stood there and waited for about 15 minutes, watching valets continue to pass me by, before giving up and lugging my bags into the hotel myself.

I was disappointed with the speed of service, but understood that it was late and they probably didn't have many staff on duty at the time.

Check-in was quick and smooth, and the staff at the counter informed me that check-out time was noon, but I could call them if I needed to get that extended.

The hotel felt huge, as my room was located on the 24th floor.

When I arrived at my door, it was already open a crack, which put me on high alert. Had someone already walked in? Had staff left it open for the next guest? 

I took some time to walk around and examine the room to make sure it was completely safe.

It was a huge, spacious area, with a counter in the entryway. The counter held bottles of water, an ice bucket, and a coffee machine.

Below this counter, two mini fridges held a stunning variety of snacks and drinks.

In the entryway, I also found the door to the bathroom.

It was huge, nearly the size of the Royal Caribbean stateroom I would later stay in!

The sink was wide enough for three people to stand at together, with a bright light around the mirror.

The bathroom also came with one matching bathrobe for guests to wear during their stay.

The marble floor matched the walls of the shower.

Opposite the shower, there was also a large closet that held the safe, an iron, and storage space for clothing.

I thought the bathroom was almost unnecessarily large and luxurious.

However, I kept hearing strange gurgling noises throughout the night.

At first, I couldn't pinpoint what was making such loud noises, until I realized it was the hotel's toilet. 

There must have been something wrong with its mechanics, but I'm not sure why they wouldn't get that fixed before putting new guests in the room.

I saw that we had a large, comfortable king bed. It was decorated with half a dozen fluffy pillows and a tall blue headboard.

I shared the bed with my friend who was traveling with me, and when we woke up, I told them the bed was so large I could barely tell they were in it!

Each side of the bed had a bedside table and lamp beside it.

A large flat-screen TV also faced the bed.

Beside the bed, there was a comfortable L-shaped couch with a series of artful pictures and a lamp above it.

Opposite the couch, there was also a round table where we could sit and eat.

Between the two sat the long window, decorated with two automatic shades: a blackout curtain and a lighter-toned shade.

Both were controlled by buttons on the right side of the bed, so you just had to push one button to bring them down, or another to pull them up.

My friend said that the blackout curtains helped them sleep so well that they decided to get some at home.

That night, we headed out to the city to grab some dinner. When we returned, a man was getting arrested and pulled into a cop car directly in front of the hotel lobby.

While I'm sure this wasn't the hotel's fault, it added to the general anxiety for my safety that I'd already been feeling.

When we got back into the room, I noticed that we could hear our neighbors on the other side of the wall.

However, we slept comfortably and all was well. 

In the morning, I woke up excited to see the view from the hotel window.

Since our room was designated as an "oceanview" I had expected a direct ocean view.

However, directly in front of our window faced another side of the hotel.

I had to lean to the right to see a sliver of the ocean on the side. 

As we prepared to pack and check out of the hotel, we started our search for food.

To receive complimentary breakfast, you have to book the hotel's InterContinental's Breakfast for 2 offer.

Otherwise, the hotel has room service nearly 24/7 and several restaurants onsite where you can pay to dine.

These include Ole!, Starbucks, Bluewater, and Toro Toro.

It was quick and easy to checkout; despite everyone having the same checkout time there weren't many lines to the elevator or in front of the counter.

While we waited in the lobby for the Uber, I noticed the abundance of comfortable seating and the fun, jazzy house music playing.

As we exited the hotel, a staff member immediately took our bags from us and helped us into the Uber.

Last week, I went on a 7-night cruise on Icon of the Seas, which is the world's largest cruise ship.

To get the cheapest possible price, I booked an interior stateroom through the guarantee cabin process.

The total cost came out to $2897 (including pre-paid gratuities), which was divided out for two people over seven nights. That breaks down to $207 a night, per person.

Icon of the Seas is the world's current largest cruise ship, standing at a whopping 20 total decks and weighing 248,663 gross tons. 

