Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is always fun but can be especially memorable over a holiday, such as Halloween. 

The largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is currently celebrating her first Halloween in service! Royal Caribbean Blog reader Kate Hebner was kind enough to share photos of the ship's spooky decorations. 

The Royal Promenade is decked out with inflatables, ranging from larger-than-life aliens to an octopus with a trick-or-treat bucket. 

There's also a jack-o-lantern waving "hello" to passengers and a haunted tree, which is a popular hang-out spot for ghosts.

If you try to ride the inflatable dragon, you won't get very far! It's tempting on a ship so large, though. 

The dog in the Royal Promenade has been dressed as a ghost. Thankfully, the white sheet was cut so it won't interfere with its "business." 

Speaking of dogs, Rover is dressed like a pirate. She’s probably the nicest (and softest) pirate at sea! 

Spiderwebs lines the banister of the staircase leading up to Deck 6, with balloons in black and orange affixed to the railings overlooking the Promenade below. 

Hebner shares that the decorations were placed overnight, meaning they weren't there when guests embarked on the current 7-night Western Caribbean cruise to Mexico, Honduras, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

In addition to decorations, Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to have Halloween-themed activities, such as costume contests, a parade, themed arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts. You may even meet passengers handing out candy to children to mimic trick-or-treating.

Today's Cruise Compass says Halloween events began as early as 9:00am with the Adult and Family Halloween Costume Contest Registrations. At 9:30am, there was a Halloween Wordsearch Puzzle in the Schooner Bar, followed by a Halloween Word Fill Challenge at 10:15am at Spotlight Karaoke. 

Other events on the schedule include Name that Tune: Halloween Hits, Adventure Ocean's Family Haunted House, Pumpkin Soccer Shootout, Family Trick or Treat at Splashaway Bay, Adult Haunted House: The Abandoned Manor of Dr. Gristle, Halloween Flash Mob "Thriller," Family Halloween Costume Contest Parade, Family Halloween Monster Bash Party, Adult Halloween Costume Parade and Bash Party, and Casino Royale's HalloWin Costume Contest. 

Royal Caribbean is ready to restart cruises on the world's biggest cruise ship.

In a rare move, the cruise line previously canceled Icon's 7-night sailing that was set to leave on September 28th.

Now, Icon of the Seas is set to return to her scheduled sailings on October 5th, 2024. 

The cruise line informed passengers and travel agents booked on the next sailing they've completed the necessary repairs.

"As you are aware, we were conducting unplanned maintenance onboard Icon of the Seas, and we're happy to share that it's complete!"

On September 23rd, guests and travel agents received word by email that the entire sailing was being canceled due to "unplanned maintenance."

The email did not specify what unplanned issue ended up affecting the ship, or what kind of maintenance was being done.

Icon of the Seas made major headlines as the world's largest cruise ship when she launched this year.

Surpassing Wonder of the Seas in size, length, and gross tonnage, Icon introduced a new class of Royal Caribbean vessels. At maximum occupancy, Icon carries 7,600 guests and 2,350—almost 10,000 people altogether.

The 248,663 gross ton vessel sails 7-night itineraries from Port Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

However, the cruise line informed guests that the ship would need to remain docked for several days for the necessary work to be completed.

"While our crew is working hard to address this as quickly as possible, there is still some work that needs to be done over a few days while the ship is docked," the email read.

Icon resumes sailings on October 5th

Just a week after Icon's unplanned maintenance, Royal Caribbean is confident that the ship is ready to return to the sea.

Guests scheduled on the October 5th sailing received notification that their sailing will proceed as scheduled, leaving from the Port of Miami on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay cruise.

"The ship is ready, our crew have missed our guests, and we are looking forward to resuming our normal itineraries as of our October 5, 2024, sailing," the email read."

Read more: Two Royal Caribbean megaships in drydock at the same time

At this time, sailings are continuing as previously planned.

The planned cruise sails out of Miami and visits St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The cruise line went on to thank guests for being patient: "Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you soon."

Any further updates about sailings on Icon of the Seas will be sent to passengers.

Refunds for the canceled cruise

Royal Caribbean extended its apologies to guests on the September 28th sailing. 

"We understand the disappointment this news may bring and we're truly sorry for the impact to your vacation plans."

Passengers scheduled on the cruise received a 100% refund, including all additional expenses, such as taxes, fees, gratuities, amenities, pre-paid packages, and shore excursions.

In addition to a full refund, Royal Caribbean also provided guests with a Future Cruise Credit worth 100% of the cruise fare.

Guests can use this Future Cruise Credit within the next 14 business days to purchase another sailing.

Essentially, passengers on the canceled cruise received all their money back, plus the equivalence of the fare to use toward another sailing.

As for passengers who pre-booked their travels, such as airplane flights, passengers who booked directly through Royal Caribbean had their flights automatically refunded.

Passengers who purchased plane flights and transfers separately were reimbursed by Royal Caribbean, up to $200 per guest for domestic travel and $400 USD per guest for international travel.

What was wrong with Icon?

With 18 guest decks and 2,805 staterooms, Icon is built with guest comfort in mind. She features multiple engines, some of which don't all run at once.

This allows to cruise line to rely on multiple venues if one system fails.

Nevertheless, the ship did have to be sent in for repairs, docking at the Grand Bahama shipyard to complete her maintenance.

Royal Caribbean never clarified what the unplanned issue is, but many cruisers speculate that it was some kind of propulsion issue.

Guests onboard the September 21st sailing of Icon reported that the ship began to slow does when repairs were announced.

She also skipped a visit to St. Thomas in order to get back to Miami in time.

Reddit user ArrogantAlmond posted from the ship: "I'm on Icon now, and we just got word that we're skipping St Thomas (which was Wednesday) because the ship has maintenance issues. We have to sail slower, so we need the extra day to get back."

Because propellers control a ship's speed, slower movement could indicate a problem with the vessel's Azipods, or propeller systems.

Propulsion issues aren't unheard for cruise ships.

Earlier this year, a cruise on Radiance of the Seas was canceled due to propulsion problems slowing the ship.

Two of the world's biggest cruise ships are at shipyards right now to undergo work for different reasons.

Oasis of the Seas is at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain, while Icon of the Seas is at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas.

It's rare for two different Royal Caribbean ships to be at a drydock at the same time, highlighting the important work being done.

Here's what we know about the work Royal Caribbean has ordered for both ships.

Repairing Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean cancelled this week's sailing on Icon of the Seas because of an issue with the ship's propulsion.

The decision to send Icon in for repairs was made last week, and passengers were told it was due to "unplanned maintenance".

Royal Caribbean never specified exactly what the issue was, but there's been a lot of speculation it has something to do with the ship's propulsion because after the announcement was made, the ship's speed was reduced.

"We are currently conducting unplanned maintenance onboard Icon of the Seas," is all the statement indicated.

The ship will need to remain in dock for the work to occur, "while our crew is working hard to address this as quickly as possible, there is still some work that needs to be done over a few days while the ship is docked."

Not only did Icon slow down in her previous sailing, she also skipped a visit to St. Thomas in order to buy more time to get back closer to Miami.

Icon arrived at the Grand Bahama Shipyard on September 28 to fix the issue.  Crew attempted some work while the ship was sailing, but getting the ship into a dry dock will allow unfettered access.

Icon of the Seas began sailing in January 2024 after construction was finalized in late 2023.

If the repairs go to plan, then Icon should be back in Miami on Saturday to resume sailings with the October 5 sailing.  That's a seven night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean that will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

Maintenance work for Oasis of the Seas

Across the Atlantic, Oasis of the Seas arrived at Navantia shipyard to begin her scheduled work.

Unlike Icon, Oasis had this work scheduled.  Cruise ships go in for maintenance every 5 years or less, and it's akin to bringing your car in for a tune up.

