If sharing Icon of the Seas with up to 7,600 other passengers sounds like it will be crowded, Royal Caribbean has planned around that issue.

Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world, and there will be anywhere between 5,610 to 7,600 passengers depending on how many third, fourth, and fifth passengers are booked into each cabin.  Without a doubt, that's a lot of people on any ship.

Royal Caribbean knew it had to be able to accommodate that many people while still retaining a positive guest experience.  They had already successfully tackled the issue on the Oasis Class ships that preceded Icon, and the challenge was to keep crowds moving on Icon too.

Naturally, the public was curious how crowded a ship as big as Icon would be once it started to sail.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley joked about just how much time his company spent on the issue of crowds on Icon, "A lot of time. I mean, a gazillion billion, gazillion, trillion hours of time with a lot of people."

"We were obsessively focused, and we've got a lot of experience," he said alluding to the fact Royal Caribbean has been developing mega cruise ships for decades. 

"If you look at the classes of ships over time, how they've evolved, we do know a lot about the flow of people, and we do know how you need to create an experience that delights the customer, but also moves people around."

That isn't to say there wont be any lines or crowds. Any cruise ship have lines and crowds of people that occur throughout any sailing.  With Icon, the cruise line wanted to ensure the flow of passengers mitigated the problem.

Changing the formula

One way Royal Caribbean has focused on crowds has been to re-think its crowd management strategy.

"A lot of work, a lot of study, a lot of analytics, and we've got a lot of information from our existing fleet, and we utilize it a lot to try to to operate this efficiently as possible, but also make sure people have a great time," Mr. Bayley explained.

"Our classic formula is in the evening is a dinner and a show," alluding to how things have typically worked. "When you think about dinner and a show, that really allows you to understand how people do move. And then, of course, during the day, we've created neighborhoods."

Neighborhoods have served two purposes for Royal Caribbean's mega ships.  First, it provides easy navigation aids.  Second, it helps spread passengers out.

Surfside is focused on young families with kids six and under and there's so much to do for kids and their parents that it keeps those families in one section of the ship without much need to leave. Meanwhile, older kids are busy with Thrill Island's water park.  Adults can hang out at The Hideaway, and then there's likely trivia, production shows, meals, and a host of other things to do happening at the same time.

Believe it or not, there's actually less cabins on Icon of the Seas than an Oasis Class ship.  According to Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty, that means the actual square footage per passenger is higher.

"I think the construction of the different neighborhoods and being able to segregate different multi generations through the course of the ship was really the focus of it."

Spinning up higher capacity

Mr. Bayley indicated prepping Icon for the crowds that would come onboard has been an ongoing effort.

Icon departed Europe with extra crew members and a lot of contractors who were onboard to continue finalizations. 

Once the ship got to Miami, they started doing shakedown cruises with employees.  That amounted to around 4,000 passengers. For the preview sailings with media and travel agents, the number went up to 4,500.

For the maiden voyage, they're expecting, "80% of the double occupancy, it's probably would probably be around 5500, which is easy," Mr. Bayley said.

"And then week by week, we increase the capacity until we're confident that we've got everything working the way it should. And so the full capacity of this ship, which typically will happen in peak summer during the school holidays, will be 7600."

For those keeping score at home, Oasis Class ships max out around a similar number, "Our Oasis class peak summer have operated at around 7500 today. So we're very confident on our ability to manage all of our guests."

By methodically increasing capacity, Royal Caribbean feels good about handling crowds, "So far we feel really good about everything that we do."

New elevators

There are no traditional elevators on Icon of the Seas.  Instead, the ship has destination elevators.

Destination elevators aren't just a fad, they're a way to more efficiently tackle the issue of getting passengers between decks and that's been a traditional pain point on big ships.

With the destination elevators, you select which floor you want to go to on a panel and are told which elevator to take.

Once in the elevator, there's no buttons to push.  This means less people coming in and stopping the elevator on every floor.  Or someone leaning against the panel and accidentally pushing all the buttons.

Royal Caribbean did a lot of proactive work to ensure destination elevators would be a good idea. 

"We even constructed the elevator lobbies in a warehouse in Miami full scale so we could visually understand how those elevator lobbies would look. "

"And then we sent teams all over the world to look at similar technologies to make sure that it really was something that we thought would work."

The result early on has been a successful and efficient system.

"We've been delighted with the elevator lobbies, and in fact, we thought because people would be confused." 

"In the beginning of our cruises, we put staff on every lobby with ask me on it to help people, and we found it's really not an issue. People kind of figure it out quite quickly. And I got to say, I think the elevators are great."

