Royal Caribbean now owns largest cruise ship on the planet

The world’s largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, has been handed over to its new owner, Royal Caribbean, this week. The 1,198-foot ship, weighing 250,800 tonnes and consisting of 20 decks, was officially delivered to the cruise company at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, on November 27th. Its inaugural voyage is scheduled to depart from Miami on January 27th, 2024, and will embark on a seven-day tour of the Caribbean.

The construction of the Icon of the Seas took a staggering 900 days, according to a news release from Royal Caribbean. It has the capacity to accommodate an impressive 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members, totaling nearly 10,000 people – a population equivalent to that of a small town.

During a ceremony at the shipyard, Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty expressed his excitement, stating, “Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience.”

Once it sets sail in late January, the Icon of the Seas will offer eight different neighborhoods for travelers to explore, along with an astonishing 40 bars and dining options. One of the highlights is Thrill Island, which features Category 6, the world’s largest water park at sea. This neighborhood also boasts a thrilling ropes course that allows guests to swing 154 feet above the ocean, a wave simulator called FlowRider, and a mini golf course.

On the other end of the vacation spectrum is Chill Island, which offers four out of the ship’s seven pools and an exclusive adults-only zone. The AquaDome is home to a 55-foot-tall water curtain and the AquaTheater, where guests can enjoy captivating performances by robots, skateboarders, divers, and more.

Another notable feature is The Hideaway, where travelers can find the world’s first suspended infinity pool at sea. And these are just a few highlights among the countless offerings on board.

In terms of accommodations, guests can choose from 28 different styles of cabins and suites, including the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse. Royal Caribbean proudly states that the Icon of the Seas is their first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas and will feature the first waste-to-energy plant at sea.

Originally scheduled for delivery in early 2022, the construction of the Icon of the Seas faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it is now on its way to Cadiz, Spain, for some final touches before setting sail for its new home in Florida.

In the months leading up to its delivery, the Icon of the Seas garnered significant attention and sparked debate among travelers. A viral photo of the ship’s stern section circulated in July, attracting both positive and negative reactions. Some described it as a “monstrosity” or a “pile of decadence,” while others praised the ship’s impressive features.

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron commented on the polarizing response, stating that images of Royal Caribbean’s ships often elicit strong reactions. He noted that the negative responses to the Icon of the Seas mainly came from non-cruisers, while the positive responses outweighed the negative ones.

Royal Caribbean reported an “incredible reaction” to the Icon of the Seas since its reveal in October 2022, leading to the highest volume booking week in the company’s history. The current holder of the “world’s largest cruise ship” title is another vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Wonder of the Seas, which made its inaugural voyage in 2022. Slightly smaller than the Icon of the Seas, it measures 1,188 feet in length and has 18 decks.

In conclusion, the delivery of the Icon of the Seas marks a significant milestone for Royal Caribbean and the culmination of years of innovation and dreaming. With its extensive amenities, diverse neighborhoods, and luxurious accommodations, the ship is set to offer an unforgettable vacation experience for thousands of travelers when it sets sail in January.