VESSEL REVIEW | Icon of the Seas – Royal Caribbean’s newest LNG-powered ship can house 5,600 guests

US cruise company Royal Caribbean International recently commenced operational sailings of its newest ship, the 5,600-guest Icon of the Seas.

Built by Meyer Turku of Finland, the lead ship of Royal Caribbean’s three-strong Icon-class measures 1,196 by 159 feet (364.75 by 48.47 metres) and has a gross tonnage 248,663 and a crew complement of 2,350. A parabolic bow design is incorporated in the hull to provide additional stability, ensuring smoother motion while underway.

The 2,805 guest cabins and other public spaces are distributed across 20 decks. Accommodation selections include suites, balcony staterooms, ocean view staterooms, and interior cabins. Some family suites cover three decks and come with private balconies and indoor slides.

Notable features on the new ship include a six-slide waterpark, five pools, an ice skating rink, a rock-climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a skywalk, and a dome-shaped entertainment area with floor-to-ceiling windows and an indoor waterfall.

Guests also have access to over 40 onboard bars and restaurants, a casino, and multiple venues for live entertainment. The ship is also divided into eight main guest areas that Royal Caribbean calls “neighbourhoods.” One neighbourhood is ideal for families travelling with small children and therefore features child-friendly pool and dining facilities, another is an adults-only area with a bar and whirlpools, and one is a private three-deck area for exclusive use by guests staying in suites.

Icon of the Seas is also notable for belonging to a new Royal Caribbean ship class to be powered by LNG to guarantee reduced emissions. The ship’s propulsion system consists of six dual-fuel engines, five bow thrusters, three ABB 20MW diesel-electric driven azimuthing thrusters, and fuel cells. The fuel cells will be used as a lower-emission alternative energy source for generating onboard electricity as well as fresh water. When at berth, the ship will rely on a shore power connection to supply the hotel load.

Icon of the Seas departed on its maiden voyage on Saturday, January 27, sailing on a seven-day tour of the Caribbean. The ship will serve year-round itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean out of its homeport of Miami.