Royal Caribbean Blog

Icon of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature infinite balconies, so I decided to book this type of cabin to see what it was like.

Specifically, I booked an infinite cabin that offered views of Central Park, the open-air neighborhood with bars, shops, restaurants, and thousands of real plants. 

Icon of the Seas has 196 of these Central Park infinite balconies.

Let’s take a look at what a Spacious Infinite Central Park View Balcony cabin looks like on the new Icon of the Seas.

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

Cabin 10225 is located on deck 10, midship. The living area/bathroom is 200 square feet and the balcony is 50 square feet. These cabins can sleep three to four people.

The total for two people to sail in this cabin was around $5,180. Keep in mind this was during the inaugural sailing, a seven-day Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise.

The first thing I noticed when walking into my cabin was all the colors. There are lots of accents of yellow and blue, and the colors are not too obnoxious. I liked the subtle pops of yellow throughout the cabin.

The king bed can be split into two twin beds if two people are sailing in this cabin. On each side of the bed is a light and USB plugin.

On one side of the bed is the telephone and a side table with two shelves. The other side of the bed has a light switch that turns on and off all the lights in the room. There is also a regular U.S. plugin if you need to have a device charging next to you when you sleep. There’s only one shelf on this side of the bed.

The smart TV is across from the bed and can be seen from the couch, bed, or infinite balcony.

The couch is quite long and has cute decorative pillows. Some cabins have a trundle bed to sleep another person, but my cabin didn’t have this, hence it was a regular couch. I found the couch to be comfortable, but I did not have a ton of space to spread out when I would lie down on it.

The vanity is also long - pretty much the same length as the couch. There are numerous outlets, which I love because of my many electronic devices that need to be charged on a daily basis. The vanity has two USB-C outlets, a European outlet, two USB outlets, and one 120-volt outlet.

In the vanity, you can also see that there are five shelves to store your belongings. Three of the shelves are not as deep as the other two, but I could still fit plenty of things inside. The mini cooler was perfect for me so I could store my water bottles in there.

There’s a good amount of storage in the cabin, including shelves by the TV, a hidden closet/mirror by the bathroom, and a closet.

The closet is unique in that it has one full-length section and then a closet that takes up ¾ of the space with baskets below, taking up the other ¼ of the space. There are 24 hangers and four baskets.

The full-length closet is skinny and can fit a few full-length outfits. I used this closet to store my carry-on luggage and backpack. The other closet is where I hung up all of my dresses, tops, and jumpsuits.

Having baskets is an interesting concept. I like the idea of them, but I wish they were basket drawers instead of actual baskets. With these baskets, you pretty much have to pick them up and take them out. You can pull them towards you, but I think this will leave marks on the cabinet over time. I feel drawers would be much easier because they would just slide open and shut, preventing any skid marks and scuffs.

I just stayed in an inside cabin on Odyssey of the Seas, and I loved the closet situation on that ship - the closet was way bigger and could fit so much! On this Icon of the Seas cabin, I felt there was less closet space in comparison.

The infinite balcony includes two chairs, an ottoman, and a small table. There is a large green shutter that covers part of the balcony view. 

Of course, I also noticed the giant brown area right below my cabin. At first, I didn’t know what this was - I thought it was one of the restaurants or bars. Come to find out, it’s actually an entrance to the Royal Promenade where the Pearl is!

I would’ve much preferred a cabin without this large obstruction. There was no indication of this cabin being obstructed when I booked it, but I think it should specify that when selecting this cabin. With the Pearl right below me, I feel like I didn’t get to see as much of Central Park as I would’ve liked.

Read more: Photo tour of a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. It has more power outlets than I've seen on any ship

You can control the infinite balcony blinds from the control panel by the window or on the thermostat by the bathroom. To open and close the infinite balcony window, you need to use the control panel that’s located next to the window. The blinds do a great job of keeping the cabin dark at night while sleeping.

If you select the movie or sleep setting on the thermostat, the blinds will close at the same time the lights turn off. For the evening setting, the blinds will stay open. There’s also a curtain that can be utilized to create division between the balcony and living space.

As for noise, I didn’t hear anything at night when I was trying to sleep. However during the daytime when I was relaxing in my room, I could hear music from the pool deck. It wasn’t super loud, but it was a muffled noise. This could be a problem for those who like to nap during the day.

I did like the bathroom, as it was spacious and modern. The shower was nice and big, and even had a seat which is something I have not seen on a cruise ship!

Another thing I have not seen on a cruise ship was the towel rack inside the shower. This proved to be great because instead of taking a shower and stepping out into the cold to grab your towel, you can just stay in the shower and dry off with your towel right there.

The bathroom has three shelves next to the sink, three shelves below the sink, and three shelves by the toilet. There’s also a deep drawer that can store tall items, like shampoo and conditioner bottles.

Overall, I enjoyed my stay in this ultra-modern stateroom. Being on the 10th deck in the middle of the ship meant I was close to locations in the front and back of the ship.

There are a few things that I wish were different about the cabin (like the closet baskets and the view from my balcony), but they were small things that did not negatively impact my experience.

Would you stay in this cabin? Let us know in the comments!

We asked thirteen chefs and food-obsessed executives to debate the most memorable plates on Royal Caribbean's newest ship.

There are dozens of restaurants and bars on Icon of the Seas to try, so how how do you sift through every single one and choose the most essential dishes?

I struggled with trying to sample everything on my short Icon of the Seas preview sailing that the cruise line invited me on in the days before the new ship's maiden voyage. 

It occurred to me that it would make sense to go straight to the source and ask some of the chefs, senior staff, and executives for their picks. Some of them had been on Icon for nearly a month, and had gone through preparing the venues for paying customers. As a result, they tried a lot of the food.

I was surprised by the breadth of answers I got.  I was initially worried about repetition in answers, but it turned out there are a number of great picks among the list I compiled.

Here's a list of the top dishes and drinks straight from the top of Royal Caribbean.

1. Chilean Sea Bass at Empire Supper Club

Three different people picked the Chilean Sea Bass as their favorite dish, and that caught my attention when I went to eat there.

Empire Supper Club is a brand new concept for Royal Caribbean. The line has never done an intimate dining experience that incorporated entertainment, cuisine, and formality like this, and the finished product is quite impressive.

