On Monday a celebration was held at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland as the keel was laid for Royal Caribbean’s next new cruise ship, Icon of the Seas. A 3,000 ton crane lifted the steel block onto the traditional two “lucky” coins, marking the official start of the cruise ship’s construction.
Senior executives from both Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku were present at the celebration.
“Five years ago, we began dreaming of Icon of the Seas, and now the next phase of this iconic adventure is beginning,” Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said. “As this game-changing ship takes shape, the excitement from families and travelers alike, travel advisors and our partners continues to build.”
Icon of the Seas will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), and it will be the first cruise ship in Royal’s fleet to use the cleaner alternative fuel.
The cruise line has not given details on to what the ship will look like or what new features guests will find on board. However, Bayley said that more information would be revealed later this year.
Icon of the Seas is the first of three planned ships for Royal’s new “Icon” class. It is scheduled to begin sailing in 2023.
