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).

Recommended Videos

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…

Travel

Here’s how to get upgraded to first class (simple and easy)

Want to fly first class without the price tag? Try out these strategies

Overhead sign showing security check point lanes designated for first class and TSA Precheck passengers.

Flying first class is the dream, but those cushy seats often come with a steep price tag. The good news is that you don’t always have to pay full price to experience the luxury of first class. The first time I got upgraded, it was pure luck. I had no status, no fancy credit card, and definitely no clue what I was doing. But thanks to an overbooked economy cabin and a kind gate agent, I found myself settling into a roomy seat, champagne in hand.

After that experience, I made it my goal to find out how to get upgraded as much as possible. So, follow these strategies if you’re wondering how to get upgraded to first class on your next flight.
1. Join an airline loyalty program

Outdoors

Joshua Tree National Park to close busiest entrance for massive revamp: What to know

West entrance at Joshua Tree National Park undergoes massive transformations

joshua trees in desert

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most ecologically interesting national parks in the country, so it's great to see that it's getting some TLC. This April, the National Park Service is closing down all traffic from Monday, April 7th, to Thursday, April 10th, for some updates to the West entrance station.

As the busiest entry point in the park, seeing a whopping 515,000 vehicles in 2023, this new entrance station will be built one-third mile south of the current location and will feature two inbound lanes and one outbound lane, as well as a bypass lane in each direction. Four booths will be constructed in place of the one that's already there, which is going to improve park access for everyone. This project is funded by fee revenue through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.

Travel

Essential things to do before leaving for vacation: Check these off your list

Don’t leave for vacation without doing these 10 things

Hikers on vacation

I used to think preparing for vacation just meant packing a suitcase and heading to the airport. That is, until I came home from a trip to find my mailbox overflowing, my houseplants dried out, and an unsettlingly high electricity bill from forgetting to turn off the AC. Needless to say, I quickly learned that going on vacation requires some pre-trip preparation, and that includes making sure things at home are taken care of. Ever since that chaotic return, I’ve made it a priority to check off a complete pre-trip list before heading out the door, and you should too! Here are the things to do before leaving for vacation.
Your vacation pre-trip checklist
1. Check your travel documents and reservations

Let me tell you, nothing derails a trip faster than realizing your passport is expired or your hotel booking isn’t confirmed. Save yourself the headache by double-checking everything in advance.