Royal Caribbean Acquires Ownership of the Largest Cruise Ship on Earth
Royal Caribbean takes ownership of the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland Get ready for its inaugural commercial voyage in January! A viral photo is generating excitement and anticipation
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Royal Caribbean has officially taken ownership of the world's largest cruise ship, the 1,198-foot Icon of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean officially received the 20-deck, 250,800-tonne Icon of the Seas from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland on November 27. This massive ship is scheduled to set sail on its inaugural voyage from Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024, embarking on a seven-day cruise through the Caribbean. According to a news release, the construction of the ship took a total of 900 days. The ship has the impressive capacity to accommodate 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members, amounting to nearly 10,000 people which is equivalent to the population of a small town.
Today is a celebration not just of a new ship, but also of over 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience," stated Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, during a shipyard ceremony on Monday.
When it embarks on its maiden voyage in late January, the Icon of the Seas will feature eight unique neighborhoods for travelers to discover, along with approximately 40 bars and dining options.
Thrill Island is set to feature Category 6, the world's largest waterpark at sea, along with a ropes course/thrill ride suspended 154 feet above the ocean, a FlowRider wave simulator, and a mini golf course. On the other hand, Chill Island will offer an adults-only zone and access to four of Icon's seven pools.
Life at Sea's three-year cruise has been canceled.
Life At Sea Cruises
The three-year cruise is canceled
The AquaDome features a 55-foot-tall water curtain and the AquaTheater with a dynamic cast of robots, skateboarders, divers, and more. Meanwhile, The Hideaway offers travelers the world's first suspended infinity pool at sea.
And thats barely scratching the surface.
In terms of sleeping options, guests can choose from 28 different styles of cabins and suites including the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse.
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is the cruise line's inaugural ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas and will feature the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. Originally set for delivery in early 2022, the Covid pandemic has caused delays.
According to the cruise line, Icon of the Seas is now on its way to Cadiz, Spain for some final touches before it sets sail for its new home in Florida.
Viral photo creates a buzz
There has been a lot of talk about the Icon of the Seas in the months before its delivery, highlighting the divisive nature of cruises, especially when it comes to mega ships. In July, a highly detailed and colorful image of the ship's stern section went viral, sparking a largely negative reaction.
Described as a "monstrosity" and a "pile of decadence," with one user proposing the alternative name "Icon of Disease," some experts CNN consulted noted that this was not an uncommon assessment.
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"Royal Caribbean's ships have always sparked strong reactions," said cruise expert Stewart Chiron when asked about the response in August by CNN Travel.
The backlash against Icon of the Sea appears to be coming from non-cruisers. The image is vibrant and shows a ship with numerous amenities. The positive reactions greatly outnumber the negative ones. When CNN reached out to a Royal Caribbean representative, they declined to comment on the specific image feedback, but did mention that the unveiling of Icon of the Seas in October 2022 has generated an "amazing response," resulting in the company's highest volume booking week in history. Sales have been booming ever since.
The Wonder of the Seas, a vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, holds the title for the world's largest cruise ship. It made its first voyage in 2022 and is slightly smaller than the Icon of the Seas, with a length of 1,188 feet and 18 decks to explore. This information includes reporting from CNN's Jacopo Prisco.
