Royal Caribbean Ready To Operate The Largest Cruise Ship In The World Icon Of The Seas, First Shipping January 2024

Cruise ship Icon of The Seas. (Source: Royal Caribbean)

JAKARTA - Cruise ship company Royal Caribbean received the world's largest cruise ship, the Icon of The Seas, which has a height of 1,198 feet this week, with its inaugural voyage set to take place next month.

The ship with 20 decks weighing 250,800 tons was officially handed over to the shipping company at Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, on 27 November.

Its inaugural voyage is planned to be held next month, with the aim of a seven-day Caribbean tour, starting from Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean said it would take 900 days to build the Icon of The Seas, which has the capacity to accommodate 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. That means nearly 10,000 people, a small town population.

"Today, we celebrate more than just a new ship; it is also a peak celebration of more than 50 years of Royal Caribbean's innovation and dream to create the best holiday experience," Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty said at a shipyard ceremony on Monday. November 28.

When launched at the end of January, the Icon of the Seas will have eight different environmental themes for tourists to explore, as well as about 40 bars and a selection of places to eat.

This is just the beginning. pic.twitter.com/crxTtAt0wE

— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) November 30, 2023

This is just the beginning. pic.twitter.com/crxTtAt0wE

Among them is Thrill Island, which will feature Category 6, the world's largest marine water park. This environment will also have a tense ride that will allow guests to swing 154 feet above sea, a FlowRider wave simulator to a mini golf course.

On the other hand, there's Chill Island, which will have four of the seven Icon swimming pools and adult special zones.

At AquaDome, guests will find 55 feet of water curtain and AquaTheater, featuring robots, skateboarders, divers, and more.

Meanwhile, The Hideaway is where travelers will find the world's first unlimited swimming pool located at sea.

Meanwhile, for the choice of accommodation for the night during the voyage, guests can choose from 28 different cabin styles and suites including, three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Royal Caribbean said the Icon of The Seas was the first cruise ship to use liquefied natural gas fuel and would have a waste treatment plant to be the first energy at sea.

Initially, this ship was scheduled for delivery in early 2022, but the Covid pandemic caused delays.

According to the shipping company, the Icon of The Seas is now on its way to Cadiz, Spain for some final touches before sailing to his new Florida home.

Prior to the Icon of The Seas, the world's largest cruise ship was its brother at Royal Caribbean, Wonder of the Seas, who made his maiden voyage in 2022. Slightly smaller than the Icon of the Seas, the ship has a length of 1,188 feet and has 18 decks.