The Top Things To Do Onboard Icon Of The Seas

This larger-than-life cruise ship offers endless onboard activities to fill all your sea days

By Amanda Mesa | Published on February 16, 2024

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.

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’s home to seven pools — one for every day of the week. Six adrenaline-amping waterslides. The cruise line’s biggest ice arena ever. And even 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. And because there are so many onboard activities, attractions and experiences to look forward to, here’s a useful guide to some of the ones I’ve shortlisted for my own Icon of the Seas escape.

1. Feel Your Adrenaline Spike At Crowns Edge℠

One of the onboard attractions I’m most looking forward to on Icon of the Seas is Crown’s Edge. 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, but so is the surge of adrenaline you’ll feel when the floor beneath your feet suddenly gives way and you’re left dangling 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 an exciting alternative if you’re not ready to conquer Crown’s Edge yourself.

2. Chase Watery Thrills At Category 6 Waterpark

I love cruise ships with waterslides, and Icon of the Seas does not disappoint. The ship is home to an entire waterpark with record-breaking slides you can ride solo or with buddies. There’s Storm Surge, the first suspended family raft slide at sea. Pressure Drop, a near-vertical slide that’s also the first open free-fall slide at sea. Hurricane Hunter, another family raft thriller with a drop when you least expect it. And those are just three of the exhilarating experiences that await at Category 6 Waterpark.

3. Raise A Glass To Drinks That Raise The Bar At Swim & Tonic℠

I love a good poolside bar, so I’m stoked that Icon of the Seas boasts the largest swim-up bar at sea and the first in the cruise line’s entire fleet. Called Swim & Tonic, this lively spot will be your go-to for tasty tropical libations, ice-cold brews, a variety of wines and all your other favorite pool-day refreshments. As you sip your preferred drinks, you can jam out to the sounds of the bar’s resident DJ.

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 is the first to debut the Aquadome, 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℠

One of the top free things to do onboard Icon of the Seas is to catch one of the jaw-dropping ice-skating shows at Absolute Zero, the biggest ice arena on any Royal Caribbean ship. Every show here is made possible thanks to an all-star cast of world-class figure skaters who perform perfect spins and jumps against a cutting-edge, digitally mapped backdrop. These are not your run-of-the-mill ice-skating show — they’re multi-sensory spectaculars you’ll want to rewatch again and again.

6. Soak Up The Sunshine At Royal Bay℠

Royal Bay is yet another record-breaking space onboard Icon of the Seas, and I’m here for it. With over 40,000 gallons of water, it’s the biggest pool at sea — and where I’ll be during the better part of all my sea days. Royal Bay is well-equipped with plenty of in-water loungers and on-deck chaises so you can claim your own slice of poolside paradise without having to wake up at the crack of dawn to beat the rush. It 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, but those aren’t the only thrills I’m looking forward to onboard 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 steps up this fan-favorite activity in a major way. The new ship has introduced Adrenaline Peak, 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

The FlowRider surf simulator is a longtime classic, and it’s only gotten better with time. One of my favorite cruise activities, this complimentary onboard attraction channels 30,000 gallons of rushing water to conjure up epic swells all day, every day. You can try to tame the tide upright or tackle them boogie-style on your belly (my personal favorite).

9. Sing Along To Iconic Ballads At Dueling Pianos℠

Everyone loves a great piano bar, especially when you’re on vacation. Enter Dueling Pianos, another Royal Caribbean first you’ll find onboard Icon of the Seas. This all-new nightspot sets the stage for whirlwind piano performances by master pianists, spanning a wide and diverse catalog of iconic tunes you won’t be able to resist singing along to.

10. JIVE ALL NIGHT AT LOU’S JAZZ ‘N BLUES℠

My husband and I love a great jazz bar, so we’re both super excited to visit Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues onboard 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 onboard experiences I’m most looking forward to onboard Icon of the Seas. While there are a slew of restaurants, bars, pools and activities I didn’t cover, do not let that keep you from exploring even more things to do on Icon of the Seas. If you’ve learned all you need to and are ready to lock in your escape, check out all the best itineraries now available to book onboard this incredible cruise ship.