The most notable highlight of the Icon of the Seas cruise ship is the largest water park at sea.
Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, built by Royal Caribbean International, has completed its construction at the shipyard in Finland and is set to make its inaugural journey into open waters during sea trials before delivery in October.
This colossal vessel measures 365 meters in length and weighs approximately 250,800 tons.
Once Icon of the Seas sets sail in the Caribbean in January 2024, it will have the capacity to carry around 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members. The most remarkable feature on board is the largest water park at sea.
Icon of the Seas will have 20 decks and 8 areas to explore. (Photo: Royal Caribbean International).
Named Category 6, this water park will feature a record-breaking 6 water slides, while guests seeking a more relaxed experience can unwind in the ship’s 7 pools and 9 whirlpools.
Latest Technology
Icon of the Seas is being constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard, one of Europe’s leading shipbuilding companies, located in Turku, Finland.
At a press conference earlier this year, Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, informed the media that the ship is on track to join the Royal Caribbean fleet on October 26, ahead of its official launch in 2024.
The current title of the largest cruise ship in the world belongs to Wonder of the Seas, which is 3 meters shorter than Icon of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas features 2,805 staterooms, accommodating 7,800 passengers along with a crew of 2,350.
Icons of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world when operational. (Photo: Royal Caribbean International).
Royal Caribbean International is promoting Icon of the Seas as the pinnacle of cruise ship development, utilizing the latest technologies and building on 50 years of experience in the company’s history.
“We are creating Icon of the Seas to be a value-packed vacation for families, and when you step back and look at all the energy and time that has gone into creating this ship, it’s truly amazing,” Bayley emphasized. According to a confirmation from Royal Caribbean, Icon of the Seas completed its first series of sea trials on June 22.
“In the first series of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, braking system, steering, noise, and vibration were all tested,” the statement read. “Everything was completed on schedule, although the ship’s departure was delayed due to wind conditions.”
A Perfect Destination for Families
This super cruise ship offers over 40 dining and entertainment options, most of which are included in the ticket price.
The ship’s design is divided into 8 different areas, each featuring themed entertainment facilities, restaurants, bars, and experience parks. The idea is to cater to all types of travelers, from dedicated family zones to adult-only spaces, such as Royal Caribbean International’s first piano bar.
Guests will be able to enjoy an infinity pool on board. (Photo: Royal Caribbean International).
There are 28 different types of accommodations, with more options for families, more spaces with ocean views, and group travelers. The cruise line claims this is “the perfect family-oriented design.”
Icon of the Seas is also the first ship among three Royal Caribbean International vessels to operate using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology, as part of the company’s transition towards a clean energy future.
LNG and other environmentally friendly features on board, such as power supply from the dock, will help increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The LNG fuel tank of Icon of the Seas weighs 307 tons and measures 27.4 meters long.
Approximately 2,600 workers have been involved in the construction of Icon of the Seas daily. For the sea trials, hundreds of experts were on board to assess performance over four days. Royal Caribbean has announced that a second round of sea trials is planned for late 2023.
Record-Breaking Ticket Sales
Unofficial reports regarding Icon of the Seas indicate that advance ticket sales have broken records. CEO Michael Bayley is said to have described in the company’s quarterly financial results that Icon of the Seas “is the best-performing new product we have ever had.”
Once operational, Icon of the Seas will operate year-round, offering 7-day voyages from Miami to the Caribbean and back.
