LandstromCruise Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 40 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: That is what I am struggling with as well. I think in the end, I would need the price to drop a bit, and book two Sky Juniors or the loft. First world problems, I know, but I will soon have a 16/18 year old. Two bathrooms is necessary for peace. Time to slum it and book to regular balconies like the rest of us peasants PPPJJ-GCVAB, Lovetocruise2002, ScottishRobbie and 6 others 3 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregD Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 8 minutes ago, LandstromCruise said: Time to slum it and book to regular balconies like the rest of us peasants OCSC Mike, WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85 and 8 others 1 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 11 minutes ago, LandstromCruise said: peasants I thought we were using the term "poors." I like that one anyway. 43 days til I'm in an *gasp* INTERIOR! Cactus527, Jax, MaryS and 7 others 1 7 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 20 minutes ago, GregD said: prices definitely need to drop. Before I posted here, I priced out two sky jrs......nearly 7k a person That is why I said I need the price to drop a bit first lol 15 minutes ago, asquared17 said: gooDBYE FOREVER. IKR? Lol Neesa, asquared17 and Ampurp85 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 11 minutes ago, LandstromCruise said: Time to slum it and book to regular balconies like the rest of us peasants Thought about it for a quick second and cannot do it lol. I like The Grove MaryS, Ampurp85, LandstromCruise and 2 others 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 Thanks for blogging this incredibly ICONic inaugural sailing on Icon of the Seas @Lovetocruise2002 @AshleyDillo and @SpeedNoodles and everyone else! Looks like I'll live vicariously through anyone else who sails on Icon - I would like to try Icon class eventually - maybe in 10 years time when the prices have dropped WAY down to Freedom, Voyager or QN class prices asquared17, Neesa, MaryS and 6 others 7 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandstromCruise Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said: I thought we were using the term "poors." I like that one anyway. 43 days til I'm in an *gasp* INTERIOR! Poors works too. I definitely fit into that category. In 27 days I will also be in an Interior on Allure, thanks to the casino WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85, Neesa and 2 others 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 Just now, LandstromCruise said: In 27 days I will also be in an Interior on Allure, thanks to the casino Enjoy! We were on Allure in October. Found a last minute good price on an interior GTY... so we splurged and upgraded to a Central Park Interior for a tiny bit more, lol. Barely looked out the window or sat on the bench but we did actually like the cabin type. Laid out like a balcony cabin and is bigger than an regular interior. More importantly, was nice to have the CL with a view and a chance to eat at Sabor for possibly the last time ever. LandstromCruise, Sweety and Neesa 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquared17 Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said: 1 hour ago, LandstromCruise said: peasants I thought we were using the term "poors. i still like peasants PPPJJ-GCVAB, MaryS, Ampurp85 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 Just now, asquared17 said: i still like peasants After our extended family was treated to Sky Class (twice), my SIL/BIL got my young nieces calling everyone in Sea Class plebeians, lol. asquared17 and Cactus527 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neesa Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 Thanks to you all for taking the time from your vacation to present us with an amazing trip report. I really felt like I was right there experiencing it with you! I was so excited to get a peak into what Royal had created and while it's not for me personally I know it will be a hit for them. The photos and descriptions were so appreciated, you all did a great service to those of us on the sidelines. I was sad it was over as it was so much fun! Thanks again, so very much! bobroo, Ampurp85, Lovetocruise2002 and 7 others 7 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbrinkm Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 How do you all think teens would fare on this ship, particularly compared to Oasis class (or Quantum class)? I know the water park would be a hit for many of them, but other than that, is most of the other stuff in tot town for the littles? If you're a poor/peasant/plebian, what neighborhood might most appeal to them? asquared17 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 27 minutes ago, jbrinkm said: How do you all think teens would fare on this ship, particularly compared to Oasis class (or Quantum class)? I know the