Icon/Star vs Symphony/Harmony vs DCL

[Bunnybears1019]

We’re a family of 4, with two kids 4 and 7. We have never sailed Royal but are heavily considering their newest ships, the Icon/Star.

The thing is, we also live in Texas and it would be easiest if we tried out RCCL from the Galveston port… but my heart has been swayed by the Icon marketing. It just looks awesome.

Can anyone tell me.. what does the Icon have that actually matters or makes it worth booking vs the Symphony or Harmony out of Galveston regardless of pricing and itinerary. We are willing to fly to FL if the new ones are better.. we don’t want to go on a ship just because it’s our first time on Royal and a ship is “good enough”. But if you say.. “The Icon just rearranges everything but has all the same stuff” .. then we would be okay booking out of Galveston.

We have only ever sailed DCL (x7 with x3 more booked) with our kids.. they are prime Disney age.. and family friendly activities are most important for us.. and a good kids club.

We don’t care so much about specialty dining, the spa, casinos, and the bar.
We like shows, pools, decent food, and included activities (prefer not to have to pay an upcharge for each activity).

By the time our 10th Disney cruise is done, we’re looking at Fall 2026 and beyond for RCCL.. kids will then be around 9 and 6.

 

[CM Dad]

Here is a link I found comparing the Icon and Oasis class ships. https://www.harrtravelblog.com/post/differences-between-icon-of-the-seas-and-an-oasis-class-ship.

On the Icon ships the aqua show is now in an enclosed dome, which theoretically make is less subject to weather cancellations. My wife and I were on the first Icon sailing and the aqua show was cancelled one night due to rough seas. They don't want the divers attempting to land in the water if the ship suddenly shifts to one side causing the water to drain from part of the pool.

We did not travel with kids on the Icon so I have no information about kids clubs/activities. We did do a family trip on the Wonder of the Seas that included 7 grandkids from 7 to 14 (if I remember their ages at the time). I don't think they ever went to the kids clubs, but they all had a great time. They enjoyed the shows, rock climbing, zip line, flow rider, slides (both dry and water). They enjoyed the stop at Perfect Day at Coco Cay. We did not do the extra cost water park there, but my wife did splurge and we had 2 overwater cabanas there.

 

[ucf_knight]

When it comes to icon the ship is the destination. We have only sailed royal and have done every class of ship and the icon is unlike anything royal has made before. The shows, entertainment, food and activities all are the best royal has to offer. My kids loved the water park on board. We spent a lot of time doing the slides. Check height restrictions though for your youngest as they may not be tall enough for the rides. Add to the fact that you’ll get coco cay on your icon cruise (assuming Galveston doesn’t go there) it’s a no brainer to me to choose icon. You won’t regret it. We are a huge Disney family and are wide AP’s but could never justify the pricing of the Disney ships when we love royal so much. Icon was by far our favorite cruise we’ve ever done. The aqua show and theatre show were great and my kids loved them. You will not regret choosing icon and my guess is you’ll wonder why you didn’t try royal sooner.

 

[Bunnybears1019]

When it comes to icon the ship is the destination. We have only sailed royal and have done every class of ship and the icon is unlike anything royal has made before. The shows, entertainment, food and activities all are the best royal has to offer. My kids loved the water park on board. We spent a lot of time doing the slides. Check height restrictions though for your youngest as they may not be tall enough for the rides. Add to the fact that you’ll get coco cay on your icon cruise (assuming Galveston doesn’t go there) it’s a no brainer to me to choose icon. You won’t regret it. We are a huge Disney family and are wide AP’s but could never justify the pricing of the Disney ships when we love royal so much. Icon was by far our favorite cruise we’ve ever done. The aqua show and theatre show were great and my kids loved them. You will not regret choosing icon and my guess is you’ll wonder why you didn’t try royal sooner.

That’s awesome. This is really the feedback we’re looking for. I’ve been comparing deck plans and ship videos and could really only pinpoint the Icon having a designated kids pool area .. which looked pretty neat, but then everyone kept saying.. well the Oasis class ships are good enough anyways given the price.. But i don’t have first hand experience.. I don’t know what good enough means!

But we’re definitely willing to book Icon if it’s the best ship and most family oriented. We do consider the ship the destination, and ports as a bonus. We are also partial to the private islands so would love to visit Coco Bay and compare it to DCL’s. I think we will have to try to fit Royal in!

 

[pjacobi]

but then everyone kept saying.. well the Oasis class ships are good enough anyways given the price..

Yes, Icon is at a premium price but delivers on value! The ship, and all the included food was quite exceptional.

We did economize by booking an inside stateroom, but that was just fine. We've had a balcony on DCL, but found we didn't use it much.


