Royal Caribbean's $2 B Icon of the Seas takes center stage as world's largest cruise ship

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, commenced its maiden voyage from Miami on Saturday. The vessel, crafted over an extensive 900 days at a shipyard in Turku, Finland, stands as a testament to sheer enormity, surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower and accommodating a population akin to that of a small city.

With 20 decks and a capacity for over 5,600 passengers (extending to 7,600 at maximum capacity) and a crew of 2,350, the ship, registered in the Bahamas, promises an unparalleled experience. Boasting seven swimming pools, including a 40,000-gallon "lake," six water slides, a carousel, and what Royal Caribbean claims to be the largest ice arena at sea, passengers are ensured a multitude of recreational options. Culinary delights await with over 40 dining venues and bars, ensuring no palate is left unsatisfied.

To entertain the vast crowd, the Icon presents an impressive lineup of 50 musicians, comedians, and a 16-piece orchestra. The $2 billion vessel, the inaugural member of Royal Caribbean's new Quantum Class of ships, incorporates cutting-edge technology while maintaining its commitment to eco-friendliness.

Powered by what the owners assert is eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the Icon aims to be environmentally responsible, although some experts caution about potential methane gas leaks. It features innovative systems such as microwave-assisted pyrolysis for waste-to-energy conversion and a reverse osmosis system to fulfill the ship's freshwater needs.

The christening ceremony on Tuesday was a grand affair, marked by global soccer star Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, smashing a Champagne bottle against the ship's bow.

Setting sail on its sold-out inaugural cruise, the Icon will spend a week exploring the Caribbean before returning to its Miami home base. At an impressive length of 2,000 feet (365 meters), the Icon of the Seas officially claims the title of the world's largest cruise ship, surpassing its Royal Caribbean stable-mate, the slightly smaller Wonder of the Seas.

Source: AFP