The World’s Biggest Cruise Ship Sets Sail
The world’s largest cruise ship is now on its maiden voyage. According to CNN, the Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s new ship, set sail from the Port of Miami Saturday evening and it definitely stands out from other ships. For one, it’s gargantuan, nearly 12-hundred feet long – almost the size of four city blocks – and more than 250-thousand gross tons, plenty of room for the 2,350 crew members and 56-hundred passengers it can hold.
Now, my family and I just booked our first-ever cruise for this upcoming April and in doing my research I came across this ship, and although it is impressive, it is also massive. A little intimidating for your first time setting sail. We decided to go with a Disney cruise for our little ones, who are 3 and 7, but this is definitely on our bucket list!
On this first trip, a seven-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, passengers will be enjoying some impressive experiences on board.
- The ship has 20 decks and seven swimming pools, including the first cantilevered infinity pool at sea and the largest swimming pool at sea, the 40-thousand gallon Royal Bay.
- Decks 16 and 17 are home to Category 6, the 17-thousand square-foot water park, which is the largest one on a ship. There are six water slides, including Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea at 46-feet.
- Icon of the Seas also has the largest ice arena at sea, Absolute Zero, offering passengers a chance to skate or watch a performance.
- Entertainment on board features 50 musicians and comedians, including the largest orchestra at sea with 16 pieces, as well as the first performance of “The Wizard of Oz” at sea, complete with flying monkeys.
- There’s even a Chief Dog Officer, Rover, a golden retriever puppy who roams the ship with her handler to bring joy to passengers of all ages.
- According to Royal Caribbean, Icon of the Seas is 24% more energy efficient than ships are required to be today. It’s also the cruise line’s first ship to be powered by liquified natural gas.
- Hungry passengers can choose from 40 restaurants, bars and lounges on board, including pay-extra options like a walk-up sushi window.
- So how much does all this fun at sea cost? Accommodations range from 157-square-foot interior cabins that start at $36-hundred per week for two to a three-story Ultimate Family Treehouse that has its own wraparound deck, hot tub and spiral slide that can accommodate eight for $100-thousand a week.
