Royal Caribbean International has appointed the first "official dog" aboard the world's largest cruise ship. Meet Rover, a five-month-old golden retriever, who will serve as a permanent resident on the Icon of the Seas. His mission? "Bringing joy to passengers and crew," Royal Caribbean said.

The company has designated "Rover" as the "Chief Dog Officer," a role noticeably absent on other cruise ships. In a video shared on its Instagram account, the American company outlines Rover's responsibilities: "As a member of the 'Icon' crew, Rover's task is to bring joy and happiness to his crewmates and guests on board. From daily walks to outings on deck with the captain, Rover has already made himself at home."

Rover will be accompanied by Allison, an Australian crew member with a five-year tenure at Royal Caribbean. As the cruise ship's sole permanent resident, Rover stands out amidst a crew that regularly rotates. Picture her leisurely wandering through the ship's Central Park, a genuine park boasting 10,000 plants meticulously tended to by around ten gardeners. Undoubtedly, this promises to be the onboard environment that passengers will adore the most.

The news received a warm online reception, with the post quickly amassing likes from several thousand people. Royal's latest recruit has left an indelible mark on the Icon's Royal Promenade, where the company replaced the customary classic car with a charming dog statue.

Rover boarded the Icon of the Seas in Puerto Rico, where it loaded supplies and made preparations for its inaugural voyage on January 27, 2024. The prospect of sailing on the world's largest cruise ship, accompanied by the delightful presence of Rover, has undoubtedly heightened anticipation among future passengers.