ICON OF THE SEAS: A Brutally Honest Review

[@Tr3y629]

Omg.. this review, hands down, the best I've seen. You have an incredible way of describing things. You're a straight shooter, on BOTH sides.. you just say what you think with no extra feelings and let's US be the judge afterward. So good. SOOOOOOOOO good.

[@sol_tropical]

Thanks Trey for the kind words. I owe you a cold one 🤣 I hope you enjoyed the other cruise videos on the channel.

[@SandcastleGirl]

Yes! 100% agree, love that he goes straight to the point and no bullshittin around. Loved it ❤ 👍🏾

[@danwaudi]

I agree with this sentiment! Great delivery!

[@PadriniFC]

I agree 100% One bite everyone knows the rules lol

[@candy-n8g]

I 100% agree the best review I’ve found by far!!!

[@Allstardentalacademy]

Oh my goodness this is such a great video! It's been so helpful and as someone like your wife who is gluten free and dairy free, I really appreciated all the dietary tips and recommendations! I was on the fence about booking this cruise with my husband and my son but now will definitely book it for the summer! Thanks again :)

[@Weface01]

What a fantastic review! Best I’ve seen! Please thank your family for lending you your us for the many hours you unselfishly donated to us all! Royal Carribean should hire you!!!

[@sol_tropical]

Thanks Big Willie Style. I am glad you appreciate the hard work. I hope to keep it up.

[@kimberlypatrick2206]

This review was fantastic, and you even reviewed excursions!! This is the exact cruise that me and my husband and two year old child will be going on. You got a new subscriber from me!!

[@sol_tropical]

Thanks for watching!

[@brandonwilliams1067]

I’m currently watching this on Icon! You’re spot on! But I can tell you on July 1, 2024 it’s not too crowded in my opinion. Tons of space, loads of fun, and the restaurants are great! We are in the Carribean, with Hurricane Beryl heading towards us. We are in Cozumel currently. There has been no rocking or feel of the sea below! Icon is superb!

[@reneebee8693]

Great tips! 🎉🎉🎉

[@rg1124nov]

I'm sure I'm just echoing a bunch of others but I love your review style! No BS straight to the point and honest about the good and bad. So many of these reviews/vlogs just feel like either clickbait or an ad. But you're real and i respect that!

[@Tina2tu]

This was hands down the best review of the Icon I’ve seen! I’m hoping they’ll put an icon class ship In a port near me so I can try this type of ship. I was skeptical of it at first but now I’m dying to try it! CHEERS!🎉

[@colettewiest7057]

What a voice... love this review just subscribed! Well done!

[@edvaira6891]

Your style is really cool! Very nice video

[@ReelBlessed]

Just subscribed. Like others have said, this was the best review. Lots of footage of the actual ship, no wasted footage of you just sitting there talking to the camera. Everything was short and to the point. When you said that The Pearl was "just a staircase", I knew this was going to be a great video. I probably won't go on this ship because it looks so overwhelming for my taste, but I do appreciate having an actual honest take on it. Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff.

[@sol_tropical]

@@ReelBlessed Thanks for the sub. It is just a staircase. I wish I had all that time back from watching those stupid promo videos and mini documentaries about it. LoL

[@michaelgreen3345]

Thanks for the great review! Your voice and delivery throughout is very calm and relaxing and I too appreciated your honesty. I booked for the Western Caribbean in 2026. Over 600 days to go and the anticipation is building. And yes, you got a new sub in me as well!

[@sol_tropical]

@@michaelgreen3345 thanks for the kind words. We hope to be back on Icon in 2026 as well.

[@edvaira6891]

Wonderful video! Very unique narration style!

[@jeldisney22]

This is hands down the absolute BEST and I mean best review that I have ever watched. Congratulations! You really need to work for Royal. You must be a professional, and if you're not well, you need to do this! Thank you so much for such a comprehensive and well-done video. You did this exactly as I would have wanted it, and it helped immensely. Thanks again great job!

[@sol_tropical]

@@jeldisney22 wow Janey. Thanks for the kind words and paying attention. I appreciate the positive response because it's a lot of work.

[@Genevieve8002]

Really enjoyed this review. Thank you for recording, editing and sharing. I’m 3 weeks back to the UK, from my first ever cruise out of Miami port. We went on MSC Seascape and loved it, had a fantastic time! I’ve booked Icon of the Seas for next year, excited!!🎉😊

[@sol_tropical]

@@Genevieve8002 so envious. We need to get back on Icon or Star. Thanks for watching. Enjoy!

