Royal Caribbean to build another Icon Class ship, possibly more

Royal Caribbean adds to its luxury fleet

By Mark Reif Published August 29, 2024

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Royal Caribbean International / Royal Caribbean International

This week, Royal Caribbean Group announced an agreement with Meyer Turku, a Finnish shipbuilder, to construct a fourth Icon Class ship. Set for completion in 2027, the ship builds on the cruise line’s all-inclusive experience on the seas, with elements of beach escapes, theme parks, and luxury resorts. The contract also includes options for a fifth and sixth vessel.

Icon Class ships are resorts on the water

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas deck — Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Royal Caribbean International

The first Royal Caribbean Icon Class ship, Icon of the Seas, set sail in 2024. Outfitted with a water park, a family-friendly neighborhood, abundant nightlife, and curated dining, it was like no cruise ship before. Viewed at night, it resembled a colorful amusement park, like a light show on the ocean. A sister ship, Star of the Seas, launches in 2025, followed by a yet-to-be-named vessel in 2026. Now, the cruise line builds on that momentum with a fourth version (and possibly a fifth and sixth).

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Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, commented: “Building on the incredible momentum and market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas and the excitement for its sister ship, Star of the Seas, coming in 2025, we’re thrilled to join with Meyer Turku once again to expand our roster of Icon Class ships and continue our future growth plans. Since its debut, Icon has changed the game in vacation experiences and exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance.”

Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku added: “This order is an important milestone for the future of shipbuilding in the maritime network in Finland. With Icon of the Seas, our team, consisting of the shipyard and partners, have built an extraordinary ship in respect of naval architecture, energy efficiency and customer experience. This is yet another recognition of the professionalism of our personnel and of our leadership in the maritime industry’s innovation and green transition. The options underline the strong outlook of our order book.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

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Construction at Glacier National Park means changes for your trip — what to know

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The Garden Wall along the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.

In fall of 2024, the officials at Glacier National Park started a major construction project to replace aging infrastructure. This included the Swiftcurrent area water system, which was originally installed in the 1960s and is in desperate need of replacement. The rehabilitation project also includes road and safety improvements. Since the construction project encroaches on much of the parking options, the National Park Service has announced that personal vehicle access to Many Glacier will be restricted.

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For the best winter camping adventure, try one of these national parks

Yosemite National Park in winter

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Big Bend National Park will initiate trail closures because of this bird

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Big Bend National Park in Texas

The peregrine falcon is a powerful, fast-flying bird of prey that can reach up to 240 mph in a hunting dive. Though they can be found pretty much worldwide, they almost became extinct due to the use of DDT pesticides, which weakened their eggshells. Recovery efforts in the 1970s and the 1990s banned the use of DDT and captive breeding, which led to this beautiful bird being delisted from the U.S. endangered species list in 1999. Though these birds have recovered to a certain extent, they are still a protected species in Texas, which is why the National Park Service is closing parts of Big Bend National Park, one of Texas' gorgeous national parks, during the nesting period.

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