Everything I LOVED & HATED about cruising on Icon of the Seas

[@mariajones8304]

I loved baskets because they provided extra storage for shoes to put under the bed and we kept shelves for other stuff. It’s an upgrade so you don’t have to bring those ugly over the door hangers for shoes

[@christine7196]

No plans right now it is a little too pricey. Thank you for the review

[@aprilsimmons5137]

Your video clips are great! I felt like I had a better understanding of where things are and what they look like - thank you! Although our sailing isn't until Sept. I'm already looking forward to it. I wonder if they will change those metal baskets in the cabins; your assessment of them is right on the mark.

[@kimkirksey562]

Everyone made a comment about those metal baskets...

[@CruiseBlogGuide]

Thank you for watching, and have fun in September!

[@jeffreywagner5234]

Great tip on the obstructed balcony in Central Park. 🚢🚢

[@JuanCasado]

I guess with this starting price tag, there are two options: either no one buys it, or we assume it's a fair price. This year, prices have risen so much that, after the cutbacks we experienced last year, my family is clear that cruises are no longer an option. They literally aren't worth what they're asking for, but still, they are full... Thanks for the review!!

[@dchenkin02]

Other option is sail on older ships. Whether Royal Caribbean or any other major cruiseline, the older ships are much less expensive than the newest ship in a fleet.

[@commonsense246]

I booked midnight the first 24 hrs....long time ago and our total with insurance and gratuities for interior Accessible deck 10 was $2822 for 2 peeps. I now consider it a bargain! I check every week for reductions and to find out how many unsold cabins and I can tell you there are a lot, so chances of an upgrade offer is pretty good. I will bid on any balcony and we'll see what happens, otherwise I'm happy with our location just outside the lifts. Cruises are still the most bang for your buck and if you're a shrewd cruiser you can still get good deals that make a cruise most worthwhile...booking in advance is still the best option and can save you big bucks, we almost always book years in advance. Also give you years to save your money till the amount due date.

[@Rafa-ej8tu]

The prices for a suite or a family suite are really ridiculous. After ICON, that will be the end of my cruising adventures. I went on Wonder of the seas and it was the worst ever ! But Disney World Prices are just as bad. So what can you do ?

[@JuanCasado]

@@Rafa-ej8tu I almost forgot my initial message! It's ironic... when I wrote it 4 months ago, prices were sky-high. However, three-four weeks ago, I decided to check again and trips that were previously 9000€/cabin were suddenly available for 2500€. I ended up blacklisting those companies (cough, nccooof) for making it clear that they had inflated the prices with huge greed. Probably, many people canceled at the last minute when they had the final notice to finish paying for their cruise, and the cruise line found itself with a lot of empty cabins. However, others like Virgin made smarter promotions, such as offering a balcony cabin at the price of an interior one... I have never tried them, but next week I will be there with my wife. I hope it turns out as well as I think! The deal wasn’t bad at all for a 'last-minute' offer.

[@jaengen]

Try an inside room on MSC. Dirt cheap.

[@sharondalynnewton7562]

Great review! I need one of those icon of the seas Starbucks cup!

[@kimkirksey562]

I can NOT afford Icon of the Seas...its looks really beautiful....I'm still in the class with Freedom and Independence...

[@dchenkin02]

So really on three complaints that are hard to avoid. Prices will go down as the ship ages. I am guessing RCL will make adjustments seeing congestion caused by Starbucks in a congested location.

[@crystalhines634]

We are planning on booking a trip on the Icon. I loved your blog about this ship. Straight to the point and great info.

[@jc_alpha]

6:35 “Unfortunately these cabins are not listed as obstructed by Royal Caribbean” Wow that feels almost criminal, especially since you’re paying such a premium for those cabins.

[@coolietoolie]