Among the three entrees you can choose from, the Chilean Sea Bass stands out for how much flavor it has and how tender it is.  It's a cliche to say food melts, but this one really does.

Izumi Master Chef Travis Kamiyama, Royal Caribbean International Chief Marketing Officer Kara Wallace, and Royal Caribbean International Senior Director of Fleet Restaurant Operations Dominique Gamba all chose this as their favorite food on Icon of the Seas.

To the best of my knowledge, Royal Caribbean has never served Chilean Sea Bass before at another venue, but it turned out to be a great choice.  You can also try the steak or rabbit at Empire Supper Club, but given how highly recommended the Sea Bass is, it's difficult to pass up.

2. Gyros at Aquadome Market

Aquadome Market is another brand new dining concept on Icon of the Seas, and it's Royal Caribbean's first foray into a food hall. And it's complimentary!

I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the Aquadome Market when the cruise line was testing out a bare bones concept at its Innovation Lab in Miami. Even in that form, I was impressed by the food ideas the culinary team came up with.

Paul Fortin, Senior Director of Culinary Operations (and a chef), picked the gyros from the Feta station, as did Thierry Houlbert, Senior Traveling Corporate Pastry Chef.

It's easy to see why the gyros are a great choice. They're freshly made when you order them, it uses fresh ingredients, and it's a satisfying street food dish.

Feta offers pork or chicken gyro meat, as well as falafel. And since it's in the food hall, you can also grab mac and cheese, crepes, and a salad at one of the other stations too.

3. Giant meatball at Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

Royal Caribbean brought back Giovanni's Italian Kitchen to Icon of the Seas, which is the line's preeminent Italian specialty restaurant.

Among the dishes you'll find at Giovanni's, is an aptly named appetizer, the Giant Meatball.

It's doused in Parmesan cheese, surrounded by marinara sauce, stuffed with spinach, and it was the dish that Director, Entertainment & Guest Activities at Royal Caribbean International, Ken Rush picked out immediately.

Like so many dishes at Giovanni's, the meatball is a comfort food and classic dish.

4. Amuse-bouche at Empire Supper Club

Another entry from Empire Supper Club is actually something you won't find listed on the menu.

This new restaurant boasts eight courses, including a very tasty start to the meal.

Royal Caribbean International Assistant Vice President of Guest Experience, Aurora Yera-Rodriguez, chose the amuse-bouche (pronounced ahmooz-boosh).

This is a French term that comes from the combined words amuser (to amuse), and bouche (mouth), and it's a tiny bagel topped with cheese and caviar.

5. Pepperoni pizza at Sorrento's

When I asked Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley his favorite food on Icon of the Seas, I don't think I would have predicted pizza would have been his choice.

Sorrento's is the well-known pizza chain on most of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships. Pizza might not be the most impressive food on Icon, but darn if it's not a good eat everytime you have it.

Mr. Bayley (AKA Bada-Bling Bayley) picked the pepperoni pizza specifically, noting it was something he always eats on any cruise.

6. Korean Fried Chicken at Pier 7

Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, is responsible for all the dining venues on Icon of the Seas.  In fact, he lead all the dining initiatives around the fleet, so he has had his hand in pretty much every aspect of eating on Icon of the Seas.

Mr. D'Souza picked a restaurant from the new family-friendly neighborhood of Surfside.

Pier 7 is the first family-oriented specialty restaurant that is free for kids, and only the adults pay for it.

Mr. D'Souza chose the Korean Fried Chicken as his top dish, and he's become quite the connoisseur of fried chicken during his tenure at Royal Caribbean.   You'll find a fried chicken dish at the Mason Jar and Portside BBQ, both of which are new venues that he lead the creation of on other ships.

7. Goat cheese salad at Chops Grille

Chops Grille is on every single Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and its menu is among the most well-known.  That might be why Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty picked something from its menu.

His choice was the Goat Cheese salad appetizer, which features a bed of greens topped with a large fried piece of goat cheese.

The crispy goat cheese salad is served with green apples, candied walnuts, cranberries, and balsamic dressing. 

It's creamy and delicious, with a tang from the balsamic dressing and sour green apples.

Mr. Liberty also gave an honorable mention to the Penne alla Puttanseca with Salmon from Giovanni's Italian Kitchen as another of his favorite foods on Icon of the Seas.

8.  Raviolo at Empire Supper Club

Yet another pick from Empire Supper Club is from Heather Hust Rivera, Royal Caribbean Group Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer.

She chose the Raviolo, which is served towards the beginning of the meal.  

Paired with the Staten Island Spritz, the Raviolo is a pasta with a soft egg yolk inside, surrounded by a lovely sauce.

A raviolo is a single, large piece that is served as its own dish, and our team ranked it at the very top of the Empire Supper Club's menu.

9. Tomahawk steak at Chops Grille

On Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean introduced a new sub menu to the Chops Grille menu that offers higher quality cuts of meat to enjoy.

There's waygu beef, Porterhouse, and a Tomahawk steak (among other choices).  The extra cost these steaks have serve up the sort of steaks you'd find at a high-end land restaurant.

Sean Treacy is Royal Caribbean International's Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, and he chose the tomahawk steak specifically.

I tried it out too, and it's a giant cut of meat. It's 32oz and can easily be shared with someone given its size.

What makes a tomahawk steak taste so good is the fat mixes with the elements released from the large bone. The rich flavor is why so many people prefer it.

Speaking of the Iconic cuts, Chef Travis Kamiyama also chose the Waygu Beef from this menu as a favorite of his.

10. Jazzy sass from Lou's Jazz 'n Blues

When I asked Ed Eiswirth for his top recommendation from Icon of the Seas, he went with the cocktail he loves the most.

Mr. Eiswirth leads all aspects of Beverage Operations on Royal Caribbean. Icon of the Seas has 13 brand new bars and lounges that are new to the fleet, and they created over 100 new cocktails. 

He went with the Jazzy Sass from the new jazz club, Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

I've known Mr. Eiswirth for a few years, so I know how much he loves his bourbons and this new cocktail stands out as something unconventional, yet tasty.

His team wanted to come up with drink ideas that went beyond the stereotypical drinks most people associate with a cruise ship.  While there's nothing wrong with a pina colada or margarita, they sought to find something else to give passengers an opportunity to discover a new favorite.

Can you imagine spending an entire day at Perfect Day at CocoCay by yourself?