Easier ways to get between decks

As a passenger, you'll find more ways to move from one deck to another beyond elevators and the traditional stairwells.

There are multiple stairways in the Royal Promenade to go down and up, and most importantly, in the middle of the deck.

There are a few dry slides for kids and adults to go between decks that is meant to be fun, but it's functional. There's one between the two levels of Chill Island and a slide in Surfside that acts as an express way down.

While the slides aren't going to make much of an impact to lessen crowds, the escalators and stairs are easy ways to reduce the need of an elevator, and keep people moving quicker.  Moving between decks 4 through 7 is very easy on Icon of the Seas.

Keeping everyone busy

When it comes to crowds on Icon, you can expect a lot of different things happening that should draw passengers in many directions.

Royal Caribbean is leveraging entertainment, smart design, and more things to do than on any other ship to keep people busy.

Keeping in mind that Icon of the Seas is about 7% larger than Wonder of the Seas, so it's not doubling or significantly increasing the overall size of a known entity.

If you're having second thoughts about going on a ship as big as Icon of the Seas because of how many people will be onboard, it's likely not going to be nearly as bad as you think it will be.

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship has more for families than ever, including a new kind of stateroom.

The Surfside Family Suite is one of 14 brand-new stateroom categories on Icon of the Seas.

With Icon, Royal Caribbean wants to offer the kind of family vacation that can compete with land resorts, such as the popular theme park resorts in Orlando, Florida. In order to do that, not only does the cruise ship need to have lots of fun things to do, but it needs rooms that are a better fit.

The Surfside Family Suite overlooks the Surfside neighborhood. Like its namesake, this suite is meant to be a great choice for those with young kids.

Disclosure: We toured the room while on a preview sailing of Icon of the Seas that we were invited to sail as guests.

It's clear that Royal Caribbean wanted a cabin that allowed the parents to sleep in the same room as their kids, without feeling like everyone is on top of each other. The result are smaller nooks for the kids to have their own space.

Photos of this cabin come from room 10293 on deck 10.

Walking into the room, you'll notice the set-up has areas for everyone, and the space is maximized to take advantage of it all.

The 1.5 bedroom suite sleeps up to 4, complete with a bedroom and special kids’ nook space with a pullout couch.

In this suite, you’ll also find a split bathroom and a private balcony accessible via a convertible partition in the bedroom. 

Given that it's a suite, it comes with Sky Class benefits in Royal Caribbean's suite program. This is the mid-tier suite benefits and includes suite lounge access, priority boarding, the services of the concierge, complimentary internet access, and more. It's likely going to be the least-expensive Sky Class suite on the ship.

Walking into the room, there are two bathrooms on either side of the entrance.

One bathroom is the full bath, which comes with a sink, toilet and full shower. Like all cabins on Icon of the Seas, the shower has a seat and isn't a typical cruise ship tube shower.

The other bathroom is a half bath, with toilet and sink. 

There is a king size bed that can be split in two if requested. The idea is for this bed to be for the parents.

There is a large television near the bed, along with nightstands and USB outlets on either side. Offering more power outlets is a common thread among all cabins on Icon of the Seas.

In the living space, you'll find metal hooks on one wall that are perfect for hanging up swimsuits, hats, and more.

There's a vanity sitting area with mirror and more outlets. Most of the closet space is located here as well.

Near the vanity is the kids nook, which has a fold out bed that is ideal for younger children.

This area has a see-through window to the balcony, and a floor-to-ceiling window so kids can see what's happening around Surfside.

The kids have their own television too.

The nook has a sliding door that can be used to essentially corral the kids in. The door isn't sound or view proof, but there are curtains you can draw as well to make it dark in there.

The suite has a balcony that comes with chairs and a table, and it overlooks the Surfside neighborhood.

The Surfside Family Suite is perfect for a family that has kids no older than 6 years old (or very short slightly older kids). 

Having separate sleeping areas without having a second room makes keeping tabs on your kids when they're at an age that they need to still be close by to mom and dad substantially more useful. On older cruise ships, it's difficult to find rooms like this that provide some degree of separation and amenities.

Plus, the extra half bathroom means more flexibility when someone is using the shower.

It's also located within the Surfside neighborhood, so it's just a few decks down to Surfside, and a few decks up to Thrill Island.

This is a suite, and not a standard room, so the price will not be as cheap as simply booking a standard balcony room that can accommodate up to four guests.  But it is usually priced cheaper than other suites, and it has much more living space.

For a family with elementary school aged kids, the Surfside Family Suite might be the perfect solution for booking one room while not being on top of each other.

Did you know that there's a dog who lives onboard Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas?

