The cruise industry has always been a subject of debate, especially regarding its environmental impact and the experience it offers passengers.

Recently, a new mega-cruise ship named the Icon of the Seas has stirred up much controversy.

Set to debut in January, the ship has been criticized for being an “obscenely tall vessel packed with colorful amenities,” raising questions about its sustainability and the quality of experience it offers.

The Icon of the Seas: A Floating City

The Icon of the Seas is a massive structure, measuring 1,198 feet long and featuring 20 decks. It can ferry nearly 10,000 passengers and crew members.

A seven-day cruise aboard this ship will cost around $2,000 on the low end. While some see this as an exciting opportunity for endless fun and activities, others find it overwhelming.

Tom Davis, a professor of psychology at the University of Alabama, stated,

“For some, a vessel this size with so much packed on it likely represents a lot of fun with ongoing activities and freedom from boredom.

For others, they may have never been on a cruise and think this is too much to take in all at once.”

Environmental Impact of Cruise Ships

Cruise ships contribute significantly to various forms of pollution, including air, water, and solid waste. A seven-day Antarctic cruise can emit as much carbon per traveler as an average European in a year.

These ships also generate enormous amounts of sewage; a 3,000-passenger ship produces about 21,000 gallons daily. Efforts to go green in the industry include using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and exhaust gas cleaning systems.

However, these measures are often insufficient, and many cruise lines have been fined for violating environmental regulations.

Royal Caribbean’s “Icon Of The Seas”

The upcoming “Icon Of The Seas” will be the largest cruise ship in the world when it sets sail in January 2024. The ship will hold 10,000 people, including 7,600 passengers and 2,400 crew members.

It is reportedly five times larger and heavier than the Titanic and will have 20 deck floors. Opinions on the ship are varied, with some expressing trust in its safety due to advancements in maritime security. In contrast, others criticized it for being like a “floating Walmart on Black Friday.”

Public Opinion: A Mixed Bag

Since its unveiling in October, the Icon of the Seas has received much negative attention.

It was even featured on Reddit’s r/Anticonsumption page, where users called the ship the “Icon of Disease” and compared it to a hellscape.

Public comments range from calling it “a floating migraine” to stating, “I’d pay NOT to go.” The sentiment seems to be that the ship is too much, both in terms of its size and its impact.

Another one added, “It’s giving Polly Pocket”

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Sources

1. trvst.world/environment/environmental-impact-of-cruise-ships/
2. reddit.com/r/titanic/comments/14vtbod/do_you_trust_this_ship_royal_caribbeans_icon_of/

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