What Makes Royal Caribbean’s President’s Cruise Different? My Week on Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s President’s Cruise brought special events, executive access, and a shipwide celebratory feel to my week on Icon of the Seas. Here’s what stood out and whether I’d consider sailing again.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is memorable on any sailing. But during the President’s Cruise, the ship felt like the setting for a much bigger celebration. I sailed on Icon for the third time for the President’s Cruise and came away with a better answer to a question you might be asking: What actually feels different about this week compared with a regular sailing?
It wasn’t one single event. It was the steady stream of extras, the chance to hear directly from Royal Caribbean leadership, and the way the ship and even a port day became part of the celebration.
Special events made the week feel different
The schedule included welcome and farewell celebrations, complete with balloon drops, giveaways, special touches around the ship, and events that brought guests together. One of my favorite neighborhoods, Central Park, was transformed into Spritz Park, complete with floral arches, centerpieces, and an Aperol Spritz cart.
There was also an amazing drone show at the beginning of the week that showcased the ports on our itinerary. A fireworks finale closed the week in true celebratory fashion. Those major events added to the festive atmosphere, but the smaller details helped make the week feel special too.
A rare chance to hear from Royal Caribbean leadership
One of the most interesting parts was the access we had to Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley and other executives. Common Ground with Michael Bayley was an hour-long Q&A where guests could ask questions and share feedback directly.
We also took part in a “Build a Ship” guest feedback session. At the end, we got to see a computer-generated version of the ship we had designed. Executives were onboard throughout the week, interacting with guests, taking photos, and generally making themselves available. That kind of access added a different dimension to the trip.
There were many other smaller events throughout the week. A highlight was Walk Down Memory Lane, where guests shared memorabilia from their years of cruising. A chef cook-off, Make-A-Wish horse racing, and a performance by Kool & the Gang rounded out the celebrations.
The celebration extended to St. Maarten and CocoCay
The special programming didn’t stop when we reached port. In St. Maarten, Royal Caribbean hosted a “Royal Day” takeover, with hospitality tents that made the port day feel like part of the celebration.
At Hideaway Beach on CocoCay, the adults-only beach day had a party atmosphere of its own. Michael Bayley served champagne, spraying it directly at guests with his Champagnator. It was a playful, unexpected moment that captured the celebratory feel of the week.
So, is it worth booking?
For me, the difference was the combination of special events, access to Royal Caribbean leadership, and extra celebrations woven into the sailing. Icon of the Seas is an impressive ship on its own, but these additions gave the week a distinct personality.
If you’re deciding whether a President’s Cruise is for you, think about what you value on a cruise. If you enjoy shipboard celebrations, unusual events, and getting a closer look at the cruise line, the extras could make the sailing feel meaningfully different. If you’re mainly choosing by itinerary, you’ll want to weigh those events against the ports and travel logistics.
Would you book a President’s Cruise? Tell me in the comments, and watch my full video for more from the week on Icon of the Seas.
I’m Nicki, and I’ll see you on deck.