World’s Largest Cruise Ship Icon of the Seas Readies For Inaugural Voyage In the Caribbean

The world’s biggest cruise ship is preparing for its anticipated maiden voyage on 27th January 2024, a 7-day trip around the Caribbean.

Video Credits: WQAD News 8 

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is set to begin its first sailing journey from Miami, Florida.

It reached Ponce, in Puerto Rico, for inspections this week.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said that the coming days would involve many regulatory inspections, loading and offloading equipment, and the coming of more crew and yard members. He added that preparations for its maiden voyage were ‘going well.’

The cruise ship, which can accommodate 5610 guests and 2350 crew members, will arrive in Miami on January 9.

Icon of the Seas was constructed in 900 days and finally handed over to Royal Carribean at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland on November 27, 2023.

It will offer all year-round trips to the eastern and western Caribbean from Miami. Some popular destinations on its itinerary are St. Maarten in Mexico, Royal Caribbean’s private island, Bahamas, etc.

Guests onboard this ship can enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, 8 neighbourhoods, and 40 bars and dining options. Hideaway on this ship has an infinity pool at sea, and Chill Island has 4 pools and an adult-only zone. Thrill Island has a ropes course, a FlowRider wave simulator and a mini golf course.

Lionel Messi, who was named the Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2023, is the ship’s official icon and will be a part of its naming celebrations this month.

References: Yahoo, CNN