Royal Caribbean Just Ordered Two More Of The World’s Biggest Cruise Ships

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
You can receive cruise news updates straight to your inbox, so you don't miss a thing! Subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean has confirmed plans to build two more Icon Class cruise ships, extending its investment in the largest vessels ever built for the cruise industry.

Icon class ship

The cruise line announced that it has ordered two additional ships, currently known as Icon 6 and Icon 7. Both vessels will be built by Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku, with deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030.

The new orders further expand Royal Caribbean’s pipeline of Icon Class ships, a design that has quickly become the company’s flagship product since the debut of Icon of the Seas in 2024.

Largest Cruise Ships In The World

The Icon Class ships are currently the biggest cruise ships in operation, measuring around 250,800 gross tons and capable of carrying up to 7,600 guests at full capacity.

Star Legend Icon of the Seas

Designed as a completely new concept, the ships were created as a “white paper” project. Rather than evolving an existing design, Royal Caribbean built the concept from scratch with a focus on distinct onboard neighbourhoods.

Each neighbourhood has its own theme and atmosphere, ranging from family-focused spaces with water parks and entertainment to quieter adults-only areas and premium dining venues. The layout is intended to appeal to a wide mix of travellers, including families, couples and multi-generational groups sailing together.

The strong passenger demand for these ships has helped drive bookings and pricing power for the cruise line, reinforcing Royal Caribbean’s strategy to continue expanding the class.

Expanding The Icon Class Fleet

The latest order comes less than a year after Royal Caribbean confirmed a fifth Icon Class ship for delivery in 2028.

Several ships in the class are already sailing or preparing to launch. Icon of the Seas entered service in January 2024, followed by Star of the Seas in August 2025.

The third ship in the series, Legend of the Seas, is scheduled to debut in July 2026 with cruises in the Western Mediterranean. A fourth ship, Hero of the Seas, will join the fleet in 2027.

Suggested read: Royal Caribbean Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest

Legend of the Seas

With the addition of the newly ordered ships, the Icon Class will match the Oasis Class as Royal Caribbean’s largest group of ships within a single class.

What We Know About Icon 6 And Icon 7

Royal Caribbean has not yet revealed names, homeports or specific onboard features for the sixth and seventh Icon Class ships.

However, previous ships in the series suggest the cruise line will continue refining the design rather than making major structural changes. Newer ships often include small adjustments based on passenger feedback from earlier vessels.

For example, upcoming ship Hero of the Seas is expected to introduce expanded pool areas following guest feedback from the first two ships in the class.

More details about the newest Icon Class ships are likely to emerge closer to their launch dates later in the decade.

Background To The Royal Caribbean And Meyer Turku Partnership

The new ship orders are part of a wider long-term agreement between Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku that secures shipbuilding capacity through 2036.

“The Icon Class reflects our bold creativity and engineering excellence that continues to define what a vacation can be,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

“Through our long-standing partnership with Meyer Turku, the Finnish government, and the strong Finnish maritime cluster, we are reimagining the industry for decades to come while also delivering meaningful economic impact for Finland.”

Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, added: “The order of sixth and seventh Icon Class vessels is a significant recognition of Meyer Turku and the Finnish maritime industry’s talent and expertise. This milestone represents an important step forward in our partnership with Royal Caribbean Group to develop the shipbuilding sector over the next decade and beyond.”

The Finnish shipyard has built 25 ships for the cruise company over the years, including Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

Want the best Royal Caribbean deal?

Get a free quote from Cruise Mummy’s trusted travel agent, with exclusive onboard credit and expert help at no extra cost.

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!


Jenni with Disney Cruise ship at Castaway Cay


Leave a comment