Royal Caribbean Group Signs Agreement for Next Icon Class Ship
Picture: Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
(eap) The cruise industry continues to boom: after the globally operating cruise company Carnival Corporation recently ordered three new ships from the Italian Fincantieri shipyard for Carnival Cruise Line, which will be delivered from 2029 and form a completely new ship class (see EAP News of 6 Aug 24), the Royal Caribbean Group is now also announcing a further expansion.
The Group has ordered a fourth Icon-class ship for its Royal Caribbean International brand from the Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku, which is scheduled for delivery in 2027. The agreement also includes options for two additional Icon Class ships.
“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. “Since its debut, Icon has changed the game in vacation experiences and exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance.”
The first ship in the Icon class – the “Icon of the Seas” – set sail in January of this year (see EAP News of 26 Jan 24). The second giga-liner of the class, the “Star of the Seas”, is due to follow next year (see EAP-News 27 Aug 24). Another Icon class ship is also already scheduled to celebrate its maiden voyage in 2026.
“This order is an important milestone for the future of shipbuilding in the maritime network in Finland,” added Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku. “With Icon of the Seas, our team, consisting of the shipyard and partners, have 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 of our leadership in the maritime industry’s innovation and green transition. The options underline the strong outlook of our order book.”
With this order, Meyer Turku will build the 21st ship in 28 years for the Royal Caribbean Group, which operates five brands. Currently, a total of seven ships have been ordered for the Group’s brands – including, for example, TUI Cruises – and the shipyard option for two more has been secured. ■
