Sneak preview of Icon of the Seas: Photos of Royal Caribbean's newest ship
Royal Caribbean’s much-awaited Icon of the Seas — the new titleholder of world’s largest cruise ship — arrived in Miami on Wednesday in advance of its first sailings with paying passengers, and The Points Guy was one of the first media outlets allowed on board to see it. Although contractors were still putting the finishing touches on multiple areas of the vessel, much of it is ready for guests.
TPG was able to explore the ship’s five new neighborhoods — such as the young family-focused Surfside and the glass-domed AquaDome — and try some of the new onboard eateries. We even got to meet Rover, the ship’s resident chief dog officer.
We’ll give you a more in-depth report once we board the ship in just over a week for a three-night preview cruise. But here, to whet your appetite for the most-talked-about ship of the year, are photos of the public spaces and a few suites on Icon of the Seas.
Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade remains the Main Street of the ship, as it is on previous Royal Caribbean ships. But on Icon, it feels much more spacious, light-filled and airy thanks to walls of glass windows on both sides of the ship and the removal of cabins overlooking the thoroughfare. The main focal point is The Pearl, a walk-through sphere that is actually the structural support holding up the ship since the glass walls are located where most ships have a structural steel frame.
The Pearl Cafe replaces Cafe Promenade as the all-day, all-night grab-n-go snack spot and coffee shop. You’ll find a higher quality of snack here than you might be used to on other ships. We predict this is going to be a key hangout and meeting spot for guests.
We're told the whale sculpture above the seating area is sized to scale!
Sorrento’s complimentary pizza makes a return on Icon of the Seas.
Giovanni’s has moved from Central Park to the Royal Promenade. The effect is that the restaurant will have a more bustling and energetic feel than quiet date spot.
Boleros returns for late-night Latin dance parties.
Dueling Pianos is a new bar-with-entertainment venue on the Promenade.
You can be the star at Spotlight Karaoke, a dedicated venue for guest entertainment.
But don’t worry, the fan-favorite Schooner Bar is still here, now with the new craft cocktail menu Royal Caribbean introduced in 2023.
The Point & Feather is Icon’s incarnation of the promenade pub. Its facade is open rather than closed off, with indoor and outdoor seating like the pubs on other ships.
Royal Caribbean partnered with master mixologists to create many of the drink menus on the ship. You can find some of their craft cocktail creations at the indoor-outdoor 1400 Lobby Bar.
Royal Caribbean is known for its fun art, and we giggled at this statue of a dog marking his territory on a lamppost.
But the real hero of the ship is Rover, the chief dog officer who will be a permanent resident on Icon of the Seas. She’s here for the fun and to make the crew smile when they’re far from home, but she’ll greet guests, too, when she’s in the mood.
The three-level main dining room, with its stunning chandelier, is located aft of the Royal Promenade on decks 3,4 and 5. Instead of the typical two set seating times, Icon will offer guests a choice of five, as well as flexible My Time Dining.
Also on the lower decks are the Casino Royale, Music Hall nightclub and the main theater.
Surfside
Surfside is the new family-focused neighborhood on Icon of the Seas. Its mascot appears to be a larger-than-life pink flamingo.
The area is intended to create a no-compromises family vacation experience where parents can enjoy a resort-style pool, elevated casual dining and creative cocktails at the same time as their kids can splash in water-play areas, ride a carousel and explore climbing structures.
Surfside is home to Splashaway Bay, found on the pool deck of other Royal Caribbean ships.
Restaurants include the Surfside Eatery buffet, where everyone can enjoy an easy meal, and Pier 7, an extra-fee (if you’re over 12, that is) California-style restaurant, which also serves breakfast all day.
Grab-and-go kid food is available from Surfside Bites, and an ice cream cone from Sprinkles.
The Lemon Post serves matching cocktails and mocktails so everyone in your family can quench their thirst.
Central Park
Central Park is as green and serene as on the Oasis Class ships, with a few venue swaps.
Izumi Sushi and Teppanyaki is now located here, with a new Izumi to Go quick-service window.
Lou’s Jazz 'n Blues brings a bit more energy to the space with live music. Fun tip: Look for the top of The Pearl peeking out between Lou’s and Izumi.
The Empire Supper Club is an intimate dining venue starring an eight-course meal and live entertainment.
AquaDome
Icon of the Seas has a unique beluga whale-style silhouette thanks to the rounded glass dome at the top forward section of the ship.
The AquaDome is a neighborhood all its own, centered around an enhanced AquaTheater with even more high-tech elements than on the Oasis Class ships.
