Royal Caribbean has officially started building its fifth Icon class cruise ship, with a keel-laying ceremony recently held at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. During the event, the first major steel block was placed in the dry dock where the ship will be constructed over the next two years. The keel, which forms the backbone of the ship along the bottom and center of its hull, serves as the foundation for the entire structure. As a traditional symbol of good luck, Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku placed a layer of freshly minted coins beneath the steel block before it was lifted into place. The ship has not yet been named and is scheduled to launch in 2028. Guests can expect large waterparks, numerous dining options, and entertainment experiences similar to those found in the West End of London. The fourth Icon class ship, Hero of the Seas, recently completed its float-out, a key step in the construction process where the ship is moved from the dry dock into the water. It is set to debut in 2027 and will include new features such as the Orleans Parish Supper Club, the first funnel raft slide at sea, and a three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse suite. These new ships will join the existing Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas, which are currently the largest cruise ships in the world. These vessels are known for their massive water slides, as well as distinct onboard areas like the serene Central Park deck and the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood. Royal Caribbean has also ordered a sixth and seventh Icon class cruise ship to be built at the same Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, with delivery expected in 2029 and 2030, respectively. This expansion is part of a long-term agreement between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku, which allows for the possibility of building additional ships until 2036. The company's continued investment in the Icon class reflects its commitment to innovation and providing passengers with unique, large-scale cruise experiences. As the construction of these ships progresses, Royal Caribbean aims to maintain its leadership in the cruise industry with increasingly ambitious and luxurious offerings.