Top 10 Picks: Icon of the Seas Activities

One of the newest cruise ships in the game is Icon of the Seas®, a sprawling engineering marvel that has broken several records with its onboard attractions, food scene, entertainment and staterooms. It is home to:

● Seven pools, one for every day of the week.

● An entire neighborhood dedicated to families. 

● The cruise line’s biggest ice arena ever.

● An entire neighborhood dedicated to families. 

No matter what kind of getaway you’re looking for, you’ll find this next-level cruise ship caters to every kind of traveler. With so many onboard activities, attractions and experiences to look forward to, here’s a useful guide to 10 shortlisted Icon of the Seas activities for the perfect escape.

Icon of the Seas: Things To Do

Everybody has their own idea of what makes a perfect vacation. For some, it’s being able to pack every day with new adventures and thrills. For others, it’s all about savoring delicious flavors. Some people prioritize relaxation and the ability to disconnect. 

As any seasoned traveler will tell you, finding a vacation that caters to all these different preferences can be tough — unless, of course, you happen to be cruising on the right ship. Icon of the Seas delivers magical cruise experiences, thanks in major part to the following unforgettable onboard activities.

1. Feel Your Adrenaline Spike at Crowns Edge

One of the onboard attractions you can’t help but look forward to on Icon of the Seas is Crown’s Edge^SM. Part obstacle course, part thrill ride, this one-of-a-kind experience isn’t for the faint of heart. Brave contenders will strap in and step onto a walkway suspended over the edge of the ship. 

The views are incredible, and so is the surge of adrenaline you’ll feel when the floor beneath your feet suddenly gives way — leaving you dangling excitedly over the crashing waves far below. If that sounds like too much thrill, I hear you. Thankfully, watching others shuffle onto the ledge should be a fun alternative if you need a little time before conquering Crown’s Edge yourself.

2. Chase Watery Thrills at Category 6 Waterpark

I love cruise ships with waterslides, and Icon of the Seas doesn’t disappoint. The ship is home to an entire waterpark with record-breaking slides you can ride solo or with buddies. There’s Storm Surge^SM, the first suspended family raft slide at sea. 

Pressure Drop^SM, a near-vertical slide that’s also the first open free-fall slide at sea. Hurricane Hunter^SM is another family raft thriller with a drop when you least expect it. And those are just three of the exhilarating experiences that await you at Category 6 Waterpark.

3. Raise a Glass With Delicious Drinks at Swim & Tonic

4. Settle In for a Spellbinding Visual Feast at Aquadome

Royal Caribbean has always taken onboard entertainment to the next level, and Icon of the Seas may be their best cruise ship ever when it comes to spellbinding shows at sea. This ship was the first to debut the Aquadome^SM, the most immersive scene at sea. 

This high-tech, visually dazzling venue transforms from day to night with towering shapeshifting waterfalls, state-of-the-art lighting and a dive pool that serves as a stage during stunt-filled performances. Aquadome is also a big part of the cruise ship’s dining scene, with restaurant concepts that offer a bevy of unique and crave-worthy flavors.

5. Watch World-Class Skaters Glide Over the Ice at Absolute Zero

6. Soak Up the Sunshine at Royal Bay Pool

Royal Bay^SM Pool is another record-breaking space on board Icon of the Seas, and I’m here for it. With over 40,000 gallons of water, it’s the biggest pool at sea, Royal Bay is well-equipped with plenty of in-water loungers and on-deck chaises.

Claim your own slice of poolside paradise without having to wake up at the crack of dawn to beat the rush. Royal Bay also features multiple raised whirlpools where you can bask in the bubbles while enjoying prime views of the ocean and pool down below.

7. Put Your Climbing Skills to the Test at Adrenaline Peak

We talked about waterslides and Crown’s Edge, and those aren’t the only thrills on board this ship. I love the classic rock-climbing wall that’s a staple throughout the Royal Caribbean fleet, so I’m positively giddy that Icon of the Seas elevates this fan-favorite activity in a major way. 

Icons of the Seas has introduced Adrenaline Peak^SM, a dialed-up rock-climbing course with racing lanes and routes that vary in difficulty. You’ll find it in the ship’s Thrill Island neighborhood, and it’s free for cruise guests.

8. Tame Waves All Day on the Flowrider Surf Simulator

9. Sing Along to Iconic Ballads At Dueling Pianos

10. Jive All Night at Lou’s Jazz ‘N Blues

My husband and I love a great jazz bar, so we were super excited to visit Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues^SM on board Icon of the Seas. An addition to the ship’s lush and romantic Central Park® neighborhood, this swanky, intimate hangout is the perfect spot for a nightcap paired with some mood-setting ballads and jam sessions. The cocktails here are on point, and the vibe is on par with what you’ll find at legendary clubs in New York City and my own home city, Chicago.

Keep in mind that these are just some of the many experiences to anticipate on board Icon of the Seas. While there are a slew of restaurants, bars, pools and activities I didn’t cover, d n’t let that keep you from exploring even more things to do on Icon of the Seas.