Royal Caribbean begins construction on fifth Icon class ship

Royal Caribbean has commenced construction on its fifth Icon class cruise ship following a keel-laying ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. During the ceremony, the first major steel block was placed in the dry dock to form the foundation of the vessel.

The unnamed ship is scheduled for launch in 2028 and is expected to feature amenities such as large waterparks, diverse dining options, and West End-style entertainment. This project is part of an ongoing partnership with Meyer Turku, which includes options to build additional Icon class vessels through 2036.

This development follows the recent float-out of the fourth Icon class ship, Hero of the Seas, which is slated for a 2027 launch. The new vessel will join the existing Icon class fleet, which includes Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas.