World’s Largest Cruise Ship Voted Best of 2024
Icon of the Seas: Best New Cruise Ship of 2024
The cruise industry has welcomed a new giant this year. The Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, made a splash when it entered service in January 2024. With a staggering weight of 248,663 gross tons and a length of 1,196.7 feet, this ship has redefined luxury cruising. Recently, it has been voted the Best New Cruise Ship of 2024 by readers of Cruise Hive. This accolade highlights not only its size but also the innovative experiences it offers to guests.
A Record-Breaking Launch
The Icon of the Seas has quickly become a favorite among cruise enthusiasts. During the 2023 Cruise Hive Awards, it was also recognized as the Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship for 2024. The ship has lived up to its reputation, garnering 34.68% of the votes from thousands of Cruise Hive readers. This impressive achievement came from a competitive field of nine new ships that launched in 2024.
Since its maiden voyage on January 27, 2024, the Icon of the Seas has been busy. It alternates between 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean sailings from Florida’s Port Miami. Guests have already begun to explore the ship’s unique features. One standout attraction is Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, which boasts six thrilling water slides. Additionally, Chill Island on Deck 15 features the biggest pool at sea, holding over 40,000 gallons of water. These amenities are just a glimpse of what makes this ship a game-changer in the cruise industry.
Royal Caribbean’s Dominance in the Awards
While the Icon of the Seas took the top spot, Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas also made a strong showing, securing second place in the Best New Cruise Ship category. The Utopia of the Seas received 21.38% of the votes, showcasing the high standards of Royal Caribbean’s latest offerings. This ship, which is the second largest at sea, began its service on July 19, 2024, from Port Canaveral, Florida. It operates 3 to 4-night voyages to the Bahamas, providing guests with a luxurious experience.
Similar to its predecessor, the Utopia of the Seas features exciting attractions, including an expanded version of The Ultimate Abyss. This is the tallest dry slide at sea, measuring 10 stories high and 259 feet long. The enhancements made to this slide make it 43 feet longer than versions found on other Royal Caribbean ships.
In third place, Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess earned 17.81% of the votes. This ship, which launched on February 28, 2024, is the largest in the Princess fleet. It offers a variety of new features, including the cruise line’s largest casino and a two-story Lotus Spa. The competition among these new ships highlights the ongoing innovation and excitement in the cruise industry, with Royal Caribbean leading the way.