MrBeast, YouTube's most acclaimed entertainment star, visited CocoCay with three of his friends to experience everything the $250 million island has to offer.  

Jimmy Donaldson, who is known by his alias MrBeast, has over 230 million subscribers. Since joining YouTube in 2012, he has amassed over 42 billion views! He was also the second YouTube creator to surpass 100 million subscribers. 

In a recent video, he spent the afternoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, to compare it to other private islands around the world. Since published, the video has received over 62 million views. 

"Literally anything you could ever want is on this private island," he said.

MrBeast isn't just a content creator

In addition to being a popular content creator and social media star, he's also a philanthropist who has founded and co-founded different organizations and fundraisers, including Team Trees, which raised 20 million dollars before the start of 2020 to plant 20 million trees. 

He has a second YouTube channel called "Beast Philanthropy," in which he states that 100% of the profits from ads, merch sales, and sponsorships will go towards making the world a better place. 

While not as popular as his primary account, it still has over 20 million subscribers! 

A glimpse at private islands around the world

After purchasing a small island for $1, MrBeast proceeded to blow it up since "...there was nothing [there]." He and his crew then made their way to Monkey Island, a $1 million island that's swarming with literal monkeys. 

The next island on their list was pretty different from CocoCay, so they had to trade in their swim trunks and flip-flops for parkas and beanies. To reach the island, they had to ride in hovercrafts since the lake was frozen solid!

While not an adventure on one of the world's largest cruise ships, it certainly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Activities here included hanging out with sled dogs and getting some pretty amazing views of the Northern Lights! 

Necker Island, the $150 million island, was nothing short of luxurious. It took over four decades to build and is owned by Richard Branson. 

MrBeast said that for every person in your travel party, there are ten staff members to wait on your every need, even if it's just cheering you on during a solo game of pool. 

One of the buildings has a golfing range on the roof with balls made of fish food, so they're safe to be hit into the sea! 

The last (and most expensive) island that he visited was CocoCay

Located roughly 140 miles off the coast of Miami is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island that underwent an extensive $250 million renovation in 2019. This renovation added tons of new activities, as well as a colorful pier, so guests do not have to board a tender to get ashore. 

"This extraordinary island has an entire amusement park with over a dozen water slides," he said referring to Thrill Waterpark. 

Admission to the water park isn't included in the cost of your cruise; the price usually ranges from $89 to $169 per person. 

"In the middle of the island is a massive water slide. Even though literal 8-year-olds ride that water slide, I might still chicken out because I'm afraid of heights," joked MrBeast. 

Recently, Royal Caribbean added the Tailspain, a family flume-style ride that's located at the Splash Summit Tower. 

While MrBeast and his posse ended up trying out the new slide for themselves, they first sent all the lifeguards down! They figured that, with only four guests on the island, they didn't need 100+ lifeguards at work. 

The other tower in the park, Daredevil's Tower, is home to the tallest water slide in North America: Daredevil's Peak. 

"Daredevil's Peak, what a soothing name," said MrBeast before he began the climb up. 

After losing "nose goes," his friend Nolan was the first to ride the slide. He remarked that he felt like he was hit by a truck! MrBeast claimed that he felt as though he was drowning the entire time. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

Earlier in the day, the friends spent time trying out other activities, including the 1,600-foot zip line. Like Thrill Waterpark, the zip line costs extra. For my upcoming cruise onboard Celebrity Reflection in April, it's currently available for $92 per person. 

In addition to the obvious beaches, CocoCay has numerous offerings for those who don't want to spend any additional money, such as basketball, corn hole, ping-pong, and even an enlarged soccer ball pool.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is also home to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean: Oasis Lagoon. 

Something that he didn't touch on was the brand-new Hideaway Beach, the extra cost adults-only retreat for guests 18+. For those who splurge on admission, they'll find a private beach, two pools, 20 cabanas, seven open-air bars, dining options, and more. 

They also didn't venture to Coco Beach Club, the island's exclusive enclave for those who value a more elevated experience. In addition to a private beach, Coco Beach Club guests have an upscale restaurant included in the cost where they can order things like filet mignon, lobster, etc. 

From Thrill Waterpark to simply enjoying each other's company over a friendly game of basketball and making new animal friends while walking from one activity to the next, it was impossible to fully experience everything in such a short period, even though they had the island to themselves. 

"This island has things that I didn't even know existed," MrBeast said. 

Read more: Video shows look around Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach

Happy weekend! We hope you are enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend and managing to stay warm. Now it is time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean cruise news.

Icon of the Seas has set sail on its first ever cruise, and it's a big deal.

Photo by Leeann Cris

The world's largest cruise ship departed Miami on Saturday with over 5,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members.

The 20-deck high ship has seven swimming pools, six waterslides, the largest ice arena at sea, 40 restaurants and bars, and a sprawling casino.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean CEO rejects changing to all-inclusive cruise prices
• Did Royal Caribbean's CEO hint Wonder of the Seas could be deployed to Galveston?
• 7 foods not to eat on a cruise
• 5 best cruises for teens
• Royal Caribbean's clever idea using AI to get help on the world's largest cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean CEO: "We built the biggest, baddest ship on the planet"
• Tweaks are being made to Star of the Seas based on Icon's feedback
• Royal Caribbean added a new suite for families on Icon of the Seas that has more space than ever

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 524th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with a preview of Matt's cruise on Icon of the Seas.

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.

New RCB Video: Icon of the Seas walkthrough tour

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 — Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship Tour — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Discovery Class: Royal Caribbean's new smaller cruise ship project

Royal Caribbean has been cagey with details, but it's clear that there is likely a new smaller class of cruise ships coming eventually.

How small? It's still anyone's guess, but the goal appears to be to replace the aging Vision and Radiance Class ships.

Referred to as the Discovery Class, we accrued all the information we know so far about this project.

Hideaway Beach adults-only section

There's a new adults-only beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and it's an impressive expansion.

Hideaway Beach includes a beach, infinity pool, new restaurants and more.  Plus, it's an enclave for adults who want a break from the family activities elsewhere on the island.

Before you buy a pass, here's what to expect and what you should know.

I designed 13 new bar menus for Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas has 13 new bar concepts, and that meant coming up with cocktails to offer in each one.