water park would be a hit for many of them, but other than that, is most of the other stuff in tot town for the littles? If you're a poor/peasant/plebian, what neighborhood might most appeal to them? As a parent with teens who care nothing for suite amenities, I can tell you they would most likely gravitate towards Thrill Island, and food in the Aquadome Marketplace. There is a teen club down on deck 6 near playmakers too. That is where they moved it to. Surfside would probably not attract the teen crowd. It’s for young kids. jbrinkm and OCSC Mike 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 6 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: As a parent with teens who care nothing for suite amenities Meanwhile my 13 and 10 year-old nieces are borderline suite snobs. We Facetimed them from our interior on Indy (they've only been on Oasis class) and they acted like we were on a row boat... There's no Central Park? There's no Boardwalk? There's no CK? WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? Curt From Canada, WAAAYTOOO, Jax and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted February 4 Report Share Posted February 4 3 hours ago, jbrinkm said: How do you all think teens would fare on this ship, particularly compared to Oasis class (or Quantum class)? I know the water park would be a hit for many of them, but other than that, is most of the other stuff in tot town for the littles? If you're a poor/peasant/plebian, what neighborhood might most appeal to them? I would have to say Icon would be a big win for teens! I enjoy Star/suite class but really sail for the overall ship experience and Icon seems to deliver. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted February 4 Report Share Posted February 4 I will chime in......I like poors, peasants sounds like disheveled clothes and begging is involved. I love me an interior solo. I would prefer to cheap out on the room and gamble. OCSC Mike, PPPJJ-GCVAB, asquared17 and 2 others 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorCruiser Posted February 4 Report Share Posted February 4 Yup everyone cruises differently for sure. OCSC Mike, Lovetocruise2002 and Neesa 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorCruiser Posted February 4 Report Share Posted February 4 @Lovetocruise2002 quick question. Is beer and wine complimentary in the icon suite lounge from 11a-11p like on oasis class ? Neesa and WAAAYTOOO 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Generalchadwick Posted February 4 Report Share Posted February 4 @Lovetocruise2002 Surfside Family Suites are a great deal all things considered and they are Sky Class. I booked on Star of the seas in Sep 2025 for a family of 4 (last cruise my oldest classifies as a kid rate) for just over 7k. I consider that a steal considering the ship and getting Sky class. PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted February 4 Report Share Posted February 4 3 hours ago, GatorCruiser said: @Lovetocruise2002 quick question. Is beer and wine complimentary in the icon suite lounge from 11a-11p like on oasis class ? Yes in the SL, I did snag an Angry Orchard once or twice. Waters and sodas numerous times. WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85, GatorCruiser and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising to Retirement! Posted February 4 Report Share Posted February 4 I loved the indepth review of the Icon! Sounds very different from the rest, unique, and a great time had by all! Thanks to all of you for excellent indepth reviews! On our Jan 14th Wonder for our 40th Anniversary we met up with the Icon at Coco Cay. It was very fun to see. The people that work in Vintages that we saw every night got to go over to the ship and go through it. They told Bill and I so many wonderful things. How very exciting for all of you! All of your pictures took us all on a treasure hunt through the entire ship, etc. So happy for one and all! Thanks so much! Michelle Neesa, Lovetocruise2002, Sweety and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 I left the ship with high hopes of having a super productive Sunday..loved having a Saturday-Saturday sailing with the extra day before being thrust back into life. Unfortunately the long travel day Saturday after a full week of late nights sapped all my productivity today, including writing up a recap. To sum it up..Icon as a ship exceeded my expectations. At first day of booking prices for interiors (captured below in a screenshot of a random TAs group rates) the extra premium in pricing is completely worth it in my opinion. I don't know what first day pricing was for other rooms except for suites pricing and I don't feel the suites are worth it. Current website pricing is absurd. Sweety, Ampurp85, tingtang and 7 others 7 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 The suites themselves really aren't that impressive. I did love the suite neighborhood and the location. The suite sundeck, Coastal Kitchen, and all the