We’ve not too long ago sailed aboard one other cruise ship. However this time, it’s not simply every other cruise ship. That is the Icon of the Seas. It’s the most important, boldest, and probably most further ship Royal Caribbean has ever constructed. On this article, we’ll share with you your entire expertise, together with the journey necessities, verify in course of, boarding process, shore excursions, and the way a lot this prices.

TPTKLOOK5
BlogDisclaimer

Welcome to the most important cruise ship on the planet!

That is Royal Caribbean’s most bold creation but. It’s not only a floating resort — it’s a floating metropolis! It’s a resort, amusement park, waterpark, and shopping center, all rolled into one huge, jaw-dropping buoyant tropical paradise!


WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding the Icon of the Seas

When Royal Caribbean says Icon, they imply it. Formally debuting in early 2024, this mega-ship didn’t simply break information — it smashed them with a piña colada in hand.

That is the world’s largest cruise ship, measuring a jaw-dropping 365 meters lengthy and weighing over 250,000 gross tons. It has seven swimming pools, together with the most important one at sea and this suspended infinity pool. It additionally hosts the most important waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking waterslides. We’ll focus on these options deeper later.

However this isn’t nearly dimension. The ship introduces Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Icon Class, which took over seven years of planning and constructing. Development started in 2021 on the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, and the hype machine by no means stopped rolling. Actually, when bookings opened, Icon of the Seas reportedly had the one greatest reserving day in Royal Caribbean’s historical past. Individuals have been that prepared.

At the moment, this iconic ship sails largely within the Caribbean, normally for seven (7) nights. In our case, our stops or ports of name have been Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras, and Excellent Day at CocoCay within the Bahamas. All sailings depart from Miami. And sure, we needed to fly to Miami to expertise it. So which means, if you wish to expertise it, you’re going to want a US visa, amongst others. The subsequent part offers a listing of among the issues you have to put together.


Visa & Different Necessities

As of writing and through our journey, the Icon of the Seas’ homeport is Miami, the busiest cruise port on the planet. So, for many nationalities like us Filipinos, the very first thing you need to work on is a US visa. There’s simply no different manner round it. Now we have a separate step-by-step information on the right way to get a US visa right here within the Philippines, which you’ll learn right here: US Visa Utility for Filipinos. However spoiler alert, you’re gonna have to schedule two appointments, one for biometrics assortment and the opposite for the precise interview.

US Visa Application Process BlogUS Visa Application Process Blog

Your US visa should be multiple-entry or good for at the very least two entries since you’ll be getting into the US twice. First, if you fly in to make it to Miami, and the opposite when the ship returns.

It’s extremely probably {that a} US visa is the one visa you’re gonna want. In our case, we might be visiting three different international locations: Mexico, Honduras, and the Bahamas.

Each Mexico and Honduras don’t require a visa when you’re holding a sound US visa. The Bahamas is kind of complicated as a result of I couldn’t get details about whether or not or not an e-Visa is required for cruise-ship passengers. On-line sources say it’s required for Philippine-passport holders, however based on Royal Caribbean Philippines, there is no such thing as a want for it.

In actuality, in our expertise, we weren’t requested for it at any level of our journey. On the Port of Miami, they solely checked our US visa and made positive it was legitimate. And in different ports of name, there have been no Immigration or visa checks AT ALL. You simply get off the ship and off you go.

Issues to Put together Earlier than the Cruise

Listed here are the opposite stuff you may want to organize previous to your crusing:

  • US visa
  • Royal Caribbean app, which might be very helpful for on-line check-in and on board the ship
  • Bank card, which is required when utilizing the app
  • USD money, for tipping porters and tour guides, and as backup simply in case you run into issues along with your bank card (which occurs extra typically than you assume)
  • Baggage tags, which must be despatched to you by e mail after reserving. It’s normally within the final pages of the e-docs. Print them out, fill them out along with your particulars, and fasten them to the deal with of your check-in bag.

Prohibited Gadgets

Now, let’s discuss prohibited gadgets.

