Royal Caribbean now owns the largest cruise ship globally

The colossal ship, spanning 1,198 feet and weighing 250,800 tonnes across 20 decks, can accommodate a staggering 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.

Constructed over 900 days, the monumental Icon of the Seas embodies over 50 years of Royal Caribbean's innovative pursuits for the ultimate vacation experience, as stated by Royal Caribbean Group's president and CEO, Jason Liberty.

Scheduled for its inaugural voyage from Miami on January 27, 2024, the Icon of the Seas offers eight distinct neighbourhoods and around 40 dining and bar options. Thrill Island boasts the world's largest water-park at sea, featuring an adventurous ropes course and a FlowRider wave simulator, while Chill Island offers a serene escape with multiple pools, including an adults-only zone.

The ship's attractions extend from the AquaDome with a towering water curtain and robot-led AquaTheater to The Hideaway, featuring the world's first suspended infinity pool at sea. With 28 different cabin styles, including the luxurious Ultimate Family Townhouse, the ship offers a diverse range of accommodations.

Notably, the Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's maiden vessel equipped to run on liquefied natural gas and will include the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. Originally due for delivery in early 2022, pandemic-related delays pushed its completion.

Presently en route to Cadiz, Spain, for final preparations, the Icon of the Seas is destined for its home-port in Florida. Previously, the title of the "world's largest cruise ship" belonged to Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, measuring 1,188 feet long with 18 decks, introduced in 2022 and slightly smaller than the Icon of the Seas.

 

Source: cnn.com