Ahead of the debut of the Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International has revealed that Lionel Messi, the most decorated soccer player in history, will be the Icon of Icons.
revolutionary Icon of the Seas will make its debut in January 2024. The cruise line has announced that Lionel Messi will officially be the Icon of the Seas' ambassador.
The footballer will welcome the new boat in a christening ceremony that will take place in Miami.
Messi has broken a list of records throughout his career, including winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or eight times and being named TIME magazine's 2023 Athlete of the Year for ushering in a new era in American soccer after signing for Inter Miami CF (partner of Royal Caribbean and new Leagues Cup champion).
Icon of the Seas has also set records. Its launch in October 2022 generated the highest number of bookings in a single day and the highest volume of bookings in a week in the cruise line's 53 -year history
With six record-breaking water slides, seven pools, the first neighborhood designed for young families, and more than 40 different dining, drinking, and entertainment options.
“I am thrilled and honored to join the Royal Caribbean family in celebrating the arrival of the revolutionary Icon of the Seas,” said Lionel Messi. “Icon takes the family vacation concept to the next level with incredible, never-before-seen features, all designed to create lasting memories together.”
Messi's new role follows the recent announcement of the agreement between Royal Caribbean and Inter Miami CF, in which the cruise line is the Club's Premier Partner and Official Vacation Partner. Royal Caribbean and Inter Miami CF will also celebrate the arrival of Icon with the next phase of their partnership.
“Icon of the Seas represents the culmination of more than 50 years of creating memorable vacations, and is ready to live up to its name in multiple ways as it transforms the vacation industry in January 2024,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
“It is that ability to make such a broad impact and change the status quo that the Icon of Icons must embody, and Lionel Messi has proven to be the perfect example of this for years in the world of sport and, more recently, by ushering in a new era of excitement and passion for soccer in Miami and the United States.”
As part of a long maritime tradition, Messi will participate in the christening ceremony of the Icon in January 2024 in Miami. As the “Icon of Icon,” he will have the honor of bestowing protection upon the new ship, its crew, and the families on board.
The vacation will be rounded out with different destinations that travelers can visit year-round aboard Icon. Each 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyage from Miami will visit idyllic locations throughout the Caribbean, such as Philipsburg in St. Maarten; Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, plus an unparalleled day of excitement and relaxation on Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
In addition, in January 2024, the island's first adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, will offer a complete experience with a private beach, pools, places to drink and snack, exclusive cabanas, live music and much more.
Hector/Javi — This is a new development before it was translated. All markets have been asked to keep the “Icon of Icon” in English. Can you check when I changed that to make sure we're accurate?
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
