Royal Caribbean Reveals More of Icon of the Seas’ Family Fun
by Dori Saltzman
The Surfside neighborhood on Icon of the Seas
When Royal Caribbean promised that Icon of the Seas would be the line’s most family-friendly ship, it wasn’t kidding. The ship will have more experiences designed specifically for kids, teens, and families than any other Royal Caribbean ship, starting with an all-new mascot Admiral Awesome, whose job it is to be in charge of all the family activities onboard.
Here are some of the activities families will find onboard:
- Larger-than-Life Festival: Hosted by Admiral Awesome, is a celebration with live music, dancing, and supersized games like bowling, ring toss, darts, and more
- Big Shark Block Party: The ultimate dance party with Admiral Awesome and friends, featuring themed mashups and classics, like Baby Shark and Baby Beluga
- Steel Pan Family Jam: The whole family can learn to drum up rhythms on the steel drums, featuring easy-to-use instructional instruments and kid-friendly sheet music
- Once Upon a Bedtime Story: Kids can get cozy and wind down under the stars with new readings of original bedtime stories narrated by Admiral Awesome
Food and drink options in Surfside will include: The Lemon Post, with a menu of unique drinks for adults and kids; Surfside Bites, a quick-stop window for grabbing salty and sweet snacks; Surfside Eatery, a dedicated family buffet; and Pier 7 with an all-day brunch menu.
Other family-friendly activities onboard, good for kids of all ages, will include laser tag, a Royal Escape Room, and the Absolute Zero ice rink.
Desserted, in the Thrill Island neighborhood, will be an over-the-top milkshake bar, serving up three types of milkshakes, including classic, extravagant, and adults-only boozy options.
Icon of the Seas sets sail in January 2024. It will feature eight neighborhoods, including Surfside, the first neighborhood dedicated solely to families with kids 6 and younger. It will also have the largest waterpark at sea, 14 new cabin categories, the line’s first-ever swim up bar, and the AquaDome, a day-to-night space enclosed within a glimmering dome that offers tranquil relaxation by day and exciting AquaTheater at night.

