World's largest cruise ship with six water slides and seven swimming pools is almost ready
Stumped for ideas on what the next big family trip away should be?
Look no further than the world's largest cruise ship boasting six water slides and seven swimming pools among a bunch of other features to provide thrills, chills and a whole lot of fun.
The mighty vessel, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, has finally completed construction and is almost ready for passengers to climb aboard and set sail.
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The Icon of the Seas measures a stonking 365 meters long weighing in at a hefty 250,800 tonnes.
Not only is the vessel mighty in stature, with the ability to comfortably hold 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members, but it will also hold the impressive accolade of being the world’s largest waterpark at sea named Category 6.
With six water slides for the adrenaline junkies, seven pools for people who like it a little more relaxed and nine whirlpools for those who fall in the middle of both - it's clear Royal Caribbean has got something in mind for just about everyone.
Guests can choose a different pool for every day of the week including Royal Bay - the largest pool at sea.
The official site reads: "Brace yourself for Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking slides. Like the Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide to sail. And the Pressure Drop, the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise."
And it doesn't stop there.
All about providing a sense of adventure for the ages and for all ages, the colossal ship promises families more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained with the choice of 20 decks and eight neighbourhoods to explore.
Royal Caribbean invites passengers to 'make the most of every moment onboard' whether that's really dialling up the daring or having a proper good 'unwind like never before'.
"Bond over new bites and toast to next-level nightlife," the site continues, "and catch show-stopping spectaculars that will leave you in awe.
"This is your week to enjoy everything you’ve ever loved about every vacation - all rolled into one."
Talk about an all-inclusive.
In a statement issued last Friday (23 June) Royal Caribbean revealed the 'brand-new ship' successfully completed her initial round of sea trials on 22 June.
In short - the Icon of the Seas has now already sailed through the open ocean!
The statement continued: "During her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested.
"Everything was done on time as outlined in the schedule, despite her departure being delayed due to wind conditions."
There were 'hundreds of specialists' who helped assess different technical areas of the ship with over '450 specialists' who helped to run the four days of tests on the ship’s technical areas during the round of sea trials.
"Between preparing for the trial and the tests themselves, there were over 2,000 specialists who put in more than 350 hours of work in helping Icon of the Seas pass this important milestone," the company added.
Now, a second set of sea trials is planned for later on in 2023 where the abilities of the cruise ship will be 'pushed even further'.
Well, that's next year's summer plans sorted then - but it will come at a cost.
The lowest rate available on the site will set you back $1,924 (approx £1,521) per person for seven nights with an 'outside view' offering a roundtrip from Miami visiting Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Rhiannon Ingle