Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), a global leader in vacations, has announced a major framework agreement with Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard. This partnership secures Royal Caribbean’s shipbuilding rights through the next decade and confirms the construction of Icon 5, scheduled for delivery in 2028, with options for additional ships up to Icon 7. This move strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two companies and signals a bold step toward innovation in the cruise and vacation industry.
Strengthening Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class Expansion
The Icon Class, first introduced with Icon of the Seas in 2024, has already transformed the cruise experience with advanced design, sustainability, and exceptional vacation offerings. Following Star of the Seas in 2025 and Legend of the Seas set for 2026, the upcoming Icon 4 (2027) and confirmed Icon 5 (2028) continue the expansion. With options for Icon 6 and Icon 7, Royal Caribbean is positioning itself to redefine the vacation sector well into the 2030s.
Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized that this agreement ensures the company’s readiness for a “new era of innovation” that will disrupt the global vacation market through 2036.
Boost to Finland’s Economy and Shipbuilding Industry
The Meyer Turku shipyard has built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean since the mid-1990s, making it a cornerstone of Finland’s maritime sector. Each cruise ship construction is the largest single industrial project in the country, generating jobs for nearly 13,000 people and adding more than a billion euros annually to Finland’s economy.
The Finnish government also welcomed the agreement, with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo highlighting the positive impact on job creation and economic growth. Finland’s maritime ecosystem known for green technology, advanced design, and world-class project management is expected to gain further global recognition through this collaboration.
The framework agreement between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku marks the beginning of an ambitious decade-long journey. With more Icon Class ships on the horizon, this partnership will not only enhance Royal Caribbean’s leadership in vacation innovation but also strengthen Finland’s role as a global hub for advanced and sustainable shipbuilding.
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Source: ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP
