An employee of the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has given a glimpse of what passengers can expect when they board at the end of the month: The menu includes everything from Japanese cuisine to mini golf.
Erica DePascale, who uses the username @ericafromamerica on her social media channels, boarded the 1,198-foot, 250,800-ton vessel in Cadiz, Spain, on December 22 and arrived in Ponce, Puerto Rico on January 2 .
On the 20-deck ship, Erica reveals that she and her colleagues “stress tested” all the facilities on board to make sure they were working before guests departed Miami, Florida for a seven-deck on January 27 set sail – a night trip through the Caribbean.
In one of her TikToks, Erica shows how she ate at the ship's Japanese restaurant Izumi (one of over 20 restaurants on the ship) on Christmas Day and she described the food as “amazing as always,” with a large bowl of ramen brought to her. back to life.'
Erica DePascale boarded the 1,198-foot, 250,800-ton vessel in Cadiz, Spain, on December 22 and arrived in Ponce, Puerto Rico on January 2
In one of her TikToks, Erica shows how she had dinner at Japanese restaurant Izumi (one of over 20 restaurants on the ship) on Christmas Day, and she described the food as “amazing.”
The 20-deck ship will set sail from Miami, Florida, on January 27 with passengers for a seven-day voyage through the Caribbean
Later, there was a crew show and a round of bingo in one of the ship's theater rooms, which she said was great fun.
Other facilities Erica was able to try out included laser tag, which she described as “such a cool experience” while she tested her mini-golf skills on the Lost Dunes course on the ship's upper deck.
The ship's roof decks are also home to one of the largest water parks at sea, and Erica's shots give a sneak peek at some of the standout attractions, including colorful looping slides and a 40,000-gallon swimming pool that has yet to be filled.
In one clip, employees, including the ship's Santa Claus, can be seen twirling FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surfing simulator, into the air.
In her latest TikTok, Erica is seen getting ready for the ship's first crew-only New Year's Eve extravaganza, and she reveals that Royal Caribbean is taking her to one of the ship's most exclusive suites for the night for the occasion checked in.
The Ultimate Family Townhouse sleeps eight people and features a private sundeck, indoor slide, karaoke room and various balconies.
Seven nights set families back a staggering $85,000, but Erica has yet to give her verdict on the three-story suite.
When the cruise pro first arrived at the ship in Spain, it was in dry dock rather than in the water, and she was allowed to take a tour beneath the massive structure.
Other facilities Erica was able to try out included laser tag and the Overlook Pods.
The cruise employee and influencer tested her mini-golf skills on the Lost Dunes course on the ship's upper deck
She said of the tour: “I've done it before on the Mariner of the Sea, but to be able to go underneath the largest cruise ship in the world.”
“It was like walking through a pitch-black cave.
“I mean, we literally walked under the ship with our heads touching the bottom of the ship.
“It was a unique experience.” I almost burst into tears inside.'
Before she set sail, Erica said she saw the ship changing, “a lot of construction happening, a lot of art being installed, [and] A lot of testing is being done.'
“It's just great to see how the ship changes every day,” she told her fans.
In total, the ship features eight different “neighborhoods,” including Central Park with four living walls and The Hideaway with the first floating infinity pool at sea.
Chill Island also promises to be a crowd favorite with cruise guests, with a swim-up bar called Swim & Tonic.
The ship's roof decks are also home to one of the largest water parks at sea, and Erica's shots give a first look at some of the standout attractions
In total, the ship has eight different “districts,” including Central Park, which is decorated with four living walls
The cruise ship cost the cruise company Royal Caribbean $2 billion to build and took years to assemble
Icon of the Sea's first cruise includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.
Prices for this year's seven-day Caribbean cruise program start at about $1,800.
However, so far almost all “cabins” have been reserved and paid for, and those yet to be allocated cost between $4,793 and $7,121.
The cruise ship cost the cruise company Royal Caribbean $2 billion to build and took years to assemble.
It can carry up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew and promises to be one of the most environmentally friendly ships ever built.
It runs on liquefied natural gas, which powers six engines and produces 67,500 kW (90,520 hp).
Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley said: “When you look at the energy and time that went into this ship, it's overwhelming.”
Erica was one of the 500 workers who embarked on the Icon of the Sea's first major voyage. 500 more joined along the way and more will join before vacationers can see the journey for themselves.