Royal Caribbean has reached a major milestone in its next-generation fleet with the keel-laying of its fourth Icon Class ship.
The ceremony took place this month at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where the first steel block was lowered onto a bed of freshly minted coins — a centuries-old maritime tradition symbolizing good fortune for the vessel and its crew.
The yet-unnamed ship will join the line’s groundbreaking Icon Class, which includes the recently launched Icon of the Seas along with its upcoming sisters Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas. Construction will continue over the next two years ahead of the ship’s anticipated 2027 debut.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class has already begun reshaping the cruise landscape. Icon of the Seas, the first in the series, entered service in early 2024 and set new standards for onboard entertainment, family-friendly amenities, and sheer scale.
Star of the Seas followed this summer, building on that momentum with new offerings and itineraries. Next in line is Legend of the Seas, which is currently under construction and expected to begin service in 2026. With the fourth Icon ship now underway, the brand’s pipeline underscores Royal Caribbean’s commitment to expanding its largest and most innovative class of ships yet.
“Each Icon Class ship redefines what it means to vacation at sea,” the company said in a statement. The fourth vessel will continue that formula, combining high-thrill adventures with family-friendly attractions, diverse dining and entertainment, and expansive relaxation spaces.
The keel-laying marks the official start of physical construction, the point at which the ship begins to take shape in the dry dock. More details about the new Icon Class ship, including its name and onboard features, are expected to be announced in the months ahead.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2025-09-16 21:30:00