Alexandra Palmeri is Royal Caribbean's Corporate Manager of Beverage Operations, and her team was tasked with coming up with drinks for each one.

One of the primary goals of creating new bar menus was offering something more than just the typical cruise ship beverage, and the result was 100 new cocktails (65 with alcohol).

Is the world's largest cruise ship crowded? Not as much as you might fear

Icon of the Seas can handle almost 10,000 people when filled to the brim, but it's far less crowded than you might expect.

There's going to be a lot of people on any of its sailings, but Royal Caribbean has designed the ship to offer more activities and ways to keep people moving to mitigate crowding.

While the new ship won't feel like a private yacht by any means, it's also unlikely you will feel packed in as much as you might otherwise believe.

Cruise ships are a foodie’s heaven.

The foods offered can satisfy every craving, from late-night pizza to mouthwatering steaks, seafood, or even fresh salad.

But despite the variety of options, cruise lines aren’t exactly known for high-quality food.

While meals will still taste delicious, the ingredients won’t be the same quality you can expect from fine dining on land.

And there’s always the risk of disease or stomach discomfort while cruising. Many first-time cruisers complain of an upset stomach, or even nausea and vomiting.

The last thing you want is an unhappy stomach ruining your cruise vacation.

To ensure smooth sailing, stay mindful of the foods you do consume on your cruise.

Whether you have a sensitive stomach, want to eat healthier, or simply feel the need to be careful, stay wary of these 9 foods you should never eat on a cruise.

1. Old, congealed pizza

Pizza is one of the most popular offerings on Royal Caribbean cruises but keep an eye out for any older pieces.

If you happen upon a piece of pizza that looks cloudy, with congealed cheese, it’s probably been sitting out for a while.

Especially if it’s not a peak mealtime, and you’re looking for an afternoon or evening snack, this is normal.

You can always ask for a new pizza or head to a venue with more fresh ingredients. 

Sorrento’s pizza usually has fresh, warm slices, so just keep your eyes peeled!

2. Communal condiments 

Crew members at the Windjammer buffet always encourage guests to wash their hands before entering.

However, you have no way to confirm if absolutely everyone has scrubbed their hands with soap and warm water before grabbing food at the buffet.

When you see those large stations of communal condiments, just keep in mind that others have probably touched those stations.

Additionally, condiments are supposed to be refrigerated after they're opened. But you’ll notice that they are left out in the open for hours on cruise ships.

Some areas even have condiment stations outdoors, like on Perfect day at Cococay. 

Since the outdoor temperature can’t be controlled, the chances of pathogenic bacteria growing increases.

This can leave you vulnerable to getting food poisoning on your vacation.

For those reasons, be careful when it comes to grabbing condiments.

You may want to think twice before pumping ketchup on your burger and then grabbing it with your hands.

3. Tap water in port

In a tropical, outdoorsy environment like a cruise, staying hydrated is important. 

If you don’t drink water consistently, you might find yourself with a pulsing headache in the middle of an activity. 

Drinking water is always included in your base fare with Royal Caribbean. This doesn’t include plastic water bottles, but you can always bring a refillable water bottle along with you.

This ensures that you’re always carrying around healthy drinking water.

Tap water may not always be safe in certain port destinations, carrying the risk of waterborne illnesses. Some countries may not have clean drinking water, or they might just contain bacteria your body is unfamiliar with.

Always be mindful that you’re not drinking contaminated tap water! 

Drinking dirty water is a surefire way to quickly ruin your trip since you’ll probably have to stay close to the bathroom for some time.

Read more: Top Royal Caribbean dining hacks

4. Scrambled eggs at the Windjammer

Scrambled eggs are typically a great go-to for some morning protein.

On cruise ships, however, the buffet eggs tend to be a miss. It’s not uncommon for a cruise line to use powdered eggs, which have a squishy, water texture.

Even if the eggs are prepared fresh, they dry out quickly when kept under heat lamps.

Instead, try heading to the made-to-order section and getting an omelet.

You will be guaranteed fresh eggs that you can customize with spinach, cheese, and more.

5. Breakfast bacon

When it comes to breakfast at the Windjammer, there’s one other food item I always avoid: bacon.

I love good, smoky pieces of bacon for breakfast. But every time I’ve tried the bacon at the windjammer, it is lukewarm and impossibly greasy.

Every slice tastes like oily crayons and leaves a thick film on my plate.

Of course, taste is subjective to personal preferences. It could be that I find the meat too overcooked, and others might still enjoy it.

But it’s an objective fact that overly greasy bacon is lower quality and unhealthy in the long run.

To avoid ruining your appetite for the rest of the day, don’t try the bacon for breakfast. 

Stick to fruit, coffee, muffins, and other tasty morning offerings at the windjammer.

6. Don't overdo it with dinner rolls

Dinner rolls at the main dining room are a delicious bread appetizer. Don’t avoid them completely, but do approach the rolls with caution. 

If you eat too many, you won’t have room left for your remaining appetizer, entree, or dessert.

At a multiple-course meal like those served in the Main Dining Room, it’s key to pace yourself.

It’s tempting and easy to go overboard on a cruise with unlimited food options.

But be careful to monitor what you eat. Consider if you’re eating just because you can, or if you’re actually hungry.

Don’t overload your stomach just because the food looks tasty!

7. Alcohol on an empty stomach

I'd like to end with an encouragement that you do eat on your cruise. Take advantage of the many types of food you have available to you!

Additionally, you want to eat frequently enough that you won't be drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Drinking on an empty stomach will increase the effects of alcohol and increase the rate at which you could have an unsafe amount of alcohol in your system.

You’ll feel worse, and probably end up with a nasty hangover.

Ultimately, prioritize taking care of your health so that you can enjoy your vacation to its fullest.

It doesn't look like Royal Caribbean will offer all-inclusive prices for a cruise anytime soon.

Royal Caribbean cruise fares typically offer a modular approach to pricing, where the base fare gets you on the cruise with a certain subset of included amenities.  Everything else costs extra, including shore excursions, most drinks, gratuities, and more.

Other cruise lines have recently made a shift to include more in their cruise fare, such as Celebrity Cruises which includes a basic drink package and internet package with its All Included fare.

A travel agent sailing on a preview sailing of Icon of the Seas asked Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley if his cruise line would make a similar move, and Mr. Bayley balked at the suggestion.

