The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, began her last sea trials on Sunday, October 29. She departed the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland a little later than expected at 6:00am and will remain at sea for up to 10 days.
This is the second set of trials for the iconic cruise ship. These sea trials are some of the final steps before delivery to Royal Caribbean in November. Aboard Icon of the Seas for her sea trials are technicians as well as representatives from the shipyard and cruise line. The ship will be undergoing maneuvering tests, speed tests, as well as adjustments to the engine as propulsion and sea worthiness is tested. Technicians will be measuring for vibration and noise during this set of sea trials as well.
Icon of the Seas underwent her first set of sea trials about four months ago. At that time, her main engines and steering were tested along with the first measurements for vibration and noise. In the last month, Icon of the Seas has also undergone an inclining test to calculate the coordinates of the ship’s center of gravity.
Icon of the Seas is the first of two cruise ships that Royal Caribbean International ordered in October 2016. That was followed by an order for a third ship in June 2019. Icon of the Seas measures 1,198 feet in length, has 20 passenger decks and 2,805 guest staterooms. There are more than 20 dining venues, 7 pools, and 6 waterslides. She also houses the Aquadome–a venue for water shows, entertainment, food, and a 55-foot waterfall.
Not only is Icon of the Seas a milestone for Royal Caribbean International, but also for the Meyer Turku shipyard. The shipyard is one of the pioneers in building LNG fueled cruise ships and is staying very busy. They are currently also building TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7 to be delivered mid-2024 and it is reported that the first blocks for Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship have arrived at the shipyard.
On January 27, 2024, Icon of the Seas will sail her maiden seven-day Caribbean cruise from Miami, Florida. She will not be the lone Icon-class ship for long though as her sister ship, Star of the Seas, is expected the summer of 2025, and a third unnamed ship in 2026.