Royal Caribbean is once again pushing the boundaries of modern cruising. In January 2026, the cruise line marked a major milestone with the official start of construction on its fifth Icon Class ship, a next‑generation vessel set to debut in 2028. The moment was celebrated at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, where leaders from both Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku gathered for the traditional steel‑cutting ceremony—a symbolic first step in bringing a revolutionary new vacation experience to life.
A New Chapter in the Icon Class Legacy
The Icon Class has quickly become one of the most talked‑about ship classes in the cruise industry, known for redefining what a family vacation at sea can be. With the first cut of steel, Royal Caribbean signals the beginning of a multi‑year journey involving thousands of experts across naval engineering, architecture, design, and innovation.
This fifth Icon Class ship will follow in the footsteps of its groundbreaking predecessors, delivering a blend of beach‑style relaxation, resort‑level luxury, and theme‑park thrills—all wrapped into one all‑encompassing vacation experience. While details remain under wraps, the Icon Class reputation suggests guests can expect bold new features, immersive entertainment, and cutting‑edge sustainability initiatives.
Expanding a Record‑Breaking Fleet
The new vessel joins an expanding lineup of Icon Class ships, including:
• Legend of the Seas, debuting in Europe in July 2026
• The fourth Icon Class ship, arriving in 2027
• Options already in place for a sixth and seventh ship
This rapid expansion underscores Royal Caribbean’s commitment to shaping the future of family travel and maintaining its position as a leader in cruise innovation.
A Milestone Marked in Steel
The steel‑cutting ceremony is more than a tradition—it’s the official start of production. As sparks flew across the Meyer Turku shipyard, the first physical piece of the ship began to take shape. Over the coming years, thousands of specialists will collaborate to transform raw steel into a floating destination designed to deliver unforgettable vacations for guests of all ages.
What Comes Next
Royal Caribbean has confirmed that more details about the fifth Icon Class ship will be revealed at a later date, building anticipation for what promises to be one of the most exciting cruise launches of the decade.
More details about the fifth Icon Class ship will be shared at a later date.
