The ‘Icon of the Seas’ is the world’s largest cruise ship under construction at a shipyard in Finland. It has now been completed and has embarked on its inaugural journey in open waters for sea trials.
After returning from its maiden voyage, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas cruise ship will soon be ready for vacationers.
The Icon of the Seas, belonging to Royal Caribbean International, is an enormous cruise ship measuring 365 meters long (approximately 1,200 feet). Moreover, it is estimated to weigh an impressive 250,800 tonnes.
The largest cruise ship in the world completed its first round of sea trials. The cruise line explained that it was sailed the open ocean for the first time. Following its voyage, Icon returned to the Meyer Turku shipyard for construction. Hundreds of workers ensure everything from the main engines to the brake system, steering, and noise and vibration levels are up to par for its guests.
Before the ship debuts, it will complete a second round of sea trials in 2023. However, then by January 2024, guests will be ready to set sail from Miami.
Key Things Of The Ship
The vessel has 20 decks, 18 of which passengers can access, making her the most giant cruise ship in the world.
Icon of the Seas will be able to carry around 8,000 people – 5,610 passengers plus 2,350 crew members.
Royal Caribbean has described Icon of the Seas as “the world’s largest waterpark at sea.”
According to its website, the vessel will have seven pools “for every mood.” Including the “largest pool at sea” and a huge waterpark boasting six waterslides and nine whirlpools.
The Icon of the Seas is said to have eight “neighborhoods” – five focused on water-based fun.
They include: ‘Thrill Island’ featuring a vast waterpark and slides; ‘Chill Island’ with ocean views and a swim-up bar; ‘Surfside’ with a family-friendly feel and activities for children. As well as ‘The Hideaway’ with a suspended infinity pool. Moreover, there is also ‘Aquadome’ with ocean views and a waterfall.
Tickets for the first Icon of the Sea trips opened in October 2022. It started at around $1,537 a person and led to Royal Caribbean having its “single largest booking day in the company’s 53-year history,”.
Now, a ticket for one of the seven-day voyages to the western or eastern Caribbean runs a bit pricier. The least expensive voyage, taking off in September 2024, costs about $1,851 a person for an interior room. However, most passenger prices for an interior room in other months run between $2,000 and $3,300.