You were on the inaugural Icon cruise and we were on it the second week in March. Judging from your videos, there are a few things that were a little different. Many of the things you showed in your video didn't have nearly the amount of people as we did on ours. Our week was at capacity and also spring break time. There were lots of kids and the kids were also around all of the pools. Yes, there were kids at Thrill Island and all the water slides etc. but they also invaded the pools. The kids were to be expected but the unsupervised kids were not appreciated. Not just the pool area either. We were surprised to see how many young children were basically allowed to run around the ship without any parents anywhere to be seen. Sometimes, one child all by themselves. Certainly seems like a safety issue to us. Especially on a ship this size. Typical of a pool area, lots of people come out early morning and stake out "their chairs". Even though there are occasional signs placed around, and several chair head covers placed about every third or fourth chair, saying you can't save chairs or your things will be picked up by the pool attendants. They don't enforce it at all so why bother with signage. Yes, the ship is beautiful, with lots of activities and plenty of places to eat. but the price is much higher than other ships, and it will remain that way as long as there is the demand. In fact, looking at the prices on upcoming Icon cruises, prices have increased significantly since we booked. Some of the negatives stated from the video are minimal as far as we are concerned. The baskets in the room may not be the way we would do it, but so what. Starbucks, never use them so cry me a river and get a cup of coffee elsewhere. Room location, that is everyone's responsibility to check on that when booking any ship. We are frequent cruisers and would we book this ship again? We were glad we tried the Icon but it is doubtful we would go again. There are lots of ships that may not be as big, but are just as nice at a much better price. There is the wow factor with the Icon, but after a little bit of time onboard, it really is just another of the many ships to enjoy. We saw a lot of first time cruisers with families that had their eyes wide open with excitement and I'm sure they would have enjoyed themselves. Be aware that there are many up charges for things to do and food in certain areas on the ship. Yes, there is free but there are also upcharges so watch for them. An example, if you do the Eastern cruise and stop at Coco Cay, you can use the free chairs and umbrellas or go to the areas where it will cost you from $100 to $1,000 a day to rent. Most of those were also rented when we were there, and I don't get it. Finally, RCL built a new cruise terminal to handle the Icon and they did an outstanding job. Probably one of the easiest processes getting on the day we left and the easiest getting off when we got back at the end of the week.

[@normamejias6587]

Very good review. Thank you.

[@CruiseBlogGuide]

Thank you for watching!

[@lilb1190]

The ship looks amazing, but that balcony would have pissed me off. How can they not list that as an obstructed view? You cant look down...

[@Ariadne147]

Even into 2026, a standard balcony for a solo cruiser on sale was over $4k. I have mixed feelings about booking this but it's a special occasion. I don't want Royal Caribbean to think they can raise their prices and I'll pay them. So, like you, I can't imagine I'll be booking Icon of the Seas over and over like I have Harmony and Oasis of the Seas.

[@mommatogo]

I was on last week and we loved it

[@Vrxz_mm2]

I’m going on star of the seas next year I’m so excited 😁😁

[@LisaJohnson-qm5dw]

I’m booked for January and sooo excited! Can you tell me what is the soonest you can purchase the drink and dining packages? And what are the prices round about?

[@tracihines9283]

We'll be there January 25th, hope to see you

[@LisaJohnson-qm5dw]

@@tracihines9283 We will be there January 11-18

[@danielashley8638]

Nothing about Icon seems appealing to me, other than all of the complimentary dining options. Too many people, and much too expensive. I'll stick with Liberty and Anthem. I'm looking forward to sailing on both again this year.

[@MistressCasey]

My wife and I will be cruising on Wonder of the Seas in April.

[@Rafa-ej8tu]

I went in May 2024. Worst Cruise ever ! I had a Sky Suite. Good Luck !

[@T.R.U.M.P.]

​@Rafa-ej8tu lolz Jesus christ! Tell em how you really feel bud! Lolz

[@Rafa-ej8tu]

I hope you have a better cruise than I did. As far as I am concerned Wonder is Blunder on the seas ! No Joke ! Wonder is the worst ship in RCCL’s fleet. I paid for an Aqua Suite (20k) little to no amenities. Long Room service waits. The coastal kitchen was a joke ! And the entertainment was just sad ! Especially the Effectors show which is a spin on the power rangers. The ice show was boring and non entertaining. As well as the comedians and other cabaret show with the looser from America’s got talent ! Like I said just sad ! In the Bahamas we were the 6th cruise ship to dock. The port was packed you could not even walk. (I could get that at home for free)Traffic was backed up so badly that we could not go on our City tour. We didn’t go to any of the ports that we paid for Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico. Instead, we went to St. Thomas and St. Martin which I have already been to and I can’t stand because the people there have such bad attitudes. (15% Gratuity automatically included) I wrote to Royal Caribbean two times. Basically the response was too bad so sad for you. Read your contract when you clicked on the I agree we have the right to change whatever we want sorry nothing we can do for you. I went on symphony of the seas two years ago oh my God what a difference 100% ! Now that is a beautiful cruise ship with the food the service and the entertainment to go with it. I’m warning you now. Maybe you have time to switch over to Symphony of the seas. If not, you’ve been warned about the Power Rangers show the loser of America’s got talent and an ice show that’s not worth braving the freezing cold for. Even ICON would be a better choice than Wonder of the Seas. As far as I’m concerned, I hope wonder the seas suffers the same fate as the Costa concordia, of course with nobody getting hurt. Wonder ends up being scrapped which is a fitting end for a horrible ship ! Happy Cruising ! 😊

