The fifth Icon-class ship from Royal Caribbean is officially under construction. A keel-laying ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland marked the moment the first major steel block was lowered into the drydock, where the vessel will take shape over roughly the next two years before its planned 2028 debut.
As is shipbuilding tradition, coins freshly minted for the occasion were placed beneath the steel block before it was lifted into position — a symbolic good-luck gesture for the ship's future at sea. The name has not been revealed yet, and Royal Caribbean says more details about onboard features will be announced in the coming months. What's promised so far: the same blend of beach-retreat vibes, resort-style relaxation and theme-park thrills that defines the Icon class, which debuted with Icon of the Seas in early 2024.
The timing is notable. Just before this milestone, the fourth ship in the series — the Hero of the Seas — was floated out at the same yard, meaning the two vessels are now being worked on in parallel. And there's plenty more in the pipeline: a sixth Icon-class ship is scheduled for 2029 and a seventh for 2030, under a framework agreement with Meyer Turku that locks in shipbuilding capacity through 2036.
Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm highlighted the benefit of building ships as a series: each new hull draws on lessons from the last, allowing continuous refinement of design and construction. For Royal Caribbean, the long-term partnership secures the yard capacity it needs to keep scaling a class of ships that has quickly become its flagship product.
Why should holidaymakers care? The Icon class has redefined what mega-ships offer, particularly for families — think waterparks, neighbourhood-style deck zones, surf simulators and entertainment you'd normally associate with land-based resorts. If you're eyeing a big-ship cruise for late 2028 or beyond, this vessel will be a serious option, and early bookings typically come with the best cabin choices and pricing. Details on name, itineraries and features are expected soon, so it's one to watch if you like planning ahead.