Finland Unveils World's Largest Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean International, a renowned cruise company, has constructed the world's largest cruise liner, the Icon of the Seas, measuring 365 meters in length and with an estimated weight of 250,800 tons, at a shipyard in Finland. CNN reports that the vessel has commenced its sea trials.
Featuring 20 decks and 8 neighborhoods on board, the ship aims to cater to every vacationer, from designated areas for young families to exclusive adult-only spaces.
The ship comfortably accommodates 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members. Its main attraction will be the world's largest oceanic water park, boasting six enormous water slides. However, guests seeking a more serene experience can also relax in seven pools and nine hydrotherapy tubs.
The vessel is being constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard, owned by one of Europe's leading shipbuilders, in Turku, Finland. During a press conference earlier this year, Michael Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, informed the media that the ship is scheduled to join the Royal Caribbean fleet on October 26, prior to its debut in 2024.
"We position it as the ultimate family vacation, and when you step back and look at all the energy and time that has gone into creating this ship, you'll be impressed," stated Bayley.
Icon of the Seas also becomes the first ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG), aligning with the company's clean energy strategy.
"During the initial series of sea trials, Icon of the Seas sailed hundreds of miles, allowing the testing of its main engines, hull, braking system, steering, noise levels, and vibrations. Everything was completed on schedule, despite a delay in its sea launch due to adverse weather conditions," stated a Royal Caribbean International spokesperson.
The ship generated such overwhelming excitement that pre-ticket sales set a record. It has been reported that Michael Bayley described Icon of the Seas as the most efficient vessel the company has ever had during the company's quarterly financial reports.
In other news, scientists have conducted the first full-scale digital scanning of the Titanic wreckage, which lies at a depth of 3,800 meters in the Atlantic Ocean. Deep-sea mapping technology was employed for this purpose, allowing for a unique three-dimensional depiction of the entire ship, providing a view as if it were resting on land.