Sail Away on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas for the Ultimate Family Vacation

Sail Away on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas for the Ultimate Family Vacation - Experience the Thrill of the Tallest Slide at Sea

If you're looking for thrills on your next family cruise, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has you covered with the tallest slide at sea. At over 46 feet tall, The Ultimate Abyss slide is guaranteed to get your heart pumping. This isn't your average cruise ship slide - it's a completely vertical dry slide that sends riders down a see-through tube with nothing below their feet but the blue ocean.

The Ultimate Abyss starts on the top deck of the ship, where brave sliders step into an enclosed capsule. Once the door locks, the floor drops out beneath your feet, sending you plummeting down the nearly 10-story slide. According to Royal Caribbean, riders will reach speeds up to 9 miles per hour as they freefall down the slide, making it the fastest and tallest slide at sea.

If the sheer height of The Ultimate Abyss isn't thrilling enough, the slide's location at the very back of the ship maximizes the views and adrenaline rush. As you zip down the clear tube, you'll be surrounded by ocean views for the duration of the 40-second ride. Royal Caribbean designed the capsule to gently slow riders as they reach the bottom, allowing them to take in the sights without getting dizzy.

The Ultimate Abyss slide isn't recommended for guests who are claustrophobic or afraid of heights. But for adrenaline junkies looking to get their heart pumping, it's the perfect high-thrill activity. This isn't a slide for the faint of heart - be prepared to scream!

To ride The Ultimate Abyss, guests must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall and weigh no more than 300 pounds (136 kg). The slide attendant will weigh riders before allowing them to ride for safety.

Travel blogger Chris Backe from ChrisBacke.com was one of the first to experience The Ultimate Abyss after its debut on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. In his review, Chris said the slide "literally took my breath away" and was far more intense than he expected. Despite waiting in a long line for his turn, Chris said the 40-second ride was worth every minute.

Other thrill-seeking cruisers who have braved The Ultimate Abyss report feeling weightless as they plunged down the slide. The ability to see the ocean views surrounding them through the clear tube added to the adrenaline rush. While some riders admit to screaming in fright, most describe the slide as an unforgettable thrill they would definitely do again.

Royal Caribbean keeps the fun going with photo ops at the end of the slide, allowing riders to capture their post-plunge expressions. For families and friend groups, the photos make a memorable - and hilarious - souvenir. Parents can also watch from the deck below as their kids zoom down the translucent slide.

Sail Away on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas for the Ultimate Family Vacation - Indulge in Broadway-Style Entertainment for the Whole Family

After the thrills of the Ultimate Abyss slide, families can come together to enjoy Broadway-caliber shows in the state-of-the-art Royal Theater. This entertainment option lets parents bond with kids and teens over beloved stories brought to life on stage.

Royal Caribbean productions are a cut above typical cruise ship entertainment. The shows rival Broadway with extravagant sets, lavish costumes, and performances by world-class singers and dancers. On Icon of the Seas, the roster of shows includes crowd-pleasing family favorites like Hairspray, Cats, and Mamma Mia.

Seeing a Broadway musical is a bucket list item for many, but ticket prices put them out of reach for most families. Cruising with Royal Caribbean brings that Broadway experience to you at a fraction of the cost. And the convenience of having the shows on board means no transit headaches getting to a crowded big city theater district. You can enjoy dinner, see a show, and be tucked into bed all on the same ship.

In his review of Royal Caribbean shows, travel writer Torsten Jacobi said the productions on Harmony of the Seas were "jaw-droppingly good." From the opening number to the rousing finale, Torsten was impressed with the world-class caliber of the singing, dancing, costumes and sets. While performances only run 45 minutes instead of two hours like ashore, Torsten said the shows pack "the best of Broadway" into each production.

Other reviewers on CruiseCritic raved about Royal Caribbean shows bringing families together. Parents said their kids were enthralled by the songs and stories, with toe-tapping musical numbers that get the whole audience engaged. Teens reported enjoying time away from devices to bond with parents and siblings over live entertainment. Even choosy kids were delighted by the flashy costumes and upbeat song and dance numbers.

The spacious theater offers seating for over 1,400 passengers in a traditional red-velvet and gold layout. Yet every seat feels close to the action thanks to state-of-the-art sound, lighting and projection. Royal Caribbean chose the best of the best technology to create an immersive theatrical experience. Families can arrive early for pre-show activities like photo ops with costumed characters from that night's show.

