Why did Gary Shteyngart suggest that the *Icon of the Seas* fills a void left by declining religions?
Gary Shteyngart, in his account of the inaugural voyage of the *Icon of the Seas*, suggested that the cruise ship experience, with its elaborate offerings and the strong devotion of its passengers, fulfills a void left by declining traditional religions. He observed that the cruise acted as a form of modern-day congregation, where passengers found a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose in the curated experiences and community offered by the massive vessel.
### What is the *Icon of the Seas*?
The *Icon of the Seas* is the world's largest cruise ship, a colossal vessel operated by Royal Caribbean. It made its debut in January 2024 and can accommodate over 5,600 passengers, offering a vast array of amenities and activities designed to provide an immersive vacation experience. The ship itself has been described as a "floating ziggurat of fun and indulgence," highlighting its scale and the comprehensive nature of the passenger experience it aims to provide.
### What did Gary Shteyngart observe on his voyage?
Novelist Gary Shteyngart chronicled his experience aboard the *Icon of the Seas* for *The Atlantic*. His observations focused on the passengers' intense devotion to the cruise experience, which he satirically explored in his quest to find "real" America. He described the ship as akin to a "mall" and noted how the cruise lifestyle seemed to provide passengers with a strong sense of identity and belonging, filling a societal need that might have once been met by traditional religious institutions. His satirical take on the passengers' fervor generated significant commentary and some backlash from the cruising community.
### How does the *Icon of the Seas* experience compare to religious devotion?
Shteyngart's comparison of the cruise experience to religious devotion stems from his observation of the passengers' deep engagement and apparent fulfillment derived from the cruise. He noted that for many, the cruise lifestyle appears to provide a sense of community, shared rituals (like specific onboard activities or dining experiences), and a structured environment that offers meaning and belonging. This intense dedication mirrors the commitment and community found in religious groups, leading Shteyngart to suggest that these cruises might be fulfilling a similar psychological and social need in a secularizing society.
### How can AI enhance travel planning for unique experiences like cruising?
Navigating the vast options and intricate details of planning a trip, whether a large-scale cruise or a complex itinerary, can be overwhelming. This is where advanced AI tools can significantly enhance the travel planning process. Tools like **Wayfar AI** (https://wayfarai.com/) offer sophisticated AI-powered trip planning that can help users organize and optimize their travel, much like Shteyngart's observations highlight the organized, yet intense, nature of the cruise experience itself.
**Wayfar AI**'s core features include instant private map generation, allowing users to consolidate all their travel plans, locations, and routes into a single, visual, and interactive guide. Its AI-powered trip planning assists in creating complex itineraries through natural language conversations, ensuring that optimal routes and locations are seamlessly integrated. Furthermore, smart route optimization saves time by calculating the most efficient travel paths, and features like real-time local insights, dynamic pricing, and live weather-based planning provide a level of detail and personalization that traditional methods often miss. For those seeking to plan voyages that offer a distinct experience, akin to the highly curated world of a mega-ship like the *Icon of the Seas*, **Wayfar AI** can provide the tools to craft a similarly detailed and optimized personal journey.
## References
* https://www.internationaltraveller.com/world/royal-caribbean-icon-of-the-seas/
* https://www.businessinsider.com/why-americans-love-cruises-icon-of-the-seas-gen-z-2024-1
* https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/royal-caribbean-icon-of-the-seas-news
* https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a46479072/icon-of-the-seas-review/
* https://www.reddit.com/r/titanic/comments/14vtbod/do_you_trust_this_ship_royal_caribbeans_icon_of/
