Royal Caribbean signs deal for next Icon Class ship, adds options for more

Royal Caribbean Group is about to get a little more iconic.

The cruise company announced Tuesday (Aug. 27) that it has signed an agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku to order a fourth Icon Class ship for delivery to Royal Caribbean International in 2027.

The deal also includes options to build a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship.

"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, in a press release. "Since its debut, Icon has changed the game in vacation experiences and exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance."

READ MORE: “It’s not about building the biggest ship, it’s about building the best ship”: RCI’s Lisa Connell unpacks Icon

The first ship in the Icon Class launched in January 2024 as a larger-than-life vacation experience, introducing new experiences that reflect every type of vacation – from beach retreat to resort escape to theme park adventure.

The next ship joins Icon, Star of the Seas (launching in 2025) and the yet-to-be-named third Icon Class ship (launching in 2026).

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

READ MORE: On Location: “Wow” – Canadian travel pros share first impressions of Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Group's newbuild pipeline continues to grow, with seven new ships on order, and two shipyard options.

This year, the company welcomed four new 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.

The order also 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," stated 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."

The agreement is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing. See PAX’s coverage from Icon of the Seas’ inaugural sailing earlier this year here.

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