Icon of the Seas restaurants, bars and lounges review

A new era in cruise holidays is upon us with the January 2024 debut of Icon of the Seas; here is what to expect from the onboard dining experience.

Icon of the Seas has created an almost endless number of eateries, fine dining restaurants, bars and lounges to ensure any of the (up to) 7600 guests have an option that will entertain their taste buds. Quentin Long took one for the team and supped, slurped, dined and drank like a king to give you an insight into which outlet is for you.

Quick Note: This is just the bars and restaurants review – make sure you read the overall review of Icon of the Seas that is designed to give you the highlights and help figure out whether Icon is for you.

To help navigate the plethora of choices this review is divided into the eight neighbourhoods of Icon of the Seas. I have also noted whether the outlet is new to Royal Caribbean ships and then added if the dining is complimentary or speciality – specialty has an extra charge.

If it is a bar no need to add whether is it complimentary or not as drinks are not complimentary. In order, the bars follow the restaurants in each neighbourhood.

Royal Promenade Restaurants and Bars
Surfside Restaurants and Bars
Central Park Restaurants and Bars
AquaDome Restaurants and Bars
Chill Island Restaurants and Bars
Thrill Island Restaurants and Bars

Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade Restaurants and Bars

Often called the beating heart of any Royal Caribbean ship, Icon’s Royal Promenade has taken on the design ethos of the entire ship (‘water water everywhere’) and opened up the typically enclosed space via the innovative Pearl and also the 1400 lobby bar. Both spaces have significant natural light and views of the ocean.

Pearl Cafe NEW

Royal Promenade, Deck 6
Complimentary food, Starbucks coffee comes with a charge

The Pearl is a futuristic ‘kinetic’ artwork that floods the whole Royal Promenade with natural light. The Pearl Cafe sits at the top of the Pearl staircase (the colours and panels constantly changing).

Starbucks coffees are matched with food options depending on the time of day. The soft sofas and banquettes, cafe-style tables and chairs provide the perfect setting to sit back and relax over a coffee and sandwich, salad, chocolate or just a cookie or just grab’n’go.

But do take the time to sit and watch the sea go by; it is a little like sitting by the fire, mesmerising and relaxing.

The Pearl Cafe became my go-to place for coffee and breakfast. The Original is a dish of simple muffin magic; sausage pattie, egg, cheese and a secret sauce was the ultimate start to the day.

Head here for breakfast if you don’t want to take on the endless options of the Windjammer Buffet, or the more formal Dining Room (although suite guests can be hard to prise out of Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Giovannis Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar NEW

Royal Promenade, Deck 6
Specialty

The Italian-style eatery on board, Giovanni’s is borne from Royal Caribbean’s retired Portofinos and, what is most prevalently found on the Quantum class ships in Australia, Jamie’s.

The menu overhaul has seen the introduction of fresh, like hand-tossed pizzas made under the guidance of Italian master pizza maker Chef Renato Viola. The signature pizzas are joined by all the other classics you want from an Italian feast; antipasti board heaped with salami, prosciutto and cheeses; pasta with any manner of sauces and polpette alla romana (meatballs in a rich tomato sauce).

Final note, there is a Wine Bar option so Giovanni’s is a great option for a pre-dinner or show drink and nibble.

Sorrento’s Restaurant

Royal Promenade, Deck 5
Complimentary

The quick and easy pizza-by-the-slice outlet that can be found on all Royal Caribbean ships. This is a great kid snack to refuel between meals. Think Pepperoni, Margherita and Hawaiian slices that can be woofed down from the counter to the lift without breaking stride.

It also does a roaring trade from 11:30pm until 1:00am as a late-night revellers snack.

The Dining Room

Royal Promenade, Deck 5
Complimentary

For Royal Caribbean cruisers, the dining room is as iconic as Windjammers (the buffet, see below). The menus are very familiar if you have been on a cruise before. Each night has a theme, Caribbean, Italian, French, Mexican or American but on my half-dozen trips to the Dining Room across several ships I can’t recall ever having seen the Mexican, Italian or French.

The menu is a standard three courses. The go-to starters are the crab cake (it is big and a bit of a patty), the escargot and the Caesar salad – but note the salad is sans egg, bacon or anchovies so just lettuce, croutons, cheese and dressing.

For mains, the NY Strip steak or slow-roasted prime rib (ask for medium unless you like rare) are solid options but the surprise pick is the chicken curry.

