A review of Icon of the Seas. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. This week, we cover a record-setting day in Nassau as more than 33,000 cruise passengers arrived in port, ongoing chaos in Santorini as a controversial passenger distribution rule triggers another shutdown, and the tragic death of a pregnant fin whale believed to have been struck by Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas near Seward, Alaska. We also discuss Royal Caribbean's decision to allow suite guests to bring non-suite friends into Coastal Kitchen for a fee, a massive brawl at PortMiami that resulted in 16 Carnival passengers being permanently banned from the cruise line, and Carnival's new limited-edition Bulleit single-barrel bourbon being sold aboard select ships as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. Michael and Tiffany return to Cruise Radio to share their review of a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. Sailing from Miami, they discuss what it was like experiencing one of the world's largest cruise ships and whether the hype lives up to reality. The couple shares their thoughts on the ship's layout, dining, entertainment, and crowd management, including why the vessel never felt crowded despite carrying more than 7,000 guests. They discuss favorites like Pearl Café, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Hooked Seafood, the AquaTheater production, and Royal Caribbean's adults-only Hideaway areas both onboard and at Perfect Day at CocoCay. They also talk about their visits to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, along with tips for navigating the ship, finding quiet spaces, and deciding whether Icon of the Seas is worth the premium price. In This Episode: Cruise news Icon of the Seas balcony stateroom review Pearl Cafe and included dining options Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Hooked Seafood AquaTheater, ice show, and Wizard of Oz production St. Maarten and Maho Beach St. Thomas port day changes Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay Crowd levels on a 7,000+ passenger ship Tips for first-time Icon of the Seas cruisers Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net