Royal Caribbean Prohibited ItemsRoyal Caribbean Prohibited Items

  • After all, firearms, explosives, flammable gadgets, sharp gadgets or instruments, unlawful medication, and different harmful substances are NOT allowed on board.
  • Adapters for plugs and USB chargers are okay, however multi-plug shops, extension cords, and energy strips aren’t. Samsung Galaxy Be aware 7 is just not allowed both.
  • And for alcohol, every visitor of authorized consuming age might convey one (1) sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne, however beer, spirits, and different exhausting liquor aren’t allowed.
  • There are additionally sure restrictions per nation that you have to be conscious of. For instance, when you’re crusing to Barbados, camouflage clothes and different army attire aren’t allowed.

On-line Verify In

Earlier than your cruise date, you have to verify in on-line both by way of the Royal Caribbean web site or the official cell app. Both manner, there might be three primary steps:

Royal Caribbean Online Check InRoyal Caribbean Online Check In
On-line verify in by way of Royal Caribbean app.
  1. Full your journey data. For this primary step, you’ll scan or add the next: copy of your passport and your latest picture. You’ll additionally want to offer your private information together with your tackle within the Philippines, the tackle of your host or resort within the US after the cruise, your emergency contact particulars, and bank card particulars.
  2. Choose an arrival time. In our case, there have been solely two decisions: 1:30 PM and a pair of:00 PM. We selected the latter choice to be protected. After this second step, you’ll be introduced with a web based SetSail Cross, which accommodates a barcode and all crucial details about your crusing, together with your reservation quantity, deck quantity, stateroom quantity, and your assigned muster quantity, which I’ll clarify in a bit.
  3. Submit well being declaration kind. For the ultimate step, you’re gonna have to attend till the day earlier than the crusing date to finish it. We tried doing it a lot earlier, but it surely solely turned obtainable the day earlier than.

Attending to Miami Cruise Port

On the Port of Miami, the Icon of the Seas normally, if not at all times, makes use of Cruise Terminal A.

Icon of the Seas Miami PortIcon of the Seas Miami Port

As a result of there are not any direct flights from Manila to Miami, we needed to join in one other US Metropolis. The Miami Airport is positioned roughly 10 miles from the cruise port. And it’s fully attainable to take public transportation when you’re watching your spending.

However it’ll at all times contain a switch and most probably a 17- to 20-minute stroll from the final bus cease to the terminal constructing, which may be fairly difficult when you’ve got a whole lot of baggage in tow. I’m assuming you’ll as a result of we’re speaking a couple of 7-night cruise right here.

So actually, probably the most handy manner is by taxi, Lyft, or Uber, particularly when you’re a bunch. We opted with Uber, and it price us USD 29 (roughly PHP 1660). However a daily UberX can go as little as USD 23 to as excessive as USD 35.


Verify-in & Boarding Course of

Right here’s the embarkation course of on the day of the cruise:

Upon arrival at Cruise Terminal A, you’ll be dropped off at a chosen space on the precise terminal constructing.

Icon of the Seas Bag Drop MiamiIcon of the Seas Bag Drop Miami

  1. Search for the bag drop space. You’ll be greeted by porters who will care for your check-in baggage for you. Ideally, you need to have already got the baggage tags connected to your baggage. However when you failed to take action, don’t fear, the porters normally have further copies with them. Be aware that porters normally ask for ideas, so be sure you have money in small denominations. The same old tip is USD 1-5 per bag. You’ll be able to depart the luggage with the porters, who will then load them later.
  2. Then, enter the constructing, comply with the indicators, and put together for the boarding course of. The queues can get lengthy, however they transfer quick.
  3. There might be a safety verify after which a visa verify. As soon as clear, you’ll be requested to place your passport away for now since you received’t be needing it on board. They received’t be holding your passport.
  4. Then, make your strategy to board the world’s largest cruise ship. Welcome aboard Icon of the Seas!

After Boarding Should-Dos

Icon of the Seas General AreaIcon of the Seas General Area

  • Search for your Muster quantity. Keep in mind the muster quantity I discussed earlier, the one indicated in your SetSail Cross? Simply search for that contained in the ship, most likely on Deck 5 or 6. That space is the place you’ll have to go in case of an emergency, so familiarize your self with it.
  • In case your room is just not but prepared, use this idle time to discover the ship! It’s so huge that seven days received’t be sufficient to expertise all the things it has to supply, so use each second you must maximize your keep.
  • However whether it is prepared, you’ll discover your SeaPass Card connected to your door. This card will function your id card and bank card on board. You should use it to pay for issues as a result of it will likely be linked to the bank card you entered utilizing the app. It additionally serves as your room key, so don’t lose it!

