Sailing on one of the world's largest cruise ships is a bucket list vacation for many. However, with all the excitement that comes with record-breaking amenities, dining options, and activities, it's easy for even the most seasoned sailors to become overwhelmed during the planning process. 

In April 2025, my partner and I embarked on a 7-night cruise aboard Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship at the time. Since her debut, Star of the Seas has joined the fleet, and looking ahead, the third ship in the class, Legend of the Seas, is set to launch in July 2026 in Europe. 

With each new class of ship, Royal Caribbean continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible at sea, with the Icon Class vessels being no exception. While there are some similarities to Oasis Class ships, including the open-air Central Park neighborhood, Icon Class ships have new features and layouts that make them entirely unlike anything else afloat. 

Although the sheer scale of these ships can feel overwhelming, a little bit of planning can go a long way. While I'm not saying that you have to create a detailed itinerary and pre-plan every moment of your vacation, crossing a few things off your pre-cruise checklist can make your experience more enjoyable and stress-free before you even set foot on board. 

Here are six things I did before my cruise on one of the world's largest cruise ships to eliminate hassles and make our pricey vacation as stress-free as possible. 

Read more: I went on the world's most family-friendly cruise ship without kids. It was worth the $7,000 price tag for 5 reasons

Reserved all specialty restaurants in advance

As a travel writer who focuses on the cruise industry, I like to distinguish my vacations from work trips. For example, I'll typically stay in windowless interior staterooms when on assignment. On personal vacations, however, I prefer booking balcony cabins. 

Similarly, while I'll typically splurge on at least one specialty meal on work trips, my partner and I opted for an Unlimited Dining Package on our weeklong Icon cruise. As such, we didn't set foot in the Main Dining Room once, not even for breakfast! Pre-purchasing the package allowed us to save money on higher-quality meals — ranging from perfectly cooked filets at Chops to lobster tails at Hooked and sushi at Izumi. 

Thankfully, Royal Caribbean now lets guests with the dining package pre-book their meals through the Cruise Planner. Historically, you had to wait until you were on board, unless you purchased each meal separately. We took advantage of this new feature and secured our preferred dining times for the entire week. This meant we weren't scrambling to finalize our dining plans on embarkation day. 

Read more: I paid $660 to eat just specialty dining on Icon of the Seas

Pre-booked add-ons through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner 

Speaking of the Cruise Planner, we spent countless hours combing through the online booking portal to find good deals on add-ons like the Deluxe Beverage package, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. 

In the end, I'm happy with what we paid for everything extra. For example, our unlimited drink package came in at $990.92 for two people. Our three excursions in CocoCay, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas were reasonable, too, costing nearly $590 for premium experiences like a small group VIP snorkeling tour, guided ATV adventure, and relaxing adults-only beach escape. 

Had we waited until we were on the ship, we would have paid far more for our cruise add-ons. Although none of the extras were necessary, they enhanced our overall cruise experience and made our vacation on one of the world's largest ships even more memorable. 

Read more: I paid $220 to try Royal Caribbean's new VIP excursion. It was pricey, but it made our beach day much better

Completed online check-in

Royal Caribbean's online check-in process opens 45 days before your departure date. Completing it as soon as possible ensures that you won't run into any problems in the terminal — unless you make a joke in line that you "forgot" your partner's passport (Yeah, that didn't go over well, and I don't recommend trying to be funny about missing travel documents). 

During online check-in, you’ll need to provide details such as your travel documentation and emergency contact information, and set up your onboard spending account

This is also when you will select an arrival appointment. Although the check-in times aren't as strictly enforced as they were post-COVID, it's still wise to select your desired time to avoid any arrival hiccups. The earlier times are generally selected first, so it’s a good idea to set a reminder for when your check-in window officially opens.

Read more: Your embarkation day on a cruise, explained. What happens and what to expect

Flew in the day before embarkation

As much as I love cruising, I can't bring myself to move to Florida — the heat and humidity are too much for me year-round. Plus, Charlotte has been a great place for my partner and me, and we don't have any plans to leave in the foreseeable future!

That said, I fly so often for cruises that I’ve become attached to my airline status. When I wasn't sure if I'd retain my American status, I applied for the Platinum Select Citi credit card to ensure that I wouldn't lose any of my valuable benefits in 2026. 

When flying for a cruise, it's important to arrive at least one day before your departure date. That way, you have a buffer in case of any unexpected delays or cancellations. This may mean taking an extra day off work and spending money on a hotel, but it's better than missing out on your entire cruise! 

