Would you spend $150,000 to sail on a 7-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas with your family? 

One TikTok creator, @boredfarmfamily, recently sailed on Icon of the Seas in the magnificent Ultimate Family Townhouse suite. The family documented their cruise experience in the massive three-level suite and shared the video on TikTok, stating they spent $150,000 on their vacation. 

The family’s TikTok was titled, “Was it worth $150,000 for a family of 6 on Icon of the Seas?” In the video’s caption, she wrote, “Come see the most epic room on a cruise ship… the $150,000 Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas for a family of 6! Royal Caribbean really outdid themselves with this one.”

With such an outrageously high price tag, the video is going viral with over 1 million views, 100k hearts, and more than 7,000 comments. The jaw-dropping tour showcases the suite’s expansive layout, colorful design, and incredible kid-friendly amenities.

With a total price tag of $150,000 for six guests, this breaks down to about $21,428 per night. For six people, that comes out to roughly $3,571 per person, per night of the cruise. In comparison, I just spent four nights on Wonder of the Seas and only spent $292 per person for each night in our interior cabin!

Was the cost worthwhile for this over-the-top Royal Caribbean suite? According to the family, it absolutely was - and after seeing the suite, it’s easy to understand why. Here’s a full breakdown of the TikTok video, along with details about Royal Caribbean’s next-level and ultra-luxurious suite.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is truly unlike any other cruise cabin at sea.

This isn’t your average cruise suite. In fact, it’s the most expensive and spacious suite that Royal Caribbean has ever created. With 1,772 square feet of space, this over-the-top cabin is one of the most exclusive suites in the cruise industry. The suite is three levels and features two bedrooms that can sleep up to eight passengers. The size of this suite is larger than most apartments!

It’s been designed from top to bottom with families in mind, from the multi-story slide to the piano-key stairs that play music notes when you step on them. As you might expect, Royal Caribbean has incorporated imaginative, playful, and memorable components to bring the ultimate family vacation to Icon of the Seas.

The entire suite feels like a playground for the whole family to enjoy. Inside, guests can take advantage of activities like ping pong and other amenities that include a movie room, karaoke machine, video games, two large balconies, and a private hot tub. 

The Ultimate Family Townhouse even has its own mailbox and private patio with an exclusive entrance to the kid-friendly Surfside neighborhood. Of course, the townhouse suite also comes with top-notch perks and Royal Star Class luxuries. For example, all guests receive the following amenities and perks:

• Royal Genie
• Exclusive complimentary dining
• Complimentary drink package
• Suite lounge access
• Suite sun deck access
• Exclusive activities onboard
• Complimentary gratuities
• Expedited boarding & departure
• Priority entrance to onboard activities
• Complimentary minibar
• Still and sparkling water
• Unlimited VOOM high-speed WiFi
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen
• Best seats in select entertainment

The TikTok video shows the family boarding Icon of the Seas with their Royal Genie — and a big surprise for the kids.

The TikTok begins on embarkation day with the family walking across the gangway onto Icon of the Seas. Because they booked the Ultimate Family Townhouse, the family received priority embarkation. They were met with their own Royal Genie, which acts as a concierge and personal assistant for the entire cruise.

A Royal Genie is meant to anticipate the needs of their suite guests, such as arranging one-of-a-kind experiences and planning reservations for entertainment and specialty dining. They can make just about anything happen, from snagging the best seats at the nightly shows to creating private surprises in the cabin itself.

According to the TikTok video, the parents were surprising their kids with the Ultimate Family Townhouse. The video states, “At this point, the kids still had no idea what their surprise was.”

The video shows the Royal Genie escorting the family on Deck 8 to their cabin entrance, although the suite spans across Decks 7, 8, and 9. At this point, the kids still don’t know they will be cruising in one of the most elaborate suites in the cruise industry!

The kids were instantly blown away by the suite surprise!

As you might expect, the big reveal comes as a surprise to the family’s kids. As the door opens, the family's in awe by the imaginative, whimsical suite. Royal Caribbean has even decorated the suite with balloons and a giant “Happy Birthday” sign in the living room for the family. 

The kids start making comments like, “Woah!” while the youngest daughter states, “I love it!” The parents respond that they’ve been planning the surprise for a while.

The most eye-catching feature is the suite’s very own in-room slide. The large red slide is a quick favorite for the family, as the kids begin sliding down with big smiles on their faces. The tunnel slide starts on the upper level and slides down into the living room - certainly way more fun than the stairs!

The main level includes an oversized living area with quirky and colorful furniture rather than a standard couch or chair. In another corner, we can see the in-suite cinema room with a large flatscreen TV, massive daybed, and popcorn machine for the ultimate family movie night. Video game consoles are available to use, along with a karaoke machine for family singing competitions.

The suite’s design is over-the-top with kid-friendly amenities and thoughtful touches.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse has plenty of space to comfortably accommodate up to eight guests. With two full bedrooms and three bathrooms, the family of six can be seen exploring the massive suite and all of its kid-friendly amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows also provide unmatched views of the ocean and the ship’s wake.

While the master bedroom includes a king-sized bed and bathroom with twin vanities and a double shower, the kids' room is expertly designed. The TikTok video shows the family's kids exploring their own room with bunk beds and Disney-themed bedding. The kids' cabin has its own colorful bathroom, along with a TV and headset for each of the kids to enjoy in the cabin.

Across the cabin, Royal Caribbean has decorated the walls with playful graphics, like a giraffe wearing sunglasses. One of the upper levels also features a mesh play space with views of the lower level.

Even the dining area is decked out for kids!

The Ultimate Family Townhouse features a dining area that adds another layer of fun. Rather than a standard dining room table, this one comes to life with interactive, digital animations that kids can play with. The dining room’s gaming table is a highlight for the family, as the TikToker can be seen trying out the table’s many different features.

Of course, Royal Caribbean prepared the dining room with plenty of treats and goodies for the family on embarkation day. The TikTok video shows a beautiful display of desserts across the table, including colorful pastries, cupcakes, and miniature desserts. The family couldn’t help themselves from sampling the many different treats!

The massive suite features more outdoor space, a private patio, and an exclusive entrance to Surfside neighborhood.

If the suite’s interior features have left you impressed, just wait until you see the outdoor area. The suite’s total indoor space measures 1,772 square feet, but when you add in the multiple balconies and backyard, the outdoor space totals more than 700 additional square feet.

One of the most unique features of the Ultimate Family Townhouse is the private patio with a fenced-in backyard. This isn’t something you typically find in a cruise ship suite. A full-size Connect Four and ping pong table can be found in the backyard, along with outdoor seating.

The TikTok video starts touring the outdoor patio and wrap-around balconies. With its very own white picket fence and even its own mailbox, the outdoor space is unlike anything at sea.

In addition, the backyard has its own private entrance into the family-focused Surfside neighborhood. The private entrance allows the kids to go straight from their suite into the infinity pool, splash pads, and kid-friendly restaurants, such as the Surfside Eatery and Pier 7. Parents also have access to the Lemon Post Bar for cocktails and drinks, including kid-approved mocktails.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse also features two massive, wraparound balconies. The main balcony spans more than 400 square feet with additional space for lounging or dining outside. A private hot tub is another spectacular feature of the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which is sure to bring incredible sunset views!

In addition, the suite features a second balcony from the master bedroom for parents to use. This balcony is slightly smaller, measuring only 90 square feet.  In total, the Ultimate Family Townhouse covers nearly 2,500 square feet, making it larger than many actual townhouses on land.

Was it worth the $150,000 cost? The TikTok family says yes, but many of the comments aren’t sure.

At the end of the TikTok video, Bored Family Farm concludes their tour with footage of the family enjoying their private hot tub. The family states the suite was “definitely worth the $150,000 for our family of six,” and says the cruise vacation leaves them with memories of a lifetime.

For most cruisers, that price tag is jaw-dropping and likely out of reach. Considering the average salary for an American is around $66,000 and the median household income per year is $83,730, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is not realistic for the average cruiser.

With the TikTok video going viral online, some of the comments disagree that $150,000 is worth a 7-night cruise aboard Icon of the Seas.

“$150,000 to be an a cruise ship. I would never waste my money like that,” states one TikTok user in the comment section. Another cruiser responded, “We were on the same ship and I paid about $142k less.”

“With that kind of money why go on a cruise, they could’ve rented a yacht,” responded another commenter.

On the other hand, some people felt the family had every right to spend their money however they wanted. One TikTok user fired back at critics, “‘I would never spend that kind of money on a cruise.’ Well, great—probably because you don’t have that kind of money. Let their parents do what THEY want with THEIR money. No one asked for your opinion. Thanks.”

“If you have $150k to drop on a cruise, you don't owe any of us an explanation! Enjoy!!” reads one of the top comments. Another comment states, “If I had the money, I would do it too for my kids. When you have MONEY, 150K is nothing.”

Another TikTok user states, “The kids are going to have these memories forever, money comes and goes! Sooo happy for them and you too mom and dad for making it happen!!”

While the Ultimate Family Townhouse is far beyond the budget of most cruisers, Royal Caribbean has discovered it’s a massive hit with top-tier spenders. According to Royal Caribbean, the Ultimate Family Townhouse was sold out during Icon of the Seas' inaugural cruise season. At the time, Royal Caribbean said the price tag was upwards of $80,000, which is about half the cost that Bored Family Farm paid.

Royal Caribbean is actively fixing the water slide that broke on Icon of the Seas a few weeks ago, and if all goes well, it should be up and running before the end of the current voyage. 

An unidentified male passenger was injured on the Frightening Bolt drop slide aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships in early August. 

Moments after the trap door released him, he struck a section of the acrylic glass panel that broke off. Thankfully, he didn't fall through the gaping hole, but other guests reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands."

Royal Caribbean immediately closed the slide, although other slides within the Category 6 Waterpark remained operational, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers mat slides, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge.

(Credit: thugsbunny808/Reddit)

Because the water was forcefully gushing through the opening and spraying the chairs overlooking the adults-only Hideaway pool, Deck 15 was also closed to prevent further injuries and allow crew members to assess the slide's damage. 

They closed the slide on the brand-new Star of the Seas, too, so that the crew could conduct a thorough inspection to ensure guest safety. One user on Reddit confirmed that it has remained closed through at least Aug. 27. 

Since the incident, news broke that the passenger plans to sue Royal Caribbean for compensation. They hired Alex Perez of Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., who confirmed that his client suffered injuries after the acrylic glass on the water slide broke on Aug. 7, 2025.

Read more: Royal Caribbean passenger plans to sue the company after being sliced during water slide accident

(Credit: thugsbunny808/Reddit)

The malfunctioning water slide didn't impact Icon of the Seas' operations. As such, guests on recent sailings have begun sharing images of the repairs, showing crew members working on the orange and yellow slide.

"I did see someone [post] a photo that the drop slide on the Icon was being fixed. We are also on the sailing this week and spoke with one of the officers overseeing the work," shared one cruiser on Reddit.

