Icon of the Seas, recognized as the world's largest cruise ship, was officially handed over to its owners, the Royal Caribbean Group, in a ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. This monumental vessel, the first of three in the order, is the result of seven years of design and nearly two and a half years of construction. The ship is now entering the final two months of fitting out and previews before embarking on its maiden commercial voyage in late January 2024, sailing from Miami to the Caribbean.
Following the delivery ceremony, Icon of the Seas is set to depart midweek for Cadiz, Spain, where she will undergo final fitting out and finishing touches. Although the cruise line has not released the schedule, the ship is expected to arrive in Florida in mid-January.
Classified by DNV, the ship has a gross tonnage of 248,663, slightly smaller than the 250,800 gross tons initially promoted by Royal Caribbean. Nevertheless, it remains approximately five percent larger than the cruise line's current largest ship, Wonder of the Seas, making it the world's largest cruise ship. The Icon of the Seas features 2,805 passenger cabins, providing a normal occupancy of 5,610 passengers and a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600. With an additional 2,350 crew, the ship will accommodate nearly 10,000 people at full capacity.
Royal Caribbean initially ordered two ships from Meyer Turku in May 2017, with construction on the first ship starting in January 2022. Icon of the Seas underwent two sets of sea trials, first in June and then at the end of October. The ship, the first LNG-fueled cruise ship for Royal Caribbean International, boasts advanced sustainability features, including a waste-to-energy plant, heat capture system, fuel cell, and air lubrication for the hull. It is also shore power-ready for ports with available power. The ship surpasses IMO standards, being 24% more energy efficient and standing as the group's most efficient cruise ship.
Featuring 40 locations for food and drinks, four entertainment stages, seven pools, and six waterslides, the Icon of the Seas is equipped with various amenities. It builds on the Oasis class design introduced by Royal Caribbean in 2008, evolving with 8 neighborhoods catering to different preferences, from children and families to entertainment, outdoor parks, and exclusive suite areas.
The construction of the Icon of the Seas achieved several unique milestones, including the installation of the AquaDome, the largest glass and steel structure above the bridge, housing an entertainment venue with a restaurant, bar, and a theater for water shows, featuring a 55-foot tall waterfall.
As assembly commences on the next ship in the class, Star of the Seas, scheduled for launch in the summer of 2025, the third sistership is expected for delivery in 2026.