[@ericajohnson97]

Enjoyed this video of the Icon of the Seas. Looking forward to cruising but as you said it won't be soon. Waiting for the prices to do down a little.

[@VivianMartinez-z7x]

My Lord it's soooooooo,GORGEOUS, Beautiful 🎉❤

[@DaschunnaMallory]

I didn't see this before my trip. However, I just returned from my vacay on Icon! Now, it has a Starbucks! Everything else was very accurate! It was my first cruise and it was AWESOME!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Good camera work, and no close ups of yourselves. Very relaxing.

[@sol_tropical]

Thanks for watching.

[@rickh6963]

We were on the Maiden voyage of Icon. We also booked the day they opened up so we also watched the price go up to double what we paid for our balcony. I agree with everything you brought up except I found the Aqua Show to be terrible but we loved the aqua theatre. We watched the show and with the new free food venues right there we had plenty of snacks. I truly enjoyed the Wizard of Oz. Best show afloat. I have a video of the ship leaving Coco Cay on my KZbin channel, sped up like 40 times. The Icon class is the best ship class afloat, we will be going back ........ as soon as the novelty wears off and prices come down. Thanks for the video!

[@jimpack9622]

Aqua show terrible LOL 🤦‍♂️

[@margaretearle2436]

This was an amazing video best Icon video I’ve seen! I’ve watched about 15-20 videos of this ship and yours is by far the best!

[@sol_tropical]

Thankyou only @cruisewith Ben and David is better 🤣

[@deebee_412]

Just found your channel and really like your reviewing style. We sailed Icon in April, glad I wasn't the only one underwhelmed by the pearl after all the hype. We also ate at the MDR more on this sailing, and it was really good, especially the jerk chicken. Funny you mirror our story, we also could not justify the current prices to book Icon again or Star, booked on Wonder for a 2nd time in 2025.

[@sol_tropical]

Thanks for watching. Yeah we would have loved our next winter cruise to be on Icon, we loved the ship, but the prices are crazy. So Wonder it is!

[@danastumpf7541]

Excellent comprehensive review!! Thank you!!

[@KevKageNeedsALife]

Loved this haha. Free food rankings, booze plan, where to drop your kids. This should be a 100k sub channel. Great review!

[@sol_tropical]

@@KevKageNeedsALife I agree! Thanks for watching.

[@davidkamerath7749]

Great open and honest review. I’ll be sailing on this ship in less than two months and I gotta say this was the most refreshing, honest review I’ve seen thus far. No over-embellishment or some stupid ad, just a guy and his family

[@sol_tropical]

@@davidkamerath7749 thanks. I am envious. It's a great ship and you will have a great time.

[@Lurgeek]

I love the visuals!! Also first time seeing the crowds for dinner was informative because I have never been on a cruise before . The content was very thorough and informative! Liked and subscribed thank you

[@brianmarko5062]

Great video. Just booked for Dec 25.

[@Tr3y629]

Amazing tip on avoiding casino charge

[@anthonydicello9235]

This was a shockingly good review. You've earned a sub.

[@chrisellesnyder8132]

Excellent review!!

[@threathunter7064]

Great review! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@davidtavakoli5858]

Terrific review! You have a great presentation complimented with a very relaxing voice. You also have a new subscriber!

[@sol_tropical]

Welcome aboard!

[@guessswhoo]

Your voice is so entertaining and I enjoyed your review!

[@Leo0885Leo]

Oscar performance! What a review. Going on Dec 13, holiday cruise.

[@dannyp8057]

Great voice, excellent insight. Thank you! Today, I just booked Icon April 12 - 19, 2025 for $2,400pp Ocean View balcony.

[@sol_tropical]

@@dannyp8057 thanks. That is a great price! Enjoy!

[@cruisinwithjudy]

Great video, tons of useful info

[@darlenevstar]

I am totally blown away on this excellent review. Loved it all and your voice is very soothing to listen too! Thanks for all your hard work and letting you know it is appreciated.

[@Portersestateagents]

Going on Icon January '25, this review was so helpful, thank you!

[@ScottTaylorRealtor]

Awesome review! This made us exited for our upcoming Icon cruise. Thanks for the tip on specialty coffee. Subscribed & liked.

[@carolyntaite3544]

This is fantastic the review is exactly I wanted to hear about the cruise ship. You gave good description of the ship and gave both sides of the entertainment, food selection, and all the other venues. Beause of your review of the ship I will consider to book a trip.

