I was one of the first guests on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas — these are the 9 things you should know about what it's like on the world's largest cruise ship

Crossing a 1,198-foot-long, 20-deck ship takes time, especially with the crowds of up to 7,600 guests, slow elevators, and inevitable distractions.

As an often punctual person, I was shamelessly late to almost every event. It turns out I can't walk the length of the world's largest cruise ship in two minutes.

Thrill Island is home to the Icon of the Seas' best amenities.

Adrenaline addicts can get their fix at the water park's six slides, surf simulator, and Crown's Edge rope course that suspends participants more than 150 feet above the water.

For more nervous travelers, this area also has a sports court, mini-golf course, and rock climbing wall.

About 25% to 30% of cabins on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class vessels — which includes the previous world's largest Wonder of the Seas — were designed for families, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told reporters during the sailing.

On this new ship, a cool 80% of its 2,805 cabins can accommodate parents and their children.

Surfside was designed for families with children six years old and younger.

This colorful getaway — complete with a giant pink flamingo and an eclectic carousel — is where the youngest guests can seek out daytime romps around the water playground and nighttime story readings.

Reprieve from the army of screaming children can be found in no-kid zones like the DJ-helmed Hideaway. Here, adults can luxuriate in a beach club-like suspended infinity pool with a cocktail in hand and no kids in sight.

The most expensive two-story Ultimate Family Townhouse is being booked for between $100,000 to $200,000 a week, according to a Royal Caribbean worker stationed at the cabin.

Despite this hefty cost, the eight-guest cabin is already reserved for most of 2024.

"Ya like jazz?" Good. Empire Supper Club's multi-course meal pairs options like rabbit and oysters Rockefeller with cocktails and live jazz.

Only about half of the ship's 21 dining venues are complimentary.

The days of unlimited lobsters on cruises are gone: The coveted crustacean costs extra in the main dining room. So does dinner at the sushi, steakhouse, seafood, and Italian restaurants, to name a few options.

But without a beverage package, the cost of these drinks could quickly add up.

And they're hard to avoid: There are opportunities to booze it up everywhere you go. One neighborhood — the watering hole-lined Royal Promenade — practically becomes a bar crawl at night.

The Icon flexes a unique list of watering holes, including a dueling piano venue and a swim-up bar.

Young adults will also be delighted to see their beloved espresso martini at Rye and Bean, which puts a boozy spin on teas and coffee.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony cabin during the three-night cruise.

As a solo traveler, the 204-square-foot interior was surprisingly cramped.

I should've packed elbow pads: The bathroom was so small, I accidentally hit the walls more frequently than I'd like to admit.

One more small gripe: I hate two-in-one body wash and shampoo. And I would've loved some conditioner for my chlorine-soaked hair.

Icon's shows include an ice skating performance and a water-based spectacular with nine-foot-tall robotic arms and high divers.

For Broadway enthusiasts, the ship also hosts a rendition of "The Wizard of Oz." As an anti-cruise, anti-musical cynic, the musical was, I hate to admit, impressive and entertaining. Hard not to be childishly delighted by the sight of Dorothy and Toto flying around the theater in a large suspended bed.