When Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship starts sailing, it will have its most ambitious and expensive extra-cost restaurant ever.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is being designed from the water line up as a brand new evolution in cruising, and there are plenty of firsts, including 20 unique dining options.

One of the new restaurants on Icon of the Seas will be a high-end specialty restaurant that offers a "taste of old New York" and it wont be cheap.

The cruise line calls it the Empire Supper Club, and this throwback restaurant is unlike any other dining venue on its ships so far. Top quality food along with entertainment in a paced meal is what Royal Caribbean hopes will be a very cool idea that provides another option for those seeking a refined meal.

Icon's most elegant dining establishment is something brand new and has a lot of people curious what we can expect.

Welcome to old New York

The Empire Supper Club looks to be the most elegant restaurant created by Royal Caribbean to date.

Guests will enjoy an eight-course meal, all paired with with cocktails that have been specially created for Royal Caribbean by a world renowned mixologist. Tony Abou-Ganim has worked with James Beard Award-winning chefs, Bellagio and more.

When you eat at the Empire Supper Club, expect an experience, not just dinner.

The venue can only seat 38 people and there will be only one seating per night, which means this will be a hot ticket to get into given its low capacity.

Each meal will take approximately three hours, and there will be a three-piece band playing, which means guests get not just a top quality meal, but entertainment too.

Royal Caribbean hopes it will be a throwback to old New York. Appropriately enough, you'll find the New York-themed restaurant in the part of the ship that is also inspired by the same city, Central Park.

A pricey dinner

While no prices have been listed yet, Royal Caribbean did give a ballpark estimate for how much a meal will cost.

In talking with travel agents recently, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, said she expects the price to be right around $200 per person.

"It'll probably be about $200 a person," she explained in talking about the restaurant. "We haven't landed exactly on the price, but it's going to be worth it because it's going to be a beautiful eight course meal paired with the mixologist, the cocktails and the wines."

Royal Caribbean has plenty of specialty restaurants that have cover charges, but none that have a per-person price tag approaching the Empire Supper Club.

In comparison, here are prices for other specialty restaurants from the upcoming inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas (with a 10% discount off onboard prices):

• Chops Grille: $62.99 per person
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen: $48.99 per person
• Izumi: $35.99 per person
• Hooked: $57.99 per person
• Izumi Hibachi: $57.99 per person

While the price is higher than other restaurants, it's also different from any other specialty restaurant the cruise line has come up with.

While the Chef's Table experience on other ships is also a curated meal experience, The Empire Supper Club is taking things to a new level with the menu and drink pairings.

Royal Caribbean said caviar and wagyu beef would be among the items that we can expect to see on the menu (the full menu has not been released yet).

"Most elevated dining experience we've created"

The high price tag isn't without merit, as Royal Caribbean wanted to come up with something that is substantially different from anything else.

Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, spoke about the Empire Supper Club a few months ago and he is excited to bring something so different to guests to try, "Empire Supper Club is what I would say is the most elevated dining experience we've created at Royal Caribbean."

"Food will be paired with cocktails, and then we'll pair it with music as well. So it'll be a full immersive dining experience."

From the sounds of it, this will be an intimate setting.

Just as food and drinks get commonly paired together, Royal Caribbean thinks pairing music to the meal will add to the sensory experience.

As mentioned earlier, the menu isn't set yet, but Mr. D'Souza's team is working on a variety of concepts for the menu, including an elevated oyster course, butterflied Caesar salad, and even testing out a rabbit dish. Don't worry, even if the rabbit course makes it to the menu, Mr. D'Souza said there will be other meat options too to pick from.

"It's really a set menu that allows you with a couple of choices around entrees."

Almost all the ingredients will be American sourced ingredients to match the New York menu they are aiming for.

He used the word "elevated" a lot to describe the meal at Empire Supper Club because of how fundamentally different it will be from other restaurants, "it really is an elevated food experience that's tied together with a really elevated beverage experience."

"It's really challenging us to come up with food and now figure out how to pair it, because you can pair wine easily. But, we're saying how do we pair a cocktail in a really meaningful way so that it's really an experiential combination between the food and the cocktail, and now you're layering music."

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a private island just for Royal Caribbean passengers, and we are sharing all the tips and secrets you need to know before you visit.

No matter how many times you visit, it's an impressive combination of beaches, pool, thrill experiences and more.

Royal Caribbean sought to deliver the ideal private island experience with its expansive offerings at CocoCay. There's multiple beaches to choose from, a water park, giant freshwater pool, beach club, zip line, and much more.

Odds are your Caribbean cruise will make a stop at CocoCay, so how do you best take advantage of your time there? We came up with the absolute best advice for anyone to maximize their visit.

Before you hit the beach, pool, or slides, here is everything you need to know about Perfect Day at CocoCay!

1. What is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, which means only Royal Caribbean cruise ships can go there.

Just like any port your cruise ship will visit, your ship docks there and it is up to you if you want to get off and visit.

There is no cost to walk around and explore the island, and much of the offerings are complimentary, such as the beaches, pool, and food.

Basically, the island is one enormous shore excursion run by Royal Caribbean that you do not have to spend any extra money (although you certainly can in some cases) to enjoy a fun day at the beach.

You might be wondering what the appeal is of visiting a cruise line operated island in lieu of a Caribbean country, and the answer is everything that you can do here.

Unlike other Caribbean islands, there are lots of activities centrally located within a short walk off the ship. From swimming, to the beach, to waterpark, and plenty of food, you've got everything in close proximity and run by Royal Caribbean to ensure there is consistency with the experience across the board.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is almost an extension of the cruise ship experience, making it easy for cruise ship passengers to enjoy without the "middle man" of shore excursion and outside vendors you would have to navigate on another island.

2. What's new at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Royal Caribbean opened a new adults-only area at Hideaway Beach in early 2024.

Hideaway Beach is meant to be a counter-balance to the family-friendly programming found elsewhere on the island for those that want a break from it.

Hideaway Beach has an admission cost to enter, and is limited to around 2,000 passengers each day.

3. What should you bring with you?

Since Royal Caribbean operates the island, there is a bit less to have to bring than to a regular cruise port.

The most important things you should bring to the CocoCay are:

• SeaPass card
• Cash: Tipping cabana attendants requires cash.
• Sunscreen
• Closed-toe shoes: If you are going on the zip line, these will be needed.
• Beach towels: You can get these from the ship.  If you are in a cabana or Coco Beach Club, towels are provided for you.

It's also a good idea to bring sunglasses, hats, and wear a rashguard to protect yourself from the sun. Most of the year, the sun will be shining and the last thing you want to do is bring home a sunburn from your time there.

Don't forget anything special you may need for kids, such as baby supplies.

I also recommend a good beach bag to carry everything with you on and off the island. 

4. Your drink package works at Perfect Day at CocoCay

If you purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package for your cruise, you can use the drink package benefits while at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

This means if you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, you can enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages, along with bottled water, sodas and more. Likewise, the Royal Refreshment and Soda Package benefits extend to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Just like on the ship, souvenir cups or drinks served in pineapples/coconuts are not included with your drink package benefits.  If you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, you can get a discount on the souvenir cup.  Or you can ask for the drink in a regular cup to pay no additional charge.

If you are a Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle Club guest, your daily drink vouchers are accepted at CocoCay as well!

5. Internet packages work at Perfect Day at CocoCay

If you have a Voom internet package, you will have internet connectivity at Perfect Day at CocoCay.  

WiFi coverage extends across the island, which means you can stay connected and share photos or videos with friends back home.  Heck, you can even post updates on our message boards!

6. Best times for shortest water slide lines

Thrill Waterpark is home to Perfect Day at CocoCay's incredible water slides, and as you might imagine, a lot of cruisers are going to want to try them all. 

While lines for the slides are usually quite manageable, here are the best times to try the slides to have a minimal wait:

• Before 11am
• After 3pm

7. Secret menu item at Snack Shack

Snack Shack serves up some great food, but they also have a menu item that is not listed on the printed menu.

If you ask nicely, you can get a chicken parmigiana sandwich that is essentially a cross between the crispy chicken sandwich, mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce.

8. Prebook to save money

Whether you want to visit Thrill Waterpark, go for a ride on the Up, Up & Away helium balloon, snorkel or pretty much anything else that will cost extra at Perfect Day at CocoCay, be sure to pre-book it before your cruise.

Royal Caribbean regularly discounts activities and add-ons you can enjoy while at CocoCay, and this means money saved compared to waiting to reserve it once onboard.

Moreover, booking in advance assures you of a spot and protects against something selling out. It is common for the Coco Beach Club, cabanas or the water park to sell out, so book early.

You can view prices and make reservations on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planer site.

9. What's included to do at no extra cost?

There is a lot of attention for the activities on Perfect Day at CocoCay that costs extra, but there is a lot of fun things to do that costs absolutely nothing extra.

First and foremost, you can walk around Perfect Day at CocoCay without paying extra.  Just like any port of call, you can walk off the ship and explore on your own.

