Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Completes Second Sea Trials

One of the most highly anticipated cruise ships in recent years has successfully completed her second set of sea trials, bringing Icon of the Seas one critical step closer to her January 2024 debut.

These most recent tests took place over the course of a week and have confirmed the ship’s technical operation.

Icon of the Seas Finishes Sea Trial Testing

Royal Caribbean International’s much-anticipated Icon of the Seas returned from her second set of sea trials on Monday, November 6, 2023, having aced the testing and proven her capabilities – just 82 days before she will welcome guests for the first time.

The ship’s first set of sea trials was held in June 2023, which were also a resounding success. It is not unusual for vessels to undergo two separate trials, which not only confirm the results but may also test additional systems after controls may have been adjusted. This is particularly true when a ship will be the first of a new class and as innovative as Icon of the Seas.

Different operational systems are tested during sea trials, including navigational controls, safety and emergency responses, maximum speed, braking, turning, and more.

Meyer Turku, the shipyard constructing Icon of the Seas, detailed some of the testing to give eager cruise fans insights into what these sea trials entailed.

“The ship’s noise, vibration, speed, fin stabilizers, automation, and main engine adjustments are tested. During the first test run in June, informal tests and verifications were made that everything works as it should,” said Olli Jantunen, Icon project manager.

Royal Caribbean International confirmed the success of the second set of trials via social media.

“She aced every test,” the cruise line said. “Icon of the Seas successfully finished her final sea trials after eight days and hundreds of inspections at sea.”

This second set of trials began on Sunday, October 29, 2023, and were conducted in the Baltic Sea south of Finland. The ship has now returned to the shipyard for final outfitting before her official delivery to Royal Caribbean International in the coming weeks.

What Remains to Be Done?

Icon of the Seas is now more than 90% constructed, including interior outfitting and design details. Final flourishes must still be installed and the ship must be fully supplied before her January 2024 debut.

For example, the signature carousel on Deck 7 in the ship’s family-oriented Surfside neighborhood has been only partially installed, with the main structure now operational but the figures yet to be added.