Keel Laid for Royal Caribbean’s 4th Icon Class Ship at Meyer Turku: A New Era of Cruise Innovation

On September 8, 2025, Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, marked a significant milestone in ship construction with the laying of the keel for Royal Caribbean International’s fourth Icon Class cruise ship. This vessel, anticipated to be one of the largest in operation, is scheduled for delivery in 2027.

The ceremony, adhering to maritime traditions, involved lowering the first steel block into the dock while representatives from both the shipyard and cruise line were present. Coins were placed beneath the block, a gesture believed to bring good fortune to the ship and its future journeys.

Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, highlighted the project’s importance, noting that constructing such a massive vessel accounts for around 13,000 person-years of employment. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to recruit new shipbuilders across various roles from design to final delivery.

The keel laying occurred shortly after Legend of the Seas, the third ship in the Icon Class series, was floated out to the outfitting pier, creating space for this new build within the dock.

Upon completion, the new ship will join the ranks of Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas, as part of Royal Caribbean’s next-generation fleet. The design will emphasize leisure, entertainment, and family-friendly features. The assembly will proceed block by block, with details about the design and the ship’s eventual name to be revealed later.

For a more in-depth look at Royal Caribbean’s expanding fleet and updates on ship construction, visit Royal Caribbean or learn more about the other ships in the series such as Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas.

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