Icon of the Seas review: What's it like on the world's largest cruise ship?

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2025-01-09 14:30:02

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It's "the biggest, baddest ship on the planet" (according to Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group), the most expensive Royal Caribbean ship to book and a social media star with equal numbers of lovers and haters. But what's it really like to sail the 250,800-ton, 7,600-passenger Icon of the Seas? It's pretty dang fun.

Royal Caribbean's goal was not to break size records. Instead, the cruise line wanted to create an epic family vacation experience that would rival not only other cruise ships but also the best resorts and destinations on land. To do that, the line would need to put a wide variety of delicious dining venues, appealing watering holes with modern cocktail menus, inviting hangouts and thrilling attractions and entertainment for all ages onto one ship.

It's hard to be bored on Icon of the Seas, whether you like thrill rides or chill hangouts in the sun. With the ship divided up into "neighborhoods" with their own unique vibes, you're bound to find someplace to love. Or, perhaps you'll find new areas of the ship to explore each day. The neighborhoods, plus some smart operational planning by the cruise line, make it easier than you think to make your way through the ship, no matter where you wish to go.