Half of passengers don't want a drink package

It doesn't seem like Mr. Bayley sees a need to include a drink package as part of the cruise fare.

Celebrity's drink package is similar to Royal Caribbean's deluxe beverage package in the sense it includes many extra cost drinks, such as beers, cocktails, sodas, and more.

Read more: Royal Caribbean drink package guide

"Our strategy has always been the unbundling of pricing to give people as much choice as they possibly can," he explained in answering the question.

"Our research says that around about 50% of the guests don't want a beverage package."

The average cost of Royal Caribbean's top drink package is around $65 to $105 per person per day, depending on the sailing.

"We've learned that unbundling is much easier and better for the guest. It also gets the price point in front of the customer, especially for families. And remember family is our is our real core target market."

Royal Caribbean's commitment to being a family cruise line above all else is self-evident with the launch of Icon of the Seas, which it considers the best alternative to a family land vacation to a place like Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Icon of the Seas features more for families to than any other ship before, and not just kids. It's designed for every member of the family.

The ship has eight neighborhoods offering an entire waterpark onboard, FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf, and rock climbing.

Chill Island has seven different pools, with plenty of chairs nearby to enjoy the sun or shade.

Surfside is an entire area of the ship designed for young families. Parents can enjoy the Water's Edge pool at the back of the ship, while their kids enjoy Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Surfside also has three restaurants, an arcade, carousel, and lots of things to climb.

Unbundling offers choices

Mr. Bayley's comments focused on how much customers prefer having the discretion to add-on certain extra charges, rather than paying more up-front for a cruise fare.

"When you unbundle everything, it gives people choice and it pushes the pricing closer to their budget, which is a really important thing for families," he continued. 

"We feel like the pricing strategy that we have on the bundling, unbundling is the right path to go."

Mr. Bayley's comments echo what travel agents have been told before.  In 2020, Royal Caribbean Director of Revenue Strategy, Brittany Briggs, had a similar response when her team was asked during a webinar about all-inclusive pricing.

"We're a multigenerational cruise line with a lot of family sailing with us, so we do want to continue to be a family brand. I don't think this direction is a good fit for us," Ms. Briggs said.

"At this time we're not considering changing our pricing structure as we are truly focusing our on board experience for all of our guests."

Star Class is the exception

Mr. Bayley was quick to point out that if you move to Star Class cabins, you'll get as close to all-inclusive as Royal Caribbean can get.

"Around 10% of our total inventory, it falls into the suite category overall. So I think we're in the right place."

Is Crown's Edge too expensive?

Speaking of things that cost extra on a Royal Caribbean cruise, Mr. Bayley also took time to address concerns that the Crown's Edge experience is too pricey.

Crown's Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of courage.  It's a ropes course-style attraction that goes around the ship's Crown and Anchor logo.

The initial price for this thrill attraction was $89 per person for a ride that is listed at taking 90 seconds.

Photo by Vicki Freed

Mr. Bayley pushed back on calls for a lower price because of everything involved to make it happen, "when you experience that and you see what's involved in it, there's multiple staff interactions. There's a huge amount of safety involved in it. There's a video that records your whole experience that you then receive on your phone. There's a lot that comes with the experience."

He also added that pricing helps control demand in many cases for limited opportunity experiences, "sometimes pricing is to manage just the sheer volume of expectations."

When it comes to pricing, Mr. Bayley believes a higher price is acceptable if the product matches it, "we've also learned is that if you have a genuine quality product that ticks the box and delivers the goods to the customer, you'd be surprised at how the customer is willing to pay the price for that product."

"For example, with the overwater cabanas in Coco Cay. If you've experienced the overwater cabanas, it is literally like going to heaven for the day."

"It's not cheap, but people have the most remarkable experience and they're willing to pay for that... We feel like we're on the right track."

Ultimately, he is waiting for feedback from passengers on a revenue sailing, "as we go through the next several weeks, we'll get a lot of feedback from our revenue customers. They are going to tell us that this works or that doesn't."

If you read between the lines, it sounds like Royal Caribbean might have plans for an even bigger cruise ship to move to Galveston.

Royal Caribbean first deployed Allure of the Seas to Galveston in November 2022. Shortly thereafter, the second Oasis Class ship was replaced by Harmony of the Seas, and recently, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO, hinted that the former largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas, might be next. 

During a Q&A session with travel agents on Icon of the Seas, Bayley was asked if Royal would ever consider deploying an Icon Class ship to Galveston, as they've done "very well" with Allure and Harmony and want to show the company what they could do with an Icon Class vessel. 

To be clear, he did not announce or confirm anything.  However, he did allude to a possible future ship deployment. 

"It wasn't an accident that we built that 100 and whatever it was million dollar terminal in Galveston, Texas, which, by the way, is our highest-rated terminal experience in the world," he said. 

"And if you just, you know, if you just think forward a few more years, I WONDER what we're going to do next. I'm not giving away our strategy here because it's pretty simple, but if you can just use your imagination, you know, big things are coming." 

It was clear that when he said "Wonder," he was emphasizing the word to the audience, to which they responded in cheer!

As of now, Harmony of the Seas is available to book from Galveston through March 2026. No other deployments have been announced beyond that date.

Wonder of the Seas is unlike any of the previous five Oasis Class ships

While you'll still find Oasis Class favorites onboard, such as Central Park, the Boardwalk, a Flowrider, AquaTheater, and Riding Tide Bar, the ship is slightly different than her younger sisters. 

Truthfully, she — and Utopia of the Seas — can be thought of as "Oasis Plus" ships. While Wonder shares many of the same bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues as Oasis, Allure, Harmony, and Symphony of the Seas, significant enhancements were made to her design and layout.

First, the cruise line added a brand-new neighborhood, the Suite Neighborhood, which is only accessible to those staying in suites. It's where they will find the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and suite concierge, as well as the Suite Sun Deck that's complete with a private bar, plunge pool with in-pool lounges, and a variety of comfy seating options. 

Additionally, whereas on other Oasis Class ships, many Loft Suites face the Sports Court, this isn't the case on Wonder, as this area is occupied by the Suite Sun Deck. Instead, the majority of suites have an ocean view. 

Royal Caribbean also significantly increased the size of the Windjammer Marketplace onboard. It can be found on Deck 15 and is situated around the entire Boardwalk Neighborhood. 

