Royal Caribbean’s Icon 4: A New Era in Cruise Ship Construction
Royal Caribbean’s fourth Icon-class cruise ship, currently known as Icon 4, is making significant strides at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The ship is set to welcome passengers in late 2027. Recently, the construction reached a pivotal phase with the installation of the first passenger cabins.
Modular Cabins: Revolutionising Cruise Ship Construction
The cabins for Icon 4 are not built on-site. Instead, they are fully prebuilt units, a method that enhances both efficiency and quality control. These staterooms are crafted by Piikkio Works, a subsidiary of Meyer Turku, in Piikkio, Finland. Once completed, they are transported to the shipyard for installation.
This modular approach allows for rapid installation once the ship’s structure is ready. The cabins come complete with bathroom units and fixtures, streamlining the construction schedule for these massive vessels.
Icon-Class: A Fleet of Giants
Icon 4 will join its sister ships in the Icon class, known for being the largest cruise vessels ever built. Icon of the Seas began service in January 2024, followed by Star of the Seas in August 2025. Legend of the Seas is set to debut in July 2026, also under construction at Meyer Turku alongside Icon 4.
These ships are colossal, each weighing approximately 248,663 gross tonnes. They can accommodate 5,610 guests in double occupancy, with a maximum capacity of around 7,600 passengers.
Construction Timeline and Future Milestones
The construction of Icon 4 officially started in September 2025 with a keel-laying ceremony. This maritime tradition involves placing commemorative coins beneath the first section of the ship’s hull for good luck. Like its sister ships, Icon 4 will be powered by liquefied natural gas and will feature alternative energy technologies, including fuel cells for generating power while docked.
The next significant milestone will be the ship’s float-out. This is when the vessel leaves the construction dock and enters the water for the first time. Typically, this occurs about a year before the ship’s delivery and launch.
Royal Caribbean’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in the Icon-class ships. As the construction of Icon 4 progresses, cruise enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the future of cruising on these groundbreaking vessels.
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