Icon of the Seas
{{Short description|Royal Caribbean International cruise ship}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
| {{Infobox ship begin
| infobox caption = Icon of the Seas | display title = ital }} {{Infobox ship image | Ship image = Icon of the Seas (kahunapulej).jpg | Ship caption = Icon of the Seas in PortMiami }} {{Infobox ship career | Hide header = | Ship country = Bahamas | Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|Bahamas|civil}} | Ship name = Icon of the Seas | Ship owner = Royal Caribbean Group | Ship operator = File:House Flag of Royal Caribbean International.svg Royal Caribbean International | Ship registry = Nassau, {{flagu|Bahamas|civil}} | Ship route = | Ship ordered = | Ship builder = Meyer Turku, Turku, Finland | Ship original cost = €1.86 billion{{Cite web |title=Amendment No. 7 in connection with the Credit Agreement in respect of "ICON 1" - Hull 1400 |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/884887/000088488723000056/a2023q3exhibit102.htm |access-date=27 February 2024}} | Ship yard number = NB 1400 | Ship way number = | Ship laid down = 4 April 2022 | Ship launched = 9 December 2022 | Ship completed = | Ship sponsor = Lionel Messi | Ship acquired = 27 November 2023 | Ship maiden voyage = 27 January 2024 | Ship in service = 2024–present | Ship out of service = | Ship identification = *{{Call sign|C6FU5}}
| Ship fate = | Ship status = | Ship notes = }} {{Infobox ship characteristics | Hide header = | Header caption = | Ship class = {{sclass|Icon|cruise ship}} | Ship tonnage = {{GT|248,663}}, {{NetT|307,895}} | Ship displacement = | Ship length = {{convert|364.75|m|ft}} | Ship width = | Ship beam = {{cvt|48.47|m|ft}} | Ship height = | Ship draught = {{convert|9.25|m|ft}} | Ship depth = | Ship deck clearance = | Ship ramps = | Ship ice class = | Ship power = *3{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}Wärtsilä 14V46DF, {{convert|16030|kW|hp-metric|abbr=on}} each
| Ship propulsion = *Diesel-electric; 3{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}{{convert|20|MW|abbr=on}} ABB Azipod, all azimuthing
| Ship speed = {{convert|22|knots|km/h}} | Ship capacity = *5,610 passengers (double occupancy) | Ship notes = }} |
Icon of the Seas is a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International and is the lead ship of the {{sclass|Icon|cruise ship|4}}. She entered service on 27 January 2024 out of the Port of Miami in the United States. At {{GT|248,663|disp=long}}, Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world.
History
= Planning =
In October 2016, Royal Caribbean and Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku announced an order to build two ships under the project name "Icon".{{cite press release|title=Powered By LNG and Fuel Cells, Royal Caribbean International's New Ships Will Ride the Wave of the Future|date=10 October 2016|publisher=Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd|url=https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1279/powered-by-lng-and-fuel-cells-royal-caribbean-internationals-new-ships-will-ride-the-wave-of-the-future/|access-date=3 February 2017|work=Royal Caribbean Press Center|archive-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528230720/https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1279/powered-by-lng-and-fuel-cells-royal-caribbean-internationals-new-ships-will-ride-the-wave-of-the-future/|url-status=live}} The ships were expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2023 and in 2025{{Cite web|date=6 January 2022|title=Icon of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more|url=https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/icon-of-the-seas|access-date=17 February 2022|website=Royal Caribbean Blog|language=en|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217203242/https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/icon-of-the-seas|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=C. I. N.|date=5 November 2021|title=Royal Caribbean Group Pushes Back Most New Ship Deliveries|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/26137-royal-caribbean-group-delays-most-new-ship-deliveries.html|access-date=17 February 2022|website=cruiseindustrynews.com|language=en-gb|archive-date=25 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025190217/https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/26137-royal-caribbean-group-delays-most-new-ship-deliveries.html|url-status=live}} and would be classified by DNV.{{cite web|date=8 May 2018|title=DNV GL sorgt bei Turku-Schiffen für Klasse|trans-title=DNV GL provides class on Turku ships|url=https://www.hansa-online.de/2018/05/featured/98972/dnv-gl-sorgt-bei-turku-schiffen-fuer-klasse/|access-date=9 May 2018|language=de|archive-date=9 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509220538/https://www.hansa-online.de/2018/05/featured/98972/dnv-gl-sorgt-bei-turku-schiffen-fuer-klasse/|url-status=live}}
Royal Caribbean applied to register a trademark for "Icon of the Seas" in 2016.{{cite web|author=Matt Hochberg|title=Royal Caribbean files trademark for Icon of the Seas ship name|date=22 October 2016|url=http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/10/22/royal-caribbean-files-trademark-icon-of-the-seas-ship-name|access-date=4 January 2017|publisher=Royal Caribbean Blog|archive-date=5 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105175907/http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/10/22/royal-caribbean-files-trademark-icon-of-the-seas-ship-name|url-status=live}}
