Royal Caribbean Orders up to Three Mega Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean Group has entered into an agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku for the construction of up to three new Icon Class vessels, which are set to be the world’s largest cruise ships. The deal includes one firm order for delivery in 2027, with options for two additional vessels. This move comes as part of the cruise giant’s ongoing efforts to expand its capacity in response to strong demand within the cruise sector. With a newbuild pipeline that now includes seven ships on order and two shipyard options, Royal Caribbean Group is poised for continued growth.

The latest orders mark the fourth, fifth, and sixth ships in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class series. The first ship, Icon of the Seas, was launched from Meyer Turku in January 2024, with subsequent ships, Star of the Seas and a third unnamed vessel, set to follow in 2025 and 2026 respectively. The company’s leadership expressed excitement about the continued expansion of the Icon Class fleet, highlighting the positive response from guests and strong financial performance of the ships introduced thus far.

Royal Caribbean Group’s partnership with Meyer Turku spans 28 years, with 21 ships built by the Finnish shipbuilder for the company. The CEO of Meyer Turku, Tim Meyer, emphasized the significance of the new order for the future of shipbuilding in Finland, citing the exceptional quality and innovation demonstrated in the construction of Icon of the Seas. The Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo, lauded the long-term partnership between Royal Caribbean Group and Finnish shipyards, noting the positive impact on employment and the economy.

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