As of April 2024 (when I’m writing this), Icon of the Seas holds the title of the world’s largest cruise ship. It’s the first in Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Icon Class and comes in just 10 feet longer and about 15,000 tons heavier than Wonder of the Seas. It also has two more passenger decks. If you’ve been on Wonder or any Oasis-class ship, this one will feel familiar—but there are some exciting new updates.

The ship’s exterior has been redesigned, and one of the most noticeable changes is how easily you can access the front of the ship with incredible 360-degree views. They’ve also added some new neighborhoods, including Surfside (perfect for families) and the stunning AquaDome.

👉 Curious how big this ship really is? Check out my TikTok here for a visual walkthrough. 

Was It Worth the Price?

I won’t sugarcoat it—this was the most expensive cruise we’ve ever taken. We were lucky to score a discounted fare, but Icon is definitely priced higher than Wonder or other Royal Caribbean ships. If you’re wondering whether it was worth it... keep reading.

👉 Want to know what it cost us? Here’s a TikTok I made that breaks it down.
Just keep in mind—it doesn’t include extras like excursions, drinks, specialty dining, Crown’s Edge, or onboard purchases. And yes, those added up!

First Impressions

We boarded, we were immediately greeted by The Pearl, a giant color-changing art installation you can walk through. It’s a stunning centerpiece. Right above it is The Pearl Café, which became a go-to for quick bites and coffee breaks.

One of my favorite features? For the first time ever on a Royal ship, you can walk a full lap around the ship’s exterior on one level. My husband and I loved taking a few walks together each day—it was peaceful and a great way to chat while soaking in the ocean views.

Let’s Talk Food 🍽️

There was so much food—and thankfully, a lot of it was included! Here’s where we ate without paying extra:

• Main Dining Room – We ate most of our dinners here. The food and service were actually better than we’ve had on other cruises.

• Windjammer Marketplace – Your classic buffet. I’m not a buffet person, but we ate here a couple of times and it was solid.

• AquaDome Market – A food hall with 5 different stalls. It was great for lunch with the kids—mac & cheese, crepes, Mediterranean bowls, and more.

• Park Café – We stopped by a few times for breakfast or a quick snack. The paninis and salads hit the spot.

• Pearl Café – Open 24/7, perfect for late-night snacks. We hit this up more than once.

• Surfside Eatery – A casual buffet in the Surfside neighborhood. Easy, family-friendly options.

• Surfside Bites – Poolside spot with burgers, chicken tenders, and fries. A lunch favorite for the kids.

• Sorrento’s Pizza – Honestly, someone in our group grabbed pizza every single day. It’s open late and always hot.

• El Loco Fresh – We really liked this place. The nacho bar was a hit with the kids, and we loved the chicken tacos.

• Vitality Café – Right by the spa, it was our stop for smoothies and lighter snacks (some items cost extra, but many are included).

• Sprinkles – Soft-serve ice cream by the pool. We may have had it before lunch and dinner… more than once. No regrets.

• Basecamp – A great surprise! It has grab-and-go snacks like pretzel bites. Some items cost extra, but the included ones were perfect.

Suite-Only Spots:
We weren’t in a suite, but our friends were. They had access to The Grove—a breezy, Mediterranean-style outdoor spot—and Coastal Kitchen, which became my daughter’s favorite. It’s quieter and feels more upscale than the main dining room.

Our Favorite Specialty Dining (Paid)

• Hooked Seafood – My absolute favorite. The oysters were fresh, the lobster roll was packed with flavor, and the service was top-tier. If you like seafood, this is a must.
  
  

• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi – The hibachi dinner was a blast. It was entertaining, the food was great, and the kids loved it. I also snuck in a sushi stop later in the trip for some grab-and-go rolls.
  
  

• Chops Grille – Classic steakhouse and so worth it. The filet was perfect, and I’m still thinking about the truffle fries and mac & cheese.
  
  

Other Paid Spots

• Empire Supper Club – We didn’t try it this time, but it’s the fanciest restaurant on the ship. Eight-course tasting menu with cocktail pairings—probably best for a date night or special occasion.
  
  

• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar – Cozy, rustic Italian. Think wood-fired pizzas and hearty pasta dishes.
  
  

• Starbucks – Not included in your drink package, but hey—sometimes you just need that caramel macchiato. My husband visited every day and liked that it was super consistent.
  
  

Don’t Miss These Onboard Experiences

We packed in a ton—and here are the things I wouldn’t skip if you’re sailing with your family:

• 🎭 AquaDome Shows – These were next-level. High divers, acrobatics, light and water effects… just spectacular.

• ⛸️ Ice Skating at Absolute Zero – Ice skating at sea? So much fun. They provide everything you need. See pictures of my daughter skating.

• 🌊 Category 6 Waterpark – The largest waterpark at sea! Our kids were obsessed. Slides, splash zones, and even a mini wave pool

• 🛝 Surfside Neighborhood – Designed just for families. There’s a carousel, arcade, splash pad, and kid-friendly dining all in one place,

• 🎢 Crown’s Edge – This one’s for the thrill-seekers. It’s part ropes course, part zipline, and part skywalk—all with crazy views.  Annabelle did this and LOVED it!

• 🎳 The Boardwalk – Climbing walls, arcade games, sports simulators, and more. Plus, food nearby so you can snack while the kids play.  My daughters both did the climbing wall multiple times without long waits.

• 🎤 Main Theater Shows – Don’t overlook these! Broadway-level performances—just make sure to reserve your seats early.

• 🍦 Sprinkles (again) – Yes, it gets a second mention. Ice cream every day. Enough said.

• 🏖️ Hideaway & Thrill Island – While the kids were busy, we loved relaxing in the infinity pool and soaking up the beach-club vibes.

• 🍽️ Splurge on at least one specialty restaurant – We loved Hooked, Chops, and Izumi. But even if you don’t do all three, one nice meal is worth it although the main dining room was really good.

Favorite Paid Activity Onboard

We did the behind-the-scenes kitchen tour, and it was fascinating. Seeing how food is stored, prepped, and served at this scale gave us a whole new appreciation for the staff and the operation.

Least Favorite Excursion? 

Unfortunately, our Swimming with Pigs excursion at CocoCay didn’t live up to the hype. Cute idea—but we wouldn’t do it again.

Favorite Stop on the Itinerary?

St. Maarten was the standout for us. We spent the morning at Maho Beach watching planes land just overhead, and found some amazing spots for bourbon lovers—especially if you're hunting for Blanton’s like I was!

Bottom Line?
Icon of the Seas was unforgettable. It’s not a budget trip, but if you’re looking for a family-friendly cruise with endless things to do, amazing food, and world-class entertainment, it definitely delivered.

Let me know if you want links to any of the TikToks I mentioned or if you have questions about planning your trip!