The construction of what will eventually become the largest cruise ship (Icon of the Seas) in the world is now complete at a shipyard in Finland, and the vessel has made its first voyage into open water to begin sea testing before its expected delivery in October of this year.
- Icon of the Seas: The world’s largest cruise ship, defying scale and gravity
- Sea testing and evaluation of Icon of the Seas’ performance
- Royal Caribbean’s partnership with Meyer Turku Shipyard for construction
A Giant Marvel Defying Scale and Gravity” “Icon of the Seas”
With a length of 365 meters (almost 1,200 feet) and a predicted weight of 250,800 tons, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is an absolute behemoth. It would be like attempting to support two CN Towers.
The Icon of the Seas has the world’s largest floating water park with an unprecedented passenger capacity.
In January 2024, when the ship sails to the Caribbean, it will have enough room for 5,610 passengers and 2,350 staff members. The ship’s centerpiece will be the biggest floating water park in the world. Category 6 will include six water slides that shatter all previous records, but passengers may also enjoy the ship’s seven pools and nine whirlpools for a more relaxing vacation.
“Meyer Turku Shipyard Unveils Royal Caribbean’s Imminent Fleet Expansion: Icon of the Seas to Join Sooner Than Anticipated”
The Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, is responsible for its construction. Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley informed reporters earlier this year that the ship will be added to the Royal Caribbean fleet on October 26, two years before its scheduled launch in 2024.
Currently Biggest Cruise Ship
Wonder of the Seas, another ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, is the current biggest cruise ship in the world. It took its first trip only last year and is 1,188 feet long with just 18 decks.
“Icon of the Seas: Royal Caribbean’s Unparalleled Achievement Embodied in Technological Excellence and Family Delight”
Using cutting-edge technology and expanding on the company’s 50 years of experience, Royal Caribbean International is touting Icon of the Seas as the cruise industry’s pinnacle.
“We’re marketing it as the perfect family vacation, and it’s mind-boggling to consider how much work went into building the ship.,” Bayley said.
“Icon of the Seas Successfully Passes Rigorous Sea Testing: A Triumph of Engineering and Precision”
According to a Royal Caribbean release, sea testing for the Icon was completed on June 22.
“The primary engines, hull, braking systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels, and more were put to the test throughout the hundreds of kilometers the Icon of the Seas sailed during her first round of sea trials.,” the statement said. “Despite her departure being delayed due to wind conditions, everything was completed on time as planned.”
Unparalleled Variety and Delights Await Aboard the Icon of the Seas: Endless Dining, Entertainment, and Adventures for Every Passenger
The ship has over 40 dining, drinking, and entertainment options, many of which are complimentary. The ship’s 20 decks and 8 communities are designed to please passengers of all ages and interests, from those traveling with small children to those seeking adult-only amenities like the first dueling pianos bar in Royal Caribbean International’s fleet.
Unprecedented Accommodation Selections: Tailored Comfort and Unmatched Versatility Aboard
There are 28 distinct room options, with more options for families, more ocean-view layouts, and more space for large groups. For the first time in the company’s history, the cruise line has set aside so much time just for “designing the perfect home base.”
Pioneering Clean Energy Propulsion for a Sustainable Future
As part of Royal Caribbean International’s transition to a clean-energy future, Icon of the Seas is also the company’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology.
Dedicated Crew and Rigorous Evaluation: Testing the Icon of the Seas’ Performance at Sea
Every day, the Icon of the Seas has had almost 2,600 crew members grafting. Over the course of four days, hundreds of experts were on board to evaluate the ship’s performance during sea testing.
According to Royal Caribbean, further sea tests are planned for later in 2023.
Record-Breaking Pre-Orders and Unprecedented Hype: Icon of the Seas Sets New Standards in the Cruise Industry
There has been so much excitement about the ship that pre-orders have broken all previous records. During the quarterly financial results presentation, CEO Michael Bayley reportedly called Icon of the Seas “literally the best-performing new product launch we’ve ever had.”
From Miami, passengers may embark on a seven-night cruise to the Eastern or Western Caribbean. Perfect Day at CocoCay and the newly expanded Hideaway Beach, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island resort, will be included on all cruises.
