Cheers to vacations! This week, Royal Caribbean International celebrated a significant milestone in the development of their latest innovative cruise ship, which is part of the highly anticipated Icon Class. The construction officially kicked off with a keel-laying ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. This new vessel is set to make waves when it launches in 2026, and we can expect to hear more exciting updates in the months ahead.
During the celebration, the first piece of the ship was carefully placed in the dry dock, marking the beginning of the construction for this record-breaking Icon Class ship. The keel, which serves as the ship’s backbone, was laid down at the heart of the hull. The teams from Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku were present to witness this pivotal moment, and they added a touch of tradition by placing a layer of newly minted coins beneath the massive steel block before it was hoisted into position, symbolizing good luck for the journey ahead.
Following the groundbreaking launch of Icon of the Seas, the next adventure in this exciting lineup will follow the summer 2025 debut of Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral, Florida. The yet-to-be-named ship promises to offer an unparalleled blend of experiences that define the Icon Class, with plans for a fourth ship in 2027 and potential for even more in the future. Each ship in this series is designed to cater to every type of vacationer, combining elements of beach getaways, resort relaxation, and thrilling theme park fun, ensuring that families can create unforgettable memories together while enjoying their own unique adventures. Stay tuned for more details about what this third Icon Class ship will bring!
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