Here is a list of things that is included with your cruise fare when you visit Perfect Day at CocoCay:

• Splashaway Bay
• Captain Jill's Galleon
• Skipper's Grill
• Chill Grill
• Snack Shack
• Oasis Lagoon pool (Beach  chairs, umbrellas and towels)
• Chill Island (Beach  chairs, umbrellas and towels)
• South Beach (Beach  chairs, umbrellas and towels)
• Sports Courts
• Fitness Classes
• Freshwater showers
• Tram service
• Beach access wheelchairs

10. Free tram service around the island

Keep an eye out for the complimentary trams that are found around Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Beginning when you walk down the pier, you will find tram service to take you down the pier to save some steps (you will have plenty at Thrill Waterpark).

Once on the island, there is complimentary tram service that can take you all corners of Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

As a bonus, many of the trams are solar powered!

11. If you want a quiet spot, go to Chill Island

If your idea of a fun day is quiet time getting away from it all, head to Chill Island.  Chill Island is accessible via the green pathway that is towards the left side when you walk onto Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Once at Chill Island, keep to the left side of the area for pristine ocean views that has no music or the sounds of people at the pool or water park.  Instead, you will find only the sound of the ocean waves.

Another good option for a quiet spot is South Beach.

While South Beach has a floating bar and some music playing, it gets far less crowded than anywhere else because it's a longer walk and not as obvious a place to find when walking off the ship.

The further down South Beach you walk, the less people you will find.

12. DIY Ice cream sandwiches

You will find self-serve soft serve ice cream machines at Perfect Day, along with chocolate chip cookies.  See where I am going with this?

Grab two cookies, dispense ice cream between the two and combine for an awesome dessert.

13. Keep an eye out for chickens, iguanas and birds

This is a fun tidbit, but Perfect Day at CocoCay is home to more than just beautiful views.  If you walk enough of the island, it is not uncommon to see wild chickens roaming the grounds, along with iguanas that sometimes get close to the dining areas to see if any scraps of food rolled away.

Seagulls can also be found flying around, so be sure to keep an eye on your food.

Regardless of the animal, please do not feed any of them.

14. Got kids? Don't miss the free slides

It is easy to gravitate towards Thrill Waterpark, but Royal Caribbean provides two water splash areas for kids that costs absolutely nothing extra.

Captain Jill's Galleon and Splashaway Bay are located immediately at the entrance to the island from the pier.

If you have younger kids (elementary school age or younger), you may find these areas a great fit for kids, with seating around both areas for adults to supervise.

Both of the splash zones include small slides, water cannons, geysers and more.  

Children up to 42″ and 200lbs are able to use these areas.

Given there is no cost to go here, and many of the slides in the waterpark have height requirements, families with younger children may prefer Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon.

15. Chairs & umbrellas cost nothing extra

You don't have to worry about hustling to find a spot at CocoCay.

There are chairs and umbrellas in every region of the island, with plenty to go around. If you visited CocoCay in the past, you may recall shade being at a premium, but Royal Caribbean has added a ton more seating and umbrellas to go with it.

The only seating that truly goes quickly are the seats at the swim-up bar in Oasis Lagoon, but it is easy enough to swim up and place an order without a chair.

16. Don't miss the floating bar

Located near South Beach, Royal Caribbean operates a floating bar in the ocean.

It is less of a swim-up bar, and more of a wade-up bar, but once you get to it, you climb a short ladder to get onboard the tiki bar and enjoy drinks in the ocean.

The floating bar has a limited selection of drinks, and no blender, so plan on beers or basic mixed drinks.

17. Your SeaPass card works almost everywhere

Just like on the ship, Royal Caribbean designed Perfect Day at CocoCay to be reliant on the SeaPass card instead of cash.

Your SeaPass card will get you into Thrill Waterpark, Coco Beach Club, and any shore excursion you book. Don’t worry about losing shore excursion tickets. Everything is loaded to your SeaPass card. 

It is also how you pay for drinks or souvenirs.

18. First visit strategy

Is it your first time to Perfect Day at CocoCay? Here is what you should consider when planning your day.

First and foremost, get up and and out to the island as early as you can. By being ashore early, you can beat the crowds that descend later on.

Since there is so much to see and do on the island, it may make sense to try a few places out during your visit, rather than commit to just one.

Keep in mind that you can't do it all in one visit. While you can certainly knock out a few big parts of the island, don't try to visit every inch in one visit. Plan to come back again!

A good idea is start with the Oasis Lagoon pool first, and then hit the beaches after.  The pool tends to get busier as the day progresses, so going to Oasis Lagoon earlier means you can enjoy more of the space without as many people.

Once you get your fill of the pool, decide on a beach to visit, or perhaps beach hop to get a sense of what each offers.

Chill Island and South Beach are the two most popular beaches. Chill Island is closer to more activities (and the ship), so if mobility is an issue, it may be a better choice.

Thrill Waterpark and the Coco Beach Club are extra cost options, and if you elect to book one of them, plan on spending most of your day there. If you do book one of these, be very certain to get onto the island as early as you can to maximize your time.

I would not recommend booking Thrill Waterpark and Coco Beach Club for the same day, because there is not enough time to enjoy both options.

19. There is no breakfast on CocoCay

I advocate getting off the ship as early as you can to take advantage of your time there, but make sure you grab something to eat on the ship first.

There is no breakfast option on the island, and food does not open up until the lunch offerings begin later in the morning.

The Coco Beach Club is the one exception, and offers coffee and pastries to its guests.

20. Book a Thrill waterpark cabana if your family is going to the waterpark

Whether or not you should book a CocoCay cabana for the day is a tough decision usually, unless you are going to the waterpark.

If you have at least 3 or 4 people that want to buy admission to Thrill Waterpark, you should take a hard look at the Thrill Waterpark cabanas.

Not only does a Thrill Waterpark cabana offer a relaxing and private spot for your family to enjoy, but it includes admission to the waterpark for up to 6 guests into the waterpark.

If you have 4-6 guests, then the decision becomes a near slam dunk to get the cabana, in my opinion, because the extra cost of the cabana will be substantially less since you were going to pay for the waterpark passes.

21. Will it be too cold if I am visiting in December, January, or February?

Generally speaking, the tropics do not experience the same kind of winter temperature swings found further north.  It remains mostly temperate, if not warm, throughout the winter months.

That being said, cold fronts can certainly make their way down to the Bahamas, and it is not unheard of for the temperature to drop into 70s at times.

The good news is the ocean temperature does not change much, and will remain warmer for longer periods of time after the air temperatures drop.  

Oasis Lagoon can be on chillier side during winter months, but one person's "cold" is another person's "you just have to get used to it".

I have found CocoCay to be more than enjoyable in the winter months, including the swimming options. If you are coming from somewhere that has snow during winter, CocoCay in December through February will feel divine.

22. Is a cabana rental worth it?

If you can afford it, a cabana rental is a great way to splurge during your day.

Cabanas offer privacy, shade, fantastic waiter service, and a "home base" for your family during your day. Your cabana attendant will bring you complimentary food throughout the day, as well as take drink orders.

Of course, cabanas have an extra cost and they are not cheap.  Not to mention you may feel a sense of obligation to stay in the cabana to "get your money's worth".

The reason to book a cabana is for the privacy and service it provides.  There is plenty of umbrellas and shade around the island, so don't worry about that.   

The more people you have, the more compelling a cabana is to book. If you have 6-8 guests, the price per person makes the choice far more reasonable.  If you can split the cost between two families, then you really have a great value.

23. Where should you eat lunch at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

One of the unheralded improvements Royal Caribbean made to CocoCay is the upgraded dining choices.

The days of only having burgers and hot dogs are gone (although you can get them still), and there is a wide variety of complimentary food on the island.

The two main areas to eat are Chill Grill and the Snack Shack.

Chill Grill is like the island's Windjammer, with the most variety of food  to pick from, along with shaded seating nearby. You will find salads, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and much more.  Chill Grill is also where to go to get soft serve ice cream.

Skipper’s Grill is centrally located and very similar to Chill Grill.

The Snack Shack offers more grab-and-go choices, such as chicken sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, burgers, and even a light Greek salad. Snack Shack is the only restaurant inside Thrill Waterpark.

The Coco Beach Club has its own restaurant and you will not find burgers, hot dogs and other typical island fare here.  Instead, there is lobster, steak, grilled fish, ceviche, babaganoush and plenty more to enjoy.

Moreover, you can order unlimited entrees at the Coco Beach Club restaurant, so feel free to try a couple of dishes while you are there.

Captain Jack's is an extra cost restaurant near the pier, which has wings and fries. Unless you are craving chicken wings and would be disappointed not to get them, you can skip this.

24. Day beds at Coco Beach Club go very quickly

If you bought admission to the Coco Beach Club, plan to get there as early as you can for prime seating.

There are a handful of day beds and in-pool loungers at the infinity pool that are available to whomever claims them first.

While there are plenty of beach lounge chairs and umbrellas to go around, seating around the pool goes very quickly.  So if you want one, plan to arrive early.

25. You can get fresh towels anytime

Bringing pool towels to use on Perfect Day at CocoCay is what most people do, but don't feel like you need to stick with the same towels all day.

There are towel stations strategically located around the island for you to go to and exchange your wet towel for a fresh one.  This is really helpful for kids who love to use their towels early and often.

If you bought admission to the Coco Beach Club, they have their own branded towels, so don't bother bringing one off the ship.

