Channel 4 has commissioned a one-off observational documentary from the BAFTA-winning Welsh production company Afanti Media, offering an exclusive look at the maiden voyage of Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship.

Standing 20 decks high, stretching nearly 1,200 feet in length, and weighing close to 250,000 gross tons, the Icon of the Seas is a marvel of modern engineering. It features the largest water park at sea, seven swimming pools, a 55-foot-tall waterfall, a thrilling ride 154 feet above the water, and over 40 bars and restaurants catering to up to 7,600 guests.

The documentary will take viewers along on this inaugural journey as families embark on the holiday of a lifetime from Miami, supported by a dedicated crew ensuring that the ship’s first voyage is a smooth and memorable experience.

Channel 4’s Jasper Hone, comments: “Channel 4 is delighted to have Afanti on board to give viewers unique access to this record-breaking vessel’s maiden voyage. The film promises to show the extraordinary work behind the scenes to make such an experience possible for holidaymakers and crew alike.”

Emyr Afan, CEO of Afanti Media adds:“Afanti has a reputation for producing large scale shows and they don’t come much bigger than this. It was one of those rare opportunities when we could say to the Channel: if you don’t commission this you’ll ‘miss the boat’… literally! We consider it a great honour to tell the story of this world first, following two years of development and access negotiations”

The documentary will air before the end of the summer on Channel 4.