Rover is an adorable six-month-old golden retriever who lives onboard the massive cruise ship full-time with her handler Alison Hubble, whose job title is "Rover's Chief of Staff." 

During a recent webinar, Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service for Royal Caribbean International, had the opportunity to chat with Hubble while hanging out in an Icon Loft Suite. 

Before they began their conversation, however, Freed gave some insight into how the idea of having a dog on a cruise ship was conceptualized. 

Believe it or not, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley thought having a dog onboard would be great for guests and crew. 

Behind Rover herself, Freed claimed that Hubble has the second-best job on the ship! 

Hubble began working with Royal Caribbean six years ago

When Hubble began working with Royal Caribbean, she was in the NextCruise department assisting guests with booking their next Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. 

Prior to this, she worked as a travel advisor on land. She helped people book with multiple cruise lines; however, roughly 80% of the calls were for Royal Caribbean. 

When she began applying for jobs on a cruise ship, which had always been a dream of hers, she only applied to Royal Caribbean. 

One day, she received an email from Royal Caribbean stating that they were searching for a caretaker for a dog living onboard a cruise ship

After putting her application together, Hubble began the rather long interview process in which she spent a lot of time talking about her first dog, an Australian Shepherd.

When she told her mom about the position, who then relayed the information to her sister, she said that Hubble had found her dream job. Her sister, however, replied that she already had one since she was working onboard a cruise ship. 

Her mother then explained the position and how she'd be responsible for a dog on a ship, and her sister quickly changed her mind, stating that the new position was, in fact, her dream job. 

Hubble has been with Rover for roughly one month

Icon of the Seas wasn't the first ship Rover stepped foot on. They began their journey together on Freedom of the Seas. 

Hubble recalled a day when Rover had a rough time gaining her sea legs!

In case you are wondering, Freed said that they do everything possible to make sure that they're abiding by the American Humane Society's guidelines to ensure that Rover has an amazing life. 

One of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing how guests and crew react when they spot Rover 

Whenever Hubble and Rover have somewhere to be, she tries to leave a few minutes earlier than she would otherwise have to because everyone stops to pet and love on Rover. 

It's not hard to be obsessed with her, as she has such a great personality. Hubble said that she loves people and toys. She also loves to chase her tail, which is something Hubble hadn't actually seen before. To her, it is hilarious!

Some crew members haven't seen their dogs in months, with most guests having been separated for only a few days; however, everyone's reaction is always the same: everyone lights up when they see Rover. 

While walking through guest areas is important, Hubble does try to spend time with Rover in crew-only areas. She said that it's beautiful to see how crew members interact with her. 

Rover isn't on a strict schedule

Whenever Hubble is asked about when Rover will be available for meet and greets (and rubs), she cannot give a definitive answer. 

Why? Rover's schedule is up to her! It's not uncommon for her to take naps ranging from two to four hours! 

Speaking of sleeping, Rover sleeps with Hubble in her cabin. She is crate-trained and has a second crate in The Bridge, where she can hang out with the Captain, who happens to adore her!

Guests may be able to spot Rover while relaxing at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private resort-like destination in The Bahamas, is quickly becoming one of Rover's favorite places. 

Here, she can dig all the holes that she wants, as well as blow bubbles in the crystal clear Bahamian waters. 

While she's still a bit hesitant about actually swimming in the ocean, Hubble said she's getting closer with each visit. 

As Icon finally made her way into PortMiami on January 10, Rover was celebrating her six-month birthday

Have you ever attended a birthday party, let alone for a dog, at 6:45am? 

Rover's six-month birthday celebration was complete with the cutest cake, and while Rover couldn't have any herself, she was given some delicious pumpkin cupcakes and plenty of attention! 

While Freed thinks that every Royal Caribbean ship should have a dog onboard, for now, Icon of the Seas is the only ship in the fleet where you can meet a new furry friend. 

If you're interested in following along with Rover's adventures, you can follow @chiefdogrover on Instagram. It's the official account of the Chief Dog Officer that's run by Hubble!

Onboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, prospective guests will find 13 different suite categories to choose from, including the cruise line's first-ever Ultimate Family Townhome and Sky Junior Suite. 

While these rooms come with a premium price tag, you're guaranteed a more elevated cruising experience. 

Whether you choose to relax on the suite-only sun deck or enjoy meals in the exclusive Coastal Kitchen restaurant, you're sure to enjoy the perks that accompany Icon of the Seas' Royal Suite Class. 

Below is a look at five suites that you will find on Icon: the Sky Junior Suite, Grand Suite, Icon Loft, Accessible Icon Loft, Owner's Suite, and Royal Loft Suite. Note that only the latter two of the categories can be found on other Royal Caribbean ships. 