-Paul

 

[peacefrogdog]

Re: Icon vs Oasis class ships: We had sailed on Oasis, Allure, Harmony and Wonder, and love the layout of that class so much that we didn't think anything else would top it. However after sailing Icon, I now like that class better for these reasons:

1. Has a lot of the same features (Central Park for example) and more (e.g. the Aquadome area, Overlook, Dueling Piano bar, double floor promenade, Pearl Cafe, basecamp for quick poolside eats)
2. It seems to have even more areas to sit and chill that don't require you to be outside (e.g. pearl cafe area, the Overlook). May not be as relevant with kids, but great for adults.
3. Seemingly easier to get from point A to B. For example, you can go from Central park to promenade through a dedicated stairwell rather than having to go to either end. Similarly can go from Central Park directly to the Seaside area (where Boardwalk is). Icon also as the new elevator system where you pick your deck and it tells you which elevator to go to. I think one other Oasis class ship may have that now. I found it much quicker than the usual elevator system. The longest wait I had to get an elevator was 1 min 30 seconds and that was on disembarkation day.
4. If you're into them, the water slides are better on Icon vs Oasis
5. I found the quality of shows better on Icon, especially the stage/broadway type show.
6. It seems to handle crowds better - I assume based on its layout (e.g. they designed the Seaside area to have its own eating area, so that younger families don't have to go up to WIndjammer etc.).
7. Showers in Icon are larger with a seat, vs the tube-style shower seen in other RC ships.

It's possible I liked all this more because it was new to us. We are going on Utopia in May and Wonder in Dec, so that will give me a better idea of what I truly miss on Icon, and what I really like on Oasis class ships.

What I missed about Oasis class:
1.I missed the the Solarium a bit. The front of the Aquadome area called the Overlook comes closet but it's more a lounge at night area more so than lounge in your bathing suit area if that matters.

Quality of food in main dining areas were comparable, but I like the extra offerings on Icon's aquadome area that Oasis class ships don't have.

I recently priced an Icon class vs Oasis class for the same time frame - the prices for an interior for two people was $4000 vs $2700. Assuming the price difference is similar in scope for you, I suggest trying Oasis class first because it will provide what I sense you're looking for. Not to mention that once you try Icon class, you may find it harder to 'step down' and appreciate what Oasis class has to offer.

re: RCL vs Disney:
It's been 11 years since our last DCL cruise on fantasy. No doubt it's great for kids, but when my kids were that age they had just a good time if not more so on RCL ships. DCL food is better IMO, but not worth the extra cost.

 

[Frozen2014]

We've been on Symphony, Oasis, Allure (back when they had Dreamworks...so fun for kids) and Wonder, and then Icon this past December. We are going on Harmony in December (out of Texas) so can't personally comment on this one yet. Our kids are older than yours (teens) but can relate to ensuring there are things for them to do.

I'll start by saying that you can't go wrong with any of those ships. Oasis class is amazing, and so family centered, and Icon is wow for me (also very family based). Symphony has been my #1 ship until Icon, so it's just dipped to #2.

I'm not sure about Harmony but Symphony has their main waterslides plus a younger area with slides and splash thing. Icon has the whole Surfside area that also has a kid pool and splash area. Looked like lots of fun. There is also a full fledged waterpark on Icon but not sure if your kids are too young for it.

Both have the Aqua show which is super impressive show for all ages. Harmony/Symphony is on the Boardwalk at the back, and Icon is inside (but front). Both can be cancelled for weather but less likely with Icon.

All have lots of included food options. Icon also has Aquadome Marketplace which an amazing addition. It also has another included venue on Surfside plus snack place. Icon also has Basecamp near the waterpark that in included. Symphony and Icon also have El Loco Fresh. All have coffee place for sandwiches and snacks (but Icon's is bigger with other grab and go options), Park Cafe in Central Park, pizza place, and of course the buffet. Oasis class ships also have a hotdog place.

It's fun to be on the lookout for the Rover on Icon (and will be Sailor on Star). These are golden retrievers that live on the ship.

Harmony/Symphony has the Boardwalk area which is fun and has a carousal. Icon has similar with Surfside.

Both have Central Park (although I loved the one on Icon...so beautiful).

Harmony/Symphony has rock wall, zipline (but your kids are probably too young). Icon doesn't have zipline. (Can't remember about rock wall). Ice rink on all of them for shows and skating.

Our Harmony cruise out of Galveston doesn't have a stop in CoCo Cay so I assume the cruises you are looking at are the same? CoCo Cay is a bonus as it's a wonderful private island with a nice beach, beautiful huge pool and they have an included waterark for young ones (or you can pay for the bigger one).

Our kids don't go to the kids clubs and never have so I can't comment personally, but I would think this would be similar on all ships (and have heard great things).

