Royal Caribbean’s 2024 Newest Cruise Ship "Icon of the Seas" is the Biggest Cruise Ship in World ever built to date measuring 1,998 feet (365 meters long) with 250,800 gross tons, and it has the largest water park at sea, featuring six record-breaking waterslides.
The Icon of the Seas ship features the world's largest lifeboats. Eighteen lifeboats are installed and mounted on both sides of the ship. Each lifeboat can provide seating for up to 450 people.
Icon of the Seas cruise ship has successfully completed the first and second trial rounds in the Baltic Sea in 2023. As officially confirmed, the ship has passed all technical systems successfully and has returned to the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland.
Icon of the Seas Cruise ship was officially delivered to Royal Caribbean. The ship has left the Meyer-Turku shipyard in Finland. Cruise ship has successfully passed going underneath the Great Belt Bridge with only few meter of clearance on her way to Spain on December 1, 2023.
How Big is the Icon of the Seas?
At present, the biggest cruise ship in the world is Wonder of the Seas, which is also owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises. Royal Caribbean Cruises is also building two more ICON Class ships: Star of the Seas, which will debut in 2025, and an untitled one in 2026.
Icon of the Seas Ship Design:
Icon of the Seas Neighborhoods:
- Aqua Dome features a 20-foot-tall glass-bottomed pool, a water slide, and a bar.
- Central Park is a lush, green space with trees, flowers, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
- Chill Island is a poolside oasis with cabanas, daybeds, and a swim-up bar.
- Royal Promenade is a bustling walkway with shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Surfside is a family-friendly neighbourhood with a water park, kids' club, and arcade.
- Suite Neighbourhood is an exclusive area for guests who book suites. It features a private sundeck, pool, and bar.
- The Hideaway is an adults-only oasis with a secluded pool, bar, and hot tub.
- Thrill Island is an adventure-seeker's paradise with a 10-story water slide, ropes course, and laser tag arena.
Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship Highlights:
- World’s Largest Cruise Ship ever Built
- First ICON Class Cruise Ship by Royal Caribbean Cruises
- ICON of The Seas is the 27th Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
- First Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) powered Royal Caribbean Cruise, making it more environmentally friendly.
- 8 incredible neighborhoods, each with its own unique theme and amenities.
- Indoor Aqua Theatre with stunning shows and performances.
- Largest water park at sea, featuring 6 record-breaking waterslides.
- Frightening Bolt, the world's highest drop slide at sea.
- Pressure Drop, the world's first open freefall slide at sea.
- Hurricane Hunter, the world's first family raft slide at sea.
- First swim-up bar with Swim & Tonic, the perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink.
- Largest pool at sea, with 7 swimming pools and 9 whirlpools.
- Family Infinite Balcony and Surfside Family Suite, perfect for families with children.
- More than 40+ food and beverage options, offering something for everyone.
- 28 accommodation options, from standard staterooms to luxurious suites.
Icon of the Seas Bookings:
The first sail of Icon of the Seas will offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, Florida, starting on January 27, 2024.
Ticket sales for Crown & Anchor Society members opened on October 24, 2022, and for the general public on October 25, 2022. To date, 72% of tickets have been booked, making it the highest pre-booking rate in the history of Royal Caribbean International. More information, including itineraries and pricing, will be released in the coming months.
Watch Making of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas:
Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas Ships Comparison:
Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are two of the largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world.
Icon of the Seas enter service in January 2024.
Wonder of the Seas is already in service since 2022.
Both ships are operated by Royal Caribbean International and offer a wide range of amenities and activities for cruise lovers.
Let's see the comparison of both these Royal Caribbean marvellous cruise ships in the table below.
| CRUISE | ICON OF THE SEAS | WONDER OF THE SEAS |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) | Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) |
| Operator | Royal Caribbean International (RCI) | Royal Caribbean International (RCI) |
| Port of Registry | Nassau, Bahamas | Nassau, Bahamas |
| Build At | Meyer Turku, Turku, Finland | Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France |
| Homeport | Port Everglades | Port Everglades |
| Maiden Voyage | 27 January, 2024 | March 4, 2022 |
| Total Neighborhoods | 8 | 8 |
| Class Type | Icon Class | Oasis Class |
| Staterooms | 2,805 | 2867 |
| Passengers Capacity | 5,610 (Double Occupancy), 7600 Max Capacity | 5,734 (Double Occupancy), 7084 Max Capacity |
| Crew | 2350 | 2,204 |
| Total Decks | 20 (18 Guest Decks) | 18 (16 Guest Decks) |
| Length | 365 m (1,198 ft) | 362.04 m (1,188.1 ft) |
| Beam | 47.2 m (155 ft) | 47 m (154 ft) |
| Gross Tonnage | 250,800 GT | 235,600 GT |
| Suites | 280 | 274 |
| Dining Venues | 40 | 37 |
| Bars and lounges | 45 | 44 |
| Waterslides | 6 | 7 |
| Pools and jacuzzis | 9 | 14 |
| Speed | 22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph) | 22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph) |
| Ship Building Cost | USD 1.5+ billion | EUR 1.3+ billion | USD 1.35 billion | EUR 1.2 billion |
| Ship Status | Under Construction | In service since 2022 |
Note: The table data is captured and validated from official Royal Caribbean Cruises website. For more information visit Royal Caribbean’s official website here royalcaribbean.com; royalcaribbeangroup.com;
FAQs on Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship:
Q: Where is Icon of the Seas being built?
Ans: Icon of the Seas is currently undergoing completion works at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. The ship will be delivered to Royal Caribbean in November or December 2023.
Q: When does Icon of the Seas sail?
Ans: Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas is scheduled to begin sailing on January 27, 2024.
Q: Where will the Icon of the Seas sail?
Ans: The first sailing of Icon of the Seas will be a 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise from Miami, Florida. Ships maiden voyage will depart from Miami, Florida, and will have stops at Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas.
Q: What class is Icon of the Seas?
Ans: The Icon of the Seas is the lead ship of the Icon class, a new class of cruise ships for Royal Caribbean International.
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