Icon of the Seas – Where 10,000 Sail with Style!
The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, is an imposing vessel, standing nearly 1,200 feet long and weighing 250,800 gross tons. Resembling a multilayered birthday cake, it features seven swimming pools, a striped carousel, tropical greenery, and colorful waterslides.
Setting sail from the Port of Miami on its maiden cruise, the ship garnered attention with a grand entrance, accompanied by fireboat salutes and a banner flag flyover. Soccer star Lionel Messi christened the ship on January 23, officially making it the largest cruise ship globally, surpassing Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas.
With a capacity for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members, the ship offers a plethora of attractions. Notable features include Category 6, a 17,000-square-foot water park with the tallest drop slide at sea, the first cantilevered infinity pool, the largest swimming pool, and the largest ice arena at sea.
Icon of the Seas aims to cater to a diverse demographic with eight onboard neighborhoods, offering amenities such as a swim-up bar, family-focused dining, and an exclusive suite neighborhood. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, considers the ship groundbreaking, especially for families.
As the flagship of Royal Caribbean’s new Icon Class, Icon of the Seas sets the stage for future ships, with Star of the Seas under construction. The ship’s debut has generated significant interest, particularly for families and those seeking a resort-like experience at sea. With numerous dining options, diverse accommodations, and innovative attractions, Icon of the Seas aims to compete not just with other cruise ships but with a broad spectrum of family vacation options worldwide.