Nearing completion is a vessel that will be considered the largest ship in the globe.
The cruise ship, known as Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, will measure approximately 370 metres (1,200 feet) in length and carry an estimated 250,800 tonnes (about 553 million pounds).
The magnificent vessel will feature the largest water park at sea, dubbed Category 6 after its record-breaking six water attractions. One of the attractions features the tallest sailable waterslide. The open free-fall waterslide is the first of its kind on a cruise ship.
The ship will accommodate up to 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members and will feature seven pools and nine whirlpools.
It is being constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, one of the premier shipyards in Europe.
Michael Bayley, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement, “We are positioning it as the ultimate family vacation, and when you consider all the effort and time that has gone into creating this ship, it’s mind-boggling.”
The Icon completed its initial sea trials on June 22, according to a statement from Royal Caribbean.
“During her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas travelled hundreds of miles, during which the ship’s main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested,” the statement said. Everything was completed on time according to the schedule, despite her delayed departure due to windy conditions.
Later in 2023, according to Royal Caribbean, a second set of sea trials is scheduled.
The cruise will also feature over 40 dining, drinking, and entertainment options.
With 20 decks and eight neighbourhoods to investigate, the ship is designed to appeal to every type of passenger, from young families to adults-only spaces like Royal Caribbean International’s first duelling pianos bar.
There are 28 varieties of accommodations, with more options for families, ocean views, and space for groups. According to the cruise line, this is the most time it has ever devoted to ‘designing the ideal home base’.
It is also the first vessel to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology, as part of the company’s transition to a future with sustainable energy.
The cruise is accepting reservations for January 2024, but it will be quite expensive.
The price for a balcony suite on the ship for a seven-night expedition from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean is $4,673 per person, as the cheaper options have already sold out.
If you are willing to wait until February, you can get a cool bargain for approximately $2,000 per person.
Due to the excitement surrounding the ship, advance sales have broken records.
During the company’s quarterly financial results, Bayley referred to Icon of the Seas as “literally the best-performing new product launch we’ve ever had.”