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. 

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. 

Cruise ship cabins are smaller than traditional land-based hotel rooms, and while they may try and pack as many essentials and conveniences into the limited space, there's a chance that they will fall short of meeting all of your needs.

Whether you are staying in an inside cabin or splurging on a suite, there's one common household item that you should bring to upgrade your stateroom experience: a night light. 

Even if you have an expansive suite or balcony, the ocean is pitch-black at night, and you won't be able to rely on any natural light to guide you from your bed to the ensuite bathroom. 

While you can leave the bathroom light on, this sometimes emits more brightness than some would prefer when trying to sleep. 

A night light is a great workaround since it will illuminate your stateroom without potentially waking any sleeping cabinmates. Plus, some children (and adults) might not be fans of sleeping in total darkness. 

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Bringing a night light on your cruise means you will not have to worry about tripping over a stray cord or pair of shoes in the middle of the night

If you are staying in an ocean view room or above, your stateroom will slowly brighten up as the sun rises in the morning, meaning that you'll only have to worry about having minimal light at night. Inside rooms, however, go dark as soon as you turn off the lights, even if that's at 12:00pm. 

Night lights will ensure that even these windowless rooms are never pitch-black. As someone who travels in inside cabins more often than not, it can be pretty disorientating to wake up to a completely dark room, even if it's in the middle of the night to use the restroom. 

I've found myself relying on my phone's flashlight to avoid accidentally stubbing my toe or running into the vanity. While this is not a bad option, the light can be pretty bright, so this is not ideal when I am sharing the room with someone else. 

Battery-powered tea lights work, too, as they can be placed next to your bed on the nightstand, on the vanity, or in the bathroom without having to worry about using a plug to illuminate the room. Since a single tea light is so small, it's easy to carry with you to the bathroom, too. 

Depending on which night light you have, tea lights might take up less space in your luggage, giving you more room for souvenirs, toiletries, etc. 

One drawback of traditional night lights is that they will take up one of your outlets at the vanity

The majority of cruise ship bathrooms don't have standard plugs in them, so you'll have to use the outlets at the vanity for your hairdryer, straightener, curler, etc. With some older rooms only having two American plugs, you might not want to sacrifice your phone's health for a night light. Navigator of the Seas, for instance, only has two standard American plugs, in addition to a single European one. 

While newer ships tend to have more charging options, they usually come in the form of USB ports, rather than extra outlets. If you are like me and only have USB-C chargers, these are not too useful; I rely on the actual outlets to charge all of my devices. 

Thankfully, there are night lights out there that are battery-powered. For less than $25, you can purchase one that is also motion sensored! With over 2,000 four- and five-star reviews, it's a great investment for your next cruise that you can also use when you return home. 

It can be stuck anywhere in the cabin, so you aren't limited to using it just at the vanity. This means that you can place it in your stateroom's bathroom, so you do not have to turn the light on at night. Coming from a pitch-black room, the bathroom's light can be pretty blinding, even if you're prepared for it. 

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon in the article, which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase the item through the link.

Read more: The clever reason to bring a European power adapter on your cruise ship

What are some other cruise cabin hacks to make your stateroom more functional?

While a night light is a must-have on cruise ships to help better the cabin experience, there are some other items you may want to consider purchasing ahead of time to help make your stateroom as comfortable as possible, even if you only plan on using it as a base to rest and recharge for the next day. 

A shoe organizer, for instance, will help you organize toiletries, shoes, jewelry, and more. If you're going on a short weekend cruise, you might not find this too useful; however, those on longer voyages will appreciate the additional storage space. 

Plus, it's easy for staterooms to get messy a few days into the trip. An organizer will help ensure that everyone keeps their belongings in the correct place. 

Wrinkle-release spray is another must for me, especially since steamers and irons are prohibited onboard Royal Caribbean ships. Note that if you try to bring either of these items with you, it'll be confiscated on embarkation day. You will be able to retrieve it once you disembark. 

