Why Icon of the Seas Is the Best Cruise Ship for Teens
Royal Caribbean Thrills for Nonstop Excitement at Sea
By Mary Luz Mejia | Published on January 29, 2026
For families seeking a stress-free getaway, nothing beats the ease of a cruise. And for parents searching for the best cruises for teenagers — packed with activities and entertainment to keep teens happy while offering something for everyone — Royal Caribbean stands out.
Icon of the Seas℠ is home to the largest waterpark at sea and loaded with amusement park-style attractions, making it one of the best cruise ships for teens. Whether you're sailing seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean itineraries, every voyage includes a stop at the Royal Caribbean private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay® (complete with its own waterpark and adrenaline-fueled experiences).
Read on to discover the top Icon of the Seas activities for teens and the whole family.
Key Takeaways: Teenager Cruise Ship
- ● Icon of the Seas features the largest waterpark at sea and exciting attractions for nonstop teen fun.
- ● Teens can try thrilling slides, the Crown’s Edge℠ skywalk, rock climbing and more.
- ● Teen club Royal Caribbean spaces include Surfside℠ arcade, Social 020 club and ocean-view pools with a DJ.
- ● Family-friendly dining options range from casual favorites at Pier 7℠ to milkshakes at Desserted℠.
- ● Explore Icon of the Seas℠ cruises and start planning your teen-friendly family getaway.
Thrilling Icon of the Seas Activities for Teens
With non-stop action and one-of-a-kind attractions, Icon of the Seas delivers excitement teens will love. Here’s how to turn up the fun during your family vacation:
Make a Splash at the Category 6 Waterpark
If you have a thrill-seeking teenager in your family, you know that jaw-dropping attractions make for a fun family vacation. The Category 6 Waterpark on board the ship is home to six slides and five unique attractions — from body slides and family raft rides to mat racing thrills. On a Royal Caribbean cruise, young adults and families can experience:
- ● The Frightening Bolt: At 46 feet, this is the tallest drop slide at sea. A vertical plunge sends riders through a heart-pounding 360-degree loop.
- ● The Pressure Drop℠: The first open free-fall slide at sea, this 108-foot-long ride features a near-vertical 66-degree incline, offering a gravity-defying rush.
- ● Storm Chasers℠: On this competitive duo of head-first mat slides, teens can race side by side and finish with a splashdown and scoreboard to crown the winner.
- ● Hurricane Hunter℠: This is a family raft slide that holds up to four riders. Expect unexpected twists and turns on this 425-foot-long soaking adventure.
- ● Storm Surge℠: It’s the first suspended raft slide at sea! Up to three cruisers soar on this 395-foot ride, catching air as the raft teeters close to the edge.
Dangling Thrills at the Crown’s Edge
For more heartpounding action, your teenager might head to the Crown's Edge℠: a fear-inducing challenge that’s a combination of skywalk, ropes course and thrill ride. Staff strap riders in before they step onto the ship's walkway, where brave souls can look down at the crashing waves below as they walk along. At any time, the floor beneath might collapse and leave adventure-seekers dangling over the ocean for added excitement.
Rock Climbing at Adrenaline Peak
Adrenaline Peak offers the ultimate rock-climbing expedition located near the waterpark, awaiting anyone who likes to test their limits. This craggy course rewards your skills with breathtaking views from the top of the ship. As a bonus, climbers can choose their difficulty level, and then it's all about scaling to the peak as fast as you can.
Where Teens and Families Find Their Fun at Sea
Whether your teen wants independence or you’re looking for spots the whole family can enjoy together, Icon of the Seas activities are designed for everyone. Find the perfect balance of fun and freedom at sea:
Surfside
Icon of the Seas is home to Surfside℠, a neighborhood designed with all-day entertainment for teen-friendly vacations. While little ones head to the carousel, teens can go to the Arcade at Surfside and try their hand at:
- ● Retro-style games.
- ● Air hockey.
- ● The classic claw machine.
Because the most fun cruise ships for older teens include a space they can call their own, there's Social 020. This Icon of the Seas teen club Royal Caribbean offers is a place where kids can hang out with new friends, and it’s not too far from Surfside.
Ocean-View Pools
Young adults and their friends also have their choice of ocean-view pools. As the largest pool at sea, the Royal Bay℠ pool has plenty of room for a dip with friends. Teens over 18 will also love the Hideaway Pool, the first suspended infinity pool at sea — eight stories up. With a resident DJ and waterside day beds, it feels like the ultimate beach party vibe.
