Blog >Onboard-Content > Icon Of The Seas Review: The Ultimate Family Holiday From Florida To The Caribbean

17 Feb 2026 | By Lucy Hickson In Onboard-Content

Icon of the Seas Review: The Ultimate Family Holiday from Florida to the Caribbean 

Combining the thrills of Florida’s world-famous theme parks with the excitement of cruising on Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Icon of the Seas, this family holiday truly delivered the best of both worlds. From action-packed days in Orlando and Miami to an unforgettable week sailing the Caribbean, this trip ticked every box for a multi-generational adventure. 

 

Orlando First: The Perfect Way to Start a Cruise Holiday 

We began our holiday with a full week in Orlando, diving head-first into the theme parks. It was an unforgettable experience -but be warned, it’s intense! Between the rides, shows and miles of walking each day, my top tip is simple: do Orlando first. After a week of non-stop action, we were more than ready to slow things down and relax onboard our cruise. 

Three Nights in Miami: Culture, Colour & Coastline 

Before boarding Icon of the Seas, we spent three nights in Miami, which was the perfect way to ease into holiday mode. Staying in South Beach, we explored Little Havana, admired the street art at Wynwood Walls, shopped at Bayside Marketplace and even watched the Miami Heat play at the Kaseya Center. 

 

Miami has a unique mix of glamour and culture - from celebrity homes on Star Island to its vibrant, multicultural neighbourhoods. Between Orlando and Miami, it’s the ideal lead-in to a Caribbean cruise. 

 

 

Boarding Icon of the Seas in Miami 

We embarked Icon of the Seas from Miami, and the experience couldn’t have been smoother. A great tip for future travellers: there’s a convenient rail service between Orlando and Miami, with tickets starting from around $50 per person.  

 

Embarkation was seamless, and we were onboard well before lunchtime. First impressions? Icon of the Seas is stunning. 

Dining on Icon of the Seas 

The food onboard was outstanding. Highlights included: 

  • The seafood buffet at Windjammer 
  • Elegant meals in the Main Dining Room 
  • Snacks and coffee from Pearl Café 
  • Speciality dining at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen 
  • A Royal Caribbean favourite, Chops Grille 

One of the biggest hits was the AquaDome Market, a new casual dining venue. We loved it so much we made a special return visit - especially for Crème de la Crepe, which quickly became a family favourite. 

A Ship Designed for Relaxation (Even at Full Capacity) 

Despite being the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas never felt crowded. The redesigned pool decks are spread across multiple levels, with plenty of sun loungers and relaxed spaces that make it easy to unwind without feeling overwhelmed. 

 

While my husband and I enjoyed some well-earned downtime, my daughter was loving Category 6, home to some of the best water slides at sea. She also attended the Social 020 Teen Club, which was brilliantly organised and gave her the chance to make new friends throughout the cruise - one of Royal Caribbean’s real strengths for families. 

 

Entertainment That Truly Wows 

The entertainment onboard Icon of the Seas genuinely lives up to the hype. We watched all three headline shows: 

  • The Aqua Show in the spectacular new AquaTheatre 
  • The ice show
  • The full theatre production of The Wizard of Oz 

The Aqua Show was a standout, combining high-diving stunts with cutting-edge audio-visual effects to create a breathtaking experience. It’s a must-see and unlike anything we’ve experienced at sea before. 

Caribbean Highlights: St. Maarten, St. Thomas & Perfect Day at CocoCay 

Our 7-night Icon of the Seas cruise itinerary included visits to St. Maarten and St. Thomas, both offering beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and fantastic shore excursions. 

 

Our final stop was Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island - and my first visit there. From the moment we arrived, it was clear why this destination is so popular. 

 

Whether you want to relax on the white-sand beaches of Chill Island, take on the water slides at Thrill Island, snorkel in turquoise waters or splash out on a private cabana, there’s something for everyone. With so much to see and do, one visit simply isn’t enough - we’ll definitely be back. 

 

Final Thoughts: Is Icon of the Seas Worth It? 

Absolutely. Icon of the Seas delivers an incredible blend of innovation, entertainment and family-friendly design, all while maintaining a relaxed and luxurious feel onboard. When combined with Orlando and Miami, this itinerary creates a truly unforgettable holiday. 

 

If you’re looking for a cruise that offers something for every age - and does it exceptionally well - Icon of the Seas should be at the very top of your list. 

Published 17th February 2026, Last updated 1st April 2026
By Lucy Hickson In Onboard-Content

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