26. No rash guards on slides

Something you should know about is the lifeguards are pretty strict about not wearing rash guards while going down the water slides in Thrill Waterpark.

You can certainly take off the rash guard and hold it as you go down, and then put it back on, but in my experience I had to do this every time I went down a slide without a raft in the water park.

Why? Because rash guards (or shirts) cause drag on the slide, and can slow you down to the point you could actually stop.

27. You can snorkel at CocoCay

Whether you bring your own snorkel equipment or rent gear from Royal Caribbean, there is a spot for snorkeling.

You can use your own snorkel gear and not have to pay anything to access the snorkel area.  Alternatively, you can rent gear on the island.

There is even a lifeguard on a platform near the deeper part of the snorkeling area, and you will see plenty of marine life, including fish, stingrays and perhaps even a sea turtle.  

There is a plane wreck under water, which attracts marine life too.

28. Excursions available too

If you want to mix in some fun excursions to your day in the sun, you can find a few interesting choices.

The two most popular add-ons are the zip-line and Up, Up & Away Helium Balloon Ride.

The Up, Up & Away Helium Balloon Ride takes you up to 450 feet above the island on a tethered balloon.  Not only are the views amazing, but it provides the best photos while visiting.

The Perfect Day CocoCay Zipline takes you across three zip lines around the island, and it is a really fun experience, perfect for anyone that has never zip-lined before.

Keep in mind you need to be at least 48 inches tall, and weigh between 75 lbs and 275 lbs to go on the zip line.

There are also a few other excursions you can book:

• Jet ski rental
• Floating beach mat rental
• Scuba diving
• Kayak rentals

29. Water slide height restrictions

Before you book a pass to Thrill Waterpark, you should know about the minimum height and maximum weight restrictions to ensure there are no unexpected surprises later.

30. Use the signs to easily find your way

While Royal Caribbean provides you with a nice Perfect Day at CocoCay map in your cabin before your visit, I think you can leave the map in the room.

There are lots of signs throughout CocoCay to tell you where to go, and navigating is a lot easier than you might imagine.

When you get to the Arrivals Plaza, the pathways are color coded:

• Light green: Chill Island
• Orange: Oasis Lagoon, Coco Beach Club
• Light blue: Thrill Waterpark

As you walk around the island, there are directional signs you can refer to as well to get your bearings. In addition, the Royal Caribbean app has a map you can refer to while on the island.

You can also hop on one of the free trams for a tour!

31. Free lockers you can use

Need somewhere to put your stuff? There are free lockers to use around Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Lockers can be found near the entrance to Thrill Waterpark and zip lines, Chill Island (north and south), and near the  helium balloon.

 Lockers are first come, first serve.  

32. Is Perfect Day at CocoCay accessible?

Yes, most of the island is accessible, although there are a few exceptions.

• Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool and the infinity pool at Coco Beach Club have pool lifts
• Wave Pool in Thrill Waterpark is wheelchair accessible
• In Thrill Waterpark, the towers to the slides have stairs
• The tower to the Zip Line has stairs
• Accessible trams are available on regular rotation throughout the island

33. Try the helium balloon ride early in the day

The weather changes a lot, especially at CocoCay, so if you want to ride the Up, Up & Away Helium Balloon Ride, plan to ride it early.

Depending on the winds, the balloon may only go up part of the way, and in general, winds are calmest in the morning.

Your best strategy for taking a ride up with best chance at it not being delayed/cancelled is to book it as early in the morning as you can.  

Royal Caribbean will shut it down if the winds are not favorable, and there's no guarantee it will reopen later.

34. Looking for a party?

If your idea of fun is a drink in hand, splashing around with some tunes, book a pass to Hideaway Beach.

Hideaway Beach has a giant heated pool that has a Las Vegas pool party vibe. DJ, inflatable beach balls, and a swim-up bar all add to the experience.

Royal Caribbean designed this area to have a lot of energy, so those that want a Spring Break feel anytime of the year will want to book a pass to Hideaway Beach.

35. Want live music?

If you prefer live music, head to Captain Jack's, where there is usually a live guitarist performing for part of the day.

The bar even has rope swing seats you can enjoy, and the whole area is covered, which means lots and lots of shade.

There's also a live band that performs at On The Rocks in Hideaway Beach.

36. Try the Coco Loco

The official drink of Perfect Day at CocoCay is known as the Coco Loco, and it is really tasty.

The Coco Loco is the kind of frozen concoction that is sure to put a smile on just about anyone's face.

It comes with rum, but you can get non-alcoholic version as well for the kids.

37. Life jackets are available for no cost

If your child does not know how to swim, or just is not a very strong swimmer, swim vests are available to use throughout the island.

38. Drones are not allowed

While an aerial shot of the island would be pretty darn sweet, Royal Caribbean prohibits the use of drones at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

You are allowed to bring a drone on the ship to use in other ports, but drones are not to be operated onboard the ship at any time, nor on Royal Caribbean’s private destinations: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas or Labadee, Haiti.

39. Some people actually live on the island

Nearly all of the supplies and personnel you see around CocoCay come from your cruise ship, but there is a contingent of Royal Caribbean employees that live there.

Before the cruise industry shutdown, Royal Caribbean had up to 375 employees living on CocoCay.  That number likely changed with there not being cruises operating, but there are dormitories on the eastern end of the island, where crew return to after a day working on the island.

You can see these buildings from the top of the water slide towers, or if you go up on the zip line.  They are located behind Thrill Waterpark.

40. Perfect Day at CocoCay Fun facts

Impress your friends and family with these fun facts about CocoCay!

• Daredevil's Peak at 135 feet high it's the tallest waterslide in North America.
• There are 6,000 lounge chairs on the island
• There are 12,000 umbrellas dot the island
• Thrill Waterpark has the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean
• Thrill Waterpark also has 13 waterslides – the most anywhere in the Caribbean
• Upgrading the island to Perfect Day at CocoCay cost Royal Caribbean over $250 million.

41. Free Things to Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay

You might notice the extra-charge activities more, but Royal Caribbean has included a lot in your cruise fare when you visit CocoCay.

It costs nothing to walk onto CocoCay, so no excursion tickets required. You just grab your stuff, and head ashore when you're ready.

Once on CocoCay, there's a number of places that you can access for free, starting with the beaches.

There are four beaches you can go to without any cost:

• Chill Island
• Harbor Beach
• South Beach
• Breezy Bay

Each beach has umbrellas, chairs, and lots of space to enjoy.

There are also two splash areas that are perfect for young children that cost nothing extra:

• Splashaway Bay
• Captain Jill’s Galleon

You'll encounter both near the arrivals area, with Captain Jill's Galleon resembling a real-life galleon that kids can climb, slide, and splash around. Kids can use the water cannons on the ship or nearby to splash anyone in the vicinity.

Behind Captain Jill's is Splashaway Bay, which has five waterslides, two drench buckets, geysers, water cannons, fountains, and just about any excuse to get wet.

Both areas are great for younger children.

Oasis Lagoon is home to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, and it covers 33,175 square feet.

There is a swim-up bar in the middle, with lagoons and islands surrounding it. The pool is free to use, but the drinks at the swim-up bar will cost extra (unless you have a drink package).

Lastly, there's plenty of food included during your visit. Lunch at a few different venues is served during most of the day and you can get as much of it as you like:

• Skipper's Grill
• Snack Shack
• Chill Grill

Read more: What is free on Perfect Day At CocoCay?

Royal Caribbean has a new weather expert on staff who's job it is track bad weather and ensure cruise ships aren't near potential problems.

Craig Setzer is the company's new Chief Meteorologist, and as as we know, the only chief meteorologist working in the cruise industry.

Mr. Setzer took on his new role in August, and has over 25 years of experience in the field. He's an Emmy-winning former TV Meteorologist, having worked at CBS News and a few local television stations. In fact, he was CBS' Chief Meteorologist.

He also remains involved with the National Hurricane Center, teaching at World Meteorological Organization workshops, and presenting at American Meteorological Society conferences around the country.

Following his television career, he spent considerable time in providing his expertise in court cases related to marine weather, atmospheric lighting and visibility, storm-related damage and losses, wind drift, and human exposure in extreme conditions. 

Mr. Setzer posted on his Twitter account that working with Royal Caribbean is a dream role, "It’s a dream job utilizing my tropical & marine meteorology experience and allowing me to explore/advance operational maritime science in a way I couldn’t before."

According to Royal Caribbean Group's job posting for the Chief Meteorologist position earlier this year, Mr. Setzer will be responsible for providing expert analysis of weather systems, such as hurricanes, typhoons and any other kind of severe weather that could impact cruise ship sailings.

His guidance to the fleet with weather-related support and guidance is what ensures ships can alter itineraries, or simply take a different route to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for passengers.

Royal Caribbean was the first line to create the role of a meteorologist following a weather-related incident involving a Royal Caribbean ship in 2016.  

Historically, cruise lines used outside vendors to provide them with forecasts. 

After an internal investigation of the unsettling event, the cruise line decided they needed an in-house, dedicated resource.

Since then, the cruise line decided it was time to mitigate the chances of that sort of event from happening again by hiring someone in-house to provide better direction.

