caribbean of the sea cruise

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort lauderdale (port everglades), florida.

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Free quotes. Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Royal Caribbean: 60% OFF 2nd Guest and Kids Free*

Royal Caribbean Bahamas cruises from $243*

Royal Caribbean Eastern Caribbean cruise from $261*

29 Ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet

Ship:  .

• Destinations
• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Symphony Of The Seas Overview

Get ready for the world’s largest and boldest ship ever!  Symphony of the Seas is a game-changer in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class with ripple effects in the cruise industry. Once onboard, venture into the Ultimate Abyss – world’s tallest slide at sea - for a thrill of a lifetime as you prepare to scale every height on the dual 43-foot rock-climbing walls. For a more adventurous experience, zip line nine decks in the air above Symphony of the Seas . Now how’s that for a cruise vacation?!? Accommodations range from Royal Suite Class and Family Suites to Balcony, Oceanview and Interior Staterooms. With 20 dining options ranging from quality, hand-cut steaks at Royal Caribbean's Chops Grille to Japanese grill specialties and a new teppanyaki menu at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, your gourmet, globetrotting cravings will be satisfied. Give us a call today on 1-800-377-9383 to learn more about Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas !

• Passenger Capacity: 5,518 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2018
• Last Refurbished:  2023

• Royal Suite Class Enjoy an exclusive full-service Suite Sun Zone sun deck, private lounge with ocean views and the Coastal Kitchen restaurant offering fresh cuisine that fuses Mediterranean influences with “California cool”. This ultimate luxury haven also includes complimentary beverage packages, VOOM high speed internet access, specialty dining and gratuities.  

• Rest and Relaxation Stop by the ‘Vitality at Sea Spa’ to soothe your mind, body and soul or join the yoga and tai chi classes in the state-of-the-art fitness center. You can also stroll by the Central Park outdoor garden or visit the adults-only retreat featuring 5 pools and a Solarium.  

• Onboard Activities Brave it out in the Ultimate Abyss with a speed of nine miles per hour as you twist and turn in a serpentine-like path. This multi-sensory thrill features spontaneous audio effects and a glass platform to look down at the 100-foot drop as you prepare for your adrenaline-pumping escapade.  

Inside Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas: An Infographic

Click for Full-Size Infographic

Embed this image on your site! Simply copy and paste the code below into your website:

Ultimate Abyss on Symphony of the Seas: An Infographic from Royal Caribbean

Ultimate Abyss infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Symphony Of The Seas Cruise Destinations

With cruises to 72 countries on six continents, you can sail just about anywhere in the world with Royal Caribbean. This contemporary, innovative line offers unique and exciting itineraries that are designed to wow. They offer sailings that range from a tropical paradise to a thrilling tundra. Destinations include, but are not limited to: Alaska, Australia, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Panama Canal and South America. 

A truly blissful vacation filled with beaches, Bahamian customs, and sunshine awaits you on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Eastern Caribbean

Explore the islands or get up close and personal with some intriguing wildlife when you cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Repositioning

Repositioning means getting the best of two continents on your cruise.

Western Caribbean

Jamaican waterfalls, intriguing cultures, and cave tubing—cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Symphony Of The Seas Departure Ports

Royal Caribbean not only builds their ships to have a wow factor, but they also make their itineraries just as appealing.  Royal has ships stationed across the U.S. and in several international ports to give their passengers lots of opportunity to get to a cruise quickly and easily. You can cruise from Miami to Seattle or Perth to Rotterdam, there’s a departure port for you. Find out more about Royal Caribbean’s itineraries and ships when you contact a qualified consultant at The Cruise Web. 

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Cape Liberty, which is just miles from New York City, offers incredible views of the city skyline and easy access to many cruise destinations, along with everything NYC has to offer.

Symphony Of The Seas Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, deck fourteen, deck fifteen, deck sixteen, deck seventeen, deck eighteen, symphony of the seas staterooms.

Balcony (1C)

Balcony (2c).

Balcony (2D)

Balcony (3d), balcony (4d), balcony (5d), balcony (cb), balcony (nq), balcony (xi), balcony (xq).

Balcony (1I)

Balcony (2i).

Balcony (1J)

Balcony (2j).

Balcony (XN)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, boardwalk view balcony, sitting area, and a private bathroom.

Balcony (4I)

Balcony (1d).

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony.

Balcony (7D)

Balcony (xb).

Balcony (6D)

Balcony (8d).

Balcony (1A)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Sofa converts to double, two Pullman beds, private bathroom and sitting area.

Inside (1V)

Inside (2v), inside (3v), inside (4v), inside (zq).

Inside (4U)

Inside (ci).

A high-definition screen that spans nearly floor to ceiling, providing real-time views of the ocean and destinations. Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private bathroom and sitting area with sofa.

Inside (2W)

Full size bed and full bathroom. Enjoy Virtual Views of real-time scenery via your flat-screen television. Single occupancy stateroom, no single supplement required. Can sleep up to 1.

Inside (1S)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, boardwalk view, sitting area, and a private bathroom.

Inside (2S)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, Central Park view, sitting area, and a private bathroom. Up to 4 guests

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private bathroom and sitting area.

Inside (6V)

Inside (zi).

Inside (1T)

Inside (2t).

Inside (1R)

Oceanview (1N)

Oceanview (2n), oceanview (4n), oceanview (yq).

Oceanview (2O)

Full size bed and full bathroom. Single occupancy stateroom, no single supplement required. Can sleep up to 2.

Oceanview (6N)

Oceanview (yo).

Oceanview (1K)

Bedroom area with two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Full bathroom with tub and two sinks. Living room with sofa that converts to double bed. Private balcony with seating area and private dining. Sleeps up to 4.

Bedroom area with two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Full bathroom with tub. Sitting area with sofa that converts to double bed. Private balcony. Sleeps up to 4.

Bedroom area with two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Full bathroom with tub. Sitting area with sofa. Private balcony. Sleeps up to 4.

Bedroom area with two twin beds that convert to Royal King. One bathroom with tub, large closets, sitting area with table and sofa bed. Private balcony with seating area and private dining

Bedroom area with two twin beds that convert to Royal King. One bathroom with tub, large closets, sitting area with table and sofa bed. Private balcony with seating area and private dining.

Master bedroom has a King size bed with Duxiana Mattress. Second bedroom has two twin beds that convert to Royal King and two Pullman beds. Vanity with chair in each bedroom, living area with double sofa bed, dining room, marble entry, entertainment center. Two bathrooms, master with tub. Expansive balcony with table and chairs

Master bedroom has a King size bed with Duxiana Mattress. Second bedroom has two twin beds that convert to Royal King and two Pullman beds. Vanity with chair in each bedroom, living area with double sofa bed, dining room, marble entry, entertainment center. Two bathrooms, master with tub. Expansive balcony with table and chairs.

The Ultimate Family Suite is two stories of awesome thrills on every level. Like your very own in-suite slide where there’s never a line, a private 3D cinema, an air hockey table, and bumper pool on your balcony. Living Room, dining area with kitchenette, 2 Master bedrooms and balcony with jacuzzi. Up to 8 guests.

Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to Royal King and vanity with chair. Two Pullman beds in second room. Living area with double convertible sofa, marble entry, entertainment center, two bathrooms - master bath with tub. Private balcony with table and chairs.

Two Master bedrooms with King size bed with Duxiana Mattress. Two Master bathrooms with tub. Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to Royal King and two Pullman beds (one with bathroom). Guest bathroom with shower. Balcony with a whirlpool, dining area, and bar. Dining room with dry bar. Living room sofa converts to a double bed. Stateroom can sleep up to 14 guests, must have at least 8 to book

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Private bathroom with tub and two sinks, marble entry, large closets, living area with table and sofa. Private balcony with table and chairs.

Two-decks-high stateroom with panoramic views. Master bedroom and bathroom on second level. Bedroom has a King size bed with Duxiana Mattress. Stairway to second level. Bathrooms with shower for two. Private balcony with dining area. Dining area with dry bar. Living room sofa converts to double bed. Closets on each level.

Two-decks-high stateroom with panoramic views. Master bedroom with Royal King size bed and bath on second level. Bath with shower on main level. Private balcony with chairs, dining area with dry bar, table/desk. Living room sofa converts to double bed.

Two-decks-high stateroom with panoramic views. On second level, master bedroom has a King size bed with Duxiana Mattress; bathroom with tub, shower, two sinks and bidet and a closet. On main level, second bedroom with closet and two twin beds that convert to Royal King; dining area with dry bar, living room with sofa that converts to double bed; bathroom with shower. Private balcony with whirlpool and dining area. Sleeps up to 6 guests.

Photo Gallery for Symphony Of The Seas Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean’s ships are known for eliciting wows from passengers. Get a look at their innovative approach to cruising in this photo gallery that features the FlowRider, AquaTheater and Central Park.

Central Park aboard Symphony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas exterior

Live Park aboard Symphony of the Seas

Royal Loft Suite on Symphony of the Seas

Theater aboard Symphony of the Seas

Ultimate Abyss on Symphony of the Seas

Top 10 Symphony Of The Seas Cruises

Learn more about royal caribbean international.

Accessibility

Learn about accessibility-friendly accommodations made by Royal Caribbean for guests with special needs, dietary restrictions and more.

Savor dining aboard Royal Caribbean, including the Windjammer Café, main dining room and room service. Royal Caribbean also has many specialty restaurants and dining or beverage packages.

Entertainment

Enjoy Royal Caribbean's onboard entertainment, including Broadway at Sea, hi-tech Two70 shows, ice skating shows, AquaTheater Diving Shows, DJs, live music, dancing, parades, pool parties, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Have fun participating in Royal Caribbean's onboard activities, including sky diving and surfing simulators, sports courts, zip lines, rock walls, ice rinks, mini golf, pools, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, duty-free shopping and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Royal Caribbean takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Royal Caribbean's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Royal Caribbean's spa, onboard gym, fitness courses, boxing ring and jogging track. Royal Caribbean's spa has plenty of relaxing treatments like massages, facials and more.

Special Events

Learn about celebrating a special occasion or milestone with Royal Caribbean's special events at sea.

Explore Royal Caribbean's contemporary staterooms, including several classes of suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about Royal Caribbean's family-friendly experience with youth programs for children, including H2O zone, teen-only hangouts and themed experiences

Cruise Type

We make vacation planning easy.

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

Icon of the Seas

Introducing Icon of the Seas

A first-of-its-kind Royal Caribbean Adventure

It's thrills you never dared to imagine

And next-level chill you never dreamed possible

The largest waterpark at sea

Brace yourself for Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking slides. Like the Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide to sail. And the Pressure Drop, the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise.

Category 6 waterpark

6 record-breaking waterslides at sea

A new stay-all-day neighborhood just for families

Discover adventure for the ages — all the ages — at Surfside SM . With a kid-approved sprawling aquapark, a pool just for grownups, plus plenty of bites to fuel up for bolder bonding — your whole crew will never want to leave.

First for families

7 pools for every mood.

Choose a different pool for every day of the week, including Royal Bay — the largest pool at sea. Next-level views are never far away, with an array of infinity edges to keep you connected to the ocean.

The largest pool at sea

What Makes It Iconic

Make the most of every moment onboard. Dial up the daring. Unwind like never before. Bond over new bites 
and toast to next-level nightlife. And catch showstopping spectaculars that will leave you in awe. This is your week to enjoy everything you’ve ever loved about every vacation — all rolled into one.

Perfect day the western way

Icon of the Seas ℠ brings on the most thrilling Western Caribbean adventures for the whole family. From lush tropical jungles in Roatán to Mayan ruins in Cozumel — plus the tallest waterslide in North America at our game-changing private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay — there’s never been more exciting opportunities for bolder bonding.

Eastern adventures to perfect day

Max out memories like never before on 7-night adventures to the Eastern Caribbean onboard Icon of the Seas ℠ . Every sailing on our newest, thrill-packed ship stops at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Voted Best Private Island by Travel Weekly readers, it’s a place unlike any other where you can turn up the thrills or unplug and chill.

Iconic Stays

Make room for awesome

On the new Icon of the Seas℠, where you stay is just as thrilling as how you play. From expansive balconies that invite the sea breeze to our most over-the-top family accommodations — our range of spacious rooms is designed with family comfort in mind.  Use the arrows to explore more.

Family rooms redefined

Finding your crew’s just-right space is easy, with more rooms designed for families.

Family infinite ocean view balcony

Surfside family suites

Over the top just got topped

A family vacation doesn’t get any more VIP than in the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse — a sprawling adventure-filled pad with three levels of incredible surprises.

Ultimate family townhouse

Private patio to surfside

Three incredible levels

Stays with views for days

There’s no shortage of ways to score unbelievable ocean views from your room. With spacious balconies, extended ocean side escapes, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, there’s so much to see at sea.

Spacious Infinite ocean view balcony

Panoramic suites

Sunset corner suites

Sign up here to be among the first to receive the latest news from Royal Caribbean®, including special offers and last-minute cruise deals. And if you change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time.

You're all set

Thank you for signing up to be notified about the latest and greatest from Royal Caribbean.

Explore more

Guide to what's included

Perfect day at Cococay

Making an Icon

+971 4 331 4299

+971 56 414 4777

We know booking a cruise can be a complicated process, so if you need any help or would even like us to fill out your information for you please get in touch. To request a call back from one of our cruise experts, kindly provide us with the details requested bellow and we will get back to you as soon as possible

Please leave this field empty.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ARABIA

• Destinations
• Brochure 23-24

CRUISE FROM BARCELONA & ROME

Oasis of the seas, beyond the first of its class, oasis of the seas® was also the ship that launched a vacation revolution. and now this oasis class favorite will introduce even more new thrills for couples and kids of all ages, upgraded ways to soak up the sun or enjoy the shade, more delicious dining options than ever to elevate date night, and buzzworthy new spots to light up every evening..

A NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN SCENE

Find new thrills on every deck, like the perfect storm℠ waterslides and the tallest slide at sea, ultimate abyss℠. grab bold bites to go at el loco fresh® and the first portside bbq℠, or cheer on your favorite team at playmakers℠ sports bar & arcade. this is the amplified oasis of the seas® — and the adventure has never been bolder..

