Icon of the Seas Suite Neighborhood: What to expect

If you booked a suite on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, there’s an entire section of the ship reserved just for you.

Among the eight neighborhoods on Icon, the exclusive Suite Neighborhood offers upscale amenities like a private two-story sun deck and restaurant. 

The Suite Neighborhood overlooks the vibrant pool deck below, including Swim & Tonic, the cruise line’s first swim-up bar at sea. 

Throughout The Grove Suite Sun Deck, you’ll find tons of plush seating with direct oceanfront views, as well as colorful tropical decor. 

Read more: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

During the day, Suite guests can grab a bite to eat at The Grove, a fast-casual Mediterranean venue located within the Suite Neighborhood that features al fresco seating. This surely will beat venturing to the Windjammer or El Loco Fresh!

This brand-new dining option is located steps away from the private pool. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class

Of course, Suite guests may also take advantage of Coastal Kitchen, the elegant suite-only dining room that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Non-suite passengers are unable to dine at Coastal Kitchen, even if they’re willing to pay. 

They will have to choose from one of the numerous other specialty restaurants, such as Empire Supper Club, Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, Chops Grille, etc. These are open to suite guests, too. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean previews all the restaurant and dining choices coming to the world’s largest cruise ship

Pinnacle Club members, or those who have reached the highest tier of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, have the opportunity to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen, subject to availability. 

Coastal Kitchen is located on Decks 16 and 17 with large windows overlooking the ship’s indoor AquaTheater within the AquaDome Neighborhood. It’s a great place to grab a pre-show cocktail! 

Being located so close to the AquaDome Neighborhood means that Suite guests are only steps away from the AquaDome Market, Overlook Pods, Hooked Seafood, and more. 

Read more: I walked through Royal Caribbean’s new food hall concept and it could radically change casual dining onboard

Within the Suite Neighborhood, you will find numerous places to get a drink, which is great since some of the most exclusive (and expensive) suites onboard include a Royal Caribbean drink package! 

Those with children and/or teens will appreciate how close the suite-only spaces are to Thrill Island, which is home to the largest water park at sea: Category 6. 

Activities such as the Flowrider and the brand-new Crown’s Edge can be found at the aft of the ship on Deck 16. 

Icon of the Seas has eight new suite categories that cannot be found on other ships within the fleet, including the Sunset Junior Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft, and Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

The benefits that you will receive vary based on which tier the suite is in. Sunset Junior Suites and standard Junior Suites, for instance, won’t have as many perks as the Ultimate Family Townhome. 

If you want to access The Grove, you’ll want to book a suite that’s located within the Sky or Star Class. Sea Class suites (i.e., Junior Suites and Sunset Junior Suites) do not have access to the private sun deck and can only eat at Coastal Kitchen for dinner, subject to availability.