Royal Caribbean Starts Building Fifth Icon Ship

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • Construction has officially started on the fifth Icon Class ship in Finland.
  • The vessel is scheduled to enter service for passengers in 2028.
  • It follows Legend of the Seas and a fourth unnamed ship in the class.
  • The ship will feature the signature Icon Class mix of thrills and relaxation.

Royal Caribbean has officially commenced construction on its fifth Icon Class vessel, marking a significant expansion of its record-breaking ship lineup. The milestone was celebrated on January 20, 2026, with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. This event signifies the beginning of a multiyear production journey involving thousands of professionals across various disciplines, including naval engineering, architecture, and design. The ship is currently scheduled to make its debut in 2028.

January 2026 – Royal Caribbean’s fifth Icon Class ship has officially started construction with the first cut of steel. Representatives from Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku celebrated the ship’s first milestone with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony at the shipyard in Turku, Finland.

This new vessel follows the established legacy of the Icon Class, which is designed to integrate diverse vacation elements into a single platform. The class is known for combining resort-style relaxation, beach-themed environments, and high-energy theme park attractions. The introduction of this fifth ship is part of a broader growth strategy for the cruise line’s fleet. It follows the scheduled July 2026 debut of Legend of the Seas in Europe and a fourth, yet-to-be-named Icon Class ship slated for arrival in 2027. Royal Caribbean has also maintained options for the potential construction of sixth and seventh vessels in the future.

While specific details regarding the ship’s name and unique features remain undisclosed, it is expected to uphold the brand’s focus on providing comprehensive family vacation experiences. The Icon Class represents a significant investment in maritime innovation and large-scale passenger capacity. As production moves forward, the cruise line intends to release more information about the ship’s specific amenities and itineraries. For now, the focus remains on the engineering phase in Finland as the maritime team begins the complex process of assembling the massive hull and internal structures.