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

Sky Junior Suite (JY)

For the first time ever, you can book a Junior Suite onboard a Royal Caribbean ship and receive Sky Tier benefits. Typically, Junior Suites are only in the Sea Tier, which doesn't come with many perks. 

In fact, you are not able to access suite-only sun decks or dine at Coastal Kitchen for breakfast or lunch, which severely limits your "ship-within-a-ship" experience on vessels with dedicated Suite Neighborhoods. 

While these aren't the most opulent suites by any means, they are a more economical way to enjoy everything that accompanies booking a Sky Tier suite without completely breaking the bank. 

At just 322 square feet with an additional 80 square feet of living space on the balcony, you can comfortably fit up to four guests in a Sky Junior Suite, more so than a traditional cabin anyway. 

Grand Suite (GS)

Grand Suites are a staple suite found on Royal Caribbean ships. On Icon, they're part of the Sky Tier of the Royal Suite Class, meaning that you'll have access to The Grove Sun Deck, as well as Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

There are only 10 Grand Suites onboard, each with the ability to fit up to four passengers. 

These 1-bedroom suites measure 431 square feet, with an additional 108 square feet on the private balcony. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

In the living room, there's a soda bed that can be converted into a double bed. 

Icon Loft (IL)

Icon Lofts are a new category of suite onboard Icon Class ships that fall within the Star Tier of the Royal Suite Class.

Star guests have the most benefits available to them, including a Royal Caribbean drink package, VOOM Wi-Fi, Royal Genie, and more. 

The overall floor plan of the Icon Loft is reminiscent of Crown Loft Suites onboard Oasis Class ships. 

These spacious rooms measure 656 square feet, with a balcony that falls anywhere between 108 and 172 square feet.

In addition to panoramic ocean views from the two-story windows, guests staying in an Icon Loft will also enjoy a separate living and dining area, as the master bedroom is perched atop the second floor. 

Onboard Icon, there are only 7 Loft Suites, and like Grand Suites, they, too, can accommodate up to four guests. 

Upstairs, you will find a large master bathroom complete with a shower that's able to fit two people!

There's a second full bathroom downstairs, which is great if you're traveling with four people in the suite or plan on having frequent guests. 

Accessible Icon Loft (IL, ADA)

If you're someone with mobility issues, the idea of a two-story suite might not sound appealing. 

Thankfully, Icon of the Seas has a limited number of accessible Icon Lofts onboard, complete with an elevator to help you travel from floor to floor. 

At 807 square feet, the interior portion is larger than standard Icon Lofts. Balconies, however, don't have a set range; they are all 115 square feet. This brings the total amount of useable floor space, both indoor and outdoor, to 922 square feet. 

This two-level urban loft can accommodate up to four guests. 

Owner's Suite (OS)

While neither a new cabin category nor a multi-level suite, the Owner's Suite seems to get more luxurious with every new build from Royal Caribbean. 

This 658 square foot room comes with an expansive 190 square foot balcony. 

Compared to some other suites on Icon, the Owner's Suite has a larger capacity and can fit up to five passengers. 

You'll only find eight of these suites onboard. 

Royal Loft (RL)

The largest suite onboard Icon of the Seas is the Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

This massive, one-of-a-kind suite measures an astonishing 1,772 square feet and is outfitted with an in-suite slide, movie-viewing room, karaoke machine, and a "backyard" with a ping pong table, outdoor seating, and a fence leading directly to the brand-new Surfside Neighborhood. 

With an $80,000 per week price tag, however, it's not the most affordable suite onboard the ship. While not as expensive, the Royal Loft Suite is the third suite in the Star Tier onboard Icon of the Seas. 

Situated on Deck 17, this 1,482-square-foot suite features a balcony that overlooks Chill and Thrill Island. You'll get some mesmerizing ocean views, too. 

Read more: My family stayed in a $7,000 Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

Your family of up to six will not have any trouble spreading out in the suite's two bedrooms and expansive living and dining areas, complete with a wet bar and piano!

On the second level, the master bathroom has an impressive vanity area that has more than enough storage for all of your clothing. 

The views don't end in the bedroom, either, as there's yet another floor-to-ceiling window. 

The master bathroom is one for the books. There's a chance you'll spend longer than you intend in the soaking tub, especially after spending all day exploring everything exciting onboard. 

Far from buried treasure at sea, Royal Caribbean has a souvenir that will cost six figures.

Royal Caribbean has a store on the brand new Icon of the Seas that sells just cruise line branded jewelry, and it incudes the most expensive cup I've ever seen.

