Royal Caribbean reveals plans for fifth mega cruise ship

Royal Caribbean has announced an ambitious plan to construct a fifth Icon class mega cruise ship, further solidifying its position in the cruise industry. This new addition follows the ongoing development of a fourth ship, known as Icon 4, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The fourth ship is set to launch in 2027, with the fifth expected to follow in 2028. Additionally, the agreement includes options for a sixth and seventh ship, marking a significant expansion for the cruise line.

Details of the New Ships

Royal Caribbean’s Icon class ships are recognized as the largest cruise vessels in the world, and all are being constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard. The first two ships in this series, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, have already made headlines, with the former launched in 2023 and the latter debuting this summer. Meanwhile, the third ship, Legend of the Seas, recently celebrated its float-out ceremony and is on track for a 2026 launch.

Set Sail On One of the Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships in the World

The construction of these mega ships is marked by significant milestones, including a recent keel-laying ceremony where new coins were placed under the first steel block of the ship, symbolizing the official start of construction. Jason Liberty, president of Royal Caribbean Group, expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter for the company, highlighting the collaboration with Meyer Turku and the Finnish maritime sector. He stated, “This is an exciting time for our company, and we are proud to launch this new stage in our history.”

With this latest agreement, Royal Caribbean has secured shipbuilding slots at Meyer Turku until 2036, ensuring a robust future for its fleet expansion. Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that the framework agreement sets the stage for a decade of innovation and growth in shipbuilding.