"They removed the clear sections while we were docked in St. Maarten and plan to install the new pieces tomorrow while docked in St Thomas. They are replacing the clear sections with two solid colored sections and said it should be up and running again this sailing."

(Credit: @aaron.dv02 [left] and @fireal7 [right])

At 46 feet tall, Frightening Bolt is famous for being the largest drop slide at sea, as well as its suspenseful trapdoor launch that sends riders plummeting straight down. 

Following in initial incident, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson provided the following statement:

"Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation."

The most recent photos of the slide shared on Reddit were taken during Icon of the Seas' current 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. Icon departed from Miami, Florida, on Aug. 23, 2025, and called at St. Maarten and St. Thomas on Aug. 26 and 27, respectively. The final port is a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Water slides on cruise ships are safe. You shouldn't become overly worried because of this one isolated incident

The number of water slide-related accidents on cruise ships is low considering the hundreds of guests who use them every day. However, incidents do occur from time to time. 

Cruise lines heavily invest in regular maintenance and safety inspections to ensure that they're operating smoothly and efficiently. 

In fact, it's not uncommon to see slides closed for maintenance, even during full sailings. While annoying, it's better to experience a temporary closure than risk a malfunction that could result in serious injuries. 

That said, like with any thrill ride (on land or at sea), there are always inherent risks. As such, it's important to follow the posted safety instructions for any attraction, whether it's a zip line, rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating rink, or water slide. 

And if you don't feel comfortable, there’s no shame in skipping the activity altogether. Royal Caribbean ships definitely cater to adrenaline junkies, but there are so many other activities onboard to keep everyone happy. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs. Star of the Seas: Which ship should you choose?

The passenger who was injured riding one of the water slides on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas plans to sue the cruise line for compensation. 

(Credit: @nowimtraveling [right])

The unidentified guest hired Alex Perez of Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., according to Local 10. Perez confirmed that his client suffered injuries after the acrylic glass on the Frightening Bolt slide broke on Aug. 7, 2025. 

The Frightening Bolt is the largest drop slide at sea. Its height of 46 feet and trapdoor launch make it one of the more extreme attractions on a cruise ship. 

Although the cruiser didn't fall through the gaping hole, other passengers reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands."

(Credit: @aaron.dv02 [left] / @fireal7 [right])

Videos and pictures began circulating on social media after the incident, showing the gushing water soaking the lounge chairs on Deck 15. 

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the guest received medical assistance and that the slide will remain closed until the company completes its investigation and makes repairs.

"Our firm has decades of experience handling cruise passenger injury cases, and unfortunately, incidents involving material or design failures aboard cruise ships are something we see far too often," stated Perez. 

(Credit: @maddietspmo [left] / @natalya.ash [right])

"Cruise ships have a responsibility to ensure that the attractions they open and encourage passengers to use are safe. We are thankful for the trust this family has placed in us to represent them."

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is a leading maritime and cruise passenger injury law firm. They have a proven success record, according to their website. They have recovered over $500 million for their clients and won more than 3,000 cases. Combined, their team has over 200 years of experience. 

Read more: Cruise ship water slide breaks on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, passenger injured

Royal Caribbean isn't sure when the Frightening Bolt slide will reopen

"The company has not provided a timeline for reopening and is investigating whether the failure was due to a manufacturing defect, installation issue, or an unexpected impact," Royal Caribbean told UNILAD. 

However, the other slides at the Category 6 Waterpark remain operational, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge.

That said, Royal Caribbean shut down the Frightening Bolt on Star of the Seas following the accident on Icon out of an abundance of caution. One of the crew members said that it will remain closed until they can conduct a thorough inspection. 

Star of the Seas is set to embark on a series of short preview cruises beginning on Aug. 16. Her official maiden voyage is scheduled for Aug. 31. The 7-night cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Costa Maya, Roatán, and Cozumel. 

Read more: Spotted: Water slide closed on new Royal Caribbean ship after accident involving passenger on Icon of the Seas

An unidentified male passenger was injured on a water slide aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships.

(Credit: @aaron.dv02 [left] / @fireal7 [right])

The Frightening Bolt is one of six water slides at Category 6, a record-breaking waterpark on Icon of the Seas. At 46 feet tall, it's famous for being the biggest drop slide at sea, as well as its trapdoor launch, which makes it one of the more extreme attractions on a cruise ship.

Typically, the Category 6 Waterpark is a major draw for guests. However, on Thursday, August 7, one adult male was injured while riding the Frightening Bolt after an acrylic glass panel broke off.

Thankfully, he didn't fall through the hole. Instead, passengers reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands." 

(Credit: @maddietspmo [left] / @natalya.ash [right])

That said, videos and photos shared on social media show water forcefully gushing through the opening where the panel broke, spraying the chairs overlooking the Hideaway and wake. Consequently, Deck 15 was closed following the accident to prevent further injuries and allow crew members to assess the damage. 

"Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Cruise Hive. 

With the Frightening Bolt closed, guests aboard Icon can still ride 5 other slides, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge. 

Are water slides on cruise ships safe?

Generally speaking, the number of water slide-related accidents on cruise ships is rare. Cruise lines heavily invest in regular maintenance and safety inspections to make sure that they're operating smoothly. 

In fact, when I sailed aboard Icon of the Seas in April 2025, the Frightening Bolt was frequently closed for maintenance, and there were no issues when it was operational.

Still, as with any thrill ride, there's always a level of inherent risk. Whether it's a water slide, zip line, rock climbing wall, or ice skating rink, passengers should follow the posted safety instructions, including height and weight restrictions. It's also important to listen to crew members. 

