Royal Caribbean International’s new ship, Icon of the Seas, has arrived in Miami ahead of its official debut on 27 January.

Locals, executives and employees were on hand as the first to see the vessel arrive in PortMiami, with celebratory fireboat salutes, banner planes in flight and a celebration at Pérez Art Museum.

With the introduction of the ship less than 20 days away, Icon of the Seas will continue making its final preparations in Miami ahead of its naming celebration – which will feature the ship’s “Icon”, football superstar Lionel Messi – and debut sailing.

Across the ship’s eight “neighbourhoods”, there are six record-breaking waterslides at Category 6 and the Crown’s Edge experience, seven pools, more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges and entertainment options featuring air, ice, water and theatre.

Icon will offer seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean sailings from Miami, featuring calls at the line’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

‘Excitement around Caribbean has never been higher’, says Royal Caribbean UK boss

Speaking to Cruise Trade News, Royal Caribbean vice president EMEA Ben Bouldin said the line’s bookings for Perfect Day were up 55% compared with the same time last year.

“The excitement around cruising in the Caribbean has never been higher,” he added. “And when people see Icon, I think we’re going to see another surge of interest and activity, particularly in the UK because it’s going to be the holiday everyone wants to take.”

Bouldin said the line is “exploring opportunities” to bring UK agents on board Icon when the vessel is in Europe.