PLAY IT UP BIG

This isn’t just changing the game. It’s changing how you play. From adrenaline-soaked thrills on The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides to our most drenchworthy Splashaway Bay℠ aquapark yet. Plus a cool new glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff where you’ll battle for control of a mystical frozen city. A space-age puzzler in the latest Royal Escape Room. The tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠. And totally interactive, completely redesigned spaces for babies, kids and teens of all ages.

EVEN MORE ON THE MENU

When the options are this good, there’s no such thing as too many. That’s why we’ve added even more possibilities to our seemingly endless selection of best restaurants — so you can take that family dinner or date night to the next level. Now you can grab crazy good Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh® or game-day favorites at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. See how we put our own spin on a backyard favorite, with pitmastery perfection at the new Portside BBQ℠. And we’ve got you and your sweet tooth covered at Sugar Beach℠.

ADVENTURE FROM DAY TO NIGHT

Rally your special someone and get down all day and all night at over a dozen of our best bars, plus some bold new contenders. Turn up the Caribbean cool with couples’ cocktails poolside at the Lime and Coconut®, or grab a beer at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. Rock out on the dance floor to the best cover bands in the biz at Music Hall. And end the evening on a high note with a duet at the new Spotlight℠ Karaoke.

THIS IS A DAY UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Conquer the tallest waterslide in north america and snap a shot from up to 450 feet up in a helium balloon. grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in the bahamas. or get a taste of bora bora with your own overwater cabana. when you sail from the new york city area out of cape liberty, nj to perfect day at cococay onboard oasis of the seas®, adventure is always on the itinerary..

BRING ON THE THRILLS

If you’re into adrenaline-amping experiences, you’ll find plenty of bucket list worthy thrills to conquer on Perfect Day at CocoCay — from white-knuckle waterslides to the largest wave pool in the Caribbean.

CHILL VIBES ONLY

There’s nothing wrong with lounging the day away on powder white sands, Coco Loco in hand. And on Perfect Day at CocoCay, there are endless ways to indulge in some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

DIG IN TO DELICIOUS

Whether you fill your day with high-energy thrills or lots of laid-back lounging, eventually you’re going to work up an appetite. Fortunately, Perfect Day at CocoCay offers tons of delicious dining options to satisfy all your cravings.

Or Contact our Reservations Team Middle East: +971 4 331 4299 Saudi Arabia Toll Free: 800 897 1419 Email: [email protected]

Two ways to play, rev up your summer on the biggest ship to sail europe — oasis of the seas®. be awestruck by the colosseum in rome one minute, then wander along the sagrada familia in barcelona the next. or, wander the white sand beaches in the bahamas and take flight on a zip line over labadee's coastline..

SAIL TO THE CARIBBEAN

When the temperature drops, you can explore the vibrant shores of the Western Caribbean on a 7 night adventure onboard Oasis of the Seas®. Cruise to Perfect Day at Cococay to conquer the tallest waterslide in North America and grab a drink at the largest freshwater swim up bar in the Bahamas. Make it a romantic escape for two, or bring the whole family along for the thrills.

SAIL TO THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Sail from Rome or Barcelona onboard the wow-worthy Oasis of the Seas® to Western Mediterranean shores. Soak up sun-filled days along Palma de Mallorca’s beautiful beaches. Admire the life-like details of Michelangelo’s David in Florence. And savor authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples. Kickstart your weeklong adventure onboard Oasis of the Seas. If you’re a Crown & Anchor Society member, prepare to be swept away on an epic journey onboard our upcoming weeklong President's cruise.

CALL US NOW

Your browser is outdated and does not support many of the modern features of this website, please click here to update it.

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from California
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Florida
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Anchorage
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Los Angeles
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Miami
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from New York City
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Seward
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Seattle
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Honolulu
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from San Juan
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Vancouver
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from London
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Barcelona
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Venice
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Civitavecchia
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Sydney
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Hong Kong
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Singapore
• Royal Caribbean Cruises from Dubai
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Skagway
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Honolulu
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Barbados
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Curaçao
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Puerto Rico
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to San Juan
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to St Martin / St Maarten
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to St. Kitts and Nevis
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to British Columbia
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Vancouver
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Vancouver Island
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Victoria
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Spain
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Andalucia
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Lazio
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Taormina
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Tuscany
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Florence
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Croatia
• Family Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Oasis of the Seas Deck Plans & Reviews

Oasis of the Seas

Activities & entertainment

• Central Park
• Challengers Arcade *
• CruiseCritic Meet and Mingle
• Dance Classes
• Dance Parties
• Fitness Classes *
• Spotlight Karaoke
• Casino Royale *
• Central Park Library
• Oasis Dunes
• FlowRider (2)
• Whirlpools (4)
• Rock Climbing Wall (2)
• Waterslides (3)
• The Perfect Storm
• Splashaway Bay
• Royal Promenade
• Royal Escape Room
• Running Track
• Scavenger Hunts
• Sports Court
• Sports Tournament
• Vitality Spa *
• Vitality Fitness Center
• Wine Tasting *
• The Ultimate Abyss Slide
• Adventure Ocean
• Teen Spaces
• Conference Center
• Guest Services
• Shore Excursions *
• Diamond Club
• Suite Lounge
• Art Gallery *
• Picture This *
• Retail Shops *
• Next Cruise *
• Royal Theater
• AquaTheater
• Comedy Live
• Deck Parties
• Demonstrations
• Entertainment Place
• Game Broadcasts
• Poolside Movies
• Wellness Lectures
• Main Dining Room - Main
• Izumi - Asian *
• Park Cafe - Cafe
• Starbucks - Coffee Bar *
• Windjammer Marketplace - Buffet
• Cafe Promenade - Pastries
• 150 Central Park - Farm-to-Table *
• Boardwalk Dog House - Fast Food
• Johnny Rockets - Diner *
• Sugar Beach - Candy and Ice Cream *
• Wipeout Bar - FlowRider Bar *
• Trellis Bar - Garden Bar *
• Globe and Atlas Pub - Pub *
• Giovannis Table - Italian *
• Boleros - Latin Bar *
• Schooner Bar - Nautical Bar *
• Rising Tide Bar - Novelty Bar *
• Sorrentos - Pizza
• The Lime and Coconut - Pool Bar *
• Solarium Bar - Pool Bar *
• Solarium Bistro - Bistro
• Chops Grille - Steakhouse *
• Vintages - Wine Bar *
• Bionic Bar - Robotic Bar *
• Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade - Sports Bar *
• Portside BBQ - Barbecue *
• El Loco Fresh - Mexican
• Coastal Kitchen - Suite Restaurant
• Room Service *
• Excellent 120
• Very Good 42
• Terrible 24
• All languages ( 230 )
• English ( 218 )
• Spanish ( 6 )
• Italian ( 2 )

Upcoming itineraries

In Search of America Aboard the Icon of the Seas

Twenty decks, seven swimming pools, and one novelist wearing a meatball T-shirt

In January, the writer Gary Shteyngart spent a week of his life on the inaugural voyage of the Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever. Like many a great novelist before him , he went in search of the “real” America. He left his Russian novels at home, bought some novelty T-shirts, and psychically prepared to be the life of the party. About halfway through, Shteyngart called his editor and begged to be allowed to disembark and fly home. His desperate plea was rejected, resulting in a semi-sarcastic daily log of his misery .

