Earlier this week, the internet was treated to the first glimpse of a colossal vessel that can only be described as mind-blowingly massive. We’re talking about a boat so big that it makes the Titanic look like a mere speck in comparison. Known as the “Icon of the Seas,” this magnificent cruise ship is set to join the Royal Caribbean fleet on October 26 and will be open to the public in 2024.
With its incredible features, including the largest water park at sea, its own “Central Park,” eight distinct neighborhoods, and a staggering 20 decks, this ship has a capacity for 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members. Stretching nearly 1,200 feet in length and projected to weigh a mind-boggling 250,800 tons, maneuvering this vessel is equivalent to keeping two of Toronto’s CN Towers afloat.
The internet has been buzzing with excitement over the release of the ship’s rendering, which showcases its grandeur. Social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, however, have been abuzz with discussions surrounding the ship’s intimidating size.
Many individuals expressed their unease about the gigantic proportions of the ship. Here are just a few examples of the criticisms shared on Twitter:
– “This ship looks like the perfect meal for orcas in the ocean.”
– “The Icon of the Seas is like a floating nightmare. Just looking at the pictures fills me with anxiety.”
– “Being five times larger and heavier than the Titanic is not a feature that appeals to anyone with common sense…”
– “The sight of this monstrosity of a cruise ship gives me chills. I can’t even imagine being stuck on it in the middle of the ocean *shudder*”
– “I understand the physics behind ships this size, but when I see them, I can’t help but be amazed. Also, this thing is huge!”
Some individuals even referenced Biblical passages, specifically Revelations 13:1, to capture their concerns about the ship’s massive presence.
It’s important to note that the circulating image of the ship is a rendering, and a recent photograph from a test run offers a more realistic perspective. Royal Caribbean International assures that this vessel is not only an impressive engineering achievement but also a safe one. Extensive sea trials were conducted to test the main engines, hull, and other vital components. The ship successfully sailed the open ocean for the first time last month, cementing its seaworthiness.
Despite these reassurances, the psychological and emotional impact of the ship’s size cannot be ignored. Psychologist Elisabeth Morray believes that humans are naturally wired to prioritize safety, and the image of the ship triggers concerns about the ability to escape potential threats. Questions arise about the ship’s stability on the constantly shifting ocean surface, compounded by anxieties surrounding previous cruise ship incidents, disease outbreaks, assaults, and accidents.
The sheer magnitude of the ship also contributes to feelings of insignificance and smallness in comparison. Imagining oneself as a tiny being aboard such an enormous vessel, mostly enclosed and partly submerged beneath the ocean’s surface, can be quite unsettling. Content creator Greg Weller, known for discussing phobias on his YouTube channel, describes cruise ships as already evoking a strange combination of overwhelming size and confinement. The rendered image amplifies these sensations, causing anxiety-ridden individuals to contemplate potential mishaps.
Beyond general anxieties, individuals may have actual phobias triggered by the image. Christopher Paul Jones, a leading phobia specialist, mentions megalophobia (fear of large objects) and thalassophobia (fear of deep bodies of water) as examples. These fears stem from feeling overwhelmed or out of control in relation to these immense objects. The image of the cruise ship can also provoke claustrophobia, with the idea of being trapped on a large vessel in the middle of the ocean.
Phobias like these are highly treatable through exposure therapy, which gradually exposes individuals to their feared object or situation to change their response.
Seth D. Norrholm, an associate professor of psychiatry specializing in anxiety and fear, had a visceral reaction upon seeing the rendering of the ship. He believes that the cruise ship experience evokes both the sensation of excessive size and cramped spaces. After living through a pandemic, people are more aware of the rapid spread of germs in crowded environments. The rendering’s extravagant size and theme park aesthetic may also elicit feelings of guilt and shame related to excess and the potential misuse of resources.
Overall, the collective unease surrounding the image stems from historical associations with tragic events like the sinking of the Titanic. Recent incidents, such as the implosion of the Titan tourist submersible used to view the ship’s wreckage, further exacerbate people’s caution towards the ocean. We have become wary of the sea and are quick to criticize those who appear oblivious to its potential dangers.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the “Icon of the Seas” cruise ship has stirred up a mixture of awe, anxiety, and skepticism among internet users. Whether it’s concerns about safety, unease with the ship’s grandiosity, or triggers of specific phobias, the rendering has undoubtedly ignited a range of emotional responses.
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