This post is a first-hand account from Amanda, a 38-year-old mother of two, sharing her experiences from her first cruise. It has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Taking a cruise for the first time can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. For my family—my husband Bobby (42), our kids Jacob (10) and Chloe (12), and me, Amanda (38)—our maiden voyage was on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
As a family accustomed to all-inclusive vacations and Disney World adventures, we had high expectations and some concerns.
Would this floating city meet our entertainment needs, provide comfort, and offer value for money? Would we be bored, feel stuck or even get seasick?
Here’s how our journey unfolded.
Why We Chose Icon of the Seas
After years of hearing friends rave about cruises, we finally decided to take the plunge. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas appealed to us as we knew as the world’s largest cruise ship, it promised a vast array of activities and amenities.
We debated about other older Royal Caribbean cruise ships, but wanted our first cruise to be the best one possible for our family.
Although it was more expensive than other options available, Royal Caribbean’s kids sail free promotion made it more affordable. We were willing to invest in the hope of an unforgettable experience.
Our Itinerary: St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Cococay
Our seven-day itinerary on Icon of the Seas included stops at St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Cococay. We had three days at port and four days at sea (including embarkation day).
This was a perfect balance between exploring the destinations and enjoying everything the world’s largest cruise ship has to offer!
First Impressions: Embarking on the World’s Largest Cruise Ship
We arrived at the Miami cruise port around 11:15 AM, and I was nervous but excited. To our surprise the check-in process was impressively swift—about 15 minutes, including security.
Embarkation day is very exciting and I was overcome with emotion. Boarding the ship, I got teary eyed as we saw The Pearl, the stunning multi-deck atrium at the heart of Icon of the Seas. The soaring glass ceilings and intricate design elements were simply breathtaking.
It was a moment I’ll never forget – you don’t realize you’re even on a ship! I kept thinking that this was just such a cool experience for me to be giving my kids.
The kids’ excitement was contagious as we explored our new surroundings. We headed straight to Surfside for lunch, where we soaked in the lively atmosphere. The kids were thrilled with the carousel and couldn’t get enough of the popcorn chicken. It was the perfect start to what promised to be an unforgettable family vacation.
Our Cabin: More Spacious Than Expected
We stayed in a traditional oceanview balcony cabin, which was larger than we anticipated. Having heard stories about cramped cruise ship cabins, we were pleasantly surprised by the ample space and thoughtful design. Unlike the infinite balcony cabins that have received mixed reviews, our cabin featured a conventional balcony, providing a private outdoor space to enjoy the sea breeze and stunning views.
The storage solutions were impressive, with four baskets for swimsuits and essentials, and enough space under the bed to stow two large suitcases and a couple of smaller ones.
The closet had enough hangers for our clothes, although one extra shelf would have been ideal. The sofa bed, which converted to a double/queen bed for the kids, was comfortable, with each child having their own sheet, blanket, and large pillows.
Our cabin attendant efficiently stowed the bed away during the day, ensuring we had plenty of space to move around. For a family of four, this cabin exceeded our expectations and contributed to a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Related: 12 Genius Storage Solutions to Organize Your Cruise Ship Cabin
Dining: Variety and Quality
Dining on Icon of the Seas was a highlight. We pre-booked “My Time Dining” in the Main Dining Room (MDR) and enjoyed meals there three times. The kids particularly loved the Caesar salad, while Bobby was impressed with the chicken parmigiana. The pecan-crusted salmon and carrot cake were my personal favorites. Our server was outstanding, and we requested him each night.
We also dined at Windjammer buffet, which offered a vast selection, from Indian cuisine to pizza and burgers. One evening, we grabbed a quick bite at Sorrentos before heading to the Wizard of Oz show. The food variety and quality were beyond our expectations.
Since this was our first cruise, we decided to take advantage of all that was included and we never felt the need to splurge on specialty dining.
Daytime Food and Dining Options
During the day, we discovered several excellent dining options. At Surfside, the kids loved the popcorn chicken, while we enjoyed quick bites from various food stations. El Loco Fresh stood out with its delicious Mexican food, and we appreciated the well-organized toppings stations that minimized wait times.
Aquadome Market offered a range of small portions, perfect for sampling different cuisines. We especially loved the crepe station and the gyros from the Mediterranean station.
