Icon cost us (family of 5) $18K, including the costs for using the slides at royal carribeans coco cat at the Bahamas. Was it worth it? NO! We felt robbed. The balcony rooms were small and we were up sold constantly. Never again.
The pricing for Icon is crazy. We saw the costs of our balcony stateroom double in price from our original booking. Star of the Seas has the same pricing. Do you plan to cruise on another Royal Caribbean ship?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 My wife wants to go again on Wonder of the Seas. It apparently cruises out of Spain or something at some point during the year and she wants to go. Frankly I am so disgusted with RCCL I can’t even consider them so she is out of luck. Our next cruise will probably be Norwegian.
The most expensive room on Jubilee, excel presidential suite, is between $11K to $13K. It’s 475 sq feet, 2 rooms, a bedroom with a door, and 650 sq ft balcony. That seems like a wildly different experience.
Technically, one of Royals’s quantum class ships would be the closest in size to Carnival’s excel class. But both are newest ships and are designed to target families, especially those with young kids. Thanks for watching. Happy cruising.
I think the comparison is fair. Both are the largest ship in each companies fleet. Both are the latest ship in their fleet. Both are aimed at families. Their passenger capacity is similar. However, they are homeported in different areas of the country. Their designs are very different. Galveston is a tourist friendly city in its own right. You could easily spend a week touring and eating great food. At the moment, it's the 4th largest cruise port in the US. And it is growing.
Interesting to see the comments about the pricing of Icon. The way I see it, the price is set by the demand and people are far more eager to get onboard Icon than the competition. Additionally, we all know the competition would charge similarly if they were allowed to by the demand for their product. Royal Caribbean couldn't price the sailings like they are if people didn't think it was worth it. They seem to have produced a remarkable product and it shows in more ways than one. All that considered, it's hard to be upset about it for any reason beyond envy.
Yes and no. When we booked Icon the balcony cabins were closer to 5K, so we paid that. But now Star is close to 8k and we are not booking. Sooner or later the prices will come back down to earth. But at those prices, you can go on multiple Jubilee cruises. So it depends on what you value as a cruiser.
I may be mistaken but I believe the first several runs on Icon are at a reduced capacity. I wonder if the significant cost is to offset the profit lost from sailing with fewer passengers. I believe this was done for the initial ship reviews as Icon has gotten so much press. Fewer passengers would make for more favorable initial reviews.
A week long cruise with a Balcony ocean view cabin on jubilee/celebration average is 2k. Same cabin on Icon is 6k on average. I’d rather go on three cruises a year for the same price :) not sure Icon delivers 3x the experience but just an opinion I’m sure.
Just got off Jubilee yesterday. While I loved being on an almost brand new ship, I didn't "love" the layout of decks 6, 7 and 8. The decor was beautiful of course, but I'm used to one store that sells Carnival gear, ship gear, toiletries and other necessities. On Jubilee, I was constantly looking for items in the wrong places (who came up with the idea of putting your deodorants and such behind the register in the liquor store??). The architects also seem to not like straight lines so you were constantly 'zigzagging' to get from forward to aft. The outdoor areas were great, there were always loungers available regardless of area, and the fact that there were a lot of pools meant it was never crowded either. I agree with you about Cucina and ChiBang. The lack of flavor in both places was disappointing. Guy's of course is always great, so are the chicken tacos at Blue Iguana Cantina. If you enjoy BBQ, then Pig and Anchor isn't a bad place to eat, especially on sea days, their collard greens are pretty tasty. Overall it's a great ship however but I prefer the smaller Dream class ships, even with their lack of pools and decor that reminds me of the inside of a disco ball (I'm looking at you, Carnival Dream). 😂
Great video. Thanks for comparing. With all considered, I think I like jubilee much better. Food, splash pad, children activities, bars, rooms with oceanviews and most importantly price is definitely better for us with Carnival. I feel like I would feel like im on a cruise with jubilee more too.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 I do. I was looking into trying out Royal since they have lots of child friendly shows and activities, but all my children are young and probably wouldnt really enjoy it as much. I'll wait to try Royal out once they are a little older.
