Royal Caribbean has initiated the construction of its third Icon-class cruise liner in Finland, marking a significant milestone in the cruise industry.
- The third ship is being built at the Meyer Turku shipyard, with the first building block laid in the dry dock.
- A keel-laying ceremony featured freshly minted coins placed on the foundational block symbolising good luck and marking the construction milestone.
- Scheduled to set sail in 2026, the ship is currently unnamed, following the debut of “Star of the Seas” the previous year.
- The Icon-class ships promise to deliver a blend of thrilling activities and relaxation, defining a new era in vacation experiences for diverse travellers.
Royal Caribbean has embarked on another ambitious project with the commencement of its third Icon-class ship in Finland. Construction has started at the Meyer Turku shipyard, a place renowned for crafting some of the most advanced vessels in the world. The process began with the placement of the first building block into the dry dock, setting the stage for what promises to be another flagship cruise liner in the Icon-class series.
In a traditional ceremony, coins were freshly minted and placed on the keel block. This age-old maritime tradition is said to bring good fortune to the vessel and signifies an important milestone in its construction journey. Such ceremonies are deeply rooted in shipbuilding culture, symbolising hope and prosperity for the long voyages that the ship will undertake once it sets sail.
Slated for its maiden voyage in 2026, this new ship remains unnamed as of now. It is poised to continue the transformative journey embarked upon by its predecessors in the Icon-class series. The ship’s launch follows closely behind “Star of the Seas”, which is scheduled for a summer 2025 debut in Port Canaveral, Florida, further expanding Royal Caribbean’s reach in the cruise market.
The third entry in the Icon-class series underscores Royal Caribbean’s commitment to delivering unparalleled vacation experiences. The company has crafted these ships to offer something for every traveller. Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or serene relaxation, guests will find opportunities to enjoy both, with features such as some of the fastest and tallest waterslides at sea and multiple pools for unwinding.
Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean has also announced plans to expand the Icon-class line-up with a fourth ship in 2027 and has options for a fifth and sixth ship in future years. This forward-thinking approach signifies the company’s dedication to not only enhancing its fleet but also to continually setting new standards within the cruise industry.
Royal Caribbean’s construction of its third Icon-class ship marks a pivotal advancement in its fleet expansion and vacation offerings.
