Royal Caribbean’s Fifth Icon Class Vacation Begins to Take Shape

Date Posted:Mon, 2nd Feb 2026

Royal Caribbean’s Fifth Icon Class Vacation Begins to Take Shape

Royal Caribbean has marked a major milestone with the first cut of steel for its fifth Icon Class ship, kicking off construction on a new, immersive vacation set to debut in 2028. This builds on the expanding lineup of record-breaking Icon Class ships designed to redefine family cruising.

 

Royal Caribbean International has officially launched construction on its fifth Icon Class ship, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the world’s most innovative cruise ship class. The occasion was commemorated with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, a rite of passage that signals the start of more than two years of design, engineering, and assembly work ahead. 

The steel-cutting event brought together leaders from Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku, celebrating the beginning of a new chapter in the Icon Class story. This upcoming ship is slated to debut in 2028, delivering a next-generation vacation experience that continues the brand’s legacy of bold innovation, unmatched family adventures, and unforgettable onboard.

Expanding a Record-Breaking Lineup

The fifth Icon Class vessel joins a growing fleet of Royal Caribbean giants that are redefining modern cruising. The series includes Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, with Legend of the Seas scheduled to debut in 2026 and a fourth Icon Class ship arriving in 2027. Options are also in place to build a sixth and seventh Icon Class ship, further extending the future of the fleet. 

Icon Class ships are known for their unprecedented scale and guest-centric innovations, blending expansive onboard neighborhoods, thrilling attractions, and a wide range of experiences tailored to every type of traveler. From record-setting waterparks to immersive dining and entertainment, these vessels set a new standard for what a modern cruise vacation can be. 

While details about the fifth Icon Class ship’s features and itinerary will be revealed in the coming months, Royal Caribbean emphasizes that the new build will continue the class’s tradition of pushing boundaries and expanding the possibilities of sea travel.