Read more: Should I book a guarantee stateroom on a cruise?

She has 2,805 staterooms, and mine was assigned a few weeks before the cruise.

I received an Interior Plus category room, which is described on Royal Caribbean's website as having "a deluxe closet and dressing area."

"There's no such thing as overpacking in these staterooms," the deck plans read.

The website indicated the room measures 157 sq. ft. in total, but I was excited to see how it felt in person and as a home for the next seven days.

Because I opted for a guarantee cabin instead of picking a specific cabin, I assumed the leftover cabin choices would result in a less desirable location.

I received stateroom 10411, which is located far forward on deck 10.

Although this was close to the forward elevators, the deck was so crowded with staterooms that it was difficult to get orientated for the first couple of days.

We kept getting lost on the way to the stateroom, confused by the winding halls and multiple elevators.

Although I didn’t suffer too much seasickness from being so far forward, I did find that the room location was extremely noisy.

Sometimes we would hear stomping feet from above, or loud bangs coming through the walls.

It was so loud that I woke up in the middle of the night multiple times, thinking that someone was knocking on the stateroom door.

But the pitch black darkness you can only get in an inside stateroom and comfortable beds made it easy to fall back asleep.

When I first opened the stateroom door, I was shocked at how tiny living space was.

It narrowly fit the two stateroom beds and single armchair with a footrest.

This room was decorated with cute tropical paintings. Everything looked clean and bright, with warm lighting that spoke to how upgraded the room was.

With the two beds split apart, each one had a small shelf with a lamp on top. They were comfortable and clean beds, with large, fluffy pillows. 

The beds were what I expected, but I did feel like the blankets were lighter and more comfortable than on older Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Read more: 5 busted Icon of the Seas myths

The stateroom’s television faced the beds.

When I was preparing for my cruise, I eagerly looked forward to the possibility of casting from my phone to the smart TV. 

Casting allows you to send movies and shows to the TV with your phone, projecting them onto the wider screen, but it is only available on Royal Caribbean’s newer ships, such as Wonder of the Seas.

Since Icon is the cruise line’s newest ship, I fully expected the TV to also have casting abilities.

However, it did not, limiting us to watching the 25 free channels, which included sports, news, kids' shows, and Royal Caribbean information.

Beside the television there was a touchscreen temperature control unit. This modernized unit could adjust the temperature of the air conditioning, as well as change light settings.

With a touch of the finger, we could choose between four adjustable moods: morning, evening, movie, and sleep.

I enjoyed playing around with these settings and appreciated the fact that it saved me the trouble of going around to adjust each lamp and light switch individually.

Just in between the television and the main stateroom door, I found the door to the bathroom.

If I had been disappointed by the stateroom’s size, the bathroom made up for it.

It was wide, with a long sink and ample shelves.

Three shelves sat below the sink, and three shelves sat to the upper left.

There was also a deep drawer to the left of the sink and above the trash can, which I didn’t even need to use because the space had so many storage options.

Opposite the sink sat the toilet and a series of shelves going all the way down the wall.

Even with two people traveling for seven nights, we did not get close to filling up all the shelving space in this bathroom.

The best upgrade to this cabin—one that a comedian onboard even mentioned during his set—was the increased size of the shower.

I’m used to tiny, tube-like showers on Royal Caribbean ships, that have a tunnel so small that opening the door takes up all the space.

This shower was about twice the size of the typical showers I’ve been used to, and it even had a seat to the left. 

There was enough space in the shower to move around, bend over, and even sit down.

Although the water pressure was a little low, the water got hot quickly and made for an enjoyable shower.

As I walked back and further into the room, I saw the reason for the main room’s smaller size.

Typically most inside staterooms have one large area with the beds, chairs, closet, and desk/vanity combination.

However, in this Icon stateroom, the sleeping area and the closet and vanity area were divided into two separate spaces.

Past the bed on the far wall, I walked into a doorway.

This deluxe dressing area stored the room’s combination desk/vanity, a long desk with a ring light surrounding the oval mirror.

Below the desk, there was a drawer for storage and a beanbag chair to sit on.

This style of chair is another new aspect of Icon of the Seas. I thought that they were plenty comfortable, but I missed having a chair with a back on it so I could throw towels or jackets on top.

To the right of the vanity, I found the tall closet. One of my favorite aspects of the room was how this closet brought together almost all the storage elements into one space.

Read more: I took the inaugural cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship. It was a giant party, but not everything was totally ready

The first compartment was a tall hanging area, perfect for long clothes like dresses or suits. The second compartment also had hangers for shorter clothes like jackets.

At the bottom of the closet, there was a small safe on top of a wide shelf space.

Below that, two black metal baskets were set inside shelves, and to the right, I found the small cooler.

It helped to have one space to store all my clothes, items, and food.

However, the baskets were a confusing addition to the room. 

They didn’t seem to fit well in the shelves: they were heavy and slid harshly over the wood below. They didn’t slide as easily as a drawer, and I had to pull them all the way out if I wanted to get an item out of the basket.

In the end, I placed the basket on the larger shelf space above and used the shelves below to fold and stack my clothes.

The safe was small—barely the size of a book—so I was only able to fit my passport inside. All other valuables had to go unprotected.

The cooler, however, kept drinks, milk, and sandwiches just cold enough.

At the end of this small vanity room was a full-length mirror, the perfect complement to the classy lighting in this clothing area.

I loved this one area to get dressed and ready in, but recognized that it made the stateroom feel smaller overall, by becoming divided into two areas instead of one large one.

The stateroom also had more charger options than typical Royal Caribbean ships. Usually, the only chargers are located above the stateroom’s desk. 

But on Icon, I found charging ports at the desk, below the TV, inside the bathroom, and on the left bedside table.

Although the cabin was small, I was happy overall with the comfort, convenience, and organization of the stateroom.

What is Royal Caribbean's wellness check, and why is it required before your cruise?

The check-in process encompasses a few steps, with the wellness check being the final step.

Royal Caribbean’s app provides an efficient guide to checking in online. Similar to how airlines provide online check-in, you can prepare for your cruise all on the app.

Before your cruise, you can create an account on the app or website, and use your information to prepare for the cruise.

The cruise line heavily emphasizes the importance of completing all the steps of the check-in process before your cruise to make embarkation day as smooth as possible.  No one likes waiting in line, especially if they could get that time back being on the cruise ship.

Read more: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips for a fast embarkation

For guests’ health and safety, the wellness check is one of those steps.

The wellness check involves a series of health questions

Essentially, the wellness check is to ensure you're not getting on the cruise ship in poor health. 

Unlike the rest of the check-in process, you can only do the wellness check the day before your cruise.

At noon on the day before embarkation day, you will receive a notification from the app to complete the wellness check and answer some required health questions.

Until you complete this questionnaire, a message in the app will read “not yet cleared to board.” All guests must complete these health questions to be allowed to board.

Again, adults can fill in the information for any passenger under 21 years old.

Royal Caribbean’s website states that “It is required that each guest answers the set of questions within 24 hours of arrival at the port for their sailing in order to qualify to board.”

Once you are prompted, open up the app by touching the notification.

The health questions will vary depending on the requirements of the port you’re sailing from. All the COVID-19 specific questions have been removed from the wellness check.

Be sure that you answer these questions accurately—you should be honest and keep in mind that you can’t change your answers after submitting.

Over the years, the exact questions have changed.  When Royal Caribbean restarted sailings in 2021, there were many more questions. Most guests currently report they are being asked the following: 

1. Will you be 23 or more weeks pregnant at any point in your cruise?
2. Have you experiences any of these symptoms within the past 24 hours: Fever Chills, Muscle Aches, Fatigue, Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion, Runny Nose, Cough, Difficulty Breathing, New Loss of, Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea?

