The world’s biggest cruise ship – the size of almost four city blocks – began its maiden voyage Saturday from the Port of Miami. Royal Caribbean International’s 7,600-passenger ‘Icon of the Seas’ departed for Caribbean waters after fittingly being christened earlier in the week by the world’s biggest soccer star – Lionel Messi.

The ship spans nearly 365 metres from bow to stern, and includes 20 decks, plus eight record-breaking waterslides, the Crown’s Edge experience at 47 m. above the ocean, and seven pools, including the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

Among eight “neighbourhoods” that are destinations in and of themselves, there is also a “stay-all-day” neighbourhood designed for families with young kids, and more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges.

“We did it! After seven years of pursuing the bold vision to create a one-of-a-kind vacation for every type of family and adventurer, Icon of the Seas has become a reality,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Officially naming Icon marks more than the introduction of a new ship – it is the start of a new era of vacations, and we’re excited to see tens of millions of families and friends make their mark with memories they create together and on their own adventures without compromise.”

In store on Icon is an all-encompassing lineup of experiences that the cruise lines says combines “the best of every vacation” – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure. The ship will conduct a series of eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

When the Icon of the Seas was first revealed in October 2022, the ship spurred the single largest booking day and the highest volume booking week in Royal Caribbean’s then 53-year history, according to the cruise line.