Royal Caribbean's newest ship is also its priciest. Here's what it's like spending as little as possible, with no lobster or other upgrades

Brittany ChangApr 18, 2024, 21:14 IST

It's possible to avoid paying for any of Icon of the Seas' upcharged amenities — but be prepared to stay sober and repeat meals.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas could be an expensive vacation compared to other cruise ships.
Sailing on the mega-ship without paying for any of its upcharged amenities is possible.

A budget vacation on Royal Caribbean's new wildly popular Icon of the Seas is possible. Just be prepared to stay sober, repeat meals, and pay at least $265 a day.

Right now, there's likely no better example of the mass-market cruise industry's shift toward the budget airline strategy — charge a cheap base fare and offer irresistible up-charged amenities — than Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise liner.

After all, what other ship comes with a $100,000-a-week cabin and a $200-per-person restaurant?

But it is possible to vacation on the mega-ship without giving into any of its upcharged restaurants and activities. If you're strong enough to do so, here's what your seven nights on Icon of the Seas could look like.

Be warned: It won't include lobsters or private lounges.

Less than half of Icon’s 28 eateries are complimentary, so you’ll likely repeat meals.

Icon has two finger-food stands. The one near the mini-golf course has a half-complimentary, half-up-charged menu.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

For a more formal dinner, budget cruisers can grub on a three-course meal at the complimentary dining room.

The ship has 10 complimentary restaurants, not including the one exclusive to guests who've booked suites. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

For better or worse, guests snubbing upcharged options would also be snubbing booze.

Icon of the Seas' bars serve fun options like frozen tropical drinks and caffeine-infused cocktails.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Thankfully, the ship’s complimentary amenities could distract you from your sobriety.

The water park has six slides, including what Royal Caribbean is calling the tallest at sea.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

For drier activities, families could spend their afternoons scaling the rock climbing wall or testing their putt at the nine-hole mini-golf course.

The nine-hole course puts a nautical spin on mini-golf.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Guests staying in suites have access to a shared outdoor lounge.

Icon of the Seas has seven pools.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

And hold off on your Instagram photo dumps until after your vacation.

The new vessel has a neighborhood designed for families with young children. One of its restaurants allows kids to eat for free.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But let’s face it: The base fare alone isn’t ultra-affordable compared to other cruise ships.

Icon of the Seas is spending its first year in service operating seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami. The cheapest fare is currently $1,856 per person per day. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The cheapest interior stateroom for 2024 currently costs $265 per person per day.

A rendering shows Icon's "interior plus" stateroom, which, according to the cruise line, has a "deluxe closet and dressing area."Royal Caribbean International

I stayed in a $700-a-night houseboat in Amsterdam. It was surprisingly spacious and worth every penny.

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