Make it Ultimate
By Sarah Etinas
Make it Ultimate
By Sarah Etinas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas® and Star of the Seas® offer the ultimate family vacation.
Take family fun to a whole new level on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships. The sparkling new Icon of the Seas® and soon-to-be-debuted Star of the Seas® are decked out with more features than you could ever dream up. Record-breaking waterslides, next-level dining options, captivating evening performances, and incredible ports of call are all just the beginning.
Get the whole gang together for some larger-than-life onboard adventures. Start with the six record-breaking waterslides at the Category 6 Waterpark – from the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt drop slide to the family-sized Hurricane Hunter raft ride. Or stay dry and still get your thrills at Adrenaline Peak, a kid-friendly rock-climbing adventure with ranging levels of difficulty. And if you’re really hoping to test your courage, look no further than the Crown’s Edge. Part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, this daring adventure dangles cruises off the side of the ship!
Get the whole gang together for some larger-than-life onboard adventures. Start with the six record-breaking waterslides at the Category 6 Waterpark – from the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt drop slide to the family-sized Hurricane Hunter raft ride. Or stay dry and still get your thrills at Adrenaline Peak, a kid-friendly rock-climbing adventure with ranging levels of difficulty. And if you’re really hoping to test your courage, look no further than the Crown’s Edge. Part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, this daring adventure dangles cruises off the side of the ship!
When you’re ready to take a break from the action, explore the ships’ more peaceful amenities. With seven different pools onboard, you can pool hop through all of them – or until you find one that matches your family’s level of energy. Pair your refreshing swims with equally refreshing cocktails from the swim-up bar Swim & Tonic, or escape from the kids for a bit at The Hideaway. (Don’t worry – your little ones can still have a supervised blast at the nursery or one of the many kids’ clubs!)
When you’re ready to take a break from the action, explore the ships’ more peaceful amenities. With seven different pools onboard, you can pool hop through all of them – or until you find one that matches your family’s level of energy. Pair your refreshing swims with equally refreshing cocktails from the swim-up bar Swim & Tonic, or escape from the kids for a bit at The Hideaway. (Don’t worry – your little ones can still have a supervised blast at the nursery or one of the many kids’ clubs!)
While you’re sure to have unforgettable days between the watersliding and rock climbing, you can also make memories over meals while aboard Icon of the Seas® and Star of the Seas®. With both vessels boasting over 40 restaurants and bars, you’ll have your pick of steaks or seafood, burgers or sushi, tacos or tartare.
While you’re sure to have unforgettable days between the watersliding and rock climbing, you can also make memories over meals while aboard Icon of the Seas® and Star of the Seas®. With both vessels boasting over 40 restaurants and bars, you’ll have your pick of steaks or seafood, burgers or sushi, tacos or tartare.
It’s clear that Royal Caribbean raises the bar in every regard – and that includes the evening entertainment options. Broadway-style shows, comedy performances, and masterful musicians are just the beginning. This pair of ships also has two new venues made with one-of-a-kind performances in mind. In Absolute Zero, the largest ice-skating arena at sea, watch talented ice skaters slide, glide, and story tell. And in the waterfall-filled Aquadome, stunt performers and acrobats bring tales to life with their superhuman maneuvers.
It’s clear that Royal Caribbean raises the bar in every regard – and that includes the evening entertainment options. Broadway-style shows, comedy performances, and masterful musicians are just the beginning. This pair of ships also has two new venues made with one-of-a-kind performances in mind. In Absolute Zero, the largest ice-skating arena at sea, watch talented ice skaters slide, glide, and story tell. And in the waterfall-filled Aquadome, stunt performers and acrobats bring tales to life with their superhuman maneuvers.
With all the thrills and chills, plates and performances, you might be tempted to spend all day, every day enjoying everything your Royal Caribbean ship has to offer. But even with all of the onboard fun, you’ll still want to venture out and explore the bucket list-worthy ports of call. Visit ancient Mayan pyramids in Cozumel, Mexico; learn all about the rum-making process at Casa Bacardí in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and snorkel with sea turtles in Charlotte Amelia, St. Thomas. Royal Caribbean even has its own private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, for a jam-packed day of beaches, pools, waterslides, hot air balloon rides, and ziplines.
With all the thrills and chills, plates and performances, you might be tempted to spend all day, every day enjoying everything your Royal Caribbean ship has to offer. But even with all of the onboard fun, you’ll still want to venture out and explore the bucket list-worthy ports of call. Visit ancient Mayan pyramids in Cozumel, Mexico; learn all about the rum-making process at Casa Bacardí in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and snorkel with sea turtles in Charlotte Amelia, St. Thomas. Royal Caribbean even has its own private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, for a jam-packed day of beaches, pools, waterslides, hot air balloon rides, and ziplines.
The Ultimate Family Vacation
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Hi there! I'm Laurie Holden!! Before you get to hear about Holden Family Travel, let me tell you a few things about myself.
I am...
Married to Doug for 40 years.
Mom to Matt and Brittany.
Mother-in-law to Nick and Heather.
Nana to Liam, Winnie, Mia and Jane!!
Fun Facts -
I began in the travel industry, working for a local travel agency focusing on Disney.
Travel is my third career. I worked as a nurse until my daughter was born, a daycare provider while raising my kids, and now a travel agent. I think taking care of people is in my blood!
We lived in Germany and traveled to many European countries.
I am a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees!!
I have an adorable and quirky mini golden-doodle named Mo.
Since Holden Family Travel's inception, I have worked closely with wonderful travelers, helping to bring clarity and expertise to the planning process. By taking away my client's "overwhelm," they are freed up to have wildly successful and altogether delightful ...