Icon of the Seas: Everything you need to know about world's biggest cruise ship as it prepares for maiden voyage

The world's largest cruise ship has caused a storm as it was unveiled with huge fanfare.

Royal Caribbean described Icon of the Seas as a "game changer" for holidays and the "largest waterpark at sea" as it launched it.

Five times the size of the Titanic, it is set to embark on its first passenger voyage in 2024.

But the huge ship sparked a mixed reaction, with some describing the water-slide laden creation as a "monstrosity" and a "nightmare".

Here is everything you need to know about Icon of the Seas.

How big is Icon of the Seas and how many passengers can it hold?

Icon of the Seas is nearly 1,198ft (365 metres) long – about 10ft longer than the previous longest cruise ship in the world, Harmony of the Seas – which is the same as three and a half football pitches.

The vessel has 20 decks, 18 of which can be accessed by passengers, making her the biggest cruise ship in the world.

Icon of the Seas will be able to carry around 8,000 people – 5,610 passengers plus 2,350 crew members.

How many pools and waterslides are there on Icon of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean has described Icon of the Seas as "the world's largest waterpark at sea".

According to its website, the vessel will have seven pools "for every mood", including the "largest pool at sea" and a huge waterpark boasting six waterslides and nine whirlpools.

The Icon of the Seas is said to have eight "neighbourhoods" – five of which are focused on water-based fun.

They include: 'Thrill Island' featuring a huge waterpark and slides; 'Chill Island' with ocean views and a swim-up bar; 'Surfside' with a family-friendly feel and activities for children, as well as 'The Hideaway' with a suspended infinity pool. There is also 'Aquadome' with ocean views and a waterfall.

What else is there to do on Icon of the Seas?

Alongside its many waterparks, Icon of the Seas promises more than 40 ways to drink and dine, including more than 15 bars and "nightlife experiences" spread across its eight neighbourhoods, including "much more than dinner and a show".

The ship has a food hall, a mini golf experience, an arcade and a karaoke bar, plus games including darts, billiards and retro arcade classics.

It also offers Adrenaline Peak, a rock climbing wall, and Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

For adrenaline junkies, there is even a "sky walk" suspended over the sea for people to walk along.

When is the first voyage of Icon of the Seas?

Construction on Icon of the Seas cruise ship was recently finished in Finland and it has completed its first round of sea trials.

According to Royal Caribbean the tests in June included its main engines, hull, brake system, steering, and noise and vibration levels.

It has since returned to its shipyard and is expected to undergo more sea trials before embarking on its first passenger voyage in 2024.

How much does it cost to go on Icon of the Seas?

The Icon of the Seas will take passengers on a seven-day Caribbean cruise from Miami.

There are various routes, all including the Bahamas, but some cover the western Caribbean with stops in Mexico, while others stick to the eastern part of the holiday hot spot, with destinations including St Kitts and St Maarten.

Average prices for a seven-day trip on the ship, according to the Royal Caribbean website, range from $1,876 (£1,433) to $2,497 (£1,908).

What do people think about Icon of the Seas?

The huge ship has sparked a mixed reaction, with some voicing criticism over the "monstrosity".

One Twitter user said: "As visions of hell go, that’s pretty much the most hellish", while another said: "That does NOT look relaxing...at all", and some questioned whether the ship is actually real.

But the ship has reportedly already proven popular, with some sources saying Royal Caribbean International had said the day reservations opened for the vessel was their "single largest booking day" in the company's history.