According to Interesting Engineering, the superyacht Ocean Icon, which is five times larger than the Titanic, has completed the final details at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The luxury yacht was handed over to Royal Caribbean International Travel at the end of November, almost two months before its official sailing date in Miami, USA, on January 27, 2024. This is the result of more than 7 years of planning, 900 days of design and construction, and the involvement of thousands of experts.
Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship ever built, with 18 passenger decks, 7 swimming pools, and more than 40 restaurants and bars. The ship has a passenger capacity of 5,610 passengers, a gross weight of 250,800 tons and a total length of 365 meters.
The superyacht has eight blocks, each offering unique experiences, entertainment, and dining options, and holds multiple world records. Among them, Thrill Island has the largest water park on a cruise ship and the first outdoor freefall slide on the sea, providing visitors with the ultimate thrill experience.
Icon of the Seas is the first cruise ship to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship's LNG fuel tank weighs 307 tons and is 27 meters long4 meters. Compared to conventional diesel fuel, LNG has the advantage of reducing fuel consumption and gas emissions. Michael Bailey, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International Tours**, said: "Our new ICON cruise ships are primarily powered by liquefied natural gas, which is 35% more energy efficient than diesel. In addition, the ship is equipped with a number of energy-saving and environmental protection technologies, including an offshore waste-to-energy plant.
After a trial run in June and November 2023, the Ocean Icon is preparing for its first passenger journey on January 27, 2024. The ship will sail year-round, offering a 7-day round trip from Miami to the Caribbean.