You should answer the questions truthfully, as lying about it sets yourself up for disappointment onboard the ship should your condition worsen. Plus, you're putting others at risk by knowingly being sick and spreading germs.

Once you complete these questions, your wellness check is done!

Simply press submit and you will have access to your SetSail Pass.

From here, you can add it to your Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay for quick access on embarkation day.

If you are completing check-in on the Royal Caribbean website, you can print out your Set Sail Pass.

Your SetSail pass is your temporary card until you get your SeaPass on embarkation day. 

Even if you’re not able to add the SetSail Pass to your phone—or the battery dies—the check-in agents will still be able to look up your reservation.

At the cruise terminal, all you need to do is show up and proceed through security.

At the terminal, the gate agent may ask if your answers on the questionnaire are still accurate, or if you’re currently experiencing any cough, fever, or chills.

Either way, you’ve already completed your wellness check by answering the questionnaire on the app.

Will I be denied boarding if I answer "yes" to any of the questions?

If you answer yes to any question, the app will deny your ability to board, but that's not necessarily the end of the story.

If you accidently selected "yes" and instead of "no", you can call Royal Caribbean's Resolutions Department at 1-800-205-9812. Alternatively, you can simply explain your situation when you arrive at the cruise terminal.

If you're more than 23 weeks pregnant, it's not safe for you to go on a cruise. Cruise ships don't have the proper facility to care for a pregnant woman and/or her baby for someone that far along in their pregnancy.

One of the easiest ways to save money on your cruise vacation is by limiting your spending in the first place.

While a lot is included in your cruise fare, Royal Caribbean has a seemingly endless amount of add-ons that you can pay extra for to enhance your cruise experience.

However, new cruisers want to know: how can you tell which add-ons are important, and which will be a waste of your money?

As I’ve gained experience in cruising with Royal Caribbean, I’ve learned which add-ons are a waste of money, and what I can avoid spending on.

While I love to splurge and have a great cruise experience, some extra-cost items are only a waste of money.

With the knowledge of which ones are worth it, you can skip the scams and avoid getting a long bill at the end of your sailing.

In the end, saving money on unnecessary items allows you to spend more on other luxuries, or even to put towards your next cruise.

From specialty dining to shore excursions on Perfect Day at Cococay, these are the Royal Caribbean add-ons I never pay for.

Specialty restaurants

On my first cruise, I went crazy trying various specialty restaurants.

However, I’ve come to learn that the complimentary cruise cuisine is just as tasty!

Steaks at the Main Dining Room taste almost the same as those at the extra-cost Chops Grille, and the Windjammer has fried fish similar to what’s served at the Mason Jar.

Even when the dishes are different, the complimentary venues serve tasty food that you can't find at specialty restaurants.

Not only that, but dining at free venues like the Windjammer and the Park Cafe also grants you a lot of freedom to choose when you eat and what you wear.

You can often serve yourself, and avoid having long meals with eager waiters.

I’ve come to appreciate all the complimentary cuisine onboard Royal Caribbean.

And since reservations at a specialty restaurant can range from $30 to $200 per guest, I’m saving tons of money each time I choose to eat a free meal.

Read more: How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

Extra-cost activities

Royal Caribbean ships have countless onboard activities for guests to experience.

However, you have to stay alert, because not all these activities are free!

For example, I’ve gotten excited seeing a cupcake decorating or sushi-making class in my Cruise Compass schedule, only to find out that the classes cost over $30 per person.

To avoid spending money on activities that cost extra, make sure to double-check the prices in your Cruise Compass.

Instead of wasting your money, go ahead and find free activities, whether that’s lounging by the pool, watching a movie, or enjoying a workout in the gym.

Balcony staterooms

The idea of staying in a stateroom with a balcony is tempting. You could have a private star-gazing area, a space to feel the wind in your hair, and dine in front of the sea.

Balcony cabins are also a little more spacious for couples or families who want more privacy.