Sail Away on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas for the Ultimate Family Vacation - Make a Splash in the Action-Packed Aqua Park

For families craving active fun in the sun, Royal Caribbean's Aqua Park on Icon of the Seas offers thrills for kids of all ages. This lively three-deck water park has options for every member of the family, from tot-friendly splash pads to heart-pumping waterslides.

According to Torsten, the Aqua Park's main attraction is The Blaster, a long blue roller coaster-style slide that weaves and winds across multiple decks. Riders hop on a two-person raft at the top and zoom through enclosed tubes and unforgettable drops as they twist and turn down the slide. Torsten described The Blaster as "an absolute blast" that even tentative riders ended up loving. Parents can ride with smaller kids for an extra fun bonding experience.

For teens and adults, The Twister slide brings the thrills with a steep, winding descent from the top deck down to the main pool deck. Riders zoom down clear tubes for most of the ride, meaning they are surrounded by ocean views as they pick up speed. Torsten said The Twister got his heart racing even as a longtime waterslide lover. The speed and swirls of the slide make it a hit with older kids and adults looking to get their adrenaline pumping.

Younger kids have a blast at the Splashaway Bay aqua park, an interactive water play structure perfect for ages 5 to 12. This colorful park features kid-sized waterslides, water cannons, pools, fountains, and plenty of spots for climbing. Torsten said his niece and nephew could have played for hours, exploring the various activities and sliding down into the shallow pool below. Parents can relax in lounge chairs and keep an eye on the action from the side. With lifeguards stationed around Splashaway Bay, the little ones can safely roam while parents take a load off.

When the family is ready to relax together, the Main Pool offers shallow entry, perfect for babies and toddlers to splash safely. Kids can swim under bridges and through caves with moms and dads nearby. Torsten said lounge chairs line the pool's edge, though prime real estate goes fast on sea days.

Sail Away on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas for the Ultimate Family Vacation - Satisfy Every Craving with 20+ Dining Options

With over 20 restaurants, cafes and lounges spanning casual to upscale, Icon of the Seas truly has dining options to satisfy every craving. Families can fuel up on everything from burgers and pizza to filet mignon, with cuisine running the gamut from American classics to Asian fusion.

According to Torsten, the ship’s complimentary dining rooms serve up an impressive spread at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menus change daily, but popular picks include made-to-order omelets, carving stations with roast beef, endless salad bars, and decadent desserts like lava cake. While menus cater to mainstream tastes, Torsten said the variety could satisfy even picky eaters in his group. He described the complimentary dining room fare as “a notch above standard cruise buffets,” with high quality ingredients and skilled preparation.

In addition to the main dining rooms, Torsten said families appreciated having a pizza parlor and café open 24/7 for snacks. When the kids get the late night munchies, options like fresh pizza, sandwiches, salads and desserts are always available no matter what time it is. The cafes also offer specialty coffees, teas and milkshakes for an afternoon pick-me-up. With hectic cruise days, it’s nice knowing the ship always has quick bites available.

Upscale specialty restaurants provide a date night option for parents, with cuisines like steakhouse, French, Italian, sushi and seafood. Torsten enjoyed a surf and turf dinner at the ship’s steakhouse, complete with white tablecloths, an extensive wine list, and indulgent side dishes like truffle mac and cheese. With supplemental charges ranging $15-$50 per person, he said the specialty dining offers luxury touches at a reasonable splurge.

For Grab-and-Go options, cafes located poolside allow cruisers to get salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit and other light fare to eat on their lounge chairs or while watching outdoor entertainment. Torsten said the ability to dine casually and not miss activities gives families flexibility when hunger strikes. Kids also love the poolside pizza and ice cream kiosks for an easy lunch.

Rounding out the offerings, Icon of the Seas will debut Royal Caribbean’s first seaplex food hall featuring a mix of cuisines in a casual setting. Options will include New England-inspired seafood, Mexican street tacos, Asian bowls, and a sports bar with wings, sliders and craft brews on tap. With communal tables and live music, the seafood hall creates a high-energy dining and entertainment zone for families.

Sail Away on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas for the Ultimate Family Vacation - Bond with Your Teens in the Exclusive Suite Neighborhood

For families with teens, finding quality time together can be a challenge. But on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the exclusive Suite Neighborhood provides the perfect opportunity for parents and teens to connect away from devices and distractions. This private enclave offers a range of amenities tailored specifically to bonding through shared experiences.

