Royal Caribbean International has unveiled the details of what will become the biggest cruise ship in the world.
The announcement by the Miami giant, the flagship brand of Royal Caribbean Group, includes the array of firsts and records that are a staple of cruise newbuilding reveals.
But there is one feature that the passengers on the 5,000-berth Icon of the Seas will not see; it is the group’s first ship to feature a fuel cell.
“The debut of Icon class will also mark firsts and the next step in Royal Caribbean’s journey toward a clean-energy future,” Royal Caribbean International said.
The ship will be powered by LNG, which the company described as the cleanest-burning marine fuel, despite growing concerns about methane emissions across the fuel’s well-to-wake emissions profile.
The Icon of the Seas, which is under construction at Finland’s Meyer Turku, is due for delivery in late 2023. It will be the biggest cruise ship by virtue of its length overall — 365 metres compared to the 362 metres of the 5,400-berth Wonder of the Seas (built 2022).
The Icon’s firsts for vacationers include the largest waterpark at sea, the tallest drop slide, the first open free-fall slide, the tallest drop slide and the first family raft slides.
That is not all. The vessel also will boast the first swim-up bar on a cruise ship and the first suspended infinity pool.
“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation,” said Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International.
“Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritising experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise.”
Royal Caribbean plans to operate the Icon of the Seas from Miami on seven-night cruises in the Caribbean.
