Living That Suite Life on Icon of The Seas!

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A cruise ship with the name Icon Of The Seas on the ocean.
Fora’s Take

Taking a cruise is always a wonderful experience, but getting to take the inaugural cruise on Royal Caribbean's "Icon of The Seas" in their brand-new Suite Neighborhood was one of the most amazing cruise experiences we've ever had.

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Where to stay on the Icon of The Seas

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Things to do on the Icon of The Seas

 A suite inside cruise.

While there is a ton to do on Icon of The Seas, here are some of the must "sea" neighborhoods.

The Suite Neighborhood

Imagine a private sanctuary within a magnificent ship — that's the Suite Neighborhood on Royal Caribbean's brand new Icon of the Seas. It's like having your own "ship within a ship," with exclusive amenities just steps from your luxurious suite.

Our adventure began in the stunning Accessible Junior Suite. Marble bathrooms, plush linens and a modern design set the scene for pure indulgence. The spacious living area and oversized balcony, complete with a large table, were perfect for al fresco dining looking out across the ocean or taking in the views from our latest port of call.

Whenever we craved a little more room to unwind, The Grove, the private sundeck for suite guests, awaited us one deck above. Picture a haven with a private bar, all-day service of delectable Mediterranean bites, a refreshing soaking pool and a soothing hot tub — all reserved exclusively for suite guests. With The Grove spreading luxuriously across two decks, finding a comfortable chaise lounge or daybed was effortless. Let's just say, indulging in a few naps — or maybe four! — in this serene paradise was pure bliss.

Finally, the best part of the suite neighborhood has to be Coastal Kitchen, the exquisite restaurant reserved exclusively for suite guests.

Imagine indulging in a leisurely breakfast, a sophisticated lunch or a decadent dinner — all within the refined ambience of Coastal Kitchen. But the culinary journey doesn't stop there. Throughout the day, tantalizing small plates await, perfect for a light bite or an afternoon indulgence.

This haven of luxury spans majestically across two decks, offering a serene escape from the lively bustle of the ship. Coastal Kitchen masterfully blends the intimacy of a lounge and bar with the elegance of a fine-dining restaurant. Here, amidst stunning décor, you'll be pampered by some of the most dedicated and attentive staff in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

The Aqua Dome Neighborhood

Calling all adrenaline junkies and theater aficionados! Get ready to be blown away by the revolutionary AquaDome on Icon of the Seas. Forget the open-air Aqua Theaters of the Oasis Class – the AquaDome takes entertainment to a whole new level, literally and figuratively.

Imagine a colossal, state-of-the-art dome, the largest steel and glass structure ever seen at sea, encasing a world of aquatic awe. Inside, cutting-edge sound and lighting systems transform every splash and leap into a mesmerizing spectacle.

Prepare to be captivated by the headline act, "Aqua Action." Witness death-defying acrobatics unfold right before your eyes. Hold your breath as performers defy gravity, soaring from dizzying heights and executing breathtaking aerial maneuvers. This isn't just a show; it's an experience that will leave you speechless and begging for more!

Thrill Island

Are you ready to unleash your inner own daredevil on the high seas? Then set course for Thrill Island, the heart-pounding epicenter of adventure aboard Icon of the Seas. Located at the aft of the ship, it's your gateway to adrenaline-pumping fun for the whole crew.

Dominating the island is Category 6, the undisputed champion of water parks at sea! Six exhilarating water slides promise to send shivers down your spine and laughter erupting from your lungs. Amongst these aquatic champions is the revolutionary Hurricane Hunter — the world's first family raft ride! Prepare for twists, turns and soaking surprises as you and your loved ones navigate this epic adventure together.

Craving a different kind of wave? Test your surfing skills — or lack thereof! — on the legendary FlowRider. Whether you're a seasoned shredder or a wipeout waiting to happen, the FlowRider offers endless thrills for all skill levels.

But wait, there's more! If conquering the ocean from a watery perspective doesn't ignite your fire, then prepare to conquer it from above. The Crown's Edge awaits: a heart-stopping experience that will challenge your courage and leave you breathless. Imagine yourself walking hundreds of feet in the air, feeling the wind whip through your hair and gazing down at the vast expanse of the ocean — all before taking a daring "plank walk" with the ocean miles below.

Thrill Island isn't just a water park — it's a playground for the fearless. So come, test your limits, create unforgettable memories and discover a whole new level of excitement on Icon of the Seas!

Day trips on the Icon of The Seas

Escape to Grown-Up Paradise: Unveiling Hideaway Beach at CocoCay

Get ready to ditch the pool noodles and dive into grown-up fun! One of the biggest perks of sailing Icon of the Seas? Frequent visits to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, with its brand new adults-only oasis: Hideaway Beach.

