Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship will arrive to her homeport this week, and there's going to be a giant celebration.
Icon of the Seas is on her way to Miami, which will be her homeport and where she will sail out of when cruises begin.
The new cruise ship is a big deal to Royal Caribbean, and they want a party to celebrate her arrival.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley posted on social media an invitation to an early morning welcome party in Miami to celebrate Icon's arrival.
Icon of the Seas departed Ponce, Puerto Rico a few days ago, and will arrive in Miami on Wednesday, January 10.
The ship is scheduled to arrive around 7am eastern into the PortMiami area on Wednesday. The cruise line had originally planned to bring Icon in on Tuesday, but the forecast was not favorable, and pushed back her sail-in to Wednesday.
Mr. Bayley wants cruise fans that can be in the area to join in the festivities, "Come and join us!" he wrote on his Facebook post.
Anyone interested in attending should go to Perez Art Museum Miami for the ship's arrival.
If you go, you won't be alone. Mr. Bayley said many Royal Caribbean employees and cruise fans will be there to celebrate.
"Look for us waving from ICON as we arrive into Miami," he wrote as he implored fans to join in.
"Let’s wake up the whole city with our excitement for the Icon of Vacations’ arrival home."
He also said there's going to be games, breakfast bites, live music and giveaways every 15 minutes.
But first, a crew member party
Before Icon heads to Miami, she will make a stop at the cruise line's private island and give the hard working crew members onboard an opportunity to rest and party before more the inaugural work starts.
Mr. Bayley posted a photo of the nearly complete new adults-only beach expansion, Hideaway Beach.
Hideaway Beach is an extra-cost area that will be only for guests visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay that are 18-years-old or older.
Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, secrets, and tricks
It's located on the western side of the private island, and will feature an infinity pool, cove pool, DJ, private cabanas, and a few included restaurants.
The cost to visit Hideaway Beach depends on your sailing, but the price has been around $30-$50 per person on many sailings.
The new beach won't open to the public until Icon of the Seas' first official visit with paying passengers early next month, but it will be ready for crew members on Monday.
"Our amazing Icon crew will be the first to experience the biggest and best private island party at the new Hideaway Beach," Mr. Bayley posted on Facebook.
"This break is so well-deserved as they've been working hard to put the finishing details on Icon, making sure the ship is just right for our first guests."
"I am so grateful for this startup crew and the years of expertise and passion they bring to the World’s Best Family Vacation."
After the party on Monday, the crew members have a day off while at sea for, "crew recovery". There's also high winds and rain expected in Miami on Tuesday, so the cruise line will wait an extra day for Icon's arrival to avoid the front moving through South Florida on Tuesday.
Prepping for cruises to begin
Once Icon is in Miami, Royal Caribbean has plans to ready the ship for the first official sailing.
Icon of the Seas will remain in Miami for a couple of days, before a series of employee shakedown cruises.
Shakedown cruises are cruises with employees who act as guests to give the crew members onboard an opportunity to test and adjust their procedures. Think of it like a dress rehearsal.
The final shakedown cruises will occur on January 20 and January 23 when Royal Caribbean hosts members of the media and travel agents onboard for two 3-night cruises. The latter sailing will include the naming ceremony with the ship's Godfather, Lionel Messi.
Icon then takes one final break on January 26 before paying passengers will be able to board the ship for it's official maiden voyage on January 27.
The maiden voyage will be a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts & Nevis.
