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Royal Caribbean Group is preparing to launch a new class of ships soon, according to a recent press release. As part of the announcement of its long-term agreement with Meyer Turku shipyard, the company stated that it is gearing up to introduce a "revolutionary new class of ship that goes beyond the Icon Class." The company did not disclose additional details about the new design, noting that the latest agreement aims to secure building slots at the Finnish shipyard.
Amidst the continuous evolution of the cruise tourism sector, Royal Caribbean Group has announced its ambitious plans for the future of its fleet. As stated by Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group: "As we continue to reimagine the future of vacations, we are excited to continue our partnership with Meyer Turku to grow the Icon Class – a one-of-a-kind series that offers exceptional vacation experiences – and position us to introduce a new era of innovation that will revolutionize the vacation industry through 2036."
The new plans include confirming an order for a fifth Icon Class ship, in addition to an option for a seventh ship in the same series. The newly ordered ship is scheduled to enter service in 2028, following Utopia of the Seas in 2026 and a yet-to-be-named fourth ship in 2027. According to the company, the long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku secures building slots through 2036.
This expansion comes at a time when the cruise sector is experiencing accelerating growth and intense competition. Through these strategic steps, Royal Caribbean seeks to solidify its position as a leader in providing unique and innovative maritime tourism experiences that meet the growing aspirations of travelers.
Royal Caribbean has hinted at a new class of ships, which has been dubbed the "Discovery Class." According to the company's statement: "This multi-year agreement... sets Royal Caribbean Group up for a revolutionary new class of ship that goes beyond the Icon Class." According to discussions on the Cruise Critic forums, this project has been in development for several years and is rumored to be smaller than both the Icon and Oasis Classes. This would cater to travelers who do not prefer mega-ships and ensures that ships of varying sizes remain in the fleet as older, smaller vessels are potentially retired over the next few years.
During a morning "Captain’s Corner" meeting, passengers on Ovation of the Seas were told that Royal Caribbean was considering building new ships the size of the Voyager Class, and a Cruise Critic member named Spring Aussie stated in late 2022: "Project Discovery is the project name."
In addition to the three upcoming Icon Class ships, Royal Caribbean has confirmed the construction of a seventh Oasis Class ship, the company's second-largest class.
This class was first launched in 2009 and introduced the concept of themed neighborhoods, a concept that was continued on the Icon Class ships. The company also holds options for two additional Icon Class ships—Icon 6 and Icon 7—should it decide to proceed.
Royal Caribbean's new ships are characterized by innovative designs and advanced facilities that meet the needs of modern travelers:
Royal Caribbean International (RCI), formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL), was founded in Norway in 1968 and has been organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group since 1997.
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, it is the largest cruise line by revenue and the second largest by passenger count. As of 2025, Royal Caribbean International controls 27.0% of the global cruise market by passenger count and 24.8% by revenue.
As of August 2025, the company operates 29 ships; three additional ships are on order, and two are planned but without a launch date.
Royal Caribbean went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1993. In 1997, it merged with the Greek cruise line Celebrity Cruises and changed its name from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to Royal Caribbean International.
At the same time, Royal Caribbean Group was formed as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to serve as a holding company owning both Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
Royal Caribbean has introduced five new ships in the last three years, but it is also focusing on shore-side development. In 2019, it completed a major expansion of its private island, "Perfect Day at CocoCay" in the Bahamas, and will open the "Royal Beach Club Paradise Island," also in the Bahamas, next December.
The "Royal Beach Club Cozumel" in Mexico is scheduled to open next year, and another private island, "Perfect Day Mexico," will open in 2027.
Royal Caribbean has collaborated with Meyer Turku shipyard since the 1990s. The Finnish shipyard has built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean, including the first two Icon Class ships, the 248,663-gross-ton, 5,610-passenger Icon of the Seas, and Star of the Seas.
The new long-term framework agreement secures building slots at the shipyard through 2036. Meyer Turku is a long-term partner of the company, having built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean since 1990, including Icon of the Seas built in 2023 and Star of the Seas built in 2025.
Royal Caribbean's future plans include confirming an order for a fifth Icon Class ship and adding an option for a seventh ship in the same series. The newly ordered ship is scheduled to enter service in 2028, following Utopia of the Seas in 2026 and a yet-to-be-named fourth ship in 2027.
The current order book for Royal Caribbean Group also includes three ships from Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The French shipyard is currently building Celebrity Excel, which will be followed by a sister ship in 2028. Royal Caribbean International is also set to receive a seventh Oasis Class ship from the yard in 2028.
As part of its joint venture with TUI AG, the group is building the Mein Schiff Flue ship at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. In addition to ocean-going vessels, Royal Caribbean is building a series of riverboats for its new brand, Celebrity River Cruises. At least ten ships are scheduled for delivery by the Temco shipyard in the Netherlands over the next few years.
In addition to expanding its maritime fleet, Royal Caribbean is also focusing on shore-side development. In 2019, it completed a major expansion of its private island, "Perfect Day at CocoCay" in the Bahamas, and will open the "Royal Beach Club Paradise Island," also in the Bahamas, next December. The "Royal Beach Club Cozumel" in Mexico is scheduled to open next year, and another private island, "Perfect Day Mexico," will open in 2027.
This diversification in destinations reflects the company's strategy to provide integrated experiences for its customers, with a blend of cruises and exclusive shore destinations. These private destinations aim to enhance the traveler experience by providing recreational facilities, private beaches, and relaxation areas directly managed and supervised by the company.
As stated by Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group: "As we continue to reimagine the future of vacations, we are excited to continue our partnership with Meyer Turku to grow the Icon Class – a one-of-a-kind series that offers exceptional vacation experiences – and position us to introduce a new era of innovation that will revolutionize the vacation industry through 2036."
This ambitious vision reflects the company's commitment to continuous innovation and investment in the future. These innovations are expected to significantly impact the cruise industry by:
Royal Caribbean's plans to launch a new, "revolutionary and game-changing" class of ships represent an ambitious step towards the future of cruising. This multi-year agreement sets Royal Caribbean Group up for a revolutionary new class of ship that goes beyond the Icon Class, reinforcing its position as a leader in providing unique and innovative maritime tourism experiences.
By securing building slots at the Finnish shipyard until 2036, the company places itself in a strong strategic position for long-term growth and expansion.
In the face of increasing competition in the cruise sector, Royal Caribbean's strategy of diversifying between ocean-going ships and private shore destinations stands out as an integrated model that meets the aspirations of modern travelers.
The commitment to continuous innovation and investment in technology and design will enable the company to deliver exceptional travel experiences that exceed its customers' expectations and solidify its position as a leader in the global cruise industry.
As the reveal of the details of this new class of ships approaches, cruise enthusiasts around the world await the innovations and new concepts that Royal Caribbean will present, which will undoubtedly set new standards for the future of maritime tourism.