= Construction =
Steel-cutting for Icon of the Seas began in June 2021.{{Cite web |date=16 June 2021 |title=Meyer Turku cuts steel for Royal Caribbean's newly named Icon of the Seas |url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/shipbuilding-refurb-equipment/meyer-turku-cuts-steel-royal-caribbeans-newly-named-icon-seas |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=seatrade-cruise.com |language=en |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025071820/https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/shipbuilding-refurb-equipment/meyer-turku-cuts-steel-royal-caribbeans-newly-named-icon-seas |url-status=live}} In October 2021, Royal Caribbean announced that the first LNG tank for the ship was installed at the Neptun Werft in Rostock, Germany.{{Cite web |last=Romanenko |first=Maria |date=28 October 2021 |title=Icon of the Seas Gets First 307-Ton LNG Fuel Tank Installed |url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/26117-icon-of-the-seas-gets-first-307-ton-lng-fuel-tank-installed.html |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=cruiseindustrynews.com |language=en-gb |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511185342/https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/26117-icon-of-the-seas-gets-first-307-ton-lng-fuel-tank-installed.html |url-status=live}} In December 2021, the floating engine room unit, including the LNG tanks, was towed to Turku in Finland by tug.{{cite web|url=https://www.nnn.de/lokales/rostock/artikel/mega-modul-fuer-icon-of-sea-reist-von-warnemuende-nach-turku-20954610|title=Mega-Modul für "Icon of Sea" reist von Warnemünde nach Turku|date=21 December 2021|access-date=15 May 2022|language=german|archive-date=15 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515063702/https://www.nnn.de/lokales/rostock/artikel/mega-modul-fuer-icon-of-sea-reist-von-warnemuende-nach-turku-20954610|url-status=live}} The keel was laid in April 2022.{{Cite web |date=5 April 2022 |title=Royal Caribbean Celebrates Keel Laying For Icon Of The Seas |url=https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1599/royal-caribbean-celebrates-keel-laying-for-icon-of-the-seas/ |access-date=25 January 2024 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722123546/https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1599/royal-caribbean-celebrates-keel-laying-for-icon-of-the-seas/ |url-status=live }} The ship was launched 9 December 2022.
In May 2022, Royal Caribbean confirmed that Icon of the Seas would be bigger than the Oasis class.{{Cite web |last=Huxley |first=Lucy |title=Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas to be 'bigger than Oasis-class' |url=http://travelweekly.co.uk/news/cruise/royal-caribbeans-icon-of-the-seas-to-be-bigger-than-oasis-class |date=10 May 2022 |website=Travel Weekly |language=en |access-date=11 May 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511180942/https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/cruise/royal-caribbeans-icon-of-the-seas-to-be-bigger-than-oasis-class |url-status=live}}
On 19 June 2023, Icon of the Seas sailed for the first of her sea trials.{{cite web |last=McGillivray |first=Robert |title=First Look as Biggest-Ever Cruise Ship Departs on Sea Trials |url=https://www.cruisehive.com/first-look-as-biggest-ever-cruise-ship-departs-on-sea-trials/104206 |website=Cruise Hive |publisher=Cruise Hive Ltd |access-date=28 June 2023 |date=19 June 2023 |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628225421/https://www.cruisehive.com/first-look-as-biggest-ever-cruise-ship-departs-on-sea-trials/104206 |url-status=live}} She returned to the Meyer Turku shipyard on 22 June for adjustments to her systems, and to have interior spaces completed and furnished.{{cite web |last=McGillivray |first=Robert |title=Icon of the Seas Returns to Shipyard After Acing First Sea Trials |url=https://www.cruisehive.com/icon-of-the-seas-returns-to-shipyard-after-acing-first-sea-trials/104515 |website=Cruise Hive |publisher=Cruise Hive Ltd |access-date=28 June 2023 |date=22 June 2023 |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628203722/https://www.cruisehive.com/icon-of-the-seas-returns-to-shipyard-after-acing-first-sea-trials/104515 |url-status=live}}
On 27 November 2023, the ship was handed over to Royal Caribbean.{{cite web |title=Royal Caribbean takes delivery of the new world's largest cruise ship |date=27 November 2023 |url=https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/11/27/worlds-largest-ship-icon-of-the-seas-delivered |access-date=27 November 2023 |archive-date=27 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127191447/https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/11/27/worlds-largest-ship-icon-of-the-seas-delivered |url-status=live}} The ship docked at the Navantia Shipyard in Cádiz, Spain, for final outfitting work,{{Cite web |last=Industry News |first=Cruise |title=Photos of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas in Cadiz - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News |url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/12/photos-of-royal-caribbeans-icon-of-the-seas-in-cadiz/ |access-date= |website= |language=en-US |archive-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224175418/https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/12/photos-of-royal-caribbeans-icon-of-the-seas-in-cadiz/ |url-status=live }} then departed Cadiz on 23 December for Puerto Rico and on 10 January 2024 arrived at her home port, PortMiami.