Top Reasons to Cruise Icon of the Seas: Specialty Dining, Broadway Shows & Kids’ Clubs

When it comes to family vacations, bucket-list getaways, or that much-needed escape, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has completely changed the way we look at cruising. And the best part? Icon is already sailing now, with her sister ship, Star of the Seas, recently joining the fleet out of Port Canaveral. These ships are unlike anything else on the ocean. They may be massive, but the way they’re designed makes them incredibly easy to navigate. Unlike the Oasis Class ships, you’ll find multiple entrances and exits, and you don’t need to go up to go down in the Promenade—everything just feels central, seamless, and guest-friendly.

Specialty Dining That Will Wow Your Tastebuds

Foodies, rejoice—because Icon Class has some of the best included dining options at sea, along with specialty experiences that elevate every meal. Pearl Café and AquaDome Market are exclusive to Icon Class, and I couldn’t get enough of them (pro tip: don’t skip the crepes or the Monte Cristo—worth every bite). I love that there are so many more included dining options here compared to other ships, so you don’t feel like you’re paying extra every time you want to try something new. Of course, if you’re in the mood for hibachi, steak, sushi, or elevated seafood, the specialty restaurants deliver unforgettable meals, too.

Specialty Dining Restaurants on Icon of the Seas

Restaurant	Cuisine / Theme	What Makes It Special
Empire Supper Club	Upscale American / Tasting-menu	A very elevated, 8-course tasting experience. A sophisticated atmosphere in Central Park.
Celebration Table	American / Italian / Asian / Seafood – Prix-fixe, served family style	Private dining for about 12 people, pre-dinner lounge, custom menu & ambient customization.
Chops Grille	Steakhouse / Premium cuts	Signature steakhouse, with butcher display, premium cuts like wagyu, tomahawk, sides, desserts.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar	Italian	Family-style Italian, with wine bar. Pasta, antipasti, pizzas, classic Italian comfort + elevated touches.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi	Asian / Japanese (Sushi + Hibachi)	Tableside hibachi show + sushi-rolls and Japanese favorites.
Hooked Seafood	Seafood / New England-style	Fresh seafood, raw bar, New England coastal flavors.
Pier 7	Casual Coastal / Surfside neighborhood cuisine	More relaxed spot—tacos, shrimp tostadas, surf & turf, often used for brunch or dinner in Surfside neighborhood.

Entertainment That Rivals Broadway

Royal Caribbean is famous for raising the bar on cruise entertainment, and Icon takes it next-level. The AquaDome is an engineering marvel with jaw-dropping acrobatics, ice shows wow in the Absolute Zero arena, and the live music venues make every night feel fresh. Even better—Star of the Seas is debuting a Back to the Future show that I cannot wait to experience. The dedicated entertainment spaces on these ships are bigger, brighter, and built to truly immerse you in the action.

Show	Venue	What to Expect
Aqua Action!	AquaTheater (in the AquaDome)	A large-scale, high-energy production with high divers, aerialists, skateboarders, synchronized swimmers, slackliners, plus tech effects.
Pirates vs. Mermaids	AquaTheater	Family friendly, playful show mixing aquatic spectacle and fantasy themed performance.
The Wizard of Oz	Royal Theater	Royal Caribbean’s first staging of this classic, done with spectacle (sets, flying, live orchestra).
SHOWBAND! Live. Music. Now.	Royal Theater	A big-band style, showpiece musical/variety show with 16 musicians, high production values.
Starburst: Elemental Beauty	Absolute Zero (ice arena)	Ice cast performance interpreting elements (air, fire etc.), artistic and visually striking.
Once Upon a Time: The King’s Royal Ball	Absolute Zero / family-friendly shows	Geared for kids and families, a narrative performance with a royal / fairy-tale twist.

Timing and availability may vary by sailing, so always check the schedule when you're on board.

Kids’ Clubs and Family Fun

Families, prepare to fall in love with Icon Class. The Adventure Ocean kids’ program is already award-winning, and onboard Icon it feels even more engaging and fun for every age group. One of my favorite touches? The indoor splash area—perfect for younger kids and a great family hangout space no matter the weather. And then there’s Surfside. Think of it like the Boardwalk on Oasis Class, but so much more enhanced with shops, dining, bars, and tons of places to hang out. Best of all? Even with all the activity, it somehow never feels crowded—a huge win on a ship this size.

Program / Space	Age Group	Included in Fare?	Hours / When Open*	What Kids Will Do / What Makes It Special
Royal Babies & Tots / Nursery	~ 6 to 36 months	No — extra fee for drop-off	Typically reservations required; hours often 9am-midnight (varies by ship)	Toys, supervised play, naps, feeding, changing; good option for toddlers / infants who are too young for the regular kids club.
Adventure Ocean – Aquanauts (AO Juniors)	3-5 years (must be potty trained)	Yes (daytime / early evening)	Sea-day schedule often 9am-noon; 2-5pm; 7-10pm; closes for dinner / breaks. After 10pm there may be “Late Night Party Zone” with fee.	Games, crafts, storytelling, themed parties, activities led by youth staff. Interactive spaces, open play, creative expression.
Adventure Ocean – Explorers	~6-8 years	Included during normal hours	Same schedule as above; extended evening for some activities.	More structured games, science / discovery labs, interactive challenges, possibly theater / show participation.
Adventure Ocean – Voyagers / AO Kids	~9-11 or up to ~12 years depending on ship	Included during non-late-night hours	Similar sea-day schedule; evening programs; Late Night hours cost extra.	Competitive games, challenge events, possibly performances, tech / digital oriented fun; chances to choose among different activity zones.
Teen Lounge / Teen-Only Spaces	Approx 12-17 years	Yes (day use, included)	Teens spaces open later in day; more casual / self-hangout; nighttime may have teen-DJ or dance events.	Video games, board games, sports, areas to chill, socialize with peers, teen-appropriate events, maybe outdoor teen deck depending on the ship.
Late Night Party Zone	Generally ages 3-11 / AO Kids in children’s program	No — hourly fee per child after a certain time (after ~10pm)	After 10pm until ~1-2am depending on ship schedule	Children get to stay later, with more social / fun evening activities, parties, games under supervision. Useful if parents want late night adult time but still safe environment for kids.

