Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), a leader in the vacation industry continually innovating the future of holidays, announced the confirmed order for the sixth and seventh Icon-class ships with Meyer Turku shipyard.

These ships are scheduled to be delivered in 2029 and 2030, respectively.

The 'Icon' series, the world's largest cruise ships, offers the thrills of a theme park, the relaxation of a resort, and the freedom of a beach all in one.

This order is part of a long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku to secure shipbuilding capacity until 2036. This agreement already includes the previously announced construction of the fifth Icon-class vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2028. Meyer Turku has been a key partner in the development of the award-winning Icon class, bringing to life the most innovative ships in history and playing a role in advancing the next generation of vacation experiences.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, stated:

"The Icon Class is a testament to our bold creativity and exceptional engineering, continuously updating the way we vacation. Through our long-standing partnership with Meyer Turku, the Finnish government, and many Finnish maritime companies and organizations, we are bringing significant economic benefits to Finland. We look forward to reshaping industry norms for decades to come and shaping the future together. The momentum for this additional order comes from the strong bond between both companies to create designs and technologies that transcend the conventional notions of cruise ships. This is the driving force behind adding more Icon-class ships."

Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, stated:

"The order for the sixth and seventh Icon-class ships is a testament to the talent and expertise of Meyer Turku and the Finnish maritime industry. This agreement is a significant step forward in developing the shipbuilding industry together with Royal Caribbean Group for the next decade and beyond."

The partnership between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku spans over 30 years. The shipyard has built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean Group. Meyer Turku and its supplier network employ approximately 13,000 people, contributing over 1 billion euros annually to the Finnish economy.

"Icon" Series will operate for seven consecutive years starting in 2024, featuring "Central Park" with real trees and plants, "Surfside" family area, and "Thrill Island" water slides.

The construction of each Icon-class ship is one of the largest industrial projects in Finland.

Meyer Turku has already built "Icon of the Seas" (January 2024) and "Star of the Seas" (August 2025), with the third ship, "Legend of the Seas," scheduled to debut in the Western Mediterranean this July. This ship will feature "eight neighborhoods" on board, offering thrilling attractions, the most pools at sea, "thrills and chill," 28 dining venues, and entirely new nightlife and entertainment. Furthermore, the fourth ship, "Hero of the Seas," is scheduled to launch in 2027.

The Icon class is a cornerstone of Royal Caribbean Group's strategy. Through meticulously calculated design, world-leading technology, and immersive travel experiences, it plays a central role in continuously reshaping the norms of the travel industry.

In addition to continuous investment in next-generation ships, including river cruises, Royal Caribbean Group plans to expand its land-based private destinations to eight locations by 2028. This will allow them to provide unprecedented multifaceted vacation experiences across sea, river, and land.

Royal Caribbean Japan Official Website

<About Royal Caribbean Group>

Royal Caribbean Group is a world-leading vacation provider offering cruises and private destinations. It owns five cruise line brands and operates a total of 69 international cruise ships across all seven continents. Its brands include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Additionally, through a joint venture (50% ownership) with TUI Cruises, it operates two German brands, Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd. It also offers 'Perfect Day.'

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product