The bar next to Aquadome Market provided convenient drinks, including canned wine and Truly. Yes, we did splurge on the drink package and are glad we did!
Entertainment: Beyond Expectations
The entertainment on Icon of the Seas rivaled anything we’ve experienced at Disney or Cirque du Soleil. We were blown away by the shows, including the Wizard of Oz, an impressive ice skating show, an aqua show, a juggler, and an a cappella group called Mo5aic.
Booking these shows was hassle-free; I needed to make a change and all it required was a short wait at the Box Office on the first day and all was solved.
Onboard Activities: So Much to Do!
The ship’s amenities ensured we were never bored. Jacob played mini-golf daily and loved the rock climbing walls, while Chloe enjoyed the pools and waterslides.
I expected my kids to go to the kid’s club. However, they ended up spending most of the time with us, which we didn’t mind since it was a family vacation.
Despite my initial concern about crowds, we never waited long for elevators or attractions. The thoughtfully designed stations at dining venues minimized lines, even during peak times.
Ports of Call: Excursions and Adventures
Our shore excursions were memorable. In St. Kitts, we swam with dolphins and snorkeled at Frigate Bay. This was an incredible experience.
In St. Thomas we decided to head to Magens Bay on our own and the day was pricier than we expected. Transportation, plus entry, plus chair rentals and food added up. However, overall we still enjoyed the day.
Unfortunately the weather wasn’t ideal when we arrived at Perfect Day at Cococay. Despite the clouds and wind, it was still a good beach day with fantastic included food.
We were also happy to be able to use our drink package on the private island.
Family-Friendly Features and Kid’s Club
Our kids, initially reluctant to join the kids’ club, still found plenty of activities to keep them engaged. Thrill Island, with its array of slides and attractions, was a favorite.
While the kids’ club was less organized than expected, it offered flexibility for drop-ins, which suited our schedule.
Value for Money: Worth Every Penny
Despite the higher cost, we found the cruise to offer excellent value. The quality of entertainment, dining, and activities on Icon of the Seas far surpassed our previous all-inclusive experiences.
We felt the investment was justified by the memories we created and the fun we had. In fact, as soon as we returned home we began thinking about planning our next Royal Caribbean cruise!
Who Is this Cruise Ship for?
Icon of the Seas is perfect for families, especially those with school-age children and teenagers. The wide range of activities caters to all ages, ensuring that everyone from toddlers to grandparents can find something enjoyable. This ship would be perfect for a group cruise!
It’s also a great choice for those who appreciate high-quality entertainment and diverse dining options. The ship’s thoughtful design and excellent service make it a great ship for first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers alike.
Advice for First-Time Cruisers on Icon of the Seas
For those embarking on their first cruise with Icon of the Seas, here are some tips:
- Pre-book Dining and Shows: Take advantage of the “My Time Dining” and pre-book your show reservations online to avoid disappointment.
- Pack Light: Focus on swimwear and casual clothes. You’ll spend most of your time in swim shorts and bathing suits.
- Use the App: The Royal Caribbean app is invaluable for keeping track of daily activities and showtimes. Check it regularly for updates.
- Explore All Food Options: Don’t feel compelled to dine at specialty restaurants. The included dining options are diverse and delicious.
- Try Everything: From waterslides to trivia games, make the most of the ship’s offerings. You might discover new activities that your family loves.
- Invest in Wow Bands: These convenient wristbands make it easy to open your cabin door and make purchases on board. At $10 each, they’re a worthwhile investment.
- Prepare for Ports: Bring necessary items like thermal water bottles, microfiber towels, and snorkel gear for shore excursions.
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Final Thoughts: Our First Cruise, But Not Our Last
Reflecting on our experience, we can confidently say that choosing Icon of the Seas was the right decision. The ship exceeded our expectations in every way, from the spacious cabin to the exceptional dining and entertainment. For families considering their first cruise, my advice is to embrace everything the ship offers and keep an eye on the daily app updates for must-see events.
Our first cruise was a resounding success, and we’ve already set our sights on our next adventure. Icon of the Seas delivered an unforgettable family vacation, and we look forward to sailing again soon.
Have you cruised on Icon of the Seas or are you planning to? Please let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
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