Icon of Seas, world’s largest cruise ship makes maiden voyage  

Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Icon of the Seas, has passed its inaugural round of sea trials with flying colors, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

The world’s largest is a mammoth 365 meters long (nearly 1,200 feet) and will weigh a projected 250,800 tonnes. It is five times larger than Titanic.

When it sets sail on Caribbean waters in January 2024, it will comfortably hold some 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew. The boat’s piece de resistance will be the world’s largest waterpark at sea. Two sister ships will join her in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The previous world’s largest cruise ship was also a Royal Caribbean vessel, Wonder of the Seas, which spanned 1,188 feet long and featured 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean confirmed that its newest class of ships, the Icon class, will be bigger than the Oasis class of ships.

Construction of the ship taking place at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland last week reached an important milestone with the completion of its initial round of European sea trials. These successful trials bring the ship one step closer to its inaugural voyage on 27 January.

Distinguished as Royal Caribbean’s first LNG-powered ship, the Icon of the Seas will incorporate a range of advanced environmental technologies, as well as ground-breaking experiences and features for both guests and crew.

This remarkable vessel offers an extensive array of amenities and attractions. Guests can enjoy a thrilling six-slide waterpark, seven full-size swimming pools, a family-friendly aqua park, and much more.

In addition, exclusive dining experiences, arcades, and live music and shows will be available on board. With over 40 dining options and various entertainment choices, the ship caters to the diverse preferences of its passengers.

While the initial cruise has already sold out, starting in February 2024, individuals can embark on a seven-night journey from Miami aboard the Icon, exploring the eastern or western Caribbean. The itinerary includes captivating destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, Honduras, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

The ship’s physical construction first started in June 2021.

Oasis of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship of all time when she sailed for the first time in 2009. Measuring 225,282 gross tons and with space for 5,606 passengers at double occupancy, she changed cruising forever.

Since then, she has been surpassed by her sisters, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and the current biggest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, measuring 236,857 gross tons and with space for 5,734 passengers at double occupancy.