Royal Caribbean Group has recently announced the ordering of a fourth Icon-class ship from Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku. This decision comes with options open for a fifth and sixth ship, demonstrating the company’s commitment to expanding its fleet in the coming years. The plan is to introduce one new Icon-class ship per year through at least 2027, showcasing Royal Caribbean’s dedication to growth and innovation in the cruise industry.
The first Icon-class ship, which is the largest cruise vessel in the world at nearly 249,000 gross tons, was launched in January to significant success. The ship offers a range of new neighborhoods catering to families, an adults-only resort-style area, and a six-slide waterpark on the top deck. This unique combination of features has led to “unbelievable” performance and “phenomenal” bookings at high rates, indicating a strong demand for this type of cruise experience. With the second ship, the Star of the Seas, expected to launch next year, Royal Caribbean Group’s investment in the Icon-class ships seems to be paying off.
In addition to the fourth Icon-class ship, Royal Caribbean Group has also ordered a seventh Oasis-class ship, set to debut in 2028. This decision further solidifies the company’s partnership with Meyer Turku, with a history of successful collaborations spanning 28 years and 21 ships built for the group. The recent addition of four new ships this year, including the Icon and the Utopia of the Seas for Royal Caribbean International, the Silver Ray for Silversea Cruises, and the Mein Schiff 7 for TUI Cruises, reflects a period of growth and expansion for the company.
The cruise industry, particularly big-ship cruise lines, is currently experiencing a building spree with several major players ordering new ships. Carnival Corp. has ordered five ships this year, three of which are for a new and larger ship class. Norwegian Cruise Line is also investing in new ships that will be larger than its current Prima-class vessels, signaling a competitive landscape and a focus on offering unique and innovative cruise experiences to attract more passengers.
Overall, the strategic decision of Royal Caribbean Group to order additional Icon-class ships and expand its fleet demonstrates the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, and meeting the evolving demands of the cruise industry. With a strong partnership with Meyer Turku and a track record of successful ship launches, Royal Caribbean Group is poised for continued success in the years to come.
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