When you’re planning a cruise on the Icon of the Seas, one of the first—and most important—decisions you’ll make is which cabin to book. With more than 2,800 staterooms and over 28 different categories, the variety on this cruise ship is impressive. Picking the right room can elevate your entire cruise vacation, whether you’re booking for a family, sailing as a couple, or tagging along on a large group trip. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the major cabin types, explain their perks, and help you decide which category is truly worth it for your needs.
Understanding Icon’s Design Philosophy
Royal Caribbean built Icon of the Seas with families in mind. In fact, reports say around 80% of the staterooms accommodate three or more guests. That’s a major shift in thinking: this is not just a cruise ship for couples or solo travelers—it’s a floating resort for families.
Another unique feature is the “Infinite Balcony,” which creates a convertible space. Push a button, and the glass wall drops down, turning your veranda into an extended part of your room.
Top Cabin Categories to Consider
Here are the key cabin categories on Icon, divided into groups based on what kind of cruiser you are and how much space (or special perks) you want:
- Interior & Ocean-View Cabins
- Balcony Cabins (Infinite & Standard)
- Surfside Family Rooms
- Junior Suites
- Premium Suites (Star & Sky Class)
- Ultimate Family Townhouse
1. Interior & Ocean-View Cabins
If you’re watching your budget or mostly use your room to sleep, these are smart choices.
- Interior: Compact, efficient, and well-appointed. Great for guests who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship or enjoying shore excursions.
- Spacious Interior / Interior Plus: Offers a little more living space without breaking the bank.
- Ocean View: Lets you enjoy natural light and a view without paying for a full balcony.
These rooms are especially good for first-time cruisers or anyone using their cabin mainly as a base to rest between activities and shore excursion days.
2. Balcony Cabins (Infinite & Standard)
For many cruisers, balcony cabins represent the sweet spot of comfort, value, and enjoyment.
- Infinite Ocean View Balcony: Probably the most popular category. You get that convertible balcony (the “infinite balcony”), which feels like additional space inside.
- Infinite Central Park View Balcony: Same convertible balcony design, but instead of ocean views, you look into the ship’s Central Park neighborhood.
- Family Infinite Balcony: Designed for up to six people, this room has a bunk area for kids, split bathrooms so parents and kids can get ready simultaneously, and that cool infinite balcony too.
- Surfside Family View Balcony: Located in the Surfside neighborhood, with a view down into the play-area, making it very handy for families who plan to spend time there.
These cabins are ideal for travelers who want both comfort and a little outdoor privacy without upgrading to a full suite.
3. Surfside Family Rooms
Part of what makes Icon truly family-friendly is its Surfside neighborhood, and the Surfside Family Suite is central to that design.
- Sleeps up to 4 (2 adults + 2 kids)
- Separate kid’s nook with a sofa-bed or pullout
- Two bathrooms (a rarity in family-class rooms)
- Private balcony overlooking Surfside
It’s in the “Suite Neighborhood,” so you unlock higher-tier perks like access to The Grove and a Suite Lounge. If you’re sailing with young children, this stateroom gives a great balance: kids have their own space, you have your own, and you’re right next to the family play zones onboard.
4. Junior Suites
For more space, but not full-blown suite territory, the Junior Suite categories are very compelling:
- Sunset Junior Suite (Sea Class): These have larger balconies and great views.
- Sky Junior Suite (Sky Class): Comes with Sky benefits—concierge service, priority embarkation, and access to exclusive venues.
- The rooms typically measure around 322 ft² (depending on the exact subcategory) with a balcony of roughly 80 ft².
If you want a roomy cabin and a little extra luxury (and are okay paying more for it), a junior suite is often considered a smart step up.
5. Premium Suites (Star & Sky Class)
If you’re ready to treat your cruise booking like a real vacation splurge, these suites bring real benefits:
- Icon Loft Suite: Two decks, panoramic views, and lots of space to spread out.
- Royal Loft: Very large, two-level suite with private balcony, piano, dining space, and a whirlpool.
- Infinite Grand Suite / Grand Suite: Comfort for a family or group, with excellent amenities and location in the suite neighborhood.
- Sky Class / Star Class Perks: Access to The Grove (a peaceful Mediterranean-style dining space), Coastal Kitchen, exclusive sun deck, priority boarding, and more.
These suites are ideal for families who want privacy, friends traveling together, or anyone who prefers a more premium stay while still being on a very activity-rich ship.
6. Ultimate Family Townhouse
This is hands-down the most iconic stateroom on Icon—and probably one of the most unique cabins at sea.
- Size: Around 1,772 sq ft over three decks.
- Occupancy: Sleeps 8 people comfortably.
- Features:
- In-room slide connecting the levels.
- Mini movie theater / media room.
- Outdoor terrace with whirlpool and dining area.
- Private entrance into the Surfside neighborhood.
- Games, seating areas, even a mailbox for that “homey” feel.
This suite is truly for families who want to make the room part of their adventure—not just a place to sleep. The townhouse feels like a mini-villa at sea.
Which Cabin Is Truly Worth the Upgrade?
This depends heavily on your travel style, priorities, and who you’re cruising with. Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decision:
- You mostly sleep in the room, enjoy the ship, and want to save: Go for Interior or Ocean-View
- You want a nice private balcony but don’t need a suite: Choose Infinite Balcony or Family Infinite Balcony
- Sailing as a young family and want convenience: Surfside Family Suite
- You want more space and premium service, but not a massive suite: Junior Suite (especially Sky Class)
- If budget allows and you want a very premium experience: Icon Loft, Royal Loft, or Infinite Grand Suite
- For a multi-generational family trip: The Ultimate Family Townhouse is unmatched
Bonus Tips for Your Cabin Decision
- Think about how often you’ll be in your room. If you’re mostly out on deck or on shore excursions, a higher-priced suite may not give enough return value.
- Balance sleeping space vs. living space. More beds is great, but is there a place in the room for your family to hang out in comfort?
- Use Royal Caribbean’s Suite Class perks. If you’re booking suites, the access to The Grove, private sun decks, and upgraded service can make a big difference in your cruise vacation experience.
- Consider connecting rooms. On Icon, some rooms are connected via a small foyer, which can be perfect for families or groups wanting some separation but still staying close.
- Book early. Popular categories like the townhouse or infinite balcony rooms will fill up fast on many itineraries.
Final Thoughts
The Icon of the Seas is not just about big thrills—it’s built to meet many different needs. Whether you’re a parent juggling kids, a family who wants a suite that’s part of the fun, or a couple looking for a quiet balcony, there’s likely a room for you that maximizes both comfort and value.
When making your cruise booking, think through what you expect to do on your cruise vacation: how much time will you spend in your cabin, whether you’ll mostly use the ship to rest between shore excursions, and how much value you place on amenities like balconies, split bathrooms, and suite-only perks.