Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship 2024 | Our Honest Full Review | The Good, Bad & Ugly

[@claytonheals]

Do they get any compensation from the cruise companies? Great flow and editing. The guy on the left smiling so hard creeps me out a bit but everything else is great. They are both handsome but smiling widely the whole video can be offputting.

[@hhinvest2819]

Duh🤦🏻

[@thosebabyeyes316]

As a migraine sufferer who is very sensitive to strobe lights, I am SO impressed with your attention to detail on evaluating that!

[@Packman14161]

This dude smiling and blinking is creeping me out a bit though.

[@saphrix4587]

On par with all figs

[@crystalBcruisin]

I 100% agree with your review. The ship never felt overcrowded or overwhelming. I did love the flow & the ease of getting around the ship. I would definitely sail the Icon class again. Thank you, as always, for the honest & thorough review💜

[@JJCruise]

Glad you enjoyed it as well as fellow passengers! 🥳

[@Packman14161]

Just got off Icon. Best cruise ive ever taken didnt get off on any ports but coco cay, it was magnificent with everyone off the ship in the ports. Hit every single waterslide bout ten times a pop except for the drop slide 40 times.

[@richscary]

When it comes to the Hideawa daybeds... We had the center bed while at St. Thomas and Overall we loved it. The view was spectacular and the pool wasn't too crowded because we were at port. A Bonus was we left port early enough (2PM I think) to enjoy some wake view as well. We really didn't have much issue with anyone using the bed as a table or anything like that even when the pool filled up. BUT yous absolutely nailed it with the lack of service. We were expecting a casita experience like we had on Oasis. We couldn't finish a drink in the Casita because the server wouldn't let it empty. But on Icon I found myself running to the hideaway bar a lot which was very disapoining for the money we spent on those beds. Great and informative review and thanks for taking us back down memory lane! We can't wait to sail on Icon again! Great and informative

[@andreaschrum2686]

I really like that you both included small details for people with light sensitive issues. I don’t have problems, but your through review was excellent!😊

[@JJCruise]

We are so glad that you found it helpful!

[@deebee_412]

Great video! We are sailing on Icon in April, and we booked the day bed. Once we saw the videos, the crowds, and all that we quickly canceled. We used some of that money and booked the beach club at Coco Cay.

[@TheMaxRebo]

We just got off of Icon of the Seas yesterday - had an amazing time - and largely agree with all your comments! We did find some areas that got crowded (on seas days it was hard at times to find loungers on the main pool deck, saw people saving spots in Dueling Pianos an hour or more ahead of time, etc) - there were ~6,000 guests on our sailing so do wonder how things will be when at full capacity. But overall, an excellent ship with great food and wonderful service.

[@TMTMcruz]

Not a line we love and usually Dont cruise. But this is definitely a huge ship and looks to offer lots of diff things. Great video and info ❤

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for watching! We definitely think it’s a game changer for those who cruise DCL!

[@radioabi88]

This review is excellent (as always!). Thanks for including information on sound and light sensitivities - as an autistic person, it's really appreciated!

[@dawne8851]

I'm so glad you mentioned the bench seating situation in the dome. I had lumbar fusion (2020) and a hip replacement (2023), and while these surgeries fixed specific problems, I still have other back and hip problems that would make bench seating torturous for me, especially for 45 minutes. Great call on thinking about and mentioning things like this in your video. :) And the clashing music? Nails on a chalkboard. Yikes.

[@madlorraine16]

Very helpful. I would never book at the prices there are now. $3000 would be my max for 2 people. It does look like an amazing ship. Great tips on the kid venues.

[@AlexBrandon.]

Great episode ... I will wait until the next big thing comes along and prices lower a bit

[@blanchegiunta4316]

Great detailed review ❤. So good to see escalators! And less kids running everywhere ? Awesome!.. hate that some other lines lowering age to 16 for adult only. ie Serenity. Hope music bleeding over gets resolved.. RC def nickel & dimes w add-ons. Celeb is best deal for cabanas/ daybed rentals. RC shows generally excellent!

[@nanetteyauger5163]

Thank you for your sensitive but thorough review of Icon of the Seas. I had decided that this wasn't for me but after your review I might change my mind.😊

[@scottpoole2182]

From watching a lot of other reviews from people also on these first Icon cruises, couple of questions: 1. Was the ship full? All reviews so far have had 2/3 full. A 5-7k passanger vessel with only 3-4k passengers will feel great and open. 2. Food. RC already admitted they are spending about 30%+ more on the first 9 or so cruises on Icon to make sure everything is above standard RC food. So it will be interesting to see what it is like on a fully FULL cruise with the standard $$$ being spent on food and events.

[@downtovacay]

We were on a full capacity cruise and I must say there's a point where it felt too overwhelming and at times was spacious. Depends on where you're at and what's happening at the time. Biggest issue for us was - too many kids. Not even the Carnival Mardi Gras had sooooo many kids. It was ridiculous.

[@Rodmic-hd9pn]

Don’t you have to pay xtra for the private adult area.? Do they go to Italy and greece

[@melissablair3463]

Thanks for this review I loved Icon and agree with you review it was an incredible cruise

[@JJCruise]

Yes it was! ❤️

[@TechGeekTXDad]

My family and I are already booked on Icon for May 2025. Can’t wait to go with the kids. Good to know info, plus we should be at Diamond by the time we sail.

[@JJCruise]

Oooh! We love our Diamond Perks!! Welcome to Diamond soon! 💎

[@davidhurwitz2291]

Do you track your steps every day? I use my Apple watch to do this. On our last 2 cruises I walked 7,000 - 8,000 steps per day. How many steps did you walk on a Mega ship like the Icon?

[@JJCruise]

The first day was over 10k steps! But the other days were less as the flow was pretty seamless and rarely did we have to go all the way from one side to the other.

[@thiggs333]

Guys we think you did an excellent job on this review. We were on that sailing as well and said hi. I loved the cruise and can’t wait to take our grandson on her in August. One item I thought you’d bring up was the weird pass thru walk thru Playmakers. Takes away from the venue. Totally agree with your ugly. Get rid of those beds! (Glad you didn’t bring up the safe cutout again. It didn’t come close to being ugly for me. What a BEAUTIFUL ship and Worth it! Thanks!

[@danielhand8676]

I would like to see a complete break down of cost. What are the cabin costs, specialty dining costs, drink packages, etc. I will admit the entertainment looks amazing, but if that is the only truly exceptional perk, cost could be an issue. Oh btw, I do find your videos very informative. I have recently become a big fan of cruising and the info I get from your videos has been very useful.

[@mikeycj]

Isn’t the ship sailing at lower capacity for first few months? I’m still worried about crowds

[@mssarahc4085]

Hey Guys, I am 65 , Scared to Fly or cruise, but I Loved watching your Videos, I really do, I flew 4 times in my 20s and 30s, but I am petrified just of the thought of Floating around on that Ocean, I will just drink my Coffee at home, and watch you all , This ship is beautiful, my friend is on it right now with her husband,m, you all do a great job of Filming, Love From Louisville Kentucky, stay safe,

[@theraise5243]

I’m 42 and same as you. I took my first cruise on a mega royal carribean and I wasn’t aware the ship was moving. I’d take this ship over flying any day

[@jimboandkris]

This was a great and useful review. Thanks!

[@JJCruise]

We are so glad to hear! Thanks for watching! 🥳

[@kamillehoward2191]

I appreciate your comments on the lights during the shows being a possible problem for those of us who are light sensitive. I was not expecting that at all in the aqua show or the ice show. Unfortunately it was a big problem for me during the aqua show! I actually had to put my head down and close my eyes during the part where they shined flashlights around…missed a lot of the show.

[@kathyazzarito5950]

Going on Icon next February. So excited because of your review! The live music options seem amazing!!!

[@nicollegalligan5658]

As someone who is cruising Icon on Saturday, I am very grateful for your thorough review!

[@JJCruise]

Enjoy Icon! 🥳

[@danakruse7325]

Would you consider an icon group cruise in 2025 or 2026?

[@dipatrivedi9009]

Yup….I second this motion! Have definitely planted that bug in the guys ears when they were on it 😂

[@JJCruise]

Absolutely!

[@DavidCarn-u8w]

Yes

[@e.m.6158]

Great review! We're Disney cruisers, but our son is 23 now, so we're looking to expand our cruise horizons! Thanks for all of these tips!

[@charlesoconnor7133]

Thank you. I’m gonna be on the icon of the seas the week of October 5 I can’t wait.

[@acedreamer2004]

I’m going in just a couple of weeks!! I’m so unbelievably excited😅

[@brendabott2863]

We are going October 12 ..we got lucky along with you guys to not be booked during Thier down week last week!

