Sep 23, 2025 – News
Royal Caribbean Group has announced a major milestone in its ongoing growth and innovation strategy with a significant long-term agreement with Meyer Turku, one of the world’s premier shipyards and instrumental partner in the development of the Group’s iconic Icon Class ships. This new framework secures the Group’s access to shipbuilding slots at Meyer Turku through 2036, ensuring a steady pipeline of new, game-changing ships to enhance its fleet and guest experiences.
Expanding the Icon Class
The agreement includes a confirmed order for the construction of Icon 5, scheduled for delivery in 2028, contingent upon financing, along with an option to build Icon 7. This complements the previously announced options for Icon 6, allowing for the expansion of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class fleet. The agreement underscores the shared commitment of both companies to push the boundaries of cruise ship design and innovation.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships have already set new standards in the cruise industry, with Icon of the Seas debuting in January 2024 and Star of the Seas sailing in August 2025. The third ship, Legend of the Seas, is scheduled to launch in November 2026, with Icon 4 planned for delivery in 2027. The new framework aims to sustain this momentum, positioning the Group for continued growth of the Icon fleet and beyond, enabling further innovations in the cruise experience with future ships over the next decade.
“As we continue to reimagine the future of vacations, we are excited to continue collaborating with Meyer Turku to grow the Icon Class – a first-of-its-kind series that delivers exceptional vacation experiences – and to usher in a new era of innovation that will disrupt the vacation sector through 2036,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “This is an exciting time for our company, and we are proud to launch this new stage in our history with our esteemed partners, Meyer Turku, the Finnish government, and the Finnish maritime cluster.”
Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm added: “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. I am extremely proud of the recognition that these orders bring to the skilled personnel at Meyer Turku and to the Finnish maritime industry expertise.”
A Pillar of Finland’s Maritime Industry
Since the mid-1990’s, Meyer Turku has built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean Group, with each vessel representing Finland’s largest industrial project. The shipyard employs approximately 13,000 workers and contributes over a billion euros annually to Finland’s economy. The partnership also emphasizes sustainable innovation, with Meyer Turku and the Finnish maritime industry leading advancements in energy efficiency and environmental technologies.
“This new framework agreement is excellent news for Finland. The longstanding collaboration between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku will continue to have a significant positive impact on Finland’s economy, creating jobs across the country and energizing our unique maritime ecosystem,” said Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland.
“Our strong shipyards, industrial networks and leading research institutions around them, deliver innovative and sustainable world-class ships, making Finland an attractive destination for future investment,” added Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland.
Looking Ahead
With a pipeline of nine new ships and plans to grow its land-based destinations collection to a total of seven by 2028, Royal Caribbean Group continues to lead in offering diverse, innovative vacation experiences across oceans, rivers, and land. The company’s long-term commitment to ongoing investments in shipbuilding and destination development reinforce its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly for guests of all ages around the world.