Anyway, now that we’re on the subject of rooms…


Lodging On Board

The Icon of the Seas has a staggering 2,805 staterooms — sure, virtually 3000 rooms — unfold throughout 28 completely different cabin varieties!

I received’t be discussing every of the 28 room varieties, however they are often labeled into 4 primary classes:

  • Inside Cabins. They’ve 535 inside rooms with no pure gentle. I didn’t get to see one, however I’ve stayed in sufficient inside rooms in different cruise ships to know that having no home windows doesn’t trouble me as a result of I used to be at all times out and about anyway. When you’re on a finances, this can be a nice alternative!
  • Ocean-View Cabins. Roughly 276 with window views however no balcony. It is a good center floor between an inside room and a balcony room.
  • Balcony Cabins. The ship has about 1,405 that includes both conventional balconies or the progressive Infinite Balcony. Conventional balconies have a sliding door which you can step out of, after which you’ll be able to lounge exterior. Infinite balcony is principally an enormous window — like half of the glass wall — which you can shut and open on the press of a button.
  • Suites. 179 upscale staterooms throughout 13 classes — together with two-level lofts, panorama suites, and the ultra-luxe Final Household Townhouse designed for as much as eight company. It spans three decks and even features a slide, a private patio, and in-cabin leisure.
Balcony Cabin Icon of the SeasBalcony Cabin Icon of the Seas
Ocean View Balcony Stateroom

Greater than 80% of the staterooms can host three or extra individuals — excellent for households and barkadas. Particularly the balcony rooms, which may normally accommodate as much as 4 (4) company.

We stayed at an ocean-view balcony room!

You may be questioning, why does it have a whole lot of balcony rooms? 1405 rooms, that’s over 70% of all cabins. How is that attainable?

That’s as a result of on prime of the standard ocean view balcony rooms and the infinite balcony rooms, a few of these rooms are going through not the ocean however the widespread zones or neighborhoods just like the kiddie-themed Surfside and the enjoyable Central Park, which has greater than 20,000 actual vegetation!


Eating Choices

Icon of the Seas isn’t only a cruise ship — it’s a floating meals pageant with over 20 eating venues, and sure, your stretchy pants might be examined. From fancy wonderful eating to informal grab-and-go bites, there’s one thing for each form of foodie, choosy eater, or midnight snacker.

Right here’s a breakdown of the eating expertise on board:

Included Eating

These complimentary spots are a part of your cruise fare. Which means, you received’t have to pay something when you select to eat at any of those.

  • Essential Eating Room. Basic, multi-course meals with rotating menus. Fancy-ish however completely complimentary.

    Main Dining Room Icon of the SeasMain Dining Room Icon of the Seas

  • Windjammer Café. Royal Caribbean’s iconic worldwide buffet. You’ll most likely find yourself right here quite a bit.

    Windjammer Icon of the SeasWindjammer Icon of the Seas

  • AquaDome Market. RCI’s first meals corridor. It’s a brand new idea with 5 completely different stalls, together with crepes, Mediterranean eats, and Asian-inspired bowls. There’s additionally a stall serving solely various kinds of macaroni and cheese.

    Aquadome Market Icon of the SeasAquadome Market Icon of the Seas

  • Surfside Eatery. A child-friendly buffet within the Surfside household neighborhood (assume mac & cheese, nuggets, sizzling canines, and stress-free meals).

    Surfside Bites Icon of the SeasSurfside Bites Icon of the Seas

  • Sorrento’s Pizza. Open late, excellent for post-activity snack assaults. The pizza choice consists of Margherita, pepperoni, cheese, and my favourite, rooster BBQ.

    Sorrentos Icon of the SeasSorrentos Icon of the Seas

  • Park Café. Gentle bites like sandwiches and salads in Central Park. In addition they have chips and ice cream!

    Park Cafe Icon of the SeasPark Cafe Icon of the Seas

  • El Loco Contemporary. Tacos, quesadillas, and a salsa station — ¡muy bien! This was our go-to after a shore tour as a result of it’s not as crowded because the Windjammer Café. And tacos are simply so satisfying after a day of exploring!

    El Loco Fresh Icon of the SeasEl Loco Fresh Icon of the Seas

  • Basecamp. A brand new informal eatery close to the fun zone (and it’s FREE for some snacks, however prices for specialty bites too). However crowd favorites like most burgers and hotdogs are complimentary.

