Final Inspections Underway for World's Largest Cruise Ship Ahead of Inaugural Journey
Royal Caribbean's massive 1,198-foot Icon of the Seas, set to embark on its maiden voyage from Miami on January 27, is now in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where it is undergoing meticulous final inspections The world eagerly awaits the debut of this extraordinary cruise ship
The largest cruise ship in the world was recently seen in the Caribbean as it prepares for its first voyage later this month. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, measuring 1,198 feet, is scheduled to depart from Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024. The ship was spotted in Ponce, Puerto Rico for regulatory inspections earlier this week.
Final preparations
Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, shared in a Facebook post on Tuesday, "Oh look who just arrived early this morning into the port in Ponce, Puerto Rico!"
The enormous vessel, which can hold 5,610 guests and 2,350 crew members, will begin its maiden voyage on January 27.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AP
"Next few days lots of regulatory inspections, loading and off loading equipment, yard workers going home, more crew arriving along with a very special crew member."
The massive 20-deck ship, capable of accommodating up to 5,610 guests and 2,350 crew members, is scheduled to dock in Miami on January 9, as confirmed by Bayley. He noted that preparations were progressing smoothly.
Icon of the Seas was formally delivered to Royal Caribbean at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland on November 27, 2023.
The cruise ship was delivered to Royal Caribbean in November.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AP
The ship, which took 900 days to build, is now preparing to welcome passengers for its maiden voyage, a seven-day trip around the Caribbean.
The cruise will provide year-round adventures to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami, including stops at destinations such as St. Maarten, Mexico, St. Thomas, and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Passengers will have access to numerous amenities, such as the world's largest waterpark at sea, eight distinct neighborhoods, and around 40 different bars and dining choices.
Highly anticipated launch
Onlookers take in the sight of the huge cruise ship docked in Ponce ahead of its inaugural voyage later this month.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AP
The Hideaway will be home to the world's first suspended infinity pool at sea. Chill Island will have four of the ships seven pools and an adults-only zone. Thrill Island will feature a ropes course/thrill ride that allows guests to swing 154 feet above the ocean, as well as a FlowRider wave simulator and a mini golf course.
"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 the Royal Caribbean Group, during a ceremony at the shipyard in November.
Royal Caribbean takes ownership of the worlds biggest cruise ship
The latest sighting of the ship comes after Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi was named as its official icon.
The cruise company announced that Messi, named Time Magazine's Athlete of the Year for 2023, will be taking part in the upcoming naming celebration for the vessel. Since its unveiling in October 2022, Icon of the Seas has garnered significant attention, both positive and negative.
Incredible reaction
Icon of the Seas cruise will have eight different neighborhoods for guests to explore, as well as the world's largest waterpark at sea.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AP
In July, a striking image of its stern drew widespread attention, with some users condemning it as a "monstrosity" and a "pile of decadence."
Nevertheless, experts later explained that this type of reaction was not uncommon.
Stewart Chiron, a cruise expert, told CNN Travel in August that images of Royal Caribbean's ships have frequently sparked intense reactions. According to Chiron, the negative responses to the Icon of the Sea mostly come from non-cruisers, while the majority of the feedback has been positive, praising the ship's vibrant and varied options.
Disney is set to introduce a sixth ship to its cruise line with an exceptional theme. A spokesperson from Royal Caribbean declined to comment on the feedback to the image when approached by CNN, but emphasized that the company's Icon of the Seas had generated an "incredible reaction" and resulted in the highest volume booking week in the company's history.
The title of "world's largest cruise ship" has been claimed by Icon of the Seas, surpassing the Wonder of the Seas in the Royal Caribbean fleet. This new vessel measures 1,188 feet in length and has 18 decks.
Contributions to this article were made by CNN's Karla Cripps and Jacopo Prisco.
