THE ICON OF ICON OF THE SEAS: LIONEL MESSI NAMED OFFICIAL ICON FOR ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S NEW VACATION

An iconic kickoff will mark the start of a new era of vacations when Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas debuts January 2024. The world’s largest cruise line has revealed sports icon Lionel Messi is the official Icon of Icon of the Seas. As the Icon, the most decorated fútbol player in history will welcome the new ship at an exclusive naming celebration in Miami.

Widely regarded as the greatest of all time, Messi has and continues to set a long list of records throughout his career that includes winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award eight times and TIME’s 2023 Athlete of the Year. Further, he ushered in a new era of fútbol in the U.S. by joining Royal Caribbean partner and new Leagues Cup champion Inter Miami CF.

In its own right, Icon has also marked record-breaking moments. With six record-setting waterslides, seven pools, the first neighborhood for young families, more than 40 ways to dine, and drink and entertain, Icon is where every type of adventurer can make memories.

“I’m thrilled and honored to join the Royal Caribbean family to celebrate the arrival of the game-changing Icon of the Seas,” said Lionel Messi, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of Icon. “Icon is beyond anything else that’s out there for family vacations, with incredible never-before-seen features, all designed for making memories together.”

“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable vacations, and it’s set to live up to its name in more ways than one when it changes the vacation industry in January 2024,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “It’s that ability to make such a widespread impact and change the status quo that the Icon of Icon must personify, and Lionel Messi has proven to be the perfect example of that for years in the world of sports and most recently in introducing a new era of excitement and passion for fútbol in Miami and the U.S.”

As part of a longstanding maritime tradition, Messi will take part in the iconic naming celebration for Icon in Miami. The Icon of Icon will have the honor of bestowing safekeeping onto the new ship, its crew, and the millions of families who will create memories of a lifetime on board in the years to come.

More on Icon of the Seas

Whether “family vacation” means getting away as a family, couple, or friends, everyone can make memories their way every day with Icon’s all-encompassing lineup of firsts and next-level favorites across eight neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is a destination in itself featuring a variety of experiences, live entertainment, restaurants, bars, and more.

Rounding out the world’s best vacation are the sun-soaked destinations vacationers can visit year-round while on Icon. Each 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventure from Miami is all about island hopping. The itineraries feature idyllic locales across the Caribbean – like Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

They also feature an unmatched day of thrill and chill at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Plus, dialing up the perfect on Perfect Day in January 2024 is the private island’s first adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach. This all-day experience is complete with a private beach, pools, spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music, and more.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

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