shows except for the ice rink are forward on the ship. That works for us as a family because we don't partake in any of the activities that are aft of Central Park. It was a short walk from the forward elevators to the room. The aquadome did make the entire suite neighborhood vibrate. I agree with the sentiments that the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen layout is horrible. The Grove sundeck was nice but I rarely saw anyone partaking of the dining up there. JohnK6404, Ampurp85, MaryS and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 I will be on Icon again for the Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise (http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/events) in June. I won't be blogging live as what happens on a Group Cruise stays on a Group Cruise, but I will pop in and give some insight as to how the ship is handling what I expect to be is a full capacity sailing with tons of kids over the 4th of July holiday. PPPJJ-GCVAB, Ampurp85, Sweety and 5 others 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMOKEY0202 Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 Seems like a great week for everyone. What was your mother's opinion overall of the ship and cabin? Is she ready to spend the inheritance for a few more Icon sailings? Seems with so many new dining options around, there seems to be something for everyone's pallet that no one can say nothing to eat. Were there ample assortment of slot machines? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandstromCruise Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 31 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said: I will be on Icon again for the Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise (http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/events) in June. I won't be blogging live as what happens on a Group Cruise stays on a Group Cruise, but I will pop in and give some insight as to how the ship is handling what I expect to be is a full capacity sailing with tons of kids over the 4th of July holiday. Oh it’s like that for the group cruises. Well now I really need to do one of those tingtang, jbrinkm and PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 9 hours ago, GatorCruiser said: @Lovetocruise2002 quick question. Is beer and wine complimentary in the icon suite lounge from 11a-11p like on oasis class ? Yes, water bottles too. 8 hours ago, Generalchadwick said: @Lovetocruise2002 Surfside Family Suites are a great deal all things considered and they are Sky Class. I booked on Star of the seas in Sep 2025 for a family of 4 (last cruise my oldest classifies as a kid rate) for just over 7k. I consider that a steal considering the ship and getting Sky class. Umm…I originally booked the Surfside Family suite and was trying so hard to get myself out of it! Thank goodness I won the Royal Up! I have zero desire to sail in that suite, and that was before I saw it. I got a glimpse of it twice in person last week. It was surprisingly smaller than what it appears to be in all the pics and videos. The room is very short (from entrance door to the wall where the sofa bed is). And that sofa bed is small! It will not really fit older kids. Maybe small children, but pics from others on the sailing, with the bed open, and their teens on it, did not look comfortable at all! The teens cannot even fully extend their legs. I would caution anyone to think clearly before booking that room. PPPJJ-GCVAB and Neesa 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 39 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said: , but I will pop in and give some insight as to how the ship is handling what I expect to be is a full capacity sailing with tons of kids over the 4th of July holiday. Yes, please! This is what I am most curious about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanHardlyWait Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 1 hour ago, AshleyDillo said: I left the ship with high hopes of having a super productive Sunday..loved having a Saturday-Saturday sailing with the extra day before being thrust back into life. Unfortunately the long travel day Saturday after a full week of late nights sapped all my productivity today, including writing up a recap. To sum it up..Icon as a ship exceeded my expectations. At first day of booking prices for interiors (captured below in a screenshot of a random TAs group rates) the extra premium in pricing is completely worth it in my opinion. I don't know what first day pricing was for other rooms except for suites pricing and I don't feel the suites are worth it. Current website pricing is absurd. I would have killed for those rates for an interior for next May. LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 13 hours ago, SMOKEY0202 said: What was your mother's opinion overall of the ship and cabin? Is she ready to spend the inheritance for a few more Icon sailings? She won't at the current price point. She won't sail in anything