Royal Caribbean Group Expands Icon Class Fleet with Fourth Ship Order, Extending Partnership with Meyer Turku
In a significant move that further solidifies its leadership in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean Group has announced the order of a fourth Icon Class ship from Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku, with delivery expected in 2027. The agreement also includes options for the construction of a fifth and sixth Icon Class vessel, underscoring Royal Caribbean’s commitment to innovation and growth.
Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, expressed his excitement about the continued partnership with Meyer Turku. "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. Since its debut, Icon has changed the game in vacation experiences and exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance," said Liberty.
The Icon Class has been a game-changer since the debut of its first ship, Icon of the Seas, in January 2024. This class of ships has redefined vacation experiences by combining elements of beach retreats, resort escapes, and theme park adventures, offering guests an all-encompassing holiday experience. The forthcoming ships in this class, including Star of the Seas (launching in 2025) and a third, yet-to-be-named ship (launching in 2026), are expected to continue delivering revolutionary experiences.
The agreement with Meyer Turku is not only a win for Royal Caribbean but also a significant boost for Finland’s maritime industry. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, highlighted the economic impact of this long-standing partnership: "This is great news for Finland. Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term partnership will continue to have a positive impact on our employment and economy. Their commitment and investment in Finland speaks volumes about the strength of our maritime cluster and our world-class shipyards."
Meyer Turku, known for its expertise in shipbuilding, has been a critical partner in Royal Caribbean’s expansion. With this latest order, Meyer Turku will have constructed 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group over 28 years. Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, emphasized the significance of this order for the future of shipbuilding in Finland: "With Icon of the Seas, our team has built an extraordinary ship in respect of naval architecture, energy efficiency, and customer experience. This is yet another recognition of the professionalism of our personnel and our leadership in the maritime industry's innovation and green transition."
Royal Caribbean Group’s newbuild pipeline is rapidly expanding, with seven new ships currently on order and two shipyard options. This year alone, the company has introduced four industry-leading vessels: Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, Silversea’s Silver Ray, and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7. Additionally, the company recently announced plans for a seventh Oasis Class ship, set to debut in 2028.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, added, "Icon of the Seas is unlike anything the world has seen before, and we’re just getting started. 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."
The new agreement between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing. As the cruise industry looks forward to these new additions, Royal Caribbean Group continues to push the boundaries of what a vacation at sea can offer, ensuring its guests enjoy unforgettable experiences for years to come.
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