Royal Caribbean Unveils Plans for Fifth Icon Class Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean International has confirmed that it will be expanding its fleet of Icon class cruise ships, announcing an agreement for the construction of a fifth vessel in the series. The cruise line, already in the midst of building a fourth Icon class ship at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, has set its sights on further growth in the coming decade, underscoring its commitment to developing the world’s largest and most advanced cruise ships.
The fourth Icon class vessel, currently referred to simply as Icon 4, is scheduled for delivery in 2027. The newly announced Icon 5 is expected to follow a year later in 2028. Royal Caribbean has also secured options to build a sixth and seventh ship, extending its long-term collaboration with Meyer Turku and firmly cementing its place in the global cruise industry’s next chapter.
All Icon class ships are being constructed at the Finnish yard, which has become the hub of some of the most ambitious projects in modern shipbuilding. The agreement gives Royal Caribbean shipbuilding slots until at least 2036, a move that provides not only stability for the company’s fleet planning but also continued employment and investment in Finland’s maritime sector.
The Icon class began with the launch of Icon of the Seas in 2023, a ship that immediately attracted international attention for its unprecedented scale and onboard experiences. It was followed by Star of the Seas in summer 2025, while Legend of the Seas, the third in the series, recently completed its float-out ceremony and is ahead of schedule for a 2026 debut. Together, they represent a new era of cruising, blending technological innovation, luxury, and sustainability measures at a scale not seen before in the industry.
At the start of September, Royal Caribbean marked another milestone with a traditional keel-laying ceremony for Icon 4. The ceremony involved placing newly minted coins under the ship’s first steel block, a maritime tradition symbolizing good fortune and safe voyages. The event further highlighted the shipyard’s strong partnership with the cruise line, which has been central to advancing the Icon class vision.
Jason Liberty, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Group, described the new announcement as a landmark moment in the company’s history. “This is an exciting time for our company, and we are proud to launch this new stage in our history with our esteemed partners, Meyer Turku, the Finnish government and the Finnish maritime cluster,” Liberty said. “The Icon class has already redefined what is possible at sea, and these additional orders will allow us to continue setting the standard for innovation, sustainability, and guest experience.”
Meyer Turku, which has built some of the most renowned ships in the world, also welcomed the extended partnership. Casimir Lindholm, chief executive officer of the shipyard, emphasized the broader significance of the agreement, not just for the two companies but for the Finnish maritime industry as a whole. “With the framework agreement now signed, we announce our common plan for the next decade in cooperation with Royal Caribbean Group and other key partners,” Lindholm said. “Together, we will build more Icon class ships and drive the future of shipbuilding over the next decade.”
The Icon class ships have been notable not only for their size—earning the distinction as the largest cruise ships in the world—but also for their role in pushing environmental and technological boundaries. They feature advanced waste management systems, energy-efficient designs, and the ability to integrate new fuels and green technologies as they become available. Each ship is designed to carry nearly 10,000 passengers and crew, making them floating cities at sea, complete with entertainment districts, water parks, dining options, and cutting-edge safety systems.
The expansion of the fleet also signals Royal Caribbean’s confidence in the long-term strength of the cruise industry. After weathering the challenges of the pandemic, the global cruise market has rebounded strongly, with record bookings reported in recent years. Industry analysts suggest that the Icon class is central to Royal Caribbean’s strategy of capturing growing demand for family-oriented, experience-driven travel, particularly among younger generations who value immersive leisure experiences.
By locking in shipbuilding capacity until 2036, Royal Caribbean is positioning itself to lead the industry well into the next decade. For Finland, the deal represents a significant boost to its shipbuilding workforce and the wider maritime cluster, which includes hundreds of suppliers, engineers, and specialists whose expertise contributes to each vessel.
With Icon 4 and Icon 5 now firmly on the horizon, and the possibility of two more beyond that, Royal Caribbean’s Icon class promises to continue reshaping the cruising experience. For passengers, it means more opportunities to step aboard the world’s largest and most advanced ships; for the industry, it marks a steady march toward innovation, sustainability, and an ever-evolving standard of maritime excellence.
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