Adults will also appreciate how the Solarium is completely closed and climate-controlled. However, it is important to note that, while most Oasis Class ships have two cantilevered hot tubs near the Solarium, there's only one on Wonder, as the space for the second was used for The Vue Bar. 

When it comes to the pool deck, it's much more colorful than those found onboard Allure, Harmony, and Symphony of the Seas. Wonder has a Caribbean-style pool deck, which means that you will find a Lime and Coconut Bar, private casitas, and even a brand-new large television that hangs over the Central Park Neighborhood. 

At the aft of the ship, guests will notice that there's only one FlowRider. The second one was replaced with the Wonder Playscape area, which is essentially an underwater-themed climbing playground for children. Moreover, the mini-golf course was moved and rethemed. 

Read more: Wonder of the Seas vs other Oasis Class ships

Galveston's brand-new terminal opened in late 2022

Terminal 3 cost Royal Caribbean $125 million and is the cruise line's dedication to the Galveston cruise market. 

In total, the building measures 161,300 and has numerous high-tech features, including mobile check-in and facial recognition to help expedite guest arrival. 

Moreover, it's a LEED-certified terminal (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), meaning that it is environmentally responsible and uses resources efficiently.

Read more: I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like

While you can cruise from the popular port cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa, Galveston helps make cruising to those living in Texas, as well as nearby states, more accessible

Before this terminal opened, you couldn't find some of the world's largest ships in Texas. Now, however, cruising on Oasis (and, potentially, even Icon) Class ships is easier than ever, especially if you aren't located near Florida. 

There are some limitations. First, newer ships usually are not sent here. Allure, for instance, while a jam-packed Oasis Class ship, isn't brand-new and never underwent any sort of Royal Amplification. 

Harmony of the Seas, which replaced Allure in 2023, is the newest ship to sail from Galveston for Royal Caribbean to date. 

Second, since Galveston is located on the Gulf of Mexico, you won't find any Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Western Caribbean cruises tend to be more port-intensive, too. 

While Bayley didn't give any specifics regarding when we could see Wonder move to Texas, it's exciting to think one of the largest Oasis Class vessels could call Texas home! 

Over 7 years in the making, the world's largest cruise ship is only one day away from making its formal debut. 

Icon of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's first new class of ship since Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014. 

Onboard, guests will find the largest waterpark and ice rink at sea, new neighborhoods to explore, the cruise line's first-ever food hall, and so much more. 

Whether you're counting down the days until your Icon cruise or cannot fathom stepping foot on a ship that size, there's no denying that the launch of Icon of the Seas is a major milestone in the cruising industry. 

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

The debut of Icon of the Seas marks the first time that an Oasis Class ship hasn't held the title of "world's largest cruise ship" in over a decade 

Icon of the Seas measures an astonishing 250,800 gross registered tons and can carry a maximum of 7,600 passengers, making Icon roughly 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas. 

While Royal Caribbean carried Oasis Class' neighborhood concept to Icon, that's about all that is the same. 

Yes, some neighborhoods might be familiar (i.e., Central Park and Royal Promenade), but they were both redesigned and feature Icon Class exclusives, such as the cruise line's first-ever walk-up champagne bar, indulgent Empire Supper Club specialty restaurant, and the jaw-dropping Pearl, which will have you saying, "WOW," the second you walk onboard. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade: What to expect

The AquaDome Neighborhood is home to an enclosed AquaTheater, as well as a food hall featuring five different food vendors where you can choose from options ranging from mac and cheese to handcrafted Mediterranean bowls. 

Whether you want to watch the ship pull into port or want clear views of the horizon while sipping on a cocktail, you will also find some of the best ocean views onboard here. 

Surfside was designed for families. It's where they can stay and play all day, especially since there's no need to head to the Windjammer for lunch. 

Instead, families can enjoy the complimentary Surfside Eatery buffet, grab some snacks at Surfside Bites, or splurge on an all-day brunch at Pier 7. Additionally, there's an aft pool, carousel, arcade, and kids splash zone. 

Adults looking for some alone time won't find a Solarium onboard. Instead, there's The Hideaway, which was designed to have a Las Vegas pool party vibe and features the first suspended infinity pool at sea, an expansive bar area, day beds, whirlpools, and lounge chairs. 

From the cruise line's first-ever swim-up bar to the largest pool at sea, infinity-edge Cove and Cloud 17 Pools, Chill Island is, undoubtedly, going to be the best pool deck at sea.

If relaxing isn't on your agenda, head to Thrill Island, where you will find the Category 6 water park, FlowRider surf simulator, and part skywalk, part ropes course, and part thrill ride Crown's Edge, which will take you 154 feet above the ocean. 

After the adrenaline rush, guests can order a snack at Basecamp or cool down with an over-the-top milkshake from Desserted. Adults, you can even order one that's spiked!

In short, there's so much to see and do on Icon that 7 nights likely will not be enough! 

Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami through at least April 2026

Icon of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami, Florida. 

Nearly every sailing will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. The May 5, 2025 cruise will sail to Labadee, Haiti instead of CocoCay. 

Prior to arriving in Miami on January 10, the ship sailed to Cádiz, Spain and Ponce, Puerto Rico for some finishing touches. The crew also enjoyed a massive celebratory party at CocoCay. 

The inaugural cruise will depart on Saturday, January 27 and sail to Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day At Cococay. This voyage will signify the ship's completion, as the ship will officially be ready for regular service.

At the time of writing, the lowest advertised fare on Royal Caribbean's website for a cruise onboard Icon in 2024 starts at $3,005 per person for an interior room for the March 23 sailing. 

Icon of the Seas offers 28 different stateroom categories to choose from, 14 of which are brand-new

Whether you're trying to pinch pennies and want to cruise in the most affordable cabin onboard or want to splurge on one of Icon's luxurious suites, you will surely find the perfect accommodation option for you and your travel party. 

In addition to the new stateroom designs, Royal Caribbean built Icon to cater to families, meaning that more than 82% of all cabins will accommodate three or more passengers. Plus, more than 70% of all staterooms onboard will feature balconies.

New rooms include the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony, Infinite Ocean View Balcony, Infinite Central Park View Balcony, Surfside Family View Balcony, Surfside Family View Interior, Interior Plus, Sunset Junior Suite, Surfside Family Suite, Sky Junior Suite, Infinite Grand Suite, Sunset Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft, and Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

All new suites, excluding the Sunset Junior Suite, are part of the Royal Suite Class' Sky or Star Tier, meaning that they come with all-day access to Coastal Kitchen and The Grove Suite Sun Deck. 

