Royal Caribbean Group has signed a pivotal agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku to expand its revolutionary Icon Class fleet, with the order of a fourth Icon Class ship set for delivery in 2027. This agreement also includes options for two additional ships in the same class, continuing the line's legacy of innovation and growth in the cruise industry.
In an exciting development for cruise enthusiasts, Royal Caribbean Group has announced its plans to further expand its groundbreaking Icon Class fleet. This move comes as part of the company's ongoing commitment to delivering unparalleled vacation experiences that blend the best elements of a beach retreat, resort escape, and theme park adventure into one extraordinary voyage.
Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion: "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."
The partnership between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku is one of the longest-standing and most successful collaborations in the maritime industry. With this latest agreement, Meyer Turku is set to build its 21st ship for Royal Caribbean Group over a span of 28 years, a testament to the strong relationship between the two companies.
Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, highlighted the significance of this order: "This order is an important milestone for the future of shipbuilding in the maritime network in Finland. With Icon of the Seas, our team has 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 Icon Class, launched in January 2024 with Icon of the Seas, has redefined the cruising experience by offering a unique combination of vacation styles in one seamless package. These ships are designed to cater to every type of traveller, whether they're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both. The introduction of Star of the Seas in 2025 and the subsequent additions to the fleet underscore Royal Caribbean's commitment to evolving and enhancing the guest experience.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, emphasised the innovative spirit driving the company: "Icon of the Seas is unlike anything the world has seen before, and we're just getting started. 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 impact of this agreement extends beyond Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku. It is a significant boon for Finland’s maritime industry, bolstering employment and economic growth. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, remarked on the positive implications for the country: "Their commitment and investment in Finland speaks volumes about the strength of our maritime cluster and our world-class shipyards."
This new order is expected to generate numerous jobs and stimulate further development in the region, reinforcing Finland's position as a leader in shipbuilding and maritime innovation.
With the addition of these new Icon Class ships, Royal Caribbean Group's newbuild pipeline is growing stronger than ever. The company now has seven new ships on order, with two additional shipyard options, ensuring a steady stream of innovative vessels entering the market in the coming years.
This year alone, Royal Caribbean Group has welcomed four industry-leading ships, including Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Silversea's Silver Ray, and TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 7. The anticipation continues to build as Royal Caribbean Group prepares to launch a seventh Oasis Class ship in 2028.
The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in Royal Caribbean Group's journey to redefine the cruising experience. With the expansion of the Icon Class fleet, the company is poised to set new standards in the industry, offering guests even more opportunities to explore, relax, and create unforgettable memories.
As Royal Caribbean Group continues to push the boundaries of innovation and guest satisfaction, travellers around the world can look forward to a future filled with exciting new adventures on the high seas.
For more information on Royal Caribbean's upcoming ships and to explore booking options, book a call with a travel adviser at S.W. Black Travel now. Let us help you embark on the vacation of a lifetime aboard one of these groundbreaking vessels.