Royal Caribbean’s latest mega-ship, Icon of the Seas, has successfully completed her first sea trials out of Meyer Turku, the Finnish shipyard responsible for the vessel’s construction. Upon completion, Icon of the Seas will claim the title of the largest cruise ship ever built.
The ship has eight distinct neighborhoods, each designed to create an ‘unmatched and unforgettable family vacation experience’.
On 22 June the ship returned successfully from her first set of sea trials. Originally scheduled to start on 16 June, the trials were delayed due to challenging wind conditions.
The ship departed for her trials a few days later on 19 June, with engineers testing the ship’s systems. The tests involved evaluating speed, manoeuvrability, safety systems, propulsion, seaworthiness, and navigational systems, as well as noise and vibration levels.
Work on Icon continues, however, and the next major event on the road to delivery will be her second sea trials later this year; she is back at Meyer Turku’s shipyard for final adjustments and completing outfitting.
The focus will be on the interior of the ship. All interior spaces must be completed and furnished, including guest cabins,public areas, and service spaces. This includes the installation of all interior walls, floors, ceilings, electrical fixtures, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
All interior guest amenities, such as dining rooms, entertainment venues, bars, spas, and gyms, are constructed and outfitted during this stage. The last steps include completing any outdoor amenities such as pools, outdoor dining areas, and recreational facilities.
Theship boasts a state-of-the-art Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system and fuel-cell technology, aligning with Royal Caribbean’s commitment to cleaner and more sustainable cruising.
An unparalleled experience awaits on the ship’s 20 decks able to accommodate up to 7,600 guests. With eight distinct neighborhoods, the biggest waterpark ever constructed on a cruise ship, the biggest pool ever, and a huge amount of bars and restaurants, guests will be spoilt for choice during their cruise.
Icon’s maiden voyage is scheduled to be in January 2024, when Icon will set sail from Miami for a week-long cruise in the Caribbean, including destinations such as Basseterre, St Kitts, and St Thomas, and a day at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Following her inaugural voyage, Icon of the Seas will sail on a series of seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Western Caribbean itineraries will stop at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and, in some cases, Roatan, Honduras.
On Eastern Caribbean cruises, the ship will dock at Philipsburg in St Maarten or Basseterre, St Kitts, and St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
