Cruise ship five times bigger than Titanic to make its maiden voyage next year

It's been labelled a 'monstrosity'.

The world’s biggest cruise ship, which is five times the size of the Titanic, will carry its first passengers into open waters in January 2024. Royal Caribbean International’s giant 'Icon of the Seas' measures 365 metres long and will weigh 250,800 tonnes, compared to the Titanic's 46,329 tonnes. The ship is expected to hold around 7,600 passengers at max capacity, along with an addition 2,350 crew members, bringing the total capacity to near 10,000 people. Last month, Royal Caribbean announced that the vessel had reached the "next construction milestone" after successfully completing its initial round of sea trials and sailing the open ocean for the first time. The ship will sail for 7 night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami all year when she launches in 2024. She will travel to the coasts of the Bahamas, Mexico, St. Maarten and Honduras. On board, passengers won't run out of things to do in a hurry, with a giant waterpark, an AquaDome, an entertainment zone, over 40 dining options, a surf simulator, a mini-golf course, sports court, and a rock climbing area. There are also 28 different types of accommodation.

Icon of the Seas features the largest waterpark at sea, with six water slides, seven pools and nine whirlpools. pic.twitter.com/F2Wi1RMe9b

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) June 29, 2023

Royal Caribbean says that Icon of the Seas will also be the first ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology. Using technology such as shore power connection and waste heat recovery systems, the company claim that the vessel will be their most sustainable ship to date.

Icon of the Seas labelled a "monstrosity"

The reactions have been very mixed on the unveiling, with some people calling the vessel a 'monstrosity'.

The "Icon Of The Seas" sets sail in January 2024. 5610 passengers, 2350 crew members, 5 times larger and heavier than the Titanic, 19 floors with more than 40 bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. What a monstrosity! pic.twitter.com/igoQRUZ3nP

— Ray Monk (@Raymodraco) July 9, 2023

Other commenters agreed, with one replying, "Nothing would get me on this horror!". Cruise ships have always been a contentious topic, with many critics pointing to the huge amount of energy they use up, the dumping of toxic waste into our waters and their dangers to marine wildlife.

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