In January of 2024, Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship to ever sail the ocean. With 20 decks and more than 20 restaurants & eateries, you'll want to have a plan before boarding if you are anything like me! I spent a lot of time trying to decide how to break them up but I think just listing them by deck is going to be easiest! I'm also including what neighborhood you can find them in along with with whether each is complementary or not.
Deck Three
The Main Dining Room
Included
The main dining room on Icon of the Seas is three levels and is located on decks 3 - 5 of the ship. Something I always forget, and I think a lot of people who aren't regular cruisers may not even know is that the main dining room is open for breakfast and lunch (on sea days) as well. It's such a nice alternative to the busyness of the Windjammer Cafe and I can't recall every having to wait for a table at either of these meals so definitely keep that in mind on your cruise!
Deck Five
Sorrento's
Included
Royal Promenade
Sorrento's is found on many of Royal Caribbean's ships and despite the cruise line asking customers how they felt about paying for pizza, Sorrento currently remains a complementary option for cruisers. They serve up pizza and antipasta and it's a crowd favorite for late night snacks but is open during the day for lunch as well.
Starbucks
Fee Applies
Royal Promenade
Not really a restaurant but we're including it here anyway because they do sell some snacks, Starbucks is located midship on deck 4 so you can get your fix even out at sea. The important thing to remember about Starbucks is that you are not able to use your drink package to purchase beverages and snacks here. You can use your Seapass card to pay as you would anywhere else and you can use your Starbucks card to receive points but you can not redeem any on board the ship
Deck Six
The Pearl Cafe
Included
Royal Promenade
The Pearl Cafe is a new addition to Royal Caribbean and according to their website, this grab-and-go cafe will serve a variety of toasted sandwiches, ready-made salads, and a variety of pastries and treats. Based on the deck plans, there will be plenty of seating in this area as well so you have a place to relax and enjoy your food.
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Fee Applies
Royal Promenade
Giovanni's is found on many Royal Caribbean ships, but Icon of the Seas will be the first time ever that guests can dine al fresco (outdoors). The menu at Giovanni's includes traditional Italian classics as well as hand-tossed pizzas and desserts that are to die for. They also feature an extensive wine list and a connected wine bar.
Deck Seven
Surfside Eatery
Included
Surfside Family Neighborhood
This family friendly buffet is new to Royal Caribbean and is located in the heart of the surfside neighborhood and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with plenty of kid-approved options like chocolate chip pancakes, chicken tenders and mac & cheese. According to Royal Caribbean, they'll have elevated options for parents!
Sugar Beach
Fee Applies
Surfside Family Neighborhood
This is another one that's not really a restaurant but they do serve food so I'm listing it here. Sugar Beach is the place to stop if you've got a serious sweet tooth. They'll carry more than 200 different kinds of candy and visitors can fill a bag and pay by the pound. You'll also find sweet treats like fudge and cupcakes.
Surfside Bites
Included
Surfside Family Neighborhood
When you're on the go and need something quick to eat, head up to the walk-up window at Surfside Bites for quick snacks including burgers, popcorn chicken, and donut holes.
Pier 7
Fee Applies
Surfside Family Neighborhood
At the aft of deck 7 you'll find another new addition to Royal Caribbean on Icon of the Seas and that's Pier 7. The pricing hasn't been released yet but Royal Caribbean has it marked as a low-priced option. Pier 7 will feature casual California cuisine including surf and turf tacos and mango lime shrimp tostadas. Possibly the best thing about this new restaurant is that they'll be serving brunch all day long. Smoked salmon benedict and a mimosa? I'm in!
Deck Eight
Empire Supper Club
Fee Applies
Central Park
When I get the chance to cruise on Icon of the Seas, the Empire Supper Club will definitely be at the top of my list of restaurants to try. Another new addition to Royal Caribbean, The Empire Supper Club has a glitzy New York City vibe and will feature an 8-course dinner where each course is paired with a beverage. You'll enjoy all of this while being entertained by a 3-piece band. The attire here is formal and you'll need to make reservations to dine here. Royal Caribbean has not yet announced a price but I imagine it will be one of the higher priced options on the ship
Chops Grille
Fee Applies
Central Park
A staple on Royal Caribbean, Chops Grille has been taken to new levels. For the first time ever Chops will feature a new butcher's display with waygu beef and bone-in tomahawks. You'll also be able to watch as the chef's prepare your steak to order. I've seen a range of prices for Chops on cruises I've taken in the past but it's usually fairly reasonable for what you get. Once you book a cruise on Icon of the Seas you should be able to see the pricing for your voyage. If you like steak, it's well worth the cost!
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and Izumi in the Park
Fee Applies
Central Park
Izumi is not new to Royal Caribbean, but if you've never been you should definitely make reservations for dinner. They obviously serve sushi and sashimi but they serve teppanyaki, prepared table-side and have a 4-course dinner option that includes an appetizer, two main courses which can be a combination of sushi rolls, sashimi, poke bowls or ramen to name a few and a dessert. Current pricing for the 4-course meals is $39.99 but you also have the option to order a la carte. On Icon of the Seas Izumi will have outdoor seating in Central Park. Another brand new option on Icon of the Seas is Izumi in the Park, a walk-up window open all day where you can pick up food to go including a Taiyaki vanilla ice cream in a bubble cone that's drizzled with strawberry and topped with sprinkles.
Park Cafe
Included
Central Park
Open for breakfast and lunch, Park Cafe is a wonderful included option for made-to-order sandwiches and paninis along with soups, pre-made salads and more. You can also request to have a custom salad made just for you. If you're just in the mood for a snack, you'll find those at Park Cafe as well!