Although the recent accident on the Frightening Bolt on Icon of the Seas was unfortunate, it's an isolated case. Thousands of guests enjoy these water slides safely every year. 

Royal Caribbean won't reopen the Frightening Bolt until it has been repaired and undergone rigorous testing to ensure it is ready to safely operate again. As such, it could be closed for an extra sailing or two. The next cruise departs on Aug. 9. 

The incident is causing some to rethink cruise ship water slides

"You know what doesn't cause me to plummet to my death? The adult pool. That's where I live," wrote one Reddit user.

Another added, "Went on [the Frightening Bolt] last summer and am also a grown man. Going on Star later this year, guess I won't be going on it...then."

"[W]hats most concerning to me is that the icon isn't even 2-3 years old and coupled in with the engine fire it had last year alongside the constant propulsion issues and other problems [it's] seriously making me reconsider sailing with royal," someone else chimed in. 

Icon of the Seas is currently on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

The 248,663 gross registered ton vessel departed Miami, Florida, on Aug. 2 and is scheduled to return on Aug. 9. 

The incident didn't cause any changes to the itinerary. According to Cruise Mapper, Icon of the Seas is docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay (as of 7:40AM EST), alongside Oasis of the Seas. 

Other ports of call on the itinerary included St. Maarten and St. Thomas. 

You'll need to be at least 18 years old now to go to one of the pools on the world's biggest cruise ship.

Guests sailing on Icon of the Seas spotted a change as of this week's sailing that the Swim & Tonic bar is now for adults only.

Situated in the Chill Island neighborhood, Royal Caribbean claims it's the largest swim‑up bar at sea.

Initially, Swim & Tonic was open to guests of all ages. Families with kids were free to splash in the shallow water and hang near the action.

An exclusive photo provided to Royal Caribbean Blog shows a sign posted at the entrance to the pool indicates all passengers going into the pool must be at least 18 in order to access it, which is the same rule as its other adults-only spaces.

Up until now, the Swim & Tonic pool was open to guests of all ages.

A change to maintain the vibe of the pool

In a statement from Royal Caribbean, the change is part of a test, "At Royal Caribbean, we're consistently listening to guest feedback and exploring opportunities to enhance our guests' vacations." 

"Currently, we are piloting an 18+ age requirement at Swim & Tonic pool onboard Icon of the Seas. This will only be tested onboard Icon."

It makes sense a pool that is all about offering an integrated bar experience would be for only adults.

Among the different pools you'll find on Icon, Swim & Tonic is designed to offer a swim-up bar, rather than a lounging option.

There is a bar on one end of the pool, along with in-pool tables to place your beverages.

Surrounding the pool are in-water loungers.

The experience seemed to be inspired by Oasis Lagoon and The Hideaway at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which both have swim-up bars and are quite popular.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has an adults-only pool area, with the Icon Class ships having The Hideaway at the very back of the ship.

Initially, the Cloud 17 pool was going to be adults-only, but the cruise line made a last-minute change right before the launch of Icon of the Seas in early 2024.

Families with younger children will need to use the other pools on board, including:

• The family-friendly Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay (in Surfside neighborhood)
• The Cove Pool, an infinity-style option
• Royal Bay Pool, one of the largest at sea
• Cloud 17

In short: there are still plenty of options. But Swim & Tonic is now off-limits to the under-18 crowd.

Response to a problem cruisers brought up

It's possible this policy shift to make Swim & Tonic adults-only is a response to guest feedback.

During a Q&A event with travel agents aboard a preview cruise on Utopia of the Seas, one travel agent specifically brought up kids being an issue at the Swim & Tonic bar.

The travel agent said, "Icon is fantastic, but (at) the swim-up bar, there’s kids splashing into your drinks."

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, responded that the cruise line hears passengers' concerns and will look into it.

He also said they'd consider a revisit of curfew rules and bar policies, in general.

Why the Swim & Tonic pool is a must-do

The Swim & Tonic pool was one of the many innovations first introduced with Icon of the Seas.

The idea is simple: combine a pool with a bar that serves frozen cocktails and a fun atmosphere.

The space features:

• A spacious bar with submerged barstools
• A surrounding plunge pool with upbeat music and tropical theming
• Dozens of loungers around the deck area
• Access to nearby Chill Bar and Lime & Coconut for overflow service

A Royal Caribbean crew member violently attacked another worker before jumping off the world's largest cruise ship. 

The 35-year-old South African man stabbed a 28-year-old South African on Thursday, July 24, shortly before 7:30PM, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) confirmed. 

Guests reported hearing "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar" (Royal Caribbean's secret code word for "man overboard") around 7:18PM. Icon then slowed down and returned to the location where the crew member had gone overboard. He was found dead by onboard medical staff less than an hour later. 

One passenger revealed that they saw the rescue mission from their port-side balcony cabin, where they witnessed crew members dropping life preservers into the ocean. They also saw a rescue boat deployed, which later returned with the crew member onboard. However, guests weren't made immediately aware of his condition and presumed the rescue mission was successful.  

Read more: Crew member dies after going overboard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Royal Caribbean initially shared that there was a man overboard incident on Icon of the Seas that resulted in the death of a crew member but withheld further details until authorities could investigate.

"Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones," said Royal Caribbean in a brief statement issued to 7News Miami.

However, in a statement given to NBC News, police confirmed that the incident involved a dispute between two crew members and that the woman sustained multiple stab wounds to her upper body. She received treatment and is in stable condition. 

(Credit: CBS News Miami)

"One of the crew members was injured, was attended to by the onboard medical team, and she is now in stable condition," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson later said. 