The new cruise ship is selling a single cup that costs $100,000 that has Royal Caribbean logos on each side and is available in just one store.

Appropriately named Royal Bling, it's located in the Aquadome neighborhood and sells Royal Caribbean branded rings, necklaces, and other keepsakes adorned with the cruise line logo.

Clearly, it appeals to the Royal Caribbean super fan that loves not only to cruise, but cruise with Royal Caribbean and they want the world to see it.

Among the treasures in this store is a chalice that costs $100,000 and looks like something you might find guarded by the Grail Knight in an Indiana Jones movie.

The cup is only available on Icon of the Seas and that price gets you not only a gold chalice adorned with jeweled bling, but it comes with an added benefit.

If you buy it, it comes with an unlimited Royal Caribbean drink package for life.

That means you'll never have to pay for another beverage package for yourself ever again.

The Deluxe Beverage Package includes cocktails, spirits, liquors, beers, wine by the glass, sodas, water, mocktails, premium coffee and tea, and fresh-squeezed juice. Basically almost any drink on the ship up to $14 in value.

If you're doing the math in your head, the Deluxe Beverage Package on the inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas for one person across seven nights is $559.93 before gratuities. You can add another $100.73 with gratuities, to bring the price to $660.66.

Assuming that drink package price never changes and you only ever cruise 7-night cruises, it would take you about 151 cruises to "break even" on the goblet purchase.

It's not clear exactly what the goblet is made of to account for the value of the materials used in the cup.

The novelty goblet is one of several jewelry choices cruises can purchase on the ship. Most of the other jewelry comes in at a much lower price point.

During the President's Cruise earlier this year, President and CEO Michael Bayley was spotted wearing an over-the-top diamond encrusted Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor logo on a silver chain, and it clearly resonated with someone.

The store could be a follow-up to that, and also addresses a possible need among Royal Caribbean's elite fans.

Cruise line loyalists are a passionate bunch, and representing their favorite cruise line in their everyday life is just as important to some as going on the ships.

The Royal Bling store has Crown and Anchor bracelets, rings, earrings and more.

Icon is the first cruise ship to have a Royal Caribbean themed jewelry store, and there plenty of other firsts on the ship too.

You can find Royal Bling near the Aquatheater entrance.

Icon is the first of the Icon Class, with at least two more ships under construction to follow.

Icon is now the world's largest cruise ship and has more waterslides than any other ship, seven pools (including the first suspended infinity pool at sea), an entire neighborhood for families with young children, 40 different restaurants, bars and lounges.

At 250,800 tons, Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami and offer cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean.

Earlier this week, I traveled to Miami to board the brand-new Icon of the Seas for a sneak peak of the world’s newest and biggest cruise ship. Although I had just 7 hours onboard, I was able to explore most of this exciting cruise ship!

While the ship has been heavily hyped by Royal Caribbean over the last year, we’ve heard and seen very little about Icon’s standard staterooms. Of course, Royal Caribbean has shared plenty of content about Icon of the Sea's biggest suites, including the luxurious Ultimate Family Townhouse with three levels, two bedrooms and over 1,770 square feet.

Icon of the Seas features 28 stateroom categories, so there are many different accommodations for guests to choose from. In fact, Icon of the Seas has 14 new stateroom categories, including eight new suites, four new balconies and two new inside cabins.

Read more: Icon of the Seas cabin guide

The newest cruise ship from Royal Caribbean also has more staterooms that can accommodate three to four guests. You can find double the number of cabins that can sleep four guests in comparison to Oasis Class ships.

In addition, more than 70% of the rooms onboard Icon of the Seas have a balcony. In comparison, only 12% of cabins on Grandeur of the Seas, the oldest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet,  have a balcony. Needless to say, Royal Caribbean has come a long way with balcony availability!

During my short time onboard Icon of the Seas, we were invited to see what a balcony cabin looked like. I was eager to get inside one of the ship's standard cabins, as this is more representative of a typical cabin experience onboard. While Icon of the Seas’ suites are certainly impressive, a balcony cabin is where you can find the majority of guests. 

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

If you're wondering what to expect from your stateroom onboard Icon of the Seas, look no further. Here is an overview of a standard balcony cabin on Icon of the Seas, along with my initial impressions of the stateroom. 

Cabin Overview

While exploring Icon of the Seas during a media preview event, I had the opportunity to look inside cabin 14672. Located on Deck 14, this specific cabin is considered an Ocean View Balcony Stateroom. Icon of the Seas has new Infinite Balcony staterooms to book; however, this cabin featured a traditional balcony.