    Basecamp Icon of the SeasBasecamp Icon of the Seas

  • Pearl Café. Situated simply above the grand staircase. They serve snacks like sandwiches and desserts like cookies, tarts, and truffles.
  • Vitality Café. Smoothies and wholesome choices close to the spa.

Specialty Eating

Except for the complimentary meals spots, there are additionally the so-called specialty eating places. Eating right here entails an extra price. Consider them as your deal with yo’self spots.

For many of those, you’ll be paying a set value per individual. Dinner is normally costlier than lunch. However you’ll be able to rating a reduction when you e book earlier than your crusing date or simply method a employees member in the event that they know the place they’ll get specialty eating reductions. Head waiters can normally supply that. In our case, the top waiter on the Essential Eating, who was additionally Filipino gave us 50% OFF, if I bear in mind appropriately.

Anyway, listed below are the specialty eating choices:

    Chef’s Desk. the ship’s most upscale eating expertise — a multi-course, wine-paired connoisseur dinner hosted by the chef in an intimate, elegant setting. With simply round 12 company per evening, it’s like a personal foodie present at sea. It’s a splurge, however preferrred for particular events or when you simply need to eat like royalty.

  • Chops Grille. A Royal Caribbean staple for steak and carnivorous cravings. We’ve tried this on Spectrum of the Seas, so we skipped it this time.

    Chops Grille Icon of the SeasChops Grille Icon of the Seas

  • Empire Supper Membership. A swanky, 8-course wonderful eating expertise with reside jazz. Assume Gatsby at sea.
  • Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Pizza, pasta, and wine-fueled bliss in a brand new open-air setting.
  • Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. Situated at Central Park. You are able to do the à la carte sushi bar or order a full hibachi. We’ve loved this on one other ship, too.
  • Pier 7. Informal all-day eating in Surfside, serving breakfast burritos, coconut shrimp, and extra.

    Pier 7 Icon of the SeasPier 7 Icon of the Seas

  • Hooked Seafood. That is the one spot that the crew members always really helpful to us! New England-style seafood restaurant.

This one, we tried and we beloved it! Protected to say, we have been hooked! For appetizers, I had a bowl of creamy chowder whereas Vins had shrimp cocktails. For mains, Vins opted for surf and turf composed of tender steak and Maine lobster tail grilled to order and served with greens and melted butter.

Hooked Icon of the SeasHooked Icon of the Seas

I had their signature Captain’s Platter, with 4 oz. lobster tail, contemporary fish filet, and 4 medium-sized shrimps, served with heat melted butter and a facet of lobster mac and cheese. We additionally ordered Drunken mussels, steamed in garlic white wine. For dessert, the choices have been coconut cream pie, cherry pie, lemon tart, and decadent chocolate brownie.


Different Specialty Meals Spots

Starbucks Icon of the SeasStarbucks Icon of the Seas

  • Celebration Desk. A personal eating room for particular events — birthday? proposal? post-buffet nap celebration?
  • Playmakers Sports activities Bar & Arcade. Wings, sliders, beer, and game-day vitality. That is positioned close to Surfside.
  • Starbucks. Sure, they’ve a Starbucks on board. They even promote its personal memento collectible mugs.

Specialty eating is nice when you’re celebrating a special day and also you simply need to get away from the gang.


Bars & Lounges

Except for correct eating places, there are additionally bars and lounges on board, together with:

Icon of the Seas BarsIcon of the Seas Bars

  • The Overlook. Futuristic cocktails with panoramic views within the AquaDome.
  • Swim & Tonic. The cruise line’s first swim-up bar!
  • The Lime & Coconut. Poolside tropical cocktails.
  • Rye & Bean. A espresso store that transforms right into a cocktail bar.
  • Bubbles. The brand new champagne bar in Central Park.
  • Trellis Bar. Loosen up within the backyard with a glass of wine or your favourite cocktail drink.

Drink Packages

Okay, since we’re already within the matter of drinks: let’s discuss drink bundle.

