The construction of the world’s largest cruise ship has been completed at a shipyard in Finland, and it has embarked on its first journey in open waters for sea trials. Expected to be delivered in October of this year, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is an enormous vessel measuring 365 meters (nearly 1,200 feet) in length and projected to weigh 250,800 tonnes. To put it into perspective, that’s comparable to the weight of two CN Towers.
Six months before its maiden voyage, Royal Caribbean’s massive new ship, the Icon of the Seas, is already generating quite the response.
The ship is reportedly five times bigger than the Titanic, boasting 20 decks, eight “neighborhoods,” a miniature Central Park — and a veritable army of online haters.
Renderings of the vessel are making the rounds again on social media, following news late last month that it completed its first sea trials in the ocean.
Even though the cruise’s inaugural trip is nearly sold out, pointing to a feverish demand for the whimsical new ship, there’s an entire population of social media users who find the monstrous boat anxiety-inducing — especially in light of the Titan sub’s fatal implosion last month.
When it sets sail in January 2024 in the Caribbean, the ship will comfortably accommodate around 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members. Its standout feature will be the world’s largest waterpark at sea, known as Category 6, which will boast six record-breaking water slides. Additionally, guests seeking a more leisurely experience can enjoy the boat’s seven pools and nine whirlpools.
With 20 decks and eight distinct neighborhoods to explore, Icon of the Seas is being constructed at Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard, a prominent shipbuilder in Europe. During a press panel held earlier this year, Michael Bayley, the president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, expressed confidence that the vessel would join the fleet on October 26, marking its debut in 2024.
Currently, the title of the world’s largest cruise ship is held by another Royal Caribbean vessel, Wonder of the Seas, which had its maiden voyage just last year and is slightly smaller at 1,188 feet in length with 18 decks.
Royal Caribbean International is positioning Icon of the Seas as the pinnacle of their cruise line, incorporating the latest technology and drawing from the company’s 50-year history of experience and knowledge. Bayley described it as the ultimate family vacation, reflecting the tremendous effort and dedication invested in creating this ship.
The Icon recently completed its initial set of sea trials on June 22, as stated by Royal Caribbean. These trials encompassed extensive testing of the vessel’s main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, as well as assessments of noise and vibration levels. Despite a departure delay caused by wind conditions, everything was conducted according to schedule.
The ship offers over 40 dining, drinking, and entertainment options, many of which are included in the cruise fare. With its 20 decks and eight neighborhoods, it aims to cater to every type of vacationer, including dedicated areas for young families and an adults-only dueling pianos bar, a first for Royal Caribbean International.
Featuring 28 different types of accommodations, including more options for families, ocean views, and group travelers, the cruise line has devoted considerable time to design the perfect home base for passengers. Icon of the Seas is also the first ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology, aligning with the company’s commitment to a clean-energy future.
During the construction phase, approximately 2,600 workers have been diligently working on the Icon of the Seas every day. For the sea trials, hundreds of specialists were present on board to evaluate the ship’s performance over four days. Royal Caribbean plans to conduct a second set of sea trials later in 2023.
The ship has generated significant buzz, leading to record-breaking advance sales. Michael Bayley reportedly described the Icon of the Seas as the most successful new product launch in the company’s history during the quarterly financial results announcement.
Icon of the Seas will operate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami throughout the year, with each itinerary including a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s renowned private island destination, along with its new expansion, Hideaway Beach.
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