Great comparison! But why was price not considered, or value for the money? I prefer RCCL and want to do a family vacation on their newest ship, but Icon has priced me out.
It always surprises me how we all want very different service experiences, personally I do not want lots of fake conversation or fake over-the-top "friendliness" - I find that so disingenuous, but I realize others feel differently. I want quiet and efficient. Not "I'm super excited to help you" nonsense. No one is THAT excited to help
I'm currently on the jubilee rn. Paid 5k for a very spacious suite and big balcony with lounge chairs and table. This same room would be like 15k on Royal
Depends. Wonder of the Seas is a nice alternative to Icon, but doesn’t have the water park. Everything else is similar. We love the edge class, but it really isn’t for families. We just travel the two of us, so we lean Celebrity, but little kids would be bored. When is the next cruise?
@Eatsleepcruise1 are first cruise will be 2025 hoping mid to late fall or winter . Nit looking for summer do to heat and prices. Just the two of us are first cruise 🛳. Maybe few other people I put a offer out mom and dad that cruise 🛳 all time and myself family. We going 10yr wedding anniversary ❤️. We where engaged 6yr before got married so totally 16yrs
Yes and no. It depends on what you value most in your cruise experience. Both Icon and Jubilee shine in different areas. Thanks for watching. Have you sailed on any of the Excel-class ships?
They are not really in the same category, apples and oranges. There are other important neighborhoods on the icon not mentioned. The overlook which I breathtaking , Surf side and the boardwalk.
While different classes of ships, they are both designed with families with younger children in mind. We love the Overlook are as well. The Surfside is the new Boardwalk, and it is really for families with younger kids. So, we only went there for drinks at the Lemon Post, LOL. When is the next cruise?
The truth is that Jubilee doesn’t compare to 10+ year old Oasis class ships, much less the Icon. I would compare it to Oddessy or Anthem of the Seas. Even then it would lose because of the horrible food/entertainment.
Entertainment of Royal is much better, not sure about the food. But Icon was designed to appeal more to families like a Carnival ship. But in terms of size, yes, quantum class is similiar to excel class.
I just sailed on the Carnival Celebration and I’ve been in both Symphony and Allure of the Seas. It’s not even close. Royal Caribbean absolutely destroys Carnival in every category, food, entertainment, activities, the ship itself.
The cheapest one is right for me. Icon is 💰. I'll be on Jubilee very soon.
Have a great cruise.
You're gonna love it. I'm currently on the jubilee. May 11-18, 2024
Icon cost us (family of 5) $18K, including the costs for using the slides at royal carribeans coco cat at the Bahamas. Was it worth it? NO! We felt robbed. The balcony rooms were small and we were up sold constantly. Never again.
The pricing for Icon is crazy. We saw the costs of our balcony stateroom double in price from our original booking. Star of the Seas has the same pricing. Do you plan to cruise on another Royal Caribbean ship?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 My wife wants to go again on Wonder of the Seas. It apparently cruises out of Spain or something at some point during the year and she wants to go. Frankly I am so disgusted with RCCL I can’t even consider them so she is out of luck. Our next cruise will probably be Norwegian.
The most expensive room on Jubilee, excel presidential suite, is between $11K to $13K. It’s 475 sq feet, 2 rooms, a bedroom with a door, and 650 sq ft balcony. That seems like a wildly different experience.
@@jongriffin2125I suggest a smaller ship, any oasis class is way more worth it, it’s cheaper and just a bit smaller.
Thank you! We really appreciate this in-depth review and comparison of these ships. It’s very appreciated.
Our pleasure! Do you plan on sailing on either ship?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Jubilee
I can’t justify the 2x price difference for Icon. 💸
I don't think you're comparing apples to apples. The right comparison would be jubilee and Wonder of the Seas.
Technically, one of Royals’s quantum class ships would be the closest in size to Carnival’s excel class. But both are newest ships and are designed to target families, especially those with young kids. Thanks for watching. Happy cruising.
I think the comparison is fair. Both are the largest ship in each companies fleet. Both are the latest ship in their fleet. Both are aimed at families. Their passenger capacity is similar.
