Icon of the Seas: 7‑Night Couple’s Itinerary (Miami Start)
Our romantic, budget‑friendly plan for Icon of the Seas: fly into Miami, sea days done right, CocoCay on a budget, and simple port days you’ll actually enjoy.
Fly to Miami the day before, board stress‑free, book 2–3 shows in the app, pick 1 paid date‑night dinner, and keep everything else simple + free.
Trip shape (Eastern Caribbean + Perfect Day)
- Day 1 — Miami embark
- Day 2 — Sea day
- Day 3 — St. Thomas
- Day 4 — St. Maarten
- Day 5 — Sea day
- Day 6 — Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas)
- Day 7 — Sea day
- Day 8 — Miami disembark
Before you go (couple + budget)
- Fly in the day before (aim MIA arrival by 2–4pm). Stay near Brickell/Downtown or Airport for convenience.
- Check‑in as soon as it opens; choose the earliest arrival window.
- In the app: reserve shows (aqua show in the AquaDome, ice show at the rink, and one theater production).
- Pick one splurge dinner (e.g., steakhouse or Italian) and keep the rest included (Main Dining Room, Windjammer, Park Café, Pearl Café, Surfside Pizza).
- Pack: reef‑safe sunscreen, UPF shirts, motion bands, 2 swimsuits each (so one dries), small first‑aid, and a USB/USB‑C hub.
Day 1 — Miami → Embark
Goal: settle in, explore, and catch sail‑away together.
- 11:00–12:30 Arrive at terminal (per your arrival window). Carry‑on swimsuits, meds, docs.
- 12:30–14:00 Lunch (Windjammer can be busy; Park Café or Pearl Café are calmer).
- 14:00–15:30 Drop bags, walk the Royal Promenade, AquaDome views, Surfside for cute photos.
- 16:00 Sail‑away on the pool deck (grab soft‑serve and watch Miami slide by).
- Evening Main Dining Room (included). Short walk on the top deck under the lights.
Book your show times in the app tonight if you couldn’t earlier.
Day 2 — Sea Day (Relax + Explore)
Morning
- Coffee & quiet: Pearl Café has cozy nooks.
- Pool time: find loungers early; rotate between pools & whirlpools.
Afternoon
- Try Category 6 waterpark early or near dinner for shorter lines.
- Check the AquaDome schedule; peek at the rehearsal splash‑zone views.
Evening
- Aqua show tonight if you booked it.
- Nightcap walk: bow or jogging track for stars.
Day 3 — St. Thomas (Views + Beach)
Simple, beautiful plan
- Skyline drive/Drake’s Seat for island views → Magens Bay swim.
- Taxi round‑trip is easy; bring cash for chairs/lockers.
Low‑cost tips
- Skip pricey ship tours; taxis to a single beach are budget‑friendly.
- Pack your own snorkel set to avoid rentals.
Day 4 — St. Maarten (Split the Day: Town + Beach)
Morning: Philipsburg boardwalk + coffee, quick shop. Afternoon: Great Bay (walkable) or taxi to Mullet Bay for prettier water. Back on board: sunset from the AquaDome windows = dreamy.
Bring a lightweight beach blanket; cheaper than renting two loungers.
Day 5 — Sea Day (Activities + Date Night)
- Morning: couples trivia or mini‑golf.
- Midday: Absolute Zero ice‑skating show (or book for tonight).
- Evening date: your one paid dinner (steakhouse/Italian/sushi).
- Late: live music on the Promenade; grab pizza for a midnight slice.
Day 6 — Perfect Day at CocoCay (All‑Beach, Low‑Spend)
Budget‑friendly plan
- Walk to Chill Island or Harbor Beach for calmer water.
- Free loungers & lunch spots included; island tap water is fine.
- Optional splurge (pick one): Coco Beach Club day pass or Thrill Waterpark.
- Sunset sail‑away: sit on the starboard side for that gold hour glow.
Day 7 — Sea Day (Easy + Pack)
- Sleep in, brunch, and a last pool/solarium soak.
- Pack after lunch; keep evening outfits out.
- Theater show tonight if you haven’t done one yet.
Day 8 — Back to Miami (Disembark)
- Choose self‑assist if you want to walk off early with your bags.
- Flights: aim 11:30am+ from MIA for comfort (later if FLL).
What we spent (sample, for two)
- Gratuities: ship daily charges × 7 nights
- 1 specialty dinner: ~$120–$150 total (optional)
- Two port taxis + beach chairs: ~$80–$120 total
- CocoCay (free): $0 (loungers & food are included)
- Drinks: we skip packages; pay‑as‑you‑go mocktails or share a cocktail
Packages look tempting. Do the math: if you’re off‑ship most days and don’t drink a lot, à la carte wins.
Grab our free printable checklist (PDF) before you sail: Download here
Ship hacks we loved
- Show reservations first, then plan dinners around them.
- Eat early or late to dodge prime‑time waits.
- Mid‑ship, lower decks feel the least motion.
- Bring magnetic hooks (cabin walls are metal) to keep things tidy.
- Two swimsuits each = always‑dry.
Western Caribbean swaps (if your route differs)
- Replace St. Thomas with Cozumel → inexpensive beach club day pass (food‑inclusive), or taxi to Playa Palancar.
- Replace St. Maarten with Roatán → West Bay Beach or snorkeling by boat; super clear water.
- Costa Maya → Mahahual malecon stroll + beach chairs.
Printable checklist (quick)
- Passports + cruise docs
- Meds + small first‑aid
- Reef‑safe sunscreen, UPF shirt, water shoes
- Snorkel sets (optional but saves $$)
- USB/USB‑C hub + chargers
- 2 swimsuits each, light layers for AC
- Cash for taxis/tips