The Icon of the Seas has arrived in Puerto Rico for it’s final inspections (Picture: Royal Caribbean)
If you’re addicted to videos of the nine month cruise on TikTok, welcome to your next obsession: the world’s largest cruise ship is about to take it’s maiden voyage.
The Icon of the Seas, designed by Royal Caribbean Cruises, is scheduled to set sail on January 27, from Miami, but it recently arrived in Puerto Rico for final inspections – and the newly arrived crew have been taking to CruiseTok, to give us a sneak peak inside.
Creator Erica from America, who works on the Icon, took her followers on a whistle stop tour of the floating hotel.
She starts in an Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant (there are actually 40 bars and restaurants on board) before swinging by a Starbucks (of course), and the Music Hall, a two-storey live music venue that turns into a nightclub in the evenings. There’s also a theatre that can seat 2000 people.
Erica also shows off the terrifying looking North Star – passengers can hop into the London Eye-style pod, which then extends outwards and upwards, 300ft above sea level.
There’s also the SeaPlex – a sports centre where guests can take part in roller skating, flying trapeze, bumper cars, video games, table tennis – the list goes on.
It will set sail on its maiden voyage on January 27 (Picture: Royal Caribbean)
Back outside, Erica also shows off a virtual reality bungee trampoline, as well as a space to surf and skydive.
But this is only the tip of the iceberg (sorry) of what Icon of the Sea has to offer. Fancy taking a trip? Here’s everything you need to know about the mega-boat.
There are dining options to suit every passenger (Picture: Royal Caribbean)
The Icon of the Seas is home to world’s largest waterpark at sea (Picture: Royal Caribbean)
How big is Icon of the Seas compared to The Titanic?
When the Titanic made it’s maiden – and only voyage – in April 1912, it was the largest ship ever built. She was was 882ft long, weighed 46,328 tonnes, and had nine decks. The ship had a maximum passenger capacity of 2,345 people – although an estimated of 2,224 were on board when it sank.
In comparison, Icon of the Seas is a lot bigger. Five times in fact. At 1,200ft in length, it’s longer than 30 double decker buses, and weighs 250,800 tonnes. It has 20 decks, and can take 7,600 guests.
It’s the world’s largest cruise ship (Picture: Royal Caribbean)
How much does it cost to be a passenger?
There are different packages, depending on your budget.
The cheapest starts at £1,482 per person for a seven-night stay in an interior cabin in September 2024.
Or, if you’ve got cash to splash, you can opt for a suite. Prices for the latter vary wildly, depending on the dates you select.
A seven-night suite stay in September 2024 will cost you £2,694 per person. But in March 2024, the same package shoots up to £6,041.
And if you’re feeling flush, you could even stay in the three-storey townhouse, that sleeps eight, and has every child’s dream: a slide instead of a staircase.
However, be prepared to splurge for this one, as a week in the townhouse will set a family back a staggering £70,000.
The ‘neighbourhoods’ on board include Central Park (Picture: Royal Caribbean)
The floating hotel can welcome 7,600 passengers (Picture: AP Photo/Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo)
The most jaw-droppingamenities on board Icon of the Seas
Of course, the largest waterpark at sea, is home to the largest pool at sea – which is filled with 40,000 gallons of water.
Perhaps the biggest feat of engineering is the Aquadome – the largest free-standing dome at sea, made up of 700 glass panels. During the day, it will boast panoramic views of the ocean, and by night, it houses the AquaTheatre, where a 55ft waterfall tumbles down to a stage below, where circus style shows will take place.
The ship is laid out in eight distinct neighbourhoods – Central Park is a relaxing area with an actual park with real trees and 33,500 plants.
Fed up with all that lounging around and need a surge of adrenaline? There’s a zip-line suspended 154ft above the ocean.
What route does Icon of the Seas take?
The Icon of the Seas sails 7-night cruises across the Eastern and Western Caribbean year-round.
It’s home port will be in Miami, and routes will almost always include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay – the private resort located on one of the Bahamas’ Berry Islands, which is owned by Royal Caribbean.
There are various itineraries offered that sail around the Caribbean. Stops include Puerto Rico, Mexico, St Kitts & Nevis and The Dominican Republic.
How long is the journey on Icon of the Seas?
This is no nine-month cruise. Each trip lasts for seven days – although guests can of course book back to back cruises if they wish.
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Move over 9 month cruise, it’s all about Icon of the Seas.