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Boarding Icon of the Seas Without the Chaos

Nicki on Deck
Nicki on Deck
🥈Expert
👁️ 1K views📅 1 months ago⏱️ 8:21
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🥈Expert Creator
👶 Best for Family (Young Kids)From MiamiVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

We dropped our bags with the porters at 11:07 and we were on board by 11:17, which feels kind of insane considering this cruise ship holds 7,000 plus passengers.

There is a window on embarcation day between about 11 and 1:00 p.m. where the pool deck is quiet and peaceful.

For me, it was really kind of a 50/50. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it.

Embarcation day on an icon class ship does not have to be overwhelming if you know how to plan it.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Fill out check-in information and security photo in the app ahead of time to use Express boarding line.
Screenshot your set sail pass before arriving due to spotty cell service.
Do muster drill as soon as you board; it's quick and often near convenient spots.
Head to the pool deck between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for a quiet, uncrowded experience.
Don't stress over a sit-down dinner on embarkation day; use included quick dining options.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Embarkation day feeling overwhelmingHave a plan; get to port early, hit pool deck between 11-1, find a sail away spot, don't stress over dinner.
Avoiding crowds on embarkation dayUse Express boarding, go to pool deck during quiet window (11-1), avoid Wind Jammer for lunch.
Booking shows and activitiesBook shows like Aqua Theater in app ahead of time or visit box office for reservations.

Questions This Creator Answers

QHow can you board Icon of the Seas smoothly and quickly?
QWhat are the best places to go first onboard to avoid crowds?
QHow can you enjoy embarkation day without feeling overwhelmed?
QWhat are the key strategies for a relaxing embarkation day on Icon of the Seas?

Topics Covered

Embarkation4 Happy BaconService Crew3½ Happy BaconPool Deck4½ Happy BaconCabin BalconyMehEntertainment Shows4½ Happy BaconEntertainment Casino4 Happy BaconDining Buffet1½ Sad BaconDining Specialty3½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Miami4 Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Boarding the biggest cruise ship in the world sounds overwhelming… but embarkation day on Icon of the Seas can actually be smooth, easy, and one of the best days of your cruise if you have a plan. In this video I’m sharing exactly how we boarded in just 10 minutes, the best places to go first onboard, how to avoid the biggest crowds, and the strategies that made embarkation day on Icon feel surprisingly relaxing. From the massive Miami terminal and express boarding process to early pool deck tips, the best sail away spot onboard, included food options, and our first night on Icon of the Seas, this is what it’s really like to board the world’s biggest cruise ship. If you’re planning an Icon cruise, subscribe because I have a full ship tour, Icon tips, crowd-avoidance strategies, casino content, and more coming soon. Ready to book your cruise vacation? Fill out a booking request at https://trips.nickiondeck.com Find your Free Club Royale Strategy guide, my Amazon storefront and more at www.NickiOnDeck.com Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:33 Boarding 01:47 Muster 02:00 Lunch 02:14 Box Office Reservations 02:35 Pool Deck 03:24 Infinite Balcony Room Tour 05:18 The Elevator System 05:37 Sail Away 06:15 Casino Royale 06:23 Dinner 07:01 AquaTheater Show 07:12 Karaoke 07:24 Casino and Sorrentos 07:42 Wrap Up