CNN
—
The world’s largest cruise ship is anything but subtle.
Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas, nearly 1,200 feet long and 250,800 gross tons, resembles a multi-layered birthday cake adorned with seven swimming pools, a whimsical striped carousel, tropical greenery, and colorful waterslides.
When the $2 billion ship arrived at the Port of Miami on January 10, after traversing the Atlantic from Turku, Finland, where it was constructed, it received a grand welcome with fireboat salutes and a banner flag flyover, causing traffic congestion along the causeway to Miami Beach.
Soccer star Lionel Messi served as the ship’s “godfather,” christening the 20-deck ship on January 23.
Icon of the Seas is officially the largest cruise ship globally, with Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas trailing closely at 1,188 feet long and 235,600 gross tons.
The ship’s maiden voyage from Miami on January 27 is sold out, promising passengers extraordinary experiences at sea.
The ship boasts a long list of superlatives and firsts
Accommodating up to 7,600 guests at maximum capacity, along with 2,350 crew members, the ship offers ample attractions. The Category 6 water park spans 17,000 square feet, featuring six slides, including the tallest drop slide at sea, Frightening Bolt, and the first family raft slides at sea, among others.
Icon of the Seas includes numerous unique amenities, such as the first cantilevered infinity pool and the largest swimming pool at sea. The ship also features the largest ice arena at sea, as well as various entertainment options including a resident golden retriever, Rover, named the Chief Dog Officer.
The ship has generated considerable excitement, as well as criticism
Before its arrival in Miami, social media was abuzz with images of Icon of the Seas, sparking both enthusiasm and polarizing opinions regarding the ship’s environmental impact.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean stated that the ship is 24% more energy efficient than current design standards and that the company plans to introduce a net-zero ship by 2035.
Icon of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a decision that has drawn criticism from some experts due to the potential environmental impact.
The organization says that while LNG can significantly contribute to environmental goals, there are still challenges to address, such as methane-slip emissions.
The ship employs sustainable practices, such as producing over 93% of its fresh water through reverse osmosis and using a waste-to-energy system to convert onboard waste to energy.
The ship has garnered significant interest among cruise enthusiasts
According to Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, Icon of the Seas is the most researched topic on the website in 2024.
The ship’s debut marks Royal Caribbean’s first entirely new ship class since 2014, and it has been hailed as groundbreaking for the cruise industry.
Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, is under construction and is set to debut in 2025, catering to Caribbean sailings with similar amenities to Icon of the Seas.
Icon of the Seas offers diverse onboard experiences
Featuring eight different onboard “neighborhoods” designed to appeal to multigenerational demographics, the ship offers a wide range of offerings, from family-friendly dining options and water play areas to adult-only neighborhoods with ocean views.
The ship’s offerings cater to families with young children, with unique features such as the Seussian-looking carousel and family-friendly dining options.
For adults, The Hideaway provides a beach club-inspired atmosphere with uninterrupted ocean views and the first suspended infinity pool at sea.
With over 40 onboard restaurants, bars, and lounges, including new options and exclusive accommodations, the ship offers a diverse range of experiences.
A marvel of engineering with ambitious goals
Icon of the Seas showcases impressive engineering feats, such as the AquaDome housing a theater, water curtain feature, and a food hall. The ship also features a sphere-shaped Pearl providing structural support and ocean views.
The ship’s offerings are targeted at a wider market beyond cruising, aiming to compete with various vacation options around the world.
The ship’s design and amenities rival those of land-based resorts, appealing to families, couples, and individuals seeking diverse entertainment options.
Icon of the Seas sets new standards for cruise experiences with its innovative attractions and diverse offerings.
Written by Terry Ward, a Florida-based travel writer and freelance journalist in Tampa whose kids are eager to experience the ship’s kid-friendly amenities.