The stateroom measures around 200 square feet while the balcony measures an additional 50 square feet. While many staterooms on Icon of the Seas can sleep up to four guests, this balcony cabin was designed for two guests only. Because of this, there was no bunk bed or sofa couch.

Upon entering the balcony stateroom, I noticed the small touch screen next to the bathroom door. This small control panel is where guests can change the temperature of the cabin and adjust the lighting setting. This is similar to the digital control panel that we had onboard the new Celebrity Ascent and is very common in new cruise ships.

The balcony was configured with a king bed, although guests can always separate the bed into two separate twin beds. Overall, I found the stateroom to be quite spacious with plenty of room for two guests.

In addition, this balcony cabin had a full-size couch adjacent to the bed. Since this cabin only sleeps two guests, the couch was not a sofa sleeper. But, the couch was large enough that someone certainly could sleep on it! Some might even find the couch to be a tad too large for the space; however, I prefer to have more seating in a cruise cabin than not enough.

Design

Standard balcony staterooms on Icon of the Seas are both stylish and functional. I would describe the cabin’s design, in my personal opinion, as minimalistic. The cabin’s color scheme is very light with colors of grey, tan and a few pops of yellow and blue. Surrounding the television, there are a few tropical designs that are quite subtle.

Above the vanity, there is a small pop of yellow under the mirror. The vanity’s chair is a light blue with a tropical design that matches the throw pillows on the couch. Although very cute, we theorized the shape of the vanity chair could lead to quick wear and tear.

I loved the warm lighting that illuminated the balcony stateroom. From the ring light around the mirror to the mood lighting around the TV, the balcony cabin felt very warm and inviting.

Aligning with modern design trends, the cabin’s carpet is also lightly colored with hues of grey and blue. While this keeps the room feeling bright and airy, we discussed how the carpet could stain easily over time.

In comparison, I just sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship, Norwegian Viva. We cruised in an affordable inside cabin, but found the stateroom’s design to be especially aesthetically pleasing. However, the cabin on Norwegian Viva also featured very light colored carpet and stains were already visible around the four-month-old cabin.

(Photos above show standard inside cabin on new Norwegian Viva, along with carpet stains on lightly colored carpet)

Connectivity

Connectivity is one of the biggest themes in this balcony stateroom. I was very impressed by how many outlets were available throughout the stateroom. Cruisers can often find that older cruise ships only have a few outlets available for charging devices, which can be frustrating. For this reason, I always bring a European adapter with USB plugs so I have more charging outlets.

However, Royal Caribbean guests likely won’t find any issues with having enough outlets on Icon of the Seas. To start, there are USB outlets on the lamps on both sides of the bed! This is super handy and means that guests won’t need to fight over a single outlet by the bedside. One side of the bed also has a US outlet for charging.

Additionally, the vanity features a large charging strip with multiple outlets and plugins. There is a US and EU plug for guests to use. In between, there is a USB-A and USB-C charging port available. On the opposite end of the vanity, there are two additional USB-C plugs. The addition of USB-C plugs is a recent trend on newer cruise ships and provides more options for connectivity.

Finally, guests can find additional USB ports next to the television. There are small shelves for storage, which makes great use of the space. Above one of the shelves, there are two USB-A ports for charging even more devices.

Bathroom

Cruise cabin bathrooms have come a long way in terms of design and space! If you’ve sailed on an older cruise ship, you know how small the bathrooms used to be. I was pleased to find the bathrooms on Icon of the Seas to be very spacious and efficient.

The cabin’s shower was also impressive and especially large with plenty of space. The glass door maneuvered inward and sideways to keep the bathroom less cramped. I appreciated the size of the shower, as cruise cabin showers have been notoriously small in older ship designs.

Something very notable in the cabin bathroom was the seat in the shower. I have never seen a cruise ship shower with a seat before, so this is very unique to Icon of the Seas. Those who are looking for a little more comfort can now enjoy a shower seat as a seemingly standard feature for Icon of the Seas' cabins.

I also noticed that the shower included body wash, conditioner and shampoo. Normally, Royal Caribbean only provides its 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash hybrid for standard cabins. I will be interested to see if all cabins on Icon of the Seas are provided with these three amenities. I would love not having to bring my own cosmetics for showering, so this would be a great improvement for the cabin experience.

Storage

Looking around the balcony cabin on Icon of the Seas, it appears there is no shortage of storage. Royal Caribbean did a great job utilizing the space for its newest cabins.

For this balcony stateroom, the main storage comes from the closet. However, this was a uniquely designed closet unlike anything I’ve seen before on a cruise ship. One panel of the closet was full length while the other half had exposed shelving on the bottom.

