Best FREE Things on Icon

Best FREE Things on Icon

The Best FREE Things to Do on Icon of the Seas (You Don't Have to Spend Extra!)

One of the biggest misconceptions about cruising is that you have to spend money every time you turn around.

While Icon of the Seas certainly offers specialty restaurants, drink packages, and premium experiences, you'll be surprised by just how much is included in your cruise fare.

In fact, you could spend an entire week onboard without paying for many extras and still have an unforgettable vacation.

After sailing on Icon of the Seas myself, here are my favorite FREE experiences you won't want to miss.

1. Ride Category 6 Waterpark

One of the biggest surprises for first-time cruisers is that the largest waterpark at sea is completely included with your cruise fare.

Category 6 features:

  • Six record-breaking waterslides

  • Family raft slides

  • Racing slides

  • Drop slides

  • Splash areas

There is no extra charge to ride the slides as many times as you'd like (weather permitting).

Pro Tip: Ride while the ship is in port for much shorter wait times.

2. See World-Class Shows

Many cruise lines charge for premium entertainment.

Royal Caribbean doesn't.

Your cruise includes spectacular entertainment like:

  • AquaTheater high-diving performances

  • Ice skating shows at Absolute Zero

  • Broadway-style productions

  • Live music throughout the ship

  • Comedy shows

  • Dueling Pianos

Some shows require reservations, so book them as soon as they're available in the Royal Caribbean app.

3. Eat at Complimentary Restaurants

One of my favorite parts of Icon is just how many amazing restaurants are already included.

Some of the best FREE dining options include:

  • AquaDome Market

  • Pearl CafĂ©

  • Park CafĂ©

  • Basecamp

  • El Loco Fresh

  • Surfside Eatery

  • Windjammer Marketplace

  • Sorrento's Pizza

  • Main Dining Room

Honestly, you could eat somewhere different every day without spending an extra dollar.

4. Swim in Seven Incredible Pools

Whether you're looking for excitement or relaxation, there's a pool for everyone.

Included pools include:

  • Royal Bay (the largest pool at sea)

  • The Cove Pool

  • Water's Edge

  • Swim & Tonic Pool

  • Hideaway Pool

  • Family pools

  • Splash areas for kids

You'll never feel like you're limited to just one place to swim.

5. Walk Through Central Park

One of my favorite free activities doesn't involve a pool or a show.

Central Park is filled with thousands of real plants, walking paths, live music in the evenings, and plenty of quiet places to sit and relax.

If you visit early in the morning with a coffee, it hardly feels like you're on a cruise ship.

6. Visit The Overlook

Located inside the AquaDome, The Overlook is one of the most peaceful places onboard.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the ocean, making it the perfect place to:

  • Read a book

  • Enjoy your coffee

  • Watch the sunrise

  • Escape the crowds

It's one of Icon's most underrated spaces—and it's completely free.

7. Surf on the FlowRider

Always wanted to try surfing?

The famous FlowRider surf simulator is included with your cruise fare.

Whether you stand up or bodyboard, it's one of the most popular attractions onboard.

Be prepared to wipe out a few times—that's part of the fun!

8. Play Mini Golf

Lost Dunes is unlike any cruise ship mini golf course I've seen.

It's beautifully themed, overlooks the ocean, and is fun for both kids and adults.

Best of all?

It's completely included.

9. Rock Climb with an Ocean View

Adrenaline Peak gives you the chance to climb a rock wall while sailing through the Caribbean.

There aren't many vacations where you can say you rock climbed in the middle of the ocean!

No extra fee is required.

10. Enjoy Free Soft Serve Ice Cream

This may sound simple, but it quickly became one of my favorite daily traditions.

Grab a cone from Sprinkles, then head to the pool or watch the sunset with an ice cream in hand.

Unlimited soft serve is included throughout your cruise.

11. Watch Live Music Every Night

Icon is full of talented musicians.

You can enjoy live performances at venues like:

  • Lou's Jazz 'n Blues

  • Music Hall

  • Dueling Pianos

  • Central Park

  • Royal Promenade

You'll find everything from jazz to rock to acoustic performances throughout the week. Some venues also offer drinks for purchase, but enjoying the music itself is free.

12. Use the Fitness Center

If you like staying active while traveling, the fitness center is included with your cruise.

You'll find:

  • Cardio machines

  • Free weights

  • Strength equipment

  • Incredible ocean views while you work out

Group fitness classes may have an additional fee, but using the gym itself is complimentary.

13. Join Trivia and Daily Activities

Every day, the Royal Caribbean app lists dozens of free activities, including:

  • Trivia contests

  • Dance classes

  • Game shows

  • Family competitions

  • Pool games

  • Scavenger hunts

  • Theme parties

These are some of the easiest ways to meet fellow cruisers while having fun.

14. Explore All Eight Neighborhoods

One of the coolest things about Icon of the Seas is that each neighborhood feels like its own destination.

Spend time exploring:

  • AquaDome

  • Central Park

  • Chill Island

  • Surfside

  • Thrill Island

  • Royal Promenade

  • The Hideaway

  • Suite Neighborhood (accessible to suite guests)

Every area has its own atmosphere, restaurants, entertainment, and photo opportunities.

15. Simply Enjoy the Ocean

It sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget why you booked a cruise in the first place.

Find a quiet chair.

Watch the sunrise.

Take a walk around the outdoor decks.

Watch another ship pass by.

Some of my favorite memories from Icon weren't the biggest attractions—they were the peaceful moments spent simply enjoying being at sea.

Final Thoughts

One of the best things about Icon of the Seas is that you don't have to spend a fortune once you're onboard to have an amazing vacation. Between thrilling attractions, incredible entertainment, complimentary restaurants, and beautiful places to relax, your cruise fare already includes enough to keep you busy from embarkation to disembarkation.

If you're trying to cruise on a budget, my biggest advice is this: take advantage of everything that's already included before paying for extras. You may find that your favorite experiences don't cost a thing.

Planning your first Icon of the Seas cruise? Be sure to check out my other guides, including Hidden Gems on Icon of the Seas, Mistakes to Avoid on Icon of the Seas, and my honest review after sailing on the world's largest cruise ship.

Back to blog