Icon Of The Seas: The Top Sports Cruise For Sports Lovers
Icon of the Seas Offers the Best Sports Leisure Vacations
By Zachary Laks | Published: May 02, 2025 | Updated: February 24, 2026
When Lionel Messi appeared on the AquaDome stage to christen the sparkling new Icon of the Seas®, the air was electric, the crowd was buzzing and everyone knew they were on board something extraordinary.
With Lionel Messi as the ship's official icon, this ship is undoubtedly a sports lover's dream. Sailing on the world's largest sports cruise ship is all about making the most of the 18 decks of athletic fun for all ages. From playing soccer to surfing above it all on the ship's FlowRider® surf simulator, here's an insider's look at why Icon of the Seas is a sports lover's dream.
Key Takeaways: What Is the Best Cruise Line for Vacation Sports?
A sports cruise can be a special cruise vacation that travels to major sporting events, like the Olympics. Alternatively, it can be a cruise ship, like Icon of the Seas, that offers plenty of vacation sports amenities to keep guests active during their getaway.
Activities on board Icon of the Seas sports cruise include:
- ● Sports courts for games like basketball, soccer and pickleball.
- ● Fitness centers, gyms and wellness amenities.
- ● Active leisure activities, such as rock climbing and mini golf.
- ● Organized competitions and group activities.
- ● Thrilling amenities, including a surf simulator and ice skating.
- ● Sports bars and venues to watch live sports.
- ● Explore Icon of the Seas cruises and get ready for the ultimate sports holiday.
How To Get Involved In Games On A Sports Cruise
The best way to get involved in sports games is to check the Cruise Planner and deck plan for sporting schedules, spaces and activities during your cruise. The Icon of the Seas Sports Court is an expansive area perched up high on Deck 17, with best-in-class amenities for top-notch sports tourism fun. The full-length, netted basketball court is a multi-use sports hub that hugs the ship's edge.
The remarkable views of the horizon are unmatched as you pick up a paddle for a round of pickleball, show off with a dunk or cheer on your family and friends from the bleachers as they step up to a soccer tournament. Best of all, most of the activities on the Sports Court are included with your fare. Here's a look at just some of the many Icon of the Seas things to do on the Sports Court.
Soccer
On a ship christened by Lionel Messi, one of the world's greatest soccer players, it should come as no surprise that soccer is a favorite activity on board. Open soccer play hours occur regularly on the Sports Court, making it easy to drop in on a pick-up game.
Throughout your sailing, there'll be a 4x4 soccer tournament — one for ages eight through 12 and one for adults. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tournament to register and join a team. The once-per-sailing kids' soccer crossbar challenge is a guest favorite as the young passengers show off their skills.
Subsoccer
Down a deck, right by Adrenaline Peak℠, the soccer competition heats up as it shrinks to a wacky-sized, one-of-a-kind seated game called Subsoccer. This bench soccer game finds you and your opponent seated at opposite sides of a clear table. Use your legs while seated to try and navigate a goal around the impeding legs of your rival. Don't miss the raucous fun of the once-per-sailing Subsoccer Tournament.
Pro tip: The Adidas Inter Miami Lionel Messi Royal Caribbean pink home jersey is the most stylish way to arrive at these soccer events. The jerseys are available in the ship's main store, next to The Pearl℠ on the Royal Promenade.
Pickleball
It's likely you or someone in your group is a fan of pickleball, the uber-popular racket sport that's part tennis, table tennis and badminton. It's hard not to be charmed by this delightful pastime that has made serious waves in the leisure sports world in recent years. Check your Royal app for the designated open play hours for pickleball. Then warm up for the ship's Ultimate Adult Pickleball Competition. There's no need to pack your pickleball equipment; the open play and competition provide a quality paddle and ball at no additional cost. Private pickleball lessons are also available for an additional fee.
Basketball
If pickleball isn't your thing, bring your A-game and get ready for the most scenic game of basketball you've ever experienced. The Icon of the Seas Sports Court is a full-size basketball court with two permanent baskets. Two basketball highlights on each cruise are the Basketball Free Throw Competition and the Hot Shots Competition. The latter is a can't-miss event for spectators at the Sports Court — guests show up to show off and always have the crowd cheering for more.
Volleyball
A few times per sailing, the Sports Court transforms into a full volleyball court, with open play hours that vary by sailing. There's also the occasional Under The Stars Adult Volleyball Competition, letting you enjoy the serene twilight hours as you bump, set and spike your way to glory.
Dodgeball
Once per sailing, dodgeball takes over the Sports Court for a night of rabble-rousing. Look for the Under The Stars Adult Dodgeball Competition that welcomes all adults to stake their claim as the king of the court.
