Icon Of The Seas Sports Court: A Ship For Sports Lovers
Packed with nonstop sports activities on the Icon of the Seas Sports Court, Icon of the Seas offers the best vacations for sports fans.
By Zachary Laks | Published on May 02, 2025
When Lionel Messi appeared on the AquaDome stage to christen the sparkling new Icon of the Seas, the air was electric, the crowd was buzzing and everyone knew they were onboard something extraordinary. I was there and will never forget the awe and amazement of celebrating the Icon of the Seas launch alongside the ship's godfather.
With Lionel Messi as the ship's official icon, it is undoubtedly a sports lover's dream, and this ship delivers — especially on the Icon of the Seas Sports Court. Sailing on the world's largest cruise ship is all about making the most of the 18 decks of sports fun for all ages. This incredible ship offers the best vacations for sports fans, whether you're jumping into the action for a basketball tournament or cheering on a favorite sports team from the ship's lively sports bar.
From playing soccer to surfing above it all on the ship's FlowRider® surf simulator, here's an insider's look at why Icon of the Seas is a sports lover's dream.
Sports Fun On Icon Of The Seas
The Icon of the Seas Sports Court is an expansive area perched up high on Deck 17, with best-in-class amenities for top-notch sports tourism fun. The full-length, netted basketball court is a multi-use sports hub that hugs the ship's edge. The remarkable views of the horizon are unmatched as you pick up a paddle for a round of pickleball, show off with a dunk or cheer on your family and friends from the bleachers as they step up to a soccer tournament. Best of all, most of the activities on the Sports Court are included with your fare. Here's a look at just some of the many Icon of the Seas things to do on the Sports Court.
On a ship christened by Lionel Messi, one of the world's greatest soccer players, it should come as no surprise that soccer is a favorite activity onboard. Open soccer play hours occur regularly on the Sports Court, making it easy to drop in on a pick-up game. Throughout your sailing, there'll be a 4x4 soccer tournament — one for ages 8-12 and one for adults. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tournament to get registered and assigned to a team. The once-per-sailing kids' soccer crossbar challenge is a guest favorite as the young passengers show off their skills.
Down a deck, right by Adrenaline Peak, the soccer competition heats up as it shrinks to a wacky-sized, one-of-a-kind seated game called Subsoccer. This bench soccer game finds you and your opponent seated at opposite sides of a clear table. Use your legs while seated to try and navigate a goal around the impeding legs of your rival. Don't miss the raucous fun of the once-per-sailing Subsoccer Tournament.
Pro tip: The Adidas Inter Miami Lionel Messi Royal Caribbean pink home jersey is the most stylish way to arrive at these soccer events. The jerseys are available in the ship's main store, next to The Pearl on the Royal Promenade.
It's likely you or someone in your group is a fan of pickleball, the uber-popular racket sport that's part tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It's hard not to be charmed by this delightful pastime that has made serious waves in the leisure sports world in recent years. Check your daily Cruise Compass or the Royal app for the designated open play hours for pickleball. Then warm up for the ship's Ultimate Adult Pickleball Competition. There's no need to pack your pickleball equipment; the open play and competition provide a quality paddle and ball at no additional cost. Private pickleball lessons are also available for an additional fee.
If pickleball isn't your thing, bring your A-game and get ready for the most scenic game of basketball you've ever experienced. The Icon of the Seas Sports Court is a full-size basketball court with two permanent baskets. Two basketball highlights on each cruise are the Basketball Free Throw Competition and the Hot Shots Competition. The latter is a can't-miss event for spectators at the Sports Court — guests show up to show off and always have the crowd cheering for more.
Once per sailing, dodgeball takes over the Sports Court for a night of rabble-rousing. Look for the Under The Stars Adult Dodgeball Competition that welcomes all adults to stake their claim as the king of the court.
