Photo: Serenade of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with shipbuilder Meyer Turku to order a fourth Icon Class ship, for delivery to Royal Caribbean International in 2027.

The agreement also includes options to build a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship. The agreement is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing.

“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 Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Since its debut, Icon has changed the game in vacation experiences and exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance.”

Icon of the Seas, the first ship in the Icon Class, launched in January 2024. The next ship in the lineup, Star of the Seas, is set to launch in 2025, and a third Icon Class ship will launch in 2026.

The anticipation for Royal Caribbean Group’s new-build pipeline continues to grow, with seven new ships on order, and two shipyard options. This year alone, the company welcomed four new industry-leading ships, including Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, Silversea’s Silver Ray and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7.

With this order, Meyer Turku will have built 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group over 28 years.

This order comes on the heels of the company’s announcement for a seventh Oasis Class ship, set to debut for Royal Caribbean International in 2028.

“Icon of the Seas is unlike anything the world has seen before, and we’re just getting started,” added Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We are leading the vacation industry in developing new experiences for our guests to create lifelong memories, and we continue dreaming and evolving to deliver more ways to chill and thrill.”

Source: Travelweek