Construction work has officially commenced on Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class cruise ship, as reported by The Independent. The ship is set to be unveiled in 2026, and the construction process kicked off at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland with a special keel-laying ceremony.
During the keel-laying event, a tradition was upheld by placing a layer of freshly-minted coins beneath the ship’s keel for good luck. These coins will be returned to the captain upon the completion of the project. While specific details about the new vessel remain undisclosed, Royal Caribbean International has expressed that it will provide unparalleled experiences characteristic of the Icon-class series.
This upcoming ship marks the third addition to the Icon-class series, following the launch of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, in January 2024. Icon of the Seas boasts impressive dimensions, spanning almost 1,200 feet in length with 18 guest decks, accommodating up to 5,610 passengers and featuring the largest pool and waterpark at sea.
The second ship in the series, Star of the Seas, recently had its float-out and is scheduled to commence sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida in August 2025. Royal Caribbean has plans for a fourth ship in 2027, with considerations for potential fifth and sixth ships in the pipeline, highlighting a period of expansion for the renowned cruise brand.
Not only focusing on new ships, but Royal Caribbean has also revealed plans for a new private island destination for guests located off Mexico’s Caribbean coast in Mahahual. Drawing inspiration from its successful Perfect Day at CocoCay stop in the Bahamas, the Mexican island will offer passengers a similar experience on Western Caribbean sailings, providing a unique and memorable holiday destination.
Michael Bayley, the chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo, emphasizing the significance of destinations in creating unforgettable vacation experiences for families and adventurers. Stay tuned for further updates on these exciting developments in the cruise industry.
As construction progresses on the latest addition to the Icon-class series, Royal Caribbean continues to innovate and expand its offerings, promising passengers a new era of immersive and extraordinary cruise experiences.