Royal Caribbean Aims to Set Sail with Icon of the Seas, the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Featuring an Extravagant Waterpark in 2024.
Royal Caribbean is on a mission to claim the title of the world’s largest cruise ship with the spectacular Icon of the Seas, scheduled for release in January 2024. This colossal cruise ship offers a diverse range of experiences, from beach getaways to resort-style vacations and thrilling theme park adventures, all within its vibrant confines. Constructed in Turku, Finland, this marvel of the seas can comfortably host 5,610 passengers, boasts 20 expansive decks, and showcases an array of attractions, including six record-breaking waterslides, seven inviting swimming pools, nine relaxing whirlpools, 2,805 well-appointed staterooms, and an impressive length of 1,198 feet (365 meters).
Leading up to its highly anticipated debut in January 2024, Royal Caribbean has already successfully completed its initial series of sea trials. In June 2023, the Icon of the Seas embarked on its maiden voyage across the open ocean. Over four days, rigorous testing of its cutting-edge technologies and equipment, including main engines, hull, brake system, steering mechanisms, and noise and vibration levels, was carried out. The ship then made its triumphant return to the Meyer Turku shipyard, where its construction is diligently underway.
As per Royal Caribbean, bringing the world’s largest cruise ship to life is an awe-inspiring endeavor involving a dedicated team of over 2,000 specialists who have covered vast distances, harnessed the power of four tugboats weighing between 37 to 67 tons, and invested more than 350 hours of hard work. The next leg of this incredible journey will include a second round of sea trials slated for later in 2023, culminating in a grand inaugural event in Miami come January 2024.
The Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas offers guests a choice of eight distinct neighborhoods to explore, with five of them centered around aquatic adventures. Among the highlights is Thrill Island, showcasing a record-breaking waterpark with exhilarating slides. Meanwhile, Chill Island provides multiple pools with breathtaking ocean vistas and a swim-up bar for guests to unwind.
Families can make the most of Surfside, a family-friendly zone teeming with activities for young children, while The Hideaway offers an idyllic retreat complete with a suspended infinity pool. AquaDome beckons with ocean views, a cascading waterfall, and a lively array of entertainment options. The ship also retains Royal Caribbean’s signature neighborhoods, with the Royal Promenade now offering floor-to-ceiling ocean views and an array of over 15 dining, cafe, bar, and lounge options. Central Park has been transformed into an even more vibrant and verdant oasis, brimming with greenery and additional dining and entertainment choices.
Furthermore, the world’s largest cruise ship features an expanded Suite Neighborhood, with accommodations spanning four decks, including a private sun deck boasting a pool, whirlpool, and dining area. Returning favorites encompass Lost Dunes, a revamped mini-golf experience, Adrenaline Peak for avid rock climbing enthusiasts, and Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena within the Royal Caribbean fleet.