Oasis arrived in Cadiz on September 29, and will remain at the shipyard until October 23, 2024.

Royal Caribbean has not made any announcements of what type of work will happen while Oasis is out of service, and that's usually an indication the ship is going in simply for maintenance work, and not to get major upgrades.

Royal Caribbean has two kinds of scheduled work done on its ships: refurbishment and amplifications.

Depending on the cruise line's plan, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship could get a number of enhancements and changes. Or, it could simply go in for maintenance without real changes the average guest would notice.

A refurbishment is when a ship is taken to dry dock for a shorter period of time to do primarily cosmetic changes and maintenance work.

During an amplification, the same cosmetic and maintenance work is done, but there are also enhancements made to the ship, such as adding new restaurants, activities, bars and more.

In 2019, Oasis had her amplification done and in 2025, Allure of the Seas will get the same type of upgrades.

However, it's likely Oasis is just getting work done to keep the ship operating nominally this time around. Moreover, the fact the time in dry dock is only six weeks is another signal it's a shorter stint.

To be fair, we don't know what Royal Caribbean has planned for Oasis.  It's possible the elevators on the ship could be upgraded to destination elevators, which have been a big hit on Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.  Plus, the company tested retrofitting destination elevators already on Allure of the Seas.

Without any official statement, we'll have to wait and see what changes occur onboard once the ship restarts cruises.

Oasis of the Seas is scheduled to resume sailings with a 14 Night Transatlantic from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale that will begin on October 24 and conclude November 7.

Once in Port Everglades, Oasis will offer 6- and 8-night cruises to the Caribbean that will visit the Eastern, Southern, and Western regions.

Royal Caribbean has cancelled an upcoming cruise on the largest cruise ship in the world for maintenance reasons.

In a rare situation where an entire sailing is cancelled, guests booked on the cruise were informed that their voyage will not happen.

The September 28 sailing of Icon of the Seas is now cancelled. In an email to travel agents, Royal Caribbean explained, "We are currently conducting unplanned maintenance onboard Icon of the Seas."

Icon of the Seas launched earlier this year in January, and made headlines for assuming the title of world's largest cruise ship. She surpassed Wonder of the Seas in gross tonnage, passenger capacity, and length.

At maximum occupancy, she carries 7,600 guest passengers and 2,350 crew members, equaling a total occupancy of nearly 10,000 people.

Royal Caribbean did not specify what issue is affecting the ship, or any details related to any incident.

The ship will need to remain in dock for the work to occur, "while our crew is working hard to address this as quickly as possible, there is still some work that needs to be done over a few days while the ship is docked."

The cruise line went on to apologize and explain passenger's options going forward, "As a result, we'll be cancelling our upcoming September 28, 2024, sailing. We understand the disappointment this news may bring and we're truly sorry for the impact to your vacation plans."

Icon of the Seas sails year-round from Miami, offering 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Refunds and credits for the cancelled cruise

A cancelled cruise is quite rare, and even though it's for some kind of mechanical issue, the cruise line wants to do its best to make it right.

Anyone booked on the Icon of the Seas September 28 sailing will get a 100% refund, including taxes and fees.  In addition, all pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, and shore excursions will be refunded.

On top of the refund, Royal Caribbean will also provide a Future Cruise Credit worth 100% of the cruise fare paid to be used towards another sailing.

That means anyone on the cruise got their money back, and equivalent credit to use on another cruise.

Future Cruise Credits will be available in approximately 14 business days.

Passengers that booked flights directly through Royal Caribbean will have those flights automatically refunded. However, if they pre-purchased air and transfers independently, Royal Caribbean will reimburse any travel change fees up to $200 USD per guest for domestic travel and $400 USD per guest for international travel.

What happened to Icon of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean did not specify the issue the ship encountered, but the current sailing is still happening.

Reddit user ArrogantAlmond posted, "I'm on Icon now, and we just got word that we're skipping St Thomas (which was Wednesday) because the ship has maintenance issues. We have to sail slower, so we need the extra day to get back."

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Chris Hodnett also confirmed the change in a X tweet.

Guests on the current sailing of Icon of the Seas received a letter with the update.

The letter said, "The ship is currently undergoing maintenance and will sail at a reduced speed. Unplanned maintenance happens, and our teams are hard at work to quickly address."

Guests on the current sailing are receiving onboard credit equivalent to one day of the cruise fare paid.

A slower speed is usually indicative of propulsion issues the ship.  It's not unheard of for a cruise ship to lose one of its engines or propellor systems (known as Azipods) that require the ship to sail at a slower speed.

The ship is still seaworthy and can get passengers safely back to port, but a slower speed means it cannot complete its itinerary in time, and perhaps that's why Royal Caribbean feels it best to keep the ship out of service for a week to make repairs.

In past examples, some ships have been able to operate at a slower speed, while others went immediately into dock for work.

Earlier this year, Radiance of the Seas had to cancel cruises because of propulsion problems that slowed the ship.

In 2023, Anthem of the Seas adjusted her speed as a result of engine problems and was able to continue operating. Oasis of the Seas also had a similar issue around the same time. 

In the case of Oasis, work was done while the ship kept operating with her other engines.

Cruise ships have redundant engines

While Royal Caribbean decided to take Icon of the Seas out of service, cruise ships are designed with redundancy in mind.

Cruise ships have multiple engines, and often not all engines are running even when there are no issues. This allows the ship to give engines a break, and have backups when a situation like this arises.

In most cases, the ship is able to continue operating safely, albeit at a reduced speed.

Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has more dining venues onboard than any other ship in the fleet. 

From the brand-new Empire Supper Club to fan favorites such as Sorrento's and Chops Grille, there's no shortage of options, both complimentary and specialty, for guests to enjoy while sailing onboard this massive ship. 

Whether you want to grab a quick bite to eat at the cruise line's first-ever food hall, indulge in a decadent meal at the Celebration Table, or have a fun brunch at Pier 7 in Surfside, there's something to appease all tastes and preferences onboard Icon of the Seas!

Here is your ultimate guide to all the food and beverage options on this record-breaking cruise ship. 

What restaurants are included and what costs extra?

When planning your cruise onboard Icon, it's important to know what venues are and aren't included in the cost of your cruise fare. If you're planning on dining at Empire Supper Club, for instance, you don't want to wait until you are on the ship to learn that the experience costs $200 per person. 

Complimentary restaurants on Icon of the Seas

🍽️ Pearl Café (with a few exceptions)

🍴 Park Cafe 

🍽️ Windjammer Marketplace

🍴 Surfside Bites

🍽️ Surfside Eatery 

🍴 AquaDome Market

🍽️ Main Dining Room

🍴 Coastal Kitchen (for those staying in suites)

🍽️ The Grove (for those staying in suites)

🍴 Basecamp (with a few exceptions)

🍽️ Sorrento's 

🍴 El Loco Fresh

🍽️ Vitality Cafe (with a few exceptions)

🍴 Sprinkles

Extra cost restaurants on Icon of the Seas

🍽️ Empire Supper Club

🍴 Celebration Table 

🍽️ Chops Grille

🍴 Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

🍽️ Izumi in the Park

🍴 Hooked Seafood

🍽️ Playmaker's 

🍴 Pier 7

🍽️ Starbucks 

🍴 Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar

🍽️ Trellis Bar (bar bites)

🍴 Desserted

Royal Promenade

For the first time, Royal Caribbean placed a specialty dining venue in the initial designs of the Royal Promenade onboard Icon of the Seas. If you want to have a delicious Italian meal at Giovanni's, you won't be too far from the fun! 

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

Pearl Café

Cost: Included

The Pearl is an interactive, multi-sensory experience made with kinetic tiles that's meant to be the first WOW factor when you walk onboard. 

Adjacent to this one-of-a-kind structure is the Pearl Café, which is essentially the next generation of Cafe Promenade. 