[@sol_tropical]

@@carolyntaite3544 thanks for the kind words.

[@alexisnogueras9400]

That is a really good description .Good job🎉🎉

[@sol_tropical]

Oh thanks

[@joypheral]

Seriously one of the best review videos I’ve seen of a cruise ship. Great job! You have another happy subscriber!

[@sol_tropical]

Welcome aboard!

[@JimScollins]

Really great review! you need to do this for more ships in the RC fleet! Thank you for posting it.

[@sol_tropical]

Thanks Jim. It is my life long mission to do them all. But I know that's not possible.

[@Stephoya]

Lol 😂 "It's over! You can stop watching!" dang sir! Why you had to call me out like that! 🥺 feel seen! 🤦🏾‍♀️😂 Btw great review and tour of the ship. Love your narrating. Very soothing, delightful and informative. On to the next one!

[@sol_tropical]

Ha. So you're the one who made it to the end 😀 thanks for watching and the kind words.

[@Stephoya]

@@sol_tropical lol yes I was! I didn't want it to end! 😁 Made for great entertainment while at the gym. You're welcome.

[@deebouysou4388]

Great review. Going to watch again on our tv with my husband.

[@sol_tropical]

@@deebouysou4388 the only way to watch 😂 thanks for watching. Happy Sailing!

[@SusanWilson-y3h]

This video was very helpful.

[@rodchris8630]

Best review of Icon I’ve seen! Thank you for your great work. Glad you all enjoyed it so much.

[@Julmango]

The besttt review!

[@ISM4117FAU]

Loved your humor and honesty! Thanks.

[@magedojo]

"One bite, everyone knows the rules". Nice :)

[@shamelasingh3995]

Amazing love this

[@Jalisialuxe]

Thank you! Great video!

[@michaelahutto6795]

my family is headed on icon Thanksgiving of this year (2024). We booked Icon on a previous cruise, 2 years in advance at the cost of 1500 per person after tax and gratuities. It is now at 3300 last I checked per person before tips and gratuities. Needless to say, the sooner you book, the better.

[@decadefootwear]

Great review! Will be watching other videos!

[@cywoods60]

Wow you are an amazing commentator. First time on your channel. BTW I love it. I'm also gluten free and dairy-free. Which is one of my main concerns. When i travel. Now I'm all in cruising real soon

[@sol_tropical]

@@cywoods60 thanks for watching. Enjoy!

[@paid4c4]

Great review, you are much better than RCCL about showing things on the cruise. After watching I might decide to try the Icon. However being cheap the Wonder might work just as well. Bill

[@sol_tropical]

@@paid4c4 Thanks friends of Bill.

[@timdye1879]

Great Review

[@gratgrat47]

really great editing!

[@sol_tropical]

I have received dozens of praise comments on our several cruise videos but none is more appreciated than this one. Thank you.

[@AA-hg5fk]

I love how they have the cheek to charge for gratuity when the workers there receive less than minimum wage and the tip will be going straight into the pocket of Royal Caribbean!

[@youseennothing8432]

BEST REVIEW!!!

[@gregorypetrovic2318]

Excellent review especially comparing Oasis class to Icon. Any thoughts on 3 people in the Ocean View balcony room?

[@sol_tropical]

We have always stayed with 3 people in the ocean balconies and loved it with no issues. Granted 1 person is a young kid. 3 grown adults in the room is still possible but I wouldn't be excited about sleeping on the couch if it was me. While the exact same size some Ocean balconies sleep 3 and some sleep 4. A bed drops down from the ceiling. I would never stay in a room with 3 people in a room if the third person wasn't my child. My wife and myself plus my Dad on the couch or my brother on the couch? That's not happening on my vacation.

[@gregorypetrovic2318]

@@sol_tropical thank you! 3rd is a 10yo so that should work!

[@lakefrogs]

Thanks for the video! What was your sail date?

[@sol_tropical]

February 24th

[@antoniacorrales9148]

Thousandth like, keep it up man love the reviews 🔥

[@sol_tropical]

That's pretty cool. Thanks A

[@Lannishaven]

Love your vlog style new subscriber. I would like to get your opinion though, I’m in a surfside balcony, I don’t have kids just mom and I. I can stay on deck 9 on surfside my cabin is the first cabin above the store, or I can move above the eatery on deck 10 still surfside or I can go to an ocean view balcony on deck 12 , 12594. What are your thoughts, lower deck close to everything but can’t enjoy balcony during day due to the noisy area, but close to central and activity areas. The higher means more motion but very prone to motion sickness my mom is, far from areas. What are your pros or cons, in your no nonsense tone.Thank you in advance.

