Royal Caribbean is setting out to change the name of the game in cruising. And they’re doing just that with the brand-spanking-new Icon of the Seas, officially the world’s largest cruise ship.
With 20 decks, the 250,800 gross-ton cruise ship has the capacity to carry 7,600 (!) guests—and there’s plenty to do, ensuring you never experience a single second of boredom. Long gone are the days of poolside shuffle board and stuffy formal nights, and instead, you’ll find thrilling activities and dazzling entertainment. Sure, you can spend your day splashing around the largest water park at sea or experience an aquatic show with death-defying stunts, but I had just one thing in mind on its inaugural sailing: the eats and sips.
Icon of the Seas houses an astonishing (and mind-bending) 40+ restaurants, bars and lounges, from global food halls to a multi-hour-long supper club. Can you hit them all on a week-long vacation to paradise? Armed with will (and an iron-clad stomach), I feasted upon much of the goodness that awaits to determine the very best food and drink aboard the world’s largest cruise ship.
Here are the best things I ate and drank aboard the world’s largest cruise ship: Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
Where: The Hideaway
What: Bloom & Botanical
Icon is all about doing things bigger, better and never done before. And so enters The Hideaway, an adults-only haven with the first-ever suspended infinity pool at sea. After you gawk at the inviting daybeds in the pool, you’ll want to head over to the cocktail lounge. Belly up to the bar and order a Bloom & Botanical, which combines Aviation gin with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, fresh juices and sparkling rosé. It was subtly sweet and boozy but above all, refreshing. I also loved the mint sugar rim that worked well with the balanced drink. And you’ll have quite the view to take in on a sea day as you relax 135 feet above the water.
Where: AquaDome Market
What: Build-Your-Own Bowls from FETA
On the Icon, Royal has introduced a new concept, the AquaDome Market. This food hall is actually several open-air kitchens in one and includes a crepe stand, a mac and cheese bar and my personal favorite, FETA. The Mediterranean spot is where I found myself coming back again and again for its build-your-bowls loaded with fresh ingredients, like tender chicken shawarma and housemade hot sauce. It instantly took me back to those tipsy nights in college when I’d grab a pita on the way home from the bar.
Where: Rye & Bean
What: On Tap-Espresso Martini
Tucked away in the corner of the AquaDome, you’ll find Rye & Bean. I made a beeline to this hidden gem for its simple menu of boozy cocktail concoctions. Its espresso martini offers the ultimate buzz on tap. It combines Ketel One Vodka with Kahlua, cold brew coffee and simple syrup for one of the best versions of the trendy cocktail I’ve had. It’s topped with a housemade non-dairy cold foam that I could eat by the boatload. Seriously, what do I have to do to get one of these machines in my home?
Where: Surfside Bites
What: Pizza Toastie
At Surfside Bites, a family-friendly grab-and-go spot, they’ve taken their now-famous pizza—the brand’s well-known Sorrento’s Pizza—and given it a twist. A slice of pizza is folded in half and then toasted. Did they reinvent the wheel? No, but it’s a delicious, no-fuss bite that you can grab quickly before jetting off to the water park.
Where: Surfside Eatery
What: Kid-Centric Buffet
Live out your inner childhood with a meal of yesteryear at Surfside Eatery, a kids-centric buffet open for lunch and dinner. Enjoy pizza and dinosaur nuggets before washing it down at a build-your-own-sundae bar.
Where: The Lemon Post
What: Bubbly Wobbly Lemonade
Described as a “Mommy and Me” bar (for real!), The Lemon Post is an entirely new concept for Royal. The idea is simple: Why should kids be the only ones having fun? Parents can order a liquored-up cocktail while kids can select from a rather robust mocktail menu that goes far behind the Shirley Temple. The Bubbly Wubbly Lemonade is a sugary concoction that refreshes with banana puree, peach syrup, club soda and house-made lemonade. It’s not overly sweet—a welcomed surprise—and I have to appreciate the fact that non-drinkers aren’t an afterthought on board.
Where: Pearl Café
What: Oreo Cupcake
On the Icon, Royal introduced a new concept, the Pearl Café, a 24-hour grab-and-go venue dishing out coffee drinks, fresh salads, snacks and, more importantly, desserts. The desserts were the real star of the show, with an Oreo cupcake standing out as one of the best bites I had while sailing.
Where: Hooked
What: Oysters on the Half Shell
While much of the food onboard is included with the price of a cruise, Royal does offer a number of specialty restaurants for an added cost. Hooked, Royal’s signature seafood restaurant, delivers spectacular fresh seafood in a setting reminiscent of a cozy New England eatery. The oysters on the half shell were a particular standout, offering just the right amount of brine that paired perfectly with the accompanying tart and punchy black cherry mignonette.
Where: Swim & Tonic
What: Bae at the Beach
At Swim & Tonic, you won’t have to choose between swim time or a buzz. Royal’s first-ever swim-up bar is serving up a refreshing cocktail menu with a focus on lower-proof cocktails, allowing you to mindfully imbibe all day. Bae at the Beach is playful in its name and execution. Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose vodka is combined with Munyon’s Paw-Paw premium Florida liqueur, lemon and grapefruit juices, simple syrup and Q sparkling grapefruit for a poolside symphony of flavors. The botanical-forward cocktail is the perfect match for day drinking under the blazing Caribbean sun (and you’ll still make it to dinner afterwards).
Where: Boleros Latin Club
What: Hemingway Daiquiri and Fiestas Patrias
Boleros Latin Club is a vibey, lively music club and bar that’s easily one of the most immersive and beautiful settings on board. Enjoy a live four-piece band playing as you sip on expertly crafted drinks with Cuban flair in a tropical setting. You really can’t go wrong with any of the cocktails, but I was particularly wowed by a classic interpretation of a Hemingway Daiquiri and the Fiestas Patrias. Fresh watermelon juice was the perfect match for booze-forward Illegal Joven mezcal.