In this episode of Radio Atlantic , Shteyngart discusses his “seven agonizing nights” on the cruise ship, where he roamed from mall to bar to infinity pool trying to make friends. He shares his theories about why cruise lovers nurture an almost spiritual devotion to an experience that, to him, inspires material for a “low-rent White Lotus. ” And he shares what happened when cruise lovers actually read what he wrote about their beloved ship.

Listen to the conversation here:

Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts

The following is a transcript of the episode:

Gary Shteyngart: Hi.

Hanna Rosin: Hi. It’s Hanna.

Shteyngart: Hi, Hanna. How are you?

Rosin: Good.

Rosin: I’m Hanna Rosin. This is Radio Atlantic .

Shteyngart: It’s cloudy here.

Rosin: It is? In a good way? In a way that makes your hair look full and rich?

Shteyngart: Oh, yeah. ( Laughs. ) It does add fullness to my hair, which is always a good thing at this point. I think spring has finally sprung. And I teach in the spring semester, and I’m like, God, I just want this to be over. I just want to go out and play .

Rosin: You teach fiction?

Shteyngart: Yeah. I can’t teach rocket science.

Rosin: ( Laughs. )

Shteyngart: Cruising technology.

Rosin: This is writer Gary Shteyngart.

Rosin: There’s just a Russian stereotype.

Shteyngart: ( Laughs. )

Rosin: I’m like, You could teach astronomy or physics . I don’t know.

Shteyngart: Chess.

Rosin: Chess. Exactly.

Rosin: Gary Shteyngart grew up in the Soviet Union and immigrated to the U.S. when he was 7. He’s written several award-winning novels, and he was a “literary consultant” on Succession , the HBO show.

Mostly, he is known for his satire, which can range from gentle to deadly. So who better to write an article about the inaugural voyage of the largest cruise ship ever built?

Shteyngart: This whole thing came about because I was on Twitter, and I saw a tweet that just showed the—may I use salty language here?

Rosin: Yes.

Shteyngart: The ass of the ship is how I describe it. I don’t know any of these terms, but, you know, with all the water parks and crap on it. And so I reposted the tweet, and I said, If somebody wants to send me on this cruise, please specify the level of sarcasm desired .

Rosin: Really? ( Laughs. )

Shteyngart: And then—God bless The Atlantic —within seconds, I had an assignment.

Rosin: That ass belongs to the Icon of the Seas, a ship that can hold more than 7,000 passengers and 2,000 crew. It has 20 decks with seven swimming pools and six waterslides. The ship itself is about five times bigger than the Titanic. And I’m pretty sure the Titanic did not have a swim-up bar, much less the world’s largest swim-up bar.

In a recent piece for The Atlantic , Gary describes it this way: “The ship makes no sense, vertically or horizontally. It makes no sense on sea, or on land, or in outer space. It looks like a hodgepodge of domes and minarets, tubes and canopies, like Istanbul had it been designed by idiots … This is the biggest cruise ship ever built, and I have been tasked with witnessing its inaugural voyage.”

To prepare for that voyage, Gary wore a meatball T-shirt he found in a store in Little Italy. More specifically, the shirt read: “Daddy’s Little Meatball.”

Shteyngart: You know, I grew up in Queens and, being a spicy meat-a-ball , I thought it was funny. A lot of cruisers were angry. They thought I was being sexual or sexualizing. It’s very interesting because I thought that T-shirt was the bond between a child and his daddy or her daddy.

Rosin: ( Laughs. ) You thought it’d just be a conversation starter.

Shteyngart: I thought it’d be a conversation starter. If they had a “Mommy’s Little Meatball” T-shirt, that would’ve been preferable. I feel much more a mommy’s little meatball. But they only have daddy.

I actually thought, My expectations are low, but I bet I’m going to run into awesome people. And I love to drink and chat, and this is—I guess that’s what you do on a cruise ship. And I knew I was going to have a suite, so I was like, Maybe I’ll throw a suite party .

Shteyngart: Invite some people over . On land, I really am quite sociable. I remember I was just leaving a Columbia—I teach at Columbia—leaving a Columbia party, and somebody was saying, Well, there goes 75 percent of the party .

Rosin: Oh, that’s a compliment.

Shteyngart: It’s a compliment. I’m kind of a party animal. So I was super—I thought, you know, Look, 5,000 people. I’m going to find a soulmate or two .

Rosin: Great writers before Gary have deluded themselves in this way before. Most notably: David Foster Wallace, who ended up spending much of his cruise adventure alone in his cabin. They venture out, looking to swim with some “real Americans.” And instead, they are quickly confronted by the close-up details, like the nightly entertainment—

Shteyngart: There was a kind of packaged weirdness in the shows. Goddamn—the ice-skating tribute to the periodic table. What the hell was that?

Rosin: The food—

Shteyngart: It did not have the consistency of steak. It was like some kind of pleathery, weird—like this poor cow had been slapped around before it died.

Rosin: And the physical touch of an actual “real American.”

Shteyngart: He’d throw his arms around them drunkenly, and they’d be like, Ehh .

First of all, I just want to say, Royal Caribbean—the people that run it are geniuses. The CEO’s name is—I’m not making this up—Jason Liberty.

Shteyngart: His name is Liberty! I mean, I don’t know. What the hell? Like, exactly, if I was to write a novel character with, you know, Jason Liberty , people would be like, Oh, he’s being pretentious . But no. That’s his actual name.

I think they know the tastes of their clientele so well and are able to mirror it back to them, but also to give them this feeling that they’re awesome for doing something like this. One of my favorite slogans—you get all this literature— This isn’t a vacation day spent. It’s bragging rights earned .

Rosin: Mmm. It’s velvet ropey, like you’re in a club.

Shteyngart: It’s a velvet ropey situation. You are an adventurer. You’ve earned this. You have bragging rights. But when you enter the ship, you’re in a mall. And the mall is large and multileveled, and you can buy a Rolex at three times what it would cost on land and all this other crap.

And then there’s all these neighborhoods, and you can do whatever the hell you want. You can get trashed or have sex, which, whatever—I mean with your spouse, although there were some swingers on board. But you could do whatever you want in a way that you can’t on land, in a way, I think, because so many of these people are just working their asses off.

Rosin: Right.

Shteyngart: That was a topic of conversation that came up. People were like, Yeah, I work 90 hours a week, and this is my chance to just, you know, be blotto .

Rosin: You’re hinting at this. Part of being on a ship is being inducted into the language and the levels of the ship, and can you walk us through that? You mentioned, for example: You walk in, you’re in a mall. But I bet, eventually, you start to see more. What are the neighborhoods? You said the word neighborhoods . What does that even mean? And what are the distinctions?