Deck Fourteen
Vitality Spa Cafe
Included with drink package
Vitality Spa (not a neighborhood)
It is possible to be healthy while on a cruise and if that's your goal you'll want to become familiar with the Vitality Spa Cafe, You'll mainly find protein shakes, smoothies and fresh juices here, which are perfect for first thing in the morning or after a hard workout. You can create your own juice with add-ins like milk, peanut butter and whey protein and even have supplements added like fiber, BCAA, or creatine. Drinks are not included but if you have either the refreshment or deluxe beverage package you can get drinks here at no added cost.
Deck Fifteen
Hooked Seafood
Fee Applies
Aquadome
Open for lunch and dinner, Hooked Seafood is not a new addition to Royal Caribbean's line-up but it is amazing and absolutely worth a visit if you like New England style seafood as much as I do. Hooked has a great selection of appetizers including raw and baked oysters (Rockefeller is my favorite), soft-shell crab, clam chowder and more. For a main course the Messy Fish Sandwich or a Maine Lobster Roll are both great lunch options and the Surf & Turf or Captain's Platter are amazing options for dinner. The menu has something for every seafood lover, plenty of sides, desserts and a kids menu for younger travelers.
Celebration Table
Fee Applies
Aquadome
If you are traveling with a group and are looking for the best dining experience onboard Icon of the Seas, Celebration Table is for you. This is yet another new option for Royal Caribbean on Icon of the Seas. Basically, up to twelve people can reserve dinner in a private lounge with ocean views for dinner. Dinner is served family style and guests have four options - American, Asian, Italian or Seafood. Reservations are required for Celebration Table. This sounds like it would be a wonderful option for a small corporate trip or a special family trip, intimate wedding, etc.
Aquadome Market
Included
Aquadome
Food halls have gotten super popular everywhere lately and I'm not mad about it. We have one close by and when everyone wants something different to eat it's a great option that pleases everyone while allowing us to all dine together. With the introduction of Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is getting in the game and offering their first-ever food hall experience. The Aquadome market will include 5 unique food stands along with a bar so you can get lunch or dinner and a drink as well. According to Royal Caribbean the food stand options will be:
Feta Mediterranean: Fresh pitas and bowls.
Macs: A fun twist on mac and cheese where diners can add toppings like pulled pork, BBQ sauce or smoked Gouda cheese.
Toast and Garden: Stop here for sandwiches and salads
GNGR: Asian favorites like Korean Beef & Broccoli
Crème de la Crepe: Finish your meal with a a crepe with a variety of available toppings here.
El Loco Fresca
Included
Chill Island
For lovers of Mexican food this is where you'll find a variety of favorites like burritos, quesadillas, tacos and nachos. They also serve breakfast where you can order a breakfast burrito or quesadilla or traditional favorites like scrambled eggs and bacon. Be sure to grab a Chocolate Dulce de Leche or Flan for dessert. Right next door is Cantina Fresca, a bar that features a variety of Mexican beers and margaritas!
Windjammer Cafe
Included
If you've ever cruised with Royal Caribbean you know what the Windjammer is as they have it on every ship. It's the signature buffet aboard all ships and Icon of the Seas will be no exception. Like everything on Icon of the Seas, the Windjammer Cafe will be bigger, and according to Royal Caribbean, better than ever before. I really prefer to try out other options when cruising but it's a great place to grab a really early morning cup of coffee if you're an early-riser like me or a quick lunch or dinner if you're in a hurry or if you like a lot of options when you dine. Conveniently located on deck 15, the Windjammer on Icon of the Seas will feature a two level dining area and the menu rotates often but I've always found pizza, salads, deli meat, fruits, etc. to be available.
Deck Sixteen
Coastal Kitchen
Included
Suite Neighborhood
Reserved exclusively for Star & Sky class suite guests, Coastal Kitchen is an upscale restaurant located within the Suite Neighborhood - the entire neighborhood is actually reserved for guest staying in the suites. Coastal Kitchen is a popular feature on many Royal Caribbean ships and surely will be on Icon of the Seas as well. Coastal Kitchen is open from breakfast, lunch, & dinner and features a rotating menu so guests can eat here as often as they'd like during their sailing without getting bored. You can expect to always have seafood, chicken and red meat options at every meal and so much more! Coastal Kitchen is also located on Deck 17.
Basecamp
Included & Fee Items
Thrill Island
Located in the heart of Thrill Island Base Camp is a new addition to Royal Caribbean on Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean hasn't yet released a menu but has said that it will be a mix of complementary snacks and elevated items that will be available at a cost. I'm excited to see what exactly Basecamp will be like once Icon of the Sea sets sail! There is also a Basecamp Bar in the restaurant and then a Basecamp Bar Cart close to FlowRider at the ship's aft and you will be able to use your drink package here if you purchase one!
Deck Eighteen
The Grove
Included for Suite Guests
Suite Neighborhood
Rounding out our list of Restaurants on Icon of the Seas is another new offering that is reserved for Suite Guests only. Actually the 18th and 19th decks are dedicated to suite guests. The Grove is a brand new restaurant to Royal Caribbean and the only information that I've seen is that they'll be serving upscale Mediterranean food! If you happen to be a suite guest on Icon of the Seas, please send us your reviews and photos, we'd love to share them here!
Let us know in the comments what restaurant you're most excited to try, or if you're reading this after you've sailed on Icon of the Seas we'd love to hear your thoughts on all these new restaurants!
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