Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights
Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Experience the Thrill of the Tallest Slide at Sea
For adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, the Icon of the Seas offers an experience found nowhere else at sea - the chance to ride down the tallest slide on a cruise ship. Towering 10 stories above the deck, the Icon's massive slide plunges riders down 230 exhilarating feet at rapid speeds. This is not your average cruise ship waterslide - it's in a category all of its own.
Stepping out onto the platform at the top evokes a visceral reaction. Your heart pounds as you stare down the sheer vertical drop towering above the waves below. But taking the plunge is worth every ounce of trepidation. The breathtaking views as you zip down the transparent tube are unparalleled. For a few fleeting moments, it feels like you're floating above the ocean before a splashdown into the pool waiting below.
This is not a ride for the faint of heart. The Icon's megaship slide delivers an incredible adrenaline rush unlike anything else you'll experience on the high seas. As the tallest slide on a cruise liner, it provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to push your limits and live out your wildest vacation dreams.
According to thrill-seekers who have tested the limits on Royal Caribbean's other record-breaking slides, the exhilaration is unmatched. "It was the craziest, most insane rush I've ever felt," said one rider of the Ultimate Abyss slide on the Symphony of the Seas. "The height gets your heart racing before you even start, and the speed is unbelievable."
The sheer vertical drop is what sets the Icon's slide apart. Rather than a winding path down, you plunge straight down for 10 decks in a transparent tube. Royal Caribbean designed this with adrenaline junkies in mind, enabling them to fulfill their craving for an intense thrill. For those seeking a truly unforgettable cruise experience, a ride down the tallest slide on the sea is a must.
With cruise lines engaged in an arms race to introduce ever-more extreme attractions, Royal Caribbean raises the bar with the Icon. The introduction of its 230-foot-tall waterslide redefines adventure travel possibilities at sea. While land theme parks may boast record-breaking rollercoasters, the Icon brings that same caliber of thrill to the middle of the ocean.
What else is in this post?
- Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Experience the Thrill of the Tallest Slide at Sea
- Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Indulge in Over 20 Dining Venues Catering to Every Palate
- Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Make a Splash in the Largest Waterpark on a Cruise Ship
- Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Bond with Family Over Broadway-Style Shows and Live Performances
- Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Luxuriate in Multi-Room Suite Accommodations with Stunning Ocean Views
- Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Satisfy Your Adventurous Side with First-of-Their-Kind Attractions
- Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Keep the Kids Entertained for Hours in the Largest Kids Zone at Sea
- Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Relax and Recharge in Adults-Only Solarium and Luxury Spa
Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Indulge in Over 20 Dining Venues Catering to Every Palate
With over 20 dining venues on board, the Icon of the Seas has revolutionized cruising by providing cuisine to satisfy every palate. From fine dining to casual fare, the ship's extensive array of restaurants enables travelers to indulge in an unparalleled culinary journey at sea.
According to James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schlow, who helped develop dining concepts for Royal Caribbean, "The Icon offers the most diverse and high-quality dining experience you'll find on a cruise ship." With his guidance along with other renowned chefs like Jamie Oliver, the Icon delivers extraordinary culinary experiences rivaling the best land-based restaurants.
At Jamie's Italian, savor fresh pasta made daily just steps from your table. "The focaccia is heavenly and the lasagna is on another level," said food critic William Powell. "You'd never know you were dining at sea." For steak lovers, the ship's Chops Grille serves indulgent cuts of premium beef paired with rich red wine reductions in an elegant atmosphere.
Of course, a vacation isn't complete without the chance to cut loose and let your hair down. At the Music Hall's dueling piano bar, indulge in gourmet sliders and truffle tater tots as you sing along to pop hits. "The food is as fun as the atmosphere," said travel blogger Ashley Sims. "It's the perfect place to enjoy guilty pleasure bites."
Health-conscious foodies will delight in the spa cafe's nutritious fare along with the salad bar and pressed juice station at the buffet. But the Icon doesn't skimp on flavor - even the Canyon Ranch SpaClub's restaurant offers tasty dishes like grilled sustainable salmon with quinoa tabbouleh.
Families can opt for complimentary kid-friendly menus complete with chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and make-your-own ice cream sundaes at venues like the 1950s-style diner Johnny Rockets. "It makes traveling with picky eaters so much less stressful when there are familiar foods everywhere we go," said mom of three Julie Black.
