Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class expansion continues as the company confirms an order for two additional LNG-powered cruise ships to be built in Finland.
Royal Caribbean International has exercised an option with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku for the sixth and seventh units in its Icon-class programme. The seventh vessel remains subject to final financing arrangements, but the move secures long-term production capacity and reinforces one of the most significant newbuilding pipelines in the cruise sector.
The announcement comes as the third vessel in the series, MV Legend of the Seas, has entered sea trials from the Turku yard. The trials began on April 19 and are expected to last around 10 days, during which approximately 2,000 engineers and specialists are testing onboard systems, propulsion performance, and LNG-fuelled machinery under operational conditions. The vessel is projected to cover over 2,400 nautical miles before returning for final outfitting ahead of her scheduled delivery in July 2026.
With a gross tonnage of approximately 248,663 GT, the Icon-class vessels represent the largest cruise ships ever constructed. The first unit, MV Icon of the Seas, entered service in early 2024, followed by MV Star of the Seas in 2025. Construction is already underway on the fourth vessel, MV Hero of the Seas, which is expected to join the fleet in 2027.
Each vessel measures about 364 metres in length and accommodates roughly 5,600 passengers at double occupancy, with total capacity reaching around 7,600 guests. Crew complement stands at approximately 2,350. The design emphasizes large-scale, resort-style features, including multiple pools, extensive dining options, and high-capacity leisure infrastructure aimed at competing directly with land-based holiday destinations.
Future units in the series will incorporate incremental design modifications. These include expanded pool areas, new family-oriented attractions such as raft slides, and upgraded accommodation concepts, reflecting evolving passenger demand in the high-capacity cruise segment.
The latest order forms part of a broader framework agreement between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku, reserving shipyard capacity through 2036. Delivery of the fifth vessel in the class is scheduled for 2028, followed by the newly confirmed sixth and seventh ships in 2029 and 2030 respectively.
The expansion aligns with continued growth in the global cruise orderbook, which industry estimates place above $86 billion, with projections approaching $100 billion in the coming years. In parallel with the Icon-class programme, Royal Caribbean is advancing additional newbuild projects, including another Oasis-class vessel in France and a smaller “Discovery” class scheduled for delivery at the end of the decade.
For ship operators and industry stakeholders, the sustained investment highlights confidence in long-term cruise demand, as well as increasing reliance on LNG propulsion and large-scale vessel design to optimize operational efficiency and passenger capacity.