This design reminded me more of a European-style wardrobe than a traditional cruise cabin closet. The cabin’s vanity featured three drawers for more storage. In my personal opinion, more shelving would have amplified the vanity storage even more. Although the vanity is a good size, having additional shelving is always helpful to keep the vanity less cluttered.

In terms of shelving, there are tall strips of small shelves throughout the balcony cabin. As mentioned, there are a few shelves alongside the TV. These are pretty small, so you won’t be able to store much; however, I don’t think you can have enough storage in a cruise cabin! You can find similar sized shelving alongside the closet and also in the bathroom behind the toilet.

Balcony

When cruising on Icon of the Seas, you can choose from many different balcony cabins. There are balconies available both inward and outward facing, with some balconies overlooking neighborhoods like Central Park and Surfside while others face the ocean.

In addition, Icon of the Seas is the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to feature Infinite Balconies. These balconies are considered more flexible since the balcony space can be utilized as an outdoor space by lowering the top-half of the window. I would compare this to a sunroom with an open window, whereas a traditional balcony is more like an outdoor deck.

This balcony stateroom was a traditional balcony rather than an Infinite Balcony. The cabin provides two deck chairs with foot rests, along with a small table. At 50 square feet, the size is just enough for guests to enjoy the ocean breeze and views from their private verandah.

Final thoughts

Icon of the Seas has a variety of staterooms to accommodate a wide range of budgets, from affordable inside cabins to expensive, multi bedroom suites. One of the most common types of cabins to book on Icon of the Seas is a standard balcony cabin. With both inward and outward facing cabins, along with traditional and infinite verandas, guests have many different balcony staterooms to choose from.

Compared to other new cruise ships that I’ve sailed on - including Carnival Celebration, Celebrity Ascent, Odyssey of the Seas and Norwegian Viva - I found the design and decor on Icon of the Seas to be very minimalistic. I personally wish the cabin had a bit more character and color, although some might prefer the very modern, light design.

When it comes to storage, I do wish there was a little more shelving around the stateroom’s vanity. Guests will find plenty of areas for storage around the cabin, although most of the shelving is quite small.

I was impressed by the amount of connectivity available in the balcony cabin. There were more USB ports available than any cabin I’ve stayed in. Guests will also appreciate the USB-C charging ports available for the latest technology and devices.

Within the bathroom, I appreciated how spacious and well designed the bathroom was. It was very modern with a large shower for guests to enjoy. The shower seat is especially progressive, as I’ve never seen this before in a standard cruise cabin.

Overall, I think most guests will be satisfied with their balcony cabins onboard Icon of the Seas. The cabin is comfortable, functional and modern. With so much to do on the ship itself, I am sure most people will be spending their time exploring everything that Icon of the Seas has to offer for activities, amenities, restaurants, production shows and onboard thrills.

Everything is bigger on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, including a three-story suite that is bigger than many apartments.

On Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is the cruise line's most expensive and largest suite it has ever created. The ship has many new features that appeal directly to families, but this one cabin is aimed directly at a family willing to open their wallet for the very best room out there.

The 1,772-square-foot suite can cost over $80,000 on a seven-night cruise and it is already sold out for all of 2024.

With the new cruise ship ready to set sail with passengers, we have our first look inside the centerpiece elevated cabin.

Up to eight people can sleep in the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse has an in-suite slide, movie-viewing room, karaoke machine and a "backyard" with a ping pong table, outdoor seating and a white picket fence leading directly to the Surfside area.

It spans three decks and includes one of the most jaw-dropping balcony views on the entire ship.

Around the suite

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a follow-up to the The Ultimate Family Suites introduced on other Royal Caribbean ships. Those rooms were "only" two levels, so Royal Caribbean wanted to make it even bigger on Icon.

Located across decks 7, 8, and 9 of Icon of the Seas, the entrance is on deck 8.

The townhouse has two balconies and a backyard.  The master bedroom balcony measures 90 feet, the primary balcony measures 410 square feet, and the backyard offers an additional 251 square feet of space.

Given the name, this suite is meant to evoke the most family-friendly cabin ever. It's colorful, has lots for children to enjoy, and offers more space for kids (and their parents) to spread out than ever before.

The living area includes a spacious living room and a dining room, which has an interactive gaming table. 

There's a movie room that has a widescreen television, along with a popcorn machine and karaoke machine.

You can also slide into the monster-themed daybed in the cinema room.

The master bedroom has a king-size bed and its own master bathroom with twin vanity and double shower.

The kids room has bunk beds and its own TV and games, and its own bathroom.

One neat idea is there's a special entrance to the Surfside neighborhood from your suite. There's even a mailbox that you can use to pick up notes.