I hate walking around in wrinkled clothing, so I travel with a travel-sized bottle to help get out some of the bigger wrinkles. A small bottle is key, as I do not want to take up too much storage space. 

After spraying the item down, I'll usually place the article of clothing that I want to wear in the bathroom while I shower to help de-wrinkle it as much as possible. 

Finally, packing cubes are a great investment for your upcoming cruise if you don't already have them. They are truly the packing tool that keeps on giving since you can reuse them for future vacations, whether it's a weekend trip to the beach or an extended European holiday. 

Not only will they help keep your suitcase organized, but packing cubes will also help reduce the amount of time you spend unpacking. Upon receiving your luggage, simply pull the cubes out and place them inside of drawers or on the racks in the closet. 

The less time you spend unpacking, the more time you get to spend enjoying all of the embarkation day festivities! 

Royal Caribbean has officially begun the third Icon Class ship's construction process. The unnamed ship is set to be completed in 2026, one year after Star of the Seas. 

The steel-cutting ceremony was held on January 12 at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, and representatives from both Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku were present. 

"With Icon III, we are further strengthening our role as the builder of the world's most advanced cruise ships," said Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku. 

"Meyer Turku's and Royal Caribbean Group's long-term goals are becoming concrete, and with that we are able to set new standards to strengthen our leadership in the green transition of the maritime industry."

Royal Caribbean hasn't revealed much about the third ship in the groundbreaking Icon Class

Despite not having too many details about the ship itself, we know that Star of the Seas will sail out of Port Canaveral to the Caribbean during its inaugural season. The same cannot be said for the third Icon Class ship. 

Additionally, we do not know how different the third ship will be from Icon of the Seas. It is not uncommon for cruise lines to make tweaks to the ship's designs for later incarnations in any given class. 

Harmony of the Seas, for instance, was the first Oasis Class ship to feature the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. While it was later added to Oasis of the Seas, the first ship in the class, it was not a feature that was present onboard for roughly ten years. 

As Royal Caribbean hasn't talked much about the design of Star of the Seas, we assume it will be a while before we get any specifics about the third Icon Class ship. Even when all of the excitement about Icon's launch dies down, there's still a lot to look forward to in the coming years! 

What is a steel-cutting ceremony?

The steel-cutting ceremony is a maritime tradition and a major milestone in a ship's construction process, as it indicates that the groundwork has been set.

The next milestone is the keel-laying ceremony, which marks the official beginning of the ship's construction.

During both events, it's common for executives from the cruise line and shipyard personnel to be present.

Read more: How long does it take to build a cruise ship

Icon of the Seas, the first-ever Icon Class ship, is set to embark on its inaugural voyage on January 27, 2024

It's been over seven years in the making; however, Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, is less than one month away from finally setting sail. 

As with all new ship classes, there are tons of experiences that you will only be able to enjoy onboard Icon of the Seas. 

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

From the record-breaking Category 6 water park to the first-ever Izumi to-go window, family-friendly Surfside Neighborhood, Pearl superstructure, enclosed AquaTheater, and more, Icon of the Seas was designed to be the ultimate family vacation. 

Sailing onboard this new ship during its inaugural season will cost you a pretty penny, though, as the lowest rate at the time of writing was $2,440 per person for an interior room in March 2024. 

Star of the Seas' pricing is not as outrageous, with numerous sailings during its first year at sea starting at around $1,800 per person. 

The third Icon Class ship is not open for booking yet, so it will be interesting to see how pricing compares when itineraries are eventually released. 

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

Central Park has been a beloved neighborhood onboard Royal Caribbean ships since Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009. 

On Oasis Class ships, Central Park is pretty standardized. If you have seen one, the rest are relatively similar. 

While Central Park on Icon of the Seas is still a hub for live plants, restaurants, and shops, it is unlike any reiteration done before, though it's still located midship on Deck 8. 

Here's what's included and what costs extra in Central Park:

Read more: The flourishing garden on Symphony of the Seas has over 20,000 plants, and it's my favorite spot onboard

For the first time ever, Royal Caribbean has relocated the popular Izumi Sushi and Hibachi to Central Park. 

On older ships, the location of Izumi greatly varies, if it is even present onboard. It could be located in the Royal Promenade, adjacent to Casino Royale, or on a higher deck. Some don't even have teppanyaki tables, just sushi. 

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

Royal Caribbean also added a walk-up window that serves sushi and other Japanese-inspired snacks. Whether you are craving some sushi to-go or want a sweet treat, you do not have to worry about making dining reservations and sitting down for a lengthy meal. 

Like onboard Oasis Class ships, Chops Grille will remain in Central Park. 

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

For the first time, however, you will be able to hand-select your cut of meat at the butcher's display. 

Another fan-favorite returning to this neighborhood is Park Cafe. 

The legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich will be available here, as well as other breakfast and lunch sandwiches and salads. Plus, Park Cafe will be open for dinner on Icon. 

If you aren't feeling the Windjammer crowds on embarkation day, this is a great place to go! 

Read more: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips for a fast embarkation

There's also a walk-up champagne bar, Bubbles, which serves champagne and champagne cocktails by the glass.

Empire Supper Club is a new specialty restaurant that, as of January 2024, can only be found onboard Icon of the Seas. 

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

The eight-course menu will feature premium American cuisine with dishes like caviar and wagyu. 

Additionally, this dining experience will combine food and music. There will be a three-piece band playing a different song during each course. 

This premium dining experience costs $200 per person. If you have the Unlimited Dining Package, you can pay a $130 upcharge to eat at Empire Supper Club. 

Finally, Lou's Jazz N' Blues, another new venue, is the perfect place to either pop in before dinner or afterward for a nightcap. 

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

If you're seeking a to-go beverage, Trellis Bar, another Oasis Class favorite, will be right across the way in Central Park. 

Don't forget to check out the light snacks menu! You can enjoy small treats like mac and cheese poppers, crab cake fritters, crispy truffle fries, and more. 

Perched atop Decks 14 and 15 is Icon of the Seas' AquaDome Neighborhood. 

In addition to being home to the ship's next-level AquaTheater, this is also where you'll find other Royal Caribbean firsts, including the AquaDome Market. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more

AquaDome Market is Royal Caribbean's first-ever food hall venue. Food halls are a relatively new concept in the cruise industry, and Icon of the Seas will be the first Royal Caribbean ship to offer one.

Since it's located in the front of the ship, the goal is to help disperse crowds, as the Windjammer and El Loco Fresh and located towards the aft (back) of Icon. 

There are five different food stalls that guests can choose from. Starting with Crème de la Crèpe, this is where you will find both sweet and savory crèpes. You can order anything from a ham and swiss crèpe to one with hazelnut and bananas! 

GNGR will serve Asian dishes, while Mac's will have a set menu of different mac and cheese options. Nobody is stopping you from ordering traditional mac and cheese, but you can (and should) try something a little more unique, like pepperoni pizza mac! 

Feta Mediterranean's focus will be traditional-style Greek pitas, which is different from what you can find in other venues on the ship. 

Additionally, you can create your own Mediterranean-inspired bowl. With three different protein options and numerous different toppings and sauces, you're sure to come up with the perfect creation! 

The fifth option is Toast & Garden. Here, you'll be able to get lighter options, such as sandwiches and salads. 

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

Also found within the AquaDome Neighborhood is the Overlook. 

If you're looking for some incredible sea views, this is the place to be, as the Overlook's outfitted with two stories of floor-to-ceiling windows. 

During the day, you can nuzzle into a cozy pod and catch up on your reading or play a card game with friends and family. 

If you get a little thirsty, there's a conveniently located bar. It's also a great place to grab a pre-show cocktail before heading into the AquaTheater. 

Rye & Bean is perfect for those who might not be ready for a strong cocktail at 1:00pm. While you can certainly get a coffee-infused cocktail, you're also able to order a classic cup of coffee to give you enough energy for the evening ahead. 

And yes, Royal Caribbean drink packages can be used at both!

