Disrupting the peace and tranquility

Nothing can disrupt the peace and tranquility of a harbor quite like when a small city descends upon the small town. And now that small city has gotten bigger.

The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, set sail January 27 from Miami on its maiden voyage. The ship is longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall, with 20 decks and room for more than 5,600 passengers (7,600 at maximum capacity) and a crew of 2,350.

To ensure no one goes bored or hungry, the monster ship, registered in the Bahamas, has seven swimming pools including a 40,000-gallon “lake,” six water slides, a carousel, what Royal Caribbean says is the largest ice arena at sea, and more than 40 dining venues and bars. – Full report