Finding her cruise ship sea legs was easier – and a lot more relaxing – than Dominique McMullan expected.
When people think cruising, they think “blue rinse brigade”, dinner over forced small talk with strangers and organised activities like aqua aerobics and organised speed walking along the top deck. After a week on board the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, travelling from Miami to The Bahamas and back, I have found cruising is an easy and cost-effective way – particularly for young families – to combine travel, relaxation and a bit of fun, for both parents and kids alike.
It’s a floating city, don’t get lost
Icon of the Seas can carry 5,610 guests and 2,350 staff and eight distinct neighbourhoods. It has 20 decks and just some of the facilities include the world’s biggest floating waterpark, a casino, a spa, a fitness centre, a conference centre, laser tag, mini golf, simulated surfing, a jogging track and a rock-climbing wall. My favourite neighbourhood is Central Park, which is filled with 20,000 live plants. It’s the perfect place for a stroll after dinner – not least because of the walk-up Champagne bar.
It’s cheesy and loud – lean into it
If you’re staying on the world’s biggest cruise ship expecting some peace and quiet, then you’re going to be disappointed. Icon of the Seas is loud and proud. DJs line the decks, kids fill the pools, and music is piped into most places on board. My recommendation? Make peace with it, join the staff conga line at dinner, belt out a tune at karaoke, enthusiastically cheer on that performer in the lift… And if you’re really in need of some downtime, the spa is always peaceful.
Pace yourself and download the app
With more than forty restaurants, bars and lounges; two theatres, an aqua dome and an ice-skating rink – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of things to do, places to go and food to try. Especially when most of it is all-you-can-eat-and-drink and already paid for. The Royal Caribbean app is a really handy place to see everything that is happening and to make all your bookings and reservations. Inevitably, you will get carried away and end up having breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus elevenses, lunchtime cocktails, and midnight pizza, all while trying to see every neighbourhood and show and if you are like me, ride every slide in the park. Remember to pace yourself!
Don’t miss the Broadway quality entertainment
Icon of the Seas has four signature “stages” – air, ice, water and theatre – and more live music and comedy than you’ll know what to do with. My favourite show was the first rendition of The Wizard of Oz at sea – this is truly a Broadway-quality production and one not to miss. If live action movies mixed with live theatre are more your thing, performers in The Aquadome will have you seriously sucking your teeth with their incredible high dives. Over at the ice rink, the Starburst show is a dazzling ice-skating performance with a science twist, and if you fancy a nightcap the Piano Bar on The Royal Promenade is a great place for a late drink with live entertainment. There is also the Comedy Club, Lou’s Jazz ’n Blues, Duelling Pianos, Showband!, Pirates Vs Mermaids and so much more.
Enjoy the day off the ship
Icon of the Seas travels from Miami to The Bahamas and stops at Cococay – Royal Caribbean’s very own Caribbean island, one of the Berry Islands. The island is split into “Thrill”, which includes another huge water park, and “Chill” – which features lots of stunning beaches and idyllic cabanas. I loved Hideaway Beach, perfect for a day spent lounging in the sun. My only concern was when to paddle in the crystal clear, aquamarine water, and when to toddle up to On The Rocks bar for a cocktail.
This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2024 issue of IMAGE.
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