"Unfortunately, the other crew member is deceased after he went overboard and was recovered in a search and rescue operation."

Icon of the Seas was sailing about 200 miles off the coast of Nassau, Bahamas, en route to Perfect Day at CocoCay when the crew member jumped overboard. The last day of the 7-night itinerary wasn't impacted by the incident, and Icon returned to Miami, Florida, on Saturday, July 26. 

An investigation into the attack is ongoing. Additionally, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the crew member's exact cause of death. There's no reason that the investigation should impact or delay cruise operations for future Icon sailings. 

The two crew members have not been identified out of respect for their families and their privacy. 

A crew member died after going overboard from Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean confirmed. 

According to online reports, the secret man overboard code ("Oscar, Oscar, Oscar") sounded at around 7:18PM on Thursday, July 24. The world's largest cruise ship then slowed down and returned to the location where the crew member had gone overboard. 

One passenger shared that they saw the rescue unfold from their port-side balcony stateroom, where they witnessed crew members dropping life preservers into the ocean. Not long after, a rescue boat was deployed and returned with someone onboard. 

Additionally, security closed the blinds in the Royal Promenade and discouraged cruisers from hanging out near the sides of the vessel during the incident. 

Although they were able to quickly locate the individual, the crew member, who supposedly worked at the Schooner Bar, succumbed to their injuries and passed away. 

Icon of the Seas was sailing about 200 miles off the coast of Nassau, Bahamas, en route to Perfect Day at CocoCay when the crew member went overboard. The remainder of the voyage will continue uninterrupted. Icon is expected to return to PortMiami on Sunday, wrapping up the 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. 

"Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones," said Royal Caribbean in a statement issued to 7News Miami. 

"To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share."

The incident happened less than one month after a father jumped into the ocean after his child while sailing on a Disney cruise ship

Last month, a young child fell overboard from the Disney Dream en route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during a 4-night sailing to the Bahamas. Moments later, the kid's father leapt into the ocean. Both were successfully rescued by the crew, and the father was instantly called a hero. 

However, other rumors quickly started circulating on the internet, saying that her dad had held her on a railing when she fell into the water. Security footage dispelled the rumor, though, revealing that the young girl fell through a porthole after losing her balance. 

Detectives said the 37-year-old father was alerted about the harrowing situation by his wife. He then jumped into the water, found his daughter, and treaded water until they were rescued by Disney crew members. 

Read more: Child goes overboard from Disney cruise ship; father jumps in to save her, reports claim

The chances of falling overboard on a cruise ship are low

Deck railings on Royal Caribbean cruise ships are at least 42 inches high to comply with the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010. Additionally, thick metal panels, Plexiglass panels, or metal bars are positioned under the railings to prevent guests from accidentally slipping through. 

As such, going overboard on a cruise ship is rare. A report shared by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) revealed that there were 212 confirmed overboard incidents from cruise ships between 2009 and 2019. 

Of those incidents, 48 individuals, or 28.2%, were successfully rescued. 

Icon of the Seas is advertised to deliver the "ultimate family vacation." With the largest waterpark at sea, dedicated neighborhoods, countless dining options, and around-the-clock entertainment, it's clearly built for families. However, my partner and I, both in our mid-20s, boarded without kids and still found it impressive. 

Typically, we prefer sailing with more adult-focused lines, including Celebrity and Princess. But despite being overwhelmingly family-focused, the world's largest cruise ship promised to offer plenty for child-free travelers like us. Plus, we're still young and don't mind the occasional ship-oriented cruise, compared to itinerary-driven sailings. 

Initially, I was worried that we'd regret spending over $7,000 on Icon of the Seas. That's not a small lump of change, and with the right planning, we could have toured Europe for two weeks, visiting culturally rich cities and trying new cuisine. 

However, as soon as we stepped on board, it was clear Icon wasn't another mega-ship. I've spent over 50 nights on Oasis Class ships and thought I knew what to expect, but Icon of the Seas raised the bar in every way — at least for Caribbean vacations. 

The adult-only spaces weren't boring

Take everything you know about the Solarium and throw it out the window. On Icon of the Seas, the Royal Caribbean staple was replaced with The Hideaway. 

It's far less about relaxing away from kids, as Thrill Waterpark is dangling above your head, and more about channeling the high-energy atmosphere of the ship in an adult-only setting. 

Think of it as chic beach club meets rooftop lounge. The DJ spins tunes all afternoon while bartenders keep the drinks flowing. Sometimes, it felt like a Las Vegas pool party but less overwhelming. 

Personally, I liked it best at sea, as the infinity pool gave way to the most mesmerizing wake views ever. However, if you're seeking a little more solitude, you may like it on a port day. 

One thing to note is that, unlike the Solarium, I found there weren't many shaded chairs. So, make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, unless you plan on spending a lot of time at the bar. 

If you're seeking a moment of quiet, I'd recommend The Overlook. Though it lacks pools, you won't miss out on any views thanks to the AquaDome's floor-to-ceiling windows. 

We could still embrace our inner child

We couldn't resist some of the ship's attractions — particularly the one-of-a-kind Category 6 Waterpark. With six water slides, it's almost like Thrill Waterpark from CocoCay was brought onboard! 

Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration (could you imagine if they logistically pulled off adding Daredevil's Peak to a ship?!), but the waterpark was seriously impressive. 

My favorite slide was the Storm Surge raft ride. Though we had to shimmy a bit to get going, it picked up speed as soon as we pushed off, splashing us around curves and boomeranging up the over-water "leaf." 

