Stunning pictures have been unveiled that show the world's biggest cruise ship – Icon of the Seas – arriving in Miami for the first time, ahead of her official debut on January 27.

Counting down to the start of 'a new era of vacations', local residents and Royal Caribbean fans, executives and employees were on hand as the first to see Miami's newest resident.

Royal Caribbean said: 'Icon arrived in PortMiami in style, with celebratory fireboat salutes, banner planes in flight and a community celebration at Pérez Art Museum to mark the new vacation's first appearance of many to come in the Magic City.

'With the introduction of the world's best family vacation less than 20 days away, Icon will continue making its final preparations in Miami ahead of an iconic naming celebration and first cruise.'

Icon's debut sailing will be a seven-day jaunt from Miami to the Caribbean.