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Icon of the Seas Sneak Peek

Part 2: A Guide to Iconic Bars

Welcome to Part 2 in my series on Icon of the Seas, the newest and largest cruise ship from Royal Caribbean. This week, I’ve got the inside scoop on the new and improved bars on board, as well as some of our favorite cocktails and non-alcoholic offerings. (If you missed the first part of my series, here’s a link: Part 1: The Eight Neighborhoods).

Although Icon of the Seas was designed for families, there are a ton of adult experiences available on board, which makes it perfect for multi-generational families. You’ve got activities and refreshments for grandparents, young families, families with teens, young kids, and for family members that have no kids. They one hundred percent nailed it by making something for everyone in this massive ship’s carefully planned design.

Ready for this incredible adventure? Icon of the Seas sails on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, so reach out here to book today.

With 45+ food and beverage offerings, including 20 brand new experiences to Royal Caribbean and some upleveled favorites, it’s impossible to cover them all! Here’s my overview of the standouts:

patrons at at the Overlook bar on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Rye & Bean
Located in the Aqua neighborhood, this new addition gets its name from its dual offerings of creative cocktails and coffee drinks. One of our personal favorite cocktails is an Espresso Martini, and theirs is a must-try, more like a dessert since they serve it with a rich vanilla foam twist.

Overlook Bar
Positioned at the very front of the ship in the Aqua neighborhood, this beautifully appointed bar offers mesmerizing ocean views – the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail during sunset. If there’s not a show happening at the nearby AquaDome, it’s a quiet and beautiful spot to relax, especially with its colorful lights and aquariums.

Hideaway Pool Bar
This adults-only spot is right for you if you’re in the mood for a pool party vibe; the DJ-infused atmosphere sets the stage for daytime fun (it closes at 8 pm). A cozy bar with lots of spots to relax is set away from an incredible suspended infinity pool with amazing views, perfect for dancing on the patio and lounging in the water.

Swim & Tonic on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the largest swim-up bar on a cruise ship.

Swim & Tonic
A first on Royal Caribbean and the largest swim-up bar at sea, you absolutely must visit this gorgeous bar for delicious cold drinks and fun in the sun. They have a new gin and tonic, designed especially for this bar – it is one of Dave’s favorites of all the cocktails we tried on the Icon, so don’t miss it!

The Lime and Coconut
A staple on many Royal Caribbean ships, Icon of the Seas takes it up a notch with not one, but four Lime and Coconut Bars scattered across different decks, each offering its own twist on both tropical and frozen delights. (The one on deck 16 offers only frozen drinks, so if that’s your poison, head over there because you won’t have to wait long.)

Bubbles
Perfect for a leisurely stroll through the gorgeous green Central Park neighborhood, this walk-up wine bar specializes in champagne and rosé, ideal for a sophisticated pre-dinner toast or a casual drink as you soak in the ambiance.

Lou’s Jazz and Blues
A new location with live music makes this new addition to Central Park another great spot to relax. Typically open from 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM, it’s the perfect place for an after dinner drink and great ambience for couples out on date night.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
A Royal Caribbean fan favorite, the Icon has moved the bar outside of Giovanni’s, which has an incredibly extensive and very ample Italian red selection. It’s great before or after dinner, no matter where you’re eating, because people are constantly walking by. One of our favorite places, you can grab a glass of wine, sit at one of the tables, and look down at the first floor of the Royal Promenade for prime people watching.

Dueling Pianos Bar
Hands down the place to be on the ship, this new addition to the Icon was constantly packed with people watching truly fantastic talented musicians battle it out. We had a blast just taking it all in; you can get in on the action simply by stopping by as you stroll down the Royal Promenade.

Dueling Pianos and Lou's Jazz n' Blues, two bars on the Icon of the Seas
The signature cocktail of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, The 1400

1400 Lobby
Another newcomer to the Icon, also located in the Royal Promenade, I consider this the real gem of all the bars on the ship. Named after the ship’s hull number, this bar offers the crown jewel of all cocktails on the ship (and one of our favorites of all time): The 1400, a tequila-based drink topped with a shimmering dome meant to mimic The Pearl dome of the ship. Not to be missed!

The Point and Feather
While there’s a traditional English pub on every Royal Caribbean ship, this one is new and unique to the Icon. They have their own twist on a classic called the “Stout Espresso Martini”, featuring Guinness, which adds a rich and robust flavor to one of my all-time favorite cocktails.

Desserted Milkshake
If you’re looking for a sweet treat for the whole family, the Desserted Milkshake Bar is located on deck 16. Open from 3:00 – 8:00 PM, you can find both non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions of your favorite milkshakes and they are absolutely delicious.

Vitality Cafe
Different than your typical ‘bar’, this juice bar is great for anyone looking for a healthy option, perfect for pre- and post-workout or spa visit. You can create your own juices with a wide variety of options, and they also serve protein drinks and smoothies.

Lemon Post Bar
Located in the Surfside neighborhood, built for young kids and families, this grab n’ go bar offers cocktails and mocktails. Convenient for parents whose kids are playing nearby, the kids can get a fancy drink too; if you are a nondrinker looking for refreshment, keep in mind they lean on the sweet side here.

Vitality Cafe on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Getting thirsty yet? As you can see, there truly is something for everyone on this iconic ship…there is so much more to see and try, and I’ll continue to share my favorites, so stay tuned!

Ready to board the Icon of the Seas? Contact us here and we’ll get started on your iconic adventure.

Amy Westerman
President
The Curated Travel Collection

P.S. For more of our travel stories, tips and trends visit our blog.