Connect with us

News

Icon of the Seas: World’s largest cruise ship embarks on maiden voyage

Published

on

The Royal Caribbean’s colossal cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has set sail on its seven-day maiden voyage from Port Miami, marking a significant moment in maritime history.

With a length of nearly 1,200 feet and 20 decks, the $2 billion vessel accommodates a staggering 7,600 passengers, nearly the population of a small city, accompanied by 2,350 crew members.

The cruise ship, touted as the world’s largest, is equipped with luxurious amenities, including a 55-foot artificial waterfall, 40 dining venues and bars, seven swimming pools (including a 40,000-gallon ‘lake’), and entertainment options ranging from 50 musicians and comedians to a 16-piece orchestra.

The Icon of the Seas boasts eco-friendly features, powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), claiming to be 24 percent more efficient in carbon emissions than required by the International Maritime Organization.

World’s largest cruise ship

Despite its grandeur, environmental concerns loom over the use of LNG as a marine fuel.

Critics argue that the ship poses risks for methane emissions, as LNG-fueled engines may leak methane into the atmosphere during combustion, contributing to climate change.

The International Council of Clean Transportation (ICCT) suggests that using LNG as a marine fuel emits over 120% more life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than marine gas oil.

Research funded by the ICCT reveals that cruise ship engines, including those on the Icon of the Seas, have an estimated methane slip of 6.4 percent on average, higher than the International Maritime Organization’s assumption of 3.5 percent.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is the second-largest contributor to climate warming after carbon dioxide.

Despite environmental concerns, the Icon of the Seas is set to embark on Caribbean voyages throughout the year from Miami, with itineraries featuring idyllic destinations and stops at the award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

World’s largest cruise ship

The cruise ship was officially christened on Tuesday, with soccer icon Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates participating in the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle against the ship’s bow.

See also  PSG Survive Red Card Madness and Musiala Horror to Knock Out Bayern

While Messi expressed it as a privilege, critics argue that the vessel’s environmental impact raises questions about the industry’s commitment to sustainability amid the global push for greener practices.


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest from DDM TV

Latest Updates

The Selectorate: When the People Vote But The Judges Choose

OYC begs Soludo: Save igbo language from extinction

Thunderous Whispers: Poet Laureate—Ugorji Explores 2027 Run

Blue marine alliance slams NIWA over 101 waterway deaths in 2025

Peter Obi swears: I’ll serve only four years

UK under gire for role in Kanu’s detention

Gunmen kill real estate official, dump body after chatting wife with his phone

COPDEM set to inaugurate 3,480 Anambra LGA, ward executives in Nnewi mega rally

Nigeria may not survive if APC retains power in 2027 — El-Rufai

Digital Ambush: Inside the APC’s Multibillion Naira Plot to Silence Dissent Before 2027

Subscribe to DDM Newsletter for Latest News

Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks