World’s Largest Cruise Ship Undergoes Checks Weeks before Maiden Voyage

(CNN) - The world’s largest cruise ship has been spotted in the Caribbean ahead of its highly anticipated inaugural voyage later this month.

Royal Caribbean’s 1,198-foot Icon of the Seas, due to set sail from Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024, was pictured arriving in Ponce, Puerto Rico for “regulatory inspections” earlier this week.

The enormous 20-deck vessel, which has capacity for up to 5,610 guests and 2,350 crew members, will arrive in Miami on January 9, according to Bayley, who added that preparations were “going well.”

Icon of the Seas was officially handed over to Royal Caribbean at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, on November 27, 2023.

The ship, which took 900 days to build, is now preparing to welcome passengers for its maiden voyage, a seven-day trip around the Caribbean.

It will offer year-round Eastern or Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with the likes of St. Maarten, Mexico, St. Thomas and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, on the itinerary.

Those on board will be able to enjoy a host of exciting features, including the world’s largest waterpark at sea, eight neighborhoods and 40 or so different bars and dining options.