[@Rafa-ej8tu]

@@T.R.U.M.P.I did, I did Do you think I want other people to pay 20k and get burned the way I did ? I plan my retirement very well, but I’m far from being a multimillionaire. Paying for something and not getting what you pay for is just stupid especially if you allow it. 👍

[@ARCLegends15]

I’m going this year in a few days im so excited

[@thedrumman2019]

I just booked icon of the seas for december of 2025 for 1700/person for an ocean view balcony. Total was around 5100 with taxes and fees included. Havent pre paid gratuities though. It's gonna be my first ever cruise

[@andrew-nl9tg]

🎉😢

[@bozomori2287]

9:30 I dreamt this exact moment and what she said months ago

[@bozomori2287]

I never saw this video before

[@unovox]

Loving the video!!! Unfortunately, bigger is definitely not better.😊

[@ricoe3288]

For that amount you could do the MSC yacht club and live like a king 🤴

[@TravisPruitt-qy4yn]

Leaving on Icon this Saturday!

[@commonsense246]

Put your shoes in the baskets! We go Sept. 14th and we will be happy as a clam. most of the negatives you mention will not even be issues with us...baskets? What? Yes, there are ratan baskets that might be less noisy but who cares. I'm going to put our shoes and snorkel equip, etc. in them. Not a problem

[@eburney68]

Thanks for the very nice review! Icon is a masterful feat of engineering and so beautiful. Seems to me like the things you "hated" are pretty minor in the grand scheme, but with such a heavy price tag, it's good to let people know what to expect. I wonder if you can even tell you're on a ship based on the sheer size of it. I'm sure there are people who will book it just for the experience and possibly forego some or all of the ports, which would be the only way to see and do most of what's available on the ship. It's incredible that no matter the state of the economy or how tight things are for most people, bookings for these new ships - especially from Royal and Carnival - sell like hotcakes. I won't be sailing on Icon anytime soon, mainly because A) I can't afford it and B) the closest ports to us are Galveston and NOLA. We're looking at Harmony for July 2025, and I've heard good things.

[@donnaroberts4513]

No matter the economy some people have the money to afford it. I am currently on a cruise with Holland American Line and most people are retirees and some children with Spring Break and these people spare no expenses. Mostly Caucasian and Chinese. I see few Blacks on this trip because someone told me it is more for conservative groups. A woman told me she would never go on Carnival it has too much noise. Who once to go on cruise do so because when you died you cannot take anything with you.

[@scaryrok]

Just got back from icon of the seas and have noticed how bad their app is. Group messages were always broken with names of guest coming in as another person. The app would constantly freeze so booking shows or just seeing the time of shows was always difficult

[@rudolphthompson2335]

I am cruising March 23rd on icon of the sea

[@ritaclotman1813]

I'll be on the Icon of the Seas, Nov.2-9. Question? Is there any on board credits on this ship?

[@rositanguyen]

Yes there were a few available

[@billmillington5254]

I just got off wonder of the seas, awesome time we have 2 boys 15,16 they seemed a little bored at times. They probably would have liked icon better but for myself being 50 I think icon is too busy and expensive, better for a younger couple with younger kids

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

I think no matter where you take them, with those ages, they'll be bored anywhere. It's just their teenager time and now more than ever, kids get tired of things so easily.

[@Shazzadut1]

I think I could spent the entire 7 day cruise in the Pearl Cafe. Just start at the top shelf of the cakes and work my way though. YUM! Lots of petty points made here. Baskets in rooms instead of drawers? That annoyed you? Really?

[@TravelwithEbby]

Wow Royal is wrong for not indicating that those Central Park cabins are obstructed view.. it looks like every one of them are technically obstructed with those colorful shutters blocking the view as well… I’m glad I saw this video, I will not be booking any cabin in Central Park when I eventually book icon. I like the traditional balconies better than those infinite balconies.

[@somethinginteresting923]

Too many people crammed together.

[@edwardkomrska9127]

I'm looking at April 2025 of next year and I'm torn if I go on Symphony or Icon. On Symphony I could do an interior GTY for 2900 or on Icon I could do interior GTY for 5500 (for 3 people). It sounds like you don't think that would be a good choice of finances, right? In addition, I could do an Ocean View Balcony GTY for 4k on SoS.

[@vincentsantoiemma5501]

Cruising used to be a great value, but lately it has become way too expensive. After all the port fees, gratuities and other "fees". Just noticing how the cruise lines are money grabbing lately.