Shteyngart: I think this ship and other Royal Caribbean ships of this size—although this is the biggest—try to create this idea of a city, like you’re in a city that happens to be at sea.

One of the funniest neighborhoods is called Central Park, which is literally another mall but with a couple of shrubs growing out here and there. I thought that was really funny—also, using a New York City landmark in one of the least New Yorkiest milieus in the world.

Rosin: I guess it just has to be terms—a word—people recognize. And people vaguely recognize it. They don’t need to know about Olmsted or live in Brooklyn.

Shteyngart: ( Laughs. ) No, no.

Rosin: They just vaguely recognize Central Park.

Shteyngart: It’d be funny if I asked—boy, would I get a lot of flak if I came up to a cruiser and be like, I don’t think this really matches Olmsted’s vision of Central Park. I don’t know. Meatball not happy . Maybe I should have used a Russian accent. Like, Hello. I am Meatball .

Rosin: Meatball not happy .

Shteyngart: Meatball not happy with Olmsted . So there’s that. There’s Surfside, which is a very funny kind of Disneyland for kids with—

Rosin: And are you walking—like, I still don’t get it. So you go in, and how big is a neighborhood? And then how do you get to the next neighborhood?

Shteyngart: Right, so everything’s on decks, so you take these elevators. I think I spent half the cruise on elevators just going from one place to another.

Rosin: Yeah.

Shteyngart: But I thought I would be in the Suites neighborhood. Because this whole thing—and Royal Caribbean is also brilliant at this. These people—really, a Nobel Prize in Economics. It’s a constant scramble. You constantly want a higher status, especially if you’ve been cruising forever. You want to reach Pinnacle status, which you have to do after 700 days (or nights, rather) on the ship, which is two years, right? Almost.

Rosin: Wow. And so what does that get you?

Shteyngart: So the Pinnacles have their own—I mean, there’s some priority things they get. Like, I was not allowed to go into one dining room at one point, and the guy—I didn’t know what Pinnacle was, so I thought the guy was saying, It’s just pendejo dining . He had a thick accent. I was like, I’m wearing a meatball T-shirt. I am the essence of pendejo . And he was like, No, no, pendejos only . But he was trying to say Pinnacles, I guess. So that kind of stuff.

They have their own little lounge, which I wasn’t allowed into. And some of the other cruisers who are not Pinnacles but have somehow gotten into the lounge, they’re very angry about being denied. And they’re like, There’s nothing in there. There’s just a coffee machine in there .

But the other thing is the suite status, which I had because by the time The Atlantic commissioned this piece, almost all the cabins were sold out. Everybody wanted to be on this ship, and all that was left was a $19,000—Jesus Christ—$19,000 suite that didn’t even look out on the sea.

Rosin: Wow.

Shteyngart: It looked out on the mall or whatever. But it looked like the Marriott, in a way, which—I like Marriotts—I’m just saying.

Rosin: So it’s just a plain—it’s like a hotel room.

Shteyngart: It’s like a hotel room.

Rosin: With a window.

Shteyngart: And I had two bathrooms.

Rosin: For yourself?

Shteyngart: Just for myself, I know. Well, I think the idea of these suites is that more than one person goes on them, right?

But there’s this—the Royal Bling. The Royal Bling is the jewelry store, such as it is, on board. And they introduced this thing called the something chalice. It’s a $100,000 chalice, and it entitles you to drink for free on Royal Caribbean once you’ve bought it.

So this thing is hilarious. Just the concept of it is insane. Everyone’s trying to figure out: Should I buy this? What’s up with this? Should I get it for my 28-year-old kid? Will it earn out? How much does he drink? How much can I drink ?

So I talked to the wonderful Serbian sales lady. Everyone’s country of origin, if you’re on the crew, is listed on their tag.

Rosin: Really?

Shteyngart: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Rosin: That’s weird.

Shteyngart: So you’re like, Oh, it’s Amir from Pakistan , or whatever.

Rosin: That’s so weird.

Shteyngart: Yeah. And she was, I don’t know, something Olga from Serbia, and she was amazing. They’re all amazing. Every crew member is excellent.

And she was like, Well —she was trying to sell me the $100,000 chalice. I said, It’s really gold ? And she’s like, No, it’s gold-plated. We couldn’t afford . She said, If it was really gold, it would be, like, a million dollars . I’m like, Okay . And then it has diamonds, and she’s like, Well, they’re actually cubic zirconia, again, because it would cost, like, $10 million if they were diamonds . I’m like, All right, this thing is sounding worse and worse .

And then she said, But, you know, if you already have everything, this is one more thing you can have . And I thought that was almost like a Zen haiku, but about the American condition. If you already have everything, this is one more thing you can have.

Rosin: So the ship has neighborhoods and levels and status in a very explicit way. And cruisers care about that. They care about it in a very deep, almost spiritual way that Gary didn’t quite appreciate until after he’d written the story.

Shteyngart: One of the funniest things—somebody was telling me to look this up on, I guess, Reddit.

Rosin: Mm-hmm.

Shteyngart: There’s a huge cruising community. I think half a million people are on that thing and, boy, were they pissed!

Rosin : That’s after the break.

Rosin: During his time on the Icon of the Seas, Gary Shteyngart met a few memorable characters. There was the younger couple he called, “Mr. and Mrs. Ayn Rand,” who he drank with a few times. And the couple’s couple friends, he described as quote: “bent psychos out of a Cormac McCarthy novel.” And then, there was “Duck Necklace.”

Shteyngart: He’s fascinating. He was drunk all the time, and he was being arrested—there is a security force—for photobombing.

Rosin: I wonder if the laws are different on the ship. Like photobombing is a felony.

Shteyngart: I’d love to do Law & Order: Icon of the Seas . That would be amazing.

Rosin: ( Laughs. ) Right.

Shteyngart: But then he went on this long, drunken, very elegiac thing about, Well, I’m 62, and if I fall off the ship, I’m fine with that. I just don’t want a shark to eat me. And I believe in God, and the Mayans have a prophecy . He just went on and on. And then I looked him up and, when not drunk and getting arrested on a ship, he’s the pillar of his community in North Chicago. There’s so much more to this guy. So he was my favorite, I think.

Rosin: So maybe the ship creates a space where, if you’re grinding and working every day and being a pillar of the community, the ship is your space to contemplate and be philosophical or be an idiot or whatever it is you can’t be elsewhere.

Shteyngart: Yeah. And I think you’re right. And I think a couple of people, especially older people—I mean, 62 isn’t that old—but a couple of the older people were trying to summarize their lives through their cruising experiences, including, for one woman, realizing that she wanted to divorce her husband. All these things happened on cruises.

It’s like the cruise is the time when they’re—the way people say when you’re off land, it’s the rules of the sea. You’re in international waters; you can do whatever you want. I think for some people, the cruise affords them some weird way to look back on their lives and to make large decisions or to celebrate either happy moments or sometimes almost-elegiac moments. There were all these people who looked like they were about to die.

Rosin: Literally?