smaller than a JS and though she's Pinnacle, wants guaranteed access to the suites area so it's Sky Class or bust. She also hates going all the way to Miami when Port Canaveral is closer. She did like the panoramic suite a lot and would have no issues being in that cabin. It's basically a JS with a floor to ceiling window instead of a balcony. We don't spend any time on the balcony so it's always lost on us and it's nice to get the extra space in the room. For the same reason a Grand Suite infinite balcony would probably work for her also but they're not located in the suite neighborhood. She got to see a the Royal Loft suite and told me she wouldn't sail in that if it was free I'm sure she's being hyperbolic, but she wasn't impressed with it at all. But she loved the ship and had zero complaints. WAAAYTOOO, asquared17, tingtang and 4 others 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 2 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said: She won't sail in anything smaller than a JS and though she's Pinnacle, wants guaranteed access to the suites area so it's Sky Class or bust. This is why I love your Mom! lol Neesa, AshleyDillo and asquared17 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 13 hours ago, SMOKEY0202 said: Were there ample assortment of slot machines? Lots and lots of slots. The non- smoking section was upfront so I had no reason to explore all the way back but there were a ton of different machines. tingtang, Sweety, Neesa and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 I have "read" (so take that with a tablespoon of salt) that the slots return on Icon are set at 81%....which is horrible. I don't play slots so will never know. Any feedback on gambling, in general ? PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 11 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: I have "read" (so take that with a tablespoon of salt) that the slots return on Icon are set at 81%....which is horrible. I don't play slots so will never know. Any feedback on gambling, in general ? I didn't play a lot (200 points on machines alone) on this cruise so I can't really say. I had my big video hit in poker early in the cruise and was careful to not give much back. Ampurp85, Neesa, Sweety and 2 others 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 13 hours ago, SMOKEY0202 said: Were there ample assortment of slot machines? For Rope the Jackpot watchers... Just inside the smoking area are two "Pinball Double Gold", 9 line, 10 credit max. Credits .25, .50, $1, and $2. Plus two "Double Top Dollar" on the otherside of the Pinball machines, same credit setup. Between these two games were my winning sessions. Various Buffalo style machines just trampled over my money. SebagoSue, WAAAYTOOO, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 1 other 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted February 5 Report Share Posted February 5 3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: I have "read" (so take that with a tablespoon of salt) that the slots return on Icon are set at 81%....which is horrible. I don't play slots so will never know. Any feedback on gambling, in general ? I wonder how to get this information? I am seriously hoping the return % is set and under strict regulation. As patrons of the casino we technically should be privy to this information. If this is not the case then I feel stupid for tossing my money into the abyss. I did get a few “free” drinks and some cheap bottles of wine though…… WAAAYTOOO and Neesa 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 6 Report Share Posted February 6 Some random photos from Hubby’s phone to wrap this up. Overall, while I would be just as happy on any Oasis class ship, Icon is a beauty, and it is not lost on us how fortunate we feel to have the opportunity to sail on the maiden voyage. Not sure when we will sail her again, but we will. And it’s bye for now. Time to get ready to “Go Big…or Go Home.” PPPJJ-GCVAB, JohnK6404, Cactus527 and 10 others 11 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I_Love_RCI Posted February 6 Report Share Posted February 6 On 2/3/2024 at 11:13 AM, Lovetocruise2002 said: I am not sure how to wrap up my thoughts on this sailing so I think I will split it into my likes/dislikes. For full disclosure, you all know that I am a die hard, long time Oasis class fan, and a suite snob. So I am looking at things from those view points. We did not get the UDP, or drink package. We ate all dinners at CK, and lunch was at complimentary venues. Our D+ drinks and SL drinks were more than enough for us. Likes - Destination elevators! Best thing ever! Even in the busiest of times, like leaving a show, we never had to wait more than a minute (most times less) for one, and it was never crowded. - Promenade: the two levels made this area such an open space. The Pearl is beautiful and the Pearl cafe is such an upgrade from Cafe Promenade. - Thrill Island. Like Hubby mentioned before, this area lives up to its promise. It is so similar to Thrill Waterpark that you could save on the Waterpark tickets and still get a very similar experience. - Aquadome Marketplace: the complimentary food items here are a fantastic addition. Quick, easy, good, no need to go to the WJ. - New bars, especially Rye & Bean and 1400. When I think back to what I will miss the most from this ship, some of these drinks make the list. - The Grove. This area is a huge winner, and beats all suite sundecks. No contest. The addition of the food venue here means you never really have to leave, if you don’t want to, and some clearly did not The two levels create a ton of space and there was always plenty of seating available. The only thing this area could use is more tables for eating. Or maybe it just felt that way this week because there were those who literally never left the tables all day long. I am very curious as to how busy this area will get on a full capacity sailing. Even with the addition of all the pins this week; this area was never crowded. - Hubby said FlowRider staff was good and they added more advance rider times as needed. - Hubby also said he felt like moving from one end of the ship to the other was a breeze. Dislikes - Location and setup of SL/CK. I really dislike that it overlooks the Aquadome. Not a good change IMO, it is very distracting for dinner and that area loses its ambience without the ocean views. I hate the flashing lights from the show while trying to eat dinner, and the whole area is way too crowded with furniture for my liking. So a big thumbs down here. The crew is though in this area, from the bartenders, to the CK crew. All wonderful! Many of them are from Symphony. That is what I heard. - Suites have all shrunk. Or fees like it. Less storage, small bathrooms, most of them have lost the WOW factor of some of the Oasis class suites. The biggest disappointment is the Icon Loft which is smaller than a crown loft. Cruise deck plans says it’s not, but when you are in there, it is. The balcony is bigger, but the room itself is more compact, and less storage. You cannot put a rollaway in there unless you move out furniture. - Aquadome: not a fan of having this indoor location. IMO, it loses some of the WOW factor when it’s inside. I prefer it outside. The seating is ultra uncomfortable. Your back and bottom are sore by the you leave lol. And people walk all over the seats to get down to the next level. Not the best. On top of that, because the show is dependent on not much motion, the fact that it is at the front of the ship means that chances of cancellations are still no better then having it outside. I like your summary, and I agree with most of what you said. The destination elevators were game changing and a much better experience. The 1400 bar is a lot of fun (and the menu booklet gives a good history on Royal's ships). I would agree that the seating for the Aquadome show isn't great, but I loved the Aquadome concept in general. That was my favorite new neighborhood/area of the ship. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I_Love_RCI Posted February 6 Report Share Posted February 6 On 2/3/2024 at 11:50 AM, Lovetocruise2002 said: I am hoping that @Matt will chime in more here with his thoughts on this one. We toured a few of them this week. I was not a fan before of the idea, I definitely would not do it now. IMO, it’s like having a giant window in your room. Hubby says it should be called infinite window as it is more window than balcony lol We had an infinite balcony. I had read about them on forums for Royal's upbrand line, and know that there are two camps on them. I agree, it is basically like having a giant, floor to ceiling window in your room. Also, only one window opened (there were 4 windows total, but only the top left is the movable one - I thought that both of the top windows would have opened). However, we fall into the "like" camp. I enjoy having the extra interior space with good views without having to deal with wind and/or rain. That made a big difference on the night when we sailed through some rainy weather and could enjoy watching it. Also, the window does open and provides "outside" air and feel. In addition, it made a good place to put wet swimsuits without having to worry about them blowing away. The nice thing is that there is choice between preferences and the infinite balcony will not be for everyone. TheMaxRebo, asquared17 and Lovetocruise2002 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 6 Report Share Posted February 6 25 minutes ago, I_Love_RCI said: That was my favorite new neighborhood/area of the ship. I would agree too that I like that new area of the ship. However, I don't like the Aqua Theatre there. I am interested to hear as time moves on, how people feel about having the theatre in that area. Aqua Nation is fantastic though. It might be my new favourite Aqua Theatre show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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