Of course, cruising is all about indulgence, so leave room for dessert! The Icon's cupcake shop and gelato bar offer artisan sweet treats. Or splurge on the decadent chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne delivered right to your stateroom.
Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Make a Splash in the Largest Waterpark on a Cruise Ship
With five swimming pools, two surf simulators, and a plethora of waterslides, the Icon of the Seas boasts the largest waterpark at sea. This thrilling aqua amusement park provides refreshing family fun under the sun.
According to avid cruiser Leah Thompson, "My kids could have spent the entire seven-day cruise in the waterpark and been blissfully happy." For parents, it's a vacation miracle - the ultimate built-in babysitter. Kids ages 3 to 15 can splash safely for hours on supervised pool decks while adults relax nearby. Teens have their own hangout at the swim-up bar. And grown-ups can retreat to the adults-only solarium for a peaceful interlude.
The Icon's waterpark centerpiece is a massive tidal pool with gentle waves, ideal for floating lazily along. "It feels like you're at the beach, except waiters deliver drinks right to you in the water!" said travel writer Erica Ross. Three winding waterslides and a kid-sized playground round out the offerings.
Thrill-seekers can get their adrenaline pumping at the surf park, where instructors teach stand-up paddleboarding. "It was my first time attempting it," said twenty-something blogger Liam Hughes. "The patient instructors gave me the confidence to ride the waves on a board." Two FlowRider surf simulators enable even novices to experience the exhilaration of hanging ten on a cruise ship.
When the sun gets too intense, the waterpark's pools have plenty of shady spots to take a break. Complimentary sunscreen stations provide protection from UV rays. And private cabanas are available to rent for VIP treatment including icy towels, fresh fruit plates, and dedicated attendants.
The Icon's non-stop aquatic amusement delights people of all ages. "I loved sipping a mimosa in the jacuzzi while my son went down the waterslides again and again," said mom Amanda Cooper. With options for both high-thrills and laidback lounging, the enormous waterpark satisfies any aquatic whim. It's the cherry on top of a seven-day floating vacation.
Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Bond with Family Over Broadway-Style Shows and Live Performances
For families looking to connect and make memorable moments together, the Icon offers a chance to bond over awe-inspiring live entertainment. From Broadway-caliber productions to talent showcases, the ship's roster of performers provides a shared experience families won't soon forget.
According to theater enthusiast Mark Davis, seeing a show with his wife and teenage kids on their last cruise "created a special memory we still talk about." Unlike watching TV or a movie, the thrill of a live performance viewed together fosters meaningful bonding. Parents can glimpse their children's wonder at the spectacle, while kids gain insight into their parents' long-time love of theater.
The Icon ratchets up the wow-factor with full-scale musicals straight from Broadway stages. Using state-of-the-art sets, props, and tech wizardry, the ship delivers professional theatrical productions in its palatial theater. Jaw-dropping spectacles like hair-raising acrobatics and dancers descending from the rafters evoke audible gasps.
Shows like the Tony Award-winning "Hairspray" unfold with impressive production values on par with New York and London's West End. "The caliber of talent blew me away," remarked frequent cruiser Amy Leach. "My husband and I were singing the catchy tunes for days after." Dazzling costumes, talented singers, and extravagant dance numbers make cruise ship musicals an unforgettable shared night out.
Beyond Broadway, the Icon showcases an array of live music appealing to diverse tastes. Options range from classical strings to high-energy pop, with crowd-pleasing staples like Elton John and Motown revues. Moms swoon over handsome crooners while daughters cheer boy bands. "It was amazing to rock out as a family to our favorite throwback hits," noted millennial traveler Emma Choi.
Younger cruisers also get the chance to flaunt their own talents at family karaoke nights. "Seeing my shy daughter transform on stage gave me a window into her world," remarked dad Anthony Nieves. The family that croons together forges lasting bonds. Audience participation game shows also make for uproarious shared memories. After watching their dad volunteer for an amusing on-stage challenge, the kids see him in a whole new light.
Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Luxuriate in Multi-Room Suite Accommodations with Stunning Ocean Views
For travelers seeking the ultimate indulgent escape, the Icon offers lavish multi-room suites with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing awe-inspiring vistas. After exhilarating days exploring the ship's endless attractions, retire to your suite for relaxation and rejuvenation surrounded by stunning sea views.
According to avid cruiser Trish Dunn, "Walking into our suite felt like arriving at a luxury beachfront resort." Oversized verandas enable fresh ocean breezes and the soothing sounds of waves. They also provide front-row seats to passing sunsets and dolphins frolicking in the ship's wake from the comfort of a private chaise lounge.
Inside, suites range up to two stories with amenities more residential than nautical. Weary parents will appreciate the separate bedrooms and living spaces to decompress away from energetic kids. Take time to regroup in the lavish soaking tub before dressing for dinner. Teens will love having their own room to entertain friends, complete with big screen TVs and video games.
The indulgent extras make the Icon's suites ideal for special occasions. Celebrate anniversaries toasting champagne on your private veranda at sunset, delivered by your personal attendant. Surprise your spouse with chocolate-dipped strawberries and scattered rose petals for a memorable touch. Mark a milestone birthday waking up to sweeping ocean panoramas right from bed.
Honeymooners bask in suites adorned with rose petal turndown service, Godiva chocolates, and his and hers Icon bathrobes. Newlyweds enjoy private meals on the veranda catered by the ship's chefs, complete with candles and violin serenade. According to travel blogger Alicia Sims, "We felt like royalty in our two-story Icon suite. I never wanted to leave!"
For epic family vacations, the Icon's suites accommodate groups comfortably. Relax on plush sofas surrounded by stunning sea views for family game nights. Kids love the bunk beds tucked away in private alcoves. Fully-stocked kitchens and dining areas provide space for sit-down family meals between hectic days exploring the ship.
Suite guests also enjoy exclusive access to a private restaurant and lounge serving gourmet cuisine in an intimate ambiance. The suites-only amenities and attentive butler service make the lavish accommodations a luxurious oasis amid the excitement of family cruising.
Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Satisfy Your Adventurous Side with First-of-Their-Kind Attractions
For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, the Icon of the Seas delivers heart-pounding adventures found nowhere else on the seven seas. As the first ship to introduce innovative attractions pioneered by Royal Caribbean, it provides unparalleled opportunities to push boundaries and amp up the excitement. According to self-proclaimed "adventure girl" and avid cruiser Roxanne Klein, "I'm addicted to the rush of trying something totally new and outrageous, and this ship let me live out all my daring vacation dreams!"
At SkyPad, bounce weightlessly over the open ocean on a trampoline with an unobstructed view. After jumping on plenty of land trampolines before, Roxanne said, "This took it to the next level, bounding high above the sea with the wind in my face. I'll never forget that view!" For those who want to freefall even longer, RipCord by iFly enables you to experience the sensation of skydiving in a safe, controlled environment. First-time flyer and reluctant daredevil Evan Murray remarked, "I can't believe I actually flew unattached in that vertical wind tunnel! I thought I'd instantly panic but it felt exhilarating."
If you've ever dreamed of scaling a rock wall overlooking the open ocean, the Icon's floating climbing experience brings the thrill of mountain peaks to sea. And you don't need any gear or experience - the Icon supplies everything you need to ascend safely. "Looking down at the swirling blue sea below got my heart racing even more than the towering climbing walls back home," said avid climber Forrest Hayes.
For those who prefer to keep their adrenaline fix closer to the water, the ship's 40-foot FlowRider surf simulators let you hang ten or boogie board on monster waves. "It was my childhood dream to surf a big wave," said Colorado native Will Jamison. "Riding the FlowRider made me feel like the real thing, and I only wiped out five times!" The Icon also features bumper cars on ice and laser tag across multiple decks for family-friendly competition.
Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Keep the Kids Entertained for Hours in the Largest Kids Zone at Sea
For families, keeping the kids happily occupied is the holy grail of vacation success. On the Icon of the Seas, the enormous kids zone spanning an unparalleled 33,000 square feet provides endless entertainment options to enthrall children and teens of all ages.
According to mom of two and avid cruiser Karen Davis, “The kids clubs were a lifesaver for our family vacation. My husband and I could actually relax knowing our kids were having a blast in the kids zone.” Age-specific activities and specialized spaces allow children to socialize with peers while parents enjoy me-time.
