EXPLORE WONDER TRAVEL CO

In full transparency, I did not expect to enjoy the ship, but I talked my husband into it for research purposes for work. For my personal travel, I have previously prioritized ports and tend to pick smaller ships. There were so many things that the Icon of the Seas does exceptionally well that I am planning another cruise.

For a cruise to have such rainy and cool weather there was so much to see, do and explore on the ship that the weather did not tampen our trip at all. In fact, our first port was Roatan when it was torential rain at some points, Cozumel was thunder and lightening (we didn’t get off but were told you had to sign a waiver if you wanted to leave), and the Perfect Day at CocoCay was cancelled due to a Gale Warning. 

Food

We tried to take advantage of the multiple dining options, some included in the regular fare and others were included with our dining package or an additional charge. While certainly not necessary, we were pleased that we tried their dining package. This is not all of the dining options available but I did eat at each of these at least once. Although not all offer many plant-based options, some would get the main dish from an alternative restaurant. For example, Chops Grill (a steakhouse), was able to prepare sides for me but my main dish was from Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. 

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer
• Aquadome Market
• Park Cafe
• Basecamp
• El Loco Fresh
• Celebration Table/Chef’s Table*- a highlight of the trip!
• Chops Grill*
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar*
• Izumi Hibachi and Sushi*
• Hooked Seafood*
• Playmakers*
• Pier 7*
  * indicates that it is a part of the dining package. Chef’s Table was an additional USD $50 per person with the dining package, otherwise, it is about USD $120 per person. It includes 5 courses with 5 accompanying wines, plus a welcoming alcoholic drink, and a dessert cocktail. 

Activities & Shows

I don’t think you will run out of things to do on the ship. Between entertaining shows, trivia, and activities, there was always something to see or do. Here are a few of the things we did:Adrenaline Peak – climbing wall with varying degrees of difficulty. Category 6 Waterpark – largest waterpark at sea Mini Golf – “Lost Dunes” nine-hole miniature golf course Escape Room (additional fee) – as a group of 4, we were paired with another larger group and we had to work together. My group started in 1 room, and the other group was in another and then you solved clues to be able to go through the spaces. While we had fun and we did solve the puzzle in time, I wouldn’t highly recommend this. Aqua Action! at AquadomeWizard of Oz Broadway Show with the largest orchestra at seaAbsolute Zero – biggest ice arena at sea. Dueling PianosThermal Suites at the Spa

The Room: Ocean View Balcony

I have never been in such a well-thought-out room (either hotel or cruise). While it is smaller than other rooms I’ve been in, it was by far my favourite. We were in a Guarantee Ocean View Balcony, which means that we did not get to pick our stateroom – we were assigned 7726. Which is the Starboard & Aft. When you walked into our room you had the bathroom to one side, then a desk and sofa area with closet, and the bed near to the verandah. Other rooms are the opposite in the desk and sofa near the verandah and the bed closer. I preferred our layout, but otherwise, they were identical.

Some of my favourite things are the

• automatic light system – push a button for daytime, or nighttime. At time it would gently lower the lights and then go off. Also, the bathroom light would be on (but felt dimmed), so didn’t have to try to find the light at night
• The bathroom door magnetically shutting verses turning a door handle – it was so quite so didn’t ever pop back open
• The shower door hinge – they were able to utilize the space with this one decision
• Desk layout and storage – great combination of depths of drawersnumber of hooks in the bathroom, by the front door and within the closet. 

Highlights:

• Chef’s Table at Hooked restaurant: This was an absolute highlight of the entire trip. The attention and care by our server and the chef was incredible
• Room Design 10/10
• Overall Ship Design – so many gorgeous spaces, including the Pearl and Central Park.