World’s largest cruise vessel, 5-times Titanic-size to set sail in 2024
Photo: The Icon of the Seas, measuring 365 metres, is also Royal Carribean’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas.
The world’s largest cruise liner, five times the size of the Titanic, is completing its final touches at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
Christened the Icon of the Seas, the cruise vessel commissioned by travel firm Royal Caribbean International, whose ownership was handed over to the company during an event on November 28, barely two months before its official launch in January 2024 in Miami.
The milestone concerning the vessel marked the culmination of over seven years of dreams and 900 days of design and construction involving thousands of experts. “Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, of Royal Caribbean Group, in a statement.
First-of-its-kind
The Icon of the Seas plans to be the grandest travel cruise ship ever made, featuring 18 passenger decks, seven swimming pools, and an extensive selection of over 40 restaurants and bars. With a capacity for 5,610 guests, the ship boasts a substantial gross tonnage of 250,800. The total length of the vessel stands at 365 meters.
The luxurious vessel showcases eight unique “neighborhoods,” each offering distinctive experiences, entertainment, and dining options. Breaking records, these neighborhoods introduce several firsts: Thrill Island boasts the largest water park on a cruise ship, the first open free-fall slide at sea, and the industry’s tallest drop slide.
Additionally, Chill Island presents ocean-view pools and a frozen cocktail bar, while The Hideaway introduces the first suspended infinity pool at sea. This area is surrounded by a multi-level sun terrace featuring whirlpools and a beach bar. Additional neighborhoods on the ship encompass The Hideaway, Surfside, and Aquadome, the latter featuring its own AquaTheater.
Emphasizing a family-centric approach, the cruise introduces novel accommodations such as the Family Infinite Balcony, Surfside Family Suite, and the Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with distinctive elements like a mailbox and a signature white picket fence.
Royal Promenade, the pulse of Icon, showcases over 15 restaurants and bars, including Royal Caribbean’s first Dueling Pianos bar and the innovative 1400 Lobby Bar with an ocean-facing terrace. Favorites like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and Starbucks are joined by floor-to-ceiling ocean views facilitated by The Pearl, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture, according to Royal Caribbean.
Energy efficient
The Icon represents the cruise line’s inaugural vessel capable of being fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel. Complemented by dual-fuel engines, the ship integrates various energy efficiency measures and cutting-edge environmental programs, including the industry’s pioneer waste-to-energy plant at sea. “Twenty-four percent more energy efficient than the standards required for ships being designed today, the cruise line’s most sustainable ship yet will mark the next step in parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to introduce a net-zero cruise ship by 2035,” said a statement by the firm.
Royal Caribbean
As per information available on Royal Caribbean’s website, the initial costs for Icon’s 2024 itineraries vary, starting from approximately $1,800 per person and reaching up to nearly $2,200. The most budget-friendly option stands at $1,756 per guest for double occupancy on a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary departing from Miami on February 17, 2024. Every 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise from Miami will also include visits to picturesque Caribbean destinations and a day at Royal Caribbean’s acclaimed private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
After undergoing sea trials in both June and November 2023, Icon of the Seas has now been officially handed over to Royal Caribbean last week. Currently en route to Cadiz, Spain, the new vessel is set to undergo final enhancements before setting sail on January 27.
Source: interestingengineering.com
