Royal Caribbean's newest ship is also its priciest. Here's what it's like spending as little as possible, with no lobster or other upgrades.
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- Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas could be an expensive vacation compared to other cruise ships.
- Sailing on the mega-ship without paying for any of its upcharged amenities is possible.
- But it would mean spending at least $265 a day, staying sober, and repeating meals.
A budget vacation on Royal Caribbean's new wildly popular Icon of the Seas is possible. Just be prepared to stay sober, repeat meals, and pay at least $265 a day.
Right now, there's likely no better example of the mass-market cruise industry's shift toward the budget airline strategy — charge a cheap base fare and offer irresistible up-charged amenities — than Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise liner.
After all, what other ship comes with a $100,000-a-week cabin and a $200-per-person restaurant?
But it is possible to vacation on the mega-ship without giving into any of its upcharged restaurants and activities. If you're strong enough to do so, here's what your seven nights on Icon of the Seas could look like.
Be warned: It won't include lobsters or private lounges.
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Picky eaters are sure to find at least one satisfactory option at the ship's three buffets, one of which is Mexican-themed.
If not, the complimentary pizza shop or sandwiches from the two on-board cafés might suffice.
In search of variety, grab a Mediterranean-style wrap or crepe at the five-stall food hall instead.
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The three-floor restaurant has a rotating menu with classics like crab cakes, New York strip steak, and cheesecake.
Just don't expect lobster or filet mignon. Both cost extra.
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Like most mass-market cruise ships, Icon of the Seas' 18 bars aren't free. If you want alcohol and sodas, be prepared to pay for a beverage package.
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Icon's surf simulator and impressive six-slide waterpark won't run you a tab.
The same goes for its seven pools and nine hot tubs — save for one of each exclusive to guests who've booked a suite.
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Or they could work off their lunch buffet by sweating it out at the sports court — basketball and ping pong included — for no extra charges.
Fortunately, Icon of the Seas' nighttime entertainment is also a great equalizer. Its ice skating performance, rendition of the Broadway hit "Wizard of Oz," and multi-disciplinary dance, swim, and dive show are complimentary to all guests.
But if you want to test your fear of heights at the part-walking, part-agility, part-ziplining Crown's Edge, you'll have to cough up $49.
The arcade games aren't free, either.
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There's also the option to pay up to $700 for one day with a private cabana-like "casita."
But if you're on a budget, you'll have to fight "pool chair hogs" for the best poolside seating instead. (Consider bringing a sheet mask with you — a 25-minute facial at the ship's spa is almost $150.)
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Otherwise, you'll have to cough up $31 per day and device for streaming-enabled WiFi, totaling $217 for the duration of the cruise. (Icon of the Seas is exclusively operating seven-night sailings.)
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Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told Business Insider in late 2023, three months before Icon's launch, that the vessel was priced at a premium of "at least 50%, if not more."
Steep, compared to the typical 20% to 50% new-ship premiums.
Royal Caribbean International
But even the windowless cabin comes with its own list of upgrades.
Travelers who want to pick their own stateroom must pay an additional $128 per person. If they opt for one of the larger (by at least one square foot) interior cabins, it'll be an extra $100.
Which is to say, good luck avoiding any of the upcharged amenities on your Icon of the Seas vacation.