To heighten anticipation even more, arguably the greatest footballer of all time – Lionel Messi – will oversee the vessel’s naming ceremony on Tuesday (23 January) in his role as "the icon of Icon".
It is understood the Barcelona legend, who now plays for Inter Miami, will deliver a speech and smash a bottle against the ship’s hull in line with maritime tradition.
Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group’s president, candidly revealed on Sunday (21 January) the cruise giant’s senior leadership team in the past had to “really work” to persuade US television stations to cover ship launches – but not this time. In fact, Liberty said television bosses were “begging” to get onboard.
The world’s largest ship is 365 metres tall, which is almost as high as the Empire State Building, and can carry more people than live in the City of London.
Understandably, Royal Caribbean International is eager to partner Icon with other top-performing products. Therefore every Icon cruise will call into the line’s private island destination Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Icon has more than 40 bars and restaurants, eight neighbourhoods, seven pools and nine whirlpools. There are 28 types of accommodation, including the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which can accommodate eight people.
Speculation around the AquaDome drove much of the early social media chatter about Icon, with people wondering what events would take place inside the sphere.
Found at the top of Icon is the transformational venue. By day, holidaymakers can grab a bite to eat or a drink there. At night, however, it becomes a vibrant nightspot, complete with new restaurants and bars like AquaDome Market – Royal Caribbean’s first food hall, and also features a 55-foot-tall water curtain.
Icon is packed with features never seen before on a cruise ship – let alone a Royal vessel.
