Royal Caribbean Group has ordered a fourth Icon-class ship with options open for a fifth and sixth ship, the company announced Tuesday.
The agreement struck with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku means Royal Caribbean International plans to roll out one new Icon class ship per year through at least 2027.
Royal Caribbean's first neighborhood for young families is at the aft of the Icon, complete with a pool, splash areas, beach-themed carousel, playscape, arcade and multiple eateries. Photo Credit: Andrea Zelinski
The first Icon-class ship, the largest cruise vessel in the world at nearly 249,000 gross tons, launched in January as a major success for the brand. With new neighborhoods catering to families, an adults-only resort-style area and a six-slide waterpark on the top deck, the ship has had "unbelievable" performance with "phenomenal" bookings at high rates.
The second ship in the series, the Star of the Seas, is expected to launch next year. The Star will be followed by a third unnamed Icon-class ship expected to set sail in 2026 and now the fourth ship in 2027. Royal Caribbean Group has also opted to order a seventh of its massive Oasis-class ships, which is expected to debut in 2028.
The agreement builds on Royal Caribbean Group's relationship with Meyer Turku. Following this order, the shipbuilder will have constructed 21 ships for the company over 28 years.
The group has welcomed four new ships this year: the Icon and the Utopia of the Seas for Royal Caribbean International, the Silver Ray for Silversea Cruises and the Mein Schiff 7 for TUI Cruises.
Big-ship cruise lines are on something of a building spree this year. Carnival Corp. has ordered five ships this year, three of which are for a new and larger ship class. Norwegian Cruise Line ordered four ships that will be larger than its current Prima-class vessels.