Shteyngart: Literally about to die, clearly coming off of chemo or on an oxygen tank. Or they had T-shirts celebrating a good cancer remission. So definitely there’s—and I hope this article, despite its very satirical tone, lends some of that poignancy. Because people are people, and this is the kind of stuff that they want to do, either to make an important moment in their lives or to think on the things that have happened to them.

But I think that’s one of the reasons people were so butt hurt on that Reddit—to use a term of art—because I wasn’t just going after a hobby or something. I was going after something that is so key to their identity.

Rosin: That’s interesting that people perceived it so badly. You both appreciated the earnestness of it and made fun of it at the same time. It was satirical but also present.

Shteyngart: I don’t know. I think people really wanted a quote-unquote “journalist” to give an honest review of the ship. But look, I got this assignment by saying, What level of sarcasm do you want ? But I didn’t deliver 11 on the sarcasm scale. I think it was, like, six or seven.

I realized the humor part of this—and this is what I talk about in my humor class—the human comedy is that no one understands quite who they are. So I may go around thinking I’m a giraffe, and I keep talking about, Oh, I’m so tall, and I eat leaves off of tall trees . But in reality, I’m an aardvark. I’m a small furry creature, burrowing in the bush.

And that, to me, felt like a lot of what people were saying on the ship. People would say, I feel like I’m on an adventure . And I’m like, Yes, but we’re in a mall, as you say this, that’s slowly steaming to all these islands . But many of the passengers wouldn’t even get off on these islands. They love the ship so much they wouldn’t leave.

And I’ll say this, also: One of the most important things that happened to me—I was in Charlotte Amalie, which I guess is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands or Saint Thomas, and I’d wandered off the beaten path. And this elderly Rastafarian gentleman looked at me, and with the most—I’ve never been talked to like this—but with a sneer beyond anything, he said, Redneck .

And I guess I did have a red neck at this point, and I was wearing this vibrant cap with the Icon of the Seas Royal Caribbean logo. But I realized, also, that people hate these cruisers. They hate what they do to their islands, their environment, everything. There’s just so much more happening here than just a bunch of drunken Americans on a ship.

And this also goes to the fact that, obviously, there’s all these people, mostly from the global South, working below decks. They work nonstop. And it’s interesting because a lot of the passengers, they would say, Wow, these people work so hard , with a kind of like, Oh, I wish everybody back home would work so hard , or something like that. But at the same time, I was listening to a comedy act, and the comedian was making fun of quote-unquote “shithole countries.”

So there’s definitely a kind of—even though cruisers keep talking about how much they love the people on the ship, it doesn’t translate.

Rosin: It doesn’t translate. It doesn’t translate into politics.

Okay, I’m turning it back on you—your story. You came into the boat with the story that Gary is a party guy, and Gary’s gonna have parties in Gary’s suite. So what did you realize along the way?

Shteyngart: Yeah, it was like being an immigrant all over again. And, for me, assimilation into America was a very, very long process. So the meatball, or the lack of success of the meatball, really reminded me of that, too—like I’m always a step behind.

And this did feel like, Oh, I was always a step behind . People would have casual conversations in the elevators, just shooting the shit, and I would try to banter with them. But I would always get it a little bit wrong, and I would realize it, too. Like, there was a lot of wind one day, and I was like, Oof, the frost is really on the pumpkin .

Shteyngart: But I realized that that’s probably said in the fall, right? Before Thanksgiving. Is that right? The pumpkin is, you know—

Rosin: So Immigrant Gary comes roaring back in those moments.

Shteyngart: Oh, my god.

Rosin: You want to be, like, Sophisticated Writer Gary.

Shteyngart: Absolutely. So I was always sweating bullets. Like, I want to get into the conversation. And this was a big thing because there was a big contest, several contests—the semifinals or something? Quarterfinals? I don’t know—between the big teams. And I had no idea what the hell was going on, but everybody was talking about it. And everybody was wearing paraphernalia—that’s the other thing.

Rosin: Paraphernalia. ( Laughs. ) You’re referring to team T-shirts.

Shteyngart: But also everything! I don’t know. Name it: hats, T-shirts, all kinds of crap. And I had nothing. I had meatball, you know.

Shteyngart: Look, the preparation for this article should have—I should have bought T-shirts with sports.

Rosin: ( Laughs. ) T-shirts with sports.

Shteyngart: And then I should have talked to people about all the rules of football. Maybe there’s a documentary that I can watch, something like that. And then maybe that would have been it.

Rosin: Okay, so I’m reading this essay about this cruise ship, which has a little bit of politics, a little bit of cult, a little bit of status obsession. What am I understanding about America?

Shteyngart: Well, I think we are, in some ways, a country that has been losing religion for a while. I know this is a strange approach to it, but people are looking for something to fill the void. Especially, among the hardworking middle class I think is where you feel it quite a bit. And I think because Americans are never satisfied, everyone’s always looking for, What’s my ancestry? Where do I come from ? Somehow just the term American is not enough to fulfill people’s expectations of what life is.

Rosin: Of what they belong to. Like, what they’re rooted in. Yeah.

Shteyngart: And for me, this is an easier question because I actually just want to be an American. I’m an immigrant who just wants to be an American, right?

So, on this ship, what I was seeing was people desperately trying to belong to some kind of idea. And I feel like the cruising life, because these people are so obsessed with the cruises that they wear these—half the people or more were wearing T-shirts somehow commemorating this voyage on the first day of the cruise. So I think I really offended a religion. I insulted not just a strange hobby that people engage in, but a way of life.

And I think that’s the future. Trying to understand America today is to try to understand people desperately grasping for something in the absence of more traditional ideas of what it means to an American, right? And this is one strange manifestation of that. But it was, for me, an ultimately unfulfilling one.

You know, God bless David Foster Wallace for being brilliant enough to start the genre, although there were a couple pieces before him, but the modern incarnation of this. Let’s stop this. I did not solve the question of what America is. None of that got solved.

Rosin: So what are we R.I.P.ing? We’re not just R.I.P.ing the cruise ship piece? I just want to end the episode this way. R.I.P. what?

Shteyngart: No, no, no, no. I don’t have that kind of cultural might.

Rosin: This episode of Radio Atlantic was produced by Jinae West. It was edited by Claudine Ebeid, fact-checked by Isabel Cristo, and engineered by Rob Smierciak. Claudine Ebeid is the executive producer of Atlantic audio, and Andrea Valdez is our managing editor. I’m Hanna Rosin. Thank you for listening.

Rosin: But was there a monkey on the ship?

Shteyngart: No, there wasn’t. The monkey was on Saint Kitts.

Rosin: Oh, okay. I remembered that wrong.

Shteyngart: No, no, no. The Royal Caribbean did not spring for a monkey. They had a golden retriever, and he wore, like, a cap or something? But see, so everybody was going gaga, and I’m like, You’ve never seen a golden freaking retriever? What kind of lives do you live on land ?

Rosin: Right, right. But it’s an Icon golden retriever, so it’s different.

Shteyngart: It’s an Icon golden retriever, and he’s, like, I guess, an emotional support dog for these people.

Business Insider

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship.

