World’s largest cruise ship Icon of the Seas called a ‘monstrosity’

A new, seriously over-the-top cruise ship has been labelled a “monstrosity” as it prepares to set sail for the first time.

Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has been dubbed a “monstrosity”. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

A brand new, seriously over-the-top cruise ship has been labelled a “monstrosity” and compared to the Titanic as it prepares to set sail for the first time.

Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, which is the largest cruise ship in the world, is set to launch in January.

But this week, after a series of social media posts celebrating its upcoming maiden voyage, the huge ship went viral for all the wrong reasons.

“The ‘Icon Of The Seas’ sets sail in January 2024. 5610 passengers, 2350 crew members, 5 times larger and heavier than the Titanic, 19 floors with more than 40 bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. What a monstrosity!” one person tweeted.

Icon of the Seas looks like a Barbie dreamhouse on steroids — but critics claim bigger is not always better. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

The extravagant, multi-coloured ship looks like a Barbie dreamhouse on steroids — but critics were quick to point out that bigger is not always better.

“As visions of hell go, that’s pretty much the most hellish,” one person tweeted in response to a photo of the new cruise ship, while another said, “I’m sorry but this is a nightmare.”

“Every time I see a picture of the Icon of the Seas cruise ship I am filled with an intense dread,” another person wrote.

“It looks fun, but I don’t want to go on anything compared to the Titanic,” a third wrote in response to a celebratory Facebook post.

“Where does one go to read a book?” another asked.

Thrill Island’s six record-breaking slides reach new heights: Pressure Drop, the industry’s first open free-fall slide; Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, cruising’s first mat-racing duo. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

The new Surfside Bites on Icon of the Seas is the pit stop between adventures in Surfside, the neighbourhood made for young families. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

Taking nights out and hangouts to a new level on Icon of the Seas are The Overlook lounge and pods — the first of their kind at sea — in AquaDome. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

The hideaway pool. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

Royal Caribbean, however, insists Icon of the Seas will take the cruising world by storm.

“We are positioning it as the ultimate family vacation and when you step back and look at all the energy and time that has gone into creating this ship it is mind-blowing,” Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Michael Bayley said in a statement.

Given the ship’s monstrous size, set over 20 decks, it’s safe to say no luxury was overlooked. In fact, Icon of the Seas claims to offer passengers more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained.

The ship will have seven pools, nine whirlpools and the largest waterpark at sea. Several viral images showed a tangled mess of six multi-coloured water slides, spread over six storeys.

The Royal Bay Pool in the ship’s so-called “Chill Island” is the largest pool at sea.

The three-level Dining Room on Icon of the Seas features Royal Caribbean’s signature recipes of rotating flavours from around the world, alongside tried-and-true favourites. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

Casino Royale on the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas features about 30 table games and more than 370 slot machines. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

Special occasions get the VIP treatment at Celebration Table, the new 12-seat private experience on Icon of the Seas. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

The award-winning youth program for kids of 6 months to 12 years old, Adventure Ocean. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

Surfside Eatery is the new buffet dedicated to families in Surfside. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

The ship’s three-storey dining room, complete with a huge, dazzling chandelier, features a rotating menu from around the world. A private 12-seat dining table is reserved for VIP guests.

An on-board casino hosts 30 table games and more than 370 slot machines.

The ship also boasts a rock climbing wall, Royal Caribbean’s first food hall, a beach-themed carousel, an arcade and a minigolf course.

It even includes Royal Caribbean’s largest ice-skating arena to date.

In the reimagined Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas, there is Royal Caribbean’s largest and boldest ice arena to date. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

The two-level Royal Loft Suite on board Icon of the Seas is a lesson in luxury. There are more than 2,000 square feet six vacationers can enjoy. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

The new room, nestled in the new Surfside family neighbourhood, welcomes a family of up to four guests. There’s a cozy kids alcove, which transforms into a living space for all. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

A neighbourhood designed for young families, Surfside brings new ways to play all day on Icon of the Seas. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

Icon of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship. Picture: Royal Caribbean International.

As for technical features, Icon of the Seas is equipped with 17 lifeboats with the capacity for up to 450 people each — meaning the ship can host 7650 people, despite having capacity for 7960.

Specifically, it holds up to 5690 passengers and 2350 crew across 19 floors. There are 28 different types of accommodation, with more categories for families, more layouts with ocean views and more space for group travellers.

The cruise line says it’s the longest time frame it’s ever dedicated to “designing the perfect home base.”

The "Icon Of The Seas" sets sail in January 2024. 5610 passengers, 2350 crew members, 5 times larger and heavier than the Titanic, 19 floors with more than 40 bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. What a monstrosity! pic.twitter.com/igoQRUZ3nP

— Ray Monk (@Raymodraco) July 9, 2023

Celebratory Facebook posts garnered more than a few negative comments. Picture: Facebook.

Currently, the cheapest ticket will set you back $2690 per person (US$1851) for an interior room on a seven-night round-trip to the Western Caribbean, setting sale from Miami in September next year.

The most expensive is $15,800 (US$10,864) for a suite on the same cruise in March.

Despite the negative comments, cruising fanatics have rushed to sign up.

Mr Bayley described Icon of the Seas during the company’s quarterly financial results as “literally the best-performing new product launch we’ve ever had.”

It has already sold out in January — the first month of its launch.

– with New York Post