Cruise giant Royal Caribbean International has broken ground on its fourth Icon Class ship, marking the milestone with a traditional keel-laying ceremony this week at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The yet-to-be-named vessel is expected to rival its sister ships in size, with space for thousands of passengers, expansive neighborhoods, water parks and high-energy entertainment. Royal Caribbean says the 2027 debut will continue the company’s push for bigger, bolder vacations at sea, though details on new features are still to come.
Fresh off the excitement of Icon of the Seas’ debut earlier this year, Royal Caribbean has turned its attention to the next chapter in the record-breaking Icon Class. At the keel-laying ceremony, shipbuilders lowered the first massive steel block into the dry dock and placed freshly minted coins beneath it. This is a maritime ritual meant to bring good fortune for the vessel and everyone who will sail on it. The event signaled the moment the new ship officially began taking shape ahead of its planned 2027 launch.
Expanding the Icon Class fleet
The yet-to-be-named ship is the fourth in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, a series the company has billed as its most ambitious innovation in decades. The first, Icon of the Seas, entered service in 2024 and was quickly labeled the world’s largest cruise ship. It was followed by Star of the Seas, which launched in August 2025, and Legend of the Seas, scheduled to debut in 2026. With the fourth ship now under construction in Finland, the cruise line underscores its long-term commitment to expanding the lineup it calls a game-changing vacation experience.
What to expect on board
Royal Caribbean has not yet revealed the full details of the ship, but if its sister vessels are any indication, travelers can expect one of the largest cruise ships in the world, which can accommodate more than 5,000 guests. Previous Icon Class ships introduced soaring AquaDomes with high-flying performances, sprawling water parks with record-setting slides, multiple neighborhoods and more than 40 bars and restaurants on each ship. The fourth Icon Class ship is expected to carry forward that mix of thrills, relaxation spaces and dining variety, with new twists still to be announced as construction progresses.
On track for a 2027 debut
With the keel now in place, the ship will continue to rise block by block at Meyer Turku over the next two years. Royal Caribbean plans to take delivery in 2027, though the cruise line has not yet announced the ship’s name, itinerary or homeport. If the pattern of earlier Icon Class launches is any guide, the new vessel will aim to set new benchmarks in scale and onboard innovation, adding momentum to the company’s expanding fleet.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist. She’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
The post Cruise giant Royal Caribbean breaks ground on fourth Icon Class ship appeared first on Food Drink Life.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.