Circling the pool-theater are the Hooked Seafood Restaurant, Oasis Bling logo jewelry store (coming soon: a Crown & Anchor throne just begging for photos) and the Rye & Bean coffee bar.
Our favorite area is The Overlook, a bar with fun lounge seating with views for miles out the wall of windows that make up the dome.
Don’t miss the AquaDome Market, a five-stand food hall serving sweet and savory crepes, macaroni and cheese, Asian favorites, Mediterranean dishes and sandwiches.
Thrill Island
Category 6 is the largest water park ever found on a cruise ship, and it’s located in the aptly named Thrill Island neighborhood.
You'll find six waterslides, including a drop slide.
Also in this neighborhood is the Crown’s Edge ropes course that will test the limits of your courage, the rock-climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator and a ship- and plane-wreck-themed minigolf course.
If all that racing adrenaline leaves you hungry, grab comfort food at Basecamp. The pretzels, hot dogs and tater tots are free, but you’ll pay extra for chicken and waffle bites and Wisconsin-style cheese curds.
Or amp your energy up even further with a massive sugar rush at Desserted, a milkshake bar serving towering ice cream drinks topped with cookies and brownies (with or without a shot of alcohol).
Chill Island
The three-deck-high Chill Island is Icon’s version of a lido or pool deck.
Deck 15 is swimming central with Royal Bay — the biggest pool in the fleet — and the Cove Pool, nestled up against the side of the ship for sea views.
El Loco Fresh serves up complimentary tacos and quesadillas, and the Lime and the Coconut (you’ll find one on each of Chill Island’s decks) quenches your thirst with cool and refreshing cocktails. The Sprinkles soft-serve ice cream station is a returning staple.
Colorful seating and play areas call to adults and kids alike.
You’ll find Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar on a cruise ship, on Deck 16. The Cloud 17 pool and hot tub are, of course, on Deck 17.
The Hideaway
Icon of the Seas’ iconic back-of-ship cantilevered pool will be reserved for adults 18 and over. It will have a beach club vibe with a DJ, hot tubs, bar and lounge space. (Unfortunately, crew members were conducting water safety training when I went to photograph the space.)
Pro tip: The Hideaway is on Deck 15 but you need to access it from above since it backs up to the Windjammer buffet.
Suite neighborhood
Royal Caribbean has been on a journey to create a cohesive suite area over the past few new-builds, and the idea has finally come together on Icon of the Seas. The multideck suite neighborhood on decks 16 through 19 creates a ship-within-a-ship experience with everything upscale travelers will need.
Coastal Kitchen, the suites-only restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, is now two decks high with huge windows overlooking the AquaDome. Though the venue is the highest guest-rated restaurant across the fleet, Royal Caribbean still chose to take the menu up yet another notch. The dinner menu will now feature lobster in some form every single day.
The Grove is the name for both the quick-service alfresco Mediterranean restaurant on Deck 18 and the suite-exclusive sun deck on decks 18 and 19. It’s the biggest suite sun deck in the fleet and features a bar, hot tub and pool.
Most of the cabins on board were closed to visitors but we did get to see three suites.
The Owner's Suite is 658 square feet with a 190-square-foot balcony.
The Icon Loft Suite is a two-deck-high suite with a living area below and a master bedroom upstairs.
The Royal Loft Suite is the fanciest suite on board (if you don't count the huge but family-friendly Ultimate Town House). It's got two floors, two bedrooms and multiple living spaces, and can sleep up to six people.
Spa
The Vitality Spa mostly has the soothing, neutral-colored look popular across the cruise industry. However, the To Dry For salon rocks a sassy vibe with pops of hot pink and graffiti-style wall art.
The thermal suite offers saunas, aromatherapy showers and heated loungers.
Two couples massage rooms and a new Quartz bed are just some of the amenities you’ll find in the spa.
The spa also features the Vitality Cafe, a smoothie and juice bar.
The fitness center is not adjacent to the spa but on Deck 6 past the Royal Promenade.
Adventure Ocean
The kids areas of the ship are conveniently located close to Surfside. Go down the stairs toward the Royal Promenade but take an immediate U-turn. Adventure Ocean is divided into play spaces for babies and tots, preschoolers and school-age kids. There’s even a theater space.
Across from Adventure Ocean are Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade, teen club Social020 and the Absolute Zero ice skating rink. Unfortunately, the ship was hosting private functions in that area and they were inaccessible to visitors.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.