Posted: April 20, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

• Royal Caribbean invited me to spend three complimentary nights on its new Icon of the Seas  in January.
• My eight favorite amenities included the waterpark and jazz bar.
• I've yet to see most of the amenities on my list on other cruise ships.

There's a reason Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship is only operating seven-night sailings .

The 1,196-foot-long, 20-deck Icon of the Seas is packed with bars, restaurants, and things to do. Any shorter of an itinerary, and you might not have time to experience all it has to offer.

If you're a frequent cruiser — especially with Royal Caribbean — amenities like the mini-golf course and water playground may not seem exciting.

But of all the activities the new world's largest cruise ship has to offer, my eight favorites are, for the most part, ones I've yet to see on another vessel.

Take a look at what made the cut.

1. The six-slide waterpark

It wouldn't be a roundup of Icon of the Seas' best amenities without a mention of its waterpark.

Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft.

However, if you don't like the feeling of your stomach dropping, I'd advise skipping the 46-foot-tall drop slide.

2. The adult-only suspended infinity pool

The 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas has seven pools and nine hot tubs. As a kid-fearing adult, I loved the grown-ups-only suspended infinity pool.

I spent my time there perched at one of its in-water loungers, contently splashing my legs around the water, wondering if I actually hated cruises.

While I would've preferred a quieter atmosphere (the DJ did not, in fact, play smooth jazz), the pool's views, day beds, and lack of screaming children were hard to beat.

3. The Crown’s Edge thrill 'ride'

There's no need to grab coffee before harnessing up for the part-zipling, part-agility Crown's Edge course. You'll be jolted awake when the floor drops from beneath your feet, leaving you dangling 154 feet above the ocean before the zipline kicks in.

Unfortunately, it comes with two costs: $49 and a spike of anxiety.

4. The 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Aqua Action!' shows

If you hate cruise shows, Icon of the Seas could make you change your mind.

The ship's riff on Broadway-approved "Wizard of Oz" — 16-piece live orchestra and flying bed included — delighted me, a hater of most musicals.

For something less traditional, the semi-circle AquaDome theater hosts a compelling multi-disciplinary swim, dive, and aerial show reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.

It's the first show-at-sea I've seen with a waterfall and nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and so far, it's one of my favorites.

5. The live jazz bar

Ya like jazz? So do I.

Icon of the Seas has plenty of live music venues — including rowdy karaoke and dueling pianos bars, if that counts. But if you're a jazz fan or looking for a peaceful nightcap, none of these options will top the live music at Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

6. The customizable Mediterranean-style wrap at the five-stall food hall

The mega-ship's food hall wasn't nearly as diverse or exciting as the one on Norwegian Prima .

But compared to the rest of my mediocre meals on Icon of the Seas — including dinner at a specialty restaurant — my complimentary pork pita wrap from the food hall's Mediterranean-inspired stall was admittedly pretty decent.

The Cava -like meal was balanced, succulent, and filling. Ending it with a strawberry nutella crepe from one of the vendors didn't hurt either.

7. The Pearl Café with sweeping ocean views

Everyone takes a picture inside the Pearl . But few people know that the best part about the glittering structure isn't what's inside it — it's what's behind it: the Pearl Café.

Admittedly, the food wasn't standout.

But it's 2024. In this era, we don't dine for food. We dine for vibes . And the Pearl Café was definitely "serving" (even with its mediocre sandwiches).

At first glance, I had snubbed the dining and lounge area as a rip-off of a generic airport coffee shop. But during my three days on Icon, I returned to the centrally located space more often than expected. It turns out it's a great place to get some work done.

8. The lounging pods that tower above passerbys

Speaking of vibes, if you're looking for a secluded place to drink (as in, not the swim-up pool bar), few will top the Overlook Pods, perched just behind the AquaDome.

If you want to feel like you're drinking in a nest atop a tree, bring your coffee-infused cocktail from nearby Rye and Bean to one of the elevated pods. .

Just don't drink too much. What goes up must come down. And to get down from the pods, you'll have to take the stairs.

More for You

Here's No. 1 thing mentally strong couples 'never' do, says relationship therapist of 20 years

One of these pictures of me is real and the other is AI – but which is which?

Planning for potential presidential transition underway as Biden administration kicks it off

Texans QB CJ Stroud devastated by 49ers selection of Ricky Pearsall

"GMA" Fans Congratulate Robin Roberts as She Announces Major Career Achievement

Map reveals best places to live in the US if nuclear war breaks out

Scientists discover gigantic 'structure' under the surface of the Moon

Meet one of the world’s most advanced humanoids

How to Fix Cracks in Concrete Driveways, Patios, and Sidewalks

Should you leave your laptop plugged in all the time?

Plato's burial place finally revealed after AI deciphers ancient scroll carbonized in Mount Vesuvius eruption

The 50 best liberal places to live in the US, based on data

“All it took was you and some dirty refs” - When Chris Webber embarrassed Shaquille O’Neal by reminding him how his LA Lakers beat the Kings in 2002

Large amount of Gen Z workers set to be laid off and replaced by AI, study finds

NATO Aircraft Activated After Waves of Russian Strikes

Age at which you're officially old has changed

Here is the true value of having a fully paid-off home in America — especially when you're heading into retirement

The 50 best conservative places to live in America today, according to data

My late aunt gave her husband a life tenancy in her home — but her attorney won’t even let us see the will. Is this a bad sign?

Why Has a Useless Cold Medication Been Allowed on Shelves for Years?

I stayed in a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's 2 newest and largest cruise ships. One was clearly better — and $900 cheaper.

• Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ships.
• I stayed in both of their balcony staterooms — a $130-per-person-per-day difference.
• Icon's pricier cabin looked more modern but lacked the functionality and comfort of Wonder's.

Do you know what $900 could buy you? More than three years of Netflix's premium plan, a new Gucci purse, or 2,059 spicy chicken McNuggets.

Or, in the case of Royal Caribbean's two largest and newest cruise ships , the cash could mean the difference between a cheap but functional balcony cabin and, ironically, a more expensive but less comfortable one.

Staterooms with balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category. After all, if you're going on a vacation at sea, wouldn't you want to be able to feel its breeze from your room?

But not all cabins with private outdoor spaces are created equal, even on two new mega-ships owned by the same cruise line.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and its larger successor, Icon of the Seas, in January.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony cabin for both complimentary sailings, the longest of which was three nights on Icon.

Both ships are operating seven-night cruises around the Caribbean in 2024.

About 66% of Wonder's cabins fall under the 'balcony' category. On Icon, they make up half of the staterooms.

Wonder of the Seas' balcony cabins start shy of $1,110 per person in 2024.

Even with nearly identical itineraries, the ones on Icon are, at their cheapest, a little more than $2,000 per person this year — or double that for the a New Year's cruise.

Wonder and Icon are the most boisterous, flamboyant, and overwhelming vessels I've ever boarded.

The pool decks were intensely colorful, the crowds were inescapable, and the long lists of activities and dining options were paralyzing.

So imagine my surprise when I unlocked my doors to find surprisingly bland rooms.

The neutral tans, blues, and whites did not scream "we belong on the world's biggest and most colorful cruise ships."

