Are you planning a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas for a cruise of a lifetime? As someone who has sailed on the it ship of the moment, Icon of the Seas, there are definitely some do’s and don’t’s that will help anyone enjoy a trip on this amazing ship. Whether it is a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas or a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise, these tips will help you get the most out of the ship and all of the amenities it has to offer.
Arrive at the Port City Early
One of my biggest recommendations is to fly into your departure city at least one day early. No matter how reliable airlines seem, delays and cancellations can happen—especially due to weather or mechanical issues.
We flew into Miami from Chicago and although everything went smoothly, having that extra buffer gave us peace of mind. Plus, it allowed us to enjoy some Miami sights and pool fun at our hotel.
Download the Royal Caribbean App Before You Go
Before arriving at the port, be sure to download the Royal Caribbean app. This app is essential and makes embarkation incredibly smooth. You’ll be able to:
- Upload travel documents
- Choose your embarkation time
- Navigate security, passport verification, and luggage drop-off with ease
We picked the earliest time available to embark on the ship so we could start to enjoy everything Icon of the Seas had to offer!
Learn the Daily Schedule
The app also includes an itinerary for each day of the cruise. Be sure to learn how to navigate the app so you can see what each day has to offer on the ship. There will be shows, special events, concerts, movies, and more each day. The best way to plan is to look ahead on the app and decide what your next day will look like. If you are not tech savvy, or prefer to be phone free on the cruise, there are printed itineraries on the ship and your waiter/waitress will also share big events with you at your reserved dining times.
WiFi: Buy Before You Sail
If you think you’ll want WiFi during your cruise, purchase it before you board. Prices increase significantly once the ship sets sail.
We found it best to buy WiFi for my husband and myself so we could access all necessary information and have access to the outside world if needed. Our children did not have access to WiFi, but Royal Caribbean has an in-app messaging portal that will let you message with all guests in your party at no additional cost. This can allow you to plan meet ups and check-ins worry free.
Make Your Stateroom Feel Like Home
Once you are settled in your room (just know that your luggage may arrive several hours after you board), do not hesitate to ask your room attendant for any extras that may make your stay more comfortable. We asked for a fan to help keep the room cool and add noise for sleeping. There are definitely items they have to help you make your suite a home!
Helpful Items to Pack:
- Magnetic hooks to allow you extra hanging capabilities
- Door magnet to help you find your room easily
- A pop up hamper or laundry bag
- Air freshener
Exploring the Food on Icon of the Seas
There are SO MANY food options on the Icon of the Seas! I highly recommend exploring each “neighborhood” of the ship to see what options are available to you. Most food options are included in your cruise fee. Here are some of the options we loved and went to almost daily:
- The Windjammer Cafe (deck 14) – this is the largest buffet on the ship. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. You are able to create your own plates with options from all over the world. This is a busy location so be prepared to look for seating and/or get there outside of peak times- earlier is better
- Base Camp (deck 16) – This is located right below the sports deck and close to all the water slides and other outdoor activities.This quick service offers the BEST burgers and chicken tenders.
- The Aquadome Cafe (deck 6) – This is located at the front of the ship by the Aquadome Theatre. This has four quick service options: Chinese, create your own Mediterranean bowl, Mac and Cheese offerings, and made to order crepes. . This area of the ship is very calm and has a very “chill” vibe. This is great for a meal or a late night snack .
- Sorrento’s Pizza (deck 5) – This is located on the Promenade of the ship. This is right in the middle of the action of Icon of the Seas. There is shopping, karaoke, dueling pianos, and much more all right there. This was a nightly stop for us! We would enjoy an evening of entertainment at one of the establishments on the Promenade and then enjoy a slice as we made our way to our room .
- The Pearl Cafe – This is located right above the Promenade and offers coffee shop style food and treats. The great thing about this quick service is that the coffee is similar to a Starbucks coffee but it is included in your cruise fee (there is a Starbucks on board, but you will need to pay separately for those options).
- Ice Cream stations – These are located all around the ship and is a favorite stop for a cool treat. You will receive a soft serve cone in vanilla, chocolate, or twist. There is an extra cost ice cream spot called Desserted located by Base Camp and the water slides. This offers specialty milkshakes and ice cream. Our son LOVED his milkshake (think similar to Shake Shack) and was so excited for this extra treat!
Bring Cash
While you have paid for most everything prior to boarding, it is important to have some cash with you for extras like tipping and gambling. There are ATM’s located on the ship, but there is a fee to withdraw.
When planning your cruise, it is cheaper for you to buy extras before you board the ship. While you can always purchase extras on board (like WiFi), if you buy prior to boarding you will save yourself some money, and as you get closer to departure, all items become more expensive.
Buy Extras Before You Board
Excursions, WiFi, beverage packages, and other add-ons are almost always cheaper when purchased before sailing. Prices tend to increase as your departure date gets closer and once you’re onboard.
Shore Excursions: You Have Options
When you are at a port city it is popular to enjoy an excursion on land. These can be booked through Royal Caribbean on the app or in person on the ship (located behind the Pearl area of the ship on the Promenade). Some excursions sell out, so be sure to book early if there is an excursion you really want to enjoy. Something new in terms of excursions is that you do NOT have to book only with Royal Caribbean! Tour operators like Project Expedition and Viator now offer cruise excursions. This means that they work within the time frame of cruise docking and departure and guarantee you safe and timely passage back to the ship. We enjoyed two excursions on our Icon of the Seas cruise. In Honduras, we booked a tour with Viator that was not offered through Royal Caribbean. This ended up being our favorite day on land and the excursion was so smooth and well run! We were back on the ship with plenty of time and the operators were knowledgeable and professional. We also booked a tour with Royal Caribbean through the app for our stop in Cozumel. This was also well run and professional. If you want to have a memorable day on land, just know that you have LOTS of options whether through Royal Caribbean or other tour operators.
One Final Tip: Use a Travel Advisor
Planning a cruise on a ship as large and popular as Icon of the Seas can feel overwhelming. Working with a travel
advisor helps take the guesswork out of the process—from choosing the best sailing and stateroom to monitoring price drops, recommending excursions, and handling all the details so you can focus on the fun. Best of all, using a travel advisor adds an extra layer of support before, during, and after your cruise.
No matter the goal of your cruise on Icon of the Seas, there is something for everyone. Plan ahead, take your time exploring the ship, and enjoy each day! And don’t forget to say hi to Rover (the ship dog)!
Cathy Konecki
Travel Advisor