I sailed on Royal Caribbean's wildly hyped Icon of the Seas see what it's like traveling on the world's largest cruise ship that can carry nearly 10,000 people

Four of the ship's seven swimming holes are located on Icon's version of a traditional pool deck, Chill Island. It's where travelers can float around a 5,800-square-foot pool and another smaller one with a swim-up bar.

With wild outdoor amenities like a water park, lounging by the pool fell low on my to-do list.

While there, guests can step into a harness to traverse one of the ship's most adrenaline-pumping activities: Crown's Edge. Expect to dangle 154 feet above the ocean when the floor unexpectedly drops from under your feet.

Icon of the Seas' amenities also include the more peaceful mini-golf course, sports court, rock climbing wall, and surf simulator, all located a few feet next to (and below) Crown's Edge's elevated course.

The over 17,000-square-foot mecca of screaming children (and adults) includes a 46-foot-tall drop slide and what Royal Caribbean says is the first family raft slide on a cruise ship.

But learn from my mistake: You'll probably guzzle your body weight in warm water if you attempt to scream during the drops.

Surfside, located about 10 decks below Thrill and Chill Island, is where younger travelers can romp around the water playground, spin around the eclectic carousel, and spend their parents' money at the arcade.

The youngest sailors can also wind down with Surfside's bedtime story readings.

Fortunately, sections like Hideaway and its suspended infinity pool are kid-free. So is Cloud 17, another pool, and the night-time comedy show.

However, significantly fewer children frolic around this open-air destination than the rest of the ship.

Instead, it's a quiet and contemplative space embellished with over 30,550 live plants, luxury stores, restaurants, and bars.

But compared to the rest of the ship's entertainment line-up, Lou's Jazz 'n Blues likely isn't among the most coveted show venues.

This display of divers, nine-foot-tall robotic arms, synchronized swimmers, and skateboarders replaces the typical (ahem, cringe) cruise song-and-dance show.

No ice skaters are in this performance, though — they're busy with the ship's other ice skating show.

Keep your expectations within reason: Toto is half puppeteer, half puppet-dog. Both are equally expressive.

However, only about half of Icon of the Seas' restaurants are complimentary. This includes the buffet, Central Park's café, and the five-venue food hall.

The most expensive dining venue, Empire Supper Club, costs over $200 per person. Fortunately, you can drink the pain of this price away: A cocktail pairing is included.

Almost every section of the ship presents opportunities to drink.

At night, the Royal Promenade and its strip of seven watering holes — including karaoke and dueling piano bars — also becomes a do-it-yourself bar crawl.

If you choose to booze it up, the 1,198-foot-long, 250,800-gross-ton giant cruise ship likely won't be the cause of your seasick (hangover) symptoms — I, the self-proclaimed Queen of Motion Sickness, barely felt it move during my three-night sailing.

But ironically, even thinking about the number of cabins can feel overbearing. Icon's 2,805 floating hotel rooms comprise 28 cabin categories, including several new for Royal Caribbean.

During its first year in service, the giant vessel will operate year-round seven-night sailings from Miami to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Icon's least expensive 2024 sailing currently starts at almost $2,590 per person.

But let's not forget this price also includes admission to a water park, nightly shows, half of the dining options, and the exhaustion that will inevitably come with being overwhelmed by the giant floating resort.