In a bold move that cements its leadership in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean Group has inked a landmark agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku to construct a fourth Icon Class ship. Slated for delivery in 2027, this strategic deal further includes options to build two additional Icon Class vessels, marking a significant expansion of Royal Caribbean International’s revolutionary fleet.

A Vision for the Future of Cruising

“Building on the incredible momentum and market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas and the excitement surrounding its sister ship, Star of the Seas, we’re thrilled to partner with Meyer Turku once again,” declared Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Since its debut, Icon has redefined vacation experiences, far exceeding our expectations in guest satisfaction and financial performance.”

This expansion reflects Royal Caribbean’s commitment to delivering unparalleled vacation experiences. The Icon Class has been a game-changer, combining the best elements of beach retreats, resort escapes, and theme park adventures into one all-encompassing experience. With the introduction of the yet-to-be-named third Icon Class ship in 2026 and now the fourth in 2027, Royal Caribbean is poised to continue setting new standards in the industry.

A Boon for Finland’s Maritime Industry

The impact of this agreement extends beyond the cruise industry, significantly boosting Finland’s economy. “This is great news for Finland,” said Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland. “Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term partnership will continue to impact our employment and economy positively. Their commitment and investment in Finland speaks volumes about our maritime cluster’s strength and world-class shipyards.”

Meyer Turku is reaffirmed as a pivotal player in the maritime industry with this deal. The shipyard’s CEO, Tim Meyer, emphasized the significance of this order for the future of shipbuilding in Finland. “With Icon of the Seas, our team, consisting of the shipyard and partners, have built an extraordinary ship in naval architecture, energy efficiency, and customer experience. This order is another recognition of our personnel’s professionalism and leadership in the maritime industry’s innovation and green transition.”

Strengthening a Storied Partnership

The partnership between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku is far from new. This latest order will bring the total number of ships built by Meyer Turku for Royal Caribbean to 21 over nearly three decades, underscoring the strength and longevity of this relationship.

Known for its history of delivering best-in-class ships, Meyer Turku is essential to Royal Caribbean’s expansion strategy. The new Icon Class vessels are part of a broader growth plan that includes the recent introduction of seven new ships, with more on the horizon. This year alone, Royal Caribbean Group has welcomed four new industry-leading ships: Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, Silversea’s Silver Ray, and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7.

The announcement also follows news of a seventh Oasis Class ship, set to debut in 2028, further enhancing Royal Caribbean International’s position as a leader in the vacation industry.

Pioneering the Future of Vacation Experiences

“Icon of the Seas is unlike anything the world has seen before, and we’re just getting started,” added Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “We are leading the vacation industry in developing new experiences for our guests to create lifelong memories. As we continue dreaming and evolving, our goal is to deliver more ways to chill and thrill.”

With each new ship, Royal Caribbean Group pushes the boundaries of what is possible at sea, crafting extraordinary experiences that turn vacations of a lifetime into lifetimes of unforgettable holidays.

For more information on Royal Caribbean Group and its innovative cruise offerings, visit Royal Caribbean Group’s official website.

Written by: My Thanh Pham

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