Lionel Messi, The Icon of Icon, Sets Sail on the World’s Best Family Vacation, Redefining Cruising with Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
Less than a week before Royal Caribbean International’s 55th anniversary, the cruise line celebrated a groundbreaking moment with the debut of the Icon of the Seas in Miami. The event, hosted by four-time Emmy award-winning host Mario Lopez, marked the culmination of seven years of planning and innovation, bringing to life the vision of creating the ultimate multigenerational family vacation.
Lionel Messi, the renowned sports icon and the only eight-time Ballon d’Or award-winner, officially named the first-of-its-kind vacation, solidifying his role as the Icon of Icon. The world’s most decorated fútbol player expressed his excitement about being part of the event, stating, “Everything I’ve seen on Icon of the Seas is next level. There are experiences for the whole family to make memories that they’ll remember forever.”
The naming celebration, attended by Royal Caribbean executives, crew, employees, fans, and partners, including Meyer Turku shipyard and Inter Miami CF, highlighted the significance of Icon of the Seas in revolutionizing family travel. Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty emphasized the ship’s role in delivering the world’s best vacation experiences responsibly.
The momentous occasion featured Messi inaugurating the vacation with a bottle-breaking ceremony befitting an icon. Icon of the Seas had already made waves when it was revealed in October 2022, sparking the single largest booking day and the highest volume booking week in Royal Caribbean’s history at that time.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, expressed his joy at realizing the bold vision of creating a unique vacation for every type of family and adventurer. He stated, “Officially naming Icon marks more than the introduction of a new ship; it is the start of a new era of vacations.”
Icon of the Seas promises an unparalleled vacation experience, combining the best elements of various holiday types, from beach retreats to resort escapes and theme park adventures. The ship boasts eight neighborhoods, each offering a distinct destination, featuring adrenaline-pumping thrills, record-breaking waterslides, suspended infinity pools, and a plethora of dining options.
Scheduled to set sail on January 27, 2024, vacationers can embark on 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, visiting idyllic destinations and enjoying a day of thrill and relaxation at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Notably, January 2024 marks the introduction of the private island’s first adults-only escape, Hideaway Beach, providing an exclusive experience with private beaches, pools, cabanas, live music, and more.
For those eager to explore more about Icon of the Seas, detailed information is available on Royal Caribbean’s website https://www.royalcaribbean.com/icon-of-the-seas/.
Royal Caribbean International, with a history of over 50 years, continues to lead the way in innovation at sea. The cruise line’s commitment to providing the latest technology and unforgettable guest experiences has earned it the title of “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 20 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.