The Icon of the Seas, a monumental cruise ship constructed over 900 days, is set to embark on its maiden voyage, a seven-day journey around the Caribbean, departing from Miami, Florida, on January 27, 2024. Before its inaugural trip, the ship underwent regulatory inspections in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Key features of the Icon of the Seas include the world's first suspended infinity pool at sea on The Hideaway, Chill Island with four of the ship's seven pools and an adults-only zone, Thrill Island featuring a ropes course/thrill ride, a FlowRider wave simulator, and a mini-golf course. The ship, officially delivered to Royal Caribbean at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, on November 27, 2023, is a massive 20-deck vessel with a capacity for up to 5,610 guests and 2,350 crew members.
Passengers can enjoy various amenities, such as the world's largest waterpark at sea, eight neighborhoods, and around 40 bars and dining options. Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi was named the official icon of the ship, and he is expected to participate in the naming celebration later in the month. Messi, who was named Time Magazine's Athlete of the Year for 2023, adds a notable touch to the cruise experience.
Despite generating significant attention since its revelation in October 2022, the Icon of the Seas faced mixed reactions, with some people expressing admiration for its features while others criticized its design as a "monstrosity" or a "pile of decadence." The ship, claiming the title of the world's largest cruise ship, surpasses the Wonder of the Seas, another vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
The Icon of the Seas will offer year-round Eastern or Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with destinations including St. Maarten, Mexico, St. Thomas, and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, on its itinerary.
