Royal Caribbean International has recently launched the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas. Not only is this a major feat of engineering, but this ship also takes sustainability to new levels with its LNG-powered engines, fuel cell system, air lubrication system, shore-power readiness, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and machine-learning technologies. Keep reading to learn more about this amazing innovation! Icon of the Seas was floated out of the building dock in Papenburg, Germany and moved to a fitting out berth in October 2020. It was then named by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne at an official naming ceremony on January 8th 2021. The ship is over 1,139 feet long and weighs approximately 227 thousand metric tons. It sails at up to 22 knots and can house 6,700 guests in 2,400 staterooms. This makes it one of the most impressive cruise ships ever built!
The six LNG powered engines provide 67,500 KW of energy for running the ship which is more than enough power for all electronic systems onboard. The vessel will also be one of the first cruise ships with a fuel cell system which stores electrical energy produced while docked or underway and provides power to run some items such as lights or elevators when needed. Icon of the seas is also outfitted with an air lubrication system that reduces friction between hull plates as well as advanced wastewater treatment systems that either reuse waste or send it to a waste-to-energy facility. Finally, machine learning technologies are used throughout various parts of the ship such as propulsion control systems which learn from operational data taken from past voyages so they become smarter over time.
Icon of the Seas is surely a remarkable feat in engineering that sets new standards for sustainable cruising technology. From its powerful LNG powered engine to its advanced wastewater treatment systems and machine learning capabilities; this vessel is truly one-of-a kind! We look forward to seeing how this innovative ship changes cruising and influences future new-builds.
The massive cruise ship will be about six percent larger in volume than the current largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas. which entered service in the spring of 2022. While its double occupancy passenger capacity is slightly smaller at 5,610 passengers, because the Icon of the Seas is designed for more family cruising it will have the largest maximum passenger capacity at 7,600 people with a further 2,350 in crew. Among the amenities that the shipyard will be completing are 2,805 passenger staterooms as well as public spaces which will be spread across eight “neighbourhoods,” ranging from entertainment zones to an area dedicated to children and a suite zone for the deluxe accommodations. Amusements for the passengers will include a new unique domed area at the front of the ship as well as six water slides, seven pools, and nine whirlpools. The cruise ship will have the largest water park at sea and a total of 40 bars and restaurants.
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