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is Royal Caribbean's most expensive cruise ship suite. It's not uncommon to find rates around $80,000 to $100,000 for a family of four. The 1,772-square-foot suite is comprised of three stories and has a private "backyard" that leads directly to Surfside. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

There are more dining venues onboard Icon of the Seas than any other ship in the fleet

There's no shortage of both complimentary and specialty dining options for guests to enjoy onboard Icon. To avoid any surprises when you get on the ship, however, it is important that you understand what is and isn't included. 

It is fully possible to cruise on Icon without spending anything extra on food. You will have plenty of diversity, which is something older Royal Caribbean ships usually struggle with. 

Of course, there are some specialty restaurants that you might have your heart on splurging on, as food is one of the most important aspects of any cruise vacation!

Read more: What's included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

Complimentary restaurants

You'll find 14 complimentary dining venues onboard Icon of the Seas, including Sprinkles and the two suite-only restaurants:

• Surfside Bites 
• Surfside Eatery 
• AquaDome Market 
• Main Dining Room 
• Coastal Kitchen (for those staying in suites) 
• The Grove (for those staying in suites)
• Basecamp (with a few exceptions)
• Sorrento's
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe (with a few exceptions)
• Sprinkles
• Pearl Café (with a few exceptions)
• Park Cafe
• Windjammer Marketplace

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Specialty restaurants

12 venues onboard Icon of the Seas come with an additional charge, excluding standard bars:

• Hooked Seafood
• Empire Supper Club
• Celebration Table
• Chops Grille
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Desserted
• Playmaker's
• Pier 7
• Starbucks
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
• Trellis Bar (bar bites)

The world's largest cruise ship was delivered to Royal Caribbean on November 27, 2023

Construction of the brand-new vessel took over 900 days, and the delivery was met with a celebration with cruise line executives, crew members, and shipyard employees present. 

Even though Meyer Turku's time with Icon has come to an end, they're hard at work building Star of the Seas. Plus, the first steel for the third Icon Class ship was cut in mid-January. 

Star of the Seas will sail out of Port Canaveral; however, the home port for the third ship is currently unknown. 

The ship is the cruise line's first-ever LNG-powered vessel

Cruise ships have traditionally been powered by diesel; however, many new builds have begun to run on alternative sources of energy that are more environmentally friendly, including Icon of the Seas, which will be fueled by liquid natural gas (LNG). 

Moreover, Icon will have a long lineup of other energy efficiency initiatives onboard, all of which help to contribute to Royal Caribbean Group's goal of introducing a net-zero ship by 2035. 

Do you have a cruise onboard Icon booked? If so, let us know what you're looking forward to the most in the comments! 

If you are planning a Royal Caribbean cruise with older children, you might be stuck wondering which ship is best. 

From the brand-new Icon of the Seas to smaller, revitalized ships like Navigator of the Seas, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Activities like ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, and more will keep even the most active teens busy. 

Plus, Royal Caribbean ships have a variety of different accommodation options, so whether you want a family-friendly suite or adjoining interior rooms, you will be able to select the perfect stateroom to appease everyone in your party, even the teens who are desperate for their own space. 

Whether you're looking for a ship that's packed with WOW factors or simply a family vacation that won't leave your pockets empty, here are the 5 best cruises to take with teens. 

Read more: Why your teens (and you) will love a cruise vacation

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is the namesake ship of Royal Caribbean's brand-new Icon Class. Surpassing the six Oasis Class ships, including the upcoming Utopia of the Seas, in terms of size, there's no shortage of activities that teens will enjoy onboard. 

From the record-breaking Category 6 water park to Crown's Edge, the largest ice rink at sea, thrilling AquaDome shows, a revamped mini-golf course, and more, your teens will surely have some brag-worthy stories to tell their friends about!

While the children are off exploring the ship, adults will love the one-of-a-kind experiences curated for them, too, including a walk-up champagne bar, swanky supper club, and Cloud 17 adults-only oasis with private pools, bars, and more. 

The only downside to a family vacation on Icon of the Seas is that it comes with a premium price tag. During July 2024, families can expect to pay around $2,900 per person for an interior room, while balconies are going for as much as $3,400 per person. 

Looking into 2025, prices don't drop much. The cheapest sailing in January 2025 currently starts at $2,400 per person for an inside stateroom. Prices increase again around spring break. 

Read more: Things you'll notice when cruising on the newest cruise ship

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship, launches in July 2024, sailing 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas. While these are shorter cruises, your teens won't be denied the best that the cruise line has to offer, as this ship is unlike any other in the class.

You can expect to find fan favorites like Central Park, the Boardwalk, Sorrento's Pizza, the Lime and Coconut Bar, and more. Utopia of the Seas, however, has many new experiences that you will not find on even Wonder of the Seas, including the cruise line's first-ever immersive train car dining experience and the longest incarnation of the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

Advertised as the world's biggest weekend, a cruise onboard Utopia of the Seas is sure to appease your teens, as they'll be able to enjoy five pools, three water slides, eight hot tubs, and 21 dining venues, among other thrills. 

However, it is worth noting that any of the Oasis Class ships are great for adrenaline-loving teens. Regardless of which you select, you'll find a zip line, surf simulator, ice skating rink, mini-golf, and sports court. 

The other Oasis Class ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet are Wonder of the Seas (2022), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Allure of the Seas (2010), and Oasis of the Seas (2009). 

Read more: 6 things to know before you book Wonder of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas 

Odyssey of the Seas is the last Quantum Ultra Class ship constructed by the cruise line. Having only set sail in 2021, she's one of the newest ships in the fleet, too. 

While she's full of fun activities, what sets her apart from other ships is her summer itineraries in Europe. While enjoying everything that the ship has to offer, families can cruise around the Greek Isles and explore bucket-list destinations including Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, and more.  

Icon Class ships, including Star of the Seas launching in 2025, exclusively sail to the Caribbean, so you won't find much variety in itineraries. This can get repetitive, and if you want to explore ports outside of St. Maarten, Mexico, etc., you'll have to consider sailings on smaller ships. 

