Royal Caribbean has made a last-minute change to which part of Icon of the Seas will be exclusively for adults.
Ever since Royal Caribbean revealed details on its newest cruise ship, Cloud 17 was to be the adults-only area. Icon does not have a Solarium, which has traditionally been the adults-only area on its cruise ships.
As first reported by Cruise Critic, the plan has changed.
Instead of Cloud 17 (located in Chill Island), The Hideaway neighborhood will become the adults-only area for guests 18 years old or older.
In speaking with Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider, the change was made in just the last week.
When passengers board Icon of the Seas for the first revenue sailing on January 27, they can find a kid-free zone at The Hideaway. Cloud 17 will be open to guests of all ages.
Why the change was made
Making the swap of venue rules just weeks before the new cruise ship was to set sail had a few reasons for it.
First, Mr. Schneider indicated that since Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay was going to be an adults-only area, having a very similar named venue on Icon of the Seas made more logical sense to have the same policy.
In addition, Cruise Critic reported that Royal Caribbean felt Cloud 17 was in "prime real estate" and did not make sense to have the area closed off to families.
About The Hideaway
One of the new neighborhood ideas on Icon of the Seas is The Hideaway.
It's at the very back of the ship on deck 15, and it's Royal Caribbean's first ever pool at the back of a ship.
The pool is perched 135 feet above the ocean, offering 180 degree views.
From its conceptualization, The Hideaway was meant to have a Las Vegas pool party vibe. It has the first suspended infinity pool at sea, day beds, loungers, and an expansive bar area.
There's also a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating. The daybeds have an additional cost to them.
Fan reaction
News of the change seems to be have been so far with favorable reaction.
Comments on Reddit showed cruisers think there's more logic to having The Hideaway be for only adults.
"That is a huge improvement, Cloud 17 looked like it would suck whenever it’s windy," wrote Kvalri.
shanham wrote, "I was surprised that hideaway wasn’t the adult area because I saw they were selling the hideaway “pool beds” for $500 on my sailing. I told my husband I couldn’t imagine paying $500 to be on a bed in a pool full of kids."
illuminated0ne thinks making The Hideaway adults-only is sensible, but not changing Cloud 17 as well, "I always assumed they would turn The Hideaway into adults only eventually because of the expensive day beds in the area, but I didn't think they'd take away the other adults-only place they've been advertising for a year."
"The Hideaway looks so much smaller. It's even more puzzling they're doing it before trying it out once."
About Cloud 17
If making Cloud 17 suddenly changes your pool deck plans, here's what to know about the area.
You'll find an infinity-edge pool at Cloud 17 (the same is true at the Cove Pool) that overlooks the ocean. There's also a whirlpool.
It also has its own Lime & Coconut Bar.
Hideaway bar menu
As mentioned, there is a bar in The Hideaway and it has a special menu.
The menu is simply a starting point, and you can order other cocktails, beers, or mixed drinks.
Here's a look at the drink menu.
