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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The aptly-named Icon of the Seas left its home port in Miami on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
The ship has 20 decks, seven pools, and is longer than The Shard is tallCredit: Royal Caribbean
Passengers arrive at the cruise terminal to sail on Icon of the SeasCredit: Getty

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.

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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.

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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.

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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
Staff and visitors walk through the ship as it prepares for its inaugural public voyageCredit: AP
Onboard the ship is the 'largest waterpark at sea' complete with six slidesCredit: supplied
Rock-climbing walls are one of many offerings sure to keep passengers entertainedCredit: Royal Caribbean
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The ship boasts more than 40 restaurants, bars, and loungesCredit: Royal Caribbean
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