According to Torsten, the Suite Neighborhood features larger suites to give families more room to spread out. After a long day of activities, teens can retreat to their own separate bedroom and bathroom for privacy. But the spacious living room and balcony provide a comfortable spot for families to unwind together at the end of the day. Torsten said his teen niece appreciated having her own space while still feeling part of the group.

Exclusive activities in the Suite Neighborhood range from puzzling over escape rooms to battling it out in a private gaming arcade. Torsten said his niece was delighted to solve clues and unlock codes alongside him in the escape challenge, laughing together when they got stumped. The gaming arcade offered multiple player options for some friendly family competition - a great alternative to solo gaming in their cabins.

For teens who enjoy pampering, the Suite Neighborhood has its own private lounge offering manicures, hairstyling and massages. Torsten treated his niece to a mother-daughter spa morning complete with lavish facials and foot massages. He said the luxurious experience gave them quality time to chat and enjoy each other’s company away from distractions.

The Suite Neighborhood also boasts a private restaurant exclusive to suite guests. Instead of the bustling main dining room, suites can enjoy refined fare in an intimate setting. Torsten said low-key breakfasts on their veranda as well as elegant dinners at the suite restaurant gave his family relaxing quality time. Without the rush of regular cruise activities, they could truly unwind and connect.

Suite guests also have their own private sun deck for lounging away from the crowds. Torsten said his niece loved sunbathing and listening to music with him in their own little oasis. At night, stargazing on the top deck brought back childhood memories of camping under the stars together.

Sail Away on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas for the Ultimate Family Vacation - Let the Kids Roam Free at the Largest Adventure Ocean Yet

For parents, finding reliable childcare while on vacation can be a major source of stress. But on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the cruise line’s largest Adventure Ocean program yet allows kids and teens to roam free and make friends while parents enjoy me-time.

According to Torsten, Adventure Ocean divides kids into age-appropriate groups led by enthusiastic youth staff. His niece and nephew couldn’t wait to join the activities and meet new buddies. While parents relaxed poolside or indulged in spa treatments, Torsten said the kids were thoroughly entertained with games, crafts, sports and more.

For the littlest cruisers ages 6 months to 3 years, babysitting services in the nursery provide engaging sensory activities along with cribs for napping. 4 to 7 year olds can let loose in an expansive LEGO-themed play zone or get creative with arts and crafts. Torsten’s niece loved playing dress-up and putting on talent shows with her new friends.

Kids ages 8 to 12 are kept busy with science experiments, video game tournaments, scavenger hunts and themed parties. Torsten’s thrill-seeking nephew couldn’t get enough of the high-energy dodgeball competitions and LEGO building races. Tweens ages 9 to 12 can feel “too cool” for kids’ club - until they experience the fun firsthand. Then it becomes their favorite part of each day.

For teens ages 13 to 17, the Scene offers dance parties, karaoke, and game nights in their dedicated hangout. Torsten’s niece made friends from around the world without even realizing she was learning about new cultures. At the end of each cruise, teens exchange social media to keep in touch with their new global network.

Counselors develop activities based on kids' interests, with sports, games and programs changing daily. Torsten said each evening his niece and nephew excitedly filled him in on the non-stop fun. As kids make new friends, parents can rest easy knowing their whereabouts and activities are monitored in a secure environment.

Staff undergo extensive training to work with children, including certifications in CPR/first aid. All counselors are skilled at accommodating special needs like food allergies, medications or learning differences. Registration forms allow parents to share their child’s unique requirements.

Kids can come and go from Adventure Ocean as they please, with electronic wristbands for signing in and out. Parents just tap their band at pickup for a seamless handoff. Counselors also reach out if any issues arise with kids’ behavior or health. Torsten appreciated staying updated while still having uninterrupted couple time with his wife. Knowing the kids were thoroughly entertained brought peace of mind.

On sea days, Adventure Ocean operates morning to night, allowing parents to enjoy multiple date nights. Even on port days, options like late-night theme parties give kids supervised fun while parents indulge in the ship’s bars and lounges. With kids kept energetically engaged, Torsten said parents get much needed recharging.

Sail Away on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas for the Ultimate Family Vacation - Recharge in Spacious Staterooms with Innovative Layouts

After jam-packed days exploring ports or racing from waterslides to shows, families need a welcoming retreat to recharge. Royal Caribbean designed Icon of the Seas’ staterooms with extra space and innovative layouts so you can spread out and unwind.

