The inaugural journey of the world's largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, is scheduled to commence this Saturday as it departs from the Port of Miami.

Spanning nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern, Royal Caribbean's remarkable vessel embarks on its first seven-day island-hopping expedition through the tropics, having been officially christened on Tuesday with the participation of football legend Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates.

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty stated earlier this week. “Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of dreaming, innovating and living our mission – to deliver the world’s best vacation experiences responsibly,"

This voyage unfolds at a time when Royal Caribbean's cruises are enjoying significant attention online, with millions following the captivating, and at times perplexing, experiences shared by passengers on the nine-month "Ultimate World Cruise" that commenced in December. The Icon of the Seas, unveiled in October 2022, generated the single largest booking day and the highest volume booking week in Royal Caribbean's 53-year history.

The ship, boasting eight neighbourhoods across 20 decks, features numerous amenities, including six waterslides, seven swimming pools, an ice skating rink, a theatre, and over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges. With a maximum capacity of up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, the Icon of the Seas promises a grand and luxurious maritime experience.

Royal Caribbean has emphasised the use of liquified natural gas (LNG) in the Icon of the Seas, touting it as the "cleanest-burning marine fuel." However, Bryan Comer, the director of the International Council on Clean Transportation’s marine program, argues that relying on such fuel reflects an industry that is "investing in false climate solutions."

He contends that calling LNG a green fuel is misleading, as the engine emits 70 to 80% more greenhouse gas emissions per trip than if traditional marine fuel were used. With Icon boasting the largest LNG tanks ever installed on a ship, Comer criticizes it as an act of greenwashing.

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