Royal Caribbean's first Chief Meteorologist, James Van Fleet, also came from a television background, and worked in the role from its inception until earlier this year when it was announced he was leaving the position.

Already busy tracking storms

If Mr. Setzer's social media postings are any indication, he's been busy tracking weather events in just the first few weeks on the job.

Hurricane Hilary is headed towards California, and he's been sharing key details about the intensity of the storm and what people can really expect.

He debunked some headlines related to the storm, sharing that he expects the storm to be much weaker by the time it reaches the United States.

"Some folks see this headline, 
...HILARY IS A LARGE AND POWERFUL CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE...
& see the center point cone headed toward California, thinking cat 4 is going to hit California. That's not correct."

"Looking at the forecast details reveal Hilary will be a much weaker but very wet storm by the time it reaches the US. Flooding will be main threat for Calif, AZ, much of the western US."

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas had her itinerary changed, and Mr. Setzer was involved in that decision.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader YoungFamilyExplorers shared a photo of a letter sent to passengers onboard the cruise ship with the new times in port, and the decision was made with the assistance of the Chief Meteorologist. 

Of course, he's also focused on the Atlantic for tropical storm development.  Hurricanes in the Atlantic are usually where the greatest impact to itineraries occur.

The U.S. government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) originally predicted a "near-normal" year with 12 to 17 named storms for the 2023 hurricane season, with five to nine would become hurricanes.

NOAA increased its forecast on August 10 to a prediction of an "above normal" year for hurricanes, because of record-warm sea surface temperatures.

The new prediction is for 14 to 21 named storms for the season as a whole, of which six to 11 could become hurricanes. Two to five could become major hurricanes, according to NOAA.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs between June 1 and November 30.

Fear not, Royal Caribbean won't be charging you for pizza on your next cruise.

A customer survey made its way around the internet that posed the question if people would consider paying extra for the pizza that is currently free onboard.

Cruise fans erupted in an avalanche of condemnation that the cruise line would even consider charging cruise ship passengers for pizza.

The controversy reached Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley's desk, as he took to social media to calm concern over such a change.

How it all started

Last week, a RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader shared a copy of an email survey he received from Royal Caribbean asking about many topics, including opinions on making the free pizza an extra charge item.

Royal Caribbean surveys are a commonly used tool for the company to evaluate and get feedback on all aspects of its operations.  However, the question of charging for pizza was something new, since the Sorrento's Pizza onboard has always been a complimentary option.

The question on the survey was, "If Sorrento's Pizza was offered for a fee, would you still dine there?".

It then asked if changing Sorrento's from complimentary to an extra cost venue would stop them from cruising with Royal Caribbean, "How would Sorrento's Pizza being offered for a fee impact your likelihood to choose Royal Caribbean in future?"

As word spread about this question, a lot of cruise fans began to worry that charging for pizza was a step on the slippery slope of higher cruise costs.

In fact, it seemed many people were more upset with the precedent it sets, rather than actually paying for the food.

Dawn Thompson's comment on social media exemplified many people's thoughts ont he matter, "I understand cruise ships lost a lot of money during Covid, but trying to make up all that money at once by putting an up charge on everything! They will lose their base and limit the amount of new customers and lose more!"

"We are not charging for pizza"

Mr. Bayley posted on his Facebook page an update that addressed the pizza survey and to assure guests there will not be a change.

He first explained how the survey question came to be, "A couple of weeks ago we conducted one of frequent small group guest surveys. As usual we asked questions on this n that!  Including customer thoughts on $ charges for Pizza!   The question was posted with the result that many emails and comments were sent! "

According to him, 80% of the respondents said they were against Royal Caribbean charging for pizza onboard its cruise ships.

"The survey said 80 per cent of guests were opposed, 20 per cent of guests said they would still go for Pizza with a charge."

He also said about a quarter of the people would consider changing other cruise lines if Royal Caribbean began charging for pizza.

Most importantly, Mr. Bayley assured cruisers the free pizza isn't going anywhere, "To calm all our Pizza lovers don’t worry we are not charging for Pizza."

A relief to cruise fans

For many cruise fans, this update was a welcome sigh of relief.

Nancy Bridges posted, "Thank you for listening, Michael."

Tracey Garner added, "Thank you for listening to your loyal customers! It is very much appreciated!"

Mike Barngrover joked, "That's a relief Michael. I did not want to move my cruises to Carnival."

Russel Lomas suggested working on the surveys so they aren't as easily misconstrued, "You may want to think about how the question was worded in the survey so that in future people to do not get into an uproar on social media about issues or questions like this."

Don't mess with the pizza is the message Royal Caribbean cruise fans are saying loudly back to the cruise line.

UPDATE: Royal Caribbean CEO says pizza will remain free

In the days since it became public that Royal Caribbean asked select customers what they think about paying extra for the pizza that is currently complimentary from Sorrento's pizza.

The question was part of a survey that wanted to get customer feedback about many aspects of the cruise experience, but this particular question struck a nerve with so many of our readers and viewers.

"Charge for pizza? If that happens I’m out, that’s the last straw," is what Scott North wrote after reading about the question, and his sentiment was shared among many other readers.

The survey wanted to know if Royal Caribbean decided to charge for pizza, would people still pay for it and would it impact their choice in cruising with Royal Caribbean.

While nothing has actually changed in terms of the price of pizza on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the very notion of thinking of charging for something as basic as a slice of pizza on a cruise has so many readers up in arms.

Over 300 Facebook comments along with 600 YouTube comments illustrate a growing frustration with potentially higher prices to cruise.

The principle of the change

Most readers seem to be upset about the direction Royal Caribbean seems to be headed in, rather than actually paying extra for pizza.

"Charging for pizza?? This is starting to get out of hand," is what Andy Pope wrote and a lot of people seem to agree that they see the slippery slope of adding more costs to an already expensive cruise cost.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog YouTube viewer MikeyAtTheBar is also worried about what charging for pizza leads to, "Were they to start charging for Sorrento's and were it to be successful, what's next? How many other things could they start charging for? Shows? Water slides? Windjammer? MDR? It's a slippery slope."

Twitter user @Williamson_KB posted this meme as a way to poke fun at the idea of charging for pizza.

Dawn Thompson understands the bigger picture, but thinks the cut backs since cruising restarted in 2021 is getting out of hand, "I understand cruise ships lost a lot of money during Covid, but trying to make up all that money at once by putting an up charge on everything! They will lose their base and limit the amount of new customers and lose more!"

What Dawn is referring to is something a lot of readers pointed to as well in their comments. In 2023, Royal Caribbean introduced a new main dining room menu that reduced the amount of options on the menu and limited each passenger to one lobster.

They also changed cabin service for non-suites from twice a day to once a day, which came after increasing automatic crew member gratuities in 2022.

Andy Januse doesn't like the direction either, "I am Loyal to Royal but lately they way they are nickel and diming everyone to death is really leaving a sour taste in my mouth and might even make me consider switching lines altogether."

Looking at other lines

Many people that commented on the survey question questioned their choice in cruise line.

"I am a Diamond member and after September cruise I’ll be Diamond Plus.I have started for the first time in my life looking at other cruise lines like NCL, where some sales offer for free a lot of the things Royal Caribbean charges for," is what Theodore Jones wrote.  "Too much nickel and dimming and I’ll be out."

"I'll take my 3-5 cruises a year to another line. Enough of this silliness," wrote Matt Bender.

Marc Razz Sr. is also considering other options, "RCCL seems like the are pushing us loyal clients to try other companies. As MSC is attempting to make a splash in tristate area, this may be my final straw."

Highest cruise prices yet

Then there's the comments by Royal Caribbean Group executives to Wall Street that they want to raise prices even higher.

Royal Caribbean has always charged extra for certain add-ons, like drinks or shore excursions, but the possibility of charging for pizza comes at a time when the price for a cruise is already on the rise.

While Royal Caribbean Group is still saddled with billions of dollars of debt that it took out in the form of loans since 2020, it is slowly beginning to pay those loans back thanks to higher cruise fares.

In short, people in 2023 are paying more for their cruises than in 2019, which was the previous high water mark for cruise revenue.

The company disclosed cruise rates were up 17% in the second quarter compared to 2019.

Capacity overall was at 105% and net yields up 12.9% comparted to 2019 numbers.

After releasing the earnings, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty told CNBC he thinks prices will go even higher in talking about the value gap between a cruise and land vacation.

"In the earlier part of this year, that value gap was somewhere around 45%. And today, we've closed that value gap by about ten percentage points, so we still think there's a lot of runway that is still there to close," he said. 

"We always want to be as competitive as we possibly can be, but of course, we want that gap to be much smaller."

"We were able to close that gap to about 10-15 points pre-covid, we think there's a lot of opportunity for us to close that gap even further."

If you're like so many of our readers, you're probably wondering when Royal Caribbean will open up new itineraries to book for the coming years.

Currently, Royal Caribbean only offers cruises to book through April 2025 for most itineraries, which means summer 2025 isn't available to book yet.

While it may seem strange to book vacations more than 2 years in advance, a lot of cruise fans know the importance of booking early. There are many benefits to being that far ahead, not to mention the fact it's just fun to have a new trip to look forward to!

Booking a cruise early could get you a great room, a competitive rate, or a booking on a rare itinerary that could sell out quickly.

