The Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship ever built as it embarks on its maiden voyage. Explore its unique features and luxurious amenities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship, accommodating over 7,600 guests.
The ship boasts the largest water park and ice arena at sea, alongside unique entertainment like "The Wizard of Oz."
Despite its size, the Icon of the Seas aims for improved energy efficiency and plans for a net-zero ship by 2035.
Majestic Launch from Miami
The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s “Icon of the Seas,” embarked on its maiden voyage from the Port of Miami just before sunset on Saturday, January 27, 2024. This event marked a significant milestone in the cruise industry, as the ship is the largest of its kind to date, both in size and passenger capacity.
A New Benchmark in Size and Luxury
The Icon of the Seas stretches nearly 1,200 feet in length and weighs a colossal 250,800 gross tons. It surpasses Royal Caribbean’s “Wonder of the Seas,” the previous record holder. The Icon of the Seas can accommodate a staggering 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.
Innovative Design and Features
The ship boasts an array of impressive features, including:
- Category 6 Water Park: The largest at sea, covering 17,000 square feet with six slides.
- Cantilevered Infinity Pool: The first of its kind at sea.
- Royal Bay Pool: The largest swimming pool at sea.
- Zero Ice Arena: The largest ice arena at sea.
- 16-Piece Orchestra: The largest at sea, providing entertainment alongside 50 musicians and comedians.
- “The Wizard of Oz” Performance: A first at sea featuring flying monkeys.
- Chief Dog Officer: A resident golden retriever puppy named Rover.
Environmental Considerations
While the ship sets a new standard in luxury, it also raises concerns regarding its environmental impact. The Icon of the Seas is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a decision criticized by some environmental groups. However, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson highlighted that the ship is 24% more energy efficient than required for ships designed today, and the company plans to introduce a net-zero ship by 2035.
A New Class of Ships
Icon of the Seas is the first in a new class of ships by Royal Caribbean. The next in line, “Star of the Seas,” is currently under construction and set to debut in August 2025.
Diverse Onboard Experience
The ship features different onboard neighborhoods catering to various interests, from families with young kids to adult-only travelers. These include:
- Swim & Tonic: The first swim-up bar at sea.
- Surfside: A family-focused neighborhood with a whimsical carousel and family-friendly dining options.
- The Hideaway: Inspired by international beach clubs, it boasts a multilevel terrace and the first suspended infinity pool at sea.
Luxury Accommodations
The ship offers 28 different types of accommodations, ranging from 157-square-foot interior cabins to the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, which includes a cinema, outdoor hot tub, and a slide between decks.
A Marvel of Engineering
Icon of the Seas showcases impressive engineering feats, such as the 82-foot-tall AquaDome with a theater for high-diver performances and the Pearl, a three-deck-high sphere on the World Promenade.
Aiming Beyond Cruising
Royal Caribbean International is positioning the Icon of the Seas to compete not just with other cruise ships but with all kinds of family vacations globally. The company emphasizes its focus on creating memorable experiences and offering a vast array of options for relaxation and adventure.
