At the end of last month, I accepted an invitation to experience a day aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Famous for being the largest cruise ship in the world, Icon can carry over 5,500 passengers, it’s nearly 1,200 feet long, 159 feet wide, and it debuted the Ultimate Family Townhouse Suite, a 3-story suite that sleeps up to 8 and includes state-of-the-art interactive features. Icon sails out of Miami on 7-night sailings alternating between an itinerary with stops in Honduras, Mexico, and another itinerary with stops in St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Thomas. Both itineraries spend a day at CoCoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
Despite its gargantuan size, you never feel like you’re on board a giant ship. Thoughtfully designed, the ship features different neighborhoods, creating a more intimate environment for its passengers. No one could ever complain of boredom with water slides, mini golf, ice skating, an arcade, swimming pools, a rock-climbing wall, a basketball court, a bowling alley, an escape room, Broadway-themed shows, a high-diving show, fitness classes, a spa, a surf simulator, a splash park, a Jazz club, a dueling piano bar, casino, live music hall, and more.
I was able to tour different categories of staterooms in different locations on the ship, as well as walk through most of the public areas on board. Experiencing these ships firsthand is essential when advising my clients, particularly regarding staterooms. How spacious are they in person? Is the room configuration practical for my clients? Will that pullout sleep 2 children comfortably? What is the view like and the balcony size? What about its location on the ship? Would it be favorable or not for my clients? Would they appreciate its distance from the main attractions or bemoan the long walk? These qualifiers are nearly impossible to evaluate without experiencing cruise ships in person.
The cruise industry is experiencing a surge post-pandemic. Cruises are a great solution for multi-generational families and group trips. The inclusive nature of a cruise eases the headaches that naturally occur with trip planning, and they happen to be a great value when compared to the all-in cost of a land-based vacation.
If you’re interested in taking a cruise soon, please keep Sunkissed Bliss Travel in mind for your planning needs. Not only will you benefit from our expertise, but you’ll receive exemplary customer service and additional perks and amenities when you book through us.
