An architectural marvel, it's the most artistic of load-bearing structures. The Pearl supports three decks and enables a Royal Caribbean International Royal Promenade to be open to the sea for the first time.
Passengers ascend a marble staircase beneath 3,600 kinetic tiles that glow and shimmer. One man likened it to being inside a planetarium.
A whale sculpture is suspended from the ceiling
But it's open, and at the top sprawls the spacious Pearl Cafe with its comfy lounge seating in shades of pale pink and blue, and towering windows.
An ethereal silver whale sculpture swims overhead.
The Pearl on Icon of the Seas' Royal Promenade, with its 24-hour cafe, is a popular spot. And, says cafe attendant Romaine Farquharson, bottom left, the chocolate bars are delish
Open 24 hours, the cafe's a magnet for recharging with calming sea views, a spot for checking messages, reading, rendezvousing, daydreaming and relaxing over a Starbucks coffee or a Teavana tea and a wide array of snacks (no charge) that change throughout the day — fresh fruit, meusli, yogurt parfaits, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, salads, hot and cold grab-n-go dishes, veggies and dips, cookies.
There's a charge for Starbucks specialty coffees and a section for free self-serve fruit drinks, water and coffee.Â
'This is the best spot on the ship'
'I love this. This is the best area on the ship,' a young man said as he swept the spread with his GoPro.
A woman traveling with her family called the Pearl Cafe a great place for her husband to zip out early morning and catch up on work. 'There are lots of plugs and elevated food,' she said.
And who should Seatrade Cruise News run into there at 5:30 a.m.? Royal Caribbean President/CEO Michael Bayley, Starbucks in hand.
Most popular items
The barbecue chicken sandwich and the chocolate bar dessert are the most popular items, according to Romaine Farquharson of Jamaica, one of the personable Pearl Cafe staff.
Is the venue actually frequented 24 hours?
'For the drinkers, this is the perfect spot when the bars or casino close. We always have food out, hot and ready when they want it,' Farquharson said.
'And the nicest crew,' he added with a smile.