Onboard, you'll find an indoor SeaPlex where you can ride bumper cars, play glow-in-the-dark laser tag, or partake in a virtual reality game. 

There's also a skydiving simulator, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and North Star observation capsule, where your family can soar nearly 300 feet above sea level for breathtaking views of the sea and ports of call. 

While still a newer ship by today's standards, prices are not quite as high as sailings onboard Icon of the Seas. A 7-night cruise onboard Odyssey of the Seas in July 2024 starts at $1,145 per person, which breaks down to about $163 per night, making it a more affordable choice. 

Other Quantum Class ships should be considered if you want to take your teens to Alaska, Northern Europe, Asia, or beyond. 

Read more: The forgotten new Royal Caribbean cruise ship: Why Odyssey of the Seas is worth your attention

Freedom of the Seas 

Freedom of the Seas is an older ship; however, she underwent a $116 million revitalization in early 2020 to update its pool deck and bring newer amenities onboard, meaning that you'll find plenty to do onboard without the price tag of newer vessels. 

You can, for instance, find a 6-night cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas starting at $445 per person in March 2025. 

Activities onboard include a surf simulator, pool deck, aqua park for younger children, water slides, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, and much more. 

When upgraded, Freedom of the Seas received new dining options including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, El Loco Fresh for quick bites by the pool, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. 

Plus, Freedom has a redesigned teen area called Social 033, where teens can enjoy their own dedicated hangout space and play games, listen to music, watch movies, etc. 

Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Kids (2024)

Navigator of the Seas 

Finally, Navigator of the Seas based out of Los Angeles, California is a great choice for families with teens who want to have plenty to do onboard and cruise elsewhere than the Bahamas or Caribbean. 

The 139,999 gross registered ton vessel sails out of California to the Mexican Riveria year-round. While certainly not as large as Oasis or Icon Class ships, there's still a lot to do and see onboard. 

Like Freedom of the Seas, Navigator underwent some major upgrades in 2018, totaling roughly $115 million. This means that she has some activities and venues that other Voyager Class ships, such as Voyager and Explorer of the Seas, do not, including the Rip Tide and Blaster water slides. 

Parents will love the Bamboo Room, too. Navigator is one of only two ships in the fleet with this unique tiki-inspired bar onboard! Plus, Playmakers Sports Bar is centrally located in the Royal Promenade, and Hooked Seafood is ideal for families who want to treat their teens to a delicious seafood dinner consisting of crab cakes, chowders, oysters, and more. 

Read more: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

A cool drink in your hand on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas can offer much more than a stereotypical cocktail.

Most people think of a pina colada, rum and coke, or margarita when you envision themselves on a cruise ship.  While Royal Caribbean still offers those staples, they wanted to give passengers more choices and opportunities to find a new favorite.

Icon of the Seas has 13 brand new bars and lounges that are new to the fleet, and they created over 100 new cocktails. Sixty-five of them have alcohol.  

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Alexandra Palmeri is Royal Caribbean's Corporate Manager of Beverage Operations, and she helped come up with 13 new bar menus just for Icon of the Seas.

To put that in perspective, when Wonder of the Seas launched, there was only one new bar menu.

The process is methodical, but also quite fun, "We go venue by venue to start, because you really have to hone in and think about what your experience wants to be on each menu."

As an example, the Rye and Bean is a coffee-based bar, so Alex and her team started off with 20-25 drinks that they tasted and whittled it down to the ten that made the final menu.

"And then what we did afterwards was took a step back and made everything together. So every single cocktail with every single menu, all the menus created, so you look at it visually and say, okay, we really have a full variety across the entire ship."

How do they come up with a new drink?

It's not easy to come up with a new cocktail that will be just as good as traditional favorites.  

Drink menus need to balance what's popular versus what the team thinks will bring something different to make it all stand out.

Alex thinks the theme of the bar plays a big role in choosing which drinks work for that venue, "For example, Hideaway Bar is an outside, adults-only venue. We wanted to lean more into champagne based cocktails."

"Every cocktail on that menu has some bubbles in it and something that's easy to drink. You're sitting by the pool, you want to lounge all day. So low ABV really played a huge part into it."

Essentially, the location of the guest factors into the drink menu that the Food & Beverage team concocts so that it fits the vibe.

In creating new drinks, the process is very much based on trial and error. There's a panel at Royal Caribbean headquarters that sample the new drinks, "for some of these drinks, the first time we've tried them, they were a home run."

Other drinks take longer to get just right. In the case of the "Oh Mai Gawd" cocktail from The Hideaway neighborhood, Alex recalls it took the team 20 times before it was good, "sometimes it really takes that much to really get a perfect cocktail, but that's what's needed. It really makes sure you have holistically what's going to work for everybody."

You might also be wondering how the team chooses one liquor over another, and Alex said it's based on balancing taste and cost, "If we like the way it tastes in both separate ones, we'll see what the cost looks like and then make a decision from there."

Bubbles

Speaking of champagne, Royal Caribbean added a new champagne window on Icon of the Seas that leans into the increased popularity of the bubbly stuff.

Bubbles is located in the Central Park neighborhood, and it only serves champagne. Alex calls it a fun concept, "You want to go grab a glass of champagne as you're walking through Central Park. It really creates kind of a whole experience."

In thinking about Bubbles, her team came up with a drink called, "Garden Breeze", and Alex compares it to a passion fruit mojito.

Beyond the pina colada

With 13 new bar menus, there's going to be lots of new drinks to try on Icon of the Seas, and I was curious which drinks Alex recommended to try for someone who wants to branch out.

One trend Royal Caribbean is leaning into is bitters, and as a result, you'll find more bitter than sweet drinks to try.

Ed Eiswirth, Royal Caribbean Director of Beverage Operations, recommends the Jazzy Sass cocktail from Lou's Jazz 'n Blues as something different.

Alex liked many of the coffee drinks from the Rye & Bean bar in the Aquadome.

Zero proof drinks

One other trend that Royal Caribbean has embraced is the zero proof menu, which features drinks without any alcohol in them.

There's an entire bar in Surfside that features drinks that kids can enjoy too, and it's not just deconstructed alcoholic beverages.

"When you start with alcohol and you start to deconstruct it, it becomes a lot more challenging to create a non-alcoholic mocktail. So we started from the mocktail perspective and then built it built it up that way," Alex explained.