Ultimate Family Townhouse perks

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a Star Class suite, which means it enjoys the very best benefits Royal Caribbean has to offer, including a Royal Genie, free drink package, free WiFi and more.

While the suite has lots of features to admire, the Royal Genie service is not to be overlooked. It provides a mix of butler and "magic maker" to guests staying in the room, and it makes a big difference onboard your ship.

Your Genie gives you VIP treatment every step of the way.  There isn't a set list of Royal Genie benefits, but they will make any dining or entertainment reservations you need and you won't need to wait in line for any of them either.

The Genie can get you to the front of line of pretty much anything on the ship.  They will get you reserved seating in shows, have the ability to have specialty restaurant food delivered to your cabin, enjoy unlimited Starbucks beverages, and even organize a party in your suite.

Read more: A beginner's guide to sailing in Star Class

Other benefits of staying in the Ultimate Family Townhouse are gratuities included with the price, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and access to the Suite neighborhood.

How much does the Ultimate Family Townhouse cost?

It should come as no surprise that the Ultimate Family Townhouse is expensive. Very expensive.

The price of any cruise ship cabin varies from sailing to sailing, but the cruise line said the average price for the Ultimate Family Townhouse was around $78,000 - $80,000 per week.

Despite the massive price tag, demand has not been soft for this room. All of the 2024 sailings are sold out, according to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.

Bottom line

Is the Ultimate Family Townhouse worth it? Most people will scoff at the price tag because it is the very epitome of an over-the-top splurge.

However, there are families out there that want an epic family vacation. They do well for themselves and want to enjoy the fruit of their labors with an all-out cruise that they won't ever forget, and that's the purpose of a suite like this.

In general, suites are rarely a value, and the people that stay in them usually prioritize the extra space, enhanced service, and added benefits they provide.

With the Ultimate Family Townhouse, it's all about staying in an incredible room despite the price tag. 

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 & 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 

🍽️ 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

Specialty restaurants

🍽️ 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.

If you booked a suite on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, there's an entire section of the ship reserved just for you.

Among the eight neighborhoods on Icon, the exclusive Suite Neighborhood offers upscale amenities like a private two-story sun deck and restaurant. 

The Suite Neighborhood overlooks the vibrant pool deck below, including Swim & Tonic, the cruise line's first swim-up bar at sea. 

Throughout The Grove Suite Sun Deck, you'll find tons of plush seating with direct oceanfront views, as well as colorful tropical decor. 

Read more: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

During the day, Suite guests can grab a bite to eat at The Grove, a fast-casual Mediterranean venue located within the Suite Neighborhood that features al fresco seating. This surely will beat venturing to the Windjammer or El Loco Fresh!

This brand-new dining option is located steps away from the private pool. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

Of course, Suite guests may also take advantage of Coastal Kitchen, the elegant suite-only dining room that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Non-suite passengers are unable to dine at Coastal Kitchen, even if they're willing to pay. 

They will have to choose from one of the numerous other specialty restaurants, such as Empire Supper Club, Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, Chops Grille, etc. These are open to suite guests, too. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean previews all the restaurant and dining choices coming to the world's largest cruise ship

Pinnacle Club members, or those who have reached the highest tier of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, have the opportunity to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen, subject to availability. 

Coastal Kitchen is located on Decks 16 and 17 with large windows overlooking the ship's indoor AquaTheater within the AquaDome Neighborhood. It's a great place to grab a pre-show cocktail! 

Being located so close to the AquaDome Neighborhood means that Suite guests are only steps away from the AquaDome Market, Overlook Pods, Hooked Seafood, and more. 

Read more: I walked through Royal Caribbean's new food hall concept and it could radically change casual dining onboard

Within the Suite Neighborhood, you will find numerous places to get a drink, which is great since some of the most exclusive (and expensive) suites onboard include a Royal Caribbean drink package! 

Those with children and/or teens will appreciate how close the suite-only spaces are to Thrill Island, which is home to the largest water park at sea: Category 6. 

Activities such as the Flowrider and the brand-new Crown's Edge can be found at the aft of the ship on Deck 16. 

Icon of the Seas has eight new suite categories that cannot be found on other ships within the fleet, including the Sunset Junior Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft, and Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

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

The benefits that you will receive vary based on which tier the suite is in. Sunset Junior Suites and standard Junior Suites, for instance, won't have as many perks as the Ultimate Family Townhome. 

If you want to access The Grove, you'll want to book a suite that's located within the Sky or Star Class. Sea Class suites (i.e., Junior Suites and Sunset Junior Suites) do not have access to the private sun deck and can only eat at Coastal Kitchen for dinner, subject to availability.