Royal Caribbean releases first look images of new mega-ship Icon of the Seas

Cruise company Royal Caribbean have released first-look images of their mega-ship Icon of the Seas set to debut in 2024.

The behemoth vessel will be the world’s biggest cruise ship at 1,198 feet long and weigh 250,800 gross tons.

A “suspended” infinity pool and a “free-fall” slide will be among the ship’s drawcard features for the 7,600 guests the vessel has capacity for.

The Icon will also boast a swim-up bar called Swim and Tonic and it’s planned Royal Bay Pool would be the largest pool at sea, according to the cruise company.

It’s expected the ship will sail year-round, seven-night eastern and western Caribbean vacations from Miami in the United States.

The current biggest cruise ship is Wonder of the Seas, which is also operated by Royal Caribbean.

Several accommodation options will be available, including a Surfside Family Suite, with alcoves for kids “tucked away from the adults”, Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic Ocean View quarters.

It comes as cruising returns to Australia after a two-year ban following the COVID pandemic and the highly publicised outbreak aboard the Ruby Princess in March 2020.