Icon of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships and the first of her class. The ship boasts a ton of new features including some “first at sea” experiences such as the first swim-up bar in the fleet, the biggest waterpark at sea and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Royal Caribbean has been busy reimagining new features while keeping some of the fan favorites. Royal Caribbean’s goal with its first Icon Class ship was “redefining adventure and setting a new bar for extraordinary.” I think they have definitely succeeded in setting that bar!

There are so many new features of the Icon of the Seas, I wanted to mention them in one article to show why you’ll want to sail this massive ship.

Icon of the Seas Fun Facts:

• 250,800 GRT
• 1197 ft
• 20 Decks
• 2,805 Staterooms
• 7,600 Max Guest Capacity
• Powered by LNG
• 7 Pools and 9 Whirlpools
• 6 All New Record-Breaking Slides
• 1st of her class!

Icon of the Seas Ports:

Icon of the Seas will begin sailing from Miami with a mix of 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day and 7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day itineraries. Each itinerary will include a stop at Perfect Day, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Royal Caribbean’s private island and all its incredible inclusions.

Eastern Caribbean sailings include 3 options:

• Miami, Florida
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
• Miami, Florida

• Miami, Florida
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Labadee, Haiti
• Miami, Florida

• Miami, Florida
• Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
• Miami, Florida

Western Caribbean sailings include:

• Miami, Florida
• Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
• Roatan, Honduras
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
• Miami, Florida

Icon of the seas will have 8 Neighborhoods to keep sailors soaking up the sun and partying the night away.

Icon of the Seas 8 Neighborhoods: 

Thrill Island – You won’t want to miss all the adventures at Thrill Island like Category 6 Waterpark which boasts six record-breaking slides, and the not for the faint of heart, Crown’s Edge. You’ll also find revamped favorites like the new rock climbing experience called Adrenaline Peak, a new mini golf course, the popular FlowRider, and more.

• Category 6 waterpark is the largest waterpark at sea featuring the longest, tallest, and fastest slides. Frightening Bolt is the tallest drop waterslide at sea and the Pressure Drop is the first open free-fall slide at sea. There are height requirements with a range from 48 to 52 inches depending on the slide or ride, so make sure you’re aware before sailing. No one wants disappointed kids!
• Lost Dunes is the new mini golf course with nine holes allowing cruisers to play through shipwrecks, plane crashes and fallen palms.
• Crown’s Edge is a challenge that’s part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill-ride along the ship’s Crown & Anchor. There is a section where the floor collapses and you’re hanging over the open ocean!
• Adrenaline Peak boasts the highest vantage point yet and 5 racing lanes allowing climbers to choose their difficulty level and challenge a friend to the top.

Surfside – This family-friendly neighborhood was built on the concept of allowing families to play, eat and drink together. Find Splashaway Bay Aquapark, Baby Bay, and the new Water’s Edge Pool to splash the day away. For parents who want to relax with the kids, the new Water’s Edge pool features in-water loungers and islands dotting the pool.

The area is also home to reimagined classics such as the arcade, carousel, and more. The arcade boasts retro and modern games including air hockey, skee-ball, claw machines, pinball and other fun games. Playscape offers sensory experiences for toddlers as well as physical play options for older kids. Plus the beach-themed carousel is fun for all ages and was inspired by pool floaties!

You’ll also find Adventure Ocean close by so little ones can roam whimsical rooms, find climbable creations to explore and enjoy the interactive tinker time at Workshop.  There is also dedicated programs for babies and younger kids at AO Babies and AO Juniors. However, it’s not all for little kids. Teens get their own exclusive space to hang out, Social020. Here they’ll find music, movies, the latest gaming consoles, and comfortable places to relax with new friends. My kids have always found new friends while cruising, so I highly encourage you to take advantage of these programs.

Looking to dine? Find fruit-forward drinks for kids and adults at The Lemon Post, plus a casual buffet and lunch options at Surfside Eatery and Surfside Bites.

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Cruises are a great way to vacation.  Board the ship, unpack and sail off to new destinations without the headache of changing hotels. If you’re a first-time cruiser or have never sailed with Royal Caribbean, there are countless little known Royal Caribbean cruise line secrets to help you make the most out of your next cruise.

Before we dive into the secrets of cruising, it’s important to pick the right destination & ship.  Everyone’s tastes and every family has different needs. Before booking your cruise, choose the best destination and ship for your family.  Are you looking to hit the beach on a Caribbean island?  See the glaciers in Alaska? What places are you most interested in seeing and plan your trip accordingly.

