World’s Largest Cruise Ship Nears Completion Amidst Industry Resurgence

Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku is putting the finishing touches on Royal Caribbean’s new cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, which is set to be the largest cruise ship in the world. The ship, with its maiden voyage scheduled for January 2024, has attracted both awe and criticism due to its size and environmental impact. The mammoth vessel features colorful waterparks, over 20 decks, and can accommodate nearly 10,000 passengers. Despite concerns about the industry’s recovery after the pandemic, cruise bookings are seeing a resurgence, and the Cruise Lines International Association predicts that passenger volume will surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

While larger ships offer economic benefits by reducing the cost of individual passengers and providing more opportunities for onboard spending, there are challenges associated with their size. Port overcrowding and reduced crew-to-passenger ratios pose logistical challenges, and climate activists have raised concerns about the environmental impact of larger cruise ships. Although ships like Icon of the Seas are incorporating technology to mitigate emissions, such as running on liquified natural gas (LNG), environmentalists argue that LNG can contribute to methane leaks, which have a significant impact on climate change. The construction of larger cruise ships also supports the development of the gas industry, which has its own environmental consequences.

Reference Source: Google News .