At the same time that the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland cut steel for the upcoming fifth Icon-class ship, a key structural component and one of the most unique features of the fourth ship in the class has been lifted into place.

Meyer Turku noted the progress update on Facebook, sharing key photos as The Pearl was lifted onto the ship, which is currently under construction in Finland.

“Icon 4’s Pearl was lifted into the ship last week. The Pearl is a key feature of the Icon class’ Royal Promenade deck,” the shipyard explained. “It functions both as a load‑bearing structure and a staircase connecting the promenade and the Pearl Café.”

For the construction lift, the structure of the pearl is carefully wrapped so it is not damaged during the move and installation. Both the upper and lower entrances of The Pearl are visible by the asymmetry of the structure. The larger, lower entrance will be positioned on Deck 5, with the smaller, upper entrance on Deck 6.

Read Also: How Much Did Icon of the Seas Cost to Build?

This is a key milestone in the construction of the as-yet-unnamed ship, which will be fourth in the famed Icon class after Icon of the Seas (2023), Star of the Seas (2025), and the upcoming Legend of the Seas (2026).

The fourth vessel has not yet been named, but it is anticipated that it will debut in 2027. Further details are sure to be released as construction continues and the ship’s launch date approaches.

About The Pearl

The Pearl was first introduced as a mystery while Icon of the Seas was under construction. Speculation was rampant about what the never-before-seen feature might have been, including a planetarium exhibit, a small but unique dining venue, or an immersive entertainment experience.

The Pearl is actually the world’s largest kinetic art installation at 16 meters (52.5 feet) in diameter with color-changing lights, moving tiles, and reflection effects that evolve throughout the day in the heart of the ship’s busy Royal Promenade.

As a staircase, The Pearl provides quick access between Decks 5 and 6, as well as serving as a key structural support while permitting abundant light into the ship’s interior.

“The Pearl has a lot of different purposes,” said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer for Royal Caribbean International. “It’s a bit art, a bit sculpture, a bit experience, a bit wow – but all in an architectural marvel.”

On both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, The Pearl has quickly become a favorite passage between the public decks as well as a selfie spot for truly iconic vacation photos.

Icon 4 Construction Progressing

The fourth Icon-class ship was initially ordered in August 2024. Her physical construction began on September 8, 2025 with the ceremonial keel laying, marking the first bits of the ship to begin being assembled.

In mid-January 2026, the first of the modular staterooms were lifted into place on the growing ship, showing her ongoing progress. The ship will feature 2,800 staterooms and will ultimately have a guest capacity of more than 5,600 at double occupancy and well over 7,500 when all berths are filled.

It’s not uncommon for ships in the same class to have slightly different capacities as layouts are tweaked and adjusted based on guest feedback from earlier ships.

There is still a lot of progress that must be made before the massive new ship will be ready for guests. The construction has to be completed, and the ship will be floated out. Then, further construction will continue as well as interior outfitting, and the ship will progress to sea trials.

Before that time, Royal Caribbean will need to release the ship’s name, announce her homeport and itineraries, and of course, open her reservations for eager bookings.

Eventually, the vessel will be handed over to the cruise line, fully equipped and supplied, and ready to bring guests aboard for phenomenal cruise vacations and perfect pictures at The Pearl.

Massive Pearl Structure Installed on Royal Caribbean’s 4th Icon Class Ship