Royal Caribbean has started construction of its third Icon-class ship in Finland.
The first building block was placed in the dry dock where the ship will take shape in the Meyer Turku shipyard.
Later on a keel-laying ceremony took place by placing a layer of freshly minted coins on the block to mark the milestone and for good luck.
The ship has not yet been named and is slated to sail its maiden voyage in 2026.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said: “Building on the new era of vacations that made headlines with the introduction of Icon of the Seas, the next bold adventure in the line-up will follow the summer 2025 debut of Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral, Florida.
“The vacation that is still to be revealed will deliver more of the unmatched combination of experiences that defines 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.”
The spokesperson added: “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.”