[@dchenkin02]

Cruiselines took on billions in debt during the pandemic shutdown. You can find less expensive cruises on older ships, but the market will take time to stabilize and become a better value.

[@kimkirksey562]

Everything is so expensive...groceries cars homes...

[@murrethmedia]

loved

[@stevodakine1]

This should be called the romper room ship. If you are an adult who doesn’t want a million kids running all over, book with celebrity cruises or some other that caters to adults not children.

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

Think the same. But it's a shame that they could use this brand new class with different types of configuration but apparently Star of the Seas and Icon III will be exactly the same, family oriented.

[@ivucus]

Location of the Starbucks is crazy💀💀💀

[@Caocao8888]

The Overview, “with magnificent views,” and people still staring down at their phones.

[@cynthiajackson9379]

I wish I knew reservations required for entertainment. It was not told when booking.

[@felicitydeikos5250]

Unsinkable?, Just like they said for the Titanic??? Think not.

[@thenerdymillennial]

Wait...are guests actually allowed to skate on the ice rink?

[@CruiseBlogGuide]

Yes, during designated times!

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

I think Icon of the Seas turned out to be too theme park for me. It's too colourful, too packed. The Aqua Dome occupying such an area in the front of the ship to offer a daily show I think was a big mistake. Plus the Central Park in my opinion doesn't give half of the vibe that you can find in all those Central Parks from Oasis class. Anyway, I'd love to try one day to know better this new class but paying 5k$ to go on a Royal cruise is definitely a no for me. I'd rather spend in some Celebrity or Explora Journeys experience. But thanks for being honest with your video! Nowadays social media is full of "sponsored" content and it just loses completely the authenticity and credibility of those inluencers/youtubers.

[@coolabarman]

This is the same as when the Australian women’s relay team were disqualified from a gold medal for jumping in the pool in celebration before all swimmers were finished. It’s very sad but, unfortunately that’s the rule.

[@VioletDeGreat]

At pearl cafe, was the food free or did you have to pay?

[@Mr.Rockafire]

Included with the ticket

[@NormaMartinez-cj2pv]

We paid 2,300.00 for one room. For 2025. What room is the one you got the number.

[@LeoTaurSag]

So you hated the location of the Starbucks.. you mentioned 942 other coffee shops on the ship.. lol how much coffee can one person drink? Lol

[@Palmbeach33486]

When they're offering 50% off per person, then I may give it a try. Until then...ciao!!?

[@instaoftheseas]

We love icon of the seas! Great pros and cons!!

[@VincentBard-m2k]

Thomas Scott Perez Mark Williams Daniel

[@jcspotter7322]

Y'all paid OVER $5k and couldn't even get a suite?!?!?!?!?!?! Y'all are insane

[@vidsbfree4me]

You have to Pay a cost to be 1st! She said it was an inaugural cruise. Subsequent cruises will be less.

[@s.n.e.8941]

​@@vidsbfree4me Sadly, prices are still crazy high for Icon.

[@StevensonAries-z8s]

Thomas Melissa Garcia Lisa Rodriguez Susan

[@icedteamama176]

Still cannot believe it’s about $2K or more per person…it’s a NO!

[@BillAthey-b1t]

Gonzalez Helen Lopez Ruth White Edward

[@s.n.e.8941]

Hmmm, the comments about kids 9:00. It's an inagural sailing. There will be fewer kids on that sailing. So, your sailing is not a good indication of kids on the ship. There will indeed be more kids on sailings.

[@bozomori2287]

Wow

[@kiddadd]

Wow!

[@KylePena-i3c]

Robinson Kevin Taylor Daniel Moore Mary

[@CyeOutsider]

Far too expensive. The cruise lines are prioritizing the weathy now.

[@平贺真子-k9v]

Hall Michael Smith Linda Williams David

[@BarbaraMoore-b8q]

Lopez Donald Lee Sandra Jones Eric

[@BillAthey-b1t]

Young Charles Taylor Maria Martinez Steven

[@HorrorArmor]

Martin Patricia Wilson Dorothy Perez Edward

[@jaengen]

Uh,nobody cares.

[@felicitydeikos5250]

$50 per ride???!!!!! What the F""'! Afterall: it did cost $US 2Billion too make.

[@Agdequine]

If you hated the price of it then why did you book it? This ship is cheeper than a Disney vacation it costs a lot more than 5k for a family of four to visit Disney I’m a pass holder that dosent even go anymore because of how expensive it is sorry but I’d much rather pay this price rather then blowing a fortune on Disney. I honestly expected this ship to cost more considering how new it is so I really Don’t understand why we’re complaining about the price especially when you could have just picked a different ship but you still picked this one knowing it would cost this much.… sorry but Disney cruises are even worse with pricing not only is this is a brand new ship but it’s the worlds biggest yet it’s still cheeper than Disney cruises

[@ElectraBard-h3d]

Walker Timothy Johnson Jeffrey Robinson Ruth

[@islandgirl9166]

I like the smaller ships Way too many people on this one.