While the majority of the grab-and-go food options are complimentary, there are some extra-cost items. You can, for instance, order a specialty coffee beverage. 

Unlike the drinks prepared at Starbucks, you'll be able to use your Royal Caribbean drink package or Diamond vouchers at Pearl Café. 

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Cost: Not included

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, which can be found in the Royal Promenade, will dish up some Old World classics, such as veal meatballs. 

Note, however, that this is a specialty venue, so you will have to pay to dine here. It's included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean dining package, though. 

Read more: How Royal Caribbean reimagined its signature Italian restaurant

Sorrento's 

Cost: Included

It's not a proper Royal Caribbean cruise vacation if you don't have a slice of pizza (or two), right? 

Sorrento's caters to those seeking a quick snack after returning to the ship or a late-night bite after seeing an AquaTheater show. 

Onboard Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean reimagined Sorrento's to be better than ever before. In addition to changing specialty pizzas, you can also pair your slice with your favorite draft beer on tap! 

Read more: Sorrento's pizza on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

Point & Feather

Cost: Not included

Point & Feather is Icon's rendition of the classic English-style pub found on other ships. 

Here, you can order from a brand-new spirits menu or challenge a friend to a game of darts, all the while a talented musician is playing. 

1400 Lobby Bar

Cost: Not included

Royal Caribbean intends for 1400 Lobby Bar to be a focal point of the Royal Promenade. Not only is it adjacent to the escalators leading to the casino, but it also sets the stage for the jaw-dropping Pearl. 

Inspired by the history of shipbuilding, this will be the ideal place to meet up with your crew and enjoy a mix of daytime and evening sips that were developed with renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, who has worked with James Beard Award-winning chefs, Bellagio, and more.

Read more: I tried the new cocktails coming to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas with a Master Mixologist

Boleros

Cost: Not included

Boleros is a Latin-themed bar with live music that's found on numerous ships in the fleet. It can be found on Deck 6 of the Royal Promenade, whereas 1400 Lobby Bar is on Deck 5. 

Schooner Bar

Cost: Not included

Schooner Bar is arguably the most well-known Royal Caribbean bar. Located across from Boleros, this nautical-themed bar is where pianists will set the tone for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps. 

Dueling Pianos

Cost: Not included

Speaking of pianos, Icon of the Seas is home to the cruise line's first-ever dedicated piano bar, where two pianists will take the stage and take requests from passengers. 

Each night of the cruise, there will be two 90-minute shows that you won't want to miss! 

Spotlight Karaoke

Cost: Not included

Aspiring singers will want to check out Spotlight Karaoke on Deck 5. You can either take the stage or rent out a private karaoke room to enjoy with your crew. 

The Attic

Cost: Not included

The Attic is where Icon guests can enjoy comedy shows that will have you laughing until you cry. There's also a bar here where you can order drinks during a show. 

Crown Lounge

Cost: Included

The Crown Lounge is located within the Royal Promenade at the forward end of Deck 6 near Dueling Pianos and the Attic. Only Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members can utilize this private enclave. 

Whether you want to redeem one of your drink vouchers, enjoy some light snacks, or simply relax away from the crowds, the Crown Lounge is the go-to stop for top-tier members of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society. 

Read more: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Starbucks

Cost: Not included

Who doesn't love a strong cold brew or specialty hand-crafted beverage? You won't have to go without your Starbucks fix when cruising on Icon of the Seas. 

Note, however, that these drinks are not included in any beverage packages, and top-tier loyalty members cannot use their daily drink vouchers at Starbucks; you will have to pay for each drink individually. 

Central Park

Like on Oasis Class ships, Central Park is a hub for specialty restaurants. Here, you'll find favorites like Chops Grille, as well as new restaurants that cannot be found on any other ship in the fleet, such as Empire Supper Club. 

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Cost: Not included

Royal Caribbean’s beloved Japanese specialty restaurant will be located in Central Park on Icon of the Seas, a first for the restaurant. 

There are two sides to Izumi — hibachi and sushi — and guests can enjoy either one in the charming atmosphere of Central Park. Note that if you book the Ultimate Dining Package, Izumi Hibachi has a $15 surcharge, which will be charged onboard. 

Read more: Should you book the Izumi pre-fixed sushi option?

Izumi in the Park

Cost: Not included

What if you don't want to sit down for a lengthy meal? No worries! Located in Icon of the Seas' Central Park Neighborhood, you will find Izumi in the Park, the cruise line's first-ever to-go sushi window, where you can grab sushi, hot gyoza, or soft-serve bubble cones for a refreshing afternoon sweet treat! 

Like the standard restaurant, this venue is not included in the cost of your cruise fare. Each item is priced à la carte, meaning that you'll only pay for what you order, whereas Chops Grille, for instance, charges everyone the same cover charge. 

The price for two sushi and a seaweed salad or edamame is $10, while pork gyoza dumplings, crispy chicken kara-age, and signature bubble cones all cost $8. 

Available sushi include salmon sashimi, tuna sashimi, salmon lovers roll, spicy tuna roll, salmon nigiri, and tuna nigiri. Finally, the five flavors of bubble cones are cookies & cream, rainbow mochi & macha, beach umbrella, chocolate thrill, and strawberry bliss. 

Chops Grille

Cost: Not included

Chops Grille, the cruise line’s signature specialty steakhouse, is found on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and Icon of the Seas is no exception. 

Just like on Oasis Class ships, Chops Grille is located in Central Park with both indoor and outdoor seating. Similarly, you will have to pay to dine here; it is not an included venue. 

What sets Chops Grille on Icon apart, though, is that you'll be able to hand-select your cut of meat thanks to the impressive butcher's display.

Park Cafe

Cost: Included

Park Cafe first launched on Oasis of the Seas. This complimentary venue is returning to Central Park onboard Icon. In fact, it's the only complimentary venue in Central Park. 

While you'll still be able to order the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich, you can also expect to find new sandwiches and salads. 

Plus, Park Café onboard Icon of the Seas will be open later than on other ships in the fleet and offer dinner!

Empire Supper Club

Cost: Not included

One of, if not the most, expensive restaurant onboard Icon is Empire Supper Club. This eight-course meal, which will feature premium American cuisine like wagyu and caviar, will cost you $200 per person. There will also be a three-piece band playing a different song during each course. 

The venue was designed to be reminiscent of the 1930s in New York City and will have two seatings each night: 6:00pm and 8:30pm. 

If you purchased the Ultimate Dining Package, you will have to pay an extra $130 per person to eat at Empire Supper Club. 

Lou's Jazz N' Blues

Cost: Not included

Whether you want to take in the music from the outdoors while strolling amongst the thousands of real pants or pop in for a cocktail, Lou's Jazz N' Blues will fill Central Park will live performances of soulful classics and jazz-pop tunes.

Trellis Bar

Cost: Not included

Guests will find a larger Trellis Bar than those onboard Oasis Class ships. Plus, it'll feature a brand-new look and menu with pre-dinner appetizers that are available for an additional fee.  

Bubbles

Cost: Not included

Bubbles is a walk-up champagne bar that will serve champagne and champagne-based cocktails by the glass. It's located directly next to Park Cafe, so you can get a fresh mimosa before enjoying breakfast! 

Surfside

Those familiar with Oasis Class ships might notice that there isn't a "Boardwalk" onboard Icon of the Seas. That's because the neighborhood was replaced with Surfside, which is where families can stay and play all day. 

With an aft pool, carousel, kids splash zone, arcade, and both complimentary and specialty dining venues, there's enough to keep everyone satisfied!

Read more: Icon of the Seas Surfside neighborhood: What to expect

Surfside Bites

Cost: Included

Surfside Bites is complimentary and features grab-and-go options. It's perfect for those looking for a snack or who do not want to waste their afternoon on a lengthy lunch! 

While the menu isn't extensive, you can find popcorn chicken, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, french fries, fruit, and even cinnamon sugar churros here!