Whatever the reason, here's what you should know about when to expect Royal Caribbean to post new cruises for sale.

When Royal Caribbean historically releases new sailings

The short answer to when Royal Caribbean will release new cruises is no one really know for certain.

The cruise line plays their deployment schedule "close to the vest" until they are prepared to disclose it. So the best we can do is guess based on what they've done in the past.

Royal Caribbean typically has two release cycles: in the fall and again in the spring.

For the last few years, Royal Caribbean has posted their new sailings around:

• November to early December
• February through April

They've stuck to this pattern, even during the cruise industry shutdown of 2020-2021.

Prior to the actual sailings going on sale, Royal Caribbean will post a deployment schedule, which specifies the week (but not day) of release for each block of itineraries. These blocks are grouped by cruise length and region. 

One trick some cruisers have come up with is to follow what sister brand Celebrity Cruises does, as Celebrity is usually ahead of Royal Caribbean in posting new deployments by about a month.

Which sailings will be released in the fall?

Keeping in mind that this is all making educated guesses, looking back at the last few years, it seems Royal Caribbean has a pattern to which sets of new cruises get released in the fall versus spring.

In 2022, 2021, and 2020, Royal Caribbean opened up new bookings for three regions in November and December:

• Alaska
• Europe
• 7-night Summer Caribbean

In addition, we'd usually see the first new deployment released the first week of November, and then continue through the month, skip the Thanksgiving holiday week, and then resume in early December.

The rest of the new itineraries were released in the spring.

It is very important to remember that this is what the cruise line has done in the past, and they may change everything up this year. But since the question of when new bookings will be released is such a common question, this is the best information we have at our disposal. 

Which sailings will be released in the spring?

After the winter holidays are over, Royal Caribbean gears up to release new itineraries for the rest of the schedule in the spring.

In 2023, new itineraries were posted as early as the week of February 13, 2023. In 2022, the first new itineraries were posted the week of February 21. In 2021, it was posted during the week of February 15.

Just like the fall, you'll get one batch of itineraries posted per week and the process can take all the way until April or May to fully complete.

In the spring, you'll get the bulk of the new itineraries released that fill in the gaps left from the fall.

Short Caribbean cruises, cruises from New York and Baltimore, and long Caribbean cruises are the notable sailings that get posted in the spring.  Australia cruises are also released this time of year.

Why you should book a cruise two years early

One of the best strategies to get the lowest price on your cruise is to book a cruise early, even two years early.

It may seem crazy to some to book a cruise quite that far in advance, but there are some really good benefits to placing a deposit that early.

At a very basic level, cruise lines increase the price of a sailing as the ship sells out. By booking early, inventory is at its highest, and that usually nets you some of the best prices (especially for suites). 

If you live in certain countries, you're allowed to re-price your cabin and take advantage of a price drop up until the final payment date. This includes the United States and Canada, but there are others too.

Beyond the cost of a cruise, another good reason to book early is to get a specific cabin.

Read more: What are the different types of cabins on a cruise ship?

There are certain types of cruise ship cabins that sell out quickly, and booking early is almost always the only way to get them.  Suites are usually the first type of cabin category to sell out because there are so few suites onboard.

Keep in mind that suites always have always non-refundable cruise fare, so there's a bit of a risk if you aren't totally certain what your vacation plans will be in two years or more.

Moreover, there could be a specific location you want, such as an aft balcony and once again, booking early can get you the best room location.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

The other really important reason to book so early is because you may want to cruise over a holiday.

Holiday sailings are always competitive. This includes spring break, Christmas, summer, and New Years. If you want to take a cruise during these times of year, you will want to snag a cabin because prices will almost certainly only go up.

When I'm asked, "How far in advance should I book a cruise?", my answer is always as early as you can.  Certainly when new itineraries are published is the ideal time.

How do I know if I'm getting a good deal when I book?

The only way to truly know if you have a good price for a cruise is to have a good sense of prices before they come out.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies from sailing to sailing and ship to ship, and prices can fluctuate over time.  The more you pay attention to prices for the itinerary you are interested in, the easier it will be for you to know a cruise deal when you see one.

Not everyone is necessarily able or interested to spend the time to track cruise prices, and this is when a good travel agent comes in handy. 

I use a travel agent anytime I book a cruise, and the good ones certainly are knowledgeable about cruise prices because they see them all the time. It's a good idea to work with your travel agent before the cruises are released so they know what you are interested in, and can advise you on the best options once new cruises are posted.

A good travel agent may even be able to get you a coveted cabin before anyone else.

Conclusion

At the risk of jinxing everyone with trying to anticipate Royal Caribbean's release schedule, this information is our best idea of what to expect.

Once a deployment schedule is released, we always post the information on RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com, so until then, our fingers are crossed that it will line up as expected.

While there's no way to be absolutely certain of when Royal Caribbean will release new summer cruises, I hope this article gives you a frame of reference of what to expect.

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Is Royal Caribbean considering starting to charge for its free pizza?

An email survey sent to some cruisers asked if Sorrento's Pizza was offered for a fee, would they would still dine there.

No policy has changed, but the survey wanted to get cruiser feedback on this possible change.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide
• 14 Caribbean cruise mistakes I see passengers making all the time
• Royal Caribbean cancels Panama Canal cruise season for Rhapsody of the Seas
• Is a balcony cabin worth it on a cruise? 8 reasons you should
• Royal Caribbean testing out chatbot that can answer common questions

Video: 10 Reasons people leave their cruise ship vacation disappointed

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/f5RV_0sbm5s.jpg?itok=HqnPuHMr","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5RV_0sbm5s","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video: 10 Reasons people leave their cruise ship vacation disappointed

Icon of the Seas construction sneak peek

Ready to take a walkthrough tour of Icon of the Seas while it's still under construction?

The next new Royal Caribbean cruise ship doesn't begin service until January 2024, but we have a batch of new photos to share from the shipyard.

You can see the progress being made on adding water slides, the different neighborhoods onboard, and many of the signature venues.

Royal Caribbean CEO asks how to solve Diamond Lounge crowding problem

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley took to Facebook to ask cruise fans how they would solve the issue of overcrowding in the Diamond Lounge.

"I’ve been hearing from a lot of our guests about overcrowding in our Diamond lounges and in the Suite lounge," he posted on social media. "What do you think we should do?"

Hundreds of responses followed with plenty of ideas for how to deal with the issue.

What will get you kicked off a cruise ship

There are lots of rules to follow on a cruise ship, and if you break some of them, you could be kicked off the ship.

Every cruise line has a code of conduct that is outlined in the cruise contract that every passenger agrees to when they book a cruise. The cruise contract outlines what you can and cannot do onboard, as well as consequences. 

In reading through the cruise contract for U.S. guests, there's a few rules that could get you taken off your cruise ship if you break them.

When is the best time to book a cruise?

Are you wondering when is the best time to book a cruise?

There's many considerations, such as time of year, sailing length, itinerary and much more that factor into how early you should book a cruise.

Guide to a Bahamas cruise

Are you ready to escape to the warm blue waters of The Bahamas?

Quite a lot of Royal Caribbean cruises will make a stop in The Bahamas due to its convenient location and natural beauty.

Whether you make one stop or spend the entire cruise in their waters, here's your guide to a Bahamas cruise so you know what to expect.

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ship and began offering cruises in January 2024.

Icon of the Seas is the first in a new type of Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and is packed with many cool things to do, including a water park, new areas dedicated to families, revamped pool decks, diving shows, dining experiences, and many more attractions that will entice you to try it all.

She is the first new type of vessel for the cruise line since 2014.

The 20-deck high ship comes in at 250,800 tons. She is more than 6% bigger than Wonder of the Seas and is able to hold up to 7,600 passengers. Icon of the Seas is also 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas.

Icon of the Seas completed her sea trials in June and November 2023, and was delivered to Royal Caribbean on November 27, 2023. The new cruise ship went to Cadiz, Spain and Ponce, Puerto Rico to receive its finishing touches. She visited Perfect Day at CocoCay before arriving in Miami on January 10, 2024.

In December 2023, Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was named the godfather of Icon of the Seas.

When she launched in early 2024, Icon of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world. 

If you are thinking of booking Icon of the Seas, or are planning for an upcoming cruise, there are quite a few things you should know about this new ship.

How big is Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon Class ship, which means this cruise ship has a new design, size, and look compared to other ships that came before her.

Icon of the Seas can carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy (or nearly 10,000 people when you account for the crew).

Icon of the Seas is 20 decks high, 1,198 feet long, and measures 250,800 gross tons.

That makes Icon larger than any other cruise ship in the world.

Where will Icon of the Seas sail from?

Icon of the Seas offers cruises from Miami, Florida.

Miami will be Icon's homeport from January 2024 through at least April 2026. 

Icon of the Seas itineraries

Icon of the Seas offers weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, and each visits Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The inaugural Icon of the Seas sailing was January 27, 2024.

Other sailings include:

• 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Miami; Phillipsburg, St Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami
• 7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Miami; Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

Icon of the Seas neighborhoods & layout

Ready to see what you can do on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas has 8 neighborhoods to help passengers easily navigate the ship.

AquaDome

Instead of a Solarium at the front of the ship, Icon of the Seas has an AquaDome area.