So honestly all ships you are considering are amazing choices. I personally put Icon above the others but we have 2 future cruises booked on Harmony, one on Oasis and one on Star. So you can see we love all of them.

Let us know what you decide...or if any questions.

 

[tidefan]

For a different perspective...

Personally, I might take the Carnival Jubilee over any of the others if you want to sail from Galveston. I know that you just have Royal or Disney listed, but we are seasoned DCL cruisers that have sailed with many different lines, and honestly, we preferred the Carnival Mardi Gras (Sister Ship) over Oasis of the Seas when we sailed them within a month of each other.

It depends on what you prioritize. If you are a "bells and whistles" person, you may like all the "shiny lights" on RCCL, however, we found that there were many more things included, especially where "comfort food" was concerned on the Mardi Gras than on Oasis. We did enjoy the Aqua80 show, but that was about the only thing we scored in favor of the Oasis.

Also, the Jubilee will be, I suspect, a good bit cheaper than the RCCL offerings.

(Disclaimer: This is for the 3 newest Carnival ships - Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee. They are just much different than the older CCL ships)

 

[peacefrogdog]

For a different perspective...

Personally, I might take the Carnival Jubilee over any of the others if you want to sail from Galveston. I know that you just have Royal or Disney listed, but we are seasoned DCL cruisers that have sailed with many different lines, and honestly, we preferred the Carnival Mardi Gras (Sister Ship) over Oasis of the Seas when we sailed them within a month of each other.

It depends on what you prioritize. If you are a "bells and whistles" person, you may like all the "shiny lights" on RCCL, however, we found that there were many more things included, especially where "comfort food" was concerned on the Mardi Gras than on Oasis. We did enjoy the Aqua80 show, but that was about the only thing we scored in favor of the Oasis.

Also, the Jubilee will be, I suspect, a good bit cheaper than the RCCL offerings.

(Disclaimer: This is for the 3 newest Carnival ships - Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee. They are just much different than the older CCL ships)

Will need to check out this class of Carnival Ship.
What sorts of comfort food stood out?

 

[tidefan]

Will need to check out this class of Carnival Ship.
What sorts of comfort food stood out?

A few things. First, Guy's Burger Joint is always fantastic (and it's not $16 per person like Johnny Rockets on RCCL, AND it's better IMHO). Blue Iguana Cantina is great too. In addition to these (and the Buffet), which are on most of the Carnival ships, Jubilee will also have a Shaq's Big Chicken (so good!), Guy's Pig and Anchor BBQ, Street Eats, The Pizzeria, and the Carnival Deli. There are also grab and go included items (sandwiches and the like) at Java Blue Cafe. Also, even though it is technically "Specialty" and not included like everything prior, if you go to Emeril's, a huge bowl of Red Beans and Rice is only $3.

 

[abdgeek]

We’re a family of 4, with two kids 4 and 7. We have never sailed Royal but are heavily considering their newest ships, the Icon/Star.

The thing is, we also live in Texas and it would be easiest if we tried out RCCL from the Galveston port… but my heart has been swayed by the Icon marketing. It just looks awesome.

Can anyone tell me.. what does the Icon have that actually matters or makes it worth booking vs the Symphony or Harmony out of Galveston regardless of pricing and itinerary. We are willing to fly to FL if the new ones are better.. we don’t want to go on a ship just because it’s our first time on Royal and a ship is “good enough”. But if you say.. “The Icon just rearranges everything but has all the same stuff” .. then we would be okay booking out of Galveston.

We have only ever sailed DCL (x7 with x3 more booked) with our kids.. they are prime Disney age.. and family friendly activities are most important for us.. and a good kids club.

We don’t care so much about specialty dining, the spa, casinos, and the bar.
We like shows, pools, decent food, and included activities (prefer not to have to pay an upcharge for each activity).

By the time our 10th Disney cruise is done, we’re looking at Fall 2026 and beyond for RCCL.. kids will then be around 9 and 6.

I just got off Icon of the Seas and all I can say is WOW!! I’ve cruised Carnival, Norwegian, RCL, and DCL. I’ve done 7 DCL cruises and have two more booked. DCL is my go to cruise line for various reasons, but I’ve always wanted to do one of RCLs big ships. Icon has so many activities and neighborhoods that you don’t realize they’re as many people on the ship as there are. The shows were great, but you do need to book in advance to make sure you get in because the show venues are not as big as DCLs. I found that Icon had more quick meal options and variety than DCL. However, you may want to get a soda package if you have kids. Icon doesn’t have a free soda station like DCL. Limited drinks are provided free of charge at meals and at certain quick dining locations. I love DCL because it allows me to be a kid. That’s also the feeling I got on Icon.