I took my very first ocean cruise in 2024, and nothing could have prepared me for it. My twins and I stepped onboard with our mouths wide open and we didn’t close them until we got off seven days later. The ship was Royal Caribbean‘s Odyssey of the Seas and it was massive – over 5,000 guests and 1,600 crew. I had never been that close to something so huge floating on water. Fast forward to this year, and we were setting sail again – this time on Icon of the Seas out of Miami, Florida. And yes, the name says it all – Icon. With room for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew, it’s in a league of its own.
I didn’t think cruising could get any better but it can. For regular cruisers, it’s all about the ports, entertainment, dining and endless onboard options. I met travellers on their 20th-plus voyage – one on her 26th this year and they all agreed: Royal Caribbean ticks every box.
To avoid flight delays or travel hiccups, it’s best to arrive a day early. I’d even suggest a few days to explore Miami and visit the outlets – Dolphin Mall is a must. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport Hotel, perfectly located and relaxing after a long travel day.
So, what is it like on an Icon class ship? The Icon class is Royal Caribbean’s newest generation of ships, they are bigger, smarter and designed with both luxury and sustainability in mind. Icon of the Seas combines cutting-edge technology with a resort-style experience that is shaping the future of cruising.
Stepping onto the Royal Promenade felt like entering a Willy Wonka world. The centrepiece of the ship is The Pearl -14 metres tall, 16 wide and in constant motion. Made of thousands of shifting tiles, it mimics waves and wind. With a café also inside, it’s a mesmerising blend of art, tech and relaxation.
Royal Caribbean also offers excursions at every port, and they are way cheaper if you book before you sail. With three of us to book for, those savings really add up. Of course, you can always explore on your own and wander through local villages, lounge at the beaches or check out ancient ruins but definitely do your research first, especially if it’s your first time in a new place.
Dining
Dining onboard is a foodie’s dream with a mix of over 40 dining options, including speciality dining options (these are an additional fee), if you want something a bit more exclusive. But for us we loved all the complimentary options with the Surfside neighbourhood being our favourite – Pier 7 is a fantastic speciality dining restaurant on this deck. On-board food and drink included in your cruise are the buffets, cafes and the basic drinks include (water, juice, tea, coffee).
Icon Decor
The colour scheme throughout the ship is funky and full of life – vibrant blues, tropical corals, splashes of lime and sunshine yellow that instantly put you in holiday mode. Every corner feels like it’s been designed to surprise you – from playful art installations to statement lighting that changes throughout the day.
The mix of bold textures and imaginative touches give some areas an almost cartoon-like feel. It’s like stepping onto a floating city that somehow balances luxury and fun perfectly. Even the stairwells are thoughtfully designed with quirky framed pictures and colourful walls.
There are also plenty of quiet areas where you can curl up with a cuppa or cocktail, gaze out at the endless ocean or just people watch. It can still feel almost private, even though you’re sharing the ship with thousands of others.
Neighbourhoods
There are eight neighbourhoods onboard which offer unique experiences depending on age groups:
Surfside – we spent a lot of time here in the morning and later in the evening when it was quieter. Its busy during the day as children love the splash pool, arcade and carousel.
Aquadome is located at the front of the ship, this futuristic glass dome houses the AquaTheater venue for spectacular water shows.
Chill Island is a relaxed, tropical neighbourhood featuring multiple pools, including the Royal Bay Pool, the largest at sea. You can enjoy swim-up bars like Swim & Tonic and the Lime & Coconut, along with poolside snacks.
The Hideaway is an adults-only haven and offers a suspended infinity pool with breathtaking ocean views, hot tubs and a bar. It’s the perfect spot for relaxation and tranquillity but only for adults.
Central Park is so clever and in the middle section of the ship. It is like walking in a park with serene, open-air spaces filled with lush greenery. They also have dining options like a Japanese hibachi and sushi bar, a jazz club and a champagne bar.
The Suite Neighbourhood is exclusive to suite guests and offers chic amenities, including The Grove, a covered area with a grab-and-go restaurant, a full bar, a hot tub and a pool.
The Royal Promenade is the heart of the ship. It is a vibrant, street-like area featuring The Pearl, the world’s largest dynamic art sculpture.
Thrill Island – We spent a lot of time here as it’s a water lover’s paradise. There is a Category 6 Waterpark, the largest water park at sea, complete with six unique water slides. Other attractions include the Flow Rider surf simulator, mini golf and Crown’s Edge, a skywalk thrill ride.
Entertainment
There are shows on daily and nightly and we saw as many as we could fit in! A favourite for us was the production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, as good as any Broadway show. There are drone shows, aqua shows and everything in between. It’s incredible entertainment onboard for all ages and they also have live music and themed dance parties throughout the day and evening.
Spa Facilities
If you have been to some of the ports below, stay onboard and avail of the spa facilities. They have everything from ‘Fire and Ice’ pedicures, massages, teeth whitening and free beauty tasters – check it all out in the app. The sea days are the busiest in the spa.
Western Caribbean Port Stops
The best part for us was waking up early, pulling back the curtains and seeing where we had docked. Our first stop was Costa Maya, Mexico – a lively port with a huge pool, shops and restaurants. The big attraction is the Mayan ruins, we chose a quick 20 minute taxi ride to Mahahual Beach. It was hot and full of beach sellers and it gave us a glimpse of local life before we happily headed back to enjoy the ship.
Our next stop was Roatán, Honduras. We got a taxi from the port, straight to West Bay Beach – no excursion needed. The driver waited to bring us back whenever we were ready. It’s a popular beach spot, with crystal-clear water, friendly locals and laid-back beach traders. We spent the day swimming and soaking it all in.
Next up was Cozumel, Mexico. I’d heard so much about its aquamarine waters, so I pre-booked a catamaran snorkel and private beach tour for us. It was fantastic – crystal-clear snorkelling, finished off on a private beach with endless margaritas, home-cooked burgers and plenty of included water activities – everybody was happy.
CocoCay in the Bahamas was the stop we’d been waiting for – and it didn’t disappoint. It’s exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests. The island feels like an extension of the ship, with endless free activities, private beaches and plenty of beach loungers (I never struggled to find one!). We hopped on and off the free island buggies, laughing at our lively driver. Everywhere you go there are food shacks, chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, beach games and the best swim-up bar right in the centre. They really saved the best cruise stop for last – it was ‘The Perfect Day at CocoCay.’
Onwards to Miami and our flight back home to Dublin. There were free shuttle buses from the port into the airport, you have to pre-book them behind The Pearl.
Everything with Royal Caribbean is about the guest experience and being stress free while on your cruise. The only negative was I didn’t book a 10 day cruise or book extra days to explore Miami.
Next time!
Travel Facts
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas – 7-Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day from Miami sailings currently start from US$1,100 (€930) per person for an inside or basic ocean-view cabin, depending on departure date, cabin type, and availability. Higher-end cabins (balcony, suites) have higher prices.
Onboard, you’ll find that meals in the main dining rooms and casual venues are included (complimentary) and specialty restaurants can be booked at an additional fee. Drinks packages must be added on for non-included alcoholic or premium drinks.
The cost of internet on your Royal Caribbean cruise depends on the package you choose. Guests can enjoy 24-hour access to the fastest internet at sea for $23.99 / per guest per day. Guests can connect up to four devices, allowing the whole group to enjoy smooth, high-speed internet with VOOM Surf + Stream. Special bundles are available for multiple devices.
All excursions are an additional price.
One night in the Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport Hotel from approx. $129 per night
Aer Lingus fly direct from Dublin to Miami International Airport approx. €744 pp.
Published in the Irish Daily Mail 8/11/2025