The AquaDome itself weighs 363 tons and has over 600 glass panels.

At its heart, this area is home to the indoor AquaTheater from the Oasis Class ships, and put it into this multipurpose space with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, offering 220-degree views. 

The shows here feature aerialists, acrobatics, high dives, and the tallest waterfall at sea (55 feet tall). There will be two shows that passengers can see in the AquaTheater: "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs Mermaids." 

When the space isn't being used for a show, passengers can take in wraparound ocean views and enjoy views of the waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink.

Read more: Icon of the Seas AquaDome: What to expect

Central Park

Icon of the Seas has its own lush green place onboard, with thousands of real plants, dining, and live music.

The open-air garden neighborhood has living plants, where you can enjoy all sorts of dining and entertainment.

Royal Caribbean opened a new jazz club in Central Park, called Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

The jazz club will be a new spot to offer "jazz in the park" as passengers stop in for a set.

If champagne is your thing, be sure to stop by Bubbles, which is Royal Caribbean's new walkup champagne window.

You can order glasses of mimosas, prosecco, Bellini, and even bottles of bubbly on tap morning, noon, and night.

Speaking of walkup windows, the cruise line's first walk-up sushi window is in Central Park.

Izumi in the Park has signature rolls, nigiri, and Japanese sweet treats, all served in a portable box to take with you, available for an additional cost.

Of course, there is a Trellis Bar in Central Park, and it has a new look and offers food for the first time.

Read more: Icon of the Seas Central Park: What to expect

Chill Island

Royal Caribbean had plans for the best pool deck at sea with Chill Island.

Chill Island has ocean views galore from the three-deck pool area. 

Icon of the Seas has Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea. You'll also find the largest pool at sea: Royal Bay Pool.

If you want a quieter pool experience, head to the infinity-edge Cove Pool that has in-water loungers.

Cloud 17 is another infinite-edge pool to enjoy. It was originally slated to be the adults-only area, but Royal Caribbean changed that to The Hideaway and made Cloud 17 open to all guests.

Cloud 17 also has a whirlpool and Lime & Coconut bar.

Pool information for Icon of the Seas:

• Royal Bay: The largest pool at sea, designed for all guests to enjoy. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 15. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• The Cove Pool: An infinity, portside pool directly facing the ocean. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 15. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m
• Cloud 17: Pool overlooking the ocean with dedicated Lime & Coconut bar and whirlpool. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 17. Hours of Operation:  8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Maximum Capacity: 249)
• Swim & Tonic: First-to-brand swim-up bar located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 16.
  Seating for 12 at the swim-up bar. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – Late.

Thrill Island

Thrill Island is the name of a brand new neighborhood on the first Icon Class cruise ship, and it is a new approach to aquatic fun on a cruise ship for Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean wanted to go beyond just having water slides, so Icon of the Seas introduced the first water park at sea.

Related: Royal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will have the largest water park to thrill all ages

Category 6 is the new water park that has six water slides, including an open free-fall slide, the tallest drop slide at sea, family raft slides that accommodate four riders at once, and two mat-racing slides. 

• Frightening Bolt: The tallest drop slide at sea (Min Height: 52” tall)
• Pressure Drop: The first open freefall slide at sea (Min Height: 52" tall)
• Storm-Chasers (2): The longest mat racing slides at sea (Min Height: 48” tall)
• Hurricane Hunter: The first family raft slide at sea (Min Height: 48” tall)
• Storm Surge: The first suspended family raft slide at sea (Min Height: 48” tall)

All adventures within Category 6 Waterpark are complimentary during the hours of operation: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Because Royal Caribbean wants Icon of the Seas to rival any family land resort, the amount of space dedicated to water slides is meant to rival shoreside resorts.

Crown's Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of courage. 

Guests are strapped in and walk 154 feet above the ocean for this experience. It lasts about two and a half minutes and culminates with a drop-through portion, which Royal Caribbean described as "pretty scary."

There is one FlowRider surf simulator onboard, as well as other brand staples like Adrenaline Peak – the ultimate rock-climbing expedition – a Sports Court, and a totally reimagined Lost Dunes mini-golf course.

After all that fun, you might want to take a break. Nearby, there's Desserted, which is a milkshake bar that has over-the-top milkshakes (including some that have alcohol), and Basecamp, which offers complimentary and for-fee snacks.

Surfside

Surfside is a new neighborhood dedicated to young families, and it's at the heart of the focus of Icon of the Seas.

This neighborhood offers splash areas for babies and kids. There's a new pool-themed version of Royal Caribbean's carousel and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups at The Lemon Post. 

Kids using Splashaway Bay must be fully potty trained. Baby Bay is for children who are still in diapers but gives them a place to splash and play. Additionally, the slide within Splashaway Bay requires a minimum height of 42” tall and a maximum weight of 300 lbs.

Adventure Ocean and the teen club have entrances here, which means easy access to either place.

Grownups can hang back at Water’s Edge pool as the kiddos play at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, complete with slides, fountains, water cannons, a drench bucket, and more.

Water's Edge hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Read more: Icon of the Seas Surfside neighborhood: What to expect

The Hideaway

Another brand new neighborhood is The Hideaway, which is Royal Caribbean's version of a beach club. Think Las Vegas pool party. 

The Hideaway is the adults-only area on Icon of the Seas. Here, you'll find the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

There's a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating, and a dedicated bar. There are also daybeds you can rent for an additional cost.

The Hideaway Pool hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Suite neighborhood

The Royal Suite Class benefits are available on Icon of the Seas, and that includes three decks of space for suite guests.

Between decks 16 to 19 is an enclave for suite passengers that has many of the ship's suite cabins, along with restaurants, a lounge, and outdoor areas exclusively for suite guests.

This is Royal Caribbean's largest area for suite guests, and it includes a suite sun deck, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and a new casual eatery just for suite guests, The Grove.

Coastal Kitchen will be two decks high on Icon of the Seas. The suite sun deck concept is bigger than ever with a multistory area with lounge space, a pool, a hot tub, and a complimentary Mediterranean restaurant.

Royal Promenade

Royal Caribbean wanted to iterate the Royal Promenade concept on Icon of the Seas, as it's expanded and a step up from previous versions.

The Royal Promenade measures 362 feet long and features ocean views for the first time. As you walk onto the ship, you'll see a giant multi-deck high glass wall that will provide natural light and a way to still see the beautiful ocean that surrounds the ship.

When you walk onto the ship, you'll pass by the 1400 Bar. Each cruise ship is given a number at a shipyard, so Royal Caribbean decided to pay homage to Icon's build number by naming it the 1400 Bar.

One major feature you will quickly notice on The Promenade is The Pearl, which the cruise line describes as a multi-sensory experience built with 3,000 kinetic tiles. 

Something else different about the Royal Promenade is that there's the largest ice arena yet in Absolute Zero.

Also located within the Royal Promenade is Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, which is a new location for this restaurant.

There's also a Dueling Pianos bar, Sorrento's pizzeria, Point and Feather Pub, Spotlight Karaoke, Boleros and Schooner Bar.

Read more: Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade: What to expect

Icon of the Seas Dining

There is a combination of new dining concepts and returning favorites on Icon of the Seas, and some are included with your cruise fare.

With over 20 places to dine on the ship, Royal Caribbean hopes Icon of the Seas will deliver the best in dining. Eleven of them will be complimentary, while nine will incur an additional fee. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Complimentary restaurants

These restaurants are included in your cruise fare.

Keep in mind there may be items on the menu here that cost extra, but the majority of the menu has no additional cost.

AquaDome Market

Food hall-style eating in AquaDome with different stations offering distinct cuisines, such as mac 'n cheese, Greek bowls and pitas, Asian dishes, and more.

Basecamp

Walkup window and bar in Thrill Island. Offers complimentary options, as well as some premium selections that can be purchased á la carte, including waffle chicken nuggets ($7), Wisconsin cheese curds ($6), crispy shrimp bao buns ($8), grilled chicken sandwiches ($9), and smash burgers ($11).

El Loco Fresh

Located on deck 15, El Loco Fresh offers grab-and-go Mexican buffet food.

Main Dining Room

Sit-down meals for breakfast and dinner every day (lunch on sea days).

Park Cafe

Grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Unlike Oasis Class ships, Park Cafe will be open in the evening for late-night bites until 10pm.

Pearl Cafe

24-hour quick service venue offering complimentary sandwiches, ready-made salads, coffee, and more.

Sorrento's

Pizza by the slice.

Sprinkles

Complimentary soft-serve ice cream throughout the day.

Surfside Bites

Grab-and-go food, including popcorn chicken, hot dogs, burgers, and sweet treats.

Surfside Eatery

Dedicated buffet in the Surfside neighborhood so families don't have to go far to get a meal.

Vitality Cafe

Healthy snacks and smoothies.

Windjammer Marketplace

Buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Coastal Kitchen

First ship in the fleet to have a two-story Coastal Kitchen restaurant. This restaurant is reserved exclusively for suite guests.

The Grove

Also reserved just for passengers staying in a suite cabin, The Grove is an al fresco buffet that serves Mediterranean cuisine.

Specialty restaurants

These restaurants have an additional cost to dine here, either a cover charge or are priced individually for each item you order.

