Royal Caribbean Group has announced a long-term agreement with shipbuilding company Meyer Turku, securing the cruise corporation's rights to build ships at the Finnish yard through 2036. The agreement includes a confirmed order for vessel Icon 5, scheduled for delivery in 2028 (subject to financing), and adds an option to build Icon 7 alongside the previously announced Icon 6 option.
"As we continue to reimagine the future of vacations, we are excited to continue collaborating with Meyer Turku to grow the Icon Class — a first-of-its-kind series that delivers exceptional vacation experiences — and position us to usher in a new era of innovation that will disrupt the vacation sector through 2036," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. "This is an exciting time for our company, and we are proud to launch this new stage in our history with our esteemed partners, Meyer Turku, the Finnish government and the Finnish maritime cluster."
The agreement also positions Royal Caribbean Group to develop a new ship class beyond the Icon series. Meyer Turku has built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean Group since the mid-1990s.
The Icon Class currently includes two ships in service: Icon of the Seas, which launched in January 2024, and Star of the Seas, which debuted in August 2025. Legend of the Seas is scheduled to sail in summer 2026, with Icon 4 set for delivery in 2027. Orders beyond Icon 5 are subject to Royal Caribbean Group exercising its options and executing firm construction agreements, which are expected to include customary conditions such as financing.
Each cruise ship construction project employs approximately 13,000 people at Meyer Turku and throughout the shipyard's network, generating more than one billion euros in added value per year for Finland.
"This new framework agreement is excellent news for Finland," said Finnish prime minister Petteri Orpo. "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 energizing our unique maritime ecosystem."
Royal Caribbean Group currently has nine new ships planned, as well as seven land-based destinations by 2028.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Royal Caribbean Group. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
