7 features that make Royal Caribbean's $2 billion Icon of the Seas cruise ship different from any that has come before

The Icon of the. Seas will have several firsts for Royal Caribbean, like the world's largest water park at sea and the first three-deck Ultimate Family Townhouse accommodation.Royal Caribbean Press Center

• In January 2024, the Icon of the Seas will begin service as the world's largest cruise vessel.
• The 20-deck floating resort will have 2,805 rooms to accommodate up to 7,600 guests.

In January 2024, Royal Caribbean's world's largest cruise ship will hit the seas. Months ahead of this highly anticipated debut, the internet and travelers are already abuzz with their opinions — both positive and negative — of the 20-deck behemoth.

While some have called it a "monstrosity," other travelers have been scrambling to book a room aboard the ship. Royal Caribbean said it saw its largest booking day in the company's history when reservations opened for the over $2 billion ship in October 2022. Now, its maiden voyage in late January is almost sold out, save for a few balcony staterooms and suites starting at over $4,670 per person.