We took advantage of the complimentary waterpark first thing in the morning and when docked in CocoCay. As such, we never waited more than fifteen minutes for a slide. 

While on Icon, we also splurge on the Crown's Edge and Royal Escape Room. Crown's Edge tested my bravery, as I'm typically not a fan of trap door rides. 

However, Crown's Edge is unlike anything I've ever done on a cruise ship. Walking over the side of the ship on the obstacle course while watching the ship glide through the ocean was surreal (and still feels a bit like a fever dream). 

The Royal Escape Room was also more fun than I expected. The immersive space-themed puzzle required everyone to work together. It challenged our problem-solving skills and communication, especially at the beginning when we were divided into two groups and separated. 

Pro tip: Check on embarkation day to see if there's an ongoing deal for Crown's Edge. We paid $35 per person, but it was just $10 on the first day in Miami. 

Read more: 10 lessons learned after trying Icon of the Seas for the first time

The entertainment was top-tier

Last November, I sailed with Disney Cruise Line for the first time in nearly a decade and forgot how amazing their theater productions were. 

Though The Wizard of Oz still fell a little short compared to Tangled: The Musical, it was one of the best Broadway-style productions I've seen on a Royal Caribbean ship (Mamma Mia is still my favorite!). 

The set design was impressive, and I loved the costumes, particularly the colorful Munchkins in Munchkinland. 

Another obvious standout was the aqua show. When we first explored the AquaDome, we were a little disappointed to see how small the AquaTheater was. 

However, the intimate setting enhanced the experience because we felt closer to the action. I won't spoil much, but prepare for skateboarders and acrobatic tricks set against an indoor waterfall! 

Additionally, I thought the comedy show was on par with comedians I've seen on Carnival, which are arguably funnier than Royal's standard line-up. Simeon Kirkiles had the entire comedy club laughing for his entire set!

Thoughtful stateroom upgrades

Overall, I was impressed with the changes to Royal Caribbean's cabin experience. The bathroom, in particular, was a major upgrade compared to ships as new as Wonder of the Seas. I've never seen a standard shower that large and functional before!

I was also impressed with the storage. Though just two of us in the room, we had plenty of space leftover — and we're huge over-packers. The redesigned storage space felt more functional and helped us keep everything organized throughout the week. 

Next time, however, I think I'd opt for an ocean-view room, even if it didn't have a balcony. I had previously cruised in interior-facing cabins on Oasis and Allure of the Seas, but I didn't remember how much the lack of privacy bothered me. 

Because we kept the curtains closed so often when changing and sleeping, the cabin didn't get as much natural light as expected. 

That said, our travel agent quoted us over $6,000 for an ocean-view balcony, which seemed outrageous for a weeklong Caribbean cruise. Instead, we opted for the more affordable Neighborhood GTY fare, which cost around $3,800. We figured that we'd still have a balcony and wouldn't be in the room much to care. 

It was the right decision because the cheaper stateroom gave us a more flexible budget to splurge on add-ons like drink and dining packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and onboard merchandise, bringing our total spend to over $7,400. 

Quality dining options, both complimentary and specialty

I'll be the first to admit that I think Royal Caribbean's complimentary dining has gone downhill in recent years. When we booked Icon, I wanted to minimize my time in the dining room, fearing that sailing on the largest cruise ship would mean rushed service and underwhelming food.

We booked the Unlimited Dining Package for $665, and phew, did we get our money’s worth. From juicy filets at Chops Grille to tasty shrimp tostadas at Pier 7 and tender lobster tails at Hooked, we never felt like we were eating on a cruise ship. 

By the fourth day, however, we realized our eyes were much larger than our stomachs. Though I don't think I'd get the Unlimited Dining Package again (three days is plenty!), Icon of the Seas should definitely be on any foodie's radar. 

There are also enough complimentary options to completely avoid extra-cost restaurants, ranging from the brand-new AquaDome Market to El Loco Fresh, the Pearl Café, Sorrento's, the Main Dining Room, the Windjammer, Basecamp, and Surfside Bites. 

Read more: There are 5 choices I'm really glad I made on my cruise on the world's largest ship — but one thing I'd skip next time for a better experience

Bottom line

Icon of the Seas is easily the best ship in the Caribbean right now. Even without kids, we were constantly entertained, whether listening to music in Lou's Jazz 'n Blues or staying up for the balloon drop in the Royal Promenade. 

For our first time on Icon, I think we experienced as much as we could, even overexerting ourselves at times. If we were to return, we'd take things at a slower pace, perhaps spending two days ashore instead of three. 

That said, Legend of the Seas in Europe is not on our radar. Between exploring Mediterranean cities and taking advantage of everything the ship has to offer, I think'd we quickly wear ourselves down. When it comes to port-intensive itineraries, we prefer smaller ships since the vessel is not our primary focus. 

Icon of the Seas is known for being the largest cruise ship in the world. Not only is her size record-breaking, but she's also the first cruise ship to have a dog living onboard full-time. 

Rover is an adorable golden retriever who has been sailing the high seas since she was a puppy. Known as the "Chief Dog Officer," Rover's duties include meeting passengers, strolling through Central Park, and making visits to the Bridge. 

On a recent cruise aboard Icon of the Seas, two families bid for a private session with Rover during the Make-A-Wish auction. 

"We got to have the private session [with Rover] by winning the Make a Wish Auction on the second day of the cruise. In case you aren't aware, Royal Caribbean has a partnership with Make a Wish and does special auctions on each cruise for a variety of experiences / perks," Chalker explained on a Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum.  

