TPG’s Erica Silverstein recently had the opportunity to experience Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas, on a three-night preview cruise. As a cruise enthusiast and mother, she was eager to see if the ship truly lives up to its claim of being the ultimate family vacation. In this article, I will provide an overview of Silverstein’s first impressions and highlight some key aspects of her experience.
First and foremost, Silverstein found that navigating the massive ship was surprisingly easy. Royal Caribbean has designed their megaships with a neighborhood concept, making it easier for passengers to find their way around. Icon of the Seas follows this same design, with the Royal Promenade serving as the central public space. From there, guests can easily access other areas of the ship, such as Central Park, the main pool area, and the adults-only pool and sun deck.
In terms of entertainment, Royal Caribbean is known for its high-tech shows, and Icon of the Seas does not disappoint. Silverstein had the opportunity to see the ice skating show, “Starburst,” which featured impressive skating routines and next-level juggling. She also previewed some of the AquaTheater shows, which combine acrobatics, diving, dancing, and robots. Silverstein was mesmerized by the choreography and overall production value of these shows.
One notable improvement on Icon of the Seas is the Royal Promenade. Unlike previous Royal Caribbean ships, the Promenade on Icon features multideck-high glass walls, allowing for more natural light and a more inviting atmosphere. The upper level of the Promenade is now a complete circle, making it easier to navigate from the forward to the aft elevator banks. Additionally, the Promenade is home to several popular venues, including The Pearl, a spherical structure with kinetic tiles and colored lighting, and the Dueling Pianos Bar.
When it comes to dining, Icon of the Seas offers a mix of returning favorites and new concepts. Silverstein was particularly impressed with AquaDome Market, a food hall with five different venues serving a variety of cuisines. She enjoyed dishes such as Mediterranean bowls, falafel, and tofu stir-fry. The Pearl Cafe, an elevated version of Cafe Promenade on other ships, also stood out with its delicious sandwiches and grab-and-go options. Other dining venues, such as Surfside Bites and Pier 7, provided tasty options for both kids and adults.
While Silverstein had a positive experience overall, she did find one aspect of the ship to be disappointing. Basecamp, a comfort food specialty dining venue, comes with an additional fee, which Silverstein found to be unnecessary. However, she did enjoy the chicken-waffle bites and other menu items.
In conclusion, Erica Silverstein’s experience on Icon of the Seas was largely positive. The ship’s design, entertainment options, and dining venues all impressed her, and she believes that Royal Caribbean has created the ultimate family vacation with no compromises. While her time on the ship was limited, Silverstein’s first impressions give a glimpse into what guests can expect when sailing on Icon of the Seas.