The world’s largest cruise ship, a floating city at sea, will offer oceans of entertainment venues and a variety of both new and returning dining choices

Debuting in January, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world. At 250,800 gross register tons and with a length of 1,198 feet, she accommodates 5,610 guests based on double occupancy, with a total capacity of 7,600. The Icon of the Seas will be sailing year-round from Miami to the Caribbean.

Reimagined Dining on This New Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

The Icon of the Seas provides guests with elevated dining experiences, spots for quick bites and some family and kid-approved eats. And she’ll have some returning favorites.  

Quick bites will be available at Central Park’s Park Cafe, which will now be open in the evening for tapas. El Loco Fresh is the grab-and-go spot for Mexican delights in Chill Island. In the Royal Promenade, Sorrento’s offers signature pies and a different specialty pizza for every day of the week. The most expansive Windjammer buffet presents a menu of flavors from around the world, along with a section designed for kids.

Chops Grille

Chops Grille

For elevated dining experiences, returning favorites include signature venues like Central Park’s American steakhouse, Chops Grille, and Trellis Bar; the Dining Room, where three levels are matched with three courses; Hooked Seafood in AquaDome; Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, new to the Royal Promenade; the now two-level Coastal Kitchen in the Suite Neighborhood; and the exclusive Chef’s Table.

Returning family favorites include sushi and hibachi cooked by an expert chef who puts on a show at the Asian-inspired Izumi, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for some friendly competition and bar bites, and Sprinkles for ice cream all day and night.

Elevated Cruise Ship Dining, Quick Bites and Family Eats

New elevated dining experiences on the Icon of the Seas include:

  • Empire Supper Club – Near the lush Central Park neighborhood, the new experience is an extravagant night out with a taste of old New York. Bringing it to life are an eight-course menu of premium American cuisine, from caviar to Wagyu; a drink paired with every dish; and a three-piece band playing unexpected renditions of modern favorites.
  • Celebration Table – Special occasions and milestones get the VIP treatment at the new 12-seat private experience. Paired with AquaDome’s sweeping ocean views is a choice of American, Italian, Asian and seafood menus, along with the option to add a personal touch with ambient plus-ups and menu upgrades.
Celebration Table

Celebration Table

Check out these new spots for quick bites on the cruise ship:

  • AquaDome Market – The lineup at Royal Caribbean’s first food hall brings five different stalls and a selection of wines and beer to the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Flavors range from sweet and savory crepes at Creme de la Crepe to macaroni and cheese with a twist of tasty toppings at Mac’s, to fresh pitas and bowls at Feta Mediterranean, to Asian-inspired treats like Korean beef and broccoli at GNGR, and sandwiches and salads at Toast and Garden.
  • Izumi in the Park – The all-day window debuts next to the first Izumi restaurant in Central Park, serving up fresh sushi and street food to go like taiyaki ice cream with Insta-worthy toppings.
  • Pearl Cafe – A new stop for bites day or night, like freshly toasted sandwiches and ready-made salads, the cafe sits between The Pearl and floor-to-ceiling ocean views in the Royal Promenade.
  • Basecamp – The new spot to refuel between memory-making in Thrill Island, Chill Island and The Hideaway serves drinks and treats like pretzel bites with cheese and crispy shrimp bao buns. For a sweet ending, nearby is Desserted, the new milkshake bar with over-the-top shakes, including adults-only boozy options.
  • The Grove – The new al fresco and casual Mediterranean dining option conveniently located on the suite sun deck in the Suite Neighborhood – only steps away from the private pool, whirlpool and cozy spots to hang out.

New family and kids-approved eats on the ship include:

  • Surfside Eatery – The new buffet dedicated to families at the heart of Surfside, the stay-all-day neighborhood for young families, has options for all ages to enjoy at breakfast, lunch and dinner, including twists on kid classics for the grownups.
  • Pier 7 – It’s about the all-day brunch at this new venue in Surfside, serving up casual California-inspired dishes like surf-and-turf tacos, smoked salmon Benedict and shareable platters.
  • Surfside Bites – Surfside’s pit stop makes maximizing every minute of adventure easy, thanks to the walk-up window and its menu of quick snacks like burgers, popcorn chicken and cinnamon-sugar donut holes.
Central Park

Central Park

Cruise Ship Entertainment Venues and Bars

New firsts on the Icon of the Seas include Dueling Pianos, located in Royal Promenade; Rye & Bean, a new coffee shop that offers everything from classic cups of coffee to expresso cocktails; and Bubbles Champagne Bar in Central Park. 

Lou’s Jazz ’n Blues in Central Park has live performances of jazz pop tunes and soulful classics. The Overlook Lounge, adjacent to the Aqua Theater, is an elevated lounge that takes hangouts to a new level. At night the marquee aqua shows are just a few steps away. 1400 Lobby Bar, a new meet-up spot, has daytime and evening sips that have been designed by renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. 

Returning favorites include Trellis Bar in Central Park, and Boleros, a lively club with a Latin flavor, along with the signature Schooner Bar, where pianists set the tone for pre-dinner drinks as well as nightcaps. The Attic, inspired by Manhattan’s dark and intimate comedy clubs, has adults-only live shows. Music Hall lets guests enjoy the house tribute band.

Other hot spots include Spotlight Karaoke, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and Point & Feather, a neighborhood English pub in the Royal Promenade. 

Pool Areas on Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship

The Icon of the Seas has seven unique pools, including The Hideaway, the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

Cloud 17, which overlooks the ocean, is an adults-only oasis is tucked away on the top. And there’s a swim-up bar called Swim & Tonic. 

Surfside is a stay-all-day neighborhood for families. And Splashaway Bay Aquapark has water slides, spray fountains and a massive drench bucket. Water’s Edge pool offers infinite-horizon views.

Itineraries on This New Cruise Ship

The Icon of the Seas will offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings year-round from Miami. Ports will include Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, plus Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Roatan, Honduras.

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By Cindy Bertram