The phrase, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere in the world” will certainly come in very handy when you set sail on Royal Caribbean‘s brand new ship, Icon of the Seas, as the cruise line has unveiled more than 15 exciting bars and nightlife experiences that will light up what will soon become the world’s biggest cruise ship.
Whether you’re in the mood for some live music, like two pianists going head-to-head, or fancy a bar hop for sips of coffee-infused cocktails or simply a glass of bubbly at a new walkup champagne bar, Icon of the Seas will debut an unrivalled lineup when it sets sail in January 2024.
Hot Spots for Stunning Sips and Shows
Royal Caribbean past passengers can expect to encounter some returning favourite venues including The Attic, inspired by Manhattan’s dark and intimate comedy clubs with adults-only live shows, and Music Hall, to rock out to the house tribute band, however, the stars of the show are certain to be the following four brand new bars.
Dueling Pianos
In Royal Caribbean’s first duelling pianos bar, it’s the battle of the baby grands at the hands of two talented pianists who take song requests to bring high-energy performances of crowd-favourite hits to the Royal Promenade – the heart of Icon.
Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues
The new spot fills the open-air Central Park with live performances of soulful classics and jazz-pop tunes, inviting music lovers to take it all in from indoors or as they stroll by the thousands of real plants during Jazz in the Park.
Rye & Bean
Matching the transformational experiences in the AquaDome, this new coffee shop offers everything from classic cups of joe to espresso cocktails. It’s a cosy morning hangout with endless ocean views by day and a buzzing bar with views of deck-defying entertainment in the AquaTheater by night.
The Overlook and Overlook Pods
The elevated lounge and first-of-their-kind nooks at sea take nights out and hangouts to another level. The wraparound windows in the AquaDome bring the ocean centre stage during the day, and at night, the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows are just a few steps away. The next-level pods are where friends can lounge with a drink, play classic board games and kick back to live music, too.
Hot Spots for an Unforgettable Ambiance
Expect to enjoy an expanded Trellis Bar in Central Park, with a new look and a debut menu of bites; Boleros, the lively club that brings the heat with Latin flavours late into the night; and the signature Schooner Bar, where pianists set the tone for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps are returning to Icon of the Seas, whilst there are a couple of brand new additions to discover.
1400 Lobby Bar
The new meetup spot – inspired by the history of shipbuilding – is where vacationers can start to make memories as soon as they board, with a mix of daytime and evening sips developed with renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, who’s worked with James Beard Award-winning chefs, Bellagio and more. The venue’s also the first to open the vibrant Royal Promenade to the outdoors with an ocean-facing terrace.
Bubbles
It’s three cheers at the new walkup champagne window in Central Park, where glasses of mimosas, prosecco, Bellini and even bottles of bubbly are on tap morning, noon and night.
Hot Spots for More Ways to Play
Sports fans, don’t panic, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is back, serving up gameday bar fare and ice-cold beers, this is where you can catch your teams games on dozens of screens and play arcade and tabletop games.
Point & Feather
The neighbourhood English pub on Royal Promenade has a new open layout, games – and tournaments – of darts and sips joining the signature lineup of pints and the live guitarist at the centre of it all.
Spotlight Karaoke
Aspiring singers take the stage in front of the crowd or in a private room with their friends and family at this fan-favourite karaoke spot on Royal Promenade.
“We’ve set out to introduce a new kind of vacation in every sense and taken a blank slate to create an unparalleled blend of ways vacationers can celebrate and make memories whatever their mood, vibe and style. From all-new venues and bolder favorites to new iconic drinks on every menu, zero-proof cocktails and twists to classics, there’s something for everyone to make the most of their nights out on Icon of the Seas.”
Linken D’Souza, vice president, food and beverage, Royal Caribbean International
