Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, world's largest cruise ship, makes maiden voyage

Amaris Encinas, Arizona Republic
·2 min read
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The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has officially sailed the ocean blue for the first time in preparation for its highly anticipated 2024 debut.

After completing the first round of European sea trials, Royal Caribbean’s newest – and its largest, the cruise line boasts – is one step closer to its January 27 inaugural voyage.

The ship has since made its return to the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where more than 450 specialists are conducting tests on the main engines, bow, propellers, and noise and vibration levels in preparation for the ship's second set of sea trials slated for later this year.

Tucked away on Icon of the Seas, The Hideaway combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and uninterrupted ocean views. At the center of it all is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, surrounded by a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating and dedicated bar.
Tucked away on Icon of the Seas, The Hideaway combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and uninterrupted ocean views. At the center of it all is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, surrounded by a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating and dedicated bar.

What all can you do on an Icon of the Seas cruise?

Royal Caribbean designed Icon of the Seas to give seafarers a chance to pick the best of perks from different kinds of vacations – resort getaway, beach escape, or theme park adventure – while on the cruise. Attractions include a six-slide waterpark, seven full-size swimming pools, an aqua park for families, a swim up bar, exclusive dining experiences, arcades, live music and shows.

“Every type of family and kind of adventurer can make memories together and on their own terms without compromise across record-breaking thrills, relaxing ways to chill, a neighborhood designed for young families, more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained, and more,” Royal Caribbean says in its latest press update.

In the new Chill Island on Icon of the Seas, there’s a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views.
In the new Chill Island on Icon of the Seas, there’s a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views.

The first cruise is already sold out, but starting in February 2024, visitors can begin their journey in Miami and spend seven nights onboard the Icon sailing through eastern or western Caribbean with ports of call including the Bahamas, Mexico, Honduras St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

Royal Caribbean plans for Icon of the Seas to sail all year, so prices vary; but some start at about $1,700 per person. For more details about Icon of the Seas, visit the Royal Caribbean website.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas: Largest cruise ship's first voyage