Read more: Royal Caribbean is building the best cruise ship for young families on Icon of the Seas

Pier 7

Cost: Not included

Pier 7 is a brand-new specialty venue located within Surfside. The all-day brunch menu has items like mango lime shrimp tostadas, smoked salmon benedicts, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and surf and turf tacos. 

Pier 7 is free for kids under 12, and everyone else pays a $14.99 cover charge that includes two items in any category.

Surfside Eatery

Cost: Included

Surfside will also feature its own buffet, so families will not have to worry about dragging their kids away from all the fun for too long to go to the Windjammer. 

Surfside Eatery, like the Windjammer, is included in the cost of your cruise fare. 

Note that you'll find a Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine outside of Surfside Eatery. If you're going to purchase a drink package, you can refill your cup here. 

The Lemon Post Bar

Cost: Not included

The Lemon Post Bar allows parents to enjoy their own tropical cocktails while children get to order from a menu of mocktails curated just for them, for an additional charge, of course. 

It's located close to Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, so you're never far from a beverage! 

Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

Cost: Not included

Located within Surfside on Deck 8, you will find the beloved sports bar Playmakers, which serves à la carte food and hand-crafted beverages. 

Whether you're craving nachos, wings, onion rings, or jalapeño poppers, you will find a range of options for $3.00 to $29.99. 

AquaDome

AquaDome is another neighborhood exclusive to Icon Class ships, including Star of the Seas, which is scheduled to launch in 2025. 

It's located on Decks 14 and 15 at the very front of the ship and is where you'll not only find numerous food and beverage options but also the first-ever enclosed AquaTheater and breathing ocean views. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas AquaDome: What to expect

The Overlook Bar

Cost: Not included

If you're seeking some of the best ocean views onboard Icon, you will want to make sure you visit The Overlook within the AquaDome Neighborhood, which is outfitted with impressive floor-to-ceiling windows. 

In addition to comfortable pods for relaxing and catching up with friends and family, you'll also find The Overlook Bar. 

Rye & Bean

Cost: Not included

Rye & Bean is perfect for those who might not be ready for a strong cocktail first thing in the morning.

That being said, Rye & Bean is the place to go for coffee-infused cocktails; however, you're able to order a classic cup of coffee, too. 

Hooked Seafood

Cost: Not included

Hooked Seafood is open for lunch and dinner. This specialty restaurant focuses on New England-style seafood and serves dishes such as Maryland Crab Cakes, Drunken Mussels, Maine Lobster Rolls, and more. 

Celebration Table

Cost: Not included

You can think of Celebration Table like an elevated Chef's Table. This fully rentable private dining room inside Hooked Seafood can seat up to twelve guests and is a premium specialty venue onboard Icon of the Seas. 

Rather than have a menu curated by the chef, you can choose from four different family-style prix fixe menus: American, Asian, Seafood, and Italian. You can personalize and upgrade the selections, too.

Read more: Beyond the Buffet: Exploring Royal Caribbean's unique onboard cuisine

AquaDome Market

Cost: Included

Icon of the Seas is home to the cruise line's first-ever food hall. Inside AquaDome Market, you'll find five different stalls, each highlighting a different cuisine or specific food:

• Crème de la Crèpe (Crèpes)
• GNGR (Asian)
• Mac's (Mac and cheese)
• Feta (Mediterranean)
• Toast & Garden (Sandwiches and salads)

Even better? It's all included!

Vitality Cafe

Cost: Included (with exceptions)

At Vitality Cafe, you will find some complimentary healthful options, such as housemade granola and fresh fruit, as well as specialty smoothies for an additional charge. 

Chill Island & Thrill Island

The top decks of Icon of the Seas are where you’ll find both Chill Island and Thrill Island. 

Royal Caribbean aims to include a variety of dining and bar venues on the pool and sports deck, so you don’t have to worry about leaving the pool to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a tropical beverage. 

El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca

Cost: Included (El Loco Fresh) / Not included (Cantina Fresca)

In between laps at the pool, you’ll want to head to El Loco Fresh on the pool deck for fresh Mexican fare.

This complimentary grab-and-go spot offers burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, and a salsa station that is sure to satisfy any hungry passenger. 

Next to El Loco Fresh is Cantina Fresca, a Mexican-themed bar known for its specialty margaritas and aguas frescas. Specialty cocktails at Cantina Fresca include the Watermelon Margarita, Mezcal Mule, and Cozumel Sunrise.

Swim & Tonic

Cost: Not included

Swim & Tonic is the cruise line's first swim-up bar with in-pool seating. In fact, they claim it's the largest swim-up bar at sea! 

No longer do you have to leave the pool to get a refreshing beverage while sailing through the Caribbean. 

Sprinkles

Cost: Included

Sprinkles is located within Chill Island. This is where you can enjoy complimentary soft-serve ice cream throughout the day!

The Lime and Coconut

Cost: Not included

Royal Caribbean’s resort-style pool bar can be found in three different locations on Icon of the Seas, including the brand-new Cloud 17 area. 

The Lime & Coconut is known for a few signature drinks including:

• Lime & Coconut, made with Malibu coconut rum, coconut milk, coconut syrup, guava syrup, and lime juice 
• Blue Wave, made with Tito’s vodka, blue curacao, and pineapple juice 
• Caribbean Sunset, made with Aperol, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda

Windjammer Marketplace

Cost: Included

It wouldn’t be a Royal Caribbean cruise without the Windjammer Marketplace, the cruise line’s signature complimentary buffet that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of your cruise. 

Onboard Icon, the Windjammer is located on Deck 15 and wraps around the entirety of the deck below Thrill Island in the aft of the ship. 

Basecamp

Cost: Included (with exceptions)

Basecamp offers a mix of both complimentary and extra-charge items, which include waffle chicken nuggets ($7), Wisconsin cheese curds ($6), crispy shrimp bao buns ($8), grilled chicken sandwiches ($9), and smash burgers ($11). 

Additionally, while beef hot dogs, warm pretzels, and tater tots are complimentary, you can add cheese, bacon, and green onions to any of the free options for an extra $2. 

Plus, you'll find a bar here. It's the perfect place to refuel while having fun at the Category 6 water park! 

Desserted

Cost: Not included

The new Desserted Milkshake Bar allows passengers to choose from a lineup of milkshake concoctions, including spiked options for adults.

It's located directly across from the entrance to Category 6's slides. 

The Hideaway

The Hideaway is Royal Caribbean's adult-only neighborhood. Yes, that means you won't find a Solarium onboard. No worries, though; this area is only for those 18+!

From its conceptualization, The Hideaway was meant to have a Las Vegas pool party vibe. It has the first suspended infinity pool at sea, day beds (that you can rent for an additional cost), loungers, and an expansive bar area.

The Hideaway Bar

Cost: Not included

The Hideaway Bar has a special menu where you can order specialty cocktails like the Castaway Spritz, Oh Mai Gawd, Coral Blush, and more. 

Since it's located within the adults-only neighborhood, you will not find any children here. Adults can order a tropical beverage before enjoying the infinity pool! 

Suite Neighborhood

If you're staying in certain suites, you will gain access to The Grove Sun Deck and Coastal Kitchen. Both have complimentary dining options available exclusively to suite guests. 

Note that if you're staying in a Sea Class suite (i.e., Junior Suites and Sunset Junior Suites), you won't have access to the sun deck. Plus, you'll only be able to eat at Coastal Kitchen for dinner, subject to availability. 

To gain full access, you will want to book a Sky or Star Class suite. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas Suite Neighborhood: What to expect

Coastal Kitchen

Cost: Included (for suite guests)

Coastal Kitchen has been a staple restaurant for suite guests since its debut on Quantum of the Seas in 2014, and Icon of the Seas will be the first ship in the fleet to have a two-story Coastal Kitchen restaurant.