Icon of the Seas Drink PackageIcon of the Seas Drink Package

At many meals spots, water, iced tea, sizzling tea, espresso, and a few juices are freed from cost. However sodas and different extra premium drinks would require an additional price, until you availed of a drink bundle, which is accessible in three varieties:

  • Soda Bundle. USD 18 per individual per day, limitless fountain smooth drinks — dozens of varieties — and also you additionally get a FREE Coca-Cola Memento cup.
  • Refreshment Bundle. USD 42 per individual per day. This provides you with the identical Coca-Cola memento cup, limitless fountain sodas, plus premium espresso, tea, freshly squeezed orange juice, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
  • Deluxe Bundle. USD 112 per individual per day. This provides you with all the things included within the earlier packages I discussed, plus limitless alcoholic cocktails, beers, spirits, wines by the glass, and different contemporary juices.

To be sincere, you’ll be able to completely get by and nonetheless benefit from the cruise with out availing of a drink bundle. However when you really feel such as you’ll desire having a wide range of choices otherwise you’ll be consuming alcohol quite a bit, this might be price it.


Facilities & Actions

Icon of the Seas is just not taking part in round in the case of facilities. This ship is virtually a floating resort on steroids. Whether or not you’re after thrills, chill time, or simply need to faux you’re in a luxurious condominium with ocean views, this ship’s obtained all the things.

Right here’s a breakdown of the prime facilities you’ll discover on board:

Thrills & Splash Zones

Icon of the Seas WaterparkIcon of the Seas Waterpark

  • Thrill Island & Class 6 Waterpark. The biggest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking slides, together with the primary open free-fall slide on a cruise ship.
  • Crown’s Edge. A hybrid ropes course, impediment problem, and skywalk that ends in a shock drop (for the adrenaline junkies).
  • FlowRider. Surf simulator for wiping out in type.
  • Misplaced Dunes Mini Golf. A themed mini golf course with beachy vibes.
  • Zip Line. Due to course. If they’ve it on different ships, Icon of the Seas positively has it too.
  • Sports activities Court docket & Pickleball. For cruisers who pack their aggressive facet.
  • Rock Climbing Wall

Swimming pools & Chill Spots

Icon of the Seas Cove PoolIcon of the Seas Cove Pool

  • Royal Bay Pool. The biggest pool at sea, excellent for lazy lounging.
  • Cove Pool. Infinity-edge pool with panoramic views.
  • Cloud 17. An adults-only solar deck and pool space with a chill, upscale vibe.
  • Vitality Spa. Full-service spa with massages, facials, thermal suite, and a magnificence salon.
  • Health Middle. Loaded with machines, courses, and ocean views (to distract you out of your cardio struggling).
  • Central Park. With 20,000 actual vegetation. While you’re right here, you received’t even really feel such as you’re at sea. The park can be surrounded by eating places, cafes, and outlets together with a watch store promoting luxurious manufacturers like Omega.

Household & Child Zones

Adventure Ocean Icon of the SeasAdventure Ocean Icon of the Seas

  • Surfside Neighborhood. A brand-new space only for households, with splash pads, a carousel, household eating, and kid-friendly actions.
  • Journey Ocean. Youngsters’ membership divided by age teams (infants to teenagers), with supervised play and studying.
  • Social020. A cool teen hangout with video games, music, and nil dad and mom allowed.
  • The Hideaway. Adults-only infinity pool + DJ + cocktails = your child-free dream zone.

Leisure & Procuring

Icon of the Seas EntertainmentIcon of the Seas Entertainment

  • AquaDome. A futuristic dome with acrobatic diving reveals, aerial performances, and a large waterfall backdrop.
  • Absolute Zero. Ice skating rink by day, ice present venue by evening.
  • Royal Theater. Full Broadway-style productions (anticipate singing, dancing, and all kinds of leisure).
  • Music Corridor & Lounges. Stay bands, karaoke, and DJs for evening owls.
  • Procuring Promenade. Designer manufacturers, duty-free items, and souvenirs can be found. They also have a jewellery retailer and a watch retailer promoting each model new gadgets from Omega, and pre-loved Rolex items. You’ll additionally discover The Assortment, a retailer promoting pre-loved designer baggage largely from Louis Vuitton.

Except for the facilities, there are additionally numerous actions you’ll be able to be a part of. Varied events, get-togethers, raffles, and even sports activities competitions!


Onboard Web Packages

As a result of you’ll be able to’t ghost your group chat from the center of the ocean. On board, you’ll be able to keep linked with VOOM, the onboard Wi-Fi by way of Starlink. It prices USD 168 per individual, good for one (1) gadget.

