A Look Inside the World's Largest Cruise Ship, Launching January 2024

Table Of Content

• The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Is Nearly 1,200 Feet Long
• Spaces For Adults On ‘Icon Of The Seas’
• Costa Smeralda (Costa Cruises)
• On the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Thrills and Space to Chill
• The Pearl Café with sweeping ocean views
• Royal Caribbean Is Launching the World's Largest Cruise Ship in 2024—See Inside

This is the first world-class vessel from the fast-growing MSC Cruises and was built at the popular Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. Since her delivery in October 2022, she has been the largest MSC cruise ship ever. Just like her sister ships, Wonder of the Seas is divided into themed neighborhoods, but this ship has the addition of a new Suite Neighborhood. The eighth neighborhood offers Royal Suite Guest a Suite Sun Deck with a plunge pool, private restaurant, deck bar, and lounges.

The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Is Nearly 1,200 Feet Long

On Jan. 27, the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, set sail on its inaugural cruise. With the capacity to carry nearly 8,000 people, the 20-deck, 1,198-foot-long vessel is the size of a small city. There are eight “neighborhoods” packed with amenities that include a 55-foot waterfall, six water slides and more than 40 restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. As of February 2024[update], there are 68 passenger ships with over 135,000 GT in service. The first ships over that size were the Voyager-class ships from Royal Caribbean Group's Royal Caribbean International (RCI).

Spaces For Adults On ‘Icon Of The Seas’

The vessel departed on its first one-time special preview sailing on March 31, 2018. Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, which runs nearly 1,200 feet from bow to stern, is leaving South Florida for its first seven-day island-hopping voyage through the tropics. The ship was officially christened Tuesday with help from soccer legend Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates. However, Icon of the Seas will only have 2,805 cabins compared to Wonder's 2,867 — despite carrying more people when all berths are filled.

Costa Smeralda (Costa Cruises)

A weeklong Caribbean cruise costs about $3,500 for two people in an average stateroom. For those seeking more luxury, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – a three-story suite complete with touchscreen tables and a slide – can go for up to $100,000 per trip. The Royal Loft, aimed at high-rolling adults, offers two bedrooms, a private hot tub, and a spacious balcony starting at $40,000. Harmony of the Seas was the first in the class to feature the 10-Story Ultimate Abyss slide, which is located aft of the ship above the AquaTheater. The slide has since been a major feature on new Oasis-class vessels and added during refurbishments. At first glance, I had snubbed the dining and lounge area as a rip-off of a generic airport coffee shop.

All itineraries also feature a day at Royal Caribbean's exclusive Bahamas island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Old favorites including the Windjammer marketplace, Sorrento’s pizza and Starbucks all have their place on Icon amongst the vast range of dining options. Icon of the Seas will offer a mix of new concepts and Royal Caribbean favorites among its eight onboard neighborhoods. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.

The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Has a Full Floor of Luxury Suites—Here’s a Look Inside - Robb Report

The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Has a Full Floor of Luxury Suites—Here’s a Look Inside.

Posted: Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

When it comes to views, among the best are from the brand’s first Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic ... Kris Van Cleave is CBS News' senior transportation and national correspondent based in Phoenix. From the bridge, Captain Hendrik Loy is overseeing what amounts to a three-day test drive to the Bahamas.

Second Icon-Class Ship Will Have a Furry Family Member

For one, Central Park will be spread out over five decks, displaying four living plant walls and containing about 20 percent more plants than in previous iterations. The ship, which is leaving South Florida for its first seven-day island-hopping voyage through the tropics, was officially christened Tuesday with help from soccer legend Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates. The ship is the size of almost four city blocks and runs nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern.

The quickest way to get there will be by slide from Deck 8, while the area is linked to the kids’ club and arcade. Icon of the Seas will rise 20 decks high and stretch 1,198 feet in length. The ship was finally delivered from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland after a delay on December 5, 2019. Her first regular voyage departed Savona on December 31, 2019; however, there was a special voyage for travel agents that departed Barcelona, Spain on December 18, 2019. It's the first show-at-sea I've seen with a waterfall and nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and so far, it's one of my favorites. While I would've preferred a quieter atmosphere (the DJ did not, in fact, play smooth jazz), the pool's views, day beds, and lack of screaming children were hard to beat.

In addition to the traditional buffet, there is a family-focused buffet in the Surfside neighborhood, together with several grab-and-go outlets throughout the ship. For suite guests, parts of Decks 16 to 19 are devoted to Royal Caribbean's ship-within-a-ship concept offering exclusive restaurants, lounges and outdoor areas for suite guests and the line’s most loyal customers. The main attraction here is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, flanked by tiered lounge space, hot tubs and a champagne bar. "We have purposely designed the ship to give more space for people," he said. "We believe, even at 7,500 guests, it won't feel to you like your entire hometown has joined the ship," said Schneider.

Symphony of the Seas has been based in PortMiami, Florida since November 10, 2018. Speaking of vibes, if you're looking for a secluded place to drink (as in, not the swim-up pool bar), few will top the Overlook Pods, perched just behind the AquaDome. The ship's riff on Broadway-approved "Wizard of Oz" — 16-piece live orchestra and flying bed included — delighted me, a hater of most musicals.

Travel: What it’s like to sail on the world’s largest cruise ship - OCRegister

Travel: What it’s like to sail on the world’s largest cruise ship.

Posted: Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. And despite its massive size, Schneider said the ship is designed to avoid feeling overcrowded. Royal Caribbean is redefining the cruise industry with its latest ship, the Icon of the Seas. The first official maiden voyage departed on April 7, 2018, on a 7-night Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona, Spain.