The dessert options are very US, so Key Lime Pie and the signature Royal Cheesecake are what you would expect. The cheese platter is acceptable but good ol’ ice cream is the best option.

If you have a sweet tooth, my advice is to leave after two courses and head to Windjammers where the selection is far greater and you are guaranteed to find something to your liking (even if it takes a few trips).

The Attic

Royal Promenade, Deck 6

Based on the classic Comedy Clubs of NYC, The Attic received a ‘must-see’ status from all those on board. The 45-minute sets from three different comedians were not tame – AT ALL.

With plenty of lounge seating and an intimate bar, it is one of the parental entertainment highlights.

Boleros Bar

Royal Promenade, Deck 6

Latin-inspired bar that is found on all Royal Caribbean ships, it’s a cocktail bar and live music venue. Of all the venues across the fleet, I think this is the one most in need of review. It just fails to resonate.

Dueling Pianos NEW

Royal Promenade, Deck 6

The piano bar reinvented, this is by far the most raucous of the entertainment options with not one but two baby grands. Guests get to request the songs or just sit back and listen to the bickering pianists whose duelling tinkering and singing are very funny.

Oscillate between the Dueling Pianos and the Attic for a laugh-a-minute evening.

The Schooner Bar

Royal Promenade, Deck 6

The one bar on board all Royal Caribbean ships which is sacrosanct. It is more traditionally a piano bar, but with the duelling pianos on board Icon of the Seas, it also has a variety of other acts.

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Royal Promenade, Deck 6

The huge dark cavernous space is all you want from an American-style sports bar – as many screens as tables, several oversized TVs, bar seating, stalls, memorabilia, beer, cocktails, wings and other delicacies from the deep fryer or American bar snacks.

Watching the NFL Conference final in Playmakers with two sets of fans was a great cultural experience for this sports-loving writer.

1400 Lobby Bar NEW

Royal Promenade, Deck 5

This new lobby bar makes a point of sea views. The Royal Caribbean spin on the bar is inspired by the history of shipbuilding, with the number referring to Icon’s unique hull number – 1400.

True to the underlying design ethos of Icon, “water water everywhere”, the bar has an ocean-facing terrace that opens to the outdoors. They have tapped up renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, who’s worked with James Beard Award-winning chefs, and at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Personally I never quite had the time to sidle up to the bar and try one of the cocktails, wish I had now.

Starbucks

Royal Promenade, Deck 5
Speciality

Ok, it’s Starbucks. But they can give you a flat white which, although not quite right, is a small consolation as you inch closer to a decent coffee. My tip; ask for three-quarters full, close your eyes and it is a decent facsimile of a regular flat white from home.

Point & Feather

Royal Promenade, Deck 5

Think English pub and then you have Point & Feather; darts, pints and crisps with some music. I enjoyed the sculpture out the front of the pub as well.

Spotlight Karaoke

Royal Promenade, Deck 5

Fuel up on Dutch courage to take to the stage at Spotlight Karaoke. A 15m long red sofa has pride of place in the middle of the room which faces the stage, plus the lounge chairs all placed to take in the ‘performance’.

If you have a voice similar to mine that is just fit for the shower and family, there is a private, soundproof room for an additional charge.

Icon of the Seas Surfside Restaurants & Bars

A new neighbourhood, Surfside, is designed for young families (pre-school kids and under). To be a stay-all-day precinct as intended, Royal Caribbean has had to provide an extensive food and beverage offering.

Pier 7 NEW

Surfside, Deck 7
Speciality

Bringing a slightly elevated menu to the young family area, the Pier 7 menu is divided into brunch (11-3pm on sea days) and dinner (5-9:50pm every day). Both menus are designed for parents who want to eat non-cafe style. Brunch included eggs benny, bowls, burgers, quesadillas, tacos and salads. Prices range from $US8 for a cheese toastie to US$14 for a full burger.

Meanwhile, the dinner menu is similar but ups the bigger meals to include steak US$18, fish stew US$15 and fried chicken US$12.

Surfside Bites NEW

Surfside, Deck 7
Complimentary

Quick snacks over the counter, much like an old-school milk bar in Australia. Think quick burgers, popcorn chicken and cinnamon donuts. This is refuelling on the go for active kids.

