Royal Caribbean unveils the Icon of the Seas: World's largest cruise ship sets sail

The Icon of the Seas, the newest member of the Royal Caribbean fleet, was officially received from the shipyard in Turku at the end of November. It's soon to set off on its first passenger cruise from the USA.

As the latest addition to the Royal Caribbean fleet, the Icon of the Seas is officially the largest cruise ship in the world. At 1,196 feet in length and featuring 20 decks, it certainly stands out.

The ship is equipped with seven swimming pools, six water slides, and 40 restaurants and bars. In total, it can accommodate nearly 10,000 people – 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members. The cost for a week-long stay on this gigantic cruise ship is just 1,600 dollars.

The Icon of the Seas also features the world's largest waterfall and the first-ever infinity pool on a cruise ship. Its most luxurious offering is the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse, which spans an area of 1,765 square feet and costs 75,000 dollars for a week's stay.

The ship was received from the shipyard in Turku at the end of November. It then sailed to Cadiz in Spain for final touches. Following this, it'll set sail to the USA, where it will pick up its first passengers.

A video of the Icon of the Seas crossing under the Storebæltsbroen bridge over the Great Belt, which connects Danish Zealand with Funen, has surfaced online. To achieve this, the top elements of two funnels had to be slid down and secured. The entire operation and the crossing moment are captured in the video.