Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas has completed another major construction milestone, successfully performing its initial round of sea trials and sailing the open ocean for the first time.
Looking much more finished than when TravelPulse Canada visited the shipyard less than six weeks ago, Icon returned to the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, after four days of preliminary tests on its technologies and equipment. From the main engines to the hull, the brake system to steering as well as noise and vibration levels, the hundreds of workers on board covered an extensive checklist of key technical areas.
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. (Royal Caribbean International Media)
Between preparations and the trials, this step in the journey to bring Icon to life involved more than 2,000 specialists, hundreds of miles travelled, four 37- to 67-ton tugboats and more than 350 hours of work. Next up will be a second round of sea trials later this year, when the first Icon Class ship is pushed to its limits ahead of its debut in Miami in January 2024.
Icon has bold plans to offer "the best of every vacation," offering record-breaking thrills, relaxing ways to chill, a neighbourhood designed for young families and more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained.
The 250,000 gross ton vessel will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami year-round. Guests will island hop from destinations like Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Roatan, Honduras. More details about what Icon has in store are available here.
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