The vessels have an almost two-year age difference, as evidenced by some of their decor (mainly Icon's recessed mood lights and the more chic, darker wood tones).

But besides the light fixtures, rugs, and — frankly negligible — wall art and pillows, both cabins were fairly underwhelming compared to everything outside their front doors .

Aesthetics aside, let’s talk functionality.

Both had furnished 50-square-foot balconies.

Regarding the interior space, my 204-square-foot cabin on Icon of the Seas was 22 square feet larger than mine on Wonder.

In retrospect, I would've thought Icon's was smaller. More on that in a bit.

Both king-sized beds faced a television and some wall storage.

And both were flanked by light fixtures with built-in USB outlets, as is expected on most modern cruise ships.

The cruise line says the ships' balcony cabins use two twin mattresses that have been "converted" to make a king bed. It's a common practice I've never had an issue with — until Icon.

On Wonder, the plush pillows enveloped me the moment I laid down. I slept great. No complaints.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the new ship.

I (my back pain) could feel the hard ridge where the two mattresses met, making for a pretty miserable and uncomfortable sleep.

So much for starfishing — I kept to one side of the bed to avoid rolling over the bony bump.

For the most part, the living “rooms” were the same.

Both had the same furniture I see on almost every mass-market ship: a couch that could convert into a bed and a desk that extended into a dresser.

But storage, a high priority for cruisers, was organized differently.

Two thin wardrobes with drawers, hangars, and shelves surrounded either side of my bed on Wonder .

Icon, on the other hand, had one large wardrobe next to the living room.

Unfortunately, it had noticeably less shelving. And the metal bins let out ear-piercing screeches at every move — a lazy and annoying detail that the designers could've easily fixed with cheap felt pads.

So far, the differences have been small. But not for long.

I had two gripes with my Wonder bathroom: the lack of hair conditioner and the ill-positioned faucet that flooded the counter whenever I washed my hands.

I had the same issues on Icon. But that was the least of my concerns.

My bathroom on the older ship was well-sized for 1 person, but maybe too small for 2.

On Icon — the world's largest cruise ship — my bathroom was too compact for even one body.

Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told reporters in January that 80% of Icon's 2,805 cabins were designed for families, a sharp increase from previous vessels like Wonder.

I'm not sure a family of four could coexist in Icon's balcony cabin — solely because of the bathroom size. There's no way two people could fit in there simultaneously. A fight over who gets priority access to the toilet could ruin a peaceful family vacation! (Which is to say, I'm glad I was traveling alone.)

With the bathroom door closed, I accidentally elbowed the walls more times than I could count.

The spare towels had to be stored on a shelf inside the shower. Because the counter was so small, I had to keep most of my toiletries and products on the shelves or in the drawer.

Surprisingly, that's where Icon excelled. Its bathroom had more storage options than its older counterpart, which didn't even have a drawer.

However, the older ship's shower had a clothesline perfect for drying swimwear. It's a small but crucial amenity, especially on a vessel with so many pools and waterslides.

Unfortunately, both were stocked with two-in-one body wash and shampoo — and no hair conditioner

Let’s go through our checklist.

My balcony cabin on Wonder looked less modern than its successor (the TV on Icon had Chromecast, after all).

But it was significantly more functional and comfortable. The bed was incomparably more pleasant, the closets had more defined storage components, and the bathroom was considerably larger, even if it lacked additional shelving and drawers.

The question is: Which one is more worth its price?

Icon's cheapest balcony cabins are currently $900 more than the most affordable ones on Wonder — an almost $130 per person and day difference.

Based on the quality of the staterooms alone, if you prioritize functionality, comfort, and affordability over modern decor, consider saving money and going with the two-year-old ship .

But let’s not forget that cruise fares include unlimited food, on board activities, and nighttime entertainment.

Both ships have a fairly similar list of amenities. But only the newer one has a waterpark , an adult-only infinity pool club, and a swim-up bar, to name a few unique amenities.

So yes, Icon's balcony cabins are more costly. But the staggering price difference — and tiny bathroom — could be worth it if you think the its surplus of additional amenities is worth paying for.

• Main content

Travel alert: Royal Caribbean cancels cruises to this island

• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 4:57 p.m.
• Alvin Buyinza | [email protected]

Royal Caribbean Cruises has canceled more stops at a popular private resort in Haiti due to safety issues.

Guests who booked on cruises in the summer and early fall are receiving notifications from Royal Caribbean that their cruises to Labadee, a private resort on the northern coast of Haiti, have been canceled, according to royalcaribbeanblog.com , a website that reports on the cruise line.

After Royal Caribbean started to cancel trips to Haiti in March due to civil unrest in Haiti, the cruise line started to cancel more cruises into September, royalcaribbeanblog.com reported. The Royal Caribbean had previously canceled visits to Labadee through the end of this May.

• Read More: Cruise line stops visits to popular Caribbean resort amid U.S. travel advisory

The private resort stop has since been replaced with another port or a day at sea, the royalcaribbeanblog.com reported. The cancellations affect ships such as Adventure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.

The Royal Caribbean announced in March that it was suspending all calls to Labadee, according to cruiseindustrynews.com . The move came after the U.S. State Department announced a travel alert for people to not visit the country.

“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the U.S. State Department wrote in a press release in March. “We are aware that there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them.”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Royal Caribbean Postpones Radiance of the Seas Departure

• April 27, 2024

The current cruise of Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas will depart from Vancouver later than scheduled.

Currently kicking off its summer program in Alaska, the 2001-built vessel suffered a technical issue earlier this month .

As a result, the sailing originally scheduled to leave from the Canadian homeport on April 26, 2024, had to be postponed, Royal Caribbean said in statement sent to guests onboard.

According to the letter, the Radiance of the Seas is currently scheduled to sail from Vancouver on April 28, 2024.

“While repairs for the technical issue that we encountered on our previous sailing are still underway, we discovered that we’re going to need some extra time to get the ship in tip-top shape for you,” said Royal Caribbean International.

Although boarding took place as planned on April 26, 2024, the Radiance of the Seas will remain docked in Vancouver through Sunday afternoon.

Due to U.S. Customs and Border Protection restrictions, passengers will not be allowed to leave the ship, the company added.

“We’re terribly sorry for this last-minute change. We understand this news is disappointing, but we hope you’ll enjoy the alternate itinerary planned,” Royal Caribbean said.

Offering a seven-night cruise to Alaska, the Radiance of the Seas is now set to visit Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan.

A previously scheduled visit to Juneau had to be cancelled due to the delayed departure from Vancouver.

To make up for the changes, Royal Caribbean International is providing a refund of two days of the paid cruise fare in the form of onboard credit.

The company is also providing a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) in the value of two days of the paid cruise fare, in addition to complimentary drinks for all guests on April 26 and April 27, 2024.

Passengers with pre-paid shore excursions in Juneau will be refunded, while guests who purchased drink packages will also receive a pro-rated refund.

A similar situation took place earlier this month with a different Royal Caribbean ship in Australia. Also facing technical issues , the Brilliance of the Seas saw one of its cruises depart three days later due to onboard repairs.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

54 Ships | 122,002 Berths | $36 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Pre-Order Offer
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview