Insane offerings on board world’s biggest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas
Extravagance is expected on board the world’s biggest cruise ship, but one gobsmacking offering proves they really did think of everything.
Picture this: You’re on the Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, laying by one of the seven different pools on board, sipping on a cocktail that has just been delivered to you.
You then decide it’s time for a change of pace and go check out the, not one, but six water slides available. After this you, of course, need another cocktail to cool down.
When you’ve built up an appetite from the endless activities on-board, you take your pick from the 20 dining options before topping off the night in the spa.
All this coupled with a few glasses of wine, because, why not.
If you’re anything like me, this sounds like an ideal way to spend an afternoon and evening. But, again, if you’re like me, you may also wake up in the morning feeling not so fresh.
Luckily, you are on board the Icon of the Seas, which means you can pop down to the spa area and treat yourself to some IV therapy – just one of the many extravagant offerings on the ship that is five times larger than the Titanic and longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall.
Here is a sneak peek of what it is really like on board the biggest cruise ship in the world.
Time to relax
If you’re idea of a perfect holiday is max relaxation then this is the cruise for you, with the Icon of the Seas taking relaxation to the next level.
The Vitality Spa is the ultimate spot for wellness and winding down. It is also where you will find the aforementioned IV therapy, which is administered by a registered nurse and can be tailored to your exact needs.
Passengers can choose from different therapies and nutrient IVs depending on what issues or areas they want to target.
The spa also has all the classic offerings, like massages, facials, a nail bar, hair dressing and beauty bar.
There is also an on-ship barber shop as well as saunas and tropical showers.
Essentially, almost any treatment you can think of, this ship has it or something similar.
If chilling by a pool with a book is more your vibe, then you are spoiled for choice from areas to choose from, including The Hideaway, which is an 18+ area that features its own bar, an infinity pool and multiple spas.
Once you arrive at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, a private destination exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests, there are even more opportunities to kick back and relax.
For those who really want to dial up the luxury, there is Coco Beach Club where you can treat yourself to your own private overwater cabana, complete with showers, overwater hammocks and a private slide that leads straight into the water.
Or, if you’re looking to take the energy level up a bit, head over to the new adult’s only oasis, Hideaway Beach.
Here you will find a swim up bar and DJ for those wanting more of a party vibe and when you want to chill you can head down to the lagoon or one of the private cabanas for a more relaxed vibe.
Thrill seekers
For those wanting to get the adrenaline pumping, look no further than Thrill Island, which includes the largest water park at sea.
There are six slides to choose from, including a whopping 14 metre drop slide, the tallest of its kind at sea, and first open free fall slide at sea.
Passengers looking for an even bigger challenge can try their hand at the Crown’s Edge, a challenge that will see you venturing out onto the side of the ship. It is part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride.
Other activities include mini golf, a surfing simulator and a rock climbing wall.
Once you have exhausted the on-board activities, then you can head to Thrill Water park on CocoCay where you have the choice of 14 different slides, including the tallest water slide in North America, Daredevil’s peak.
There is also a zip line course that will see you crisscross over the island for a massive 487 metres.
If you want to get even higher, you can jump on the helium balloon rise which will take you almost 140 metres into the air and give you unparalleled views of the island.
Food and entertainment
With more than 40 different dining and bar options on board, there is well and truly something for everyone.
If you’re wanting a more casual dining experience, places like the buffet style Windjammer Cafe, El Loco Fresh and Aquadome Market are the way to go. The main dining room also offers exceptional multi-course meals each day.
There are also multiple speciality restaurants on board, which include everything from premium cuts of steak at Chops Grille, fresh sushi and teppanyaki prepared tableside at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and fresh seafood and raw bar favourites at Hooked Seafood.
If you want evening of extravagance than look no further than the Empire Supper Club, which offers an eight course menu, with each dish paired with a beverage.
Sitting at the top of the Icon of the Seas is the AquaDome, which is where passengers should head for a truly unique entertainment experience.
Within this area is the AquaThatre, you can see performers achieve seemingly superhuman feats and stunts, all beneath a towering 17 metre indoor waterfall.
Or if ice is more your thing, you can catch a show at Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean’s biggest ice arena at sea.
If you are looking for something more traditional, then you can stop in at the Royal Theatre can catch a showing of the Broadway hit musical, The Wizard of Oz.
According to Royal Caribbean’s website, Icon’s available 2024 itineraries range from almost $US1,800 ($2,600) per person to nearly $US2,200 ($3,200).
Prior to the maiden voyage, a naming ceremony was held for the Icon of the Seas, with Royal Caribbean International president and CEO, Michael Bayley, said saying the ship marked the beginning of a “new era of vacations”.
“We did it! After seven years of pursuing the bold vision to create a one-of-a-kind vacation for every type of family and adventurer, Icon of the Seas has become a reality,” he said.
“Officially naming Icon marks more than the introduction of a new ship; it is the start of a new era of vacations, and we’re excited to see tens of millions of families and friends make their mark with memories they create together and on their own adventures without compromise.”
This writer was a guest of Royal Caribbean
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