Keel Laying for Fourth Icon Cruise Ship: Milestone for Meyer Turku & Royal Caribbean

On September 8, 2025, a significant step for the cruise industry was taken at the Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku: the keel laying of the fourth ship of the Icon Class. During the traditional ceremony, where a coin was placed under the first steel block to bring good fortune to the ship and its future crew, the start of the hull's construction was officially marked. This new cruise ship, being built for Royal Caribbean International, is part of a series of large vessels that are setting new standards in the industry.

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With this fourth ship, the shipyard is demonstrating how efficiently series production can be. The experience gained from the already-built ships of the Icon Class has allowed processes to be continuously optimized. This smooth collaboration between the shipyard and the cruise line ensures that the ships are completed on schedule. For the region and the supplier network in Finland, the project is extremely important. According to Meyer Turku, each new build secures 13,000 person-years of employment.

The Icon Class stands not only for record size but also for technological innovation. The ships are powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which significantly reduces emissions compared to conventional propulsion systems. They also feature innovative technologies like fuel cells and waste heat recovery systems. The new ship is planned for delivery to Royal Caribbean in 2027.

This milestone shows that the cruise industry continues to focus on growth, and in doing so, is building larger and more environmentally friendly ships. The Icon Class is considered a blueprint for the next generation of cruise ships.