Finally, Hooked Seafood, as well as the brand-new Celebration Table, can also be found in the AquaDome Neighborhood. 

If you haven't caught on, there's no shortage of places to eat on Icon, especially within the AquaDome, where you can enjoy a delicious salad for lunch and New England-style seafood for dinner. 

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

Icon of the Seas is full of brand-new experiences at sea, including the family-family Surfside Neighborhood. 

Replacing what was the Boardwalk on Oasis Class ships, Surfside is where families can stay and play all day. With an arcade, kids splash zone, aft pool, carousel, and both complimentary and specialty venues, there's enough to keep everyone satisfied! 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is building the best cruise ship for young families on Icon of the Seas with a new purpose-built area

With younger families making up a significant portion of Royal Caribbean guests, the cruise line wanted to create a space just for them. 

Unlike Royal Caribbean's Boardwalk, Surfside has a vibrant design that's reminiscent of a surfing town that's complete with a beach-theme carousel where you can ride anything from a flamingo pool toy to a "Volkswagon" van. 

Rather than having to drag kids to the Windjammer, your family can grab a bite to eat at the Surfside Eatery, which is Royal Caribbean's first buffet just for families! 

Read more: Icon of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more

While not as large as the Windjammer, it's the perfect place to fuel up without having to stray from the fun. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will introduce new family fun ambassador on Icon of the Seas

There's also Surfside Bites, where you will find grab-and-go options, such as popcorn chicken, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, french fries, fruit, and even cinnamon sugar churros!

The third dining option in Surfside is Pier 7, a specialty restaurant that's exclusive to Icon of the Seas and will serve an all-day brunch with items like surf and turf tacos, mango lime shrimp tostadas, smoked salmon benedict, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. 

Parents won't be far from a bar, either. The Lemon Post Bar will serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for everyone in the family. 

While you are enjoying a tropical cocktail, your child can order from a menu of mocktails curated just for them!  

While Icon of the Seas' food and beverage spots are certainly a highlight of the 250,800 gross registered ton vessel, it is hard to overlook all the fun activities onboard. Surfside is a hub of activity for everyone, starting with the arcade that has over 30 different games inside! 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will offer swanky supper club and food hall on new Icon of the Seas when it launches

Here, you can challenge your family members to a friendly game of air hockey, work on your claw machine skills, or play skeeball. As with all other Royal Caribbean ships, the arcade isn't included in your cruise fare. 

At the very end of Surfside, you will find Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, and Water's Edge, a pool pressed against the aft of the ship that's sure to get some impressive ocean views on sea days. 

Fans of Oasis Class ships will notice that there's no AquaTheater here. Instead, high-diving spectaculars will be held in the brand-new AquaDome. 

Located at the front of the ship, this is a whole new neighborhood in and of itself where you'll find, of course, the next-level AquaTheater, bars, and tranquil places to relax during the day. 

While there's so much more of the ship to explore, we have not seen all of Surfside yet! 

In addition to restaurants, splash zones, and more, Surfside is also where you will find Sugar Beach, a candy lover's dream that also serves Royal Caribbean's in-house ice cream, for an extra charge. 

Read more: What's included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

Once your children have had their sugar fix, they can get some of their energy out while exploring the Playscape area. 

Surfside will also have its own Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine for those who purchase one of Royal Caribbean's drink packages, making it easy to refill your cup throughout the day. 

Don't forget to look up, either. You'll see some of the record-breaking waterslides in the Category 6 water park. 

As if Icon of the Seas wasn't already full of firsts, it appears that there will be a dog living onboard the world's largest cruise ship. 

Based on social media posts from crew members, it seems that Rover boarded the ship when docked in Ponce, Puerto Rico before it began its final leg of the journey to Miami, Florida. 

"We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rover, who has joined us as a permanent resident aboard [the] magnificent Icon of the Seas," read a post by @godwin_fernandes2000. 

"Meet Rover... the resident Mascot of the Icon," said @roseveltrodrigues on Instagram.

