There are some huge cruise ships in the world, with thousands, if not millions, of Brits choosing to go on them every year.
From luxury liners to floating cities, modern cruise ships have a range of facilities, entertainment, and destinations.
But among them, one ship stands out for being the biggest and most expensive ever built to date.
That title belongs to Icon of the Seas, a ship operated by Royal Caribbean.
Costing a staggering £1.5 billion ($2 billion) to build, it is not only the largest cruise ship by gross tonnage (248,663) in the world but also the most expensive ever constructed.
The ship made its maiden voyage on January 27, 2024, setting sail from PortMiami in the United States.
At 20 decks tall, with 18 dedicated to guests, Icon of the Seas is designed to offer the ultimate cruise experience.
It has 2,805 staterooms and can accommodate just over 5,600 passengers at full capacity, with a crew of 2,350 to keep everything running smoothly.
The ship was the first of Royal Caribbean’s new Icon-class vessels, with another expected to follow in 2025.
Construction began in June 2021 at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland before the ship underwent extensive testing, including sea trials.
It was officially handed over to Royal Caribbean in November 2023 and completed its final outfitting in Spain before sailing to its home port in Miami.
Days before its first voyage, football legend Lionel Messi officially christened the ship in a high-profile ceremony.
One of the standout features of Icon of the Seas is its liquefied natural gas (LNG) power system, making it the first Royal Caribbean vessel to use this fuel.
The ship has six multi-fuel engines, capable of running on both LNG and distillate fuel, as part of the company’s wider plan to explore alternative energy sources.
The cruise ship is packed with record-breaking attractions. It has seven swimming pools, the largest waterpark at sea, and the tallest water slide ever built on a cruise ship.
The Aquadome, located at the top of the ship, serves as an entertainment venue featuring high-diving performances under a massive glass dome.
The Pearl, a moving art installation, is another great feature. Guests can also visit Absolute Zero, an onboard ice skating rink, or relax at The Hideaway, a beach club with the first suspended infinity pool at sea.
With its sheer size and range of attractions, Icon of the Seas is being described as a “floating city,” designed to cater to families, thrill-seekers, and those looking for a luxury holiday experience.
Royal Caribbean has promoted the ship as offering “the best of both worlds”, combining the excitement of a theme park with the relaxation of a five-star resort.