But if you’re willing to give up these amenities, you can save hundreds of dollars.

Read more: Inside cabin vs. balcony room on a cruise ship

Let’s take an Alaska vacation as an example. Say you want to cruise from Seattle to Alaska on Anthem of the Seas. 

If you look forward to 2025, you’ll see that the 7-night May 30th sailing is listed at $838 per person for an interior cabin.

Jumping up to a balcony cabin raises the price to $1,291 per person—a $453 difference.

If you were to cruise with two people to Alaska next year, you’d save almost $1000 by booking an interior cabin instead of a balcony.

While the costs vary depending on the cruise, an interior cabin will always give you the cheapest cruise fare option.

Over my many cruises with Royal Caribbean, I’ve sailed the majority of them in inside guarantee cabins—and I plan to keep doing so.

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. Here's why I actually like these rooms

Saving money with my cabin choice pushes me to explore more onboard the ship, getting out of the room and only returning to sleep. 

I highly recommend an inside room as an easy way to save money on a cruise. 

If you need to view the ocean or feel a breeze, just head out and up to the pool deck.

Spa treatments

The first time I saw Royal Caribbean’s spa prices, my jaw dropped.

I had considered booking a couple’s deep tissue massage until I saw that it cost more than $450 for 100 minutes.

In contrast, a 5-star spa located near my home offers the same treatment for less than $360.

Since then, I’ve opted out of booking any spa treatments on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Save your money, and choose a luxurious spa treatment once you’re back on land.

There are plenty of other activities you can experience on a cruise, including free spa tasters that are offered onboard.

If you need other ways to relax, try soaking in a hot tub, lying down on a sunny beach, or taking a nap in your dark cabin.

Your wallet will thank you.

Onboard shopping

Much like the Vitality spa, almost all the shops onboard Royal Caribbean ships have higher prices than on land.

Whether I’m looking at toiletries, medicine, or some new jewelry, I’m careful not to buy anything unless it’s absolutely essential or on sale.

Once, I forgot to pack seasickness medicine and decided to shop onboard.

I ended up buying an essential oil mix for around $15. Painfully, I had the same essential oils sitting (for free) at home.

Before you spend money in those onboard shops, consider whether you can buy those items anywhere else. 

I guarantee you, it will be cheaper.

Add-ons at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas is a tropical paradise.

With bars, pools, beaches, waterparks, and even wildlife, there are endless adventures to experience.

Read more: What to do at CocoCay? 18 things to try on your visit

However, there’s no reason to spend any extra money while visiting this island.

From tram rides to beaches, there are dozens of free activities and dining venues available.

I’ve stopped buying any shore excursions for sale on Perfect Day at CocoCay, having learned to save my money and enjoy the complimentary venues.

Coffee

As a coffee addict, I’m here to inform you that you don’t have to spend extra on Royal Caribbean coffee.

Yes, there are cafés onboard. These cafés usually serve Starbucks coffee, with a selection of specialty lattes and milks.

However, there’s no reason to waste money on extra-cost coffee, whether it’s hot or iced.

Royal Caribbean’s free brewed coffee is about the same quality, and you can request any special milk you need onboard.

Add your own sugar and milk or cream, and you have an adequate coffee drink.

Laundry 

Royal Caribbean does not provide any self-service laundry services onboard.

If you want to do any laundry throughout your cruise, you’ll have to pay extra.

The cost depends on which service you select, but the most basic service—a wash and fold package—costs $34.99 per bag of small clothing.

This cost can really add up, especially if you want to wash clothes for more than one person.

Instead of spending $35 per bag of clothing, you can save money by packing efficiently, and leaving the washing until after the vacation.

By packing lots of re-wearable, light clothing, I avoid doing laundry at all, making my cruise an even more relaxing vacation.

Another option is to pack detergent packets and do small clothing items in your sink.  There is a clothes line in the shower to dry your clothes.

I don’t have to worry about any household chores, nor do I have to pay someone else to do them for me.