Icon of the Seas, world's largest cruise ship that's the size of nearly four city blocks, to set sai

August 2024 · 2 minute read

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It’s already making waves.

The world’s largest cruise ship is set to sail its maiden voyage.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which at 1,200 feet long is the size of almost four city blocks, will leave from the Port of Miami on Saturday.

The massive ship with 20 decks, valued at $2 billion, can hold 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.

It also boasts a 17,000-square-foot water park with six waterslides and seven pools, including the 40,000-gallon Royal Bay, which is the largest pool at sea and Absolute Zero, the largest ice skating rink at sea.

There are also a theater, a carousel and more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges aboard.

Entertainment on the boat includes 50 musicians and comedians and a resident golden retriever puppy, Rover, called the Chief Dog Officer.

The massive ship has 20 decks and is valued at $2 billion. TNS

The vessel’s first trip, a seven-day voyage making stops through the Eastern Caribbean, will be at capacity. When the Icon of the Seas was first announced in October 2022, it enjoyed the largest booking day and week in Royal Caribbean’s then 53-year history, the cruise line said.

The most basic accommodations on board are its 157-square-foot interior plus cabins, which begin at $3,600 per week for two people.

The ship holds 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members. AP

The priciest option is the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse for eight guests, with its own private patio, cinema with a popcorn machine, kids room, outdoor hot tub and in suite-slide, that costs, on average, $100,000 per week.

The ship, which was built in Turku, Finland, was christened by Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates on Tuesday at a celebration hosted by Mario Lopez, according to Forbes.

Its record-breaking size beat out Royal Caribbean’s 188-foot-long ship Wonder of the Seas, which debuted in early 2022.

There are more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges aboard. TNS

It runs on six dual-fuel engines, powered by liquefied natural gas, which the Cruise Lines International Association claims reduces sulfur and greenhouse gas emissions — though environmentalists are concerned that it increases the emission of methane.

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