Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, docks in Miami

Highlights of the new $2 billion ship include 20 decks, an infinity pool suspended over the ocean, six waterslides, and three-story townhouses.

The largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, docked at Port Miami for the first time on Wednesday morning, and is now preparing for its maiden voyage.

The gigantic ship can accommodate 7,600 passengers and has 20 decks, seven pools, nine whirlpools, and six waterslides, all separated into different “neighborhoods.” Highlights include The Hideaway, the first suspended infinity pool at sea, 135 feet above the ocean, and the AquaDome, a large glass and steel structure that houses a 55-foot water curtain.

There are 28 different types of accommodations, including the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

In November, the brand new $2 billion ship left the shipyard in Finland, where it was built, and spent several days in Cádiz, Spain, for final outfitting before beginning her transatlantic crossing to Puerto Rico, where she took on new crew members and supplies, and underwent some final regulatory testing.

Before arriving in Miami, it made one last stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay where the crew members were treated to a party at the new Hideaway Beach, the adults-only area of the island that will officially debut for guests when Icon of the Seas visits the private port of call.

Icon of the Seas will host seven-night cruises in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The ship’s inaugural cruise will depart on Jan. 27, stopping in St. Thomas, St. Kitts & Nevis, and the Bahamas’ Perfect Day at CocoCay. Miami will be the ship’s homeport. 

Soccer star Lionel Messi, who recently moved to Miami, was named the official icon of Icon of the Seas in December, and welcomed the ship in an exclusive naming celebration in Miami.

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s first in its new Icon Class. The company plans to add Stars of the Seas in 2025, and another ship in 2026.

The $2 billion vessel is the first in Royal Caribbean’s new Icon Class, with two more additions, Star of the Seas in 2025 and another in 2026, on the horizon.

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