“The start of construction for the fifth Icon Class ship reflects the strength of the long-term partnership between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku. Building a series of ships allows us to continuously learn, improve and innovate, and each new vessel benefits from the expertise gained throughout the program. Together with our partner network, we are proud to demonstrate the world-class shipbuilding capabilities developed in Turku and to help shape the future of cruise shipbuilding” says Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.

During the keel-laying celebration, the first major building block of steel was placed in the dry dock at the shipyard where the ship will take shape over the next two years. The keel forms the backbone of the ship along the bottom and center of its hull and provides the foundation for the ship’s construction. To mark the milestone, Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku placed a layer of freshly minted coins beneath the steel block before it was lifted into position in a time-honored shipbuilding tradition sealing good fortune for the ship’s journey ahead.

The fifth Icon Class ship will build on the revolutionary Icon Class lineup that continues to redefine the world’s best family vacation, followed by the sixth in 2029 and seventh in 2030. From the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, each bold vacation delivers ways for every type of vacationer and family to make memories together or on their own and without compromise.

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