In October 2024, I had the remarkable privilege of sailing aboard the Icon of the Seas, and it truly exceeded every expectation. Its sheer scale is magnificent—an architectural wonder that perfectly complements my love of the ocean and tropical locales. With an extraordinary variety of dining venues and an abundance of activities, there was never a dull moment on board. While the ship is wonderfully family-friendly, it also offers serene adults-only spaces for those seeking a quiet escape. The entertainment was exceptional, with Broadway-quality shows that left me in awe. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave, and if I were to win the lottery, I could easily see myself living aboard for months at a time—without ever exhausting the list of things to do. I wholeheartedly recommend this cruise to all my clients.

Icon of the Seas is a masterwork of thoughtful design. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the layout to the décor. Though the ship’s scale can feel overwhelming at first, exploring its many levels quickly becomes an adventure in itself. Upon boarding, the striking “pearl” centerpiece on the main promenade immediately captures your attention and sets the tone for the voyage. We spent our first few hours simply wandering, eager to discover all the ship had to offer. At the buffet, we were impressed by the expansive selection—especially the lavish seafood spread on embarkation day, perfect for shrimp and lobster lovers. And as a delightful bonus, the ship even has a resident Golden Retriever named Rover!

At 1 p.m., we collected our hand luggage and made our way to our stateroom. I was genuinely delighted: it offered ample space, an incredibly comfortable bed, and a generously sized bathroom with plenty of storage, making unpacking easy. Our extended balcony was another highlight, providing gorgeous views and extra room to relax. To our surprise and delight, we even received a complimentary upgrade after booking a GTY fare—a lucky break! We kicked off our first day with the lively sail-away party before continuing to explore, and I quickly fell in love with the walking track, which became a favorite spot after our many indulgent meals.

Dining aboard the ship was a true pleasure. We chose the main dining room most evenings, where the service was nothing short of exceptional. The staff were warm, attentive, and quickly learned our preferences, making every meal feel personal and special. The food itself was consistently delicious, and the entire experience was memorable from start to finish.

For my birthday, we celebrated with a special dinner at Chops, the ship’s signature steakhouse. I ordered the New York Strip, which was quite simply the best steak I’ve ever had. The service was impeccable, and the evening was unforgettable. I can’t recommend Chops highly enough—it’s a must for any steak lover.

Our itinerary included calls at Sint Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at Coco Cay, each offering its own unique charm. As an aviation enthusiast, the highlight in Sint Maarten was undoubtedly Maho Beach, where I watched planes take off and land just overhead. We enjoyed lunch at Sunset Beach Bar at SXM with fantastic food and drinks, and were lucky enough to snag a runway-facing table—a dream come true. We spent time on the beach watching landings, and I was thrilled to spot the Air France A340. Later, we relaxed in style at The Morgan Resort, renting a cabana by the pool with breathtaking ocean views.

St. Thomas was equally delightful. We took a taxi to the Skyride to Paradise Point, where the views were simply spectacular, including a perfect sightline to our ship. The food was excellent, and the drinks were outstanding. Despite being my third visit, Paradise Point continues to be a must-do.

Coco Cay was another standout. We chose the adults-only pool area, complete with a swim-up bar and plush loungers. The bartenders kept the cocktails coming, and the atmosphere was wonderfully laid-back. On the way back to the ship, I even took a nap in a hammock near the pier, enjoying a peaceful moment in paradise—a perfect end to the day.

Back on board, the entertainment was a true highlight. We saw a production of The Wizard of Oz, which was genuinely impressive, as well as Absolute Zero, the ship’s ice-skating show—yes, there’s an ice rink on board! The skill and dedication of the performers were evident in every detail, and each show was a delight.

On our final evening, we attended the comedy show, which was the perfect send-off. The comedians were excellent, and I laughed so hard my sides hurt.

Disembarkation in Miami was seamless and efficient. Both boarding and leaving the ship were smooth, with no waits or hassles—just one more way the entire experience was elevated.

Parting ways with the Icon of the Seas was truly bittersweet. The crew had taken such wonderful care of us, and it was hard to say goodbye. This is a world-class ship offering something for everyone—a perfect vacation choice for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. I highly recommend it.

Hockcloud Travel creates unforgettable, curated experiences by designing personalized journeys tailored to your needs. We handle every detail of your itinerary so you can travel “without worry” and enjoy complete peace of mind.

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