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.
