The ‘World’s Largest Cruise Ship’ Arrives in Florida

Going on a cruise in 2024 is much different than setting sail 20-30 years ago. In the 90s, Royal Caribbean ships weighed in at 23, 000 gross tons. Today, the boats are lined with cabins, multiple pool decks, bars, restaurants and more. But, how big can these ships actually get? The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has officially arrived in Florida.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has finally arrived in Miami after its month-long voyage from Europe. The ship was constructed in Europe and is nearly 1,200 feet long and 250,800 gross pounds. This new ship features over 20 different decks on board and is the first of a new wave of vessels for the Royal Caribbean cruise line. The ship can fit up to 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. This sounds like the plot for the next Titanic or Poseidon movie, if you ask me.

Icon of the Seas claims the title “world’s largest cruise ship”, from its fellow Royal Caribbean vessel, Wonder of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s president and CEO,  Michael Bayley, says, “[Icon of the Seas] Is by far the best-selling product we've ever launched in the history of our business.” 

The world's largest cruise ship doesn't come without a hefty price. According to Royal Caribbean's website, prices are starting at $1,800 per person and range to $2,200. Currently, you can find the cheapest price for February 17 for $2,086 per person. You get 60% off the second guest saving you $2,110 for a double room. 

Depending on the itinerary and dates of the cruise you choose, prices change. If you’re looking to book the Icon of the Seas, be on the lookout for sales and specials.

For starters, Icon of the Seas is now home to the largest water park at sea. Catch some rays anyway you want at the 7 different pools aboard and the six time record breaking waterslides. There’s sun terraces, whirlpools, and the largest pool at sea that holds over 40,000 gallons of water.

Toss back a few drinks at the swim up pool or hit the links for some family friendly fun at the Lost Dunes mini golf course. You’ll find many free restaurants included with your cruise package as well. The ship will set sail for the first time at the end of January. Cruise ships aren't my cup of tea, but if you're looking for a week long adventure across the open waters, this might be for you.

If you want to learn more about the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, visit the Royal Caribbean website.

There are incredible destinations that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. The world is full of incredible places that can fill our lives with wonder and excitement. These places might seem like they're from a dream, but they are real and waiting for us to explore. Let's take a journey into the joy of travel and discover some amazing destinations that you should add to your travel bucket list.

Picture a place where rocks and caves create a scene that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale. This is Cappadocia, Turkey. Its unique rock formations and ancient cave houses are a true marvel of nature. Travel a bit further, and you'll arrive at Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives. When night falls, the ocean lights up with tiny, glowing plankton. This magical phenomenon turns the shoreline into something out of this world.

But the wonders don't stop there. In Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni, a vast salt flat, transforms into a giant mirror when it rains. This surreal sight makes us question what's real and what's not, proving that nature loves to play tricks on us in the most delightful ways. In Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway will make you feel like you've stepped onto another planet. Its neat arrangement of rock columns looks like the work of a skilled artist.

The world is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be enjoyed, offering us a chance to witness the surreal and the enchanting firsthand. As travelers, we're curious about the world's unique treasures. Many places deserve special attention on your travel bucket list, whether you're after a serene beach experience, an off-the-grid retreat, or an exploration of a new city abroad.

Take a look at these eight seemingly unreal places to add to your travel bucket list.

This Arizona canyon was naturally carved by rainwater streams within the sandstone. The Navajo Nation gave it the name 'The place where water runs through rocks.' Visit Arizona explains that the Upper Antelope Canyon tour is more frequented due to increased sunlight and towering walls reaching 120 feet. Alternatively, the Lower Antelope Canyon tour is equally remarkable, providing visitors with an immersive encounter among the swirling sandstone walls.

Among the world's largest springs, the Grand Prismatic measures an expansive 370 feet in diameter, exceeding the size of a football field. Its vibrant appearance stems from bands of orange, yellow, and green that encircle the deep blue waters. These diverse colors originate from different strains of thermophile bacteria, thriving in the progressively cooler waters around the spring, as explained by Yellowstone National Park. For a bird's-eye-like view of the Grand Prismatic, they suggest visitors follow the half-mile Fairy Falls trail to a lookout.

Located in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert, the Door to Hell is a large fiery crater. It emerged when a natural gas field accidentally caught fire in 1971 and has been burning continuously since then, according to National Geographic. A well-visited tourist spot, the Door to Hell permits visitors to hike down into the crater for a close view of the flames and an opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of the site. The Door to Hell, also referred to as the Darvaza Gas Crater, is located in a rural part of the country.

Found along Iceland's South Coast, the Diamond Beach is a volcanic black sand shoreline adjacent to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Ice blocks from the glacier lagoon wash ashore after breaking into smaller pieces at sea, as mentioned in the Diamond Beach Travel Guide. The beach is also a natural habitat for seals.

According to the Tongass National Forest, the Mendenhall Glacier is among the numerous expansive glaciers originating from the Juneau Icefield, an area spanning 1500 square miles of rock, snow, and ice. The glacier gradually advances under the influence of gravity, descending down the slope. Over time, it carves the bedrock and erodes during its 13-mile path until it reaches Mendenhall Lake.

Located on the Oregon coast near Cape Perpetua, there's a large sinkhole that appears to swallow seawater continuously, resembling a bottomless pit. According to Yachats Oregon, it's often called the "drainpipe of the Pacific." They explain that the well is actually a hole in the rock that gives the impression of draining ocean water. Some researchers believe this well might have started as a sea cave shaped by waves. Over time, its roof likely collapsed, creating openings at the top and bottom, which spray ocean water.

Found close to the town of Gryfino in West Pomerania, Poland, the Crooked Forest consists of 400 peculiarly contorted pine trees. As revealed by Discovery, these pine trees were planted approximately in 1930, back when the area was part of the German province of Pomerania. Starting from the ground, the pine trees exhibit a distinctive feature: they grow with a sharp 90-degree bend towards the north, before gracefully straightening up towards the sky.

The beach is named for its pink sand, which comes from tiny organisms in the coral reefs nearby. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and see marine life like sea turtles and manta rays in the clear water. The beach also has great views of hills and turquoise waters.