Royal Caribbean Expands Fleet with New Icon Class Ship

Royal Caribbean Group has solidified its relationship with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku through a new agreement to construct a fourth Icon Class ship, slated for delivery in 2027. This latest order further expands the cruise line’s innovative Icon Class series, following the successful launch of the first ship in January 2024.

The deal not only secures the fourth vessel for Royal Caribbean International but also opens the possibility for a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship, indicating robust future expansion plans. The Icon Class made its debut with the Icon of the Seas, which has set a new benchmark in the cruise industry with its revolutionary design and broad range of guest experiences.

The forthcoming vessels, including the Star of the Seas expected in 2025 and another yet-to-be-named ship in 2026, aim to build on the momentum generated by the Icon of the Seas. These ships are designed to offer unique vacation experiences, combining luxury with innovation to meet the evolving preferences of modern travelers.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership with Meyer Turku, highlighting the positive market response to the Icon Class ships. “Building on the incredible momentum and market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas and the excitement for its sister ship, Star of the Seas, coming in 2025, we’re thrilled to join with Meyer Turku once again to expand our roster of Icon Class ships and continue our future growth plans,” said Liberty.

The Icon Class has notably changed the landscape of vacationing, achieving high guest satisfaction and impressive financial performance. Meyer Turku’s relationship with Royal Caribbean Group has been a prolific one, with the shipbuilder set to have constructed 21 ships for the group over a span of 28 years.

In addition to the planned Icon Class ships, Royal Caribbean Group has a total of seven new ships on order, including two additional options. This year alone, the company celebrated the introduction of four new vessels, including Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas under the Royal Caribbean International brand, as well as Silversea’s Silver Ray and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff.

Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean, underscored the innovative nature of the Icon of the Seas, stating, “Icon of the Seas is unlike anything the world has seen before, and we’re just getting started.” He emphasized the company’s leadership in creating new and memorable experiences for guests, from relaxing to thrilling adventures.

This expansion trajectory is further bolstered by plans for a seventh Oasis Class ship, set to debut in 2028, which underscores Royal Caribbean’s commitment to growth and innovation in the cruise industry. The continuation of the Icon Class ships is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing arrangements.

With these developments, Royal Caribbean continues to pioneer new frontiers in the vacation industry, promising a future of memorable and groundbreaking sea-going adventures for its passengers.