Pre-cruise hotels don't have to be anything fancy, either. Before our vacation on Icon of the Seas, I used Hyatt points for a basic stay at the Hyatt Place Miami Airport-West/Doral. The complimentary breakfast was a nice perk, and we didn't break the bank on a short overnight stay! 

Rather than feeling stressed in the airport awaiting a morning flight, we woke up knowing that we were a short ride from the cruise terminal and that nothing (minus a life-threatening emergency) could get in the way of us embarking on our long-awaited vacation. 

Read more: I always do 6 things before I book a cruise if I have to fly there

Arranged pre-cruise transportation through Uber

I requested a rideshare the morning before we flew to Miami. This meant that my partner and I knew exactly when we had to be ready, and we did not have to wait for a last-minute ride to be confirmed on embarkation day. 

While you can certainly order an Uber or Lyft, another option would be to consider staying at a hotel with shuttle services. This can offer travelers peace of mind, as you don't have to worry about anything on embarkation day other than arriving at the pre-determined pick-up spot on time!

Read more: Where to stay in Miami before a cruise (with a shuttle)

Stayed flexible

Icon Class ships are massive — they're so large that it's impossible not to question how it stays afloat! 

Although it is natural to want to cross off everything there is to do on board, it is just as important to listen to your body, slow down, and rest. 

During our sailing, we didn't feel bad when we decided to sleep in or retire early. While there was always something to do, we knew our vacation wouldn't be as enjoyable if we didn't take in everything at our own pace. 

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

Exactly two years ago today, every other cruise ship in the world became outdated with the inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean built this ship to be a game changer, designing it from the very beginning to be different.

Her first sailing from Miami was filled with excitement and anticipation. Like many others, I was curious if the ship could live up to the hype it had already generated.

Her launch was nothing but spectacular and Icon has collected awards, accolades, and plenty of praise from cruisers who adore how well it's laid out, amenities onboard, and innovations that were introduced.

Icon of the Seas is more than just "the biggest ship", it's changed what we expect from cruises.

Why Icon was such a big deal

Royal Caribbean made a bold bet with Icon of the Seas.  It was a "white paper ship", which meant it was designed from the beginning without any preconceived notions of what it would be based on.

The first in its class, Icon borrowed some elements from other ships but introduced its own design.  The design team posed all sorts of ideas, especially taking into consideration feedback from guests over the years of what they wanted in a ship.

When we finally got our first look at the design, it definitely looked different.

The new ship was not only big, but had top decks that didn't look like the pool decks other ships had. There was a wide split design, with an entire water park, suspended infinity pool, multi-tiered pools, and a giant glass dome at the very front.

Her design was so revolutionary that it spurred knee-jerk reactions from people who were so taken aback that they called it a "monstrosity".

Of course, Icon was different and it looked the part.

Icon promised what no ship had delivered before, and it was certainly not cookie cutter.  While different in look, her launch quickly subdued any pre-launch skepticism.

Redefining the cruise ship layout

Neighborhoods aren't a new concept with the launch of Icon, but I think they took it to a new level.

As an example, the Aquadome neighborhood is both functional and a visual centerpiece.  

Of course it's home to the Aquatheater, but they expanded the footprint of the area to include my new favorite complimentary restaurant on any ship. And it has a stunning vantage point in front with bars and great seating choices.

Surfside gave families with young kids an oasis to enjoy everything they need in one area, and this family-first design philosophy stands out when on other ships kids programming feels like it's copied and pasted into random areas that had space for it.

But my favorite thing about the layout of Icon of the Seas is how it changed traffic flow and onboard pacing.

Adding a two-level Royal Promenade that loops around, offering stairs and escalators between decks 4-7 to make it easier to get between floors, and destination elevators all fundamentally changed how we navigated the ship.

Whether you were on the Royal Promenade, around the pool deck, or going to a show, crowds were few and far between.  

Thrill factor that lived up to the hype

Plenty of cruise ships have water slides, but the fact Icon had an entire waterpark really made a big difference too.

Category 6 waterpark set a new precedent in the thrill "arms race" that no other ship has matched.

I also think Crown's Edge is another good example of next-gen thrills that guests clearly love.

Then you have the Flowrider, rock wall, mini-golf, sports court, ice rink, and the assortment of activities you'd expect a Royal Caribbean ship to have.

Plus, Icon appealed to both adrenaline seekers and cautious cruisers because all of these thrills are the things families would want to do together.