[@StarboiFloyd]

Hate to see it my friend. Did you get that advice ?

[@wendybray7015]

Great review.. pure comedy!

[@sol_tropical]

Much appreciated!

[@johnsgaard3678]

"My wife isn´t a light packer" I feel your pain..

[@sol_tropical]

Ha!

[@davidkamerath7749]

Dude, right? My wife is prepared to clothe a small nation, it seems. I’m gonna take up, like, half a suitcase while she’s gonna have an entire entourage

[@georgiehollander2199]

Hi there.........Do these ships ever come to Western Australia ?

[@sol_tropical]

@@georgiehollander2199 there is definitely Australian royal Caribbean cruises not sure about West Coast but definitely not Icon ships.

[@georgiehollander2199]

@@sol_tropical ..thank you !!!

[@clam44]

curious, is the sofa a pull out? thinking of going as a family of 4 in a similar room. just seeing the sleeping arrangements

[@sol_tropical]

@@clam44 that's a great question our room was a category D5 which I think sleeps 3. So I am guessing it was not a pull out couch. There are many ocean view balconies that sleep 4 people. Maybe it's the same couch and a drop down bed from the ceiling. You should be fine with 4 in a room but the website will point you in the right direction or a travel agent. Enjoy and thanks for watching!

[@phux]

Have you looked into booking star of the seas for next year? Prices were still reasonable for the rooms last I looked. Loved your review, so tired of reddittors being negative Nancy’s about the icon.

[@sol_tropical]

Yeah Star's prices are also ridiculous. 6 grand + for a 7 day cruise. Most annoyingly we tried to book Star very early like we did with icon and expected a decent early booking price which has historically always been in place but no the price gouging started day 1. Kinda sad. Thanks for watching!

[@lt305theu]

Love the slot machine hack! Good video! Headed to Icon 3/8/25!

[@sol_tropical]

Thanks for watching the whole video. Congrats on your booking. You will love it! You also must be 🤑 rich. Just kidding.

[@lt305theu]

@sol_tropical got a group rate saving 56%. No way we were going to pay those ridiculous prices.

[@rubyw950]

The junior suite has more closet space.

[@sol_tropical]

@@rubyw950 we had a JR suit on Voyager and the walkbin closet was amazing! It was a changing room for us.

[@marquepoolejewer9427]

Top level video, wow 😄

[@sol_tropical]

Thanks 😅

[@nathanmcraniels2934]

I only paid 1400 for icon of the seas in July

[@sol_tropical]

1400 for what? Per person? For 4 people to stay in an interior?

[@Lannishaven]

One more point it’s 184 more total for 2 to go to the ocean view balcony, give me perspective plz, I’m so torn.

[@sol_tropical]

Thanks for watching and subscring. You couldn't pay me to stay in an interior balcony. The price is so close to an ocean view balcony but it is probably half as good. The ocean view is all about the peaceful ocean views and not seeing other cruisers. Interior Balconies are being in a fish bowl in my opinion. You stare directly across into another cabin and they stare at you. I guess diehard people watchers seem to like them. As for the height and motion sickness I think that is very overblown. being in the front or back is probably more impactful but I would wager you won't feel the ship moving at all unless really foul weather. If you mother gets motion sickness she will need some product to suppress it regardless. I suggest bonine and take the ocean view balcony. The balconies at Surfside would be a nightmare during the day and while quiet in the morning and evening still no privacy. Good luck.

[@Lannishaven]

@@sol_tropical Thank you so much!!! I switched to the oceanview balcony! :)

[@sol_tropical]

@@Lannishaven smart. You will have a blast.

[@puppyp9299]

@@sol_tropical I was at surfside Deck 11. Had no issue with noise.. probably because I dont have all that time to hang out the balcony. Neither did other guests from across the way. We're always roaming around the ship or eating. Also it has Ocean view from the open rear. It does shake or vibrate at the back tho but not enough to make anyone hurl a couple pints of ice cream. edit: I actually sailed the same week as you did. We didnt have issues finding a place to sit down by the pool, I guess the right side is less busy.

[@TheUkrainianStar]

Pay an extra, unless you really enjoy people watching and noise.

[@bryantbridgettetaylor8426]

Great review! New subby here!!

[@MarkTara]

nice!

[@patrickodonoghue1169]

Awesome

[@RegineMoyse]

I love the ship, the only negative that I found was the casino was sooooooo smokey and expensive.