The Icon Ultimate Sports Challenge is a fantastic activity for the whole family on board Icon of the Seas. The Sports Court becomes a recreational haven with a live DJ and test-your-skill stations. The stations on the court include ladderball, catcher's nets, and a football throw. This is a great chance to enjoy the fresh sea breezes with a bit of friendly competition for everyone.
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Keeping Fit At Sea
There are many ways to keep fit while sailing on Icon of the Seas. Beyond the competition of the Sports Court, the ship offers many fitness-focused activities for staying active and enhancing wellness while at sea.
Spanning two decks, the Fitness Center is a wonder of high-tech, cutting-edge fitness equipment and facilities. This expansive area has all the finishes and features of a major sports club with remarkable ocean views that extend for miles. The Fitness Center has various free weights, stationary spin bikes, stair steppers, and treadmills. After your workout, head to Vitality Spa and enjoy relaxing and recovering in the sauna, whirlpool, steam room and thermal suites. Fitness Center waivers for minors ages 13 to 15 must be signed by their parent or guardian.
Stop by the Fitness Center on the first day of your cruise to meet the personal trainers available to discuss your fitness goals and how they can help throughout your sailing. Fitness classes included with your cruise fare range from a hopping dance fitness class, a morning stretch class and a challenging core strengthening class. Fitness classes that require a fee and advanced registration include the Body Sculpt Boot Camp, Pure-Form Yoga and RYDE Indoor Cycling spin class.
If you want to change it up from the treadmills at the Fitness Center, get your steps in on the ship's jogging track. The large loop wraps around the ship's perimeter on Deck 5, with excellent ocean views from the deck. One lap around the track is 2,197 feet, and a mile is about two and a half breezy laps. Drop by the Icon Run Club for a group run, or join in on the Walk-A-Mile activity.
Bouldering lovers should head to Adrenaline Peak, the ship's two massive 43-foot rock climbing walls, for a full-body physical challenge at sea. Adrenaline Peak has six racing lanes with varying degrees of difficulty, from the most accessible for beginners to advanced scrambles for the ultimate rock climbing experience. The reward for scaling up to the top is the incredible ocean view. There is no additional cost to climb Adrenaline Peak, and all equipment is free for ages 6 and older; just bring dry clothes and a pair of socks. Check your daily Cruise Compass or the Royal app for specialty events at the crag, which include kids (ages 6 to 12) and adult speed climbs, bouldering sessions and Climbing Under the Stars nights
For something a bit more refreshing, catch a wave on the incredibly entertaining FlowRider. This 40-foot-long surf simulator blasts 30,000 gallons of rushing water a minute right under your feet as you test your balance, either boogie boarding on your belly or surfing on your feet. The FlowRider® is free, with designated sessions for mixed wave surfing, boogie boarding, self-assist surfing and advanced surfing. Work your way up to pro levels by opting in for private lessons.
If you're looking to cool off after a day in the sun, Absolute Zero is one of the best spots on the ship, and that's not just because it's a large ice rink. Practice your figure eights and glide with your friends and family in the beautiful circular ice arena. Ice skating and skate rentals are complimentary and require long pants and socks.
Sports Fans Won't Miss The Game
In addition to all the onboard fitness activities that Icon of the Seas offers, you'll find that a cruise is one of the best vacations for sports fans who don't want to miss a game. You might be in the middle of the ocean, but that doesn't mean you're off the grid when it comes to keeping up with your favorite sports teams. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, with its walls of TVs, is the perfect place to watch the game on Icon the Seas. Here, you'll find a menu of innovative takes on bar food classics, including poke nachos, the buffalo chicken crunch roll, Jamaican jerk wings, and a truffle burger — remember that menu items here are available a la carte. If you're feeling ambitious and have built up an appetite after you've played your heart out on the court, consider taking on the Playmakers Challenge. You'll have 45 minutes to eat 100 wings — if you complete it yourself, you get a coveted T-shirt!
Casino Royale is also a great place to watch the big game. Screens adorn the walls by the card game tables, perfect for playing the upper hand while cheering on your team.
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