While in Ponce, Icon underwent some final regulatory inspections and received finishing touches to prepare for guests in late January. This is also where the loading and off-loading of equipment occurred. 

Some yard workers disembarked in Ponce to return home, with new crew members and the brand-new resident Rover arriving onboard. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas is ready: Here’s the timeline for Royal Caribbean’s new cruise ship debut

Guests won't find a classic car in the Royal Promenade

In lieu of the classic car in the Royal Promenade, there's a statue of a dog.

Ever since Voyager of the Seas launched and debuted the first-ever Royal Promenade, there's been a different classic car featured in each ship. 

Njal Eide, the lead architect for the Royal Promenade, had included a model of a Morgan Sportster in his model of the Royal Promenade. Richard Fain, then-chairman and former CEO of Royal Caribbean, ended up donating his own Morgan car that he received for his 40th birthday. 

These cars are a popular photo-op for pictures throughout the cruise, especially on formal night! 

The Royal Promenade is the main thoroughfare of the ship where you'll find bars, shops, and more. There are parties and parades hosted here, too. 

Read more: Why are there classic cars on Royal Caribbean's Royal Promenade?

Icon of the Seas' Royal Promenade will leap forward with new innovations

In addition to the first-ever dog statue in the Royal Promenade, Icon of the Seas' Promenade will be home to other firsts for the cruise line, including the Pearl, expansive windows, and more. 

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will be located on Deck 6, marking the first time that Royal Caribbean will feature a specialty restaurant in the initial design of the Royal Promenade. 

Thanks to renovations, it's not uncommon to find specialty restaurants in the Royal Promenade on older vessels. Playmaker's, for instance, can be found in the Promenade on Navigator of the Seas, whereas Adventure of the Seas has Izumi in the heart of all the action. 

Icon of the Seas will also be the first ship in the fleet to receive the Dueling Pianos bar on Deck 6. This is where two performers will take requests and involve guests in the musical fun during two 90-minute shows each night. 

Nearly all the venues in the Royal Promenade, including Dueling Pianos, will be fully open, allowing passengers to hear all the excitement wherever they are. 

Note that Icon of the Seas doesn't have any Promenade view staterooms. With over 10 new categories of cabins, that doesn't seem like much of a sacrifice, though! 

Read more: First look at The Pearl on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Nearing Icon of the Seas' maiden voyage to the Eastern Caribbean

We are less than twenty days away from Icon of the Seas' inaugural cruise. On January 27, she'll leave Miami, Florida with a ship full of guests eager to be on Icon's first weeklong cruise sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts & Nevis.

Before then, however, she'll have two shakedown sailings that will take place on January 20 and 23, each of which will only be 3-nights. 

These are essentially dress rehearsals that will allow the crew to test and adjust their procedures before welcoming paying guests. 

On January 10, Icon of the Seas will arrive in Miami and be greeted by the ICON arrival party at the Port of Miami. She was originally supposed to arrive on Tuesday; however, unfavorable weather conditions resulted in her delay. 

Read more: 11 reasons Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will change the cruise industry

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a popular port of call on Royal Caribbean cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean. As such, it's not uncommon to find yourself repeatedly visiting the private island if you frequently seek warm-weather itineraries on some of the largest ships at sea. 

When Royal Caribbean completed renovating the island in 2019, it became more than just your average beach day. Now, you can splurge on activities like riding the tallest water slide in North America, an upscale beach club, zip line, overwater cabana, and more. 

While there's no denying it's easy to have a great ashore no matter how many times you've visited, you should not always feel like you have to get off the ship. 

Sometimes, the perfect day at CocoCay isn't actually ON CocoCay. 

Here are the 5 best reasons to stay onboard the ship while in Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

You won't have to deal with chair hogs

If you awaken too late on a sea day, it's likely that when you head up to the pool deck, you'll see a sea (no pun intended) of chairs reserved with towels and personal belongings. 

Chair hogs are individuals who reserve chairs for the entire day, even if they are not planning on staying nearby. 

And while there should technically be pool attendants on the lookout, it's difficult for them to keep a watch on the entire pool deck. 

