Royal Caribbean Group is continuing to redefine vacations as it announced it reached a long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku securing building rights at the shipyard through 2036.
Since 1990, Meyer Turku has built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean Group including the first two Icon-class ships–Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. The third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, is scheduled to debut Summer 2026, while the fourth currently unnamed Icon-class ship is expected to be delivered in 2027. The company confirmed an order for a fifth Icon-class ship to be delivered in 2028 with the option for a seventh Icon-class ship (the sixth Icon-class ship was previously announced).
“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 position us to usher in a new era of innovation that will disrupt the vacation sector through 2036,” said Jason Liberty, president 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.”
The press release also stated the company is getting ready for a “new, game-changing class of ship beyond Icon.” However, no details about this new class of ship were revealed, but there is plenty of speculation including the rumor of a smaller more versatile class of ship called the Discovery-Class.
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.”
As with all newbuilds, ship orders are subject to financing and other conditions.