• Basecamp (offers complimentary and specialty options)
• Celebration Table
• Chops Grille
• Desserted Milkshake Bar
• Empire Supper Club
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
• Hooked Seafood
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Pier 7
• Playmakers Sports Bar 
• Room Service
• Starbucks
• Sugar Beach
• Trellis Bar

What's included with your Icon of the Seas fare?

While it might seem like there are a lot of ways to spend extra money on Icon of the Seas, there's quite a few options included with your cruise fare.

Here is a list of things that are included with your cruise fare:

Thrills

• Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall
• Baby Bay splash zone
• Carousel
• Category 6 waterpark (6 waterslides)
• Fitness center
• FlowRider surf simulator
• Lost Dunes mini golf course
• Playscape climbable fun for kids
• Running track
• Splashaway Bay kid-friendly aquapark
• Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and more)

Chills

• Cloud 17 (open to all guests)
• The Hideaway neighborhood & pool (suspended infinity pool)
• Royal Bay pool (largest pool at sea)
• Swim & Tonic (swim-up bar and pool)
• The Cove pool (oceanfront infinity pool)
• Water's Edge (family-friendly pool)
• Whirlpools
• The Grove Suite Sun Deck & Pool (suite guests only)

Dining

• AquaDome Market (five unique food stands)
• Basecamp (walk-up snack window)
• El Loco Fresh (self-serve Mexican classics)
• Main Dining Room
• Park Cafe (quick, fresh bakery bites)
• Sorrento's (pizza by the slice)
• Sprinkles (unlimited soft serve ice cream)
• Surfside Bites (sweet & salty snacks)
• Surfside Eatery (family-friendly buffet)
• The Pearl Cafe (pastries, salads & sweets)
• Windjammer (buffet)
• The Grove (upscale Mediterranean restaurant for suite guests)
• Coastal Kitchen (Pacific Coast meets the Med restaurant for suite guests)

Entertainment

• Absolute Zero (ice skating & free skating)
• AquaTheater (high-dive water shows)
• Boleros (Latin-themed bar)
• Dueling Pianos (a battle of the baby grands)
• Lou's Jazz 'n Blues (bar with live jazz music)
• Music Hall (two-story live music venue)
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (game on at Royal Promenade)
• Point & Feather (English pub with live music)
• Royal Theater (shows and original productions)
• Schooner Bar (nautical bar with piano)
• Spotlight Karaoke (main stage or private room)
• The Attic (comedy club)
• The Overlook (next-level hangout with live music)
• Adventure Ocean (award-winning youth program for ages 3-12)
• Social 020 (ultimate teen hangout)

In addition, there's free programming all day, including trivia, themed events, parades, and more.

Icon of the Seas Bars & Nightlife

Royal Caribbean offers a combination of new and fan-favorite bars to enjoy on Icon of the Seas.

Dueling Pianos: Royal Caribbean’s first dueling pianos bar has twin baby grand pianos with pianists taking song requests to bring high-energy performances to the Royal Promenade.

Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues: Jazz venue in Central Park with live performances of soulful classics and jazz-pop tunes.

Rye & Bean: Coffee shop in the AquaDome that can serve up coffee and espresso cocktails.

The Overlook and Overlook Pods: A new concept entirely, this bar has nooks and is located conveniently near the AquaDome. Royal Caribbean envisions this as a place to drink, play classic board games, and kick back to live music, too. 

1400 Lobby Bar: Located right when you board the ship, the drink menu was developed with renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. The venue is also the first to open the vibrant Royal Promenade to the outdoors with an ocean-facing terrace.

Bubbles: New walkup champagne window in Central Park open morning, noon, and night.

Royal Caribbean classic bars also found on Icon include:

• Trellis Bar
• Boleros
• Schooner Bar
• Point & Feather English pub
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Spotlight Karaoke
• Music Hall
• The Attic comedy club

What shows will be on Icon of the Seas?

There will be three primary venues for shows: AquaDome, Absolute Zero, and Royal Theater.

The premier show in the AquaDome will be "Aqua Nation!". "Pirates vs Mermaids" is the name of the other show in the AquaDome.

"Starburst" is the name of the ice skating show in the Absolute Zero ice skating arena. There is an additional show in Absolute Zero, "Once Upon A Time."

"Wizard of Oz" will be the featured musical on Icon of the Seas and it has a targeted runtime of around 90 minutes.

Icon of the Seas was delivered in late November 2023

Icon of the Seas was originally scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2022, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused her construction plans to be delayed by a year.

Her first sailing with paying guests was on January 27, 2024.

Cabins and suites on Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has 28 different Icon of the Seas cruise ship cabins you can choose from, with an eye to provide the most spacious rooms designed by the cruise line.

There are new categories of cabins, new neighborhoods, and views never offered before on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

More than 82% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will accommodate three or more guests, and more than 70% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will have a balcony.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

There are 2,805 total staterooms on Icon of the Seas:

• 179 suites
• 1,815 balcony staterooms
• 276 ocean view staterooms
• 535 interior staterooms

New stateroom options

Royal Caribbean has introduced new kinds of cruise cabins for the first time ever with the launch of Icon of the Seas.

There are 14 new categories that range from standard rooms to suites, including more options for families.

One mantra Royal Caribbean wanted for its cabins is more space for families and accessible options in every category, location, and amenities.

Some of the new kinds of cabins you can find only on Icon of the Seas include:

Family Infinite Oceanview Balconies: Cruise ship cabins that can accommodate up to six people in one room, with a bunk alcove for kids and enough TVs for everyone.

The bathroom features a split design – with a shower and a sink on one side and a sink and toilet on the other – to make getting ready for the day or bed easier for every family member.

Surfside Family View Cabins: Located in the new Surfside neighborhood, these cabins are designed for up to four people with convenience to the neighborhood just for young families.

Ultimate Family Townhouse: If you are looking for the biggest and most impressive suite anywhere at sea, Royal Caribbean has a three-level townhouse for you.

It features a multilevel, in-suite slide, areas for karaoke and watching movies, two private balconies, and even a private entrance to Surfside – complete with a white picket fence and mailbox.

How much does it cost? According to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, the average cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse in 2024 is $75,000 per week.

Related: Icon of the Seas cabins to avoid

Icon of the Seas cabin tours:

• Central Park Infinite Balcony
• Ocean View Balcony
• Interior Plus

Casino

The casino on Icon of the Seas will feature more televisions so you can watch sports at the same time.

"On the all-new Icon of the Seas, you don't have to choose between watching the big game and playing in the casino. More screens means more entertainment, everywhere you look."

There's also a bar-top video poker and a high-limit area.

Icon of the Seas facts

• 20 total decks (18 guest decks)
• 5,610 guests at double capacity and 7,600 maximum guests
• 2,350 crew (bringing maximum total to 9,950 people onboard)
• 7 pools, 9 whirlpools
• 6 record-breaking waterslides
• 250,800 GT
• 1,198 feet long
• 159 feet wide at the waterline
• Captain: Captain Henrik Loy

When can we book Icon of the Seas?

You can now book Icon of the Seas sailings via the Royal Caribbean website or with a travel agent.

The cruise line put bookings on sale beginning October 24, 2022, for Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor members and October 25 to everyone else.

Next-gen power

Icon of the Seas is the cruise line’s first of three ships to be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas).

LNG and the state-of-the-art ship’s additional environmentally friendly applications, such as shore power connection, will boost energy efficiencies and reduce carbon footprint.

The LNG fuel tank on Icon of the Seas is 307 tons and 90 feet long.

Traditionally, cruise ships are powered by diesel. The advantage LNG has over diesel is it is more energy-efficient and will reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the efficiency of Icon of the Seas, "Our new Icon class is coming with LNG-hybrid but, basically it's LNG. It's 35% more fuel energy efficient than regular fuel. And the ship itself, because of the design, is about 30% more efficient."

In addition, Icon of the Seas will utilize a shore power connection that removes emissions while connected at port.

What is The Pearl?

The Pearl is the centerpiece of the Royal Promenade and is what you'll see when you walk onto the ship. It's part of the arrival moment passengers have when they walk onboard the ship.

The Pearl is an interactive, multi-sensory experience made with kinetic tiles.

The Pearl encompasses four things:

• A gorgeous way to introduce the ship as you walk into it
• An engineering marvel
• It creates gorgeous views
• It has an experiential moment inside of it that's different for everyone

It measures 46 feet tall and 50 feet in diameter, with 578 aluminum external panels.

Other interesting facts about The Pearl:

• 9 miles of cables for power & lighting
• 1,323 feet of air conditioning ducts
• Steel mounting frames on the inside
• It required two tugboats to move it to the shipyard
• 5,600-metric-ton-crane lifted it into position
• It's taken 45,000 working hours to construct the sphere

Royal Caribbean is in the final months prepping what will become the largest cruise ship in the world.

Icon of the Seas won't launch until early 2024, but the ship is already generating incredible hype with an unmatched level of fascination for a new cruise ship yet unseen.

The 20-deck high ship comes in at 250,800 tons and will take away the title of biggest cruise ship in the world from sister vessel, Wonder of the Seas.  In fact, it will be the first time in about  5 years that an Oasis Class ship hasn't been the biggest in the world.