If you want to enjoy the pool with minimal people around, consider staying onboard when your ship docks at Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Rather than rushing off the ship to claim the perfect beach chairs, you can sleep in, have a late breakfast, and enjoy the top deck like it's your own chartered yacht! 

Related: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

The lines for onboard thrills will be shorter

Simiarly, the lines for onboard attractions can get rather long on sea days.

One of the best ways to ensure that you won't have a long wait for anything that's on your must-do list on days when everyone is onboard is to get to whatever you are hoping to do as soon as it opens. 

If you're someone who wants to ride the water slides more than once or become a Flowrider surf pro, you'll have more opportunities to do so while the ship is docked, as there will be fewer people in line. 

Plus, if you're short on time (i.e., on a 3- or 4-night cruise onboard Utopia of the Seas), you won't have as many chances to experience everything that's onboard. You may find it a more valuable use of time to stay on the ship, rather than spending the day on the beach. 

Additionally, if you are on a Quantum Class ship, you'll be able to ride the North Star for free while docked, whereas sea day rides are not included in the cost of your cruise fare. 

You'll be able to soar high above Perfect Day at CocoCay and look out over neighboring Bahamian islands, including Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay. 

Related: Top 30 extra cruise costs that are not included

You might be able to save money on a spa treatment

Spa treatments onboard cruise ships are costly. Massages often start around $150 for 50 minutes, while a 75-minute deep tissue couples massage can be upwards of $390. 

If you want to save money while treating yourself to a much-needed day at the spa, head there on embarkation day to see if any deals are being offered. Plus, you can get a tour of the spa to get a glimpse of the treatment facilities. 

Usually, they will have something available on port days to entice people to stay onboard. You can also check the night before your ship is scheduled to arrive in CocoCay, as well as the morning of. 

There won't be as many people at the buffet for lunch

You won't have to worry about being patient while waiting in line for lunch if you stay on the cruise ship while it's docked at CocoCay.

It's not uncommon to see long lines for various eateries at peak times on sea days. Something as simple as lunch could take longer than anticipated if you show up to the Windjammer around 12:30pm. 

When your Royal Caribbean ship is relatively empty with the majority of passengers ashore, it will be easy to grab a quick bite to eat and return to the more pressing matters, such as ensuring you have an even tan, playing a round of mini-golf, or soaring high above the Boardwalk on the zip line. 

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

You won't feel the need to spend money on an excursion

Yes, it's true. The price of a Royal Caribbean cruise has increased. If you're planning on sailing onboard one of their newest ships, like Icon of the Seas, you can expect to spend around $1,500 per person for an interior room. 

Since there's so much to do onboard, these ships are a destination in and of themselves. On Icon, for instance, you can spend the day at the Category 6 Water Park or in the brand-new Surfside Neighborhood with activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

If you've visited Perfect Day at CocoCay before, you may not be willing to spend money on an excursion after splurging on one of these mega-ships. Even though the beach is complimentary, there are more active activities that can be found on the ship that you already paid for! 

Related: 10 genius things cruise ship passengers brought to Royal Caribbean's private island to make it even better

Icon of the Seas will finally welcome guests onboard later this month. The brand-new vessel still has to undergo a few more preparations before that can happen, though. 

Currently, Icon of the Seas is docked in Ponce, Puerto Rico for some final touches and inspections. This is one of the final steps before the 250,800 gross registered ton vessel launches in late January. 

Here's a timeline of Icon of the Sea's long-awaited debut. 

Icon of the Seas sailed from Cádiz, Spain to Ponce, Puerto Rico, arriving on January 2, 2024

Icon of the Seas' transatlantic crossing took over one week, with the largest cruise ship in the world departing Spain on December 22, 2023. 

This meant that crew members, contractors, shoreside teams, yard workers, and more celebrated the New Year somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic while en route to Puerto Rico. 

A video posted to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michel Bayley's Facebook reveals Icon's first countdown as a completed ship. The Royal Promenade was packed, and the cheering continued as the clock struck midnight and balloons were released. 

