It towers 20 decks above the waves, can accommodate a staggering 10,000 passengers and crew, and, at a quarter of a million gross tonnes, could swallow five Titanics for breakfast.
Coloured slides on the upper deck of the Icon of the Seas mark out Thrill Island, the largest waterpark at sea and it boasts a 17-metre indoor waterfall. The president of Royal Caribbean, Jason Liberty, told reporters it was the "biggest, baddest ship on the planet".
Yet the launch of the giant vessel, one of many the same size or bigger set to launch in the next two years, has refocused attention on the environmental impact of cruises.
Studies by NGOs comparing the carbon footprint of a weeklong holiday on a European cruise to taking a flight and staying in hotels, concluded such cruises were between twice and eight times as carbon intensive.
More than half of the 71 ships on order in 2023 were supersized vessels capable of carrying more than 4,500 passengers. Ten of these are expected to be built by the end of 2025.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 27, 2024 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 27, 2024 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Parry: Premier League would be 'sterile' without EFL
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Official review: Coote faces FA investigation as Webb breaks silence on video
The Football Association has launched its own investigation into the behaviour of the referee David Coote after remarks he made about Jürgen Klopp in a video that surfaced online this week.
Match-by-match: Coote's Liverpool games as an official
Referee who has been caught on video in a foul-mouthed tirade against Jürgen Klopp officiated 21 Liverpool games. Andy Hunter takes a look at the decisions in each one
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Is it really a surprise that an official or someone similar should end up glassy-eyed and spitting toxins on a sofa?
Hall's audition adds intrigue to England's Nations League finale
In-form Newcastle defender can show Thomas Tuchel he can be the solution to perennial problem on the left
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Blindkilde Brown and Fujino help City avoid slip up
Manchester City maintained their 100% start in the Women's Champions League group stage as second-half goals from youngsters Laura Blindkilde Brown and Aoba Fujino were enough to beat a determined Hammarby side.
Players must cope with extra scrutiny, says Lewis
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No input from Jones in England's plan to upset Springboks
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