Surfside

Royal Caribbean — Ship Neighborhood

Quick Answer: Surfside is Icon Class's family-focused neighborhood designed specifically for families with young children. Features splash pads, a baby-friendly pool, carousel, Surfside Eatery (complimentary), and convenient access to Adventure Ocean kids club. Everything is scaled and designed for little ones, making it the perfect home base for parents with young kids.

Best For: Families with babies, toddlers, and children under 6. Grandparents traveling with young grandchildren. Parents seeking convenient, kid-centric spaces.

Key Facts

  • Location: Icon Class ships only
  • Target Age: 0-6 years old
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Dining: Surfside Eatery (free)
  • Highlights: Splash areas, carousel, baby pool

A dedicated neighborhood where little ones rule.

Royal Caribbean created Surfside as a dedicated space for families with young children—the first neighborhood of its kind at sea. Everything from the shallow pools to the play areas to the dining options is designed with small kids in mind. Parents can relax knowing the entire area is built for families, without having to navigate through adult-focused venues. Return to the Restaurants hub →

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Special Accommodations

Accessibility Notes: Surfside is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Changing facilities and nursing areas are available. Surfside Eatery can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice. Staff are trained to assist families with special needs.

Where You'll Find It

Surfside is located at the aft of Icon Class ships, occupying its own dedicated section of the ship. It's positioned conveniently near family staterooms and away from the busier adult areas.

Best Times to Visit

  • Morning: Less crowded after breakfast rush
  • Nap Time: Very quiet during early afternoon
  • Late Afternoon: Active play before dinner
  • Evening: Carousel and light activities

Ships with Surfside

The Logbook — Real Guest Soundings

Depth Sounding: First-person account edited for clarity.

5 ★ out of 5 Icon of the Seas • Young Family Cruise

Surfside Review: Finally, a Neighborhood for Our Littles

Introduction. Cruising with a 2-year-old and 4-year-old, I was nervous about keeping them entertained. Surfside made our family cruise actually enjoyable—we spent 80% of our time there and loved every minute.

The Splash Areas

The baby pool was perfect for our 2-year-old—shallow, warm, and designed for his size. The splash pads kept our 4-year-old running back and forth for hours. No fighting for lounge chairs with adults because the whole space is for families.

Surfside Eatery

Game changer. Kid food available whenever we needed it, high chairs everywhere, and no judgment when our toddler threw noodles. The casual atmosphere made family meals stress-free. And it's FREE—we ate there at least once a day.

Adventure Ocean

Our 4-year-old loved Aquanauts. The staff were amazing with her, and she made friends she asked about every day. We got actual adult time while she had structured activities—worth every penny for the extended hours.

Conclusion

If you have young kids and can sail Icon Class, do it. Surfside alone makes the ship worth choosing. Royal Caribbean finally created a cruise experience that works for families with little ones. Rating: 5/5.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfside only for young kids?

Surfside is designed for families with young children (ages 0-6), but families with older kids are welcome. The amenities are scaled for smaller children, so older kids may prefer other areas.

Is there a baby pool?

Yes, Surfside features a dedicated baby pool with shallow, warm water perfect for infants and toddlers just learning to enjoy the water.

Is Adventure Ocean free?

Adventure Ocean has complimentary programming during set hours. Extended hours and some special programs have additional fees. Royal Babies & Tots (6-36 months) is fee-based.

Can we eat at Surfside Eatery without kids?

Technically yes, but it's designed as a casual family dining venue. Adults without children may prefer other complimentary options like Windjammer.

Are there changing facilities?

Yes, Surfside has convenient changing facilities and nursing areas for families with babies and toddlers.

Sources & Attribution