Read more: I crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a cheap cruise. Here’s what it's really like to spend 10 days at sea

Icon of the Seas moved to Cádiz for some finishing touches 

Despite being delivered in late November, Icon was not fully completed. The delivery ceremony was held at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where the majority of the ship's construction took place. 

"Seven years ago, we had an ambitious idea to create the first vacation truly made for every type of family and adventurer," said Mr. Bayley, "Now, it’s in our hands, and in this final stretch, we’ll bring it all to life for the biggest debut in our history in January 2024."

Following the ceremony, Icon of the Seas was relocated to a shipyard in Cádiz, where she received some final outfitting touches before beginning her transatlantic voyage to North America. 

She had to sail underneath the Great Belt Bridge, an 11-mile bridge located in Denmark, in order to reach Cádiz. The 20-deck high had to have her funnels retracted to barely squeeze underneath. It required expertise from the entire crew, including meteorologists to ship operators. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean takes delivery of the new world’s largest cruise ship

Work continues in Ponce

Over the next few days while in Puerto Rico, Icon of the Seas will have to pass some regulatory inspections. Additionally, there will be loading and off-loading of equipment, and yard workers will disembark the ship to return home, with more crew arriving to begin their contracts. 

Ponce is located in the southern region of the island, whereas the popular port of San Juan can be found on the northern shore.  

When Icon departs Ponce to sail to Miami, it will be over one year until she returns to the island, as San Juan isn't a scheduled port of call on Eastern Caribbean itineraries until May 2025. The May 3, 2025 cruise also visits St. Maarten and Labadee, Haiti, foregoing a stop at the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas. 

Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size (2024)

Following the move to her homeport of Miami, there will be a series of shakedown and media cruises

On January 9, Royal Caribbean will host the ICON arrival party at 7am at the Port of Miami. While more details can be expected in the coming days, it is exciting to think that we're only one week from welcoming Icon to her homeport. 

Following this milestone, Icon will host a few shakedown cruises, which can be thought of as a dress rehearsal. While the ship is just about ready, they serve as a time for the crew members to experience what their job will actually be like with guests onboard before welcoming paying customers.

Typically, shakedown cruises are comprised of cruise line employees and their families. It is not uncommon for them to sometimes double as preview sailings for the media and travel agents. 

Prior to embarking on her maiden voyage, Icon will have two shakedown and media cruises, both of which will be only three nights: January 20-23 and January 23-26. 

Read more: How long does it take to build a cruise ship

Naming ceremony on January 23 in Miami, Florida with Lionel Messi

Back in mid-December, Royal Caribbean announced that, rather than having a traditional godmother or godfather, Lionel Messi would be the "official icon of Icon of the Seas." Messi is a famous soccer player who was born in Argentina and spent the majority of his career playing for FC Barcelona. 

On January 23, Messi will take part in Icon's naming celebration. His role will be comprised of bestowing safekeeping onto the new ship, its crew, and the millions of people who will board in hopes of creating ICONic memories in the years to come. 

"I’m thrilled and honored to join the Royal Caribbean family to celebrate the arrival of the game-changing Icon of the Seas," said Messi, "Icon is beyond anything else that’s out there for family vacations, with incredible never-before-seen features, all designed for making memories together."

Finally, guests will be welcomed onboard Icon for her maiden voyage to the Eastern Caribbean

On January 27, Icon of the Seas will embark on her inaugural cruise. This 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise will depart from Miami and sail to Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts & Nevis. She will return on February 3, 2024. 

Icon of the Seas' maiden voyage will signify the ship's completion, as the ship will be ready for regular service. 

While this will mean that her construction and arrival journey will finally come to an end, Icon Class and Royal Caribbean fans alike can stay tuned to everything exciting that Star of the Seas will have to offer when she launches in 2025. 

Similarly, Utopia of the Seas, the sixth Oasis Class ship, is scheduled to set sail in July 2024 on 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas. 

Read more: How much does it cost to build a cruise ship?