Royal Caribbean International has marked the keel laying for its newest Icon class vessel, which is yet to be named and will be a sister ship to Icon and Star of the Seas when she is delivered in 2026.

The keel laying is a major construction milestone and follows the steel cutting to mark the physical construction and assembly of the new ship.

The maritime tradition is based on historic shipbuilding practise when vessels were built from the keel up with steel plates riveted together on a main hull frame. In modern shipbuilding, vessels are built in prefabricated blocks that are then welded together in dry dock.

The third Icon class vessels ‘keel laying’ was marked at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, with the first building block placed in the drydock. The keel, known as the backbone of a ship, is what lies at the bottom and centre of its hull.

The Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku teams that will bring the new vessel to life witnessed the milestone and sealed the deal – and good fortune – by placing a layer of freshly minted coins beneath the massive steel block.

When the ship is floated out, these coins will be retrieved and affixed to her navigation mast for continued good fortune during her service life.

This third mega-ship for Royal Caribbean International builds on the introduction of Icon of the Seas and the scheduled 2025 debut of Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.

The cruise line said in a release that this third vessel will deliver more of the unmatched combination of experiences that define the game-changing Icon Class roster, which will continue with a fourth ship in 2027 and options for a fifth and sixth in the future.

More details about what to expect aboard the third Icon class ship will be announced in the coming months, but she is expected to feature eight distinct ‘neighbourhoods’ like her sister ships, along with six of the fastest and tallest waterslides at sea, seven pools, and at least 40 restaurants, cafes and bars.

“Each bold adventure in the lineup is an all-encompassing combination of the best of every vacation – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure,” said Royal Caribbean in a press release.

“There are ways for every type of family and vacationer to make memories together and on their own adventures, without compromise, from diving into adrenaline-pumping thrills and unrivalled ways to chill, like six of the fastest and tallest waterslides at sea and seven pools, to enjoying more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained,” it added.