A man knelt and kissed the carpet with the ship’s logo. Another picked up his wife and turned her around. He was thrilled to be among the approximately 5,000 passengers embarking on the maiden voyage of the world’s largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas.
The 250,800-ton ship, which can carry nearly 8,000 people, has been making headlines for months – with some also criticizing its size and potential to harm the environment. But the passengers, who saved $1,800 to $100,000 and boarded the ship at Port Miami, Florida, on Jan. 27, said nothing could have prepared them for the ship’s sheer size.
“It’s breathtaking,” said Christina Carvalho, a 43-year-old accountant from Oakland, California, as she stood on the ship’s Royal Promenade and viewed “The Pearl,” a gigantic kinetic art installation. “It feels even bigger than I expected.”
While Royal Caribbean has equipped the ship with all the amenities to create “the ultimate family vacation,” the company’s design team has tried to defy negative stereotypes like crowded decks and long lines. Instead of steel walls, the interior is open and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows to bring passengers closer to the water and make the central thoroughfare feel less like a mall.
“Over the years, our customers have told us that despite being by the sea, they didn’t feel connected to the sea. “That’s why we wanted to bring water everywhere with Icon,” said Jennifer Goswami, head of product development at Royal Caribbean International.
I spent five days aboard the Icon of the Seas on her seven-day maiden voyage to the Eastern Caribbean. Here are some of my findings:
embarkation
Embarkation begins via the Royal Caribbean app. After a few glitches, it took me 10 minutes to scan identification documents, fill out a health form and choose a time to board.
On the day of the crossing, I headed to Port Miami expecting chaos, but when I got out of the taxi I was greeted by a porter who took my bag and escorted me to the terminal. I scanned my app, showed my passport, and went through security in less than 10 minutes. I stood there waiting to see if anyone else was feeling as well as I was, but there was just a steady stream of passengers climbing the gangway.
Space
The ship has the feel of a city with eight different “neighborhoods”. My favorite, Central Park, was filled with 20,000 species of plants; It was the perfect place to stroll or read on a bench. The Royal Promenade, with its karaoke and piano bar, can be crowded and noisy at peak times.
The seven swimming pools are designed to suit different moods and demographics: The Hideaway is an adults-only infinity pool with DJ sets and cocktails; Another adult pool has an adjacent children’s wading pool. There were plenty of empty lounge chairs throughout the ship for sunbathers.
On our first day at sea, I was so surprised by the relative absence of crowds that I walked around the ship trying to find them. But with so many venues, including 40 restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, passengers were constantly on the go.
One afternoon I was looking for a quiet spot and found the Aquadome, a quiet lounge area with wraparound windows. Fellow travelers took a nap there.
Entertainment and activities
From a sunrise surf simulator lesson to late-night dancing in the nightclub, the ship seems to offer something for everyone, most of it free. The water park with six slides was a big draw. One ride, the Crown’s Edge, isn’t free: Starting at $49, you’ll be flung (in a harness) over the sea, leaving you dangling.
There is a fitness center, jogging track, basketball and soccer court, putt-putt court, pickleball, rock climbing and dancing. A wellness center and spa offers treatments at an additional cost. Everything can be reserved via the app; For popular attractions like Crown’s Edge, it’s helpful to book in advance as spots fill up quickly.
As for the evening’s entertainment, “Aqua Action” was a highlight, with aquatic entertainers performing under a 55-foot waterfall, as was the comedy club.
Not surprisingly, some passengers felt over-programmed. “There’s almost too much to do,” said Nancy Carter, 54, a nurse from Brighton, England. “It’s hard to plan your day, and even when you’re busy doing something, you feel like you’re missing out on something else.”
Family
The Surfside neighborhood has pools and restaurants for adults and children so families can spend time together. For parents who want some alone time, Adventure Ocean childcare facility offers play areas and programs for children ages 6 months to 12 years, included in the fare.
There is also a social center for teenagers with games and music. “It’s a great place to meet new people and make friends,” said Madison Foxx, 14, of Morrisville, NC. Her mother, Ashley, a 38-year-old federal prosecutor, said the ship entertained her two children and gave her both alone time and quality family time.
“I can relax and the kids are happy and busy all day,” she said. “Then we will experience many special moments together.”
Eat
One of the biggest surprises was the wide selection of restaurants.
The Windjammer Café and main dining room were the busiest all-inclusive offerings. My daily stop was the Aquadome food hall with made-to-order crepes and a Greek food stand. Another favorite of mine was Pier 7, a restaurant in Surfside that served raw tuna Buddha bowls, mango lime shrimp tostadas, and other dishes.
Meals at specialty restaurants like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Hooked Seafood are available at an additional cost or included in some food and drink packages, which range from $9.99 to $115 per day. Reservations are recommended.
The Empire Supper Club offers an eight-course menu with cocktails. The $200 tasting menu included Wagyu rib eye, rabbit and sea bass garnished with parsnips and beetroot.
Cabins
Cabin prices — which have recently increased due to high demand — range from $2,699 per person for an indoor cabin to over $100,000 for a three-story townhouse with an indoor slide and backyard. Some family accommodations have interconnecting rooms and large terraces.
Although my ocean view room was only 204 square feet, it didn’t feel cramped thanks to the minimalist design and view.
Environment
Royal Caribbean says it has set a new standard for sustainability with this ship, including by installing advanced water treatment and waste systems. But some environmental groups say building a ship of this size is inconsistent with the cruise industry’s long-term sustainability goals.
Onboard, I saw staff sifting through the trash to retrieve misplaced items for recycling, and there seemed to be hardly any single-use plastic; Passengers were given reusable cups at drinking stations.
I was surprised that the water slides continued to operate even after they were closed to passengers. It seemed like an unnecessary waste of energy. (Royal Caribbean did not respond to a request for comment.)
The passengers I spoke to didn’t seem too worried about the ship’s potential to harm the environment. Some argued that land and air travel are also not climate friendly.
trips
Our seven-day itinerary began with two days at sea. The first stop on the fourth day was in Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis. Excursions ranged from a hike up Mount Liamuiga to a food and rum tour, with prices ranging from $39 to $249. I opted for a sailing and snorkeling excursion ($155) and enjoyed the secluded bay, but the beach was crowded and touristy.
A highly anticipated excursion for Ms. Foxx, the federal prosecutor and others was Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. When I inquired about her visit – I called later because I had to get out before the trip – Ms. Foxx said her children loved the slides and snorkeling.
And would she sail the Icon of the Seas again?
“Yes, but I could wait a little longer,” she replied. “I want everyone to have the chance to try it out.”
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2024-02-09 10:03:45
www.nytimes.com