The Grove

Cost: Included (for suite guests)

During the day, Suite guests can grab a bite to eat at The Grove, a fast-casual Mediterranean venue located in the suite-only sun deck that features al fresco seating and a bar. 

This is complimentary to suite guests and surely beats leaving the comfort of the private enclave to eat at the Windjammer! 

Other food and beverage venues

Main Dining Room

Cost: Included 

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Main Dining Room onboard. This is where you can indulge in three-course meals each night of your cruise for no extra charge. It serves breakfast and lunch throughout the voyage, too. 

If you're unsure when it is open, check the Royal Caribbean app. You may also request a physical copy of the ship's daily schedule from your cabin steward or Guest Services. 

Onboard Icon, the Main Dining Room spans three decks in the aft of the ship: Decks 3, 4, and 5. 

Read more: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

Casino Bar

Cost: Not included

There's a bar inside of Casino Royale that features sit-down slot machines. 

Music Hall

Cost: Not included

If you’re looking for a nightclub experience on Icon of the Seas, you can head to Music Hall. 

Located on Decks 3 and 4, this two-story venue features live bands and DJs in the evenings.

Icon of the Seas restaurant hours

Complimentary Food

• Main Dining Room - Decks 3, 4 & 5
  • Breakfast: 7:00-8:00/8:30-9:30
  • Lunch (Sea days): 11:30a-1:00p
  • Dinner - Seating or MTD: 5:30-8:30
• Sorrentos - Deck 5
  • 11:30a-2:00a
• Pearl Cafe - Deck 6
• Surfside Eatery - Deck 7
  • 24 hours
• Surfside Bites - Deck 7
  • 11:00a-6:00p
• Park Cafe - Deck 8
  • Breakfast: 7:00-10:30a
  • Lunch: 11:30a-5:30p
  • Tapas: 6:30-8:30p
• Vitality Cafe - Deck 14
  • 6:30a-7:30p
• Aqua Dome - Deck 15
  • 10:30a-Midnight
• Sprinkles - Decks 15 & 7
  • 11:00a-9:00p
• El Loco Fresh - Deck 15
  • 11:00a-8:00p
• Windjammer - Deck 15
  • Breakfast: 7:00-11:00a
  • Lunch: 11:30a-3:00p
  • Dinner: 5:30-9:00p
• Basecamp - Deck 16
  • 11:00a-8:00p
• Room Service Continental Breakfast (Sky/Star Suite Guests Only)
  • 6:00-11:00a (must order prior evening)
• Coastal Kitchen - Decks 16 & 17
  • Breakfast: 8:00-9:30a
  • Lunch: 12:00-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• The Grove - Deck 18
  • 10:30a-10:00p

Pay dining & snack options

• Starbucks - Deck 5
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen - Deck 6
  • Noon-11:00p
• Playmakers Sports Bar - Deck 6
  • Lunch (Sea days): 11:00a-3:00p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Pier 7 - Deck 7
  • 6:30pm reservations
• Sugar Beach - Deck 7
• Empire Supper Club - Deck 8
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Chops Grille - Deck 8
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi - Deck 8
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Izumi in the Park - Deck 8
  • 11:00a-10:00p
• Celebration Table - Deck 15
  • Reservations required
• Hooked Seafood - Deck 15
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Desserted Milk Shake Bar - Deck 15
  • 11:00a-8:00p
• Room Service (beyond continental breakfast) - Deck 15
  • 24 hours

Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are the two biggest cruise ships in the world, and they are the newest cruise ships for Royal Caribbean.

Both cruise ships offer the latest and greatest Royal Caribbean features, like waterparks, ice skating spectacles, escape rooms, destination elevators, and more. Royal Caribbean classics like the Royal Promenade, FlowRider, and Windjammer are also found onboard these ships.

While Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas have a lot in common, there are some key differences between these two mega ships that prospective cruisers should know.

Let’s take a look at how Icon of the Seas compares to Utopia of the Seas.

Overview of cruise ships

Icon of the Seas is the first ship in the Icon Class while Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis Class ship.

Cruisers who have been on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships will find that Utopia of the Seas is very similar in terms of layout, design, and offerings. In contrast, Icon of the Seas is a completely new and different cruise ship since it is the first in its class.

Both of these cruise ships debuted in 2024. The inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas was on January 27, 2024, from Miami, Florida. This 7-night cruise visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts. Utopia of the Seas’ first sailing was on July 19, 2024, from Port Canaveral, Florida. During the 3-night voyage, guests visited Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.

As the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas can hold 5,610 guests at double occupancy, as well as 2,350 crew members. In fact, Icon of the Seas can carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy! Utopia of the Seas can hold 5,668 guests at double occupancy and 2,290 crew members.

As far as other specs, Icon of the Seas is heavier, longer, and taller than Utopia of the Seas. On the other hand, Utopia of the Seas is wider than Icon of the Seas.

Here are more stats for each cruise ship:

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

Neighborhoods

Both Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are split into eight distinct neighborhoods. These cruise ships are so big that they need to be broken down into neighborhoods to help passengers navigate them.

Utopia of the Seas has the same neighborhoods as Wonder of the Seas, the third newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship and the third biggest ship in the world. All the other Oasis Class ships (Oasis, Allure, Harmony, and Symphony) have seven neighborhoods because there is no Suite Neighborhood.

Icon of the Seas has new neighborhoods that are not found on other Royal Caribbean ships, including Surfside, AquaDome, Chill Island, Thrill Island, and The Hideaway.

Here are the neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas:

Dining and bars

All Royal Caribbean ships have The Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet, but Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas have so many other options to choose from, including never-before-seen venues. With over 20 places to eat on both cruise ships, you will not go hungry during your vacation!

Restaurants that can only be found on Icon of the Seas include:

• AquaDome Market
• Basecamp
• Pearl Cafe
• Surfside Eatery
• Surfside Bites
• Empire Supper Club
• Celebration Table
• Pier 7
• The Grove (for suite guests)

Venues that can only be found on Utopia of the Seas include:

• Royal Railway - Utopia Station
• The Spare Tire

Utopia of the Seas features a new two-story Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar with a terrace that overlooks The Boardwalk neighborhood. Also, Utopia is the first Oasis Class ship to have Izumi in the Park (Icon of the Seas was the first ship to have Izumi in the Park on any Royal Caribbean ship).

Icon of the Seas’ Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is the first to be located in the Royal Promenade.

Cruisers will find a variety of complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurants on both ships. It’s possible to cruise on Icon and Utopia and not spend an extra dime on food because there are seemingly endless options. But, visiting one of the specialty restaurants onboard is sure to be a treat with higher-quality food and ambiance.

Here is a full list of the restaurants and casual dining spots you can find on Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas:

Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas share a number of bars, like the Schooner Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar, and Boleros. However, Icon of the Seas has more unique bars while Utopia of the Seas has almost all of the bars that the other Oasis Class ships have.

Bars that can only be found on Icon of the Seas include:

• 1400 Lobby Bar
• Bubbles
• Dueling Pianos
• Hideaway Bar
• Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues
• Rye & Bean
• Swim & Tonic
• The Lemon Post
• The Overlook

Pesky Parrot is a bar that is unique to Utopia of the Seas. Similar to The Bamboo Room on Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas, the Pesky Parrot is a tiki bar that serves fruity cocktails in a tropical setting. This bar replaced the Bionic Bar.

Here’s a list of every bar found on Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas:

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs other Royal Caribbean cruise ships

Entertainment and activities

Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas have dazzling entertainment options for guests to enjoy in the Royal Theater, AquaTheater, and Studio B.

Utopia of the Seas has an outdoor AquaTheater while Icon of the Seas has an indoor one (the first on any Royal Caribbean ship). Here, Utopia of the Seas has a show called Aqua80Too, which is a sequel to Oasis of the Seas’ Aqua80 show. On Icon of the Seas, there’s a show called Aqua Action! There is supposed to be another show on Icon called Pirates vs Mermaids, but it hasn’t premiered yet as of mid-2024.

