I saw Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas being built and I'm convinced the next world's largest cruise ship could shake up the industry

In mid-May, the cruise line invited a group of reporters to visit the upcoming Icon of the Seas while under construction in Turku, Finland's Meyer Turku shipyard.

Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

At the time, it was hard to imagine the rows of scaffolding, tarp-covered structures, and wires hanging from the ceiling like vines in a rainforest would soon become a c ruising family's dream vacation.

But in June, the cruise giant announced its upcoming ship had completed the first round of sea trials.

And if touring the ship several months ago taught me anything about the future vessel, it's that all of the attention it has received so far is warranted.

These are the nine reasons I think the vessel will shake up the family cruise industry.

1. Other cruise ships will be physically stunted by the Icon — it will be 1,198 feet-long.

2. The Icon of the Seas has more dining and drinking venues than any ship I've been on so far.

This includes a swim-up bar for adults, a grab-and-go sushi station, espresso martinis at Rye and Bean.

3. Royal Caribbean is promising the Icon will be home to the world's largest water park at sea.

Three of its water slides will be a first for the cruise line.

4. Besides the water park, there are plenty of onboard activities for families.

For example, activities like Crown's Edge rope course could leave its thrill-seeking participants suspended 155 feet above the ocean.

But for travelers who don't want to break a sweat, there are less intense places to spend their time, such as the carousel, arcade, or children's water park.

5. Pool decks will no longer be rows of pool chairs surrounding one or two large pools.

Instead, the behemoth vessel will have what Royal Caribbean calls a "suspended infinity pool."

6. The ship will have 28 different staterooms and suites that will make up its 2,805 hotel rooms at sea.

Of these 28 categories, 14 will be new to the brand.

Royal Caribbean International

Some will be as expensive as exclusive luxury cruises, like the three-story ultimate family townhouse booking for an average of $75,000 a week. This glitzy accommodation was 55% sold out in February, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean's CEO, told investors.