Icon of the Seas cruise costs vary by season and cabin type. Interior cabins start around $1,200 per person, ocean view from $1,400, balcony from $1,800, and suites from $3,000+. Additional costs include gratuities ($16/day), WiFi ($20-30/day), specialty dining ($15-200 per meal), drink packages ($39-89/day), and shore excursions ($50-200+ each).
I thought I’d budgeted perfectly for our Icon cruise until I saw the final bill. Between my daughter’s arcade addiction, my husband’s coffee habit at Starbucks, and our ‘just one specialty dinner’ turning into three, we spent an extra $800. Now I know to budget for those little indulgences that make the cruise special.
Want to know everything about the world’s largest cruise ship? Our complete Icon of the Seas Guide covers it all.
Breaking Down the Real Costs
The advertised price is just your starting point. Think of it as buying a car – the sticker price gets you the basic model but you’ll want the extras that make the experience worthwhile.
| Expense Category | Daily Cost Range | Weekly Total (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuities (mandatory) | $16/day | $112 |
| WiFi Package | $20-30/day | $140-210 |
| Beverage Package | $39-89/day | $273-623 |
| Specialty Dining | Varies by restaurant | $100-500+ |
| Shore Excursions | Per port | $200-800+ |
The Hidden Fee Minefield
Royal Caribbean doesn’t hide these fees exactly but they’re not shouting about them either. Here’s what catches most first-timers off guard:
- Automatic gratuities: $16 per person per day gets added to your account whether you like it or not
- 18% service charge: Applied to all bar purchases, spa treatments, and specialty dining
- Room service delivery fee: $7.95 per order (except continental breakfast)
- Specialty restaurant cover charges: Even if you have a dining package some venues charge extra
- Photo packages: Those photographers are everywhere for a reason – individual photos cost $20-25 each
👉 👉 Book direct: Get exclusive deals on your next Icon of the Seas Cruise
Accommodation Costs Beyond the Cabin Price
Your Icon of the Seas rooms come with basics but luxury costs extra. Mini-bar items are priced like airport shopping and that innocent-looking bottle of water costs $4. Suite guests get some perks included but even they’ll face charges for premium room service or extra amenities.
Pro tip: Book connecting rooms instead of a family suite if you’re traveling with kids. You’ll often save money and get more space plus the children can trash their own room while you maintain some sanity.
Dining Package Reality Check
The main dining room and buffet are included but let’s be honest – you didn’t book the world’s largest cruise ship to eat the same food you could get on any floating hotel. Icon of the Seas dining packages can save money if you plan to eat specialty food more than three times during your cruise.
Specialty Dining Breakdown:
- Izumi (sushi): $15-25 per item
- Chops Grille (steakhouse): $69 per person
- Giovanni’s Table (Italian): $49 per person
- Playmakers Sports Bar: $15-35 per item
- Chef’s Table: $200+ per person
Here’s the insider secret: Many specialty restaurants offer lunch versions at lower prices. The same Chops Grille steak costs significantly less at lunch and the portion size barely changes.
Beverage Package Mathematics
Icon of the Seas drink packages seem expensive until you do the math. Individual cocktails cost $12-18 each. If you drink more than 4-5 alcoholic beverages daily the package pays for itself.
Package Options:
- Refreshment Package: $39/day (non-alcoholic drinks, coffee, tea)
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $89/day (includes alcohol up to $15 per drink)
- Water Package: $12/day (still and sparkling water)
The catch? Everyone in your cabin over 21 must buy the same alcohol package. No exceptions. Royal Caribbean learned from too many people sharing drinks.
Technology and Communication Costs
WiFi on Icon isn’t cheap but it’s surprisingly reliable for a ship carrying 7,000+ people. The VOOM internet packages range from basic email access to streaming-capable speeds:
- Surf: $20/day (basic browsing, email)
- Surf + Stream: $30/day (video calls, streaming)
Money-saving hack: Buy WiFi packages before boarding for a 10-20% discount. Also one package can technically work on multiple devices though you can only use one at a time.
👉 👉 Book direct: Get exclusive deals on your next Icon of the Seas Cruise
Shore Excursions and Port Costs
Icon typically visits perfect day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island) plus other Caribbean ports. Shore excursions through the cruise line cost premium prices but offer guaranteed return timing and travel insurance coverage.