When you’re a celebration of two, as a substitute of availing one gadget per individual, which can price you a complete of USD 336 for your entire cruise, it will likely be less expensive to e book for one individual, good for 2 gadgets. This may solely price USD 280, good for your entire seven-night crusing, or solely USD 140 per individual.

It’s cheaper when you e book prematurely. Pre-sailing value is normally a lot decrease than when you avail if you’re already on the ship.


Ports of Name

Icon of the Seas Ports of CallIcon of the Seas Ports of Call
Chichen Itza, Mexico (Left); Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico (Backside Proper); and Roatan, Honduras (Prime Proper)

Most of Icon of the Seas sailings are for seven (7) nights or eight (8) days, together with disembarkation day. It normally follows this itinerary:

  • Day 1: Boarding
  • Day 2: Cruising
  • Day 3: Port of Name 1
  • Day 4: Port of Name 2
  • Day 5: Port of Name 3
  • Day 6: Cruising
  • Day 7: Excellent Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
  • Day 8: Disembarkation

The ports of name or stops differ, however a crusing normally has 4 (4) stops. In our case, they have been:

  • Day 1: Boarding
  • Day 2: Cruising
  • Day 3: Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
  • Day 4: Roatan, Honduras
  • Day 5: Cozumel, Mexico
  • Day 6: Cruising
  • Day 7: Excellent Day at CocoCay (Bahamas)
  • Day 8: Disembarkation

DIY vs Shorex

You’ll be able to discover a port of name in two methods. You’ll be able to be a part of a Shore Tour (Shorex) or you’ll be able to discover independently or DIY type.

Pulling a DIY-style is less expensive. Some ports of name may be explored by yourself with out drawback. That is what we did with Puerto Costa Maya, as we determined to only keep within the port space and reserve our vitality for our two different stops. Simply be sure you get again on the ship earlier than the cutoff time so that you received’t get left behind. As a result of YES, individuals do get left behind typically.

Shore Excursions (Shorex) is the costlier however safer alternative. These are guided excursions organized by a Royal Caribbean associate operator, and they’ll be sure you return to the boat in time. That is what we did in Roatan, Honduras, the place we joined the Final Zipline Journey tour, and in Cozumel, Mexico, from the place we visited the Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Website and one of many New 7 Wonders of the World. Chichen Itza is much from Cozumel, roughly three (3) hours per manner, so to be on the protected facet, we opted to affix a Shorex as a substitute.

Icon of the Seas ShorexIcon of the Seas Shorex

Keep in mind! When you e book a Shorex, your tickets might be ready for you on the desk in your room in your first day. These tickets point out the assembly spot and time. Don’t neglect to convey this ticket and present up on time.

In our expertise, none of those ports have immigration or visa checks. You simply get off the ship and discover. And that is very true for CocoCay within the Bahamas.

Coco Cay Bahamas RCCoco Cay Bahamas RC

The Excellent Day at CocoCay is a resort and theme park, privately owned by Royal Caribbean. It has two primary areas. When you go left, you’ll attain Chill Island, the complimentary facet, with seashores, memento outlets, and meals spots. When you go proper, you’ll be greeted by Thrill Waterpark, which would require a paid ticket. That is residence to Daredevil’s Peak, which has excessive waterslides, together with this, the tallest water slide in North America.

By the way in which, the meals right here at CocoCay can be complimentary and included in your reserving.


Methods to Disembark

  1. In your final evening, begin packing up your baggage and depart them simply exterior your door. Crew members might be choosing them up earlier than 10 PM. You will get them after you disembark the following day. Simply be sure that to put aside some toiletries and what you’ll be sporting the following day.
  2. Be sure that to clear your steadiness. You don’t want to go to the Visitor Providers to settle your account, because the bank card you entered within the app might be robotically charged. Though Vins and I normally nonetheless verify with Visitor Providers regardless, as our banks can typically block transactions overseas, and we at all times need to be sure that we’d be capable of disembark with none incident.
  3. On the day of disembarkation, gather your baggage in your manner out of the terminal. Don’t neglect to say your baggage within the designated space. Baggage are sorted by deck. You too can hail an Uber or Lyft or a cab to get out of the port.