[@acedreamer2004]

@@brendabott2863 Oh yeah, we heard that announcement while we were on the boat. We had to skip one of the destinations because of the needed repairs😂

[@alfredinglesby6489]

My good friends. You missed a negative. With the smart elevators, they are not accessible to people who are low vision or blind. The touchscreen does not talk to a low vision or a blind person know what they actually touched. That is the only way to call the elevators on the icon of the seas. 26:59

[@JJCruise]

Hi AJ! Sorry we didn’t address this in the video. They do have an accessibility feature on the touch screen with a textured and lifted button. When this button is pressed it does speak to you allowing the cruiser to utilize the elevators! We didn’t mention this as a negative because we did try this feature and it seemed to work for the guests who needed this onboard.

[@embarknation41510]

Thank you for including family and child-friendly information in your review! Jared looked so tiny on that HUGE slide! 😂 Our kids will definitely love Surfside ❤ great review as always guys!

[@JJCruise]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching! 🥳

[@KathieSmithKeate]

It was a great review. Tyvm

[@katcalico9142]

Yay! Thank you so much for the caveat re lighting at some of the shows! I don’t really get the pool beds either - no shade + I kind of think I would feel awkwardly exposed just like reading my book on the pink daybeds. 😂😂😂😂

[@JJCruise]

😂 right? No privacy or private swim-out area either.

[@115AL]

Great review!….. love you guys!!!!!! Going to be on Icon in August…🎉

[@JJCruise]

Enjoy!! 🥳

[@dorothygiunta8519]

Would it seem more crowded if the ship is full?

[@JJCruise]

More yes, but actually crowded… we don’t believe so. Dueling Pianos was one of the only venues that we could see being crowded most nights (which is normal for all cruise lines piano bars so nothing new).

[@theresagarcia4892]

I have seen where it has been difficult- long lines etc.- to actually see the bigger shows. Without your status, would you be able to get into these?

[@TheSportCrazy]

I love Icon of the Seas and I got to meet 2 of my favorite content creators on this sailing.

[@danakruse7325]

I’m looking forward to someday cruising on this ship. I like all the eateries and activities to do.

[@angelas9467]

Would love a video maybe alive perhaps of just questions on icon of the Seas

[@aundracampbell1839]

Like your reviews however I do question it because on both cruises the ship wasn’t sold out!

[@jacintadiaz3237]

JJ Cruise, acoustics might play an important role for the loud music from venues on the ship 😊

[@alexblaney6322]

Made my night a JJ cruise vid ❤

[@JJCruise]

Aww 🥰

[@Thekristinicole]

Thank you for your review. My experience on the Icon of The Seas was wonderful! And I’ve been on over 20 Royal Caribbean Cruises.

[@Carrusing4us]

Thanks you for the heads up👍

[@MarleneHudson-Sanders]

what backpack are you carrying, pleasea?

[@jaymanilla289]

havent been on a cruise ship before. can you cruise for 10 days? i thought the icon of the seas was a 7 day cruise?

[@ThomasFuller-sp4mi]

Great review! Torn between going on the Wonder or Icon...both look like amazing ships

[@eileenomalley9892]

I would probably book a cruise on Star of the Seas since I live close to Port Canaveral.

[@JJCruise]

Yes! We can’t wait for Star!

[@patrickdevaney6122]

Would your opinion change if you were to sail during the summer when the ship is probably at full capacity?

[@JJCruise]

We don’t believe so! There would only be about 1k more people, and thought that sounds like a lot, there was a lot of space throughout the ship at all times. The only area this would be a potential issue is Dueling Pianos as that is too small of a space in our opinion but even on our sailing there were nights where there were some seats available.

[@loriminard6460]

Don't mess w Jordan and his chicken tenders 😂 Great show guys 🎉

[@JJCruise]

😂 that is right! Thanks for watching!

[@laurahaag331]

My kids really want to try this ship, but I’m disappointed in the sleeping arrangements for families of 4/5. I have preteen boy/ girl siblings and seems like the pull out bed is too small and space too cramped in many of the balcony and suite options. Thoughts? I know there is the family suite with bunks but little surprised that’s our only option.

[@KathieSmithKeate]

How full was this ship during this review?

[@JJCruise]

It was around 65-70% full from what we had heard. No full capacity sailing until May. ☺️

[@justwatching190]

I was waiting for this!!!

[@JJCruise]

The day has finally come! 🥳

[@BelindaBambrick-f1c]

Was the embarkation and disembarkation efficient? Any long waits?

[@JJCruise]

It was very easy with little to no wait.

