Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas completed its first sea trials this month, adding to the excitement of cruisers eagerly awaiting its debut from PortMiami on January 27, 2024.

The cruise operator reported that more than 450 experts conducted tests on its engines, hull, thrusters, and lifeboats.

Since beginning construction in April 2022 at Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard, preparing the ship for sea trials entailed 350 hours of work, the effort of over 2,000 specialists, and four massive tugboats. 

The Icon will be the biggest cruise ship built at 1,198 feet long and 250,800 gross tons. It will also be Royal Caribbean’s first LNG-fuelled ship and will have a desalination plant that will produce 90% of the ship’s freshwater supplies.

Described as a “floating all-in-one vacation machine,” it will accommodate 7,600 guests. It will feature seven pools, 18 public decks, over 20 dining options, six record-breaking water slides (more than any other cruise ship), and over 2,800 staterooms with 28 cabin options.

Its distinct architecture features a vast dome-like structure known as the AquaDome. Weighing over 360 tons, the glass and steel design is the largest incorporated into a cruise ship.

From inside, guests can gaze at endless 220-degree ocean views while enjoying food, drinks, and various entertainment like aqua and fountain shows.

The Icon has been scheduled for 7-night voyages in the Caribbean and will sail from Miami. It will have stops at The Bahamas (including Perfect Day at CocoCay); Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Though its maiden voyage sold out in less than 24 hours, Royal Caribbean is still accepting bookings on several of its seven-night itineraries from South Florida.

Go Deeper: What You Should Know About PortMiami

The post World’s Largest Cruise Ship Completes Sea Trials appeared first on Cruise Radio - Daily Updates On The Cruise Industry.

----------------------------

By: Doug Parker
Title: World’s Largest Cruise Ship Completes Sea Trials
Sourced From: cruiseradio.net/worlds-largest-cruise-ship-completes-sea-trials/
Published Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2023 04:18:48 +0000

Read More