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September 09.2025

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Construction of Icon 4 Begins: What It Means for Future Cruises

Royal Caribbean Icon Class cruise ship construction and final ship at sea.

Royal Caribbean's Innovative Journey Continues

The cruise industry is witnessing a significant evolution, especially with Royal Caribbean announcing the start of construction on its fourth Icon Class ship, known tentatively as Icon 4. Following the keel-laying ceremony at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the cruise ship is slated to make its grand debut in 2027. This ship is part of Royal Caribbean's ambitious expansion of its highly successful Icon Class fleet, which promises not just luxury but also a vibrant cruise experience.

What Does This Mean for Future Cruises?

The growing prominence of Royal Caribbean in the cruise sector emphasizes its commitment to innovation and quality. Following the remarkable entries of Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, anticipation is high for Icon 4, even though few details about its unique features have been revealed. What's particularly exciting for potential cruisers is that the construction is happening in tandem with the third ship in the class, Legend of the Seas, which is set to commence its voyages in August 2026.

A Big Boost for Employment

The development of such enormous cruise ships isn't just beneficial for Royal Caribbean; it significantly impacts local economies too. Meyer Turku's CEO highlighted that each vessel in this size category produces approximately 13,000 person-years of employment. This means that not only are they creating luxurious vacations for guests, but they also contribute greatly to the community by providing jobs in shipbuilding and design.

Speculating the Ship's Name

As exciting as the construction is, avid cruise fans are already speculating about the next name in the Icon Class. Royal Caribbean regularly trademarks potential ship names, and with playful suggestions like “Happy of the Seas” and “Fantasia of the Seas,” the creativity is boundless. The speculation itself adds to the allure as cruisers eagerly await updates and the eventual reveal of the ship's true identity.

The Future of Cruising Awaits

For retirees looking to explore the world on luxurious liners, Royal Caribbean's forward momentum exemplifies the company’s dedication to providing ever-improving experiences at sea. With contemporary designs, modern amenities, and exciting new itineraries on the horizon, cruising with Royal Caribbean will continue to be a compelling choice for many.

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Construction of Icon 4 Begins: What It Means for Future Cruises

Royal Caribbean's Innovative Journey Continues

What Does This Mean for Future Cruises?

A Big Boost for Employment

Speculating the Ship's Name

The Future of Cruising Awaits

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