Hold onto your Coco Loco because Royal Caribbean is making waves again—literally and figuratively. The cruise line that brought you the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has just signed on to build even more of these floating marvels. That’s right! Royal Caribbean Group has inked a deal with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku to add a fourth Icon Class ship to the fleet, with options for a fifth and sixth. So, what’s the big deal? Let’s dive in!
The Icon Class: A Game-Changer in the World of Cruises
First, let’s talk about why the Icon Class is such a monumental addition to Royal Caribbean’s already impressive fleet. Icon of the Seas, which set sail in January 2024, has redefined what a vacation at sea can be. This isn’t just a cruise ship—it’s a floating resort, theme park, and beach escape all rolled into one. The sheer variety of experiences available on board has left guests (and their Instagram feeds) buzzing with excitement.
But here’s the kicker: Icon of the Seas is reportedly sailing at an eye-popping 132% capacity. That’s right—more people are booking these cruises than the ship was technically designed to hold. With demand this high, it’s no wonder Royal Caribbean is doubling down on the Icon Class by building more ships to keep up with our collective cruise fever.
Star of the Seas: The Next Big Thing (Literally)
As if the success of Icon of the Seas wasn’t enough, Royal Caribbean is already hard at work on its sister ship, Star of the Seas. Slated to launch in 2025, Star of the Seas will call Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida, its home. This makes it a perfect option for anyone looking to combine a cruise with a visit to the theme park capital of the world. Mickey ice cream bars, anyone?
Like its predecessor, Star of the Seas promises to deliver jaw-dropping experiences and Instagram-worthy moments. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for heart-pounding slides or someone who prefers to sip cocktails by the pool, this ship is designed to have something for everyone.
Too Big or Just Right? The Icon Class Debate
Of course, not everyone is thrilled about these mega-ships. Some folks are saying, “No way, too big!” But let’s be real—these ships are the epitome of “go big or go home.” While the sheer size of the Icon Class might be daunting for some, for others, it’s the ultimate vacation dream come true.
The debate over ship size is as old as cruising itself. But with the Icon Class, Royal Caribbean is betting that bigger is indeed better. And with thousands of passengers voting with their wallets (remember that 132% occupancy?), it seems like the cruise line might just be onto something.
What’s Next for Royal Caribbean?
With Star of the Seas set to debut in 2025, a third, yet-to-be-named Icon Class ship in 2026 and this latest agreement to build a fourth, set to debut in 2027, Royal Caribbean is clearly not slowing down. In fact, they’ve got their eyes on the horizon with options to build a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship as well. Add to that the announcement of a seventh Oasis Class ship coming in 2028, and it’s clear that Royal Caribbean is full steam ahead on its quest to dominate the cruise industry.
But don’t just take our word for it. Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, summed it up best: “Icon of the Seas is unlike anything the world has seen before, and we’re just getting started.”
With these plans in motion, Royal Caribbean is setting itself up to continue leading the pack in cruise innovation and guest satisfaction. So whether you’re a cruise veteran or someone who’s just dipping their toes into the world of sea travel, the future of cruising looks brighter—and bigger—than ever.