Icon of the Seas receives average 4.2/5 stars from passengers. Positive reviews highlight Category 6 waterpark, diverse dining options, spacious feel despite size, and family amenities. Common complaints include food quality inconsistency, crowded specialty restaurants, limited quiet spaces for adults, and high onboard costs. First-time cruisers generally more satisfied than experienced cruisers.
Reading reviews before our cruise, I was prepared for crowds and chaos. Instead, I found myself texting my sister on day two: ‘I’ve been lost in Central Park for 20 minutes and haven’t seen another soul.’ Sometimes the internet gets it wrong.
Want to know everything about the world’s largest cruise ship? Our complete Icon of the Seas Guide covers it all.
What Passengers Love Most About Icon of the Seas
The Category 6 waterpark consistently earns rave reviews from families. Parents appreciate that kids can spend hours here while they grab a drink at the nearby bar. The FlowRider surf simulators rarely have long waits outside peak hours, and here’s something most people don’t know: the best time to hit the waterslides is during dinner service when most passengers are eating.
The ship’s neighborhood concept gets high marks for creating intimate spaces within a massive vessel. Central Park’s living garden provides that quiet escape many thought they’d never find, while the Boardwalk brings carnival energy without the sticky floors.
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The Food Situation: What Reviews Really Reveal
Here’s where things get interesting. The Icon of the Seas restaurants receive mixed reviews, but there’s a pattern seasoned cruisers have noticed. The main dining room quality varies dramatically by which restaurant you choose and when you dine.
Insider Tips for Better Dining
- Book specialty restaurants for late seatings – chefs are warmed up and ingredients are fresher
- The Windjammer buffet is vastly superior at breakfast compared to lunch or dinner
- Room service pizzas are surprisingly good and often better than Sorrento’s during busy periods
- Many passengers don’t realize you can make same-day reservations at specialty venues if there are cancellations
| Dining Venue Type | Passenger Rating | Best Times to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Main Dining Room | 3.8/5 | Early seating, avoid sea days |
| Specialty Restaurants | 4.1/5 | Late seating preferred |
| Windjammer Buffet | 3.5/5 | Breakfast and off-peak hours |
| Room Service | 4.0/5 | Anytime except embarkation day |
Crowd Management: The Truth About 7,600 Passengers
Reviews consistently mention crowds, but experienced cruisers know the secret to avoiding them. The ship’s size actually works in your favor if you understand passenger flow patterns. Most people follow the same routines, creating predictable busy and quiet periods.
Crowd-Avoiding Strategies
- Hit popular Icon of the Seas activities during meal times
- Use the forward elevators – most passengers cluster around midship banks
- The Solarium becomes a peaceful adult retreat after 4 PM when families head to dinner prep
- Deck 15 walking track is virtually empty during show times
What First-Time vs. Experienced Cruisers Think
The review split is fascinating. First-time cruisers rate Icon significantly higher than cruise veterans, and there’s a logical reason. Newcomers to cruising aren’t comparing the experience to smaller ships or previous cruise eras. They’re genuinely wowed by features that seasoned cruisers take for granted.
Experienced cruisers appreciate the ship’s innovations but often complain about service inconsistency and the loss of that intimate cruise feeling. If you’re new to cruising, Icon makes an excellent first impression.
The Real Cost Story
Reviews frequently mention high onboard costs, but passengers who research beforehand fare much better. The ship’s beverage packages make more sense here than on smaller vessels due to the variety of bars and venues. Internet packages are essential since you’ll want to share those waterpark photos immediately.
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Smart Spending Tips
- Buy beverage packages before boarding for significant savings
- Shore excursion prices are higher than independent options, but ship tours guarantee you won’t miss departure
- Photo packages become worthwhile with the unique photo opportunities this ship provides
- Specialty dining packages offer better value than individual restaurant bookings
Itinerary Impact on Reviews
Passengers on different Icon of the Seas itinerary options rate their experience differently. Caribbean cruises with multiple sea days allow passengers to fully explore the ship, while port-heavy itineraries sometimes leave people feeling like they missed out on onboard experiences.
Cabin Categories: What Passengers Recommend
Interior cabin reviews are surprisingly positive due to the ship’s excellent common areas. Passengers report spending minimal time in interior rooms since there’s so much to do onboard. Balcony rooms in Central Park receive mixed reviews – some love the unique garden views while others prefer traditional ocean vistas.
Cabin Selection Insights
- Interior rooms are perfectly adequate given the extensive public spaces
- Oceanview rooms on lower decks offer better value than high-deck interiors
- Central Park balconies provide 24/7 entertainment watching but can be noisy
- Suite passengers rave about the exclusive venues and priority reservations
Service Reviews: The Human Element
Staff reviews vary widely, reflecting the challenge of training crew for the world’s largest cruise ship. Housekeeping consistently receives high marks, while specialty restaurant service gets mixed reviews. Passengers note that crew members are still learning optimal service flow patterns.
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Comparing Icon to Other Mega Ships
When passengers compare Icon of the Seas vs Disney Wish, they highlight different strengths. Icon wins on innovation and variety, while Disney excels in service consistency and attention to detail. Your preference depends on whether you prioritize cutting-edge features or polished execution.
Bonus Tips From Seasoned Passengers
- Download the Royal Caribbean app before boarding – it’s essential for navigation and reservations
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen; many destinations require it and ship shops charge premium prices
- Bring a lanyard for your SeaPass card – you’ll use it constantly
- The ship’s laundry services are expensive; pack enough clothes or use self-service facilities
- Seasickness medication works better as prevention than treatment
- Book spa appointments early; popular times fill quickly
Common Questions and FAQ
Is Icon of the Seas too crowded to enjoy?
Most passengers find the ship feels less crowded than expected due to its innovative design and multiple venue options. The key is knowing when and where to go to avoid peak times.
How far in advance should I book specialty restaurants?
Book immediately when your reservation window opens, typically 90 days before sailing. Popular restaurants like Chops Grille and Specialty Steakhouse fill within hours of opening.
Are the water slides worth the wait times?
Wait times vary dramatically by time of day. Early morning and during meal times offer the shortest waits. The slides are impressive enough that most passengers feel the wait is justified.
What’s the best deck for first-time Icon passengers?
Deck 8 provides easy access to most amenities without being too high. You’re close to dining venues, entertainment, and can easily access both upper and lower deck activities.
Do I need to prepay for internet to stay connected?
Internet packages offer better value than pay-per-use options. The ship’s size means you’ll likely want to stay connected to coordinate with travel companions and share experiences.
How does Icon handle dietary restrictions and food allergies?
The ship accommodates most dietary needs well, but inform them during booking and remind servers at each meal. The variety of venues means you’ll have multiple options even with restrictions.
