Royal Caribbean is facing major backlash from cruise passengers after reportedly closing some ships’ main attractions and failing to notify guests before embarkation.
Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are two of the world's biggest cruise ships and feature amenities like a mini-golf course, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, and more.
However, one of the biggest draws on both vessels is the Category 6 Waterpark, home to some of the tallest waterslides at sea.
According to recent reports, passengers have complained that most slides in the water park were closed without advance notice.
"I’m currently on Icon of the Seas with my son, and we specifically booked this cruise for the water park (Category 6). Unfortunately, the majority of the slides have been closed for multiple days, including sea days, with only ONE slide intermittently open," one Redditor shared.
Someone else wrote, "Just got off [Star of the Seas]. Two slides still down the entire week and at times only 2 were operational...Wasn't too happy since we paid a premium for the newest ship."
"Just did the April 5th to 12th on Star and the same two mentioned slides were down. It was pretty much the only thing I complained about in my survey. Paid [a] premium to go on my 2nd Icon class due to water slides for my two sons. Annoyed by the closures," another cruiser chimed in.
According to the cruise line, the slides are closed for maintenance and not connected to any cost-cutting measures related to the recent fuel increases. However, that explanation hasn't done much to ease growing frustration among passengers who say the lack of advance notice is the real issue.
Minimal compensation offered
According to one Redditor, they were offered $20 in arcade credits to compensate for the inconvenience during their Icon of the Seas cruise, with another adding that the gesture was insulting since most games cost around $2.50.
"They really need to start offering access to Thrill Waterpark if the slides are continually down. It's just false advertising at this point to say they have the highest waterpark at sea and not deliver. Arcade credit doesn't begin to compensate for the mess that is [Royal Caribbean] and the continually broken slides," one user suggested.
What is the Category 6 Waterpark on Royal Caribbean?
The Category 6 Waterpark is exclusive to Icon Class ships (i.e., Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, and Hero of the Seas).
It's home to six identical slides on Icon and Star of the Seas, making it the largest water park at sea, encompassing over 17,000 square feet:
- Pressure Drop (open free-fall slide)
- Hurricane Hunter (family raft slide)
- Storm Chasers (duo mat-racing slides)
- Storm Surge (suspended family raft slide)
- Frightening Bolt (tallest drop slide at sea)
Admission to the water park, which is located in the Thrill Island neighborhood, is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare.
Other nearby attractions include the mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, and Crown's Edge zip line/ropes course hybrid.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