We were lucky enough to be among the very first guests to experience this slice of paradise. Sure, Hideaway Beach is an extra charge, but for those seeking a luxurious respite from the usual family fun, it's pure bliss.

Channel Your Inner Ibiza

Calling all party people! Feel the Caribbean beat pulsate through your veins as you dive into the massive pool at Hideaway Beach. This isn't your average pool; it's a party central, complete with a swim-up bar and a live DJ spinning your favorite dance, house and electric tunes. Get ready to unleash your inner Ibiza vibe and dance the day away!

Tranquility with a Twist

Craving a dose of relaxation? No problem! Hideaway Beach caters to all moods. Ditch the music and grab a luxurious sun lounger by the tranquil bay. The gentle turquoise waves lapping at the shore will lull you into a state of pure bliss.

Our Favorite Oasis: On The Rocks Bar

But wait, there's more! Our personal favorite spot at Hideaway Beach was the On The Rocks bar. Nestled at the far end of the beach, it's a haven of serenity with stunning live music and a cocktail menu that will tantalize your taste buds. Think handcrafted masterpieces designed to transport you to paradise.

So, are you ready to trade in the water toys for sophisticated vibes? Hideaway Beach at CocoCay, with its perfect blend of party energy and tranquil escapes, is waiting to make your next cruise unforgettable.

Places to eat & drink on the Icon of The Seas

Sushi on a tray that reads "Izumi."

Icon of The Seas boast over 20 different dining venues, with so many to chose from it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few of our favorites:

Breakfast

Forget breakfast — the Pearl Cafe is where our day truly began on Icon of the Seas. Imagine this: you snag a steaming cappuccino, the rich aroma filling your senses, and head towards a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Not just any windows — these colossal panes stretch impossibly high, revealing a breathtaking panorama of the endless ocean. As you sip your coffee and watch the world drift by, a sense of tranquility washes over you, the perfect prelude to a day of adventure.

But that's not all the Pearl Cafe offers. Turn around, and you're greeted by a sight that will leave you speechless. Towering majestically across the way is The Pearl, the heart and soul of Icon of the Seas. This isn't just any structure — it's a 46-foot-tall, 175-ton behemoth crafted from gleaming steel. It's more than an art piece; it's an immersive experience, a breathtaking marvel of engineering that will steal your breath away. And let's be honest, it's the ultimate selfie backdrop to make your friends back home green with envy. So ditch the "pre-breakfast" label — the Pearl Cafe is the place to start your day on Icon of the Seas, setting the stage for a voyage filled with wonder and unforgettable moments.

Lunch/Brunch

Ditch the early bird routine and dive into a delicious adventure at the AquaDome Market, our favorite new hangout on Icon of the Seas! Forget the limitations of a traditional brunch spot. Here, late risers reign supreme.

Feeling fancy? Head to Creme de la Crepe for a fresh masterpiece — imagine a warm crepe cradling the perfect combination of sliced bananas and rich chocolate hazelnut spread — our favorite by the way. Drool-worthy, right?

Craving something more savory? GNGR has your back with their Asian-inspired bites, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

In the mood for a taste of the Mediterranean? Feta Mediterranean awaits, offering a delightful spread of flavorful dishes.

Calling all cheese lovers! MACS beckons with its symphony of cheesy goodness, ready to satisfy your deepest cravings. We had a lovely helping of the amazing bacon mac 'n' cheese, yummy!

And for those who prefer a lighter option, Toast and Garden offers a selection of fresh sandwiches and crisp salads.

The best part? This culinary playground is all included in your cruise fare, so indulge away!

Dinner

We have a sacred cruise tradition: indulging in phenomenal sushi. Icon of the Seas, with its incredible offerings, was no exception. But here, Izumi, a Royal Caribbean staple, took things to a whole new level.

In a rush to catch the nighttime fun? Izumi in the Park offers a genius solution: express sushi! Picture this: a walk-up window — yes, you read that right! — where you can grab a delectable bento box. Enjoy it amidst the beauty of the reimagined Central Park, or take it poolside for a refreshing ocean-view lunch.

Craving a more immersive experience? Step inside the newly remodeled Izumi restaurant. Prepare to be dazzled! This expansive space is double the size of the familiar Izumi, a true paradise for Loyal to Royal members.

Imagine five sizzling hibachi stations, each a culinary theater. Watch the chefs work their magic with awe-inspiring skill. For the sushi purists, a stunning sushi bar offers front-row seats to the artistry of the sushi masters. And for those seeking a tranquil dining experience, a beautifully adorned area awaits.

Izumi's delights extend far beyond the raw. Don't miss the pillowy-soft dumplings — a tastebud explosion! And if you're feeling truly decadent, the creamy lobster roll is an absolute must-try.

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on cruise travel. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Marilyn Fay's guide, Beginner's Guide to Planning a Large Family Disney Cruise Vacation.