Royal Caribbean has announced that, rather than a godmother or godfather, Icon of the Seas will be named by a Royal Caribbean “Icon” – and that Icon is Lionel Messi.
The record-breaking ship will be named by the record-breaking football star who made his name at Barcelona before transfers to Paris Saint Germain and then Inter Miami, the US soccer team based in the same city where Icon of the Seas will be christened.
The news follows an announcement earlier in 2023 that Royal Caribbean was to become the Official Vacation Partner of Inter Miami CF, with a plan for the cruise line of work with the soccer club to create unique experiences for fans in Miami and around the world.
The date of the naming ceremony hasn’t yet been revealed, but it will likely happen close to the ship’s first official sailing on 27th January 2024.
In the ceremony, Messi will official give the ship her name and will wish good fortune to all who sail on her, as per tradition.
“I’m thrilled and honored to join the Royal Caribbean family to celebrate the arrival of the game-changing Icon of the Seas. Icon is beyond anything else that’s out there for family vacations, with incredible never-before-seen features, all designed for making memories together.”
Lionel Messi
Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest ever cruise ship, with capacity for 7,600 passengers and some amazing new neighborhoods and features, including record-breaking water slides and more.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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