Icon of the Seas DisembarkationIcon of the Seas Disembarkation


Methods to Ebook

Royal Caribbean has a world web site: royalcaribbean.com. However when you’re based mostly within the Philippines, it’s finest to e book by way of www.cruising.com.ph, which is managed by Arpain Air, the official and approved Royal Caribbean representatives right here within the Philippines. They’re legit as a result of we’ve got cruised with them a number of instances, and on some events, along with companions from Royal Caribbean Worldwide.

However why is it finest to e book by way of cruising.com.ph? Let me rely the explanations.

Philippine-based buyer help.

First, cruises are extra sophisticated than the same old land journey as a result of there are a whole lot of transferring components! It’s very complicated, particularly for first timers. However right here’s the factor. Royal Caribbean Worldwide doesn’t have devoted buyer help within the Philippines. When you e book by way of the worldwide web site, after finalizing your reserving, you’ll be by yourself. When you make a mistake otherwise you need to make amendments to your reserving, your solely choice is to name their US hotline or e mail them. I’ve tried that earlier than, and it took them some time to get again to me.

CruisingPH Arpan ProfileCruisingPH Arpan Profile
Photograph Credit score: cruising.com.ph (Arpan Air, Inc)

When you e book with Cruising.com.ph, you’ll be able to simply attain them, and also you’ll be speaking to Filipinos who’ve entry to the identical system. They’ll help you and advise you each step of the way in which.

They are going to inform you precisely what visas are required and what different paperwork you have to put together. Most of the time, worldwide employees members aren’t eager or acquainted with the complexities of touring utilizing a Philippine passport. Cruising’s native group may also help you with the up to date data.

Ease of reserving and aggressive costs.

Second, the costs on the worldwide web site and Cruising are the identical more often than not. I say more often than not as a result of typically, Cruising has promos, and the worldwide web site does too. If you wish to be sure you’re getting the very best deal, it’s nonetheless finest to match. However earlier than you do, preserve this in thoughts. The costs displayed on Cruising.com.ph seem like increased as a result of when you break it down, you’ll discover that they already added the automated gratuities within the computation. Within the worldwide web site, this will not be included within the printed charges, and you’ll nonetheless be robotically charged on board regardless. I personally desire settling this upon reserving so I received’t want to fret about it afterward.

CruisingPH BookingCruisingPH Booking
Photograph Credit score: cruising.com.ph (Arpan Air, Inc)

These gratuities are shared among the many members of the crew, together with those that work behind the scenes. So we extremely encourage you to at all times settle the gratuities.

You’ll be able to e book on the web site: www.cruising.com.ph or name their landline quantity. When you name, chances are you’ll inform them the promo code WORTHIT for five% low cost on the cruise fare. You too can strive getting into this code when reserving on-line. Generally it really works, typically not. So when you’re after the low cost, simply name them and have it utilized.


Icon of the Seas Charges

As of September 2025, the most affordable Icon of The Seas crusing by way of cruising.com.ph prices USD 2682, good for two pax, sharing an inside room. That’s USD 1341 or roughly PHP 77,620 per individual. Its itinerary consists of three ports of name: St. Marteen, St. Thomas, and Excellent Day at Coco Cay within the Bahamas.

RC Icon of the Seas Caribbean Eastern Route RateRC Icon of the Seas Caribbean Eastern Route Rate
Price as of September 2025

However when you’re wanting on the identical itinerary as we did, with stops in Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras, and CocoCay within the Bahamas, the most affordable I discovered was round USD 2755, once more good for two pax sharing an inside room. That’s USD 1377.5 per individual or roughly PHP 79,730.

RC Icon of the Seas Caribbean Western Route RateRC Icon of the Seas Caribbean Western Route Rate
Price as of September 2025

Not dangerous contemplating that every one meals onboard are included in addition to entry to a lot of the ship’s facilities, automated gratuities or ideas, and also you additionally get to go to three extra international locations alongside the way in which. Web connection is excluded.

Full Disclosure: Our cruise was made attainable by Arpan Air, so we didn’t pay for our reserving. However these charges are probably the most reasonably priced I discovered for Icon after I did a mock reserving. We additionally booked one other cruise with them on our personal, which we might be discussing in one other publish.


Updates Log

2025 10 21 – First uploaded


Laisser un commentaire

En savoir plus sur GLOBEQUEST

Abonnez-vous pour poursuivre la lecture et avoir accès à l’ensemble des archives.

Poursuivre la lecture