Royal Caribbean Secures a Decade of Next-Gen Ships: Icon Class Innovations to Set Sail Through 2036

Big news for cruise enthusiasts and anyone dreaming of set-jetting on the next big thing at sea: Royal Caribbean is gearing up for a new era of innovation and adventure, locking in shipbuilding slots at Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard all the way through to 2036. This long-term partnership is set to bring even more ground-breaking Icon Class ships—and potentially an exciting new class altogether—to the waves.

A Decade of New Ships and Bold Holiday Ideas

Under this new framework agreement, Royal Caribbean not only confirms an order for its fifth Icon Class ship (Icon 5), slated for delivery in 2028, but also adds options to build Icon 6 and Icon 7. This means cruisers can look forward to fresh, industry-leading vessels and experiences for years to come.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, says the partnership will “usher in a new era of innovation that will disrupt the vacation sector through 2036.” The Icon Class—already making headlines with Icon of the Seas (launched January 2024), Star of the Seas (coming August 2025), and the upcoming Legend of the Seas (setting sail Summer 2026)—is famous for offering next-level amenities, entertainment, and eco-friendly technology.

More Than Big Ships—A Big Boost for Finland

Meyer Turku isn’t just any shipyard. With a legacy of building 25 Royal Caribbean ships since the mid-1990s, it’s a driving force in Finnish industry. Shipbuilding here is the country’s largest industrial project, supporting 13,000 jobs and adding more than a billion euros to the national economy each year. The shipyard and its army of experts are at the forefront of sustainable ship design and construction, championing green technologies that are shaping the future of cruising.

Finland’s Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, hailed the agreement as a win for jobs and innovation: “The longstanding collaboration between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku will continue to have a significant positive impact on Finland’s economy, creating jobs across the country and energising our unique maritime ecosystem.”

What’s Next for Holidaymakers?

Royal Caribbean is more than just ocean getaways. With nine new ships already in the pipeline and seven land-based destinations coming by 2028, the company is leading the charge in seamless, multi-faceted travel. Their mix of signature ocean voyages, innovative land experiences, and tech-forward guest journeys is solidifying Royal’s position as a true vacation pioneer.

Final Word

If you’re planning your next big adventure—whether sailing with family, chasing the Northern Lights, or ticking off global bucket-list ports—expect even more exciting (and sustainable) ships from Royal Caribbean in the years ahead. The waves of innovation are just starting to build, and Aussies are well placed to reap the rewards as these trailblazing vessels cruise into the future.