Both ships have an ice skating rink onboard with different names - Icon’s is called Absolute Zero while Utopia’s is called Studio B. In addition to open ice skating, there are shows guests can attend during the cruise. On Icon of the Seas, there are two shows called Starburst: Elemental Beauty and Once Upon a Time: A King’s Royal Ball. The latter is a show meant for families with kids. On Utopia of the Seas, the ice skating show is called Youtopia!

Lastly, there are various shows held in the Royal Theater on most nights of the cruise. Icon of the Seas has a few featured productions, including The Wizard of Oz, The Effectors: The Origin Story, and Showband. Utopia of the Seas has one production show called All In!

Both cruise ships also have adult comedy shows in The Attic. Be sure to make reservations for these shows as soon as they open because the venues are small with limited seating.

Other activities you can find on Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas include:

Cabins and suites

Although Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world, she actually has fewer staterooms than Utopia of the Seas. Utopia of the Seas has a total of 2,834 staterooms while Icon of the Seas has 2,805.

Here’s a breakdown:

Icon of the Seas is the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet to have infinite balconies, which are essentially verandas. Don’t worry, Icon of the Seas also has traditional oceanview balconies.

Since Icon of the Seas is a cruise ship meant for families, there are many new stateroom options, like the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony and Surfside Family View Balcony, that can accommodate three to four people.

Utopia of the Seas features two Solarium Suites at the front of the ship above the bridge wings. These suites are only found on Utopia.

Both ships offer Royal Suite Class cabins. This includes Sea, Sky, and Star class suites with varying levels of perks. For those booked in a suite, a Suite Neighborhood will be available. This neighborhood includes a Suite Sun Deck, Coastal Kitchen, and Suite Lounge.

In addition, The Grove, a Mediterranean restaurant only on Icon of the Seas, is available for Sky and Star class guests. 

Itineraries and pricing

Perhaps the biggest difference between Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas is its itinerary offerings.

Icon of the Seas is marketed as “The Icon of Vacations.” This cruise ship is heavily geared towards families because of the tremendous amount of activities and entertainment onboard. Cruisers can select from various 7-night options that leave from Miami, Florida, and visit the Western and Eastern Caribbean.

Western Caribbean sailings visit Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya) and Roatan, Honduras. Eastern Caribbean sailings visit a combination of St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico, Labadee, and the Dominican Republic.

Every sailing on Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas visits Perfect Day at CocoCay.

On the other hand, Utopia of the Seas is marked as “The World’s Biggest Weekend.” A first for an Oasis Class cruise ship, Utopia only offers 3 and 4-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. These sailings visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau or Cozumel. Some sailings only visit CocoCay.

Utopia of the Seas is being marketed towards first-time cruisers who want to experience a cruise for a short period of time on a ship with the best of the best Royal Caribbean features. However, if you are a seasoned cruiser and want to spend more time onboard the newest Royal Caribbean ship, you could book a back-to-back sailing that combined would be a week-long trip.

Both of these new ships are considered to be destinations in and of themselves. Icon of the Seas offers more exotic itinerary options compared to Utopia of the Seas because Utopia’s sailings are shorter than Icon’s.

Now let’s compare pricing on both of these cruise ships. I will compare pricing on both ships for three sailings in July 2025. I looked at the cheapest price for an interior cabin, oceanview cabin, and balcony cabin. I calculated the average price per person per day based on the stateroom category.

Based on the data I collected from the Royal Caribbean website, it is easy to see that on average, Icon of the Seas is more expensive than Utopia of the Seas. This makes sense for a few reasons.

Icon of the Seas is the first of its kind. It is the biggest cruise ship in the world, and demand is high because people want to experience this massive, record-breaking ship for themselves. In contrast, Utopia of the Seas is nearly identical to her sister ships in the Oasis Class. There isn’t a ton of new things to see on this ship.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, even commented that Icon of the Seas is the most successful new ship that Royal Caribbean has ever launched. The hype is real for Icon!

Based on the data, a 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas will have a more expensive nightly cost per guest compared to the 4-night itinerary. However, paying for a 3-night cruise could still be cheaper overall than a 4-night cruise because the itinerary is shorter.

I also found that sailing on Icon of the Seas for seven nights in a balcony cabin was on average $500 more per person than spending seven nights on Utopia of the Seas (on a back-to-back sailing) in a balcony.

If you're looking to sail on a newer Royal Caribbean ship for a smaller price tag, Utopia of the Seas, or even Wonder of the Seas, is the way to go. You will definitely have an awesome vacation on either of these Oasis Class ships. But if you want to sail on the most “iconic” Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you will have to pay a pretty penny.

The biggest cruise ship in the world has gotten a lot of attention, but there are a few things that also stand out about Royal Caribbean's mega ship.

Stacey Boden is a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser who recently sailed on Icon of the Seas. During her sailing, she noticed some aspects she felt no one else is talking about. Stacey took some time to write this guest post entry about what she loved and what she disliked on the world's largest cruise ship.

My spouse and I have been on a total of 6 cruises, all on Royal Caribbean, since May 2017. 

Initially, we started out going on an annual cruise. In 2019, we canceled 2 sailings we had booked due to expecting and having our first child. We resumed cruising in June 2022.

In 2023, we began scheduling sailings twice a year and we are hoping to scale up to three sailings a year soon. 

I noticed several things that I loved and some things I didn't love as much on our recent Icon of the Seas sailing. These are some things that I haven't heard anyone else mention yet.  

Things I loved: the accessibility

I noticed on Icon some features that make the ship more accessible to everyone. 

The addition of the shower bench

I am sure anyone who has ever attempted to shave their legs in the shower in a non-suite stateroom welcomes this change. In cabin bathrooms on Icon of the Seas, showers are now equipped with a sizable bench for guests to rest or sit on. 

In addition, this feature could be helpful to individuals who are older or with invisible physical disabilities such as dysautonomia who may not require wheelchair use or accessibility but who may need to occasionally sit down in the shower. 

This makes it possible without the use of an added shower chair.

Hands-free doors

Many of the doors to public restrooms throughout the ship have hands-free door openers. 

This feature is helpful for a few reasons including cutting down on "touch points" that spread germs, preventing guests from having to open heavy doors, and also for individuals who may utilize a wheelchair or electric scooter. 

The handicapped stalls within the restroom additionally have these door openers as well as touchless door locks. 

Family restrooms

Icon of the Seas has several family restrooms, and families with young children are not the only ones who benefit from these restrooms. 

These bathrooms are also great for situations such as a family member assisting an individual with disabilities or members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may not be comfortable using a different, gendered restroom.

Smoking areas

No longer is the smoking area something you accidentally walk through on the pool deck. 

It seems the smoking area has been moved to an area that can only be accessed toward the back of the Cloud 17 area. 

Additionally, the new ventilation system in the casino was fantastic for clearing away the smoke. This sailing was the first time I could actually tolerate being in the casino.

Things I wish existed on Icon of the Seas

There were a few things on Icon of the Seas that I wished existed or that I wished Royal Caribbean would bring back.

Shaded area in Hideaway Pool

I am an individual who has been known to get a sunburn at the mere thought of going outside. 

My spouse and I went to the Hideaway pool one morning as soon as it opened and hung out at the far-left side. 

At that time of day, we had approximately 45 minutes until the sun peaked out from the side of the ship and the little bit of shade was now gone. I would love it if there was some sort of way to introduce the option for shade in this area. 

Regular old body slides

Category 6 waterpark has 6 water slides. Two are family raft slides, which can accommodate 2-4 riders in a raft. 

One of them is a speed slide. This style of slide is a body slide where riders are sent down a steep, free fall plunge to the ground. 

