The world’s biggest football star, Lionel Messi, joined Royal Caribbean International at the official naming ceremony of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, in Miami, on the eve of the vessel’s first official sailing on 27 January.
Hosted by four-time Emmy award-winning host Mario Lopez, the gala was held in the ship’s AquaDome neighbourhood and marked what RCI calls the start of “a new era of holidays”.
Indeed, the new ship has brought something new – and supersized – to the seas, boasting six waterslides (at category six), the ‘Crown’s Edge’ experience (154 feet above the ocean), seven pools (including the first suspended infinity pool at sea), more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, and entertainment across air, ice, water and theatre.
Across eight neighbourhoods, passengers will experience seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventures out of Miami that take in Caribbean destinations including Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
When Icon was revealed in October 2022, it led to the highest number of bookings in a single day and the busiest booking week ever recorded in the cruise line’s then 53-year history.
“Everything I’ve seen on Icon of the Seas is next level. There are experiences for the whole family to make memories that they’ll remember forever,” Messi, who was named the Icon of Icon, said at the ceremony.
“Family is everything to me, and it was exciting to take part in welcoming what is the world’s best family holiday to Miami.”
To help ring in the new ship and its holidays, Messi was joined by Royal Caribbean executives, crew (including the Icon’s captain Henrik Loy), employees and partners, including Meyer Turku shipyard and Inter Miami CF.
“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of dreaming, innovating and living our mission – to deliver the world’s best vacation experiences responsibly,” Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said.
“She is the ultimate multigenerational family vacation, forever changing the status quo in family travel and fulfilling vacation dreams for all ages on board.
“With Lionel Messi presiding over the ship’s naming, we are thrilled and honoured to have someone iconic for delivering memories for millions of fútbol fans around the world and who values making iconic memories with his family even more.”
President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley said, “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”.
“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.”
