open both at Disneyland and Disney World late in the year .
The new ride “ is important , as it helps to reset the tone ” as it replaces the former attraction attached to “ racist stereotypes and glorification of slavery ,” said Anita Francois , founder and CEO of Black Travel Summit . “ Now more than ever , we must be sensitive to what could be offensive to Black travelers and other travelers of color . We can ’ t expect these communities to feel good about where and with whom they spend time when there are still outdated ideologies from a painful part of history being exhibited .”
Top left : A rendering of the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo ; bottom left : “ The Heartbeat of New Orleans ” is a living mural featured in Tiana ’ s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Park ; above : A rendering of the colorful pool decks aboard Royal Caribbean ’ s new Icon of the Seas .
Royal Caribbean ’ s Icon of the Seas The largest cruise ship in the world will set off on its maiden voyage in January 2024 — and it ’ s a whopper . Royal Caribbean has been hard at work in Finland constructing its 1,198-foot-long Icon of the Seas , which will house up to 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members — an eye-popping total of nearly 10,000 souls on board . The ship boasts 18 guest decks ( 20 decks total ), 2,805 staterooms , seven pools and six enormous waterslides , all arranged around eight distinct neighborhoods . Miami will be the ship ’ s homeport , at least until spring 2025 .
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