Surfside Eatery NEW

Surfside, Deck 7
Complimentary

To ensure Surfside is a whole-day precinct, they have made sure there are plenty of food options. The Eatery is buffet-style (think Windjammers) food but more convenient.

Sugar Beach

Surfside, Deck 7
Specialty

Exactly what it says on the tin, and every dentist’s nightmare: sugar hits for the kids.

The Lemon Post NEW

Surfside, Deck 7

A cocktail bar in the young families area is not as silly as it sounds when you also have a mocktail menu. The name leans on the lemonade stand concept and, true to the entire Surfside concept, offers parents an adult treat while being able to supervise and play with their kids.

Sprinkles

Surfside, Deck 7

Soft serve on tap. Yes, it is limitless so if you don’t keep an eye on your kids and are wondering why they’re bouncing off the walls at 11pm, maybe try and ban them from Sprinkles.

Find a second Sprinkles on Deck 15 of Chill Island.

Icon of the Seas Central Park Restaurant & Bars

Debuting on the Oasis class of ships (the previous world’s largest cruise ships), Central Park is an open-air green delight in the heart of the ship. Home to my pick of restaurants and bars, it is a surprisingly serene and relaxing space.

Chops Grille

Central Park, Deck 8
Specialty

The iconic specialty dining experience on all Royal Caribbean cruises, Chops’ is almost every Royal enthusiast’s favourite outlet (yours truly included).

Classic NYC steak house meal with a decent wine list (you do pay for a quality red, but it’s worth it). I try and eat at Chops twice every week onboard.

The menu is a four-course affair. Five appetizers (entrees) with my highlights being the beef carpaccio and tuna tartar. The soups and salads I can take or leave depending on appetite, but if in the mood I gravitate to the The Wedge salad and the never disappointing Lobster Bisque.

The Signature Mains are all worthy but my go-to are the Rack Of Lamb (this is the only restaurant I can remember offering lamb) and the Filet. They will tend to be on the rare side of an Australian taste, so if you are a medium-rare devotee consider asking for medium. Another quirk is they ask “what temperature?”, which means how do you like it cooked.

Opt for truffled French fries and, if available, chargrilled broccoli.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Central Park, Deck 8
Specialty

Winner winner sushi dinner. On previous ships, I have left Izumi’s to her own devices but this was a revelation on Icon of the Seas.

The teppanyaki was outstanding, and yes there were bits of egg thrown around the room. The danger is over ordering here, which I was guilty of in the pursuit of being able to give you the lowdown – thank me later.

From the Sushi and Sashimi menu the Signature Rolls (US$13) are BIG – about double what you will find at your local sushi. My favourites were the Seared Tuna Tataki roll and the Salmon Lovers.

The Teppanyaki selection is divided into Classic US$45.99 or Premier Combo US$49.99. Go the Premier Combo (but you’ll need to save room).

Trellis Bar NEW

Central Park Deck 8

An intimate little space with bar seating, this bar is one of the go-to pre-dinner drinks bars. The green of Central Park and the colourful shutters make for a delightful alfresco drink.

In future sailings, Trellis bar will serve tapas-like tasting plates from Chops Grill.

Bubbles NEW

Central Park, Deck 8

This hole-in-the-wall champagne bar amongst the soothing Central Park precinct is très Parisien. The only disappointment is the lack of seating, meaning many will end up using the Central Park Cafe tables that are functional but not full of the same flair.

It is delightful and let’s be honest, you had me at bubbles.

Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues NEW

Central Park, Deck 8

Walking through Central Park as the evening turned to late night, the trumpet from Lou’s accompanied the warm sea air to create the most romantic moment I have ever seen on a cruise ship. Pity I was by myself.

Lou’s is an all-southern jazz vibe, with excellent music and drinks. I regret not spending more time here.

Empire Supper Club NEW

Central Park, Deck 8
Specialty

The most controversial of the new eateries on Icon of the Seas, the Empire Supper Club is an exclusive, 20-seat-only speakeasy-designed eatery. The strict eight-course and no-changes menu is matched with eight different cocktails, so think caviar to wagyu. The pairings aren’t always a match made in heaven, the space looks great though.

Park Cafe

Central Park, Deck 8
Complimentary

If you want a leafy eatery with deli-like food, then park in Central Park (see what I did there).

There are sandwich options plus a salad bar with a few extra grab’n’go options. But the highlight is the Kummelweck roast beef sandwich, made famous in Buffalo New York. Get it with the lot – bread topped with jus and horseradish it is a bit of a legend on board.