Also, determine the amenities you want on the ship. Would the kids love the chance to ice skate?  Do you prefer a smaller or larger vessel?  Want to experience the world’s largest cruise ship? Each cruise ship class is different, so take a look at what is offered before you book.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Secrets:

1. Complete online check-in

Check-in online for your cruise before you sail.  Check-in will open about 45 days before your sailing. You can check-in online or via the app. Royal Caribbean requires you to check-in no later than 3 days prior to sailing.  This helps keep the line moving on embarkation day.  Don’t forget to complete the health status form before sailing. It will become available the day prior to your cruise. If you don’t check-in online or complete the health status form, you’ll be required to do so at the port.

2. Purchase shore excursions in advance

You can purchase shore excursions online prior to your cruise.  Popular excursions sell out early and you don’t want to be disappointed!  If you didn’t book your spot, a limited amount of excursions are still reserved for on board booking so schedule those as soon as you board the ship. You can also schedule excursions through third parties such as Viator. Just ensure you leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship. The ship doesn’t wait for you if you’re not on a ship sponsored excursion.

See my 5 tips for selecting shore excursions for help determining which excursions are right for you.

3. Reserve specialty dining in advance

Reserve your table at one of the many specialty restaurants before you sail.  Purchase dining package in advance to save big.  Please note these offers can vary by cruise length and ship and you CAN’T make reservations in advance if you have select dining packages. Once onboard, you’ll be able to make reservations if you purchased a dining package.

If you purchase an Unlimited Dining Package through our mobile app or the My Royal Cruise, you can make specific dining reservations for your entire cruise directly in the app or online before you board.

For other dining packages purchased through the My Royal Cruise on our website or via our call center, you will receive the reservation confirmation in your stateroom on Day 1 of your cruise. To modify your dinner reservations, you can simply visit or call one of the hospitality desks at any specialty restaurant.

Kids 5 and under eat free under the special kids menu at specialty restaurants. Kids 6-12 can dine at the specialty restaurants for just $12.99 and order off a children’s menu. You can also add kids 12 and under to your dining package and the cost per child is reduced to $10.99.  The special kids price will be adjusted and shown on your final bill. See more info here.

You can also see the main dining room menu’s for the week in the app, then pick your day to dine in a specialty restaurant accordingly. The menu’s are subject to change but should be 95% accurate.

Don’t pay full price for your package or single dining reservation. Watch for sales on packages!! You’ll likely find an offer about 2-3 months before sailing, but the best sales can vary so check back frequently, if not daily, as your cruise gets closer. You can cancel and rebook for a cheaper rate. On Board Credit will automatically be refunded to your account and credit card refunds usually process within a few days.

Specialty Restaurant Cancellations can be made in Cruise Planner at least 4 days prior to boarding will be refunded in full to the credit card used for payment. Within 4 days of boarding, cancellations must be made on board after departure and will be credited to your shipboard account. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged a minimum of $10 USD.

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Are you planning a cruise?  There is a plethora of cruise money saving tips to help you save money during your next vacation on the high seas.  Some of these tips are specifically for Royal Caribbean, but most will work for all cruise lines.

Cruises can be an affordable travel option – if you avoid being nickel-and-dimed at every turn, once your on board.  Follow these Caribbean cruise money saving tips & tricks to stay on budget.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Money Saving Tips

Booking Tips:

:: Book last minute –  Booking last minute cruises can save you a ton of money.  If you’re flexible with your schedule & room type this is a great way to cruise for less.  Look for cruises going out within the next few weeks.  Cruise lines don’t want to sail with empty staterooms, so you can usually find a good deal.  Payment will be due immediately for last minute bookings,  so keep that in mind.

Booking these types of cruises are most economical if you’re within driving distance to the port or you’ve confirmed that you can get inexpensive airfare prior to booking.

:: Book early – Conversely, you can find good deals if you book 6 – 9 months prior to sailing.   If you know when you want to cruise or have a specific room type and location you want, it’s best to book early. Sometimes early bookings come with incentives on room rates or even airfare.

If you are planning an Alaska cruise, premium rooms fill up quickly, particularly those with a view or balcony.  The sea and land tours can fill up a year in advance.  Always plan for these types of cruises well ahead of time.

:: Book cruises 2-3 months prior to sailing –  Royal Caribbean requires final payment 75 days prior to the sailing date for 1-4 night cruise vacations, 90 days prior to the sailing date for 5-night or longer cruise vacations.  If you looked at a cruise but found it to be above your budget, check back on these dates to possibly get a better rate.  People cancel or simply don’t make final payment.  Cruise lines want to fill these rooms, so you may be able to take advantage of cancellations.

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