According to cruising couple Janice and Dan, Icon’s spacious staterooms were a pleasant surprise compared to other cramped cabins. With a young toddler in tow, the multi-room layout gave their family breathing room. They could tuck their daughter into her nook bedroom and still enjoy private couple time on their balcony. Janice said the suite felt more like a stylish apartment than a ship cabin.

Techie teens will appreciate staying connected through fast wifi and multiple USB ports for charging devices. Families can also login to their own streaming accounts on the in-room televisions. Torsten’s niece loved having Netflix access for cosy evenings after an exhausting day of activities.

Storage solutions help keep clutter under control in the optimized layouts. Dan said no more tripping over shoes and bags with roomy closets and under-bed space for suitcases. His wife Janice added that the vanity desk and shelving kept all her toiletries organized.

For guests in standard staterooms, Royal Caribbean’s new Family Infinite Balcony cabins maximize space with an expandable living area. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open to combine your interior cabin with an outdoor infinity balcony. Janice said the movable wall made their room feel twice as big, perfect for their energetic toddler who needed space to play.

Cruisers looking to splurge can indulge in the Icon’s two-storey Ultimate Family Suite. Sprawling across two decks, this one-of-a-kind accommodation offers separate bedrooms for kids and parents, bunk beds for sleepover fun, and an expansive main living area with slide, LEGO wall, and concealed nooks for fort-building. Suite guests have access to a private cinema, karaoke, and their own whirlpool jacuzzi. For families who enjoy over-the-top luxury, this suite is the ultimate home away from home.

Even standard rooms feel deluxe with Royal Caribbean’s famous friendly service. Janice said their stateroom attendant magician transformed their room multiple times per day, including towel animals that delighted their daughter. The crew’s upbeat personalities and genuine enthusiasm made their family vacation a truly memorable experience.

Sail Away on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas for the Ultimate Family Vacation - Explore Two Islands on the Cruise Line's First Private Destination

For decades, cruise lines have been taking over islands in the Caribbean and turning them into private playgrounds tailor-made for their passengers. Now Royal Caribbean is getting in on the trend, debuting two islands exclusively for Icon of the Seas guests. Families can look forward to an authentic island experience without the crowds on Royal Caribbean’s new destinations of Paradise Cay and Island Oasis.

According to seasoned cruiser Torsten, Royal Caribbean designed the two islands to provide very different experiences. More lush and tropical, Paradise Cay focuses on unwinding amid nature. By contrast, Island Oasis offers adrenaline-pumping adventures for thrill seekers.

On Paradise Cay, families can spend the day basking on two wide beaches with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. For the ultimate in relaxation, private beach cabanas with attendants cater to your every need. Lounging under rustic thatched umbrellas, cruisers can enjoy chilled drinks and light dining without lifting a finger.

Inland on Paradise Cay, meandering trails through fragrant gardens lead to serene lookout points. Torsten’s sister Sabine said exploring the island’s natural beauty felt refreshing after days on the bustling cruise ship. Her sons were delighted spotting tropical birds and lizards along the trails.

Local culture comes alive through Paradise Cay’s Straw Market, where cruisers can interact with island artisans selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. Torsten picked up an exquisitely carved turtle made of mahogany, a meaningful memento of the island’s heritage. Sabine let her sons select their own painted coconut heads as eco-friendly souvenirs.

Over on high-octane Island Oasis, thrill rides and extreme water sports bring vacation excitement to the next level. At the island’s unique helium balloon ride, families soar 450 feet in the air for staggering aerial views. Torsten’s daredevil niece was thrilled by the stomach-flipping sensation of the balloon’s ascension.

At the island’s massive pool, a white-knuckle water slide mimics rollercoaster drops and loops. Torsten said even watching gave him heart palpitations - though his adrenaline-loving nephew insisted on riding again and again. Parents can save their nerves and relax poolside while kids tackle the intense slide.

Out on the island’s windward beach, boogie boarding and kite surfing let visitors test their skills riding the waves. For younger kids, stand-up paddleboards offer family-friendly floating fun in the shallows. The reef just offshore delights snorkelers and scuba divers with tropical fish and colorful coral.

While Island Oasis provides high-thrill adventures, Torsten emphasized the islands still capture Royal Caribbean’s signature style of fun for all ages. Low-key options like markets and gardens ensure every traveler finds the right pace.