The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, sets sail on its maiden voyage from Miami | Top Vip News

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By Ishita Srivastava for Dailymail.Com

03:03 January 28, 2024, updated 07:10 January 28, 2024

  • Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas set sail today on a seven-day island-hopping voyage in the Caribbean before returning to Miami.
  • Despite claims that the LNG used is better than traditional marine fuel, environmentalists believe the ship poses high risks of methane emissions.
  • Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and is the second largest contributor to climate warming after carbon dioxide.



The world’s largest cruise ship has begun its seven-day maiden voyage from Port Miami, carrying nearly the entire population of a small town on board.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas set sail today on a seven-day island-hopping voyage in the Caribbean before returning to Miami.

The $2 billion ship spans nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern and has 20 decks, 2,350 crew members, 2,805 staterooms and room for 7,600 passengers.

Aside from this, the ship also features a 55-foot artificial waterfall, 40 restaurants and bars, seven pools, including a 40,000-gallon “lake,” 50 musicians and comedians, as well as a 16-piece orchestra.

The ship runs on “eco-friendly liquefied natural gas.” According ReutersRoyal Caribbean said the Icon is 24 percent more carbon efficient than required by the International Maritime Organization.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas set sail today on a seven-day island-hopping voyage in the Caribbean before returning to Miami.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said: ‘We built the biggest, baddest ship on the planet. It’s really exciting when you introduce a new class of ship, but it’s even more exciting when it seems to be really successful.
The $2 billion ship spans nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern and has 20 decks, 2,350 crew members, 2,805 staterooms and room for 7,600 passengers.
Royal Caribbean has said the Icon is 24 percent more carbon efficient than required by the International Maritime Organization.
The ship runs on ‘ecological Liquefied Natural Gas’
The ship also has a structural feature designed as a dynamic art installation on its main approach route, called ‘The Pearl’.

People wait for the cruise ship to begin their journey.
The cruise ship sails through South Pointe Park in Miami Beach, Florida
People film from South Pointe Park as the world’s largest cruise ship begins its journey

Royal Caribbean also said that every kilowatt used on Icon of the Seas “is examined for energy efficiency and emissions reductions.”

But despite claims that the fuel is better than traditional marine fuel, environmentalists believe the ship poses high risks of methane emissions.

According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, methane emissions from LNG-fueled ships in the form of “methane slippage” contribute to climate change.

Methane slides occur when ships like the Icon use low-pressure dual-fuel engines that tend to leak methane into the atmosphere during the combustion process.

Bryan Comer, director of the ICCT Marine Program explained: ‘It’s a step in the wrong direction.

“We estimate that using LNG as a marine fuel emits more than 120% more greenhouse gas emissions over its life cycle than marine diesel.”

Cruise ship engines have an estimated methane slippage of 6.4 percent on average, according to 2024 investigation funded by the ICCT, which is higher than the IMO assumption of 3.5 percent.

Icon of the Seas begins sailing from Port Miami in Miami, Florida, on its inaugural cruise
People film and wave from South Pointe Park to the ship’s passengers.
Passengers rest in Icon of the Seas’ Aquadome area, a diving and entertainment venue under a glass dome on top of the ship.
Icon of the Seas sets sail from Government Court passing Fisher Island, Florida, right, as it departs Port Miami on its first public cruise
An employee walks through the Central Park area of ​​the ship, as it also contains its own ‘family neighborhood’, called ‘Surfside’
Despite claims that the fuel is better than traditional marine fuel, environmentalists believe the ship poses high risks of methane emissions.
Lionel Messi participates this Tuesday in the baptism ceremony of the ‘Icon of the Seas’ in Miami

Water slides are seen atop a terrace overlooking the guestroom floors aboard Icon of the Seas during a press day preview
Employees and visitors walk through the Royal Promenade area of ​​Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship.
Fireworks explode as cruise ship leaves Port Miami

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and is the second largest contributor to climate warming after carbon dioxide, according to NASA’s Global Climate Change. website.

It is estimated that 60% of current methane emissions are the result of human activities.

But these concerns don’t seem to bother owners, as the Icon will sail year-round Caribbean voyages from Miami, with itineraries that will include “idyllic destinations” and stops at the “award-winning private island” Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas .

The boat was officially “christened” on Tuesday by the World Cup winner. Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates.

Messi was the main protagonist of the event, placing a soccer ball on top of a stand to “initiate” the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle against the bow of the ship, something that is supposed to bring good luck to the ship and its passengers.

The 36-year-old Argentine later called it a “privilege.”

“It is a great honor for me and I know what it means for the city of Miami and the entire world,” Messi said in Spanish. ‘So, I call this ship Icon of the Seas. God bless you and all the people who will sail with her.’

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, added: “We built the biggest, baddest ship on the planet. It’s really exciting when you introduce a new class of ship, but it’s even more exciting when it looks like it’s really right.”

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