By
Kasturi Datta |
Royal Caribbean International and Meyer Werft have held a keel laying ceremony at the shipbuilder’s yard in Finland for the cruise line’s fifth Icon-class ship.
The vessel will include signature venues such as the Royal Caribbean beach retreat, resort escape and theme park adventure. It is expected to enter service in 2028, followed by a sixth Icon-class ship in 2029 and seventh in 2030. More information on the ship’s features will be available in the coming months.
“The start of construction for the fifth Icon class ship reflects the strength of the long-term partnership between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku,” said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku. “Building a series of ships allows us to continuously learn, improve and innovate, and each new vessel benefits from the expertise gained throughout the programme. Together with our partner network, we are proud to demonstrate the world-class shipbuilding capabilities developed in Turku and to help shape the future of cruise shipbuilding.”
Project managers Saku Jaatinen at Meyer Turku and Janne Auvinen at Royal Caribbean Group, placed coins under the keel for the ceremony (Photo: Royal Caribbean Group)
The keel laying for Icon five follows the float out of Icon four, named Hero of the Seas, earlier in September.