At the Turku, Finland shipyard, Royal Caribbean gave a hard hat tour to travel agents to help familiarize the new ship with some of the top sellers of all things Royal Caribbean.

Beci Mahnken, president and CEO of MEI-Travel, had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the not-yet-completed ship while it's being worked on.  Unlike our visit to the ship in May, Icon is in a far more complete stage of construction now.

Icon already completed her first set of sea trials, and is expected to complete work on her sometime later this year before being readied to start offering cruises.

If there's one thing apparent about Royal Caribbean's new ship, it's that it's anything but ordinary.

Royal Caribbean calls Icon of the Seas a "white paper" ship, because it has been designed from the ground up with new concepts. 

There's been a lot of attention for this new ship, and rightfully so, as it represents the single biggest chance of being a game changer to the cruise industry in the same way the Oasis of the Seas was when it launched.

Royal Caribbean is building on its legacy of not just building big cruise ships, but innovating and leading the industry at the same time.  Royal Caribbean sets the bar all other new cruise ships are judged against.

With five months left before the first passenger steps onboard Icon of the Seas, there's still plenty to do.  In the meantime, here's a look at the latest progress and how much closer to completion the ship is.

Thrills get their own deck

You wont run out of things to do on Icon of the Seas, especially if water slides are your thing.

Icon will introduce the first water park at sea, with six different water slides that will draw your attention within a mile of arriving to the ship.

Thrill Island is the name of a brand new neighborhood coming to the first Icon Class cruise ship, and it is a new approach to aquatic fun on a cruise ship for Royal Caribbean.

Because Royal Caribbean wants Icon of the Seas to rival any family land resort, the amount of space dedicated to water slides is not something you will find at any old hotel complex.

Related: Royal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will have the largest water park to thrill all ages

In combination with their private island, Royal Caribbean thinks they have a one-two combo that will draw people to Icon like never before.

"The Icon product, along with Perfect Day, with the kind of experiences that we're offering, with the kind of new accommodations that we have on Icon and the experiences that we have for young families, older families and of course couples and singles and what have you, is really squarely standing shoulder to shoulder with Orlando and those kind of destinations," is what Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said about his company's plans.

The water slides, known collectively as Category 6, take up the back of the top deck of the ship, and are flanked by mini-golf, a rock climbing wall, and a brand new thrill "walk".

Crown's Edge is a combination ropes course, sky walk, and obstacle course.

Guests are strapped in and walk 154 feet above the ocean for this experience. It lasts about two and a half minutes and culminates with  drop through portion, which Royal Caribbean described as "pretty scary".

Royal Promenade

Icon of the Seas is not the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to have a Royal Promenade thoroughfare on its ships, but it will be the first to introduce an expanded and evolved version.

At 362 feet long, the Royal Promenade onboard Icon of the seas is longer than a football field, and for the first time, it incorporates ocean views.

As you walk onto the ship, you'll see a giant multi-deck high glass wall that will provide natural light and a way to still see the beautiful ocean that surrounds the ship.

The Pearl is a likely focal point of the Royal Promenade, which the cruise line describes as a multi-sensory experience built with 3,000 kinetic tiles. 

Behind The Pearl, guests will find the Pearl Cafe, which serves freshly toasted croissants, hot chocolate croissants, croissant sandwiches, sweets, and other specialty desserts. 

You will find Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar on the Promenade, which is a new location for this restaurant. There will also be a Dueling Pianos bar, Sorrento's pizzeria, Point and Feather pub, Spotlight Karaoke, Boleros and Schooner Bar.

On one end of the Promenade will be the new ice skating rink, Absolute Zero, with over 2,850 square feet of ice.

Absolute Zero will host two different shows: "Starburst" and "Once Upon A Time."

Casino Royale is located just one deck below the Promenade.

Pools, pools, and more pools

A connection to the water was one of the guiding principles to Icon of the Seas' design, and you'll find a pool deck that exceeds anything else the cruise line has offered.There's 62% more water surface area than on the Oasis Class cruise ships.

Chill Island is the name of its massive resort-style relaxation zone where you'll find the largest pool at sea, an adult only pool, and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Five of the seven pools on Icon of the Seas are located in Chill Island.

Whether it's sitting by the pool, listening to the Caribbean band, or enjoying time at the ship's swim-up bar, the idea behind Chill Island is you can pick from different ways to take it easy.

Like most of the ship, the pools are under construction and will be among the last things to be completed (no need to add pool water this early).

There will be pools for adults, pools for families, and pools to simply enjoy the views all around you, including the ocean.

The Aquadome

You can't miss the AquaDome as a feature, given that there is a giant glass dome adorned to the front part of the ship. Inside, Royal Caribbean hopes to deliver a jaw-dropping experience.

Instead of an outdoor theater that is subject to weather conditions, Royal Caribbean built a dome it placed on top of the theater, along with enough space to add bars, food hall, and even cruise ship cabins.

Photos simply do not do the AquaDome justice, because it is truly massive. It weighs 363-tons and has over 600 glass panels of cables. It was no simple feat to hoist it into position, as the team in Turku had to use 1,600 feet of cables to lift it into position. The length of cables is longer than the height of the Empire State Building.

Of course, the AquaTheater is at the heart of this neighborhood. Royal Caribbean has a show that that will feature aerialists, acrobatics, high dives, and the tallest waterfall at sea at 55 feet tall.

 There will be two shows that passengers can see in the AquaTheater: "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs Mermaids." 

You'll find the Overlook inside the dome, which has 220-degree views from pods you can sit in and enjoy time with friends.

More family time

If there's one major focus Royal Caribbean has with its new ship, it's it wants to up its family cruise game to a whole new level.

Icon will have an entire neighborhood dedicated to young families, known as Surfside. It's located at the back of the ship in an open-air space that is somewhat similar to the Boardwalk neighborhood on the Oasis Class ships.

Related: Royal Caribbean is building the best cruise ship for young families on Icon of the Seas with a new purpose-built area

Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay are the focal point of the new neighborhood, which is an aquapark and pool designed for families to enjoy together. Royal Caribbean added the Water's Edge pool so adults can lounge in the pool too.  It is located at the aft of the ship, complete with in pool lounge chairs and gorgeous views of the ocean.

As part of Royal Caribbean's plans to attract families away from theme parks and other land destinations in Florida, this part of the ship is all about appealing to not just kids, but their parents too. 

Instead of a place to take your kids, Surfside is meant to be enjoyed alongside your kids.

There's lots of dining choices too, including Surfside Bites. This quick eatery has burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon sugar donut holes, and, of course, soft serve! 

You'll also find new cabins in Surfside designed to accommodate more people, which is perfect for families.

There are new categories of cabins on Icon, with over 50% of Icon's room types new to the cruise line.

Related: Royal Caribbean designed first-of-its-kind cabins for its new cruise ship

The ocean view infinite balcony that allows you to expand your indoor living space or invite in the sea breeze with the touch of a button.

One new cabin type is the Family Infinite Balcony room, which has in-room games, a split bathroom, and even a bunk area for children that can be closed off with a curtain for privacy. Plus, each bunk has their own television!

And then there's the epic suite that cannot be overlooked.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a mind-blowingly epic, 3-story stateroom extraordinaire that features its own back yard with a private entrance into Splashaway Bay. 

Demand is so strong for these rooms that it's selling for $80,000 per week in 2024.

There's an in-suite slide to bring you into "the coolest living room ever", which has hidden nooks too.

Central Park

A fan-favorite neighborhood will make it on Icon of the Seas in the form of Central Park. 

In the heart of the ship is an open air garden with living plants that create a peaceful atmosphere amongst various dining and entertainment venues.

When it's complete, Central Park will have a jazz club, walkup champagne bar window, and new restaurants too.

Related: The Ultimate Icon of the Seas Dining & Lounges Guide

Bubbles is the walkup champagne bar window where glasses of mimosa, prosecco, and Bellini, and bottles of Champagne are available all day.

If elevated dining is your thing, you'll need to check out the new swanky supper club coming to Icon of the Seas.

Empire Supper Club is is meant to be reminiscent of the 1930s in New York City, and it has two seating for guests to experience the extravagant eight course menu.

The menu will feature premium American cuisine and offer selections such as caviar and wagyu. Plus, each course will be paired with a beverage. 

Launching in January 2024

Royal Caribbean has billed Icon of the Seas to be not just a major player in the cruise industry, but the likely heir apparent to the title of most coveted cruise ship.

The first sailing is scheduled for the end of January, and Icon will be the first of at least three new cruise ships in this class.

While it's likely inevitable for Icon to be compared to her Oasis Class sisters, there's little doubt Royal Caribbean isn't up to the task considering their track record of introducing game-changing ships time and time again.

Related: 11 reasons Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will change the cruise industry

The next step for Icon are around round of sea trials scheduled for later in 2023 to ensure Icon of the Seas is ready to be delivered to Royal Caribbean prior to her January 27, 2024 maiden voyage. 

The first sailing of Icon of the Seas will be a 7-night cruise from Miami on January 27, 2024.

The ship will sail year-round out of Miami in 2024, alternating between Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, with four different routings available for departures between January 2024 and April 2025.

More information

• 25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship
• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?