Icon of the Seas AquaDome Restaurants and Bars

The actual AquaDome is a strange growth on the front of the ship and an engineering marvel. Inside, this innovative new space is one of the quieter corners of the ship. It must be said one of the critiques of Icon is that it can be difficult to find a low energy quieter space. This would be the place for me – particularly the Overlook pods (see below).

Hooked NEW

AquaDome, Deck 15
Specialty

Set in a sea-shanty-like space inside the AquaDome, Hooked is all about seafood, as fresh as can be on a cruise ship. The space is all floorboards and tiles without a soft furnishing in sight, making for a loud space – you can’t have a sweet tête-à-tête in here.

The starters are some of the cruise classics: crab cakes and shrimp cocktails with a little more care, as expected in specialty dining.

The oyster bar delivers freshly shucked bivalves with the accompanying ‘mignorettes’; various shades of vinegary goodness to add to your slurping pleasure. As an oyster lover, this was a big yes.

Baked oysters are also on offer in various mainly US styles; Rockefeller, leeks and white wine and a rather confronting brie and Champagne. But I opted for two starters (oysters of course) with the crispy calamari. Oysters – excellent. Calamari – not rubbery, so that was a win, but could have been crunchier.

Mains also come from the classics with some twists and idiosyncrasies. Catch of the day, well let’s be honest they didn’t exactly throw a line overboard so it is seasonal.

Our meal was bonito fish, and good but not great. The Captain’s Platter, bonito, prawns (aka shrimp) and a lobster tail. I always prefer prawns to lobster, but on this occasion, it was a close match.

Celebration Table NEW

AquaDome, Deck 15
Specialty

The Celebration Table is the private dining room tucked into the space behind Hooked, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows of the sea. Seating up to 12, choose your menu – from American, Italian, Asian and Seafood – before dinner.

AquaDome Market NEW

AquaDome, Deck 15
Complimentary

Winner, in my humble opinion. This food hall has five different stations and a great lunch option when you yearn for something relatively simple.

Feta is my favourite station. The Med-style menu (they call it Greek, but I’m sorry falafels are not Greek so we are going with Mediterranean) is a classic pita or rice bowl with chicken or pork and salad. The result is almost an Aussie kebab but not quite as big, less messy and actually more enjoyable.

Mac’s endless mac’n’cheese options will please the carb and dairy lovers with some interesting combinations, like pepperoni pizza mac’n’cheese, or the confusing broccoli mac’n’cheese (is that allowed, like, healthy greens in a sea of carbs and cheese?).

Toast & Garden had several sandwiches ready to be toasted, and salads. Combining the Caesar salad (sans bacon, egg and anchovies so just lettuce, croutons, cheese and dressing) and the pita from Feta is my go-to combo.

The GNGR Asian station is a rice or noodle base and adds wok-fried protein including tofu with veggies, chicken teriyaki or sweet and sour prawns (shrimp to be true to the menu).

The final station Crème de la Crepe serves up sweet or savoury crepes.

The Overlook NEW

AquaDome, Deck 15

As stated above, this lounge with a bar is a highlight. If you are looking for somewhere quiet to read a book and kick back, try to snag one of the pods.

These egg-shaped lounges are snug bolt holes to get some quiet alone time. The pods are set on the port side and some are accessed by stairs, making the occupants invisible to the rest of the guests in the lounge.

Rye & Bean NEW

AquaDome, Deck 15

The second bar in the AquaDome space (why not) is a fusion of coffee shop and bar, hence it specialises in Espresso Martini’s. So grab a coffee when you want to lounge or kick it up a notch with a coffee disguised as a cocktail.

Icon of the Seas Chill Island Restaurants and Bars

So this is an enormous space spread across three different decks on Icon of the Seas where most of the pools and whirlpools can be found. As the name suggests, this is the place to relax and is home to the largest pool at sea featuring the first swim-up bar at sea for Royal Caribbean. Plus there’s an outdoor dance floor and, as you would expect, an extensive number of bars and two eateries.

El Loco Fresh & Cantina Fresca

Chill Island, Deck 15
Complimentary

Yes it is margarita/ chili/ tacos/ burrito/ quesadilla time.

The fresh and al fresco lunch is simple and unfussy when you are in the mood for quick and easy Mexican. Help yourself to pre-prepared burritos, or make your own taco or nachos.