That's been a key element to all Royal Caribbean cruises, where you feel a draw to experience this sort of vacation together.

How Icon held up over two years

Two years later, I think Icon of the Seas is still the standard all new cruise ships are held against.

Crowd management, even during peak sailings, is consistently good. In fact, when I sail on non-Icon Class ships, it's almost a let down in having to rely on conventional elevators and spaces that feel more crowded.

Moreover, we see the ship's legacy carrying with Star of the Seas and the soon-to-be-launched Legend of the Seas. These are exciting ships that generate their own assortment of hype because Royal Caribbean isn't content making them all the same.

With the announcement that Icon will move to Galveston, Texas next year, we're seeing when an Icon Class ship calls on a new homeport, it's a difference maker.

I've sailed on Icon of the Seas a few times since her launch and it works so well.

To its credit, Icon of the Seas has had a ripple effect across the fleet.

Utopia of the Seas had destination elevators added, the Royal Caribbean app saw a number of updates and new features that were first designed for Icon, and even Wow Bands have been re-discovered among fans.

I think Icon accelerated change in many ways across the fleet.

Two years later: Icon’s place in cruise history

It may be a few more years before we're ready to put Icon of the Seas on the Mount Rushmore of cruise ships, but it's well on its way.

There's no question it has lived up to its hype of being a game changer.  I think it follows in the wake of ships like Sovereign, Voyager, and Oasis of the Seas that each turned heads and generated a great deal of excitement and anticipation with their respective launches.

Icon has also ushered in a new era of modern cruising. You can see the difference when you go on an Icon Class ship versus even a ship from 10 years ago in how the ship flows, its operations, what's offered onboard, and more.

I think it's safe to say a decade or two from now when Icon is no longer among the biggest and many of its firsts fade from memory, it will still be considered a "must-do" vacation.

A viral video shows an outraged passenger attacking another crew member on one of the world's biggest cruise ships, and the shocking footage has sparked major discussions across social media platforms. 

Fighting is one of the easiest ways to get kicked off (and banned) from cruise ships. However, despite the headlines, some guests have not learned that their actions have consequences. 

Recently, a hostile guest assaulted a crew member on Icon of the Seas at the Category 6 Waterpark. The kicker? His actions were caught on camera and shared on Facebook. Since being posted on December 5, the video has been viewed over 1 million times. 

Before throwing the violent punch, the belligerent guest is seen getting in the crew member's face and aggressively yelling. 

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

The crew member, who appears to be a lifeguard based on their uniform, was knocked to the ground by the forceful blow. Another crew member intervened and tackled the passenger to the ground, presumably to prevent further violence. 

After regaining his stance, the unidentified passenger walked away with his middle finger raised toward the crew and stunned passersby. 

He was followed by crew members, though — likely to keep a close eye on them until the ship's security team could arrive and apprehend the guest for questioning. 

"This behavior is absolutely disgusting"

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

Social media users reacted to the 55-second clip online. Some simply stated that the behavior should not be tolerated on board, while others were quick to blame the line's unlimited drink package.

"[The guest] should be forced to pay the employee for pain and suffering - this is abuse, doing this to any random person would result in jail time. For some reason assaults on service workers always get walked off as nothing," commented one person on a thread in the r/Cruise Reddit community. 

Someone else chimed in, "Wow, what a little punk piece of garbage. As soon as he gets off the ship, I hope they have cops waiting to send him to jail."

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

"If I [were] a betting man, I’d be more likely to blame the onboard free-flowing unlimited drink packages," another added on a separate post. 

Although Royal Caribbean has yet to comment on the incident, the cruise giant has strict policies on passenger misconduct

The cruise line's Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy is extremely clear: Inappropriate or abusive behavior is not permitted on board. "Uninvited physical contact" is also against Royal Caribbean's rules. 

These policies aren't suggestions, either. Should a passenger violate these rules, which are all agreed upon in the cruise contract, they face removal from the ship, possible legal action, and a permanent ban from future Royal Caribbean Group sailings. 

Unfortunately, incidents like that aren't uncommon. Multiple livestreamers were recently kicked off Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas. Two members of the "Cx group" — David Ryan and Dave Willis — got into a violent altercation on the pool deck that was recorded in real time. 

According to bystanders, the duo began arguing over another streamer. However, things quickly escalated, and they began throwing punches and eventually tackling one another to the ground. 

As a result of their actions, Ryan and Willis were kicked off Harmony and left in Roatán, Honduras. 

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.