After spending three fast-paced days on Icon of the Seas, I discovered there have been a number of issues concerning the ship that shocked me. And no, they weren’t something to do with the dimensions of the ship.
I used to be an invited visitor on Icon of the Seas and was in a position to attend the Naming Ceremony with soccer legend Lionel Messi because the “Icon of the Icon”. The inaugural crusing for Icon is that this Saturday.
After the thrill of the ceremony and festivities I used to be actually in a position to discover the ship deck by deck and get a sure vibe from the vessel.
Anybody who has heard of this ship already is aware of it’s the most important cruise ship on the earth. That was no shock. Though, it didn’t really feel any greater than any of the opposite Oasis-class vessels I’ve sailed on. In truth, it felt somewhat smaller and extra intimate than the earlier largest ship class on the earth.
Extra on this later.
Listed here are the weather of Icon of the Seas that shocked me essentially the most. And I believe upcoming Royal Caribbean passengers will agree on most factors.
1. The seamless navigation and movement
I used to be amazed at how well-connected numerous neighborhoods and areas had been on the ship. Navigating from neighborhood to neighborhood was easy and flowed simply.
As an illustration, I’m scripting this from Central Park on the ship proper now. And if I wished to go all the way down to the long-lasting Pearl on the Royal Promenade only a couple decks beneath, there’s a set of chic stairs with entry proper in the course of the park.
There’s even a big, curved wall of glass in Central Park that permits passengers to see the surface of the pearl, however extra importantly they’ll see the ocean itself. This was by no means attainable in Central Park on another Royal Caribbean ship.
The connection to the ocean from even inside components of the vessel may be very obvious all through Icon.
From the Surfside neighborhood there’s a set of stairs going as much as Central Park and happening to the Royal Promenade, all clearly marked and straightforward to navigate.
Even after a day of strolling across the ship I discovered it very simple to get from level A to level B with much less tine and energy than even smaller ships with the cruise line.
2. The colourful colours of the ship
Royal Caribbean broke out the colour palette with Icon of the Seas. You don’t have to go searching very lengthy earlier than you see pops of colour which can be daring, shiny, and typically pastel. That is most noticeable on the pool decks, the place the whole lot from the intense blue and inexperienced loungers to the inside curves of the partitions are splashed with colours that remind you of trip within the Caribbean and Bahamas.
The paintings, décor, and general vibe is one in all colour. From the onboard cabanas, wicker chairs, bamboo plated partitions, and shutters alongside the inside going through cabins, there are hues aplenty.
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3. How in contrast to an Oasis-class ship that is
I do know that is a wholly new ship class. However ever because the thought of Icon of the Seas was launched it led to comparisons to the profitable Oasis-class vessels. And when it comes to dimension, it’s far more similar to Oasis than another class.
However I used to be shocked at simply how totally different this ship is from Oasis. The Royal Promenade and its iconic Pearl, the utterly redesigned ice-skating rink at Absolute Zero, the fully reworked and family-friendly Surfside, and the contrasts of Thrill Island and Chill Island make Icon of the Seas a totally new cruise ship for sure.
And typically the modifications had been refined, like how the large sports activities court docket was moved above an informal eating venue at Basecamp to open up the areas beneath much more. And the way Cloud 17 is an additional deck above the busier pool deck whereas nonetheless having quick access to the most important water park at sea.
In fact, an idea like The Hideaway are utterly new. The aft-facing infinity pool with it’s cozy daybeds and nice views goes to be a very fashionable spot. Add in the truth that all the area is adult-only, has padded loungers and two giant scorching tubs, and this area shall be a sexy attract for friends over 18.
However the largest distinction is the unbelievable AquaDome and Overlook on the entrance of the ship. There isn’t a solarium on the ship, however The Overlook shortly turned my favourite spot on the ship which I’ll speak about within the final level. By the way in which, I completely cherished the AquaDome Market with its number of meals and ground to ceiling home windows. For those who’re within the temper for crepes, macaroni and cheese, Asian meals, or a panini, that is the place to be.
4. The standard of leisure
By calling this a shock I don’t imply it as a slight. What I imply is that the eye to element, degree of know-how and craftsmanship that go into every manufacturing – all of it exceeded my expectations.
The manufacturing of the Wizard of Oz was spectacular in its high quality of performing, props, and tech. However the cherry on high is the stay orchestra of 16+ instrumentalists that add a lot to the entire manufacturing. Listening to Dorothy sing “Someplace Over the Rainbow” with stay strings within the Royal Theater will not be one thing you wish to miss.
I additionally attended an ice-skating present at Absolute Zero that was completely beautiful in its lighting, results, and expertise of the performers. And having visitor star and juggler extraordinaire Viktor Kee was simply the icing on the cake.
On the final night time of the 3-day crusing I used to be in a position to attend a present within the AquaDome. For sure, it was essentially the most distinctive efficiency I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. This was only a sneak peek of the reveals to come back on the ship as this crusing was pre-inaugural, however I believe cruise passengers are going to actually love the AquaTheater reveals on this area.
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As soon as once more, the standard of the know-how and efficiency was unparalleled at sea. The utilization of sunshine projecting onto the canvas of the dome and robots so as to add lighting results, and highly effective water fountains, together with gifted divers, made it a really entertaining expertise. The backless seats of the AquaDome labored out since most individuals had been on the sting of their seats anyway.
5. How stunning and stress-free many areas had been
Typically we get misplaced within the statistics of a ship. And whereas Icon of the Seas is the most important cruise ship on the earth, it’s additionally some of the stunning. The Overlook is likely one of the most beautiful, stress-free, and calming areas I’ve seen on a ship. Very similar to a solarium, all the space is sun-soaked, however the seating is so cozy and alluring as there are quite a few spots to nestle in and benefit from the view from the peaceable quietness.
I can see myself spending hours on this space on a sea day. Footage don’t do it justice. Nevertheless it’s conveniently positioned proper subsequent to the Rye and Bean which as some nice espresso choices that I loved through the crusing. And the AquaDome Market is true subsequent to it as properly, which was usually much less busy than the Windjammer buffet space.
One other stunning spot was the Pearl Café. Yow will discover this eating and beverage venue on the high of the steps of the Pearl. There’s a enormous window that overlooks the ocean and loads of plush couches and chairs to soak up the view. A beautiful paintings piece of a Humpback whale hangs over the realm, and it’s only a fantastic spot to cost your telephone, meet with household and associates, or simply benefit from the ocean.
And if you would like one other stunning area to get pleasure from from the Pearl Café, you may simply stroll up the steps proper into the center of Central Park. As I discussed within the first level, the whole lot on this ship is related so seamlessly that it makes navigating a 250,800 gross ton vessel a breeze.
We shall be posting many extra photos, movies, and articles on Icon of the Seas within the coming days and weeks. We posted numerous photos from our social media accounts this previous week, so test them out if you happen to’d wish to rise up to hurry as properly.
See Icon of the Seas photos and movies on X (previously Twitter) right here.