"On Icon of the Seas, a private session with Rover is usually one of the items. We got into a small bidding war with another family, but stopped bidding at $300. The cruise director then offered both our families sessions with Rover if we both made a $300 donation. We quickly agreed."

On Day 6, the family met Rover's handler outside of Spotlight Karaoke, where they were escorted to a private room for 25 minutes. 

"Rover had a ton of energy and was sniffing all over the place and loved rolling around and being petted. We got to spend about 25 minutes total with them, asking lots of questions and getting pictures and videos taken with Rover," they continued. 

Afterward, Chalker decided to share what they learned about Rover. Here are 19 facts about the cutest dog at sea!

1. Rover is almost two years old

Icon of the Seas' crew went all out for Rover's first birthday party. According to an Instagram reel shared to Rover's official account, she was groomed before her celebration, sporting a party hat and a colorful bandana.

The crew-only area was decorated with balloons and plenty of sweet treats. Rover even got her own dog-friendly cake! Of course, she also received tons of pets and brand-new toys. 

Her second birthday is quickly approaching! It's an exciting one because she'll finally be allowed to have plush toys. 

2. She joined the ship when she was 6 months old

Rover has been living on Icon of the Seas for most of her life. While she wasn't part of the overseas action in Finland or Spain, she joined the crew in Puerto Rico ahead of the official christening ceremonies in January 2024. 

Before boarding Icon, Rover spent time aboard Freedom of the Seas. She needed some experience at sea before joining the world's largest cruise ship! 

Thankfully, she has great sea legs and has hardly had any issues during rough weather.

3. Rover's handler has the best job in the world

"Rover's Chief of Staff" is responsible for taking care of her. When Chalker met Rover, her handler had been onboard since Sept. 2024 and was preparing for vacation. Rover's first Chief of Staff was Alison Hubble, who had been with Royal Caribbean for six years before joining Rover's team. 

"Another crew member was ‘in-training’ to take over and would be moving into the cabin in the near future," Chalker explains, "This position is highly competitive due to the perks that come with it (i.e. the cabin, the duties, and schedule). It only goes to staff [who] have spent a significant amount of time on Icon and already know and interact with Rover a lot." 

Read more: I take care of a dog on the world's largest cruise ship. Being the Chief Dog Officer is a dream job

4. Royal Caribbean has a partnership with the American Humane Society

Rover's role as Chief Dog Officer was created in consultation with animal welfare experts at the American Humane Society. 

Today, the American Humane Society conducts regular visits and inspections to ensure Rover's health and well-being. 

5. As such, Rover can only "work" for a set number of hours daily

The guidelines mandate that she can only work a maximum of two to three hours per day in 20-minute shifts. 

These measures ensure Rover has time to relax, enjoy playtime, and receive proper care at sea. "The rest of her day is doing normal 'dog' stuff," Chalker says. 

6. She doesn't like big crowds

Measuring over 248,000 gross registered tons with a passenger capacity of 7,600, one might assume that Rover is a social puppy who doesn't mind large crowds. 

However, according to Chalker, Rover is quite the opposite. As such, she typically makes unscheduled appearances in quieter areas, like Central Park and the Overlook. 

7. Rover is a 3 Stripe Officer 

Because of her rank, she gets to live in a special suite with enough space to play and sleep — in one of three different beds! Rover also has plenty of toys and activities available to keep her entertained.

The cabin itself has windows, a spacious living area, a large desk for her handler, a separate bedroom, and a specially designed crate. 

8. She spends a lot of time in the crew areas

While one of her primary duties is to bring joy to guests, the crew loves her just as much!

"She regularly visits the bridge and the captain loves her. The crew in general love[s] interacting with her through the day, such as in the crew café area," says Chalker.

"There are certain areas she can also run around, such as the helipad, where she regularly plays fetch."

9. Rover gets off the ship in Miami

Icon of the Seas sails 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, returning to Miami every Saturday. 

When Icon is docked in Florida, Rover disembarks for regular vet visits and to see her groomer. Not only that, but she loves going to the beach, outdoor parks, and even the mall!

"She’s sometimes recognized as Rover by people walking around Miami," Chalker adds. 

10. She has a few costumes

While Rover doesn't dress up often, she has a Captain's hat, pirate costume, reindeer costume, and various bandanas. 

Additionally, when Chalker met Rover, she was wearing a cute skirt that was designed to look like a mermaid tail. 

11. Rover loves fetch and tug-of-war

In fact, she loves playing so much that crew members can't say "ball" or "tug" in front of her! Whenever the crew is talking about fetch or tug-of-war, they have the spell the words out. 

She gets so excited that she thinks it's time to play and will wait by certain doors since the games are only allowed in specific areas, such as the helipad. 

12. She has a special life vest

Cruise ships have enough life vests for all passengers (and dogs)! 

Similarly, like all guests, Rover has a muster station to report to in case there's an emergency. According to Chalker, "Her muster station is by the giant dog statue on the Royal Promenade."

13. There's a dedicated pet relief area onboard Icon of the Seas

The area is on Deck 5 along the walking track near the front of the ship and is a comfortable space for Rover to take care of her needs at sea. 

Chalker explains that, "It’s got what looks like a raised bed garden planter in it with what looks like wood chips or similar that is a dirt simulant."

14. She loves treats and is typically hand-fed

Rover's Chief of Staff always has a fanny pack on them filled with Rover's food, which is why you might see her nibbling throughout the day. However, she does get other treats, including carrots and bananas. 

In fact, she's quite the fan of carrots. One day, her Chief of Staff asked the Galley crew if Rover could have a spare carrot on the floor. They said no and disappeared into the cooler, returning with a clean, full-sized carrot for the pup! 

