Royal Caribbean has officially started physical construction of the fifth ship in its Icon Class. During a keel-laying ceremony at Meyer Turku in Turku, Finland, the first major steel block was placed in the dry dock. The ship is scheduled to enter service in 2028.
The keel-laying marks an important stage in the construction of a new cruise ship. The first major steel block forms part of the foundation for the ship’s hull and provides the basis for the construction that will follow. As part of the ceremony, Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku placed a layer of freshly minted coins beneath the steel block, following a long-standing shipbuilding tradition intended to bring good fortune to the ship throughout its construction and future voyages.
The fifth Icon Class ship will take shape at Meyer Turku over the next two years. Royal Caribbean has not yet revealed the ship’s name or the full range of facilities, entertainment and experiences that will be offered on board. Further details are expected to be announced in the coming months.
The new ship will expand the Icon Class, which combines different elements of a modern cruise holiday, including resort-style relaxation, attractions and entertainment for families. Royal Caribbean has positioned the class around the idea of giving different types of travellers and families a broad choice of ways to spend time together or independently.
The fifth ship will be followed by two further Icon Class vessels. The sixth ship is scheduled to enter service in 2029, while the seventh is planned for 2030. The class will therefore continue to grow within Royal Caribbean’s fleet over the coming years.
Construction of the fifth ship has now begun with the placement of the first major steel block in Meyer Turku’s dry dock. Over the coming months, the hull will continue to take shape as construction progresses, with Royal Caribbean expected to reveal more about the ship’s design, facilities and onboard experiences ahead of its 2028 debut.
Pictures courtesy of Royal Caribbean
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