August 10. While cruise bookings observe a resurgence following the Covid-19 pandemic that has made luxury liners into mere mothballs, a Finland-based shipyard has been giving exclusive finishing touches on what will be the world’s largest cruise vessel.
Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas is almost hitting its completion phase in the Turku shipyard on the southwestern coast of Finland; the maiden voyage has been scheduled for 2024 (January).
While some labelled the colossal structure a “monstrosity”, citing its climate footprint, others are still in awe of the engineering integrated into such a floating holiday destination and are flocking to purchase tickets.
Resembling a village rather than a vessel, the mammoth ship boasts colourful water parks, over 20 decks, and can carry almost 10,000 individuals.
A distinct feature of the new vessel, which went into the construction phase in 2021 and embarked on its sea trials in June, is a vast glass dome covering part of the front section.
The pandemic undoubtedly dealt a massive blow to the entire industry, raising doubts about whether it would recover.
Cruise majors are, however, now seeing guests return.
The Cruise Lines International Association has estimated that guest volume will surpass what was seen in pre-pandemic levels, with about 31.5 million passengers in 2023.
Source: Business Insider
