World's largest ship sails out of Port Miami for first public cruise

The world's largest cruise ship has begun its seven-day maiden voyage from Port Miami - carrying nearly the population of a small city onboard.

The Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas set sail today on a seven-day island-hopping voyage in the Caribbean before returning to Miami.

The $2 billion ship runs nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern and has 20 decks, 2,350 crew, 2,805 staterooms along with room for 7,600 passengers.

Apart from this, the ship also boasts a 55ft artificial waterfall, 40 dining venues and bars, seven swimming pools including a 40,000-gallon 'lake', 50 musicians and comedians as well as a 16-piece orchestra.

The ship is powered by 'eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas'. According to Reuters, the Royal Caribbean said the Icon is 24 percent more efficient when it comes to carbon emissions than required by the International Maritime Organization.

The Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas set sail today on a seven-day island-hopping voyage in the Caribbean before returning to Miam

The $2 billion ship runs nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern and has 20 decks, 2,350 crew, 2,805 staterooms along with room for 7,600 passengers

The ship is powered by 'eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas'

The ship also has a structural feature designed as a dynamic art installation on its main access route, called 'The Pearl'

Royal Caribbean also said every kilowatt used on the Icon of the Seas 'is scrutinized for energy efficiencies and emission reductions.'

But despite claims that the fuel is better than traditional marine fuel, environmentalists believe the ship poses high risks for methane emissions.

According to the the International Council of Clean Transportation, methane emissions from LNG-fueled ships in the form of 'methane slip' contribute to climate change.

Methane slips occur when ships such as the Icon use low-pressure, dual-fuel engines that tend to leak methane into the atmosphere during the combustion process.

Bryan Comer, director of the Marine Program at the ICCT explained: 'It's a step in the wrong direction.

'We would estimate that using LNG as a marine fuel emits over 120% more life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than marine gas oil.'

Cruise ship engines have an estimated methane slip of 6.4 percent on average, according to 2024 research funded by the ICCT, which is higher than IMO's assumption at 3.5 percent.

Passengers lounge in the Aquadome area of Icon of the Seas, a diving and performance venue under a glass dome on the top of the ship

An employee walks through the Central Park area of the ship, as it also contains its own 'family neighborhood,' called 'Surfside'

Despite claims that the fuel is better than traditional marine fuel, environmentalists believe the ship poses high risks for methane emissions

According to the the International Council of Clean Transportation, methane emissions from LNG-fueled ships in the form of 'methane slip' contribute to climate change

Lionel Messi participates in the naming ceremony of the 'Icon of the Seas' in Miami on Tuesday

Michael Bayley, the Royal Caribbean International President and CEO said: 'We built the biggest, baddest ship on the planet. It's really exciting when you introduce a new class of ship, but it's even most excited when it seems to be really spot on'

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and is the second-largest contributor to climate warming after carbon dioxide, according to the NASA Global Climate Change website.

An estimated 60% of today's methane emissions are the result of human activities.

But these concerns do not seem to bother owners as the Icon is set to sail Caribbean voyages throughout the year from Miami, with the itineraries featuring 'idyllic destinations' and stops at 'award-winning private island' Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

The ship was officially 'christened' on Tuesday by World Cup winner Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates.

Messi was the headliner at the event, placing a soccer ball atop a stand to 'start' the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle against the bow of the ship - something that is supposed to bring good luck to the vessel and its passengers.

The 36-year-old, Argentine later called it a 'privilege.'

'It's a great honor for me and I know what it means for the city of Miami and the entire world,' Messi said in Spanish. 'So, I name this ship Icon of the Seas. God bless you and all of the people who will sail with her.'

Michael Bayley, the Royal Caribbean International President and CEO added: 'We built the biggest, baddest ship on the planet. It's really exciting when you introduce a new class of ship, but it's even most excited when it seems to be really spot on.'