"Rover thought this was the most amazing thing and was strutting around with the carrot in her mouth like a stick or bone for a while (they clearly didn’t want Rover to have to settle for a ‘scrap of carrot’)," explains Chalker. 

15. She's smart and responds to hand signals 

Before Rover joined Icon of the Seas, she underwent extensive training. For example, not only does she know how to sit on command, but she loves posing and waving for the camera!

During their private session, Chalker got a short video of their family and Rover waving to the camera at the same time. 

16. Royal Caribbean allows service animals onboard

Whenever there's a service dog onboard, the Chief of Staff is notified because Rover isn't a fan of smaller dogs, as they're usually aggressive around her. 

She's been introduced to the Toto puppet for the onboard production of The Wizard of Oz and was confused because, though it looks like a small dog, it didn't smell, sound, or move like one. 

17. Rover has a traditional dog collar

Crew members have special ID tags that are different from standard guest SeaPass cards. Rover, however, wears a traditional dog collar with a tag revealing her name and phone number. 

Her Chief of Staff said they want Rover to have a unique crew ID but haven't been able to get one yet. 

19. Star of the Seas will also have a Chief Dog Officer 

Sailor was born in February and is growing up fast! She's opened her eyes, taken her first steps, learned to play with her friends, and had her teeth start growing in! 

While Sailor still must undergo training before she can assume her role as Chief Dog Officer aboard Star of the Seas, she's proving to be just as adorable as Rover!

19. Rover won't stay on Icon forever

While Rover enjoys living her life aboard Icon of the Seas, she's only expected to remain onboard until she's 5 or 6 years old. 

Then, she'll be adopted by a loving family to live out the rest of her life in a "normal home environment," rather than at sea visiting ports in the Caribbean. 

According to Chalker, there's already a long list of interested adoptees eager to welcome Rover into their homes when she retires.

When I sailed on the biggest cruise ship in the world, I wasn't expecting a space meant to provide sweeping views to act as a de facto zen spot.

One change Royal Caribbean made with Icon of the Seas was not to offer a Solarium, which is the traditional adults-only enclave on other ships.

Instead, they went with the Hideaway neighborhood.  This offers adults-only space, but with a pool party atmosphere.

It's clear some cruisers prefer to have a view of the ocean along with peace and quiet.

The more I've cruised on the world's largest cruise ship, the more I've realized an area within the Aquadome neighborhood has become the go-to spot for reading, napping, and enjoying a calming day.

The quietest spot is at the front of the ship

At the very front of the Aquadome neighborhood, which is effectively "behind" the Aquatheater", is arguably the quietest spot.

Known as the Overlook, it's an open seating area that faces the front of the ship.

Royal Caribbean describes it as "With two levels of floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows, the ocean views from inside the awe-inspiring AquaDome are unmatched."

With all the light coming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, it's easily one of the most relaxing indoor spaces on the ship.

In fact, the pods are one of the most popular spots on the ship.

Ever since Icon debuted, word got out quickly that snagging a pod is perfect for reading, doing work, or just getting some privacy.

The pods are elevated and enclosed, which makes them semi-exclusive.  

I've used them to do work, and it helps there are outlets within each one.  

Even if you don't have a pod, there are all sorts of comfortable loungers and chairs that face the ocean.

Best yet, there's no music or party atmosphere here. And it's all indoors, so the air conditioning makes it always comfortable. The Hideaway is in direct sunlight with little to no shade.

The only time it gets loud is when there's an Aquatheater show being performed or rehearsed. However, going here in the morning is almost always guaranteed to be quiet.

It speaks to a need some cruisers have about having a quiet place with a view.

It's also become the de facto teen club at night

If you walk through the Overlook after dinner, I've noticed the teens come out in force to hang out here too.

Despite having their own club, teens on cruises seem to prefer to hang out on their own terms. This usually comes in the form of hanging out in stairwells.

In the case of Icon, I noticed the teens gravitated towards the Overlook at night because the area is pretty much empty.

Before you shake your fist angrily at "those young people", there's really nothing for adults to do here after dark.  The bar shuts down and there's no entertainment.  Without the teens, the Overlook empties out considerably.

The best coffee bar on the ship is nearby

If you're going to Pearl Cafe to get your coffee on Icon of the Seas, you're doing it wrong.

Adjacent to the Overlook is the Rye & Bean bar. It has its own espresso machine and can make most coffees you can get elsewhere.

But it's also where you can some fabulous coffee-based cocktails.

It transitions from coffee bar in the morning to cocktail bar at night, and with those views you have from the Overlook, it makes it so enjoyable to sit and watch as you sip.

Image created by PG Cruiser

Two cocktails to try here are the Coffee Boulevardier and the Hibiscus Tea Punch.

The tea is refreshing and flavorful, while the Boulevardier has a really bold taste that makes it not taste like every other cocktail.

The quiet spot to hide on other ships

If you're not sailing on an Icon Class ship, there are other refuges to discover.

The Solarium is usually fairly quiet on other ships, although it is a pool. So there can be loud conversations in the pool, hot tub, or bar.

Ships that have a Library or Card Room tend to be your best bet for a quiet escape, as they aren't nearly as rowdy as any pool would be.

My personal favorite for a quiet retreat is the outside promenade deck that faces the ocean.

It's usually on deck 4 or 5 of most ships, and it offers chairs that face the ocean.  

I'll grab a chair in the shade, and prop my feet up on the stools they usually come with, and then prop my laptop up to do some work.