Miami, January 10th, 2024 – In a dazzling display of opulence and cutting-edge technology, the most expensive cruise ship to date, ICON OF THE SEAS, has arrived in her homeport, Miami.
This heralds the beginning of a new era in luxury cruising as Royal Caribbean unveils the first of its highly anticipated Icon-class series ships.
Constructed at the prestigious MEYER TURKU shipyard in Finland, ICON OF THE SEAS was handed over to Royal Caribbean on November 27th, 2023, ahead of its inaugural commercial voyage scheduled for January 27th.
This mega-liner is the first of three Icon-class ships, with its two sisters, Star of the Seas and an as-yet-unnamed third ship, set to follow in the coming years.
The Icon-class cruise ships are indeed a marvel of modern engineering. With a record-breaking gross tonnage of around 250,800, they surpass even the renowned Oasis class in size.
What sets them apart is their innovative use of liquified natural gas (LNG) as a power source, emphasizing Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
One of the critical design features that distinguishes the Icon class is the introduction of the parabolic bow. This cutting-edge design enhances the ship’s aesthetic appeal and serves a crucial functional purpose.
The parabolic bow provides increased stability, ensuring a smoother motion through the water and a more comfortable passenger experience.
This design innovation showcases Royal Caribbean’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of cruise ship design. The arrival of ICON OF THE SEAS in Miami marks the beginning of a series of grand events for Royal Caribbean.
Passengers and cruise enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the ship’s inaugural commercial voyage later this month.
The vessel promises an unparalleled level of luxury, featuring state-of-the-art amenities, world-class entertainment, and gourmet dining options to cater to the diverse tastes of its passengers.
Looking ahead, the icon-class series is set to expand with the introduction of Star of the Seas, which is currently under construction and scheduled to debut from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 17th, 2025.
The anticipation only grows as Royal Caribbean plans to launch the third ship in the series, tentatively scheduled for a grand unveiling in the second quarter of 2026.
Royal Caribbean’s investment in the Icon-class series demonstrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the cruise industry.
As the world eagerly awaits the maiden voyage of ICON OF THE SEAS, it is clear that these ships will redefine the standard of luxury cruising, offering passengers an unforgettable experience on the high seas.
The arrival of this extraordinary vessel in Miami marks the beginning of a new chapter in the world of cruising, where cutting-edge design and sustainability converge to create an unparalleled journey for those seeking the epitome of maritime luxury.
