If you thought Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was the last of its kind, think again.
On Monday, September 8, 2025, shipbuilders at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland laid the keel for the fourth Icon-class ship — and with that, the world’s next mega-cruise liner is officially under construction.
She doesn’t have a name yet, but one thing’s for certain: this ship will be another giant of the seas, with her debut planned for 2027.
The Keel Laying: A Time-Honored Tradition
At the heart of the ceremony was the lowering of the ship’s first steel block into the dry dock, a moment that officially marks the start of assembly.
As per maritime tradition, coins were placed beneath the block — a symbolic gesture meant to bring good fortune and protection to the vessel and her future passengers.
This isn’t just a formality. Once the ship is complete, those very coins will be mounted aboard, becoming part of her permanent story.
The ceremony was attended by executives from both Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku, along with the teams of shipbuilders who will now spend the next two years bringing this floating city to life.
A Busy Shipyard, A Bright Future
If you had been at the shipyard, you would’ve seen Legend of the Seas — the third Icon-class ship, set to debut in 2026 — in a nearby dock, standing as a reminder of the pace and scale at which Royal Caribbean is growing its fleet.
For Meyer Turku, this project is huge. Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, emphasized the importance:
“Icon 4 is a very significant ship for both the shipyard and the entire partner network. With this ship, Meyer Turku is further strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading cruise ship builders.”
Each ship of this size generates 13,000 person-years of employment, from design to construction to launch — meaning the ripple effect of these mega-projects is enormous, not just for cruising, but for the economy.
Will Icon 4 Look Different?
Even though she’ll be part of the Icon class, Royal Caribbean often tweaks designs as new ships are built.
That might mean:
- Adjusted layouts in restaurants or theaters
- Expanded spaces, like the casino or family zones
- Behind-the-scenes upgrades for efficiency
And given recent news about the Thrill Island waterpark and its much-discussed broken waterslide on Icon of the Seas, it’s possible Royal Caribbean will rethink certain design elements.
Whether that means a redesigned slide, new materials, or even replacing it with another attraction, expect some changes to keep guests safe while still delivering thrills.
What Will the New Ship Be Named?
Right now, the fourth Icon-class ship remains unnamed.
Here’s what we know about her sisters:
- Icon of the Seas – Debuted in 2024 and made headlines as the world’s largest cruise ship.
- Star of the Seas – Joined the fleet in August 2025, already winning rave reviews.
- Legend of the Seas – Scheduled to launch in 2026, reusing a name from a beloved retired Royal Caribbean ship.
This leaves the big question: What will ship number four be called?
If Royal Caribbean decides to keep celebrating its legacy, names like Monarch, Majesty, Empress, Voyager, or Splendour could all be strong contenders.
Personally, I’d cast my vote for Majesty of the Seas — a name that carries elegance and nostalgia.
The original Majesty sailed proudly for decades and was beloved by many cruisers, so bringing it back for the newest Icon-class ship would be a powerful way to honor Royal Caribbean’s past while setting the stage for a grand future.
Looking Ahead to 2027
For now, all eyes are on Finland, where this as-yet-unnamed Icon-class ship is slowly but surely coming together.
With her debut set for 2027, cruisers can expect Royal Caribbean to release more details in the coming years about her itineraries, features, and homeport.
One thing’s for sure: if the first two Icon-class ships are anything to go by, this new vessel will push boundaries, dazzle guests, and further cement Royal Caribbean’s dominance in the world of mega-cruises.
