The world's largest cruise ship has arrived in Miami — here are the 10 things you should know about Royal Caribbean's 10,000-person Icon of the Seas

12.01.2024 - 10:31 / insider.com / Royal Caribbean / Meyer Turku / Royal Caribbean International

A highly anticipated newcomer towers along the hustle, bustle, and traffic of Miami's busy coast. And for good reason: PortMiami's newest 1,198-foot-long resident was recently crowned the world's largest cruise ship.

On Tuesday, Royal Caribbean's recently completed Icon of the Seas arrived at the popular cruise port, one of the busiest in the world. In just two weeks, the behemoth vessel will begin its first year of revenue cruises from the Florida hot spot to the Caribbean and the cruise line's private island.

It's been a long time coming for both its operator and its fans. Royal Caribbean revealed the Icon of the Seas' amenities in October 2022. Since then, the internet has been abuzz about the ship — with both excitement and disgust.

Here are the 10 details you should know about the massive floating resort, from its wild amenities to its controversies.

The 250,800 gross-ton ship dethroned its predecessor, the Wonder of the Seas, when it joined Royal Caribbean's fleet in late 2023. The 20-deck Icon can accommodate up to 9,950 people, specifically 7,600 guests.

Royal Caribbean experienced its largest booking day when reservations opened for the behemoth vessel in October 2022. The cruise operator and Finland's Meyer Turku shipyard had only begun construction on the over $2 million vessel about one year prior.

In July 2023, images of the Icon of the Seas circulated on X. It quickly became a divisive topic on the social media platform, incurring titles like a "monstrosity" and "hell on water."

But this isn't stopping Royal Caribbean from building big. The cruise operator has already announced its next Icon class ship, the Star of the Seas.

The ship has 2,805 staterooms across 28 cabin categories, 14 new to the brand. This includes the unique family infinite balcony cabin, grounded by an alcove with a bunk for children.

These options include a swim-up bar, a food hall, and a Starbucks. However, only about half of the 21 dining venues are complimentary.

Just boarding the ship won't be cheap. Icon of the Seas' fares start at $1,910 per person for an interior cabin.

In general, the larger the ship, the more room for pay-to-play amenities.

On this newcomer, travelers who've spent more cash to book a suite will have access to an exclusive suites-only "neighborhood." On top of this, guests must purchase beverage and specialty dining packages to try all the food and beverage options.

This boardwalk-like space has a carousel, arcade, and children's water play area.

Royal Caribbean has been touting the Thrill Island neighborhood's waterpark as the largest on a cruise ship. If that's not enough, the operator says one of its six water slides will also be the tallest at sea.

The ship also has seven pools, including