Image of ‘Icon of the Seas’ taken from the back of the ship.Photo:Royal Caribibean
Royal Caribibean
Royal Caribbean’sIcon of the Seasis making waves in more ways than one.Not only does it hold the title of world’s largest cruise ship to date, but it also boasts a number of next-level features that the average cruiser may not know about. Though it doesn’t embark on its official maiden voyage until Jan. 27, PEOPLEgot a sneak peek of the shipon its first-ever preview sailing and uncovered some lesser known facts about the biggest vessel at sea.Here are five things you might not know about Royal Caribbean’s larger-than-life ship,Icon of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean’sIcon of the Seasis making waves in more ways than one.
Not only does it hold the title of world’s largest cruise ship to date, but it also boasts a number of next-level features that the average cruiser may not know about. Though it doesn’t embark on its official maiden voyage until Jan. 27, PEOPLEgot a sneak peek of the shipon its first-ever preview sailing and uncovered some lesser known facts about the biggest vessel at sea.
Here are five things you might not know about Royal Caribbean’s larger-than-life ship,Icon of the Seas.
01of 05The Most Expensive Stateroom Costs $100,000 a WeekThe Ultimate Family Townhouse is the most expensive stateroom on the ship.Royal CaribibeanBelieve it or not, the most expensive (and spacious!) room on the ship, the Ultimate Family Townhouse, costs roughly $100,000 for a full seven-night sailing. The three-level room has everything families need to experience the best vacation, including an indoor slide and direct access to Surfside – Royal Caribbean’s first neighborhood designed specifically for families.The 2,523-square-foot lodging can fit up to eight people and features two private decks. Families can lounge together at one of the deck’s hot tubs or enjoy a game of table tennis outside. The room is so spectacular that it’s already booked for the whole year, but cruisers can still have a look at the other staterooms, including the least expensive Interior Plus room which costs about $3,600 a week.
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The Most Expensive Stateroom Costs $100,000 a Week
The Ultimate Family Townhouse is the most expensive stateroom on the ship.Royal Caribibean
Believe it or not, the most expensive (and spacious!) room on the ship, the Ultimate Family Townhouse, costs roughly $100,000 for a full seven-night sailing. The three-level room has everything families need to experience the best vacation, including an indoor slide and direct access to Surfside – Royal Caribbean’s first neighborhood designed specifically for families.
The 2,523-square-foot lodging can fit up to eight people and features two private decks. Families can lounge together at one of the deck’s hot tubs or enjoy a game of table tennis outside. The room is so spectacular that it’s already booked for the whole year, but cruisers can still have a look at the other staterooms, including the least expensive Interior Plus room which costs about $3,600 a week.
02of 05It’s Five Times Bigger Than the TitanicIcon of the Seas (left) and the Titanic (right).Royal Caribibean, PA/PA WireIn comparison to theRMS Titanic, the largest ship of its time before it sank in 1912,Icon of the Seasis approximately five times bigger with a gross tonnage of 250,800 (the Titanic weighed 46,328 tons).Iconalso features 20 decks, 2,805 staterooms and it can hold up to 7,600 guests. Depending on the deck, it takes about six minutes to walk from one end to the other. However it’s best to add a minute or two onto that to stop and chat with the friendly crew members or marvel at the stunning ocean views.
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It’s Five Times Bigger Than the Titanic
Icon of the Seas (left) and the Titanic (right).Royal Caribibean, PA/PA Wire
Royal Caribibean, PA/PA Wire
In comparison to theRMS Titanic, the largest ship of its time before it sank in 1912,Icon of the Seasis approximately five times bigger with a gross tonnage of 250,800 (the Titanic weighed 46,328 tons).
Iconalso features 20 decks, 2,805 staterooms and it can hold up to 7,600 guests. Depending on the deck, it takes about six minutes to walk from one end to the other. However it’s best to add a minute or two onto that to stop and chat with the friendly crew members or marvel at the stunning ocean views.
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There Are Seven Pools on Board
Icon of the Seas has seven pools on board.Royal Caribibean
Last but not least, there’s also the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar pool, adult-only Cove and Cloud 17 pools and the exclusive private pool in the Suite Neighborhood.
04of 05The Max Speed It Can Travel Is 28 mphIcon of the Seas sailing towards Miami.Royal CaribibeanDuring the preview sailing,Captain Henrik Loy, shared a breakdown of the ship’s speed while giving an exclusive tour of the vessel’s bridge. He explained that the ship can reach a speed of about 24 knots (28 mph) which is very fast and not needed for this type of trip.At that moment, the captain confirmed that the ship was cruising at about 11 knots (13 mph) which was slower than usual. On Royal Caribbean’sofficial website, the cruise line says that the average cruising speed is about 18 to 20 knots (20 to 23 mph) depending on the ship and itinerary.
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The Max Speed It Can Travel Is 28 mph
Icon of the Seas sailing towards Miami.Royal Caribibean
During the preview sailing,Captain Henrik Loy, shared a breakdown of the ship’s speed while giving an exclusive tour of the vessel’s bridge. He explained that the ship can reach a speed of about 24 knots (28 mph) which is very fast and not needed for this type of trip.
At that moment, the captain confirmed that the ship was cruising at about 11 knots (13 mph) which was slower than usual. On Royal Caribbean’sofficial website, the cruise line says that the average cruising speed is about 18 to 20 knots (20 to 23 mph) depending on the ship and itinerary.
05of 05You May Feel the Ship RockingInterior shot of the AquaDome.Royal CaribibeanFor those who aren’t regular cruisers, it’s important to note that you will still feel movement on the ship even though it’s massive. If the ocean is particularly rough during your sailing it’s possible the ship will feel so rocky that you lose your balance. To avoid potential seasickness, it’s best to book a stateroom towards the middle of the ship where less movement is felt.
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You May Feel the Ship Rocking
Interior shot of the AquaDome.Royal Caribibean
For those who aren’t regular cruisers, it’s important to note that you will still feel movement on the ship even though it’s massive. If the ocean is particularly rough during your sailing it’s possible the ship will feel so rocky that you lose your balance. To avoid potential seasickness, it’s best to book a stateroom towards the middle of the ship where less movement is felt.
source: people.com