[@SlavGuns]

Define expensive?

[@ChuckTownRC51]

It's two decks taller than Oasis, that's where the real size difference comes from.

[@sol_tropical]

The highest floor for normal people is the 14 floor on both ships. The ships are the same size.

[@ChuckTownRC51]

@@sol_tropical The ship is literally taller and wider. Do you think all the extra bars and restaurants and state rooms are just conjured up with a magic wand? They are there because it is bigger. You may "feel" like its the same size but its literally not. It's bigger. The promenade feels wider because it is.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Bottom line: amazing features and diversity of everything, but major drawbacks are [1] NO SOLARIUM; [2] FAR TOO EXPENSIVE!

[@sol_tropical]

Yes. One of those problems can be corrected.

[@nute742]

I agree! (great ship) But in my opinion Icon should have added (1) Solarium (2) Indoor Sportplex (2 of my favorite places). Its too little kid oriented! (Problem is who has the $$$ to take kids on this ship)!!! It might be a one time cruise (if one is lucky) Unless you have money. They (RCL) Should make another Teenager + Adult friendly Ship (less little kid stuff + colors) More adult stuff like (A) Solarium + (B) Indoor Sport Complex (C) Gocart track (or train ride / water moat) Around the whole boat, or something with a little variety.

[@sol_tropical]

@@nute742 an interesting idea. If they can make a "party" ship why not an adult ship? With that said Icon is perfect for us we have a 7 year old but I do realize that the entire "boardwalk" Surfside area would be a complete waste of space if my kid was 12. With that said it keeps a lot of kids in that area which is nice for adults in other areas.

[@tiredofthetyranny9874]

It’s NOT “FREE”….. IT’S INCLUDED 😂😂😂

[@sol_tropical]

I hear you and I get that. But if it doesn't cost extra it will always be free in my mind even if you are paying for it in your fare..

[@Mich_Gomez]

@@sol_tropicalThe prices are raised and calculated WITH the food to make the price more reasonable and expensive if there wasn’t food it would’ve been cheaper making this *included* not free. But I understand. Divine video by the way! ❤

[@davefking1954]

Good review. And confirmed to me that a cruise would be my worst nightmare. Stuck on an ugly floating hotel with a few hours visiting places worth seeing. And costing a small fortune. No ta.

[@sol_tropical]

@@davefking1954 it's definitely a floating resort.

[@SlavGuns]

Definitely depends on the ship and the cruising atmosphere. We just got off our first cruise, on the princess discovery to Alaska and it definitely hit the right balance. We are considering one of these new behemoths for next one, but definitely concerned…

[@ASharedFate]

In regard to the “did you watch any of the promotions?” - yes, yes I did. Cloud 17 was an entire adults only deck that satisfied many in exchange for the lack of solarium. Then, the DAY the ship sailed, suddenly Cloud 17 was family friendly and the adults only area was the Hideaway.. not remotely the same, and well after bookings opened. I’m sick of being told I knew what I was getting when it was changed after the fact.

[@sol_tropical]

@@ASharedFate that's true they did change that at the very last minute a year after bookings had opened. Cold!

[@nute742]

Bring back the solarium! (Perhaps they could do it above (or below) So they could do both! (2) Bring back the "Sport Complex"!!! (Outdoor Basketball and Sports - many don't do it - too much wind, weather, etc) The Sport Complexes on the Quantum Class ships are always Packed (for a reason)!

[@sol_tropical]

@@nute742 the sports court (no 's) on Icon was not used as much as I would have expected it to be used. It should be a 24/7 pickle ball court.

[@nute742]

@@sol_tropical Yes, They should have 2 indoor courts (one for pickle ball) and one for basketball and other things (like yoga, dance, etc) Every time I was on the quantum class ships - they were always busy! (while other cruise ships outdoor courts are rarely used) and are subject to the elements.

[@SlavGuns]

Holy crap that is nuts for drinks! lol. Stop drinking booze and sugary drinks and you will save your health and money. Great video!

[@sol_tropical]

@@SlavGuns no sugary drinks for me. Thanks for watching.

[@Caderic]

There is absolutely ZERO food that is free. It might be included in the price, but it is not free. Those that call it free is who they are targeting and you fell for it.

[@sparktomorrowministries4512]

Well included in your boarding ticket/complimentary/free about the same. Cruises are fun and mindless vacays

[@Dhelgemo]

I hated icon and the food was not good

[@sol_tropical]

@@Dhelgemo it's not for everyone.