Royal Caribbean plans for three more Icon Class ships in new Meyer Turku deal

Royal Caribbean Group has signed a long-term framework agreement with Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku that secures the company’s rights to build new vessels at the yard through the next decade.

As part of the agreement, Royal Caribbean International has confirmed an order for a fifth Icon Class ship, scheduled for delivery in 2028. 

In addition, it has exercised an option for a sixth Icon class vessel, and secured a further option for a seventh, extending the future of the Icon Class into the early 2030s.

Alongside these commitments, Royal Caribbean said the deal also prepares the ground for a new class of ship beyond the Icon Class, with development expected to take place later in the decade.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, described the agreement as a strategic step. 

“As we continue to reimagine the future of vacations, we are excited to continue collaborating with Meyer Turku to grow the Icon Class, and position us to usher in a new era of innovation that will disrupt the vacation sector through 2036,” he said.

Meyer Turku has so far delivered two ships in the Icon Class: Icon of the Seas, which entered service in January 2024, and Star of the Seas, which debuts in August 2025. A third vessel, Legend of the Seas, is due in summer 2026, while the keel was recently laid for the fourth vessel, which is due in 2027.

With Icon 5 now confirmed and two further options secured, Royal Caribbean is positioned to continue its rollout of the class throughout the next decade.

Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, said the framework agreement represented a milestone for both the shipyard and Finland’s wider maritime industry. 

“With the framework agreement now signed, we announce our common plan for the next decade in cooperation with Royal Caribbean Group and other key partners to build more Icon Class ships and drive the future of shipbuilding over the next decade,” he said.

Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also welcomed the news, describing the agreement as “excellent for Finland,” while Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto noted its role in strengthening jobs and research institutions across the country’s maritime sector.

Royal Caribbean said the new framework agreement ensures long-term collaboration between the group, Meyer Turku and Finnish partners. 

With multiple Icon Class ships already in service or under construction, and the prospect of a new class of vessel to follow, the cruise line has secured a clear path for fleet growth well into the 2030s.

At more than 250,000 gross tons and carrying in excess of 7,500 passengers at full occupancy, the Icon Class is the largest design of cruise ship ever conceived. 

With 13 restaurants, 25 cafés and bars, multiple pool areas, waterparks, and eight unique ‘neighbourhoods’ with various rides and attractions, the ships are designed to operate as self-contained resorts at sea, offering a scale and range of facilities unmatched in the cruise industry.