Royal Caribbean Worldwide’s hotly anticipated new ship, Icon of the Seas, is taking distinctive form on the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the place the vessel is at present below building.
In a record-breaking maneuver, the shipyard has put in the wonderful AquaDome onboard the ship, the only largest glass and metal construction ever to be lifted onto a cruise ship, and the brand new vessel is one step iconic nearer to completion.
AquaDome Put in
It took greater than 80 hours of exact coordination to raise the 363-ton dome into place over the ship’s ahead part, the place it can encase one of many ship’s new signature neighborhoods.
The AquaDome stands at 82 ft (25 meters) tall and 164 ft (60 m) huge, with 673 glass panels providing unparalleled vistas by means of 220-degree, wraparound ocean views.
The dome’s construction additionally consists of 712 aluminum panels, and was assembled individually, additionally at Meyer Turku, previous to the huge raise operation with a specifically designed 155-ton rig.
It took 1,640 ft (500 m) of metal cables to raise the dome in a fragile operation that required good climate, together with low wind speeds, to make sure secure and safe set up. The dome has now been welded into place on the ship.
Now begins the following section of the AquaDome’s building, which incorporates the inside outfitting and set up of seating, lighting, bars, eating places, lounges, and different facilities, together with a 55-foot-tall (17 m) waterfall that may play dramatic elements in aquatic exhibits.
AquaDome Options and Leisure
Structural engineers and naval architects took months to plan and design the AquaDome, which can change into a transformational hub of exercise when Icon of the Seas launches in January 2024.
The house is meant as a multifunctional neighborhood, serving as a tranquil, peaceable house in the course of the day however an leisure heart within the night as the placement of a number of bars, lounges, eating places, and the ship’s excessive depth AquaTheater.
“AquaDome is the mix of evolution and revolution,” mentioned Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Worldwide. “We’ve all the time had an aqua theater expertise. Historically it’s been a boardwalk on our Oasis-class ships. With Icon, it’s utterly reworked.”
The AquaDome is a full geodesic dome with large quantity, enclosing an unlimited house whereas offering a way of openness, mild, and spaciousness. Inside will likely be a little bit of all the pieces, from retail and eating to bars and lounging. “It’s an entire collection of experiences,” Bayley mentioned.
Of particular significance is the truth that the AquaDome is totally enclosed, guaranteeing that poor climate is now not a deterrent for the marvelous AquaTheater exhibits, which embody excessive diving, slackline balancing, aerialists, particular results, and way more that may be even additional enhanced with the extra managed house.
“Icon of the Seas goes to take our already finest within the business leisure to an entire new stage,” mentioned Nick Weir, Senior Vice President, Leisure, for Royal Caribbean Worldwide. “That is going to be the most effective leisure ever seen.”
The waterfall is certain to be a showpiece of the house and can function all through the day, morphing by means of completely different actions and culminating with the AquaTheater exhibits, that are all the time sell-out occasions aboard Royal Caribbean ships.
What additional marvels will change into a part of Icon of the Seas? Keep tuned to Cruise Hive for additional particulars as they’re confirmed whereas the ship continues to come back collectively.