Two are mat racers, in which the rider rides a mat face-first down the slide. 

The final slide is a drop-launch capsule in which the floor drops out from underneath the rider into the slide. I personally would have preferred a feet-first body slide without a steep drop as I am not very adventurous.  

Floor display for elevators

My spouse mentioned this next one and I agree. 

The addition of the destination elevators — panels where guests can select which floor they're headed to and then hop on a specific elevator — has been fantastic. 

However, it is really difficult to figure out how long you will be waiting for the elevator. It would be great to still have a display with what floor the elevator was on or even for the display pads to give individuals an idea of an approximate wait time. 

Cocktail drink mixes

Sometime since our last cruise Royal Caribbean stopped using the Sunsational/Island Oasis drink mixes for cocktails. These mixes come in a carton and are used for fruit drinks such as pina coladas and margaritas. 

Instead, bartenders are now using a brand called Finest Call, which comes in plastic bottles. My personal opinion is that this brand isn't as good. 

Anything food and drink related is very subjective, however, I felt that this new drink mix was missing a lot of the flavor I had come to know and love from the previous brands Royal used.  

Shorter spa services

I would have been more willing to purchase spa services if they offered shorter services costing less. 

For example, I would love to see a 1-day thermal suite option or 30-minute massage services. The shortest massages are about 50 minutes long, and they cost from $179-$399.

Just as Utopia of the Seas has proven an appetite for shorter sailings that may cost less overall but more per day, I think that there is an untapped market for shorter services or upgrades that cost less overall but may cost more per minute. This could extend beyond the spa and extend to half-day casita rentals and more. 

Parents might have an easier way to keep tabs on their kids while on a cruise ship.

A passenger on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas shared on social media a new test underway that allows parents to track the location of their kids.

Shannon Sinclair posted photos of a new "Kidfinder" that is available in a limited test at the Adventure Ocean kids club.

The device is a waterproof bracelet that allows parents to track the bracelet's location via the Royal Caribbean app.

Read more: Royal Caribbean app guide and walkthrough

"We just got on the Icon of the Seas today and they are piloting Kidfinder," she wrote on Facebook.

According to Ms. Sinclair, the Kidfinder is for kids under 12 years old and under and parents can sign up for the option at Adventure Ocean.

When you sign up for the Kidfinder, parents can choose which cruise ship passengers can track the kids.  This means potentially parents, older siblings, or friends and family can opt into it as well.

You put the bracelet on the kids, and it works anywhere around the ship.

Ms. Sinclair likes the idea for the peace of mind it provides, "My son is 11 and with his older sibling exploring. It’s nice I can track them now. Also if your child is with the other parent or family member you could track them."

This test isn't meant to replace parenting, but rather, give parents another tool to know where their kids are located. It's not uncommon to hear an occasional announcement over the public address system requesting a certain guest go to Guest Services, and the Kidfinder could reduce the need for such announcements.

She added there is no cost to use it, it's free to register at Adventure Ocean.

This is the first we've heard of such an option, and it sounds like it's only being tested at the moment on Icon of the Seas.  There's no indication yet if the Kidfinder will be available on other ships, or even subsequent Icon of the Seas sailings.

One commenter on the Facebook post added this is similar to what Princess Cruises offers already with their Medallion program.

"Everyone gets one of these, on Princess cruise line. We love them! You walk up to your cabin, and your door unlocks automatically. You can also order food and drinks from anywhere on the ship, and have it brought right to you, no matter where you are. They're very convenient," wrote Summer Schoolfield.

Unlike Apple Airtags, the Kidfinder seems to have the ability to better geolocate itself across decks of the ship and within certain venues. Moreover, Kidfinder intergrates into the Royal Caribbean app.

Read more: I tried AirTags to track my luggage on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Liz Whitfield wrote she tried Airtags previously, but with poor results, "We tried to use AirTags for our whole group (adults included) and it was a disaster. They never updated properly. So, this is great."

More new tech on Icon of the Seas

While it remains to be seen if Kidfinder will become a regular option for guests, Royal Caribbean has packed Icon of the Seas with plenty of other innovations.

Being the first in the Icon Class, Royal Caribbean developed a number of improvements and innovations because of Icon of the Seas.

Read more: Icon of the Seas is the best cruise ship ever

Some of these innovations are quite notable by passengers, such as the destination elevators.

Traditional elevators on a cruise ship tend to get overwhelmed quickly, resulting in long waits. Royal Caribbean recognized this known issue, and set about to solve it with Icon.

With destination elevators, a passenger indicates which floor they want to go to and are assigned an elevator by the computer. The result are more efficiently routed elevators and less waits.

Other innovations are not as noticeable, but still have an impact. Crew members that service each cabin have a new stateroom attendant app to track their progress between cabins. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

Stateroom attendants can use the application to not only track which cabins have been cleaned, but get real-time alerts if a guest has requested an item.

Artificial intelligence is being employed in the cruise ship's kitchens to reduce food waste, and better account for supply needs. AI takes into account unused food scrap weight and predicts how much food the ship will need for the next sailing.

Read more: How over 6,000 people are served meals every day on the world's largest cruise ship

You have to give credit to Royal Caribbean for making Icon of the Seas worthy of every accolade attributed to it so far.

Icon of the Seas is the world's biggest cruise ship, but size alone doesn't make it necessarily the best. It's the assortment of features, tweaks, and enhancements that really make the new ship stand out from every other Royal Caribbean ship in the fleet.

I sailed on Icon of the Seas for the first time since the ship's inaugural voyage in January. I was curious to see now that it's been about six months since her launch, would the novelty have worn off and the ship live up to hype she received earlier this year.

After spending 7-nights onboard, I'm convinced Icon is not only still worthy of all the praise, but Royal Caribbean raised the bar yet again for what all other cruise ships are judged against.

Crowd management second to none

It's amazing how a cruise ship that can handle over 7,000 passengers doesn't feel crowded.

When you walk around Icon of the Seas, you'll quickly start to wonder where everyone else is. Our summer sailing had plenty of kids onboard, and that meant the ship was pretty much maxed out to capacity.

Whether you were on the Royal Promenade, around the pool deck, or going to a show, crowds were few and far between. I don't want to make it seem like you have the ship to yourself, but compared to other Royal Caribbean cruise ships, crowds were largely absent.

On other ships, the Promenade is a zoo of people (especially on embarkation day). The pool deck is packed on sea days too.

On Icon, there was much more space to spread people around and it showed.

Royal Caribbean also solved crowding with its destination elevators, which more efficiently assign elevators to passengers. Waiting for an elevator on a cruise ship is a traditional pain point for guests, and Royal Caribbean referred internally to those wait times as, "microwave minutes" because it feels like the longest wait ever.

If you've cruised on other ships and then try the elevators on Icon, I think you'll find the waits pleasantly better.

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

Shows you'll want to see again

Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for offering the best entertainment at sea, and once again, they lapped the competition with Icon.

While the shows were not totally ready for the maiden voyage, I got to experience all the shows this time around. These shows are the best collection assembled on one ship.

The Wizard of Oz production show in the Royal Theater is by far the best show on a cruise ship that didn't first begin on Broadway.

An adaptation of the beloved 1939 film, Royal Caribbean crafted a show that combines incredible visuals, a talented cast, and songs the audience knows well.  

As someone who values seeing shows with a plot, it was so nice to see Wizard of Oz on Icon and enjoy Royal Caribbean's version.

The other signature shows on Icon include Aqua Action! in the AquaTheater and Starbust in Absolute Zero. While aqua shows and ice performances are not new to Royal Caribbean ships, the versions on Icon of the Seas incorporate the best tricks and lessons learned to date.

I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the live music on Icon, because it blew me away. Musicians onboard will change every few months, but we had an all-star lineup on our sailing Jennifer Hart in the Schooner Bar and Kevin Philip in the Pub were outstanding talents that I went to see every night of the cruise.