Independent excursion costs vary wildly by port. In Cozumel you might spend $50 for a beach day or $200+ for diving. The risk? Miss the ship and you’re buying your own flight to the next port.
Departure is from Icon of the Seas Miami port where parking adds another $25-35 per day to your total costs.
Entertainment and Activity Extras
Icon’s incredible entertainment mostly comes free but some experiences cost extra:
- Arcade games: $1-5 per play
- Escape rooms: $15-20 per person
- Professional photos: $20-25 individual, $200+ packages
- Spa treatments: $150-500+ per service
- Fitness classes: Some premium classes charge $20-30
The rock climbing walls, FlowRider surfing, ice skating, mini golf, and most pools remain free. Smart families budget entertainment money specifically for kids who’ll want to try everything once.
Smart Money-Saving Strategies
Veteran cruisers know these cost-cutting tricks:
- Book packages pre-cruise: Almost everything costs less before you board
- Set spending limits: Put a daily limit on your SeaPass card to avoid bill shock
- Pack smart: Bring reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and basic medications
- Split packages: Couples can share one internet package and one photo package
- Eat lunch at specialty restaurants: Same food, lower prices
- Skip the first-night specialty dining: You’re too excited to truly appreciate expensive food
Budgeting for Different Travel Styles
Budget Cruiser ($200-400 extra per person):
- Refreshment drink package
- Basic WiFi
- One specialty dinner
- Minimal shore excursions
Comfort Cruiser ($600-1000 extra per person):
- Deluxe beverage package
- Streaming WiFi
- Specialty dining package
- Moderate shore excursions
- Some spa treatments
Luxury Cruiser ($1200+ extra per person):
- All beverage packages
- Premium WiFi
- Unlimited specialty dining
- Premium shore excursions
- Full spa days
- Professional photo packages
👉 👉 Book direct: Get exclusive deals on your next Icon of the Seas Cruise
Bonus Tips From Cruise Insiders
- The 15-minute rule: Specialty restaurants often have no-show tables available 15 minutes after reservation times
- Laundry timing: Self-service laundry costs less on sea days when fewer people use it
- Drink package loophole: Premium coffee shops aren’t always included – read the fine print
- Gratuity adjustment: You can modify automatic gratuities at the guest services desk
- Final night strategy: Pay your account balance the night before disembarkation to avoid morning rushes
- Currency conversion: Let your credit card handle exchange rates rather than the ship’s conversion rates
When Free Actually Means Free
Icon offers genuinely free activities that rival anything you’d pay for on land:
- Broadway-style shows and live music
- Multiple pools and water slides
- Rock climbing and surfing simulators
- Ice skating and mini golf
- Fitness center access
- Kids’ clubs and teen programs
- Deck parties and parades
These aren’t afterthoughts – they’re world-class experiences included in your cruise fare.
Common Questions and FAQ
Can I remove automatic gratuities if I prefer to tip individually?
Yes, you can adjust or remove automatic gratuities at the guest services desk. However, you’ll need to handle individual tipping yourself, and many service staff depend on these tips as part of their income.
Do drink packages work at private island destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Yes, your Royal Caribbean beverage packages work at CocoCay’s bars and restaurants. This includes the overwater bar at Coco Beach Club, though some premium venues may have restrictions.
Are there any dining venues that aren’t covered by specialty dining packages?
Some ultra-premium experiences like Chef’s Table or certain VIP dining events aren’t included in standard dining packages. Room service also has separate charges regardless of your dining package.
Can I buy internet packages for just part of my cruise?
No, Royal Caribbean only sells internet packages for the entire cruise duration. However, you can purchase minutes or day passes in some cases, though the per-day cost is usually higher.
What happens if I go over my daily spending limit on my SeaPass card?
Your card will be declined until you visit guest services to increase your limit or make a payment. It’s better to set realistic limits or monitor your spending through the Royal Caribbean app.
Are there any free alternatives to specialty dining restaurants?
The main dining room offers multi-course meals with rotating menus, and the Windjammer buffet has international cuisine stations. Room service continental breakfast is also complimentary. These options provide quality food without extra charges.
