Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s most renowned and luxurious cruise lines, and their latest flagship, the Icon of the Seas, is set to revolutionize the cruise industry. This state-of-the-art vessel promises to provide a holiday experience that is more tech-savvy than anything before it.
At just under 1,200 feet long, with a gross tonnage of 250,800, this massive ship is designed to hold up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members. It will feature many remarkable attractions, such as Category 6, the largest waterpark ever put to sea; seven pools, including the 40,000 gallon Royal Bay; and the first-ever infinity pool on a cruise ship. Additionally, the ship boasts more than forty places to eat and drink, ensuring guests will never run out of options.
But the Icon of the Seas doesn’t just have attractions; it is filled with the latest in technological innovation. The ship is equipped with cutting-edge connectivity systems, allowing guests to stay connected using Starlink’s cutting-edge satellites which make sure that the ship is constantly connected, no matter where it goes. Additionally, guests can check-in using facial recognition and passport scanning, allowing for a much faster and seamless onboarding process.
In addition to providing amenities for guests, the Icon of the Seas is also focused on sustainability. A machine learning algorithm results in efficient navigation, while the ship makes use of Liquefied Natural Gas as fuel. Heat and wastewater are both treated properly, and the ship uses reverse osmosis and desalination plants to convert 90% of fresh water onto the vessel.
Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Royal Caribbean Group, told TechRadar Pro that their goal is making sure the customer has a seamless onboarding experience and is able to “Go from car to bar in 10 minutes”.
While this new vessel promises to be a game-changer, the success of the Icon of the Seas will ultimately depend on how well the technology is integrated. Guests should be able to make the most of their vacation without any intrusive interruptions of gimmicks, and with a personalized touch. When it launches its first voyage come January 2024, the Icon of the Seas could usher in a very new and tech-friendly era for the cruise industry.