[@ejohnson3837]

A simple google will tell you the passenger to square foot space of any cruise ship. The smaller ships are actually more crowded.

[@MosesCarr-g2b]

Thomas Robert Anderson Susan Rodriguez Karen

[@mattereshodges7477]

Clark Jeffrey Gonzalez Anthony Davis Cynthia

[@freewayfuzz8160]

I just got back from this ship. I’ve been sailing with Royal for over 20 years and I’m done with them. The ship is great for families, LOT’s of stuff for kids to do. However, if being trapped in an overcrowded Chucky Cheese for 7 days isn’t your idea of relaxing, this isn’t for you. There’s almost no place to go to get away from it. Kids are absolutely everywhere…sports bar, swim up bar…everywhere and in every area that should be an adult only space. There’s a very small area in the back of the ship for adults only and it’s located under the water slides and was very crowded any time I went there. The ship is big enough that there could be something for everyone (kids and adults), but Royal doesn’t attempt to accomplish that with just a little bit more adult space for those that just want to relax for a little while. For me, it was a colossal waste of money.

[@rogerayala6878]

Who the hell goes on a cruise expecting to see no kids everywhere... I get it, your older now or maybe your one of those edgy young adults who hate kids for whatever reason, but man... Theres Virgin for you I guess, any other cruise line... Will have a lot of kids cause guess what? Vacations are something families do a lot... 20 years and you figured out just now that RC is not an adult only cruise? C'mon!

[@jcspotter7322]

Have you considered this ship wasn't made for you? As if the waterslides and the centrally located kids splash zone weren't a big enough hint

[@laraelawrence247]

​@@rogerayala6878 I was told Carnival is for kids

[@rogerayala6878]

@@laraelawrence247 oh... No lol... I mean there are kids allowed but usually Carnival are reffered to as the "party cruise", its the cheapest cruise and people basically go to drink and get wasted... I wouldnt really recomment Carnival to anyone but people that want to party hard all day and night!

[@vidsbfree4me]

I love Chuck E Cheese, but your point is well taken 🫡

[@glavegas0010]

Hated? Pretty strong word. How about disliked?

[@RoyalCaribbeanCruiseChronicles]

How could anyone “hate” anything about Icon?😂😂😂

[@robertwilson9999]

No I think hated is a good word. I’m tired of you and your soft language .

[@darrenedmonds1163]

She is full of helium 3 and 4 from the moon. Very good for you

[@opiemom66]

Im going on the new Utopia of the Seas in October! its a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas

[@vinmangob8555]

you must have a hard life lol.

[@sam_la_chevre]

Your end-of-sentences vocal fry is unbearable. Just so you know.

[@jeffpetersen5342]

😂😂😂

[@FoodiesVacations]

You paid too much for your cruise… you should have used a travel agent . We have access to group rates and can see the pricing over months. My husband and I paid about 1300 each total for our 7 night balcony Eastern on Icon. But you didn’t mention when you sailed; which can make the pricing vary greatly. New ships are always most expensive their first few years. So anyone watching this… get an agent… book ahead and give your agent a budget. Lovely video… your video skills are really on point. The baskets are because they are copying stuff from Virgin Voyages. Unfortunately that was one of the things they should know people complain about on Virgin 😊

[@RoyalCaribbeanCruiseChronicles]

“Hated”?👎. 😱

[@Rafa-ej8tu]

OMG I can not believe your nit picking when you didn't pay *hit. My 1 BR Owners Suite Cost 20k YES ! 20k. I looked into the inaugural Icon cruise and my Suite was $40k !!!! I checked later my room cost went up to 25k. Last minute deals the room price was 18k with 10 days before the cruise. Show more of the SKY/Star amenities and stop spending so much time at the fricken coffee shops. Get some Comp Time on these Ships like a Travel agent if you expect to put up a honest competent review.

[@bonnyd.5334]

Icon of the Seas is supremely tacky, very low class. Those who love this ship will be right at home at your local Trailer Park.

[@kpov2533]

What?

[@AFerg-gc9dq]

😂

[@BIendtecc]

What?

[@sammydr23]

funniest comment i’ve seen all day

[@WallaceAubrey-b2m]

Jones David Gonzalez Jason Lopez Kimberly