FLOATING CITY
World’s biggest cruise ship sails on maiden voyage as 20-deck vessel longer than The Shard & with 7 pools leaves Miami
It even has an ice arena where passengers can marvel at the performances of all-star ice skaters
THE WORLD'S largest cruise ship has embarked on its very first journey, setting out on a seven-day adventure from Miami, Florida.
With capacity for 7,600 passengers, Icon of the Seas cost £1.6billion to build and boasts more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges.
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Construction of the monstrous, jaw-dropping ship began in January 2020; it was launched yesterday, almost four years later to the day.
Owned by Royal Caribbean Group, Icon of the Seas is 1,197ft long and has 20 decks, as well as the "largest waterpark at sea" complete with six record-breaking slides including the tallest waterslide to sail.
There are also seven pools, one for each day of the week, and more than 15 venues where passengers can enjoy a nightcap and live music.
The 250,800-ton ship departed Cadiz in December last year for Puerto Rico and arrived at its home port, PortMiami, on January 10.
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It was christened by Argentine-born professional footballer Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, at a naming ceremony on Thursday before her maiden voyage began yesterday.
Messi was seen placing a football on a specially-built stand before a champagne bottle was broken against the vessel's bow - as is the traditional way of wishing ships "good luck" - and Icon of the Seas was sent off on a seven-day island-hopping voyage in the tropics.
A seven-night cruise on Icon of the Seas can average between £1,484 to £2,216 per person, depending on the booking and the cabin type.
As well as being a thrill-seeker's dream, with waterslides galore including a surf simulator, the larger-than-life ship also has a pool for every kind of passenger and every mood.
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One suspended infinity pool, floating mid-air eight stories up, is an adults-only paradise which resembles something you might find in Bali, where passengers can sip cocktails and listen to tunes played by a DJ as the sun dips below the horizon.
Or, passengers can wade their way to the largest swim-up bar at sea.
Meanwhile, the largest pool at sea, with more than 40,000 gallons of water, offers elevated views and in-water loungers, as well as raised whirlpools for people of all ages.
The iconic ship even has an ice arena where passengers can marvel at the performances of all-star ice skaters, as well as an immersive space where a towering shapeshifting waterfall cascades into a dive pool.
Entertainment-lovers can also enjoy see Broadway-style renditions of storytime classics and comedy shows while onboard, while others may prefer to head a late-night bar, enjoy a drink and some jazz.
There are more than 20 ways for people to dine, meaning there's something for everyone, whether cheeseburgers or freshly-made sushi rolls are your preference, and 28 cabin types to choose from.
The ship offers week-long itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
All trips include a visit to CocoCay, Bahamas, a private island owned by the Royal Caribbean Group, which has turquoise beaches and a massive pool - perfect for a beach getaway.
Those going on the Eastern Caribbean roundtrip will stop at at least two of these locations:
- Basseterre, St Kitts
- Philipsburg, St Maarten
- Nevis Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Passengers who select the Western Caribbean roundtrip will get to tour:
- Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
- Roatan, Honduras
- Cozumel, Mexico
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