by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Fri May 24, 2024
This article originally
appeared in the May issue of AGENTatHOME magazine.?Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
Not only is Icon
of the Seas the world’s largest cruise ship, but it also serves as an epic
family vacation destination, leaving some to wonder: “Do I want to visit this
port or just stay on board?”
Royal Caribbean International’s new ship measures a massive
250,800 gross tons, can accommodate 5,610 guests double occupancy and features
more than 40 restaurants and bars, eight neighborhoods, seven pools, nine
whirlpools and six waterslides.
Families with young kids will likely spend much of their
time in the Surfside neighborhood, which includes a buff et, an upscale
restaurant, a snack bar with fruity drinks for kids and boozy drinks for mom
and dad, a carousel, a splash water play area, a dry play area, a candy shop,
an arcade and more.
Does your client have tweens or teens? They’ll likely head
for the massive pool at Chill Island and iconic attractions at Category 6,
touted as the largest waterpark at sea with six slides, a bravery test in which
guests dangle high above the ocean, and a new twist on the rock-climbing wall.
And, with award-winning onboard entertainment plus a call at Perfect Day at
CocoCay, Icon of the Seas delivers a vacation that’s tough to beat.
The three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse accommodates up to
eight people and includes a private patio with an entrance to the family
neighborhood, Surfside.
Accommodations?
Icon of the Seas features four main stateroom categories –
Suite, Balcony, Ocean View and Inside – and 28 sub-categories and suite
categories, 14 of which are new to the line. The ship also includes 50
wheelchair-accessible staterooms.
To give you a general idea, Inside staterooms measure 156
square feet, while Ocean View staterooms range from 160 to 187 square feet.
Balcony accommodations measure 204 square feet and include 50-square-foot
verandas.
Empire Supper Club specialty restaurant serves eight-course
meals of American cuisine amid a three-piece band.
The showstopper is the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a
two-bedroom, three-level suite (1,772 square feet) that sleeps eight and is
appointed with a slide, wraparound balcony (751 square feet) and more.
New to Royal Caribbean on Icon
of the Seas are elongated rooms that eliminate the barrier to a full
outside balcony but enable guests to lower the top half of a window at the push
of a button to let fresh air in – a feature which is commonly found on river
ships and some smaller expedition ships.
What’s Included?
Ten dinner options are included in the fare. Suite guests
also have complimentary access to Coastal Kitchen and The Grove. Other
returning included restaurants are El Loco Fresh, Park Café, Sprinkles,
Sorrento’s and Windjammer.
New dining options include Pier 7, which is located in the
Surfside neighborhood and features brunch and dinner. Culinary highlights
include the new food hall stands at AquaDome Market and the Surfside Eatery
buffet. Available at an extra fee are The Empire Supper Club serving eight
courses of American cuisine and Celebration Table for VIP treatment and a
choice of four prix fixe meals.
Best Entertainment
Tell your clients to make sure they take in “The Wizard of
Oz,” which rivals Broadway performances. Next-level technology along with a
live orchestra make this a must-see show. Parents will also love the late-night
Dueling Pianos.
Public Areas
Some of the most popular areas include the Royal Promenade,
Category 6 and the adults-only Hideaway.
Insider Booking Tip
Families who plan to be at the Surfside neighborhood often
should book a room on the aft end of the ship to save time walking across the
entire vessel to access the family-fun neighborhood.
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