(KMDL-FM) Fans of cruise vacations in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and all across the Gulf South should be rejoicing in the news that Royal Caribbean is bringing not one of the largest ships in the world, but THE largest cruise in the world to homeport in Galveston, Texas.
This means that Gulf Coast cruise fans will have the chance to sail on one of the most amazing and technologically advanced cruise vessels of our generation. The ship, the Icon of the Seas, will bring 250,800 tons of fun to Gulf Coast and Caribbean cruise itineraries in 2027.
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The Icon of the Seas, which will homeport in Miami until the time it moves to Galveston in 2027, will offer alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean Itineraries. Among the stops included in those travel plans are CocoCay, Roatan, and Cozumel. Incidentally, the new Royal Beach Club Cozumel is set to open in 2026, so there is another incentive to take that trip you've always dreamed of taking.
To be honest, I would rather stay on the ship than get off in Mexico, but you might feel differently about a stop in that nation. The crime rates and overall "less than clean" feeling I have observed have soured me personally on Mexico; even the tourist spots don't seem that safe, at least to me.
But if you're on the Icon of the Seas, you won't be missing out. The ship boasts a waterpark with six slides and seven pools. One of those pools is the largest at sea, and there is a suspended infinity pool for those who enjoy the feeling of floating above the ocean.
The Icon of the Seas also has a zipline and rock climbing course. There is also a FlowRider surf simulator, which is fun to try and even more fun to watch other people try. Ladies, make sure that your bikini top is tied securely before you try, and fellows, you probably do want to have the drawstring tied on your swimtrunks too.
The ship also has an ice rink, a comedy club, a Broadway-style theater, mini golf, sports courts, and a slew of great places to eat. So, you could have the vacation of a lifetime and never get off the boat. Trust me, I've done it, and the ship is even more fun when most of the people are on shore.
From what we understand, you may begin booking passage on the Icon of the Seas out of Galveston via your cruise advisor or through Royal Caribbean. The actual sailaways won't take place until August of 2027. But that should give you plenty of time to save up, get your passport updated, lose a few pounds, and nah..you're going on vacation, that stuff can wait until you get back.
Gallery Credit: American Cruise Lines
 
 
 

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