[@King.of.wishful.thinking]

Thank you for the great review of icon. Oasis of the seas is my favourite ship but I have been wanting to sail icon since it was first talked about. I was so disappointed it did not sail Europe as very first planned but things change. Maybe I will get to sail her in the next couple of years. But first I intend to try out NCL VIVA and sun princess. I will be interested in how utopia compares to icon however it is wizard of Oz that is edging me to icon. Just like it is beetle juice on viva that is winning me over sailing on prima 👍

[@homedreamteam9770]

We really loved the wall art on Wonder of the Seas! Anna

[@MultiMattman68]

I think a land based All-inclusive is a better way to go. Your thoughts guys? Is the ship handicap friendly? I am a below the knee amputee and walk with the aid of a walker

[@corneliusw09]

My father is recently below the knee amputated for one of his legs. This just happen so he hasn't been on a cruise recently, but in the past there have been space for a power chair for him to get around. My father in law also has used a power chair. So perhaps you could rent one, I think pre-covid it was going for about $200-300 for a full cruise sailing if you don't own one already. There's actually a lot of walking space and we've always done Oasis class with both sides of the family. They have never complained that it was too busy or difficult to get around. Of course if you're attending a main show then it will be busy during the release but besides that you will be fine and people should be respectful of you getting around. There's a big difference between RCCL Oasis cruises (and Icon) vs. land resorts that's all inclusive. There's really no fair comparison. The amount of entertainment on a ship far surpasses any land based resort. The amount of food choices far surpasses any land based resorts. The one thing resorts win on are the pools are much larger due to being on land. Book an handicap accessible room and you should be just fine. Our senior parents talks about cruises all the time. My dad just got amputated and is already talking about wanting to do another cruise next year. Live your life!

[@Misbehaven99]

Curious.. if you have a Sky Suite or above and book the day bed.. couldn’t you get your Butler to attend to your needs?

[@JJCruise]

Quite possibly! Though, the daybeds are in the water so the servers had special shoes they could kick on and off.

[@lindamiller8415]

Sounds like a nice cruise if you plan ahead.. any cruise on Star??

[@rasferrastfarian739]

We did our first cruise last year on Quantum of the Seas - we LOVED it! We had the same thought, "where are the people?". We did our second cruise 4 weeks ago on Celebrity Edge - we didn't like it. Too claustrophobic for me. I missed the promenade! Great review. If we ever get back to the US, we'd love to do Icon.

[@georgereteguiz5592]

Icon of the seas will be my first cruise with my family. I’ve never been on a ship. What should I be looking for? What should I be preparing for?

[@mikewonnacott5446]

we re sailing her Sept 28th and are STOKED. This was purchased in 22 so its been a wait for sure but our price point was crazy low(300 each more than allure same cruise) prices are now triple what we paid

[@clintondelp3465]

I love your reviews. This may be your best. I do wonder if you are on the beginning cruise. The food may not as is a good later. Love your site!

[@PJL7095]

Do you guys use a bulletin board off camera that has the topics listed in order & highlighted by color on who talks? Or do you do these pretty much unscripted

[@JJCruise]

We have an outline of talking points, that said, all thoughts are coming from our experiences so it’s easy to talk through ☺️

[@PJL7095]

You guys tried the pool day bed FOR US! So now we know… the experience & what to expect. Yes- it’s easy to have a hole for an umbrella and - Yes - the head rest should definitely tilt up and - Yes - it should have it’s own dedicated server as well as maybe a privacy skirting around it to keep them pesky pool people off it

[@danakruse7325]

With limited walking ability what floor would you suggest I stay? Is midship still the best area? I was thinking near an elevator too. Do they have rooms on level 8 the park area?

[@JJCruise]

Yes! Central Park level would be great!

[@ohmydays5567]

Thanks for your review J&J!

[@JJCruise]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@Jestophre]

But you’re right… Symphony Of The Seas has such WONDERFUL art in every stairway!

[@Angel_11222]

You guys are so sweet 🥰 thanks for the review and heads up!

[@raindancer19]

Awesome review, guys! 🥰

[@mercyrodriguez5780]

We loved every bit of it!

[@rafaeltorovip]

thanks guys for so good information, good job Lon 👍

[@joycecannon3790]

What is the dress code on this ship

[@randyharrison4065]

Loved, loved, loved your review!! The Icon Inaugural was my 4th ever cruise so I don't have a lot to compare things to, but I so agree with you that Icon was amazing and I would go again in a heartbeat! I felt like 7 days was just not enough time to see and do everything that was offered on this ship. Congrats to RCL for listening to customer feedback and working hard to put together such an amazing ship. I also loved that I got to meet most of the KZbinrs on the ship that I follow which was an added bonus of going on the Inaugural sailing. Hope to see you again sometime!!

[@MansouR013]

How to book this cruise through you guys ?

