The ship is five times larger than the Titanic

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The world is gearing up for the launch of the largest cruise ship ever built, the Icon of the Seas. This magnificent vessel is set to surpass the size of the legendary Titanic by a staggering five times. As the final touches are being added, excitement is building for its maiden voyage, scheduled for January 2024.

Recently, the Icon of the Seas embarked on its first sea trials, sailing hundreds of miles on the open sea. After these initial tests, the ship returned to the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, where work on its interior will continue. With a length of 365 meters and a gross tonnage of 250,800, the ship is slightly larger than its sister vessel, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas.

The upper deck of the Icon of the Seas boasts an array of impressive features that promise an unforgettable experience for its passengers. From thrilling water slides to a suspended infinity pool at sea and a magnificent three-storey family suite, the ship offers a multitude of attractions. The video footage showcases the ship’s elegant livery, as well as the spacious and well-appointed staff area and the cabins where the 2,350 crew members will reside, dedicated to ensuring a seamless experience for all on board.

“We are positioning it as the ultimate family vacation and when you step back and look at all the energy and time that has gone into creating this ship it is mind-blowing,” Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Michael Bayley said in a statement.

Bayley described Icon of the Seas during the company’s quarterly financial results as “literally the best-performing new product launch we’ve ever had.” It has already sold out in January — the first month of its launch, as was reported by the New York Post.

A standout feature of the Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest waterpark at sea, aptly named Category 6. This remarkable waterpark will feature six record-breaking water slides, seven pools, and nine whirlpools. Among the highlights are the industry’s first open free-fall slide called “Pressure Drop,” the tallest drop slide at sea known as “Frightening Bolt” measuring 14 meters in height, and “Storm Surge,” the first family raft slides to be featured at sea.

Passengers lucky enough to embark on an Icon of the Seas cruise will have an extensive range of dining, entertainment, and leisure options at their disposal. With more than 40 ways to indulge in fine cuisine, enjoy refreshing drinks, and be entertained, guests are sure to find activities that suit their preferences. The ship’s 20 decks and eight distinct “neighborhoods” cater to different demographics, including young families, adult-only spaces, and areas centered around piano bars.

Currently, the cheapest ticket is priced at $1,851 for an interior room on a seven-night cruise from Miami to the western Caribbean in September 2024, as was reported by the New York Post.

The most expensive is $10,864 for a suite on the same cruise in March. The ship also offers a seven-day trip to the eastern end of the balmy Caribbean.

The Post also reported that The Icon of the Seas holds up to some 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew across 19 floors — the height alone comparable to a New York City building.

The vessel completed its first set of tests on June 22, according to a company statement.

“During her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested,” the statement said, as was reported by the Post. “Everything was done on time as outlined in the schedule, despite her departure being delayed due to wind conditions.”

The boat is equipped with 17 lifeboats with the capacity for up to 450 people — meaning it has room for 7,650 people, despite its capacity for 7,960.

The Icon of the Seas is designed to provide a sense of home away from home for its guests. One of the standout accommodations is the three-story family suite, complete with its own white picket fence and mailbox. The “Surfside Family Suite” even offers alcoves for children, allowing them to have their own private space. With 28 different types of accommodations available, including various family setups, ocean views, and ample space for group travelers, the ship provides a wide range of options to suit every need.

Scheduled to join the Royal Caribbean fleet at sea on October 26, the Icon of the Seas has been meticulously crafted at the Meyer Turku shipyard. The recent sea trials involved over 450 specialists conducting four days of comprehensive tests on various technical areas of the ship, such as the main engines, bow and propellers, as well as noise and vibration levels. Despite a minor delay due to wind conditions, all tests were completed on time as scheduled.

In its quest to be more environmentally friendly, Royal Caribbean has equipped the Icon of the Seas with cutting-edge technology. This vessel will be the cruise line’s first to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology, reducing its environmental impact and paving the way for more sustainable cruising.

Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive, Michael Bayley, expressed his excitement about the Icon of the Seas, highlighting its status as the ultimate family vacation experience. The immense effort and dedication put into creating this ship is truly awe-inspiring, reflecting Royal Caribbean’s commitment to delivering unforgettable memories to its guests.

As the world eagerly awaits the Icon of the Seas’ grand debut, it promises to redefine the cruise ship experience, offering unparalleled luxury, entertainment, and sustainability. With its vast array of amenities, state-of-the-art features, and attention to detail, this colossal vessel will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of cruising.