The new Dueling Pianos bar is such a fun spot, especially if you can bring a group with you to enjoy. The two pianists feed off guest participation, and there are as much laughs as songs you know the words to.

When you sail on Icon of the Seas and see your first show, it's going to hook you to want to see the rest.

The best included food in the fleet

The eternal cruiser debate of if it's worth it to pay for specialty restaurants is quite different on Icon of the Seas because of the superior food options that are included in your cruise fare.

Other Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to have a few restaurants included that certainly cover the basics, but there isn't a great deal of variety.

With Icon, many passengers remarked how they skipped paying for extra-cost restaurants because they found the included restaurants so much better than they expected.

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

There are a few new restaurant concepts, starting with Aquadome Market. This is Royal Caribbean's first foray into a food hall, and it's a revelation. Five different food cuisines, and a few stay open well into the night offering something other than pizza.

Pearl Cafe has 24-hour grab-and-go snacks that also give you choices of snacks that include healthy and indulgent.

You have enhanced stalwarts of the included food game, such as El Loco Fresh on the pool deck and even a Windjammer buffet that serves steak and lobster.

I think the destination elevators still get the most attention from those who try Icon, but the included food quality has to be a close second.

Read more: What the Food Was Like on Icon of the Seas

Elevated dining worth the $200 price tag

After telling you how good the included food is, I feel obliged to talk about how impressive the Empire Supper Club experience is.

When Royal Caribbean announced Icon of the Seas would have a specialty restaurant that cost $200 per person, it raised a few eyebrows. But Royal Caribbean was adamant this was not going to be just another new restaurant.

Empire Supper Club is a three hour dining adventure that combines food, cocktails, and entertainment. Supper clubs are about enveloping everyone attending in a performance, and I was surprised how much I really liked it all.

The jazz music was beautiful, and every course is paired with a signature cocktail. It was fun to see what would be served next, and the service was personalized given the limited capacity of the venue. There's just one seating each night.

To put it in perspective how much I enjoyed it, I was invited by Royal Caribbean to try it without any cost the first time, and then I turned around and paid to do it again a week later. 

Just like how you might do a fancy night out in a city at a well-known restaurant, I think Empire Supper Club is the sort of night out you could choose to do that you just won't find on another cruise ship.

Icon retains fan favorites

While there are a lot of new innovations, Icon of the Seas still has the "Royal Caribbean DNA" that fans of the line will find familiar.

Early in Icon's development, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said Icon of the Seas will feature a combination of "tradition, evolution and revolution", which means it would stay honest to the company's roots while also adding in new ideas.

Stalwart restaurants such as Sorrento's Pizza, Chops Grille, and the Windjammer buffet are all here and they are arguably the best versions of each.

You'll find Boleros, the Schooner Bar, and the Lime and Coconut, in addition to the new bars.

The Central Park neighborhood is familiar, yet more refined than the Oasis Class version.

There's always room for improvement

I am certain if you asked Royal Caribbean, they would acknowledge there are things that could be better on Icon of the Seas. No cruise ship is perfect, and I certainly have my wish list of improvements.

If you're someone who usually stays in a suite, I think the Oasis Class suite offerings are still better because of they are larger and Icon's suite lounge feels very cramped.

Speaking of cabins, there seems to be less storage space than on Oasis Class ships too. As an example, the choice of baskets instead of drawers seems like a solution to a problem that never existed.

Read more: What a cabin on Icon of the Seas is like

I also think staggered performance times on the Royal Promenade isn't practical. On many nights, the live music in the Schooner Bar, Pub, or Boleros ended far too early because of noise bleed concerns.  Royal Caribbean wanted a lively Royal Promenade with lots of energy, but I think it's a disservice to passengers.

The choice of Absolute Zero having one entrance and exit that flows through Playmakers Sports Bar is another head scratcher.

Whether these issues get sorted out on one of the new Icon Class ships or Icon of the Seas itself, they aren't enough to detract from Icon of the Seas being not only my favorite Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but a generational leap forward within the industry.

The world's biggest cruise ship has extravagant suites that come with the best benefits you'll find at sea.

Icon of the Seas has 8 neighborhoods onboard, including one just for cruise ship suites. 

The Icon Loft Suite is one of the most expensive suites on the ship, and it comes with more living space than a traditional cabin. The price tag gets you Star Class benefits, which includes complimentary specialty dining, a drink package, gratuities, and the services of the Royal Genie.  

It has the best benefits offered by Royal Caribbean, and we got a chance to tour the cabin. Let's take a look inside.

The Icon Loft Suite is located on deck 17

Located within the suite neighborhood, the Icon Loft Suite is in a part of the ship exclusive to those that booked a suite. 

Being within the suite neighborhood means convenient access to the suite pool deck, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and suite lounge. Having access to these amenities is a highly sought-after perk because of the extra value they represent.

Guests walk into a two level suite

As you walk into the Icon Loft Suite, you'll quickly notice the this is unlike other cruise ship cabins.

Loft suites encompass two levels, and it has a giant floor-to-ceiling window leading to the balcony.

The look of the room is also quite opulent, with tile floors and marble furnishings.

This suite features a large living room and dining area

With an occupancy of up to 4 passengers, being able to spread out is what makes this suite stand out.

There's a dining room table that can seat four people, and it's meant to be a place to enjoy meals delivered to your suite. Room service is included with this suite, and that includes being able to order food from specialty restaurants or the Main Dining Room. Guests staying in this cabin are able to have their meal served in the dining room.

Behind the table is a bar area with coffee maker, glasses, and stocked beverages. The Royal Genie ask prior to the cruise which beverages you'd like to have waiting in your cabin, and that includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Moving further into the suite is the living room, with large couch. The couch opens up into a sofa bed and that's where up to two people can sleep.

There are two floors, with the master bedroom exclusively on the upper level

Having two floors, the master bedroom is on the upper level, including the master bathroom.

Stairs lead to the upper level, where you'll find a king size bed. The bed overlooks the rest of the suite and has views to the windows, providing ocean views.

If you need privacy, a curtain can be extended by manually dragging the curtain. It provides very good darkness for sleeping in.

There are a large set of closets near the stairs.

You'll also find a vanity near the bed, with a television to the side of the bed.

There are outlets and a nightstand on both sides of the bed.

The master bathroom has a giant shower

You'll really notice the extra space in this suite in the master bathroom.

The shower has two showerheads on opposite sides of the shower, with a walk-in door.

The dual sinks ensures there is ample counter space for a couple sharing this cabin.

The balcony is smaller I expected

There are many suites across Royal Caribbean's fleet, and I would characterize the balcony on the smaller side relative to the room category booked.

There's certainly enough space for people staying in this suite, but it feels smaller than I expected.  

However, the ocean views provided are perfect for lounging in one of the provided loungers.

The second full bathroom is the best thing about this suite

On the lower level is a second full bathroom, making it perfect for entertaining friends or sharing the cabin with others.

Having a second shower, sink, and toilet ensures the master bedroom level remains exclusive.

The Royal Genie is my favorite reason to book this suite

When you book a Star Class cabin, you'll get the services of a Royal Genie.

The genie services three cabins on Icon of the Seas, and assists with just about every need their guests might have. Dinner reservations, seats for a show, escorting on and off the ship, and even getting elevators for their guests are just some of the benefits they provide.

Think of a genie as an "easy button" for the cruise, where you don't need to pre-book things and simply inform the genie what you want to do, and they will make it happen.

The Icon Loft Suite combines size and service

If you want a suite with everything, the Icon Loft Suite is an excellent, albeit expensive choice.

You'll never got a great value out of a suite, because they're meant to be splurges that you can indulge and enjoy. Between the extra living space and the perks included with the suite, it's what someone seeking luxury accommodations would love.

The daunting price tag is going to limit who can afford to reserve it, but it's a lovely way to cruise.