Big news on September 23, 2025 out of Miami, Florida and Turku, Finland: Royal Caribbean Group has officially secured shipbuilding slots with Meyer Turku all the way through 2036. This long-term agreement not only cements their partnership with one of the world’s premier shipyards, but also confirms that we’ll be seeing even more Icon-class ships in the years ahead.
The Future of the Icon Class
So far, the Icon-class has been making waves, both literally and figuratively. Royal Caribbean launched the first Icon-class ship, Icon of the Seas, in January of 2024. Last month, the second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, launched in Port Canaveral. The third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, is slated for Summer 2026. But the pipeline doesn’t stop there:
- Icon 4 arrives in 2027
- Icon 5 is now officially confirmed for 2028
- And Royal Caribbean has added an option for Icon 7, in addition to the previously announced option for Icon 6
That means we’ve got at least five confirmed Icon-class ships. With the announcement of the second option on September 23rd, we could eventually see a total of seven Icons sailing the ocean! Seems like a great opportunity to take advantage of the Royal Caribbean Shareholder Credit!
Beyond Icon
What makes this announcement even more exciting is what comes after the Icon-class. With shipbuilding slots secured through 2036, Royal Caribbean is laying the groundwork for an entirely new class of ships that could change the way we think about cruising once again. CEO Jason Liberty says this agreement positions the company to “usher in a new era of innovation that will disrupt the vacation sector through 2036.”
We have NO IDEA what this could mean, but we’re excited! Let us know what you think comes after the Icon-class in the comments below!
Impact in Finland
For Meyer Turku and Finland, these ship orders are massive. Each ship represents the largest single industrial project in the country, employing around 13,000 people and pumping more than a billion euros per year into the Finnish economy. Finland’s Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, called it “excellent news for Finland,” highlighting the jobs and innovation the cruise industry brings.
Why This Matters for Cruisers
As cruise fans, this is one of those moments where you can’t help but get excited. Royal Caribbean continues to update their fleet, roll out new ships, and launch new innovations. With nine new ships in the pipeline across their brands and seven land-based destinations by 2028, the future of cruising with Royal Caribbean looks brighter than ever.
We have first-hand experience with the Icon-class. Check out our full review of Star of the Seas from August 2025 where we sailed on one of her unique Showcase Sailings. If what we saw there is any indication of what’s to come, we’re in for an incredible ride through the next decade!