Gary Shteyngart: Crying Myself to Sleep on the Icon of the Seas

royal caribbean cruise line explorer of the seas

And, most hurtfully, there’s the Suite Neighborhood. I may have failed to mention that all this time, the Icon of the Seas has not left port. As the fiery mango of the subtropical setting sun makes Miami’s condo skyline even more apocalyptic, the ship shoves off beneath a perfunctory display of fireworks. After the sun sets, in the far, dark distance, another circus-lit cruise ship ruptures the waves before us. We glance at it with pity, because it is by definition a smaller ship than our own. The story you are reading was commissioned at a moment when most staterooms on the Icon were sold out.

Oceanview (YO)

He wasn’t saying “pendejo.” He was saying “Pinnacle.” The dining room was for Pinnacles only, all those older people rolling in like the tide on their motorized scooters. When you cruise from San Juan, the island vibes begin long before you even step aboard the ship. With its world-famous beaches, bold cuisine, natural beauty and rich history, Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital offers something for every traveler. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

Explorer Of The Seas ship related cruise news

When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Uncover all the exciting travel activities and ideas for the best family vacation waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Harmony of the Seas. Uncover all the exciting family vacation ideas and travel activities that are waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Symphony of the Seas. With an abundance of onboard cruise restaurants and fine dining experiences discover the top cruise foods aboard Voyager of the Seas.

Explorer Of The Seas Deck Plans

Experience the bliss of cruising of across the Atlantic with intriguing stops along the way on a Transatlantic cruise. A truly blissful vacation filled with beaches, Bahamian customs, and sunshine awaits you on a cruise to the Bahamas. Cabin amenities were upgraded with HDTVs added in all passenger staterooms. The ship was last drydocked in 2023 (January 29 thru March 12) at Navantia Shipyard (Cadiz Spain).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Royal Caribbean takes delivery of world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas - Orlando Sentinel

Royal Caribbean takes delivery of world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas.

Posted: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Unlock some of the most incredible travel destinations. Get on island time and unwind on some of the best beaches in the world, venture deep into the rainforests, and snorkel the most vibrant reefs on a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise getaway with the whole family. If it's zen you seek, achieve it poolside or at the relaxing Vitality Spa. Liven up your nights on the Royal Promenade, with parades, dancing and duty-free shopping deals.

Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager-class cruise ship owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International, completed in 2000. She can accommodate over 3,000 guests, including scientists making use of a built-in atmospheric and oceanographic laboratory operated by the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. The lab, with its attendant educational and outreach programs for passengers, was discontinued in 2007. Uncover some of the best ideas for things to do while traveling on a family vacation onboard a cruise getaway with Adventure of the Seas. With an abundance of onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover the top 10 things to do onboard Quantum of the Seas for a vacation temptation. Envision your next travel vacation, as you plan the best family cruise getaway while sailing onboard the Wonder of the Seas.

Your Dream Getaway is a Click Away

royal caribbean cruise line explorer of the seas

Vegetarians will do better in the MDR at lunch. The Windjammer, however, is an option for the nights when flexibility is expected. The buffet features the items offered on the main dining room menu. The boat has 15 decks, of which 14 are passenger-accessible and 8 with cabins. Navigators (ages 12 to 14) have "open-mic" karaoke contests and a rock-wall challenge. And, the coolest group (ages 15 to 17) -- so cool, they don't have a kitschy name -- has its own dance parties, dodge ball tournaments and arcade competitions.

Explorer of the Seas is an outstanding choice for family cruisers. Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room.

Cruise ships have become, for a certain kind of hardworking family, a form of subsidized child care. After breakfast, I explore the ship’s so-called neighborhoods. There’s the AquaDome, where one can find a food hall and an acrobatic sound-and-light aquatic show. Central Park has a premium steak house, a sushi joint, and a used Rolex that can be bought for $8,000 on land here proudly offered at $17,000. There’s the aforementioned Royal Promenade, where I had drunk with the Rands, and where a pair of dueling pianos duel well into the night.

Icon of the Seas has a lot of affordable vacation options at no additional cost including free restaurants, fun activities, and many places to relax onboard. Meanwhile, I have found a new watering hole for myself, the Swim & Tonic, the biggest swim-up bar on any cruise ship in the world. Drinking next to full-size, nearly naked Americans takes away one’s own self-consciousness.

Maybe that’s why there’s so much signage on the doors around me attesting to marriages spent on the sea. Maybe that’s why the Royal Caribbean newsletter slipped under my door tells me that “this isn’t a vacation day spent—it’s bragging rights earned.” Maybe that’s why I’m so lonely. There is, however, a clientele for whom this cruise makes perfect sense.

New to cruising and unsure exactly what is included on a cruise? Read on to learn about all the fun things Royal Caribbean ships offer for free. Check out these family cruise tips for maximizing your cruise on Allure of the Seas. Here are the top 10 things to do onboard Navigator of the Seas.

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