Everything I LOVED & HATED about cruising on Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean got almost everything perfect with their newest and biggest cruise ship, but there were a few things I disliked about my recent cruise on Icon of the Seas.

When itineraries on Icon of the Seas became available to book nearly a year and a half ago, I immediately booked a cabin for the first sailing. Having cruised on most of Royal Caribbean’s ships, I was interested to see how Icon of the Seas would stack up against the rest of the fleet.

Here are the 5 things I loved (and 4 I hated) about my vacation on the world’s biggest cruise ship.

[thedrumman]

I just booked icon of the seas for december of 2025 for 1700/person for an ocean view balcony. Total was around 5100 with taxes and fees included. Havent pre paid gratuities though. It's gonna be my first ever cruise

[mariajones]

I loved baskets because they provided extra storage for shoes to put under the bed and we kept shelves for other stuff. It’s an upgrade so you don’t have to bring those ugly over the door hangers for shoes

[coolietoolie]

You were on the inaugural Icon cruise and we were on it the second week in March. Judging from your videos, there are a few things that were a little different. Many of the things you showed in your video didn't have nearly the amount of people as we did on ours. Our week was at capacity and also spring break time.

There were lots of kids and the kids were also around all of the pools. Yes, there were kids at Thrill Island and all the water slides etc. but they also invaded the pools. The kids were to be expected but the unsupervised kids were not appreciated. Not just the pool area either. We were surprised to see how many young children were basically allowed to run around the ship without any parents anywhere to be seen. Sometimes, one child all by themselves. Certainly seems like a safety issue to us. Especially on a ship this size.

Typical of a pool area, lots of people come out early morning and stake out "their chairs". Even though there are occasional signs placed around, and several chair head covers placed about every third or fourth chair, saying you can't save chairs or your things will be picked up by the pool attendants. They don't enforce it at all so why bother with signage.


Yes, the ship is beautiful, with lots of activities and plenty of places to eat. but the price is much higher than other ships, and it will remain that way as long as there is the demand. In fact, looking at the prices on upcoming Icon cruises, prices have increased significantly since we booked.

Some of the negatives stated from the video are minimal as far as we are concerned. The baskets in the room may not be the way we would do it, but so what. Starbucks, never use them so cry me a river and get a cup of coffee elsewhere. Room location, that is everyone's responsibility to check on that when booking any ship.

We are frequent cruisers and would we book this ship again? We were glad we tried the Icon but it is doubtful we would go again. There are lots of ships that may not be as big, but are just as nice at a much better price. There is the wow factor with the Icon, but after a little bit of time onboard, it really is just another of the many ships to enjoy. We saw a lot of first time cruisers with families that had their eyes wide open with excitement and I'm sure they would have enjoyed themselves.

Be aware that there are many up charges for things to do and food in certain areas on the ship. Yes, there is free but there are also upcharges so watch for them. An example, if you do the Eastern cruise and stop at Coco Cay, you can use the free chairs and umbrellas or go to the areas where it will cost you from $100 to $1, 000 a day to rent. Most of those were also rented when we were there, and I don't get it.

Finally, RCL built a new cruise terminal to handle the Icon and they did an outstanding job. Probably one of the easiest processes getting on the day we left and the easiest getting off when we got back at the end of the week.

[sharondalynnewton]

Great review! I need one of those icon of the seas Starbucks cup!

[jeffreywagner]

Great tip on the obstructed balcony in Central Park. 🚢🚢

[christine]

No plans right now it is a little too pricey. Thank you for the review

[aprilsimmons]

Your video clips are great! I felt like I had a better understanding of where things are and what they look like - thank you! Although our sailing isn't until Sept. I'm already looking forward to it. I wonder if they will change those metal baskets in the cabins; your assessment of them is right on the mark.

[commonsense]

Put your shoes in the baskets! We go Sept. 14th and we will be happy as a clam. most of the negatives you mention will not even be issues with us...baskets? What? Yes, there are ratan baskets that might be less noisy but who cares. I'm going to put our shoes and snorkel equip, etc. in them. Not a problem

[JuanCasado]

I guess with this starting price tag, there are two options: either no one buys it, or we assume it's a fair price. This year, prices have risen so much that, after the cutbacks we experienced last year, my family is clear that cruises are no longer an option. They literally aren't worth what they're asking for, but still, they are full...

Thanks for the review!!

[dchenkin]

So really on three complaints that are hard to avoid. Prices will go down as the ship ages. I am guessing RCL will make adjustments seeing congestion caused by Starbucks in a congested location.

[ricoe]

For that amount you could do the MSC yacht club and live like a king 🤴

[lilb]

The ship looks amazing, but that balcony would have pissed me off. How can they not list that as an obstructed view? You cant look down...

[kimkirksey]

I can NOT afford Icon of the Seas...its looks really beautiful....I'm still in the class with Freedom and Independence...

[unovox]

Loving the video!!! Unfortunately, bigger is definitely not better.😊

[jc_alpha]

6:35 “Unfortunately these cabins are not listed as obstructed by Royal Caribbean”

Wow that feels almost criminal, especially since you’re paying such a premium for those cabins.

[billmillington]

I just got off wonder of the seas, awesome time we have 2 boys 15, 16 they seemed a little bored at times. They probably would have liked icon better but for myself being 50 I think icon is too busy and expensive, better for a younger couple with younger kids

[rudolphthompson]

I am cruising March 23rd on icon of the sea

[TravelwithEbby]

Wow Royal is wrong for not indicating that those Central Park cabins are obstructed view.. it looks like every one of them are technically obstructed with those colorful shutters blocking the view as well… I’m glad I saw this video, I will not be booking any cabin in Central Park when I eventually book icon. I like the traditional balconies better than those infinite balconies.

[LisaJohnson-qmdw]

I’m booked for January and sooo excited! Can you tell me what is the soonest you can purchase the drink and dining packages? And what are the prices round about?

[instaoftheseas]

We love icon of the seas! Great pros and cons!!