After pouring on the chicken, pulled pork or beef (or all of the above if you like) add guacamole, sour cream, cheese and jalapenos at the salsa station.

Windjammer

Chill Island, Deck 15
Complimentary

The legendary, iconic buffet found on every Royal Caribbean ship is an institution. Do not dismiss it as just a buffet, that would be unfair.

Every night there is a different theme – Caribbean, American, Spanish, Indian. There are endless numbers of cuisines, curated to fit the ship, the itinerary and the season.

The beauty of Windjammer is everyone will find something they like, so all moods, tastes and trifles can be accommodated. My discerning wife’s first utterance when it comes to meal time, breakfast, lunch or dinner (if we are not booked into specialty dining for dinner) starts with “Windjammers?”.

The Lime & Coconut

Chill Island, Deck 15, 16 & 17

There are, in fact, three different physical bars on three different decks all called Lime & Coconut (it gives you the scale of Chill Island).  One of the three specialises in frozen cocktails.

The concept is Caribbean island tropical vibes and the cocktail menu follows suit. The eponymous Lime and Coconut is Malibu coconut rum, coconut milk, coconut syrup, guava syrup and lime juice. Then there are a variety of rum punches, a watermelon margarita or something simply called the Painkiller.

Swim & Tonic NEW

Chill Island, Deck 16

Tucked behind Lime and Coconut on deck 16, Swim and Tonic is the first swim-up bar at sea for Royal Caribbean (we can only find one other at sea, strangely on a Disney Cruise).

There is more than just seating in the pool at the bar but several submerged seats around tables to perch on while sipping a cocktail from the Lime & Coconut menu or one of your own favourites.

Just be wary of fellow passengers who sip a lot and don’t move.

Icon of the Seas Thrill Island Restaurants and Bars

Says what it does on the tin: gets the heart pumping. Thrill Island is for the teens and young at heart so the neighbourhood is all about doing, and not really eating, but instead refuelling for the next adventure.

Base Camp NEW

Thrill Island, Deck 16
Complimentary & Specialty

In a growing trend, Base Camp is a mix of complimentary and included.

The smaller snack-style eats are complimentary; think hot dogs, pretzels and tater tots. The more substantial items come with a charge.

The most innovative, the Crispy Shrimp Bao Buns, were a popular on-the-go option at US$8. For even more opt for the chicken sandwich US$9 or the burger US$11.

Desserted Milkshake Bar NEW

Thrill Island, Deck 16
Specialty

My bet is if you asked most kids what would be the top three food choices on their perfect holiday, endless ice cream is up there. So while Sprinkles (Surfside and Chill Island) has the constant flow of soft serve, Desserted kicks it up a notch with over-the-top monster milkshakes.

Standard chocolate, mint, strawberry and more all come in at US$9, while the monster variety are from US$14-18. Adults can make it a little more interesting with a shot or two thrown in from the top shelf.

Cruise nerds take note that the milkshakes are not included in the drinks package.

The Hideaway Bar

The Hideaway, Deck 15

We have put the Hideaway Bar in the Thrill Island section as it is only accessed via discrete stairs under the water slide tower even though it is technically its own ‘hood.

The adults-only area is not an oasis (head to AquaDome or Central Park if relative peace is what you seek). This is a Vegas-style pool party. The hanging infinity edge pool is huge and the day beds suspended over water are very popular (get there at 8am to nab a spot).

The bar has DJ upbeat tunes mashed up with the screams of delight and terror from the waterpark. So, yes, totally a Vegas pool party. There is no food available in The Hideaway.

Vitality Cafe

Deck 14
Specialty

Not really belonging to a hood, the Vitality Cafe is found outside the spa.

The cafe generated a lot of love from fellow passengers who gave it the “how good was that?” and “you have to get one of those juices” treatment. High praise indeed for the juice and smoothie bar.

Unfortunately, yours truly failed to get there, and regrets it. The signature juices are included in some beverage packages.

Icon of the Seas will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean holidays from Miami year-round. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. Passengers will also visit idyllic Caribbean destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Roatan, Honduras.

For more on Icon of the Seas, read our extensive reviews of the food and drink onboard Icon of the Seas, staterooms and suites on Icon of the Seas, and our overview of Icon of the Seas to really know if this is your iconic family holiday.