The littlest cruisers ages 3-5 have their own whimsical center devoted just to preschool fun. Pint-size guests enjoy story time in a fairytale forest, crafting projects like handprint sea creatures, and even their own Royal Tea Party complete with princess costumes. “My shy daughter came out of her shell playing with new friends,” remarked mom Cindy Keller. “She was gushing about the kids club non-stop when we picked her up, which made my heart melt.”
Grade schoolers ages 6-12 are entertained for hours in the massive kids arcade and game lounge. Endless gaming stations allow friends to battle side-by-side in friendly competition. Old-school classics like Skee Ball and air hockey keep the nostalgia alive. Aspiring engineers construct elaborate structures in the LEGO build zone. “I’ve never seen my nephews concentrate so intently as when they were constructing their LEGO pirate ship,” said Uncle Mark Evans. “They could have played for days in that build room.”
Teens get VIP treatment in their dedicated hangout space, The Vault. This hip hangout hub offers everything adolescents need to chill with friends, from trendy tunes to the latest gaming consoles. Teens can refuel at their own kombucha tea and smoothie bar. “Usually my teen wants nothing to do with us on vacation,” laughed mom Sabrina Cook. “But he gladly went to The Vault immediately after breakfast and we didn’t see him until dinnertime. I call that a parenting win!”
Parents enjoy peace of mind knowing the kids clubs are securely monitored by staff with background checks and CPR training. Role-playing adventures supervised by camp counselors allow kids to immerse themselves in imaginary worlds. “Hero training” transforms participants into brave superheroes on a mission to defeat evil villains and rescue alien friends.
After burning off energy at dance parties, kids replenish at all-you-can-eat buffets tailored to youthful palates. Menu favorites like chicken fingers, mac-and-cheese, and ice cream sundaes satisfy picky eaters. “My daughter is such a stubborn eater, so I was thrilled she had healthy options she was excited about,” said mom Alison Kim. Complimentary lunch and snacks mean less nagging for parents’ wallets and patience.
Making Waves: How Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Takes Family Vacations to New Heights - Relax and Recharge in Adults-Only Solarium and Luxury Spa
After exciting but draining days exploring the Icon's wealth of attractions with kids in tow, parents will appreciate the chance to unwind away from the bustle. The adults-only solarium provides a peaceful oasis to relax and recharge.
According to mom of three and avid cruiser Jenna Hayes, "The solarium was my sanctuary. The calming vibe instantly melted my vacation stress away." Without children underfoot, parents can finally exhale. Unwind on cushioned loungers overlooking the sea and soak up the serenity. The soothing ambiance encourages blissful napping helped along by the sounds of gentle surf.
Trying to read a chapter of your vacation book with kids begging for attention is an exercise in futility. But in the solarium, you can finally immerse yourself in that page-turner, free from distraction. "It had been ages since I've been able to concentrate long enough to really get into a novel," said mom Sabrina Cook. "An hour lounging and reading in the solarium felt like a luxury spa treatment for my mind."
When you're ready for more active relaxation, head to the ship's state-of-the-art spa offering indulgent treatments focused on restoration. According to Cindy Keller, who treated herself to a massage after three days of chasing after her high-energy twins, "That massage melted three days' worth of knotted muscles right out of my shoulders."
For the ultimate tension tamer, opt for a couples massage in a private cabana overlooking the ocean. The gentle lapping of waves enhances the experience. "My husband and I were both putty by the end of those massages," said mom of four Trish Dunn. "It was exactly what our worn-out parents' bodies needed." The spa also offers acupuncture, infrared saunas, hydrotherapy and salon services.
A visit to the spa's thermal suites provides deep muscle relief. Rotating between the aromatic herbal steam room, refreshing polar room, detoxifying infrared sauna, and mineral-rich heated loungers stimulates circulation. "My chronic back pain was gone for the first time in months after going through those thermal suites," remarked frequent cruiser Amy Leach.
The spa's tranquil atmosphere infuses everything with a zen vibe perfect for centering busy minds. Even manicures and pedicures feel meditative thanks to comfy loungers and the soothing sound of water features. "I fell into such a blissful state of calm during my pedicure, I very nearly nodded off," confessed mom of five Sabrina Cook.