However, they are homeported in different areas of the country. Their designs are very different. Galveston is a tourist friendly city in its own right. You could easily spend a week touring and eating great food. At the moment, it's the 4th largest cruise port in the US. And it is growing.
Interesting to see the comments about the pricing of Icon. The way I see it, the price is set by the demand and people are far more eager to get onboard Icon than the competition. Additionally, we all know the competition would charge similarly if they were allowed to by the demand for their product. Royal Caribbean couldn't price the sailings like they are if people didn't think it was worth it. They seem to have produced a remarkable product and it shows in more ways than one. All that considered, it's hard to be upset about it for any reason beyond envy.
Yes and no. When we booked Icon the balcony cabins were closer to 5K, so we paid that. But now Star is close to 8k and we are not booking. Sooner or later the prices will come back down to earth. But at those prices, you can go on multiple Jubilee cruises. So it depends on what you value as a cruiser.
I may be mistaken but I believe the first several runs on Icon are at a reduced capacity. I wonder if the significant cost is to offset the profit lost from sailing with fewer passengers. I believe this was done for the initial ship reviews as Icon has gotten so much press. Fewer passengers would make for more favorable initial reviews.
A week long cruise with a Balcony ocean view cabin on jubilee/celebration average is 2k. Same cabin on Icon is 6k on average. I’d rather go on three cruises a year for the same price :) not sure Icon delivers 3x the experience but just an opinion I’m sure.
Very true. For trip, Icon was twice as expensive, but prices have gone up. Plans to sail on either ship?
AGREE!
Agreed. Have gone on several RCs and several Carnivals, and the RCs are just NOT WORTH the much higher prices and crowds.
Just got off Jubilee yesterday. While I loved being on an almost brand new ship, I didn't "love" the layout of decks 6, 7 and 8. The decor was beautiful of course, but I'm used to one store that sells Carnival gear, ship gear, toiletries and other necessities. On Jubilee, I was constantly looking for items in the wrong places (who came up with the idea of putting your deodorants and such behind the register in the liquor store??). The architects also seem to not like straight lines so you were constantly 'zigzagging' to get from forward to aft. The outdoor areas were great, there were always loungers available regardless of area, and the fact that there were a lot of pools meant it was never crowded either. I agree with you about Cucina and ChiBang. The lack of flavor in both places was disappointing. Guy's of course is always great, so are the chicken tacos at Blue Iguana Cantina. If you enjoy BBQ, then Pig and Anchor isn't a bad place to eat, especially on sea days, their collard greens are pretty tasty. Overall it's a great ship however but I prefer the smaller Dream class ships, even with their lack of pools and decor that reminds me of the inside of a disco ball (I'm looking at you, Carnival Dream). 😂
Thanks for the review. We have only sailed on this class of Carnival cruise ship. When is your next cruise?
Thank you for the great video. I would like to try Icon but I don't think I would not want a room facing the Park.
Glad you enjoyed the video. You can certainly find a room facing the ocean, they just cost more. lol. Have you sailed with Royal Caribbean before?
To go on the Icon of the Seas would be a DREAM! Great review...saving my coins NOW!
I love Carnival too though ❤
Thanks for watching. The ship is amazing, but pricey. When’s the next cruise?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 November on the MSC Seaside 🫶
Alot of buyers remorse from icon cruises. 3 to 4x price of other lines
@@henrysheppard3433 that's true. One of the reasons why I'm waiting until the prices go down before booking
@@EscapeRoutineTV same
Do a comparison with the Utopia of the seas when it comes out! I’m going on it in July!
Will do, if we get onboard. Anything in particular you want to know?
Great video. Thanks for comparing. With all considered, I think I like jubilee much better. Food, splash pad, children activities, bars, rooms with oceanviews and most importantly price is definitely better for us with Carnival. I feel like I would feel like im on a cruise with jubilee more too.
Glad you found it helpful. Do you cruise Carnival a lot?
Kids splash area on Carnival ship is half the size and doesn’t have nearly as many play toys for the little ones. It’s not even close comparison.
