If you're considering booking Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, you've probably seen the headlines. The world's largest cruise ship has generated plenty of buzz, but is it actually worth the hype?

After sailing on Icon of the Seas ourselves, we can confidently say this ship is unlike anything we've experienced before. But it's also not the right ship for everyone.

Before you spend thousands of dollars on your vacation, here are the things we wish every cruiser knew before booking Icon of the Seas.

First Impressions: The Ship Really Is Jaw-Dropping

Most cruise ships make a good first impression. Icon of the Seas makes a memorable one.

The moment you step onboard, you're greeted by The Pearl, an architectural centerpiece that immediately sets the tone for the entire vacation. It's one of those rare cruise moments where photos don't fully capture the scale of what you're seeing.

Throughout our sailing, the phrase we kept repeating was:

"Wow."

Not because the ship was crowded or overwhelming, but because there was always something new to discover around every corner.

Arriving at the Miami Cruise Port

One of the biggest mistakes first-time Icon cruisers make happens before they ever step onboard.

Because Icon carries roughly 7,000 passengers, traffic around PortMiami can be intense on embarkation day.

Our Tips:

• Arrive earlier than you think you need to.
• Confirm your driver is taking you to the correct terminal.
• Keep your passport, ID, and boarding documents with you.
• Never place important documents in checked luggage.

Despite the size of the ship, we found the actual check-in process surprisingly efficient. Royal Caribbean has done an excellent job designing the terminal experience.

Don't Skip the Muster Drill

Nobody enjoys safety drills, but Icon's process is one of the easiest we've experienced.

We completed the required safety video before boarding, checked in at our muster station, and were finished within minutes.

It's quick, painless, and allows you to start enjoying the ship almost immediately.

The Windjammer Might Surprise You

Let's talk food.

Many cruisers immediately head to specialty restaurants on embarkation day, but we think that's a mistake.

The Windjammer buffet featured:

• Lobster
• Prime Rib
• Salmon
• Pork Chops
• Gluten-Free Options
• Multiple Seafood Stations

One thing we learned the hard way is that the lobster is spread throughout several stations. Don't grab the first lobster you see and assume that's all there is.

On a later Icon-class sailing, we discovered multiple lobster preparations, including a gluten-free version that ended up being our favorite.

Secret Windjammer Tip

Most guests crowd the front sections.

Walk toward the back.

Not only will you often find shorter food lines, but you'll also find more available seating and fantastic ocean views.

Our RoyalUp Upgrade Experience

We originally booked a standard ocean-view balcony and submitted a RoyalUp bid for an extended balcony.

The upgrade was approved.

Unfortunately, the location wasn't ideal.

Our new cabin was placed near a smoking section, which wasn't what we had envisioned.

Fortunately, Royal Caribbean worked with us and we were ultimately moved to a much better location.

Lesson Learned

Not every RoyalUp is automatically a better cabin.

Pay close attention to:

• Deck location
• Nearby public spaces
• Smoking areas
• Noise concerns

Sometimes a "higher category" cabin isn't actually a better overall experience.

The Extended Balcony Was Worth It

Once our cabin situation was resolved, we loved the extended balcony.

Features included:

• Reclining loungers
• Ottoman footrests
• Additional outdoor space
• Comfortable seating for sailaways and sea days

For us, the balcony became one of the most relaxing parts of the cruise.

After long days exploring the ship, it was nice to sit outside, enjoy the ocean breeze, and simply unwind.

You Need a Plan for Entertainment

This may be the most important advice in this article.

Reserve Shows Early

Icon of the Seas offers some of the best entertainment we've ever seen at sea.

Highlights include:

• Wizard of Oz
• AquaDome Water Show
• Ice Skating Show
• Live Music Venues
• Dueling Pianos
• Comedy Club
• Karaoke Lounge

The production quality genuinely felt Vegas-level.

But here's the problem:

Thousands of other guests want those same seats.

Pro Tip

Make reservations online whenever possible.

We've found Royal Caribbean's website tends to work better than the mobile app when booking entertainment and dining reservations.

The earlier you reserve, the better your options will be.

Do You Need the Drink Package?

Our answer is simple:

It depends.

If you're someone who enjoys multiple alcoholic beverages throughout the day, the package may absolutely make sense.

For us, it didn't.

We purchased drinks individually and spent far less than we would have on a package.

That said, there are some fantastic bars onboard.

Our favorites included:

• Swim & Tonic
• Hideaway Bar
• 1400 Lobby Bar

The famous "bubble drink" you've probably seen on social media can be found at the 1400 Bar.

Hideaway Is One of the Best Areas on the Ship

If you're traveling without children, Hideaway deserves a spot at the top of your must-do list.

This adults-only area features:

• Infinity pool
• Dedicated bar
• DJ music
• Incredible ocean views
• Relaxed atmosphere

Watching sailaway from Hideaway was one of our favorite moments of the cruise.

Here's the Truth About Crowds

This is the question we hear most often:

"Isn't it too crowded?"

Honestly?

No.

In many ways, Icon felt less crowded than smaller ships we've sailed.

That's because Royal Caribbean designed the ship to spread people across multiple neighborhoods, dining venues, pools, entertainment spaces, and lounges.

We consistently found:

• Available seating
• Open lounge chairs
• Multiple dining choices
• Entertainment throughout the ship

The ship is enormous, but so are the public spaces.

You Will Not Do Everything

Accept this now.

You won't.

No matter how organized you are, there is simply too much to see and do during a single sailing.

Between:

• Shows
• Dining
• Pools
• Water Slides
• Live Music
• Shopping
• Neighborhoods
• Activities

you'll likely leave with a list of things you still want to experience.

That's not a flaw.

It's actually part of what makes Icon so impressive.

So, Who Is Icon of the Seas Really For?

Great For:

✅ Families

✅ Multi-Generational Groups

✅ First-Time Cruisers

✅ Couples Who Want Endless Entertainment

✅ Friends Traveling Together

May Not Be Ideal For:

❌ Travelers Seeking Small-Ship Intimacy

❌ Guests Looking for a Quiet, Traditional Cruise Experience

❌ Cruisers Who Prefer Spending Most of Their Time in Port

Final Verdict: Is Icon of the Seas Worth It?

Yes.

Icon of the Seas delivers on the hype.

The entertainment is world-class.

The food variety is outstanding.

The public spaces are beautiful.

The ship somehow manages to carry thousands of passengers without constantly feeling crowded.

Most importantly, it creates those rare vacation moments where you repeatedly stop and think:

"Wow."

And that's exactly what a vacation should do.

Watch Our Full Icon of the Seas Review

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Want to see the food, entertainment, cabin tour, and our complete experience? Watch our full video review on Ant & Shira Adventures.

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