World’s largest cruise ship begins maiden voyage from Port of Miami

MIAMI — The world’s largest cruise ship is scheduled to set sail from the Port of Miami on Saturday to begin its maiden voyage.

Spanning approximately 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas sets sail from South Florida for her first seven-day island hopping trip through the tropics. The ship was officially named on Tuesday with the help of soccer legend Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates.

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said earlier this week that “Icon of the Seas is an extension of our commitment to responsibly provide the world’s best vacation experiences.” “This is the culmination of more than 50 years of dreaming, innovating, and implementing our mission.” We bring multi-generational family travel to life, forever changing the status quo of family travel and making travel dreams come true for all ages. ”

According to the cruise line, when Icon of the Seas first opens to the public in October 2022, the ship will have the single largest and most booked day in Royal Caribbean’s then 53-year history. It is said that the most booked weeks were recorded.

Icon of the Seas is divided into eight districts across 20 decks. The ship includes six waterslides, seven pools, an ice skating rink, a theater, and more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges. The ship can carry up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.