Following a soul-crushing 27-hour journey from Singapore to Miami, coupled with the mood-destroying results of jet lag, the very last thing anybody wants is a huge cookie mascot looming over them, telling everybody to “WASHY WASHY, BEFORE YOU YUMMY YUMMY!” in a chirpy, singsong voice.
It’s my first day on board Royal Caribbean’s four-day three-night Icon of the Seas (IOTS) maiden cruise in Miami, and I’m in determined want of sustenance (sugar! carbs! sanity!). However I didn’t have something left in me to washy-washy my well beyond Mr Cookie to the tantalising American buffet unfold tucked away on the Windjammer, one of many 40-plus eating places, bars and cafes on the ship. For context, every visitor is required to clean their digits earlier than coming into the institution.
As I made a pointy U-turn and hightailed my manner all the way down to Park Cafe, a extra tranquil deli situated on the lush, Central Park enclave on Deck 8, I can’t assist however want that my close-knit group of girlfriends have been right here. If I have been in good firm, I might even have taken on that frighteningly pleasant mascot on the Windjammer.
I’m a dedicated solo traveller, principally as a result of vacationing with folks entails the fragile administration of logistics and human dynamics. It’s the very definition of labor away from work – not what I’d envision for a break from my bosses and colleagues.
This being a assessment for a press junket apart, I used to be additionally satisfied that I wasn’t a “cruise” individual earlier than this journey. I nonetheless am not, but it surely’s no fault of IOTS. The bells and whistles of Royal Caribbean’s new blockbuster vessel are way more fitted to {couples}, squads, and households – solo curmudgeons needn’t apply.
A heaving behemoth of enjoyable
At 365m lengthy, with a complete of 20 decks, and a visitor capability of 5,610, the Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship. Throw in six crazy waterslides, seven swimming pools and 9 whirlpools, and also you’ve acquired the right cocktail for a probably drama-free vacation.
Need to talk about that scorching tub scene on Single’s Inferno with the women? Then hop right into a whirl pool for a tete-a-tete. Seeking to affirm your friendship? Nothing bonds folks collectively just like the trauma of hurtling by way of a pitch-black tunnel-slide at hair-raising speeds. The ship boasts the tallest drop slide, which measures 14m tall and 85m lengthy.
There’s even an opportunity so that you can dangle your self over the ocean at Crown’s Edge, a 41 metre-tall skywalk that culminates within the flooring beneath you collapsing, and also you gliding down a flying fox to the bottom. It’s a little bit like strolling the plank, besides you survive.
Personally, I loved kicking again at The Hideaway on Deck 15, an outside area that has small non-public enclaves decked out with cushioned lounge chairs which are set towards an countless view of the deep blue waters. Throw in a reside band taking part in Caribbean beats, a soft-serve ice cream cone from the close by dessert kiosk, and also you’re all set.
Benefit from the candy, suite life
I’ve to admit that if not for the truth that I used to be on a press junket and thus was obligated to discover the ship from end-to-end, I used to be completely completely happy to remain in my cosy Normal Ocean View Room. At 12 sqm, it was fantastically furnished with an opulent carpet, a roomy sofa and an extremely mushy mattress.
The little balcony overlooking the ocean was the right spot for me to, uh, work (sadly, we have been nonetheless within the midst of closing our February print concern). Listening to the sound of the waves, feeling the ocean breeze in my hair, and basking within the Caribbean solar made me much less inclined to hurl my work-issued laptop computer into the ocean.
Now, if I have been with my mates – sans work – we’d most likely splurge on a extra roomy Sundown Nook Suite, which might match as much as 4 folks, and has a wraparound balcony (good for a mimosa social gathering).
Relax at Coco Cay
With a lot occurring at IOTS – open-mike karaoke, stand-up comedy periods, stage musicals, and even a reside “duelling pianos” showcase on the bar – it will probably get a little bit overwhelming. I used to be completely happy to get away from busy-ness and discover Coco Cay, a non-public island within the Bahamas with seaside golf equipment, water parks, eating places and bars.
After all, that is Royal Caribbean we’re speaking about, so you may anticipate an entire host of family-friendly actions, from the ominously-named The Daredevil’s Tower, which options the 41m-tall Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide within the US. It’s also possible to hop on a scorching air balloon if you happen to desire to soak within the island views at a leisurely tempo.
I’d skip the Hideaway Seashore, a buzzy seaside membership that may get a little bit crowded later within the day, and add on a full-day go to Coco Seashore Membership, which permits entry for as much as eight folks. It’s a non-public, tranquil seaside sanctuary with crystalline waters, fancy cabanas, and incredible meals and repair.
I had a grilled lobster with truffle fries, a rum-soaked cake, and a rum pineapple cocktail on the membership’s restaurant. The laid-back, straightforward manner of Richard, the steward who attended to my desk, put me comfortable. The one-day Coco Cay expertise turned a worrying workaway into a really pleasant getaway.
Come for the hype, keep for the service
What really impressed me about IOTS was not its over-the-top services, or that the ship’s architects had managed to stack a bunch of slides on the higher decks of the vessel. It was the nice and cozy and honest hospitality of the employees, who hail from over 130 totally different nations. I’m extraordinarily grateful to the Filipino housekeeping supervisor who took the time to help with my question about the place I might discover bottled water, and in addition for rustling up 4 massive bottles anyway, as a result of “I regarded very thirsty.” My room attendant, Ketut, was extraordinarily attentive, affected person and meticulous.
On the Windjammer, a Filipino waiter enthusiastically shared his love for Canadian singer Alanis Morrisette when he seen my live performance T-shirt. Even Mr Washy-Washy, who’s stationed on the restaurant’s entrance all through the day, finally gained me over together with his relentlessly cheerful disposition.
And will you end up on the cruise with mates, relaxation assured that you’re in good palms – any disagreements will seemingly be defused by the top-notch service you’re assured to expertise. If not, there’s at all times the potential for creating some area (365m, to be precise) between yourselves.
Costs for sailings onboard Icon of the Seas begin from $2,344 per individual. Extra data right here.
Supply: Her World