[@JoanBaranek]

definitely would go on WHEN THE PRICE DROPS!

[@orgio4124]

Loved your video! Thank you 😊!

[@deebee_412]

Hi JJ Cruise. So I watched this video before and after sailing Icons 4/13 sailing. It is a beautiful ship. I agree with most your assessment. The music bleed was bad all around. Trying to listen to Andy C at Schooner and he was overshadowed by spotlight karaoke. I hate the seating in the aquadome. I think all rows should have backs and I think the VIP seating is wasted space, more could sit instead of standing. We got there an hour early and thankfully got the seats with backs. An older couple in front of us left early, guy was fidgety. Agree the MDR was good, service exceptional! Shout out to our waiters on 3rd floor, table 271! The shows are fantastic! The ice show was my favorite. Although the location is horrible IMO. All in all its a beautiful ship. I do still prefer Oasis class. I will wait till unnamed Icon 3 maybe or sail Icon again when the prices go down. Great review!

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for watching and adding your recent experience review!! 🥳

[@junestubbs4008]

JJ presently on the Icon having a ball. Bathroom small in panoramic ocean view but having a ball

[@angeni2]

Thank you for this!!! This is the most honest review I have seen.

[@JJCruise]

Glad it was helpful! That for watching!! 🥳

[@carolnichols1900]

I hope you can sail again when the ship is at full capacity and post another review. Thank you for all your videos.

[@JJCruise]

We think a lot of people believe capacity was super low. It was not. In fact, capacity is very similar to what a lot of cruise ships are sailing at currently. We hope to be back in the future, but highly doubt the additional 600-1k guests will affect our views as there was what felt like endless space on this ship. Dueling Pianos would be the main concern in our minds but that’s normal for most cruise ships with their piano bars. 😅

[@GR8Eight1]

Thanks for the review.

[@martinejoseph5266]

Can't wait to hear this review

[@JJCruise]

We are so excited! Thanks for watching! 🥳

[@robertviera8167]

Adult only locations, are they extra $?

[@JJCruise]

Nope, Hideaway is a public, adults only area ☺️ Daybeds in Hideaway, though, are extra cost.

[@andreaschrum2686]

That daybed in the sun?? No bueno!

[@dipatrivedi9009]

Great review!! I totally agree that Basecamp should either be free or lowered in price. And OMG about those day beds? 😱 I wouldn’t pay even $50 for it. Those just need to be removed from that pool all together. Bad design choice.

[@JJCruise]

We definitely find them to be not worth the money but also like you said, poor design choices too. 😅

[@joanneshiels9189]

Great review!

[@BlissGroove]

Thanks for your review. However, acquaintances while been cruising for 30 years said the buffet on the Icon was exceptional. There was seafood: lots of crab, lobster, shellfish, prawns. Other reviewers said same. I thought it was interesting that you compared chicken tenders. When I started crusing in the 1990s, there was no chicken tenders. I tended to eat more of the whole foods, not processed. I don't understand why people eat the cheap food on cruise ship these days. 😅

[@celeste6341]

Well thought out video guys!!!

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Celeste!

[@JulieThompson38]

Love your review. We are booked for next year - so excited :)

[@jessicacaraballo8060]

Did u c decorations on outside doors

[@JJCruise]

Yes!

[@CC-iv7uj]

So no food or beverages are included

[@JJCruise]

Plenty are included. But there are some at an upcharge as well.

[@floridacruisers7705]

We agree with this video 100%. Great review. Sorry that you had a bad experience with the bed 🙄

[@JJCruise]

Thanks! So glad you agreed with our review as fellow passengers on our sailing as well! 🥳

[@philmerritt7241]

Very helpful video.

[@CashMopar]

Those day beds are obviously awful. Glad you confirmed it.😊 sincerely. We wouldn’t take that hot pad for free.

[@henriquerochelle]

Great Tips ! Thanks

[@TheLuftie]

You should review it at full capacity? And it looks overpriced at the present ?

[@JJCruise]

Full Capacity is only up to a thousand or so extra guests spread out amongst the ship. It’s super well planned out except for the few venues noted. As for price, it’s selling like hotcakes, so we wouldn’t say overpriced, but maybe just priced higher than the average cruiser is willing to pay for a cruise. ☺️

[@SherryRoberts-vb4fk]

I love your content! Keep up the awesome work ❤. All love from Newfoundland

[@JJCruise]

Thank you so much!!

[@CarolynKerkla-yv1rf]

Thanks, J and J. Very informative.

[@JJCruise]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching! 🤗