{{Cite web |last=Industry News |first=Cruise |title=Royal Caribbean's Icon Receives 10,000 Plants in Spain - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News |url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/12/royal-caribbeans-icon-receives-10000-plants-in-spain/ |access-date= |website= |language=en-US |archive-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224175419/https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/12/royal-caribbeans-icon-receives-10000-plants-in-spain/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=other |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, arrives at Port |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/icon-of-the-seas-the-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-arrives-at-portmiami/3202224/ |website=nbcmiami.com |date=10 January 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110133627/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/icon-of-the-seas-the-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-arrives-at-portmiami/3202224/ |url-status=live }}
= Christening =
On 23 January 2024, the naming ceremony was held and Icon of the Seas was christened by soccer player Lionel Messi.{{Citation |title=The Icon of Icon {{!}} Live from #IconoftheSeas |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqP0DQlBLbk |access-date=24 January 2024 |language=en |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124000603/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqP0DQlBLbk |url-status=live }} Her maiden voyage began on 27 January out of PortMiami.
Design
Icon of the Seas can be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship has six multi-fuel Wärtsilä engines; these can be powered with both LNG and distillate fuel. Environmental groups have said that LNG is a more damaging fuel as it releases more harmful greenhouse gas emissions.{{cite web |title=Icon of the Seas: World's largest cruise ship sets sail |url=https://news.sky.com/story/icon-of-the-seas-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-to-set-sail-13058222 |date=28 January 2024 |website=Sky News |access-date=28 January 2024 |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128000441/https://news.sky.com/story/icon-of-the-seas-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-to-set-sail-13058222 |url-status=live }} Nick Rose, a vice-president of Royal Caribbean, said "We consider [LNG] a transitional fuel that helps build flexibility into our ship design ... LNG is one part of our alternative fuel strategy, along with biofuels, methanol and other energy sources like shore power".{{cite news|title='Biggest, baddest' – but is it the cleanest? World's largest cruise ship sets sail|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/26/icon-of-the-seas-largest-cruise-ship-human-lasagne-climate-fuel-lng-greenwashing|author=Karen McVeigh|date=26 January 2024|work=The Guardian|access-date=28 January 2024|archive-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129051749/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/26/icon-of-the-seas-largest-cruise-ship-human-lasagne-climate-fuel-lng-greenwashing|url-status=live}} Icon of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean vessel to use such technology.{{Cite web|url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/first-of-six-multi-fuel-engines-started-on-lng-powered-icon-of-the-seas/|title=First of Six Multi-Fuel Engines Started on LNG-Powered Icon of the Seas|last=Habibic|first=Ajsa|website=Offshore Energy|date=16 March 2023|access-date=29 June 2023|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629170935/https://www.offshore-energy.biz/first-of-six-multi-fuel-engines-started-on-lng-powered-icon-of-the-seas/|url-status=live}}
Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/10/20/royal-caribbean-reveals-spectacular-design-new-icon-of-the-seas-cruise-ship|title=Royal Caribbean reveals spectacular design for new Icon of the Seas cruise ship|date=20 October 2022|website=Royal Caribbean Blog|access-date=20 October 2022|archive-date=10 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610214223/https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/10/20/royal-caribbean-reveals-spectacular-design-new-icon-of-the-seas-cruise-ship|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/7136/|title=Icon of the Seas Ship Details Revealed - Cruise Critic|website=cruisecritic.com|date=24 October 2023|access-date=28 November 2023|archive-date=17 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317000955/https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/7136/|url-status=live}}{{DNV|id=38545|shipname=Icon of the Seas|access-date=14 January 2024}} The ship has a crew of 2,350, and a capacity of 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity. Icon of the Seas has 20 decks with seven swimming pools and six water slides. The company claims the ship has the tallest waterfall, the tallest water slide, and the largest waterpark of any cruise ship.
= Features =
The ship was designed by a team of architects and designers, including Wilson Butler Architects, 3Deluxe, RTKL, and Skylab Architecture.{{Cite web |title=Royal Caribbean Group's Icon of the Seas is a testbed for technology |url=https://www.cruiseandferry.net/articles/royal-caribbean-groups-icon-of-the-seas-is-a-testbed-for-technology-1 |access-date=23 December 2023 |website=CruiseandFerry.net |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223215109/https://www.cruiseandferry.net/articles/royal-caribbean-groups-icon-of-the-seas-is-a-testbed-for-technology-1 |url-status=live }} The designers introduced new concepts including:
- Aquadome: A diving and performance venue under a glass dome on the top of the ship{{Cite web |title=Royal Caribbean's Making an Icon: Creating AquaDome |url=https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/video/1271/royal-caribbeans-making-an-icon-creating-aquadome// |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112033344/https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/video/1271/royal-caribbeans-making-an-icon-creating-aquadome// |url-status=live }}
- The Pearl: A structural feature designed as a dynamic art installation on the Royal Promenade{{Cite web |title=Icon Extra: Behind The Pearl on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas |url=https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/video/1325/icon-extra-behind-the-pearl-on-royal-caribbeans-icon-of-the-seas// |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112033345/https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/video/1325/icon-extra-behind-the-pearl-on-royal-caribbeans-icon-of-the-seas// |url-status=live }}
- Absolute Zero: Ice skating rink and entertainment venue{{Cite web |title=Absolute Zero {{!}} Cruise Ship Activities {{!}} Royal Caribbean Cruises |url=https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/absolute-zero |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=Royal Caribbean |language=en-US |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112033344/https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/absolute-zero |url-status=live }}
- Surfside: Family neighborhood
- The Hideaway: Beach club featuring first suspended infinity pool of any ship
- Thrill Island: The largest waterpark at sea, featuring six different water slides
- Swim & Tonic: Largest swim up bar at sea{{Cite web |title=Get an exclusive inside look at the largest cruise ship on the planet! |url=https://www.today.com/video/icon-of-the-seas-get-a-look-inside-the-world-s-largest-cruise-ship-201742917843 |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=today.com |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112033344/https://www.today.com/video/icon-of-the-seas-get-a-look-inside-the-world-s-largest-cruise-ship-201742917843 |url-status=live }}
- Jogging track: A {{convert|2197|ft|m|adj=mid|-long|order=flip}} loop that wraps around the ship's perimeter on Deck 5{{cite web | last=Leaks | first=Zachary | title=Icon Of The Seas Sports Court: A Ship For Sports Lovers | date=May 2, 2025 | url=https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/icon-of-the-seas-sports-court-a-ship-for-sports-lovers | work=royalcaribbean.com }}{{cite AV media | title=ICON OF THE SEAS Jogging Track - Full Tour | date=January 29, 2024 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ucnhMum030 | via=YouTube }}
Incidents
In May 2024, a passenger reportedly jumped from Icon of the Seas. He was recovered by a rescue boat from the cruise ship and later pronounced dead.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=Passenger dies after jumping off world's largest cruise ship |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/passenger-overboard-cruise-ship-b2553633.html |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=The Independent |language=en}}
On 25 June 2024, a fire was reported onboard while docked at Costa Maya, Mexico. Electrical power was lost for a while but the flames were quickly extinguished, with the damage being "minimal" according to the cruise line.{{cite news |author=Francesca Street |date=26 June 2024 |title=Fire breaks out on world's largest cruise ship |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/26/travel/fire-breaks-out-on-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-icon-of-the-seas/index.html |work=CNN}}
On 23 September 2024, Icon of the Seas suffered a technical issue which resulted in sailing at reduced speed and a missed port call in St Thomas on 25 September. After docking in Miami on 28 September, she sailed to Freeport in the Bahamas for maintenance. The entirety of the following week's cruise was cancelled while Royal Caribbean fixed the fault.{{Cite web |title=Everything we know about Icon of the Seas techncial fault and upcoming cruise cancellation. |url=https://everythingicon.com/news/icon-of-the-seas-canceled-cruise |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=Everything Icon |language=en}}
Gallery
File:Icon Aquadome.jpg|Aquadome
File:Icon Pearl.jpg|The Pearl, structural art installation on the Royal Promenade
File:Icon Royal Theater.jpg|The Royal Theater
File:Icon Overlook Bar.jpg|The Overlook Bar in the Aquadome
File:Icon Central Park.jpg|Central Park
File:Thrill Island Icon of the Seas 2024.jpg|Thrill Island water park
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commonscat|Icon of the Seas (ship, 2023)}}
- {{official website|http://www.royalcaribbean.com/icon-of-the-seas|Royal Caribbean International page}}
{{Royal Caribbean International cruise ships}}
{{Largest passenger ships}}
{{authority control}}