The cruise ship destined to become the next “largest in the world” – the giant Icon of The Seas – has been launched at a Finnish shipyard in Turku, AP reports.
The ship is owned by Royal Caribbean and is expected to carry passengers on Caribbean cruise routes.
The new liner will take the first passengers at the beginning of 2024, but for now it has just been launched and is “taking its first steps”. Before passengers can board the ship, it will go through a huge amount of testing: more than 450 different experts will stress test the ship’s main engines, turbines, hull and lifeboats, according to Marine Insight.
🛳️ The World’s Largest Cruse ship has begun sea trials off Finland!
MV ‘Icon of the Seas’ is operated by Royal Caribbean has a length of 365m and weighs 250,800t. The vessel has a max carrying capacity of 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew.
🤯 It’s taken 24 months to reach this stage! pic.twitter.com/7s1b1uqvKH
— 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 (@SeafarerMichael) June 23, 2023
What immediately catches your eye is the huge Aqua Dome in the bow of the ship. The famous Royal Carribean water shows will take place there, and Thrill Island water park with category 6 slides is located at the stern.
#RoyalCaribbean International's Icon of the Seas
is the largest #cruiseship in the world and has completed construction at a #shipyard in #Finland.
Test drives have been completed and delivery is scheduled for October.@CNNTravel pic.twitter.com/zAJapIGAvo
— august-federhut (@august_federhut) June 27, 2023
The ship weighs 250,000 tons and can accommodate a total of 7,500 passengers and a crew of 2,500.