Where To Eat With Teens on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
The best cruises for teenagers wouldn’t be complete without the all-important food factor. Here’s where to dig in on a Royal Caribbean cruise:
Find Family Favorites at Pier 7
When your teens are ready to refuel after all the adventure, Pier 7℠ is the perfect spot to recharge. This laid-back eatery serves up comforting classics and creative twists on family favorites all day long. Enjoy brunch all day, every day, or turn any day of the week into your family's own Taco Tuesday with surf 'n turf tacos or mango shrimp tostadas.
Where Else To Eat on the Largest Cruise Ship at Sea
- ● Surfside Eatery℠: Dig into a generous buffet with tasty options for everyone — kids, teens and parents alike.
- ● Surfside Bites℠: This spot is perfect for sweet and savory cravings on the go. Snack on popcorn chicken and hot dogs, or fuel up with a burger or pizza toastie.
- ● Basecamp℠: Located in the heart of Thrill Island, this is the go-to spot for a quick bite between adventures. Enjoy soft pretzel bites with cheese, smash burgers or classic hot dogs.
- ● The Lemon Post℠: This open-air bar overlooks all the family fun in Surfside℠. It features two distinct menus — one for adults with craft cocktails, and one for kids and teens with colorful, color-changing drinks served in collectible souvenir cups.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Desserted
If your teenager has a serious sweet tooth, head to Desserted℠ on Thrill Island. This over-the-top milkshake bar serves up towering toppings, creative drizzle combos and frosty shake mashups that are perfect for teen-approved, Insta-worthy photos. Parents can join in too, with boozy options available for a grown-up twist.
The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Teens: Perfect Day at CocoCay
On Icon class ships sailing to The Bahamas, families and teens can enjoy an award-winning private destination exclusively for Royal Caribbean international guests — Perfect Day at CocoCay. This island paradise offers something for every teen's mood, from lounging on white sand beaches at Oasis Lagoon® to daring slides at Thrill Water Park® or soaring across a 1,600-foot-long zip line course.
Extroverted teens can join friendly sports competitions like volleyball and soccer, or gather the family for a peaceful moment 450 feet above the ground on the Up, Up and Away helium balloon ride. Cool down with an icy drink at the swim-up bar and people-watch at the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas.
For a touch of luxury, splurge on a private overwater cabana to soak up the sun. And whatever you do, don't forget to reapply sunblock during your day at the beach.
Cruise Performances for Teens and Families
If you’re looking to keep your teen engaged beyond the pool deck, Icon of the Sea delivers nonstop entertainment:
Dazzling Water Spectacles at AquaDome
The most fun cruise ships for teens feature world-class shows and spectacles in state-of-the-art venues. The Icon of the Seas AquaDome℠ showcases advanced robotics and a shapeshifting waterfall. Here, AquaTheater performers display feats of agility and strength under a towering cascade of water.
Ice Performances in Absolute Zero
Watch Olympic-style performances on ice in Absolute Zero℠, the largest ice-skating arena on Icon class ships. During the shows, high-resolution digital images projected from the ceiling transform the rink and its surroundings, transporting you into the story. If you’re cruising with a skater, they can also use the rink during the day.
Where To Stay on a Royal Caribbean Cruise With Teens
Even downtime is important on a family vacation. Icon of the Seas amenities and rooms are designed specifically for families, featuring options to suit every travel style:
- ● The Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony Staterooms: Perfect for teens who want their own space, complete with a private TV and plenty of room to unwind. With the push of a button, the window wall drops down to create an open-air balcony.
- ● Panoramic Suite: Floor-to-ceiling glass windows give your family front-row views of the ocean, turning your room into a scenic escape.
- ● Sunset Corner Suite: Features a sweeping wraparound balcony with panoramic ocean views ideal for peaceful family moments.
- ● Surfside Family Suite: Designed with families in mind, this suite includes a split-bathroom layout and extra space for teens to stretch out.
- ● Ultimate Family Townhouse: A three-story suite with everything from a wraparound terrace and private hot tub to a cinema room and direct access to the Surfside℠ neighborhood. Enjoy Royal Suite Class Star status, which includes a personal Royal Genie, priority access to experiences, and more exclusive perks.
Cruises Built for Families and Loved By Teens
With endless thrills, teen-approved eats and hangout spots designed just for them, Icon of the Seas offers everything your teenager needs for the ultimate vacation — and plenty for the rest of the family, too. From adrenaline-packed slides to relaxing ocean-view pools, every moment onboard is built for memory-making.
