ONBOARD ICON OF THE SEAS — The world’s biggest ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, is loaded with exciting options for every facet of cruising lifestyle.

Now sailing its inaugural cruise from its home port of Miami – after a sneak peek for the industry, including Travelweek, along with the naming ceremony with Lionel Messi – Icon exudes the atmosphere of a high-spirited oceanside village flanked by eateries and beachy retreats, with its own theme park and wow venues for Las Vegas-style entertainment.

Immense at 250,800 gross tons, Icon carries 5,610 guests at double occupancy, and up to 7,600 when full.

Images of Icon are mind-boggling. Yet, while it stretches the length of three football fields set end to end, Icon’s architecture is strategically crafted for the easy flow of guests throughout its various neighbourhoods, comfortable shoes an asset.

Icon features eight distinct neighbourhoods, five that are new to Royal Caribbean International’s Icon class of ships.

Michael Bayley, CEO, Royal Caribbean international (left) and Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group (right) in The Attic, Icon’s late-night comedy club

Upon boarding, at Deck 5 guests are awed by The Pearl. Its glowing orb anchors the two-level Royal Promenade, a social hub unto itself fringed with shops, restaurants, cafés and bars, including the new 1400 for specialty cocktails.

The social mood is echoed on Deck 8, where Central Park’s walkway through swaths of lush greenery leads to more restaurants and bars. New for Central Park, walk-up Bubbles bar is perfectly positioned for a spontaneous flute of Champagne. Izumi Japanese restaurant features a take-out sushi window. And the exclusive Empire Supper Club specializes in an eight-course-gourmet dinner.

Thrill Island houses Category 6 Waterpark, touted as the biggest waterpark at sea. It includes many firsts at sea: the tallest drop slide, a family raft slide, an open freefall slide, and duo mat-racing slides. Other adrenalin-pumping activities include the FlowRider surf simulator, the Adrenalin Peak rock climbing wall, and the Crown’s Edge which lets guests hang 154 feet (46.9 metres) above the open sea. The sports court is marked for basketball and pickleball. And the Lost Dunes mini golf gives duffers a challenging course.

Chill Island features a swim-up bar, lots of chaises for lounging, plus private cabanas overlooking the sea.

As a solo traveller, my favourite open air neighbourhood is The Hideaway. Located aft, restricted to adults only, it features a suspended infinity pool with vast views of the sea, and a terraced lounging area with its own whirlpools and private bar.

The new Surfside neighbourhood arguably makes Icon the friendliest ship afloat for intergenerational families. Catering to families with young children age six and under, it has the atmosphere of a theme park, yet with enough adult amenities that can occupy families for the day.

Surfside features a merry-go-round, childhood games, costumed characters, and a variety of pools watched by lifeguards and stocked with kiddie life-jackets. Eateries include kid-friendly foods, ice creams and snacks, yet they offer adult menus and there’s an adult bar where Mom and Dad can sip cooling cocktails while kids slurp punch. Surfside also offers the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three-storey family suite with private balcony and direct access to Surfside.

The Hideaway features the world’s first suspended infinity pool. Overlooking the aft, this adults-only neighbourhood offers excellent views of the ocean

Located forward, the Aquadome is a stunning area designed with a curve of windows providing panoramic ocean views. By day, it is popular for lounging or eating at the food-hall-style AquaDome Market. By night, it wows audiences as its stage turns into a pool for the sensational aqua dancers and divers soaring through the 55-foot-tall water curtain.

The exclusive Suites Neighbourhood spans four decks, with privileged access to the multi-level suite sun deck – The Grove – with its private pool, whirlpool, and café. Catering only to suite guests and RCI members with high loyalty points, the two-deck-high Coastal Kitchen has views of the AquaTheatre.

The Coastal Kitchen is the exclusive dining venue for passengers in suites as well as RCI’s Pinnacle Class loyalty passengers

Icon’s entertainment productions are delightful for all ages. When Absolute Zero – the largest ice rink at sea – is not featuring its lively ice dancers, the rink is accessible for family skating.

Not to be missed, Icon’s Wizard of Oz is the most ambitious theatrical production at sea. Held in the Royal Theater, the production itself is notable for travel advisors who also plan corporate meetings and incentive programs at sea: it showcases Icon’s technical abilities to stage the most exciting launches and events.

As for accommodations, Icon’s 28 categories of staterooms are geared to satisfy families and couples, as well as groups of three, four or more.

New on Icon, the three-storey Ultimate Family Townhouse at 2,523 square feet (234.4 square metres) includes three balconies. Its features include a slide linking the second level to the main floor living room, a movie room, karaoke space, ping-pong table, whirlpool and a private entrance to the Surfside neighbourhood. Immediately popular, this brightly styled townhouse is already heavily booked through 2024 and 2025. Also new, RCI’s first Infinite Balcony Rooms have windows that open to slightly expand viewing space.

Vicki Freed, Senior VP, Sales, Trade Support and Service in Icon’s two-storey Royal Suite

Mingling with other guests on my sailing, I met many travel advisors, including 40 Canadians affiliated with Travel Leaders Network. I asked Christine James, Vice President Canada, Travel Leaders Network, for her opinion of the ship.

“Icon is big, so it has something for everyone,” says James. “It is perfect for families – the young ones will love Surfside while the grandparents hang out in the quiet areas of The Hideaway. Couples without kids would enjoy it, too, especially thrill seekers. The variety of accommodations is terrific. There are so many places to have fun, mingle at bars, dining is delicious, and the entertainment is amazing, especially the aqua show and Wizard of Oz.”

For James, the winner was “the island beach day in the new adults-only Hideaway at Perfect Day at Coco Cay. We found a cute cabana away from the crowd.”

She adds: “As for any cruise, advisors need to qualify their clients to book them on the right cruise.”