* Hours & offerings can vary by sailing, itinerary, and how many kids are on board. Always check the specific cruise’s schedule once booked.

Gorgeous Staterooms

The staterooms on Icon are absolutely stunning—bright, modern, and thoughtfully designed. My only caveat? There aren’t multi-room suites like some of us are used to, and the only standard cabin that sleeps five is an Infinite Balcony, which comes with a higher price tag. It’s definitely something to keep in mind when planning your family’s accommodations. That said, the Suite Class experience more than makes up for it, with the best suite sun deck and lounge I’ve seen at sea.

Stateroom / Suite Type	Max Occupancy	Key Features / Highlights	Ideal For Whom
Ultimate Family Townhouse	8	3 levels; in-suite slide; wrap-around terrace; private patio; cinema room; direct access to the Surfside neighborhood.	Families wanting luxury, space, and wow factor (multi-gen or groups)
Royal Loft Suite	6	2-level layout; large terrace with Jacuzzi; wet bar; dining & living rooms; expansive outdoor space.	Those who want premium suite perks & extra space
Icon Loft Suite	4	Loft-style suite; two levels; large balcony; elevated views.	Couples or small families wanting more privacy and luxury
Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony	6	Alcove / bunk-room space for kids with TV; split bathroom (shower separate from toilet); “Infinite Balcony” (outdoor balcony + additional space when balcony opens).	Families who want to have good separation and comfort for both parents & kids
Spacious Infinite Balcony Room	~4	Larger living area; flexible space with balcony that can open up; great views, choice of ocean view or Central Park view.	Couples, small families or friends traveling together who want luxurious balcony experience
Surfside Family Suite	4	Includes kids’ room (or kids’ nook), split bathroom; views overlooking the Surfside neighborhood.	Families with young children who want to be close to the action & amenities of Surfside
Panoramic Suite	~3-4	Floor-to-ceiling glass windows; sweeping views from the AquaDome; luxury suite amenities.	Guests who care a lot about view and premium suite experience
Sunset Corner Suite / Sunset Suite	~4	Aft facing wraparound balconies in the corner; luxurious space; great for sunsets over the stern.	Couples or small groups seeking a dramatic view and a more unique vantage point
Junior Suite / Sunset Junior Suite	4	More space than a standard balcony; some improved amenities; entry-level suite-class perks depending on tier.	Travelers wanting a taste of suite luxury without going all-in on top-tier suites

*This list is does not include all stateroom categories offered onboard the Icon of the Seas

Iconic Spaces to Explore

One of the things I was most curious about was Central Park. On Oasis Class ships it has more of a garden vibe, but on Icon it’s reimagined to feel brighter and more colorful—and honestly, it fits the overall energy of the ship perfectly. It’s a space I found myself returning to again and again, whether to stroll, grab a coffee, or just soak in the atmosphere.

Neighborhood	Description
AquaDome	A stunning glass-enclosed space at the front of the ship featuring the AquaTheater with high divers, aerialists, robotics, and waterfall shows, plus restaurants, lounges, and panoramic ocean views.
Thrill Island	The heart of adventure, home to Category 6 (the largest waterpark at sea), the FlowRider surf simulator, Crown’s Edge ropes course, and other adrenaline-pumping attractions.
Surfside	A neighborhood designed just for families with young kids. Includes Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, Surfside Eatery, Pier 7, carousel, arcade, and family-friendly staterooms overlooking the action.
Chill Island	Pool-lover’s paradise with four of the ship’s seven pools, including the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar, Royal Bay (the largest pool at sea), and a variety of relaxing loungers and cabanas.
The Hideaway	An adults-only retreat with a beach club vibe, infinity pool suspended over the ocean, DJ music, and plenty of lounging space for relaxation and cocktails.
Royal Promenade	The vibrant hub of the ship featuring shops, bars, dining, and live music. Unlike earlier ships, this Promenade is open to the sea with natural light pouring in.
Central Park	A reimagined version of the Oasis Class favorite. It’s brighter and more colorful, lined with live plants, specialty dining, and upscale bars in an open-air setting.
Suite Neighborhood	A private, elevated area just for suite guests. Features an exclusive sun deck with plunge pool, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and the Grove sundeck lounge.

Why Book Icon of the Seas (or Star) Now?

If you’re looking for a vacation that’s clean, packed with things to do, and truly has something for everyone, Icon Class is it. These ships offer the perfect balance of thrills, relaxation, family fun, and elevated experiences. And remember, my services are always free—Royal Caribbean pays my commission, not you. That means you get concierge-level planning, insider tips, and someone to handle all the details at no extra cost.

Everyone needs to experience Icon Class at least once. Whether it’s sailing on Icon now or planning ahead for Star of the Seas, I’d love to help you find the perfect itinerary, stateroom, and pricing.

Reach out today and let’s make this unforgettable vacation a reality!