by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 7:15 PM ET, Tue January 23, 2024
Royal Caribbean has officially named Icon of the Seas, which now claims the title of world’s largest cruise ship.
As the official Icon for the new ship, superstar Lionel Messi did the honors while the ship was docked at Royal Caribbean’s port in Miami.
"We believe we've created the world's best family vacation. It's been an exciting journey. It really is team work that makes the dream work," said Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley, thanking his entire Royal Caribbean team.
"Icon of the Seas is a culmination of over 50 years of dreaming, innovating, and living our mission each and every day to deliver the world's best vacations and doing so in a responsible way," added Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas naming ceremony takes place in Port Miami (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Icon of the Seas is nearly 1,200 feet long and weighs 250,800 gross tons. It can hold 7,600 guests max with 2,350 crew and features over 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, eight distinct neighborhoods, seven pools, nine whirlpools, and six record-breaking waterslides.
Another first for cruising on the ship is the AquaDome, which is the single largest glass and steel structure to be lifted onto a cruise ship. The ship will also have more than 75 world-class performers and as many as 50 live musicians and comedians. Perhaps the most anticipated crew member though is Rover, the Chief Dog Officer onboard.
Icon of the Seas is the first in its class, with two other ships set to arrive in 2025 and 2026. The ship will sail out of Miami to the Caribbean and Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at Coco Cay.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
