The construction of the world’s largest cruise ship, expected to be delivered in October this year, has been completed at a shipyard in Finland. The vessel, known as Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, recently embarked on its first journey on open water for sea trials. With a staggering length of 365 meters (approximately 1,200 feet) and an estimated weight of 250,800 tonnes, it is comparable to the size of two CN Towers combined.
Once it sets sail in the Caribbean waters in January 2024, the ship will comfortably accommodate around 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members. The standout feature of the vessel will be its unprecedented waterpark at sea, called Category 6, which will boast six world-record-breaking water slides. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the ship also offers seven pools and nine whirlpools.
Constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, a renowned shipbuilder in Europe, the Icon of the Seas is on schedule to join the Royal Caribbean fleet on October 26. The current record holder for the world’s largest cruise ship is another vessel from Royal Caribbean, called Wonder of the Seas, which made its maiden voyage last year and is slightly smaller at 1,188 feet in length with 18 decks.
Royal Caribbean International considers the Icon of the Seas as the pinnacle of their cruise line, incorporating the latest technology and drawing from 50 years of experience and knowledge. Michael Bayley, the president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, described the ship as an unparalleled family vacation experience, reflecting the tremendous effort and innovation invested in its creation.
On June 22, the Icon successfully completed its initial set of sea trials, during which it covered hundreds of miles to test various aspects such as the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, and noise and vibration levels. Despite a slight delay in departure due to wind conditions, the ship adhered to the predetermined schedule.