What We Love
The Lighter, Brighter Royal Promenade: The dated shopping mall aesthetic is gone. The Royal Promenade, which — on all ships that have one — is home to boutiques as well as popular bars and eateries, has been reimagined. This expansive two-level space greets guests as they board Icon of the Seas and it’s a stunner. Awash in natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the space no longer features an awkward hodgepodge of windows from the inward-facing promenade-view staterooms of old.
Now, vast panels of glass actually let in light and offer ocean views. This is made possible by The Pearl, a dazzling sphere that structurally supports three decks, weighs more than a 747 plane, and is covered in 3,600 kinetic tiles that change color. A stairway leads up through it to the Pearl Café, an inviting 24/7 eatery serving coffee and light bites with a side of sea views. Lining the Royal Promenade are 15 dining, bar, and entertainment venues that are both familiar (Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Sorrento’s Pizza, Bolero’s, Schooner Bar, Point & Feather Pub, Spotlight Karaoke, The Attic comedy club, and Starbucks) and new (1400 Lobby Bar and Dueling Pianos).
Thrills & Chills: When guests exit the aft elevators on decks 16 and 17 they can head to either Chill Island or Thrill Island for two very different experiences. Thrill Island is an unapologetically theme-park-like open-air area that’s home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six brightly colored intertwined waterslides: Pressure Drop (an open free-fall slide), Frightening Bolt (a 46-foot drop slide), Hurricane Hunter and Storm Surge (family raft slides), and Storm Chasers (a pair of mat-racing slides). The thrills don’t stop there since you’ll also find the FlowRider surf simulator, the new Crown’s Edge rope course (sign a waiver, harness up, and walk your way around a scary platform 154 feet above the ocean), and the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall. Prefer a more mellow thrill? The Lost Dunes mini-golf course is a fun, multi-generational challenge.
Chill Island, which spans decks 15 to 17, is equally colorful but designed for lounging and socializing. It’s home to four pools and six whirlpools (Icon of the Seas has 62% more water surface than any other Royal Caribbean ship). Take a dip in Royal Bay, which at 5,813 square feet is the most expansive pool at sea, the infinity-edge Cove Pool, or Cloud 17 Pool. You can even order a cocktail at Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea, or head to any of three The Lime & the Coconut bars (one on each Chill Island deck). Here, you’ll also find lots of shaded areas with loungers in which to dodge the Caribbean’s intense rays.
The Hideaway: With the ship’s aft freed from the massive AquaTheater that dominates Oasis-class vessels, the designers opted to create The Hideaway. Located on deck 15 but accessed solely from Thrill Island’s deck 16, this adults-only, beach-club-inspired space features two large whirlpools, the first suspended infinity pool at sea, and the Hideaway Bar. It’s quite popular, so claim your lounger early in the day.
The Overlook: Tucked behind the aquatic performance venue in the AquaDome, this new day-and-night venue is a soaring space featuring panoramic ocean views and eye-catching décor. It houses two bars, one the chic Overlook Bar, which is topped by a sculptural metal palm tree, and the other the sociable Rye & Bean bar that serves coffees, teas, and coffee-and-tea-inspired cocktails.
The Included Eateries: No one — not even vegetarians and vegans — will lack for choice when enjoying the included dining venues on Icon of the Seas. In addition to the three-level Main Dining Room and the deck 15 Windjammer buffet (both of which serve better quality food and offer more choices than has been recently reported on older Royal Caribbean ships), there are also familiar venues such as El Loco Fresh (for DIY tacos and burritos), Park Café (for sandwiches and wraps), and Sorrentos’ Pizza. New included dining spots are Pearl Café (open 24/7 and offering grab-and-go bites such as bagel-and-egg sandwiches and yogurt parfaits); AquaDome Market (a mini food court serving Asian dishes, Mediterranean fare, sandwiches and paninis, crepes, and several kinds of mac ‘n’ cheese); and Surfside Eatery and Surfside Bites (offering family-friendly menus available throughout the day).
