Icon of the Seas Christened in Miami by Football Star Lionel Messi

Royal Caribbean International and world-renowned sports legend Lionel Messi celebrated the official christening of Miami’s new Icon of the Seas, ushering in a new age of holidays. As The Icon of Icon, Messi bestowed the one-of-a-kind blend of every vacation, its staff, and the millions of families who will create memories on Icon for years to come.

The most decorated football player in history’s Inter Miami CF teammates, Emmy award-winning host Mario Lopez, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, Captain Henrik Loy of Icon, and more attended the celebration.

Less than a week before Royal Caribbean International’s 55th anniversary, the world’s largest cruise line and world-renowned sports icon Lionel Messi – The Icon of Icons – unveiled the all-new Icon of the Seas at a lavish naming ceremony in Miami.

The most decorated football player conferred protection on the world’s finest family vacation, the dedicated crew, and the millions of families who will build memories on board for years to come.

“Family is everything to me, and it was exciting to take part in welcoming what is the world’s best family vacation to Miami,” said Lionel Messi, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of icons. “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 milestone moment seven years in the making, hosted by four-time Emmy award-winning host Mario Lopez, took place in the AquaDome neighbourhood – an engineering and experiential marvel in and of itself – and highlights the record-breaking roster of events in store on Icon.

“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of dreaming, innovating, and living our mission – responsibly delivering the world’s best vacation experiences. She is the ultimate multigenerational family vacation, forever changing the status quo in family travel and fulfilling vacation dreams for all ages on board,” said Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty. “With Lionel Messi presiding over the ship’s naming, we are thrilled and honoured to have someone iconic for delivering memories for millions of football fans around the world and who values making iconic memories with his family even more.”

Messi, the only eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and TIME’s 2023 Athlete of the Year, kicked off the much-anticipated holiday with a record-breaking performance worthy of an icon in its own right.

When Icon was first revealed in October 2022, it sparked the single greatest booking day and the highest volume booking week in the cruise line’s 53-year history. The Icon of Icon was joined on stage by Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, and Henrik Loy, the captain of Icon.

“We did it!” “After seven years of pursuing the bold vision of creating a one-of-a-kind vacation for every type of family and adventurer, Icon of the Seas has become a reality,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Officially naming Icon marks more than the introduction of a new ship; it is the start of a new era of vacations, and we’re excited to see tens of millions of families and friends make their mark with memories they create together and on their adventures without compromise.”

Icon offers extensive experiences that blend the most significant aspects of every journey, from the beach getaway to the resort escape and theme park excitement. Across eight neighbourhoods that are destinations in and of themselves, there are firsts and next-level favourites for everyone day and night, including adrenaline-pumping thrills like six record-breaking waterslides at Category 6 and the Crown’s Edge experience at 154 feet above the ocean, as well as unrivalled ways to relax with seven pools – one for every day of the week, including the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

The game-changing experiences include a stay-all-day community geared for families with small children, over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, and deck-defying entertainment across air, ice, water, and theatre, among other things.

On Saturday, 27 January, Icon of the Seas set sail for the first time on the new vacation, which included island hopping in the tropics. Each 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean journey departing from Miami includes picturesque Caribbean destinations and an unforgettable day of thrills and relaxation at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

In addition, the private island’s first adults-only retreat, Hideaway Beach, will be available on Perfect Day in January 2024. This all-day experience will include a private beach and pools, new dedicated areas for drinks and snacks, exclusive cabanas, live music, and more.