A man knelt down and kissed the rug bearing the ship’s logo.
Another picked up his wife and spun her around, excited to be among the nearly 5,000 passengers who will embark on the maiden voyage of the world’s largest cruise ship, theIcon of the Seas.
For months, the 250,800-ton ship, which can carry nearly 8,000 people, has been making headlines, with some criticizing its size and environmental impact. But passengers who paid between US$1,800 and US$100,000 to board the ship in Port Miami, Florida, on January 27 said nothing could have prepared them for the immensity of the vessel.
“It’s amazing,” exclaimed Christina Carvalho, a 43-year-old accountant from Oakland, Calif., as she stood on the ship’s Royal Promenade, staring The Pearl, a gigantic kinetic art installation. “It’s even bigger than I expected. »
While Royal Caribbean loaded the ship with amenities to create “the best family vacation,” the company’s design team tried to defy negative stereotypes such as 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 not feel like a shopping mall.
“Over the years, our guests have told us that they don’t feel connected to the ocean, even though they are on the water. With l’iconso we wanted to bring water everywhere,” said Jennifer Goswami, director of product development for Royal Caribbean International.
I spent five days aboard theIcon of the Seas on its seven-night maiden voyage to the Eastern Caribbean. Here are some of my impressions.
Boarding
Boarding begins with the Royal Caribbean app. After a few glitches, it took me 10 minutes to scan ID documents, fill out a health form and choose a time slot for boarding.
On the day of departure, I drove to the Port of Miami expecting chaos, but upon exiting the taxi, I was greeted by a porter who took my bag and took me to the terminal. I scanned my application, showed my passport and went through security in less than 10 minutes. I lingered, waiting to see if anyone else had had an experience as easy as mine, but there was only a steady stream of passengers coming up the gangway.
Space
The ship looks like a city, with eight distinct “neighborhoods.” My favorite, Central Park, was filled with 20,000 species of plants; it was the perfect place to take a walk or read on a bench. The Royal Promenade, with its karaoke and piano bar, can be crowded and noisy at peak times.
The seven pools are designed to meet different needs: the Hideaway is an adults-only infinity pool, with DJs and cocktails; another swimming pool for adults is adjacent to a children’s paddling pool. Empty lounge chairs were plentiful for sunbathers throughout the ship.
On our first day at sea, I was so surprised by the relative lack of crowds that I wandered around the ship trying to find them.
But with so many venues, including 40 restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces, passengers were constantly moving.
Looking for a quiet place one afternoon, I found the Aquadome, a peaceful relaxation space with wraparound windows. Other passengers were taking a nap there.
Entertainment and activities
From the sunrise surf simulator lesson to late night dancing in the nightclub, the ship seems to offer something for everyone, mostly for free. The water park, with its six slides, attracted a lot of attention. One attraction, Crown’s Edge, isn’t free: starting at US$49, it throws you (in a harness) above the sea and leaves you panting.
There is a fitness center, jogging track, basketball and soccer field, mini golf course, pickleball, rock climbing and dancing. A wellness center and spa offer treatments for a fee. Everything can be booked on the app; For popular attractions like Crown’s Edge, it pays to book in advance as places fill up quickly.
Family
In the Surfside neighborhood, there are swimming pools and restaurants for adults and children so families can spend time together. For parents who want some privacy, Adventure Ocean Daycare has play areas and programs for children ages 6 months to 12 years, included in the rate.
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, from Morrisville, North Carolina. His mother, Ashley, a 38-year-old federal prosecutor, said the ship kept her two children entertained and provided both solitude and quality family time.
“I can relax and the kids are happy and busy all day,” she says. Then we spend special moments together. »
The food
One of the biggest surprises was the range of dining choices. The Windjammer Cafe and Main Dining Room were the busiest all-inclusive options. I went every day to the Aquadome, where you can find crepes made to order and a Greek cuisine kiosk. Another favorite haunt of mine was Pier 7, a restaurant in Surfside that served raw tuna Buddha bowls, mango-lime shrimp tostadas, and other dishes.
Cabins
Prices for the cabins – which have recently increased due to high demand – range from US$2,699 per person for an interior cabin to more than US$100,000 for a three-story cabin with an indoor slide and garden. Some family accommodations have connecting rooms and large terraces.
Although it’s only 204 square feet, my ocean balcony room didn’t feel cramped thanks to its minimalist design and the view it offered.
Environment
Royal Caribbean says it has set a new standard in sustainability with this ship, including installing advanced water and waste treatment systems. But some environmental groups say building a ship of this size is not compatible with the cruise industry’s long-term sustainability goals.
Excursions
Our seven-night itinerary began with two days at sea. The first stop was on the fourth day in Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Excursions ranged from a Mount Liamuiga hike to a food tour, with prices ranging from US$39 to US$249. I chose a sailing and snorkeling tour ($155 USD) and enjoyed the secluded bay, but the beach was crowded and touristy.
This article was originally published in the New York Times.
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