Sports Challenges
The Icon Ultimate Sports Challenge is a fantastic activity for the whole family on board Icon of the Seas. The Sports Court becomes a recreational haven with a live DJ and test-your-skill stations. The stations on the court include ladderball, catcher's nets and a football throw. This is a great chance to enjoy the fresh sea breezes with a bit of friendly competition for everyone.
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How To Keep Fit On Board A Sports Cruise Ship
There are many ways to keep fit while sailing on Icon of the Seas. Beyond the competition of the Sports Court, the ship offers many fitness-focused activities for staying active and enhancing wellness while at sea.
Fitness Center
Spanning two decks, the Fitness Center is a wonder of high-tech, cutting-edge fitness equipment and facilities. This expansive area has all the finishes and features of a major sports club with remarkable ocean views that extend for miles. The Fitness Center has various free weights, stationary spin bikes, stair steppers and treadmills. After your workout, head to Vitality℠ Spa and enjoy relaxing and recovering in the sauna, whirlpool, steam room and thermal suites. Fitness Center waivers for minors ages 13 to 15 must be signed by their parent or guardian.
Fitness Classes and Personal Training
Stop by the Fitness Center on the first day of your cruise to meet the personal trainers available to discuss your fitness goals and how they can help throughout your sailing. Fitness classes included with your cruise fare range from a hopping dance fitness class, a morning stretch class and a challenging core-strengthening class. Fitness classes that require a fee and advanced registration include the Body Sculpt Boot Camp, Pure-Form Yoga and RYDE Indoor Cycling spin class.
Jogging Tracks
If you want to change it up from the treadmills at the Fitness Center, get your steps in on the ship's jogging track. The large loop wraps around the ship's perimeter on Deck 5, with excellent ocean views from the deck. One lap around the track is 2,197 feet, and a mile is about two and a half breezy laps. Drop by the Icon Run Club for a group run or join in on the Walk-A-Mile activity.
Rock Climbing
Bouldering lovers should head to Adrenaline Peak to scale the ship's two massive 35-foot rock climbing walls — or the 70-foot monster — for a full-body physical challenge at sea. Adrenaline Peak has six racing lanes with varying degrees of difficulty, from the most accessible for beginners to advanced scrambles for the ultimate rock climbing experience.
The reward for scaling up to the top is the incredible ocean view. There is no additional cost to climb Adrenaline Peak, and all equipment is free for ages six and older; just bring dry clothes and a pair of socks. Check the Royal app for specialty events at the crag, which include kids (ages six to 12) and adult speed climbs, bouldering sessions and Climbing Under the Stars nights.
Surf Simulator
For more refreshing activities, catch a wave on the incredibly entertaining FlowRider. This 40-foot-long surf simulator blasts 30,000 gallons of rushing water a minute right under your feet as you test your balance, either boogie boarding on your belly or surfing on your feet. The FlowRider is free, with designated sessions for mixed wave surfing, boogie boarding, self-assist surfing and advanced surfing. Work your way up to pro levels by opting in for private lessons.
Ice Skating
If you're looking to cool off after a day in the sun, Absolute Zero® is one of the best spots on the ship — and that's not just because it's a large ice rink. Practice your figure eights and glide with your friends and family in the beautiful circular ice arena. Ice skating and skate rentals are complimentary and require long pants and socks.
Sports Venues To Catch The Game
In addition to all the onboard fitness activities that Icon of the Seas offers, you'll find that a cruise is one of the best vacations for sports fans who don't want to miss a game. You might be in the middle of the ocean, but that doesn't mean you're off the grid when it comes to keeping up with your favorite sports teams.
Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade, with its walls of TVs, is the perfect place to watch the game on Icon the Seas. Here, you'll find a menu of innovative takes on bar food classics, including poke nachos, the buffalo chicken crunch roll, Jamaican jerk wings and a truffle burger — remember that menu items here are available a la carte. If you're feeling ambitious and have built up an appetite after you've played your heart out on the court, consider taking on the Playmakers Challenge. You'll have 45 minutes to eat 100 wings — if you complete it yourself, you get a coveted T-shirt!
Casino Royale® is also a great place to watch the big game. Screens adorn the walls by the card game tables, perfect for playing the upper hand while cheering on your team.
Set Sail For The Ultimate Sports Leisure Vacation
Packed with nonstop activities, cruises on the Icon of the Seas are the best vacations for sports fans. This floating sports complex and fitness retreat repackage the “sports holiday” into an awe-inspiring adventure. Between basketball showdowns at the Sports Court, catching a wave on the FlowRider or scaling Adrenaline Peak’s rock walls, there’s no shortage of ways to challenge yourself and have fun while doing it.
