Royal Caribbean Group has placed an order for a fourth giant 7,600-passenger Icon-class ship and placed options on a further two vessels.
The agreement was signed with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku for the fourth ship in the class for delivery to Royal Caribbean International in 2027.
The company also agreed options to build a fifth and sixth Icon class ship.
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The first, Icon of the Seas, launched in January, to be followed by Star of the Seas next year and a yet-to-be-named third ship in 2026.
“With this announcement, Royal Caribbean Group continues to drive its moderate capacity growth to help guests turn a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations,” the company said.
Royal Caribbean Group’s newbuild pipeline continues to grow, with seven new ships on order, and two shipyard options.
The order also follows the announcement of a seventh Oasis class ship, set to debut for Royal Caribbean International in 2028.
Group president and chief executive Jason Liberty added: “Building on the incredible momentum and market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas and the excitement for its sister ship, Star of the Seas, coming in 2025, we’re thrilled to join with Meyer Turku once again to expand our roster of Icon class ships and continue our future growth plans.
“Since its debut, Icon has changed the game in vacation experiences and exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance.”
With this order, Meyer Turku will have built 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group over 28 years.
Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Micheal Bayley said: ”Icon of the Seas is unlike anything the world has seen before, and we’re just getting started.
“We are leading the vacation industry in developing new experiences for our guests to create lifelong memories, and we continue dreaming and evolving to deliver more ways to chill and thrill.”
The agreement “is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing”.
Meyer Turku chief executive Tim Meyer said: “This order is an important milestone for the future of shipbuilding in the maritime network in Finland.
“With Icon of the Seas, our team, consisting of the shipyard and partners, have built an extraordinary ship in respect of naval architecture, energy efficiency and customer experience.
“This is yet another recognition of the professionalism of our personnel and of our leadership in the maritime industry’s innovation and green transition. The options underline the strong outlook of our order book.”
Finland’s prime minister Petteri Orpo said: “This is great news for Finland. Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term partnership will continue to have a positive impact on our employment and economy.
“Their commitment and investment in Finland speaks volumes about the strength of our maritime cluster and our world class shipyards.”