Royal Caribbean Group has taken a significant step in its expansion plan by signing an agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku for the construction of a fourth ship in the innovative Icon class, which will be delivered to Royal Caribbean International in 2027. This agreement also includes options for the construction of a fifth and sixth ship of the same class, further solidifying the company's commitment to this revolutionary cruise line.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, expressed his excitement about this expansion: “Building on the incredible momentum and market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas and the anticipation for its sister ship, Star of the Seas, arriving in 2025, we are thrilled to partner with Meyer Turku once again to expand our Icon class lineup and continue with our future growth plans. Since its debut, Icon has been a game changer in vacation experiences and has exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance.”

The news was also met with optimism in Finland, where the Meyer Turku shipyard has a significant impact on the local economy. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, highlighted, "This is great news for Finland. Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term partnership will continue to have a positive impact on our employment and our economy. Their commitment and investment in Finland speak volumes about the strength of our maritime sector and our world-class shipyards.”

The first ship of the Icon class was launched in January 2024, marking a milestone in the industry with its unique proposition that combines the best of every type of vacation, from beach retreats to theme park adventures. This new order adds to Royal Caribbean’s growing fleet, which includes the Star of the Seas, set to launch in 2025, and another unnamed ship launching in 2026.

Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, added, “This order is an important milestone for the future of shipbuilding in Finland's maritime network. With Icon of the Seas, our team has built an extraordinary ship in terms of naval architecture, energy efficiency, and customer experience. This is yet another recognition of the professionalism of our staff and our leadership in innovation and the green transition of the maritime industry.”

This agreement strengthens the long-standing relationship between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku, which has built 21 ships for the company over the past 28 years. The anticipation for the new build series continues to grow, with a total of seven new ships ordered and two yard options. Just this year, Royal Caribbean has welcomed four new industry-leading ships, including Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, reaffirming its position as a leader in innovation and excellence in the cruise industry.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, concluded, “Icon of the Seas is unlike anything the world has ever seen before, and we’re just getting started. We are leading the vacation industry in developing new experiences for our guests to create memories of a lifetime, and we continue to dream and evolve to offer more ways to relax and thrill.”

Looking ahead to 2027 and beyond, Royal Caribbean Group continues to pave the way for the future of vacation experiences, setting new standards in the industry and offering travelers around the world the opportunity to enjoy innovations that defy the known.