Royal Caribbean Group and Finland’s Meyer Turku have signed a transformative and strategic long-term shipbuilding agreement to extend their collaboration through 2036. This partnership includes confirmed orders for the groundbreaking Icon 5 and options for Icon 6 and Icon 7. It will mark a significant milestone in both companies’ strategic growth and innovation in the cruise tourism industry.

A Bold Move for the Future of Cruise Tourism

Royal Caribbean’s extended partnership with Meyer Turku further establishes Finland’s role as a central player in the global cruise industry. This agreement ensures that Royal Caribbean will continue to receive world-class vessels designed to meet the rising demand for luxurious, sustainable cruise experiences.

The deal is not just about securing shipbuilding slots; it is a step toward the future of cruise tourism. By ordering three more ships in the Icon Class series, Royal Caribbean demonstrates its commitment to both cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibility, making it a game-changer for eco-conscious travelers and maritime enthusiasts alike.

Boosting Finland’s Economy Through Shipbuilding

This long-term collaboration is set to have a major economic impact on Finland, where Meyer Turku’s shipbuilding facilities are located. Each new ship construction project supports the creation of around 13,000 jobs, while generating more than €1 billion annually for the Finnish economy. The agreement’s economic benefits further highlight the importance of this partnership, not just for the cruise industry, but for the local workforce and Finland’s shipbuilding reputation.

Meyer Turku, which has built 25 vessels for Royal Caribbean since the mid-1990s, continues to be at the forefront of the cruise industry’s technological advancements, ensuring that each new ship meets the highest standards of safety, comfort, and sustainability.

Icon Class Ships: The Future of Cruise Ship Design

The Icon Class ships represent a significant leap forward in sustainable maritime travel. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and integrated with fuel cell technology, these ships are some of the most eco-friendly vessels in the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships, which have a gross tonnage of approximately 250,800 GT and can accommodate up to 5,610 passengers, are designed with a focus on reducing emissions and energy consumption.

As the first of the Icon Class ships—Icon of the Seas—prepares for its inaugural voyage in 2025, the excitement surrounding the class continues to grow. With the launch of Star of the Seas in 2026 and Legend of the Seas in 2027, Royal Caribbean is setting new benchmarks for the future of cruising, not just in terms of luxury but in environmental stewardship as well.

Strengthening Royal Caribbean’s Commitment to Innovation

Royal Caribbean’s decision to place orders for Icon 5, with the option for Icon 6 and Icon 7, positions the company as a leader in pushing the boundaries of cruise ship design. The Icon Class ships are designed to provide guests with an all-encompassing vacation experience, blending the excitement of a beach resort with the thrill of a theme park. This fusion of leisure and adventure has made the Icon Class one of the most anticipated fleets in the industry.

Beyond the Icon Class, the agreement also signals Royal Caribbean’s dedication to introducing future generations of vessels that continue to elevate the cruising experience while addressing the growing demand for sustainability.

What This Means for Cruise Travelers and the Industry

For travelers, this long-term agreement guarantees the continuation of a premium cruise experience that combines luxury with environmentally-friendly practices. As the Icon Class ships make their way into service, cruisers can expect a combination of innovative amenities, state-of-the-art technology, and a focus on sustainability that has never been seen before in the cruise industry.

This agreement not only ensures that travelers will have access to some of the most advanced cruise ships in the world but also highlights Royal Caribbean’s commitment to shaping the future of cruising. The ships’ design principles, focused on sustainability, will attract environmentally-conscious travelers seeking new ways to enjoy the world’s oceans while minimizing their carbon footprint.

Finland as a Cruise Tourism Hub

Finland’s maritime heritage continues to shine as the country strengthens its position as a top destination for both shipbuilding and cruise tourism. The collaboration with Meyer Turku not only boosts Finland’s economy but also contributes to its growing reputation as a center of innovation and sustainability in the cruise industry.

For travelers, Finland offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and cutting-edge tourism infrastructure, all of which are further enhanced by the presence of major international cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. The Icon Class ships, built in Turku, will undoubtedly play a significant role in elevating Finland’s standing as a cruise tourism destination.

The Road Ahead: A Partnership That Promises a Bright Future

As cruising steers confidently toward a vibrant horizon, the enduring alliance of Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku shines as a living proof of both the industry’s resilience and its imaginative ambition. Guided by evolving traveler expectations and clear-eyed sustainability goals, the partnership continues to chart a path where cutting-edge green technology and guest-inspired design intertwine. Together, the yards and the ships they create are becoming canvases for the next wave of cruising: inventive, responsible, and irresistibly adventurous.