@@OmahaTonyG I did notice it is smaller, but my children wont mind. Plus, the biggest thing is the cruise is less than half the price.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 I do. I was looking into trying out Royal since they have lots of child friendly shows and activities, but all my children are young and probably wouldnt really enjoy it as much. I'll wait to try Royal out once they are a little older.
Great comparison! But why was price not considered, or value for the money? I prefer RCCL and want to do a family vacation on their newest ship, but Icon has priced me out.
It always surprises me how we all want very different service experiences, personally I do not want lots of fake conversation or fake over-the-top "friendliness" - I find that so disingenuous, but I realize others feel differently. I want quiet and efficient. Not "I'm super excited to help you" nonsense. No one is THAT excited to help
We’re that excited to help! 😊
I'm currently on the jubilee rn. Paid 5k for a very spacious suite and big balcony with lounge chairs and table. This same room would be like 15k on Royal
That is one benefit of sailing on Jubilee. Do you typically sail on Carnival?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 I've only been on 2 cruises, and they've both been carnival
Great comparison. Icon is very expensive from rates I seen. Better go with one of her sister ships of same size lower price ? Or celebrity new ships ?
Depends. Wonder of the Seas is a nice alternative to Icon, but doesn’t have the water park. Everything else is similar. We love the edge class, but it really isn’t for families. We just travel the two of us, so we lean Celebrity, but little kids would be bored. When is the next cruise?
@Eatsleepcruise1 are first cruise will be 2025 hoping mid to late fall or winter . Nit looking for summer do to heat and prices. Just the two of us are first cruise 🛳. Maybe few other people I put a offer out mom and dad that cruise 🛳 all time and myself family. We going 10yr wedding anniversary ❤️. We where engaged 6yr before got married so totally 16yrs
Apples to apples, how did the price compare?
Jubilee was about half the price of Icon of the Seas.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Did you have twice the fun on Icon of the Seas?🤔
I’m curious if a 2x price can be justified for what appears to be a similar experience. 😊
More than 2x price difference. Icon puts disney to shame. 8k for 7 night balcony was average
I'm a carnival person and NCL person. But I know icon will win this comparison
Yes and no. It depends on what you value most in your cruise experience. Both Icon and Jubilee shine in different areas. Thanks for watching. Have you sailed on any of the Excel-class ships?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 that's very true. I actually did all 3 excel class ships
They are not really in the same category, apples and oranges. There are other important neighborhoods on the icon not mentioned. The overlook which I breathtaking ,
Surf side and the boardwalk.
While different classes of ships, they are both designed with families with younger children in mind. We love the Overlook are as well. The Surfside is the new Boardwalk, and it is really for families with younger kids. So, we only went there for drinks at the Lemon Post, LOL. When is the next cruise?
The truth is that Jubilee doesn’t compare to 10+ year old Oasis class ships, much less the Icon.
I would compare it to Oddessy or Anthem of the Seas. Even then it would lose because of the horrible food/entertainment.
Entertainment of Royal is much better, not sure about the food. But Icon was designed to appeal more to families like a Carnival ship. But in terms of size, yes, quantum class is similiar to excel class.
i agree. Carnival is just not there yet.
the elevators on the jubilee are absolutely atrocious. food overall was the same. Big Chicken was the best food on the entire ship
We are fans of big chicken. Agree with the elevators.
Can you talk more about the elevators? Are they just slow? Not enough of them?
Icon 2x as expensive $$$$
True.
I booked on icon of the seas beginning of 2025, inside cabin for 2 for $2300 total for one week. I was very surprised🤪
UP NEXT...Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog would like a word with you about stealing his intro.
Actually, Matt stole our intro, but thanks for watching.
I just sailed on the Carnival Celebration and I’ve been in both Symphony and Allure of the Seas.
It’s not even close. Royal Caribbean absolutely destroys Carnival in every category, food, entertainment, activities, the ship itself.
This is a JOKE - Right???
Thank you! Great info. Can you compare pricing or are there too many variables? 🛳
Icon is usually double the costs for a similar balcony cabin on Jubilee. Sometimes it’s more than 2x. Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks.