The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, has made its presence felt in the Caribbean ahead of its highly anticipated inaugural voyage later this month. The 1,198-foot vessel, set to embark from Miami, Florida, on January 27, 2024, arrived in Ponce, Puerto Rico, for regulatory inspections. Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, shared the news on Facebook, expressing excitement about the final preparations and welcoming a special crew member. The 20-deck ship, with a capacity for 5,610 guests and 2,350 crew members, will reach Miami on January 9. Icon of the Seas was officially handed over to Royal Caribbean on November 27, 2023, after a 900-day construction period at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.
Preparations for the maiden voyage, a seven-day Caribbean journey, are progressing well. The ship will offer year-round Eastern or Western Caribbean adventures, featuring destinations like St. Maarten, Mexico, St. Thomas, and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Onboard, passengers will have access to numerous exciting features, including the world’s largest waterpark at sea, eight neighborhoods, and over 40 bars and dining options. Notably, the Hideaway will house the world’s first suspended infinity pool at sea, and Chill Island will feature four of the ship’s seven pools, including an adults-only zone. Thrill Island will offer a ropes course, thrill ride, FlowRider wave simulator, and a mini golf course.
The vessel’s latest sighting follows the announcement that Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi has been named its official icon. Messi, named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2023, is set to participate in the naming celebration for the ship later this month.
While Icon of the Seas has garnered attention, including positive and negative reactions, since its reveal in October 2022, it has generated significant interest, with an “incredible reaction” leading to the highest volume booking week in the company’s history.
Icon of the Seas surpasses Wonder of the Seas, another Royal Caribbean vessel, to claim the title of the world’s largest cruise ship, measuring 1,198 feet and featuring 20 decks.